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Piette V, Deliens L, Debulpaep S, Cohen J, Beernaert K. Appropriateness of end-of-life care for children with genetic and congenital conditions: a cohort study using routinely collected linked data. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:3857-3869. [PMID: 37328636 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05030-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the appropriateness of end-of-life care for children with genetic and congenital conditions. This is a decedent cohort study. We used 6 linked, Belgian, routinely collected, population-level databases containing children (1-17) who died with genetic and congenital conditions in Belgium between 2010 and 2017. We measured 22 quality indicators, face-validated using a previously published RAND/UCLA methodology. Appropriateness of care was defined as the overall "expected health benefit" of given healthcare interventions within a healthcare system exceeding expected negative outcomes. In the 8-year study period, 200 children were identified to have died with genetic and congenital conditions. Concerning appropriateness of care, in the last month before death, 79% of children had contact with specialist physicians, 17% had contact with a family physician, and 5% received multidisciplinary care. Palliative care was used by 17% of the children. Concerning inappropriateness of care, 51% of the children received blood drawings in the last week before death, and 29% received diagnostics and monitoring (2 or more magnetic resonance imaging scans, computed tomography scans, or X-rays) in the last month. Conclusion: Findings suggest end-of-life care could be improved in terms of palliative care, contact with a family physician and paramedics, and diagnostics and monitoring in the form of imaging. What is Known: • Previous studies suggest that end-of life care for children with genetic and congenital conditions may be subject to issues with bereavement, psychological concerns for child and family, financial cost at the end of life, decision-making when using technological interventions, availability and coordination of services, and palliative care provision. Bereaved parents of children with genetic and congenital conditions have previously evaluated end-of-life care as poor or fair, and some have reported that their children suffered a lot to a great deal at the end of life. • However, no peer-reviewed population-level quality evaluation of end-of-life care for this population is currently present. What is New: • This study provides an evaluation of the appropriateness of end-of-life care for children who died in Belgium with genetic and congenital conditions between 2010 and 2017, using administrative healthcare data and validated quality indicators. The concept of appropriateness is denoted as relative and indicative within the study, not as a definitive judgement. • Our study suggests improvements in end-of-life care may be possible, for instance, in terms of the provision of palliative care, contact with care providers next to the specialist physician, and diagnostics and monitoring in terms of imaging (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scans). Further empirical research is necessary, for instance, into unforeseen and foreseen end-of-life trajectories, to make definitive conclusions about appropriateness of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle Piette
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sara Debulpaep
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Løhre ET, Svedahl A, Jakobsen G, Solheim TS, Klepstad P, Thronæs M. Emergency Palliative Cancer Care: Dexmedetomidine Treatment Experiences-A Retrospective Brief Report on Nine Consecutive Cases. Pain Ther 2023; 12:593-605. [PMID: 36807085 PMCID: PMC10036681 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-023-00485-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist with potential opioid sparing properties, is utilized in palliative medicine, but the knowledge base for this practice is limited. We describe concomitant use of dexmedetomidine and opioids in an acute palliative care unit. METHODS We included all hospitalized palliative cancer care patients treated with dexmedetomidine from January 2019 to January 2021. Demographics, opioid doses, dexmedetomidine indications and dosing, reported effects and adverse responses, as well as treatment lengths were recorded. RESULTS Three women and six men aged 42-66 years with metastatic cancer and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status I-IV used dexmedetomidine and opioids concomitantly. Indications for dexmedetomidine were pain (n = 7) and anxiety (n = 2). Dexmedetomidine was administered intravenously in two patients and subcutaneously in seven. All administrations were continuous infusions; initial doses ranged from 240 to 1344 µg/24 h with later doses from 240 to 2440 µg/24 h. Physicians reported relief from pain and anxiety, but two patients required neuraxial pain management during admission. At day 2 of dexmedetomidine treatment, the opioid dose was reduced in six out of nine patients. For all patients with available data at day 7, mean opioid dose was reduced to 74% of the initial dose. When excluding the two patients requiring neuraxial pain management, the corresponding number was 80%. Two patients had transient hypotension, but dexmedetomidine was well tolerated and in no cases withdrawn due to adverse effects. Mean dexmedetomidine treatment length was 40 days. CONCLUSIONS Dexmedetomidine treatment decreased opioid consumption and was well tolerated in a retrospective study of nine palliative cancer care patients. It may represent a treatment option late in the disease trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Torbjørn Løhre
- Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Augstein Svedahl
