1
|
Disler R, Pascoe A, Chen XE, Lawson E, Cahyadi M, Paalendra A, Hickson H, Wright J, Phillips B, Subramaniam S, Glenister K, Philip J, Donesky D, Smallwood N. Palliative Approach Remains Lacking in Terminal Hospital Admissions for Chronic Disease Across Rural Settings: Multisite Retrospective Medical Record Audit. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:453-462. [PMID: 38365070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIM Despite clear benefit from palliative care in end-stage chronic diseases, access is often limited, and rural access largely undescribed. This study sought to determine if a palliative approach is provided to people with chronic disease in their terminal hospital admission. METHODS Multisite, retrospective medical record audit, of decedents with a primary diagnosis of chronic lung, heart, or renal failure, or multimorbidity of these conditions over 2019. RESULTS Of 241 decedents, across five clinical sites, 143 (59.3%) were men, with mean age 80.47 years (SD 11.509), and diagnoses of chronic lung (n = 56, 23.2%), heart (n = 56, 23.2%), renal (n = 24, 10.0%) or multimorbidity disease (n = 105, 43.6%), and had 2.88 (3.04SD) admissions within 12 months. Outpatient chronic disease care was evident (n = 171, 73.7%), however, contact with a private physician (n = 91, 37.8%), chronic disease program (n = 61, 25.3%), or specialist nurse (n = 17, 7.1%) were less apparent. "Not-for-resuscitation" orders were common (n = 139, 57.7%), however, advance care planning (n = 71, 29.5%), preferred place of death (n = 18, 7.9%), and spiritual support (n = 18, 7.5%) were rarely documented. Referral to and input from palliative services were low (n = 74, 30.7% and n = 49, 20.3%), as was review of nonessential medications or blood tests (n = 86, 35.7%, and n = 78, 32.4%). Opioids were prescribed in 45.2% (n = 109). Hospital site and diagnosis were significantly associated with outpatient care and palliative approach (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS End-of-life planning and specialist palliative care involvement occurred infrequently for people with chronic disease who died in rural hospitals. Targeted strategies are necessary to improve care for these prevalent and high needs rural populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Disler
- Respiratory Research@Alfred, Department of Immunology and Pathology (R.D., A.Y.P., N.S.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Rural Health (R.D., E.L., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Amy Pascoe
- Respiratory Research@Alfred, Department of Immunology and Pathology (R.D., A.Y.P., N.S.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Emily Lawson
- Department of Rural Health (R.D., E.L., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Helen Hickson
- Department of Rural Health (R.D., E.L., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | - Julian Wright
- Department of Rural Health (R.D., E.L., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia; Goulburn Valley Health (J.W., S.S.), Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Sivakumar Subramaniam
- Department of Rural Health (R.D., E.L., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia; Goulburn Valley Health (J.W., S.S.), Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kristen Glenister
- Department of Rural Health (R.D., E.L., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer Philip
- The University of Melbourne (J.P.), Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Doranne Donesky
- Department of Physiological Nursing (D.D.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Respiratory Research@Alfred, Department of Immunology and Pathology (R.D., A.Y.P., N.S.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine (N.S.), The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Disler R, Pascoe A, Hickson H, Wright J, Philips B, Subramaniam S, Glenister K, Philip J, Donesky D, Smallwood N. Service Level Characteristics of Rural Palliative Care for People with Chronic Disease. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:301-309. [PMID: 37343902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite clear benefit from palliative care in end-stage chronic, non-malignant disease, access for rural patients is often limited due to workforce gaps and geographical barriers. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to understand existing rural service structures regarding the availability and provision of palliative care for people with chronic conditions. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was distributed by email to rural health service leaders. Nominal and categorical data were analyzed descriptively, with free-text questions on barriers and facilitators in chronic disease analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Of 42 (61.7%) health services, most were public (88.1%) and operated in acute (19, 45.2%) or community (16, 38.1%) settings. A total of 17 (41.5%) reported an on-site specialist palliative care team, primarily nurses (19, 59.5%). Nearly all services (41, 95.3%) reported off-site specialist palliative care access, including: established external relationships (38, 92.7%); visiting consultancy (26, 63.4%); and telehealth (18, 43.9%). Perceived barriers in chronic disease included: lack of specific referral pathways (18; 62.1%); negative patient expectations (18; 62.1%); and availability of trained staff (17; 58.6%). Structures identified to support palliative care in chronic disease included: increased staff/funding (20, 75.0%); formalized referral pathways (n = 18, 64.3%); professional development (16, 57.1%); and community health promotion (14, 50%). CONCLUSION Palliative care service structure and capacity varies across rural areas, and relies on a complex, at times ad hoc, network of onsite and external supports. Services for people with chronic, non-malignant disease are sparse and largely unknown, with a call for the development of specific referral pathways to improve patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Disler
