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Cavanagh CE, Rosman L, Chui P, Minges K, Desai NR, Goodlin S, Fedson S, Spertus JA, Gluckman TJ, Song Y, Zheng L, Turchin A, Doros G, Lee JJ, Burg MM. Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Education in Heart Failure: Insights From the NCDR PINNACLE Registry. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2023; 16:e008989. [PMID: 36649391 PMCID: PMC9848210 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.122.008989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Casey E. Cavanagh
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA (C.E.C.)
| | - Lindsey Rosman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (L.R.)
| | - Philip Chui
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (P.C., K.M., N.R.D., M.M.B.)
| | - Karl Minges
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (P.C., K.M., N.R.D., M.M.B.)
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (K.M., N.R.D.)
- Department of Health Administration & Policy, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT (K.M.)
| | - Nihar R. Desai
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (P.C., K.M., N.R.D., M.M.B.)
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (K.M., N.R.D.)
| | - Sarah Goodlin
- VA Portland Healthcare System and Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (S.G.)
| | - Savitri Fedson
- Micheal E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (S.F.)
| | - John A. Spertus
- Department(s) of Biomedical and Health Informatics and Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Missouri- Kansas City and Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, MO (J.A.S.)
| | - Ty J. Gluckman
- Center for Cardiovascular Analytics, Research and Data Science (CARDS), Providence Heart Institute, Providence St. Joseph Health, Portland, OR (T.J.G.)
| | - Yang Song
- Baim Institute for Clinical Research, Boston, MA (Y.S., L.Z., A.T., G.D., J.J.L.)
| | - Luke Zheng
- Baim Institute for Clinical Research, Boston, MA (Y.S., L.Z., A.T., G.D., J.J.L.)
| | - Alexander Turchin
- Baim Institute for Clinical Research, Boston, MA (Y.S., L.Z., A.T., G.D., J.J.L.)
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.T.)
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA (A.T.)
| | - Gheorghe Doros
- Baim Institute for Clinical Research, Boston, MA (Y.S., L.Z., A.T., G.D., J.J.L.)
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University, MA (G.D.)
| | - Jane J. Lee
- Baim Institute for Clinical Research, Boston, MA (Y.S., L.Z., A.T., G.D., J.J.L.)
| | - Matthew M. Burg
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (P.C., K.M., N.R.D., M.M.B.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (M.M.B.)
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Ohuchi H, Kawata M, Uemura H, Akagi T, Yao A, Senzaki H, Kasahara S, Ichikawa H, Motoki H, Syoda M, Sugiyama H, Tsutsui H, Inai K, Suzuki T, Sakamoto K, Tatebe S, Ishizu T, Shiina Y, Tateno S, Miyazaki A, Toh N, Sakamoto I, Izumi C, Mizuno Y, Kato A, Sagawa K, Ochiai R, Ichida F, Kimura T, Matsuda H, Niwa K. JCS 2022 Guideline on Management and Re-Interventional Therapy in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease Long-Term After Initial Repair. Circ J 2022; 86:1591-1690. [DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-22-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Ohuchi
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Masaaki Kawata
- Division of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery, Jichi Children’s Medical Center Tochigi
| | - Hideki Uemura
- Congenital Heart Disease Center, Nara Medical University
| | - Teiji Akagi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Atsushi Yao
- Division for Health Service Promotion, University of Tokyo
| | - Hideaki Senzaki
- Department of Pediatrics, International University of Health and Welfare
| | - Shingo Kasahara
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Hajime Ichikawa
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Hirohiko Motoki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine
| | - Morio Syoda
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
| | - Hisashi Sugiyama
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital
| | - Hiroyuki Tsutsui
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences
| | - Kei Inai
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Cardiology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
| | - Takaaki Suzuki
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Saitama Medical University
| | | | - Syunsuke Tatebe
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Tomoko Ishizu
- Cardiovascular Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
| | - Yumi Shiina
- Cardiovascular Center, St. Luke’s International Hospital
| | - Shigeru Tateno
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiba Kaihin Municipal Hospital
| | - Aya Miyazaki
- Division of Congenital Heart Disease, Department of Transition Medicine, Shizuoka General Hospital
| | - Norihisa Toh
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Ichiro Sakamoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences
| | - Chisato Izumi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Yoshiko Mizuno
- Faculty of Nursing, Tokyo University of Information Sciences
| | - Atsuko Kato
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Koichi Sagawa
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Fukuoka Children’s Hospital
| | - Ryota Ochiai
- Department of Adult Nursing, Yokohama City University
| | - Fukiko Ichida
- Department of Pediatrics, International University of Health and Welfare
| | - Takeshi Kimura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine
| | | | - Koichiro Niwa
- Department of Cardiology, St. Luke’s International Hospital