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gunnhild Jakobsen
- Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tora Skeidsvoll Solheim
- Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pål Klepstad
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Morten Thronæs
- Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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End of life in patients attended by pediatric palliative care teams: what factors influence the place of death and compliance with family preferences? Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:2369-2377. [PMID: 36890334 PMCID: PMC10175312 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Each year, more than 8 million children worldwide require specialized palliative care, yet there is little evidence available in pediatrics on the characteristics of the end of life in this context. Our aim is to analyze the characteristics of patients who die in the care of specific pediatric palliative care teams. This is ambispective, analytical observational, multicenter study conducted between 1 January and 31 December 2019. Fourteen specific pediatric palliative care teams participated. There are 164 patients, most of them suffering from oncologic, neurologic, and neuromuscular processes. The follow-up time was 2.4 months. The parents voiced preferences in respect of the place of death for 125 of the patients (76.2%). The place of death for 95 patients (57.9%) was at the hospital and 67 (40.9%) was at home. The existence of a palliative care team for over 5 years is more likely to be related to families voicing preferences and their fulfillment. Longer follow-up times by pediatric palliative care teams were observed in families with whom preferences regarding the place of death were discussed and in patients who died at home. Patients who did not receive home visits, when the pediatric palliative care team did not provide full care and when preferences regarding the place of death were not discussed with parents, were more likely to die in the hospital. Conclusions: Advance planning of end-of-life care is one of the most important aspects of pediatric palliative care. The provision of services by the teams and the follow-up time are related to parents' expressed preferences and the place of death. What is Known: • Various studies have shown how the availability of pediatric palliative care services improves the quality of life of patients and their families while reducing costs. • The place of death is an important factor influencing the quality of end-of-life care for dying people. The increase in palliative care teams increases the number of deaths in the home and having this care available 24/7 increases the probability of dying at home. What is New: • Our study identifies how a longer follow-up time of patients by palliative care teams is significantly associated with death at home and with express and comply with the preferences expressed by families. • Home visits by the palliative care team increase the likelihood that the patient will die at her home and that the preferences expressed by the palliative care team families will be cared for.
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Hutchinson C, Worley A, Khadka J, Milte R, Cleland J, Ratcliffe J. Do we agree or disagree? A systematic review of the application of preference-based instruments in self and proxy reporting of quality of life in older people. Soc Sci Med 2022; 305:115046. [PMID: 35636050 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Quality of life is an important person-centred outcome in health and aged care settings. Due to an increasing prevalence of cognitive decline and dementia in ageing populations, a proportion of older people receiving health and aged care services may not be able to reliably assess their own quality of life, highlighting the need for proxy assessment. This systematic review sought to investigate the level of agreement between self and proxy-report of older people's quality of life using established preference-based instruments of quality of life suitable for economic evaluation. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Eight databases were searched: Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Econlit, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Ageline and Cochrane Library. Information was extracted on the instruments, population samples (including any cognitive thresholds applied), mean scores, type of proxy, and measures of inter-rater agreement. RESULTS A total of 50 studies using eight different preference-based quality of life instruments were identified. Most studies were cross-sectional (72%) with a wide variety of cognitive assessments and thresholds applied to define older participants with cognitive impairment. The most common proxies were family members, mostly spouses. The level of agreement between self and proxy-report was generally poor - irrespective of the instrument applied or type of proxy - with proxy-report generally indicating lower levels of quality of life than self-report. There was some evidence of stronger agreement on more observable quality of life domains e.g., physical health and mobility, relative to less observable domains e.g. emotional well-being. Few studies tracked self and/or proxy-report of quality of life longitudinally. CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to develop evidence to inform guidance on self-report versus proxy-report of quality of life for older people receiving health and aged care services. Until then, the collection of both self and proxy reports as complementary measures is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hutchinson
- Health and Social Care Economics Group, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia; Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia.