- Respiratory Research@Alfred, Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School (R.D., A.P., N.S.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Rural Health (R.D., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Amy Pascoe
- Respiratory Research@Alfred, Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School (R.D., A.P., N.S.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Helen Hickson
- Department of Rural Health (R.D., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | - Julian Wright
- Department of Rural Health (R.D., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia; Goulburn Valley Health (J.W., S.S.), Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Philips
- Murray Primary Health Network (B.P.), Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Sivakumar Subramaniam
- Department of Rural Health (R.D., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia; Goulburn Valley Health (J.W., S.S.), Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kristen Glenister
- Department of Rural Health (R.D., H.H., J.W., S.S., K.G.), The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Doranne Donesky
- Department of Physiological Nursing (D.D.), University of California San Francisco
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Respiratory Research@Alfred, Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School (R.D., A.P., N.S.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine (N.S.), The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McDonald J, Marco D, Howard R, Fox E, Weil J. Implementation of an integrated respiratory palliative care service for patients with advanced lung disease. AUST HEALTH REV 2022; 46:713-721. [PMID: 36223731 DOI: 10.1071/ah22103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study describes the model of care provided by an integrated respiratory and palliative care service for patients with advanced lung disease, and assesses the potential impact of the service on acute hospital utilisation and cost. Methods This study implemented an integrated specialist care service at a single tertiary teaching hospital in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The service provided disease-orientated care, alongside symptom management and advance care planning, and comprised both outpatient clinic (OPC) and home visit (HV) capacity for those with barriers to accessing OPC. Acute hospital utilisation and hospital cost were analysed with a paired t -test 90 days before/after the first physician review. Results Between April 2017 and 2019, 51 patients received 59 HVs, whereas between July 2018 and 2020, 58 patients received 206 OPC reviews. Acute hospital admissions decreased by 51% in the HV cohort (P < 0.05) and by 46% in the OPC cohort (P = 0.01); total bed days of acute admissions decreased by 29% in the HV cohort (P = n.s.), and by 60% in the OPC cohort (P < 0.05); and specialist outpatient clinic attendances decreased in the OPC cohort by 55% (P < 0.01). There was a decrease in hospital cost for the HV cohort by 3% (cost savings of A$18 579), and in the OPC cohort by 23% (cost savings of A$109 149). Conclusions This model of care provided specialist respiratory management with seamless integration of palliative care, with the capacity for home visits. There was a decrease in acute hospital utilisation and overall cost savings observed in both HV and OPC cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie McDonald
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia; and Palliative Care Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia
| | - David Marco
- Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne and University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia
| | - Rebecca Howard
- Health Independence Program, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia
| | - Euan Fox
- Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia
| | - Jennifer Weil
- Palliative Care Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia; and Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne and University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia; and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Disler R, Henwood B, Luckett T, Pascoe A, Donesky D, Irving L, Currow DC, Smallwood N. Knowledge and Attitudes of Allied Health Professionals Towards End-Of-Life and Advance Care Planning Discussions With People With COPD: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2022:10499091221134777. [PMID: 36266239 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221134777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, life-limiting condition. End-of-life (EOL) and Advance Care Planning (ACP) discussions are essential, yet access and support remain inadequate. Allied health professionals (AHPs) commonly have ongoing relationships with patients and opportunities to discuss care outside acute crises as is considered best practice. Australian and New Zealand AHPs were invited to complete an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey that aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices, and associated perceived triggers and barriers to EOL and ACP discussions with patients with COPD. Closed survey responses were summarized descriptively and free-text thematically analysed. One hundred and one AHPs (physiotherapists, social workers and occupational therapists) participated. Many held positive attitudes towards ACP but lacked procedural knowledge. Half (50%) of participants routinely discussed EOL care with patients when perceiving this to be appropriate but only 21% actually discussed ACP with the majority of their patients. Many cited lack of training to engage in sensitive EOL discussions, with barriers including: 1) clinician lack of confidence/fear of distressing patients (75%); 2) perceived patient and family reluctance (51%); 3) organizational challenges (28%); and 4) lack of role clarity (39%). AHPs commonly have ongoing relationships with patients with chronic conditions but lack the confidence and role clarity to utilise this position to engage ongoing EOL and ACP discussions. While AHPs may not traditionally consider EOL and ACP discussions as part of their role, it is crucial that they feel prepared to respond if patients broach the topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Disler