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Ekberg S, Parry R, Land V, Ekberg K, Pino M, Antaki C, Jenkins L, Whittaker B. Communicating with patients and families about illness progression and end of life: a review of studies using direct observation of clinical practice. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:186. [PMID: 34876096 PMCID: PMC8651503 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00876-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing recognition that a diverse range of healthcare professionals need competence in palliative approaches to care. Effective communication is a core component of such practice. This article informs evidence-based communication about illness progression and end of life through a rapid review of studies that directly observe how experienced clinicians manage such discussions. METHODS The current rapid review updates findings of a 2014 systematic review, focussing more specifically on evidence related to illness progression and end-of-life conversations. Literature searches were conducted in nine bibliographic databases. Studies using conversation analysis or discourse analysis to examine recordings of actual conversations about illness progression or end of life were eligible for inclusion in the review. An aggregative approach was used to synthesise the findings of included studies. RESULTS Following screening, 26 sources were deemed to meet eligibility criteria. Synthesis of study findings identified the structure and functioning of ten communication practices used in discussions about illness progression and end-of-life. CONCLUSION The ten practices identified underpin five evidence-based recommendations for communicating with patients or family members about illness progression and end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Ekberg
- School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia.,Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ruth Parry
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Loughborough University, Brockington Building, Epinal Way, Margaret Keay Road, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK.
| | - Victoria Land
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Loughborough University, Brockington Building, Epinal Way, Margaret Keay Road, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Katie Ekberg
- School of Early Childhood & Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia.,School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Marco Pino
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Loughborough University, Brockington Building, Epinal Way, Margaret Keay Road, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Charles Antaki
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Loughborough University, Brockington Building, Epinal Way, Margaret Keay Road, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Laura Jenkins
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Loughborough University, Brockington Building, Epinal Way, Margaret Keay Road, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Becky Whittaker
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Loughborough University, Brockington Building, Epinal Way, Margaret Keay Road, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
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Higginbotham K, Jones I, Johnson M. A grounded theory study: Exploring health care professionals decision making when managing end stage heart failure care. J Adv Nurs 2021; 77:3142-3155. [PMID: 33991123 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore how healthcare professionals in an acute medical setting make decisions when managing the care of patients diagnosed with end stage heart failure, and how these decisions impact directly on the patient's end of life experience. DESIGN A constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted. METHOD A purposive sample was used to recruit participants that included 16 registered nurses, 15 doctors and 16 patients. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus groups over a 12-month period of fieldwork concluding in 2017. The interviews were recorded and transcribed and the data were analysed using constant comparison and QSR NVivo. FINDINGS Four theoretical categories emerged from the data to explain how healthcare professionals and patients negotiated the process of decision making when considering end of life care. These were: signposting symptoms, organizing care, being informed and recognizing dying. The themes revolved around a core category 'a vicious cycle of heart failure care'. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals need to engage in informed decision making with patients to break this 'vicious cycle of care' by identifying key stages in the terminal phase of heart failure and correctly signposting the patient to the most suitable healthcare care professional for intervention. IMPACT This study provides a theoretical framework to explain a 'vicious cycle of care' for patients diagnosed with end stage heart failure. This theory grounded in data demonstrates the need for both acute and primary care to design an integrative end of life care pathway for heart failure patients which addresses the need for early shared decision making between the healthcare professional, family and the patient when it comes to end of life conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Higginbotham
- School of Nursing and Allied Health, Liverpool John Moore University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian Jones
- School of Nursing and Allied Health, Liverpool John Moore University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Martin Johnson
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, UK