| | - Anthea Worley
- Health and Social Care Economics Group, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia
| | - Jyoti Khadka
- Health and Social Care Economics Group, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia; Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia; Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia
| | - Rachel Milte
- Health and Social Care Economics Group, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia; Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia
| | - Jenny Cleland
- Health and Social Care Economics Group, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia; Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia
| | - Julie Ratcliffe
- Health and Social Care Economics Group, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia; Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia
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Papworth A, Hackett J, Beresford B, Murtagh F, Weatherly H, Hinde S, Bedendo A, Walker G, Noyes J, Oddie S, Vasudevan C, Feltbower R, Phillips B, Hain R, Subramanian G, Haynes A, Fraser LK. End of life care for infants, children and young people (ENHANCE): Protocol for a mixed methods evaluation of current practice in the United Kingdom [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]. NIHR OPEN RESEARCH 2022; 2:37. [PMID: 35935675 PMCID: PMC7613236 DOI: 10.3310/nihropenres.13273.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Although child mortality has decreased over the last few decades, around 4,500 infants and children die in the UK every year, many of whom require palliative care. There is, however, little evidence on paediatric end-of-life care services. The current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance provides recommendations about what should be offered, but these are based on low quality evidence. The ENHANCE study aims to identify and investigate the different models of existing end-of-life care provision for infants, children, and young people in the UK, including an assessment of the outcomes and experiences for children and parents, and the cost implications to families and healthcare providers. Methods This mixed methods study will use three linked workstreams and a cross-cutting health economics theme to examine end-of-life care models in three exemplar clinical settings: infant, children and young adult cancer services (PTCs), paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), and neonatal units (NNUs).Workstream 1 (WS1) will survey current practice in each setting and will result in an outline of the different models of care used. WS2 is a qualitative comparison of the experiences of staff, parents and patients across the different models identified. WS3 is a quantitative assessment of the outcomes, resource use and costs across the different models identified. Discussion Results from this study will contribute to an understanding of how end-of-life care can provide the greatest benefit for children at the end of their lives. It will also allow us to understand the likely benefits of additional funding in end-of-life care in terms of patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Papworth
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Julia Hackett
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Bryony Beresford
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Fliss Murtagh
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Helen Weatherly
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sebastian Hinde
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Andre Bedendo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | | | - Jane Noyes
- School of Health Sciences, Bangor University, Fron Heulog, Bangor, LL57 2EF, UK
| | - Sam Oddie
- Bradford Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK
| | | | - Richard Feltbower
- Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL, UK
| | - Bob Phillips
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, UK, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Richard Hain
- All-Wales Paediatric Palliative Care Network, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
- College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Gayathri Subramanian
- Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Andrew Haynes
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Lorna K Fraser
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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Piette V, Deliens L, van der Werff Ten Bosch J, Beernaert K, Cohen J. Face-Validated Quality Indicators for Appropriateness of End-of-Life Care in Children with Serious Illness: A Study Using the RAND/University of California at Los Angeles Appropriateness Method. J Pediatr 2022; 241:141-146.e2. [PMID: 34626669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and face-validate population-level indicators for potential appropriateness of end-of-life care, for children with cancer, neurologic conditions, and genetic/congenital conditions, to be applied to administrative health data containing medication and treatment variables. STUDY DESIGN Modified RAND/University of California at Los Angeles appropriateness method. We identified potential indicators per illness group through systematic literature review, scoping review, and expert interviews. Three unique expert panels, a cancer (n = 19), neurology (n = 21), and genetic/congenital (n = 17) panel, participated in interviews and rated indicators in individual ratings, group discussions, and second individual ratings. Each indicator was rated on a scale from 1 to 9 for suitability. Consensus was calculated with the interpercentile range adjusted for symmetry formula. Indicators with consensus about unsuitability were removed, those with consensus about suitability were retained, and those with lack of consensus deliberated in the group discussion. Experts included pediatricians, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists, pharmacologists, care coordinators, general practitioners, social workers from hospitals, care teams, and general practice. RESULTS Literature review and expert interviews yielded 115 potential indicators for cancer, 111 for neurologic conditions, and 99 for genetic/congenital conditions. We combined similar indicators, resulting in respectively 36, 32, and 33 indicators per group. Expert scoring approved 21 indicators for cancer, 24 for neurologic conditions, and 23 for genetic/congenital conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our indicators can be applied to administrative data to evaluate appropriateness of children's end-of-life care. Differences from adults' indicators stress the specificity of children's end-of-life care. Individual care and remaining aspects, such as family support, can be evaluated with complementary tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle Piette
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Jutte van der Werff Ten Bosch
- Department of Pediatrics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Hall EA, Sauer HE, Habashy C, Anghelescu DL. Methadone for Cancer Pain in Pediatric End-of-Life Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:914-919. [PMID: 33000633 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120963641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of adequate pain control becomes increasingly salient for children with cancer and their families as the patients approach the end of life. Methadone is one option that is particularly desirable in end-of-life care given its long duration of action and NMDA antagonism that may help in controlling pain refractory to conventional opioids. The purpose of this study was to describe a single institution's experience with methadone for the treatment of cancer pain in pediatric end-of-life care. METHODS This retrospective, observational, single-center study included all patients during a 9-year period who died in the inpatient setting and were receiving methadone in their last 30 days of life. RESULTS Twenty patients were identified, 18 (90%) of whom received methadone for nociceptive pain. The median duration of methadone use was 32 days (range 2-323 days). Methadone doses ranged from 0.09 to 7.76 mg/kg per day. There were no instances of discontinuing methadone due to an increased QTc interval. No episodes of torsades de pointes were observed. CONCLUSION In patients with pediatric cancer who are nearing the end of life, methadone is a valuable adjunctive therapy to treat nociceptive and neuropathic pain and to prevent opioid-induced hyperalgesia and opioid tolerance. An individualized approach to dosage and route should be considered based on specific clinical circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Hall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hannah E Sauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Catherine Habashy
- Division of Quality Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Doralina L Anghelescu
- Anesthesiology Division, Pediatric Medicine Department, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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