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, AU.,Department of Rural Health, 2281The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, AU
| | - Brooke Henwood
- Department of Rural Health, 2281The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, AU
| | - Tim Luckett
- Faculty of Health, 1994University of Technology Sydney(UTS), Sydney, NSW, AU
| | - Amy Pascoe
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, AU
| | - Doranne Donesky
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Louis Irving
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, 90134Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, AU
| | - David C Currow
- Medicine and Health, The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, VIC, AU
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, AU.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, AU
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dabscheck E, George J, Hermann K, McDonald CF, McDonald VM, McNamara R, O’Brien M, Smith B, Zwar NA, Yang IA. COPD‐X
Australian guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: 2022 update. Med J Aust 2022; 217:415-423. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Johnson George
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety Monash University Melbourne VIC
| | | | | | | | - Renae McNamara
- Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services Sydney NSW
| | | | | | | | - Ian A Yang
- University of Queensland Brisbane QLD
- Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane QLD
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Morgan DD, Taylor RR, Ivy M, George S, Farrow C, Lee V. Contemporary occupational priorities at the end of life mapped against Model of Human Occupation constructs: A scoping review. Aust Occup Ther J 2022; 69:341-373. [PMID: 35199343 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with end-of-life care needs are seen in an increasingly diverse range of health and community settings. Opportunity for continued occupational participation is highly valued by people at the end of life. This scoping review sought to identify the priorities and preferences for participation at the end of life and to map findings using the model of human occupation. METHODS A search strategy informed by the research question was developed in collaboration with a research librarian. Data sources used were Ovid Medline(R), CINAHL, Ovid Emcare, Scopus, Web of Science and PsychInfo. Studies that focused on clinician perspectives, clinical care, grief and loss, did not clearly identify end-stage diseases, <18 years and written in languages other than English were excluded. FINDINGS Forty-four studies were included with a total of 1,070 study participants. Inductively developed themes were mapped against the model of human occupation constructs of volition (personal causation, values, interests), habituation (habits of occupational performance and routine), performance capacity and the lived body within the physical, social and occupational environment. The majority of findings sat within the construct of volition, particularly around sense of personal capacity, self-efficacy and values. At the end of life, people prioritise ongoing engagement in valued occupations even if participation is effortful. As disease progresses, opportunity to exert influence and control over this participation and engagement increases in importance. Personal causation plays an important role in the experience of occupational participation at this time. CONCLUSION This review provides important insights into the occupational priorities of people at the end of life and the importance of supporting agency and volition at this time. The model of human occupation and its client-centred focus offer a framework for a more robust examination of ways to enhance volitional capacity and enable occupational participation for people at the end of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deidre D Morgan
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying (RePaDD), College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Renée R Taylor
- Director, Model of Human Occupation Clearinghouse, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mack Ivy
- Rehabilitation Services, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Manvel, Texas, USA
| | - Stacey George
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Caroline Farrow
- SA Health, Northern Adelaide Palliative Care Service, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Vincci Lee