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Cavanagh CE, Rosman L, Spatz ES, Fried T, Gandhi PU, Soucier RJ, Burg MM. Dying to know: prognosis communication in heart failure. ESC Heart Fail 2020; 7:3452-3463. [PMID: 32969195 PMCID: PMC7754721 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Prognosis communication in heart failure is often narrowly defined as a discussion of life expectancy, but as clinical guidelines and research suggest, these discussions should provide a broader understanding of the disease, including information about disease trajectory, the experiences of living with heart failure, potential burden on patients and families, and mortality. Furthermore, despite clinical guidelines recommending early discussions, evidence suggests that these discussions occur infrequently or late in the disease trajectory. We review the literature concerning patient, caregiver, and clinician perspectives on discussions of this type, including the frequency, timing, desire for, effects of, and barriers to their occurrence. We propose an alternate view of prognosis communication, in which the patient and family/caregiver are educated about the nature of the disease at the time of diagnosis, and a process of engagement is undertaken so that the patient's full participation in their care is marshalled, and the care team engages the patient in the informed decision making that will guide care throughout the disease trajectory. We also identify and discuss evidence gaps concerning (i) patient preferences and readiness for prognosis information along the trajectory; (ii) best practices for communicating prognosis information; and (iii) effects of prognosis communication on patient's quality of life, mental health, engagement in critical self‐care, and clinical outcomes. Research is needed to determine best practices for engaging patients in prognosis communication and for evaluating the effects of this communication on patient engagement and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey E Cavanagh
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lindsey Rosman
- Department of Medicine-Cardiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erica S Spatz
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Terri Fried
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Parul U Gandhi
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Richard J Soucier
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Matthew M Burg
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Killackey T, Peter E, Maciver J, Mohammed S. Advance care planning with chronically ill patients: A relational autonomy approach. Nurs Ethics 2019; 27:360-371. [PMID: 31122121 DOI: 10.1177/0969733019848031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Advance care planning is a process that encourages people to identify their values, to reflect upon the meanings and consequences of serious illness, to define goals and preferences for future medical treatment and care, and to discuss these goals with family and health-care providers. Advance care planning is especially important for those who are chronically ill, as patients and their families face a variety of complex healthcare decisions. Participating in advance care planning has been associated with improved outcomes; yet, despite over 25 years of public awareness campaigns, research, and interventions developed to increase participation, advance care planning completion rates for people with chronic illnesses are no different than those in the general public (approximately 25%). Advance care planning has traditionally used an individualistic approach to autonomy, which puts forward an understanding of agents as independent, rational and self-interested persons. Because this individualistic approach has been largely unsuccessful in improving advance care planning uptake, a re-examination of the philosophical underpinnings of this practice and an exploration of alternative frameworks is warranted. In offering this exploration, we briefly outline two current perspectives on autonomy: the individualistic view and the relational view as articulated by feminist philosophers. Using a critical examination of the theoretical and empirical work on this topic, we argue that the individualistic view of autonomy does not sufficiently capture the relational and social complexities of the decision-making process of advance care planning. To offer a counterpoint, we examine the relational view of autonomy and suggest that this perspective is better aligned with the process of advance care planning. Specifically, we demonstrate that a relational model of autonomy is well suited to exploring advance care planning for four main reasons: (1) it recognizes the importance of relationships, (2) it reflects the fluctuating nature of autonomy in chronic illness, (3) it recognizes vulnerability, and (4) it is consonant with empirical work examining the advance care planning process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jane Maciver
- University of Toronto, Canada; University Health Network, Canada
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Barriers to Goals of Care Discussions With Patients Who Have Advanced Heart Failure: Results of a Multicenter Survey of Hospital-Based Cardiology Clinicians. J Card Fail 2017. [PMID: 28648852 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conversations about goals of care in hospital are important to patients who have advanced heart failure (HF). METHODS We conducted a multicenter survey of cardiology nurses, fellows, and cardiologists at 8 Canadian teaching hospitals. The primary outcome was the importance of barriers to goals-of-care discussions in hospital (1 = extremely unimportant; 7 = extremely important). We also elicited perspectives on roles of different practitioners in having these conversations. RESULTS Questionnaires were returned by 770/1024 (75.2%) eligible clinicians. The most important perceived barriers were: family members' and patients' difficulty in accepting a poor prognosis (mean [SD] score 5.9 [1.1] and 5.7 [1.2], respectively), family members' and patients' lack of understanding about the limitations and harms of life-sustaining treatments (5.8 [1.1] and 5.7 [1.2], respectively), and lack of agreement among family members about goals of care (5.8 [1.2]). Interprofessional team members were viewed as having different but important roles in goals-of-care discussions. CONCLUSIONS Cardiology clinicians perceive family and patient-related factors as the most important barriers to goals-of-care discussions in hospital. Many members of the interprofessional team were viewed as having important roles in addressing goals of care. These findings can inform the design of future interventions to improve communication about goals of care in advanced HF.
