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Wentlandt K, Wolofsky KT, Weiss A, Hurlburt L, Fan E, Zimmermann C, Isenberg SR. Differences in Palliative Care Provision by Primary and Specialist Providers Supporting Patients With COVID-19: A Qualitative Study. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1121-1127. [PMID: 37103488 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To describe the delivery of palliative care by primary providers (PP) and specialist providers (SP) to hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: PP and SP completed interviews about their experiences providing palliative care. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-one physicians (11 SP, 10 PP) were interviewed. Six thematic categories emerged. Care provision: PP and SP described their support of care discussions, symptom management, managing end of life, and care withdrawal. Patients provided care: PP described patients at end of life, with comfort-focused goals; SP included patients seeking life-prolonging treatments. Approach to symptom management: SP described comfort, and PP discomfort in providing opioids with survival-focused goals. Goals of care: SP felt these conversations were code status-focused. Supporting family: both groups indicated difficulties engaging families due to visitor restrictions; SP also outlined challenges in managing family grief and need to advocate for family at the bedside. Care coordination: internist PP and SP described difficulties supporting those leaving the hospital. Conclusion: PP and SP may have a different approach to care, which may affect consistency and quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Wentlandt
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kayla T Wolofsky
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Weiss
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay Hurlburt
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eddy Fan
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Wentlandt K, Wolofsky KT, Weiss A, Hurlburt L, Fan E, Kaya E, O'Connor E, Lewin W, Graham C, Zimmermann C, Isenberg SR. Identifying barriers and facilitators to palliative care integration in the management of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A qualitative study. Palliat Med 2022; 36:945-954. [PMID: 35441551 PMCID: PMC9174575 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221087162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care is well suited to support patients hospitalized with COVID-19, but integration into care has been variable and generally poor. AIM To understand barriers and facilitators of palliative care integration for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS Internists, Intensivists and palliative care physicians completed semi-structured interviews about their experiences providing care to patients with COVID-19. Results were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Twenty-three physicians (13 specialist palliative care, five intensivists, five general internists) were interviewed; mean ± SD age was 42 ± 11 years and 61% were female. Six thematic categories were described including: patient and family factors, palliative care knowledge, primary provider factors, COVID-19 specific factors, palliative care service factors, and leadership and culture factors. Patient and family factors included patient prognosis, characteristics that implied prognosis (i.e., age, etc.), and goals of care. Palliative care knowledge included confidence in primary palliative care skills, misperception that COVID-19 is not a 'palliative diagnosis', and the need to choose quantity or quality of life in COVID-19 management. Primary provider factors included available time, attitude, and reimbursement. COVID-19 specific factors were COVID-19 as an impetus to act, uncertain illness trajectory, treatments and outcomes, and infection control measures. Palliative care service factors were accessibility, adaptability, and previous successful relationships. Leadership and culture factors included government-mandated support, presence at COVID planning tables, and institutional and unit culture. CONCLUSION The study findings highlight the need for leadership support for formal integrated models of palliative care for patients with COVID-19, a palliative care role in pandemic planning, and educational initiatives with primary palliative care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Wentlandt
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kayla T Wolofsky
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Weiss
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsay Hurlburt
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eddy Fan
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ebru Kaya
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erin O'Connor
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Supportive Care, University Health Network, Divisions of Palliative Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Warren Lewin
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cassandra Graham
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Department of Medicine, Bruyère Research Institute; University of Ottawa; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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