- Eastern Health, Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Huang JY, Steele P, Dabscheck E, Smallwood N. Nasal High Flow Therapy For Symptom Management in People Receiving Palliative Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e237-e245. [PMID: 34600084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For patients with chronic non-malignant lung disease, severe chronic breathlessness can significantly impact quality of life, causing significant disability, distress, social isolation, and recurrent hospital admissions. Caregivers for people with challenging symptoms, such as severe breathlessness, are also profoundly impacted. Despite increasing research focused on breathlessness over recent years, this symptom remains extremely difficult to manage, with no effective treatment that completely relieves breathlessness. A new potential treatment for relieving breathlessness in patients at home is nasal high flow (NHF) therapy. NHF therapy is a respiratory support system that delivers heated, humidified air (together with oxygen if required) with flows of up to 60 L/min. This case describes a patient with very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who received domiciliary NHF therapy (approximately 8 hours/day, flow rate of 20 L/min) over twelve months with good effect for the relief of severe chronic breathlessness. We discuss the management principles for severe chronic breathlessness, the physiological effects of NHF therapy and the evidence for long-term use in the community setting. With the support of respiratory and palliative care clinicians together, domiciliary NHF therapy has great potential for improving current symptom management approaches in people with life-limiting illnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Yilin Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (J.Y.H., E.D., N.S.), Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick Steele
- Department of Palliative Care (P.S.), Royal Melbourne Hospital, , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Palliative Care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (P.S.), Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Palliative Care (P.S.), Monash Health, Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Palliative Care South East (P.S.), Sladen Street, Cranbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eli Dabscheck
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (J.Y.H., E.D., N.S.), Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Central Clinical School (Alfred Hospital) (E.D.), Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (J.Y.H., E.D., N.S.), Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Central Clinical School (Alfred Hospital) (N.S.), Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Philip J, Wiseman R, Eastman P, Li C, Smallwood N. Mapping non-malignant respiratory palliative care services in Australia and New Zealand. AUST HEALTH REV 2020; 44:778-781. [PMID: 32943138 DOI: 10.1071/ah19206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective Despite needs, people with advanced non-malignant respiratory disease are infrequently referred to palliative care services. Integrated models of palliative care and respiratory service delivery have been advocated to address this inequity of access. This study mapped current ambulatory palliative care service provision for patients with advanced non-malignant respiratory disease in Australia and New Zealand. Methods An online survey was distributed to the palliative care physician membership of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine. Information was sought regarding access to specific breathlessness and integrated respiratory and palliative care services, and their operation. Data were described using descriptive statistics. Results In all, 133 respondents (93 from Australia, 40 from New Zealand; representing 55 Australian and 26 New Zealand discrete sites) with complete data were available for analysis. More than half the respondents reported seeing patients with advanced non-malignant respiratory disease frequently (56/97; 58%), and 18 of 81 services (22%) reported having breathlessness or integrated respiratory and palliative care services caring for this patient group. Such services were mostly staffed by respiratory and palliative care doctors and nurses and based in the clinic environment, with limited support available outside this setting. Of the 63 respondents without existing breathlessness or integrated services, 49 (78%) expressed interest in their establishment, with limited resources cited as the most common barrier. Conclusions There is limited availability of integrated respiratory and palliative care or specialised breathlessness services in Australia and New Zealand despite widespread support by palliative care physicians. This study provides a snapshot to inform strategic service development. What is known about the topic? People with advanced respiratory disease have very significant morbidity with complex needs equivalent to, and in many cases more intense than, people with end-stage lung cancer; they also have significant mortality. Yet, these people frequently do not access palliative care services. The establishment of integrated respiratory and palliative care services has been advocated as an effective means to overcome the barriers to palliative care access. Such services have demonstrated improved patient and family-reported outcomes, as well as service-level improvements. What does this paper add? This paper maps the availability of integrated respiratory palliative care services in Australia and New Zealand. We reveal that although most palliative care physicians report seeing patients with advanced respiratory disease in practice, just one-fifth of services report having an integrated service approach. There was high interest and enthusiasm for such services (78%), but resources limited their establishment. What are the implications for practitioners? Palliative care services recognise the needs of patients with advanced respiratory disease and the benefits of integrated respiratory and palliative care services to address these needs, but scarcity of resources limits the ability to respond accordingly. This study provides a snapshot of current service level to inform strategic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Eastern Hill Campus, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia; and Palliative Nexus Research Group, St Vincent's Hospital, Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia; and Department of Palliative Care, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic. 3050, Australia. ; and Corresponding author.