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Choosing Words Wisely in Communication With Patients With Heart Failure and Families. Am J Cardiol 2016; 117:1779-82. [PMID: 27108338 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The complex and often unpredictable course of heart failure (HF) provides many opportunities for communication between clinicians and patients about important subjects as advance care planning, disease state education, therapeutic options and limitations, and end-of-life care. Studies of patients with HF demonstrate that, when engaging in such complex communication, specific language matters in patient experience and in shared decision-making with providers. To date, clinical reports have outlined useful frameworks for communication with patients with HF but have not yet broached specific language crucial to furthering whole person care, particularly in the complex and emotional realm of advancing disease and transitions to end-of-life care. In this work, the investigators unpack language commonly used in advanced HF care and provide explicit suggestions to better provide such pivotal communication. In conclusion, specific phrasing may significantly impact patient experiences and outcomes. Communication that focuses on the disease itself and the therapy or intervention in question may help remove the patient from potential negative emotions, thus facilitating more objective shared decision-making with the clinician.
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De Vleminck A, Pardon K, Beernaert K, Houttekier D, Vander Stichele R, Deliens L. How Do General Practitioners Conceptualise Advance Care Planning in Their Practice? A Qualitative Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153747. [PMID: 27096846 PMCID: PMC4838248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To explore how GPs conceptualise advance care planning (ACP), based on their experiences with ACP in their practice. Methods Five focus groups were held with 36 GPs. Discussions were analysed using a constant comparative method. Results Four overarching themes in the conceptualisations of ACP were discerned: (1) the organisation of professional care required to meet patients’ needs, (2) the process of preparing for death and discussing palliative care options, (3) the discussion of care goals and treatment decisions, (4) the completion of advance directives. Within these themes, ACP was both conceptualised in terms of content of ACP and/or in terms of tasks for the GP. A specific task that was mentioned throughout the discussion of the four different themes was (5) the task of actively initiating ACP by the GP versus passively waiting for patients’ initiation. Conclusions This study illustrates that GPs have varying conceptualisations of ACP, of which some are more limited to specific aspects of ACP. A shared conceptualisation and agreement on the purpose and goals of ACP is needed to ensure successful implementation, as well as a systematic integration of ACP in routine practice that could lead to a better uptake of all the important elements of ACP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline De Vleminck
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Koen Pardon
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Houttekier
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robert Vander Stichele
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Heymans Institute, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Abstract
Clinical practice guidelines endorse the use of palliative care in patients with symptomatic heart failure. Palliative care is conceptualized as supportive care afforded to most patients with chronic, life-limiting illness. However, the optimal content and delivery of palliative care interventions remains unknown and its integration into existing heart failure disease management continues to be a challenge. Therefore, this article comments on the current state of multidisciplinary care for such patients, explores evidence supporting a team-based approach to palliative and end-of-life care for patients with heart failure, and identifies high-priority areas for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Fendler
- Division of Cardiovascular Outcomes Research, Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, 4401 Wornall Road, SLNI, CV Research, Suite 5603, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA.
| | - Keith M Swetz
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Larry A Allen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12605 East 16th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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11
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Glogowska M, Simmonds R, McLachlan S, Cramer H, Sanders T, Johnson R, Kadam UT, Lasserson DS, Purdy S. "Sometimes we can't fix things": a qualitative study of health care professionals' perceptions of end of life care for patients with heart failure. BMC Palliat Care 2016; 15:3. [PMID: 26762266 PMCID: PMC4712523 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-016-0074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although heart failure has a worse prognosis than some cancers, patients often have restricted access to well-developed end of life (EoL) models of care. Studies show that patients with advanced heart failure may have a poor understanding of their condition and its outcome and, therefore, miss opportunities to discuss their wishes for EoL care and preferred place of death. We aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of health care professionals (HCPs) working with patients with heart failure around EoL care. METHODS A qualitative in-depth interview study nested in a wider ethnographic study of unplanned admissions in patients with heart failure (HoldFAST). We interviewed 24 HCPs across primary, secondary and community care in three locations in England, UK - the Midlands, South Central and South West. RESULTS The study revealed three issues impacting on EoL care for heart failure patients. Firstly, HCPs discussed approaches to communicating with patients about death and highlighted the challenges involved. HCPs would like to have conversations with patients and families about death and dying but are aware that patient preferences are not easy to predict. Secondly, professionals acknowledged difficulties recognising when patients have reached the end of their life. Lack of communication between patients and professionals can result in situations where inappropriate treatment takes place at the end of patients' lives. Thirdly, HCPs discussed the struggle to find alternatives to hospital admission for patients at the end of their life. Patients may be hospitalised because of a lack of planning which would enable them to die at home, if they so wished. CONCLUSIONS The HCPs regarded opportunities for patients with heart failure to have ongoing discussions about their EoL care with clinicians they know as essential. These key professionals can help co-ordinate care and support in the terminal phase of the condition. Links between heart failure teams and specialist palliative care services appear to benefit patients, and further sharing of expertise between teams is recommended. Further research is needed to develop prognostic models to indicate when a transition to palliation is required and to evaluate specialist palliative care services where heart failure patients are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Glogowska
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Rosemary Simmonds
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - Sarah McLachlan
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care & Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.
| | - Helen Cramer
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - Tom Sanders
- Section of Public Health, ScHARR, University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
| | - Rachel Johnson
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - Umesh T Kadam
- Health Services Research Unit, Innovation Centre 2, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5NH, UK.
| | - Daniel S Lasserson
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Sarah Purdy
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
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12
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Malhotra C, Cheng Sim Wong G, Tan BC, Ng CSH, Lee NC, Lau CSL, Sim DKL, Finkelstein EA. Living with heart failure: Perspectives of patients from Singapore. PROCEEDINGS OF SINGAPORE HEALTHCARE 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/2010105815624121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Heart failure is a progressive and often incurable condition associated with a poor quality of life. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences and preferences regarding care, communication and decision-making among patients living with heart failure in Singapore. Methods: Five focus groups were conducted with 27 patients that had heart failure. The focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used for analyzing transcripts. Results: Six themes representing the experiences of patients with heart failure were identified. These were: 1) physical and psychological symptoms; 2) financial concerns; 3) uncertainty and lack of knowledge about disease; 4) difficulties in navigating the healthcare system; 5) end-of-life care concerns; and 6) fear of burdening family. Conclusion: The study highlights that health care services for patients with heart failure need to address the multifaceted impacts of the disease on patient’s lives. A focus on the provision of comprehensive health care services at the primary care level, training of health care providers in communication skills, involving patients and their families in decision making, and discussions about end-of-life care preferences and goals of care may help to improve care for patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetna Malhotra
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Boon Cheng Tan
- Medical Social Services, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Neo Chia Lee
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - David Kheng Leng Sim
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
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De Vleminck A, Pardon K, Houttekier D, Van den Block L, Vander Stichele R, Deliens L. The prevalence in the general population of advance directives on euthanasia and discussion of end-of-life wishes: a nationwide survey. BMC Palliat Care 2015; 14:71. [PMID: 26643482 PMCID: PMC4671216 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-015-0068-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To determine the extent to which members of the general population have talked to their physician about their wishes regarding medical treatment at the end of life, to describe the prevalence of advance directives on euthanasia, and to identify associated factors. Method This study used data from the cross-sectional Health Interview Study (HIS) 2008 that collected data from a representative sample (N = 9651) of the Belgian population. Results Of all respondents, 4.4 % had spoken to their physician about their wishes regarding medical treatment at the end of life, while 1.8 % had an advance directive on euthanasia. Factors positively associated with discussions regarding wishes for medical treatment at the end of life were being female, being older in age, having poorer health status and having more GP contacts. People older than 55 years and living in Flanders or Brussels were more likely than the youngest age categories to have an advance directive on euthanasia. Conclusion Younger people, men, people living in the Walloon region of Belgium, people without a longstanding illness, chronic condition or disability and people with few GP contacts could represent a target group for education regarding advance care planning. Public information campaigns and education of physicians may help to enable the public and physicians to engage more in advance care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline De Vleminck
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium.
| | - Koen Pardon
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium.
| | - Dirk Houttekier
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium.
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium. .,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Robert Vander Stichele
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium. .,Heymans Institute of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Talking about sensitive topics during the advance care planning discussion: A peek into the black box. Palliat Support Care 2015; 13:1669-76. [PMID: 26033300 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951515000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advance care planning (ACP) discussions are emphasized as a valuable way of improving communication about end-of-life care. Yet we have very little knowledge of what goes on during actual ACP discussions. The aim of our study was to explore how the sensitive topics of end-of-life decisions are addressed in concrete ACP discussions, with special focus on doctor-patient interactions. METHOD Following a discourse-analysis approach, the study uses the concept of doctor and patient "voices" to analyze 10 directly observed and audiotaped ACP discussions among patients, relatives, and a physician, carried out in connection with a pilot study conducted in Denmark. RESULTS Previous studies of directly observed patient-physician discussions about end-of-life care show largely ineffective communication, where end-of-life issues are toned down by healthcare professionals, who also tend to dominate the discussions. In contrast, the observed ACP discussions in our study were successful in terms of addressing such sensitive issues as resuscitation and life-prolonging treatment. Our analysis shows that patients and relatives were encouraged to take the stage, to reflect, and to make informed choices. Patients actively explored different topics and asked questions about their current situation, but some also challenged the concept of ACP, especially the thought of being able to take control of end-of-life issues in advance. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Our analysis indicates that during discussions about sensitive end-of-life issues the healthcare professional will be able to pose and explore sensitive ACP questions in a straightforward manner, if the voices that express empathy and seek to empower the patient in different ways are emphasized.