| | - Rachel Wiseman
- Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, Waitaha, PO Box 21212, Edgeware, Christchurch 8143, New Zealand.
| | - Peter Eastman
- Department of Palliative Care, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic. 3050, Australia. ; and Barwon Health, Bellarine Street, Geelong, Vic. 3320, Australia
| | - Chi Li
- Albury Wodonga Health, PO Box 156, Wodonga, Vic. 3690, Australia. ; and Alfred Health, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic. 3050, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Patients With Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease Receive Supportive and Palliative Care Just Prior to Death. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:154-160. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909120938629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (f-ILDs) are often progressive and incurable. As patients experience significant symptoms and have a poor prognosis, early palliative care referral is recommended. Objective: To examine the care delivered to patients with f-ILD during the terminal hospital admission and the past 2 years of life. Methods: A retrospective audit was performed for consecutive patients who died from f-ILD at 2 Australian teaching hospitals between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016. Results: Of 67 patients, 44 (66%) had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Median age was 78 years. Median respiratory function: forced expiratory volume in 1 second 69.0% predicted (interquartile range [IQR]: 58.0%-77.0%), forced vital capacity 64.0% predicted (IQR = 46.8%-74.3%), and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide 36.0% predicted (IQR = 31.0%-44.0%). In the 2 years prior to the terminal admission, 38 (57%) patients reported severe breathlessness and 17 (25%) used opioids for symptom relief. Twenty-four (36%) patients received specialist palliative care (SPC) and 11 (16%) completed advance care planning. During the terminal admission, 10 (15%) patients were admitted directly under SPC. A further 33 (49%) patients were referred to SPC, on average 1 day prior to death. Sixty-three (94%) patients received opioids and 49 (73%) received benzodiazepines for symptom management. Median starting and final opioid doses were 10 and 23 mg oral morphine equivalent/24 hours, respectively. Opioids were commenced on average 2 (IQR 1-3) days prior to death. Conclusions: Although most patients were identified as actively dying in the final admission, referral to SPC and use of palliative medications occurred late. Additionally, few patients accessed symptom palliation earlier in their illness.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ross L, Taverner J, John J, Baisch A, Irving L, Philip J, Smallwood N. Burden of diagnostic investigations at the end of life for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Intern Med J 2020; 51:1835-1839. [PMID: 32548876 DOI: 10.1111/imj.14943] [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: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an incurable, chronic condition that leads to significant morbidity and mortality, with most patients dying in hospital. While diagnostic tests are important for actively managing patients during hospital admissions, the balance between benefit and harm should always be considered. This is particularly important when patients reach the end of life, when the focus is to reduce burdensome interventions. AIMS To examine the use of diagnostic testing in a cohort of people with COPD who died in hospital. METHODS Retrospective medical record audits were completed at two Australian hospitals (Royal Melbourne Hospital and Northeast Health Wangaratta), with all patients who died from COPD over 12 years between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2015 included. RESULTS Three hundred and forty-three patients were included, with a median of 11 diagnostic testing episodes per patient. Undergoing higher numbers of diagnostic tests was associated with younger age, intensive care unit admission and non-invasive ventilation use. Reduced testing was associated with recent hospital admission for COPD, domiciliary oxygen use and a prior admission with documentation limiting medical treatment. Most patients underwent diagnostic tests in the last 2 days of life, and 12% of patients had ongoing diagnostic tests performed after a documented decision was made to change the goal of care to provide comfort care only. CONCLUSION There were missed opportunities to reduce the burden of diagnostic tests and focus on comfort at the end of life. Increased physician education regarding communication and end-of-life care, including recognising active dying may address these issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Ross
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Taverner
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer John
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Baisch
- Department of Medicine, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louis Irving
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Palliative Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital and Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|