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Jones J, Nowels CT, Sudore R, Ahluwalia S, Bekelman DB. The future as a series of transitions: qualitative study of heart failure patients and their informal caregivers. J Gen Intern Med 2015; 30:176-82. [PMID: 25385209 PMCID: PMC4314498 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-014-3085-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance care planning often only focuses on written advance directives rather than on future goals important to patients and families. Heart failure has a particularly uncertain future with variable clinical trajectories. A better understanding of patient and family concerns about and perceptions of the future could improve advance care planning. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify how patients with heart failure and their informal (family) caregivers perceive their future. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study using qualitative methods. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-three patients from an academic health care system with New York Heart Association class II-IV heart failure and 20 of their informal caregivers participated in the study. We used a purposive sampling strategy to include patients within a range of ages and health statuses. APPROACH Participants were asked in individual, semi-structured interviews: "When you think about what lies ahead, what comes to mind?" Qualitative analysis used an inductive approach. Early in the analysis, it became clear that participants' narratives about the future were described in terms of past transitions. This led us to use transition theory to further guide analysis. Transition theory describes how people restructure their reality and resolve uncertainty during change. KEY RESULTS Patients and their caregivers talked about past and present transitions when asked about the future: "The present gets in the way of talking about the future." We identified four common pivotal transitions, including the shock of first being diagnosed with heart failure; learning to adjust to life with heart failure; reframing and taking back control of one's life; and understanding and accepting that death is inevitable. Concerns about the future were framed based on the most recent transition. CONCLUSIONS Heart failure is a series of transitions according to patients and caregivers. By recognizing and educating patients about transitions, identifying transition-specific concerns, and supporting patients and caregivers through transitions, the process of planning for the future as part of advance care planning may be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Jones
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Campus Box C-288-19, 13120 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA,
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Parry R, Land V, Seymour J. How to communicate with patients about future illness progression and end of life: a systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2014; 4:331-41. [PMID: 25344494 PMCID: PMC4251180 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2014-000649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Conversation and discourse analytic research has yielded important evidence about skills needed for effective, sensitive communication with patients about illness progression and end of life. Objectives To:
▸ Locate and synthesise observational evidence about how people communicate about sensitive future matters; ▸ Inform practice and policy on how to provide opportunities for talk about these matters; ▸ Identify evidence gaps. Design Systematic review of conversation/discourse analytic studies of recorded interactions in English, using a bespoke appraisal approach and aggregative synthesis. Results 19 publications met the inclusion criteria. We summarised findings in terms of eight practices: ‘fishing questions’—open questions seeking patients’ perspectives (5/19); indirect references to difficult topics (6/19); linking to what a patient has already said—or noticeably not said (7/19); hypothetical questions (12/19); framing difficult matters as universal or general (4/19); conveying sensitivity via means other than words, for example, hesitancy, touch (4/19); encouraging further talk using means other than words, for example, long silences (2/19); and steering talk from difficult/negative to more optimistic aspects (3/19). Conclusions Practices vary in how strongly they encourage patients to engage in talk about matters such as illness progression and dying. Fishing questions and indirect talk make it particularly easy to avoid engaging—this may be appropriate in some circumstances. Hypothetical questions are more effective in encouraging on-topic talk, as is linking questions to patients’ cues. Shifting towards more ‘optimistic’ aspects helps maintain hope but closes off further talk about difficulties: practitioners may want to delay doing so. There are substantial gaps in evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Parry
- Sue Ryder Care Centre for the Study of Supportive, Palliative and End of Life Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, B Floor Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Victoria Land
- Sue Ryder Care Centre for the Study of Supportive, Palliative and End of Life Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, B Floor Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jane Seymour
- Sue Ryder Care Centre for the Study of Supportive, Palliative and End of Life Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, B Floor Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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