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Goldstein NE, Kalman J, Kutner JS, Fromme EK, Hutchinson MD, Lipman HI, Matlock DD, Swetz KM, Lampert R, Herasme O, Morrison RS. A study to improve communication between clinicians and patients with advanced heart failure: methods and challenges behind the working to improve discussions about defibrillator management trial. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 48:1236-46. [PMID: 24768595 PMCID: PMC4205212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We report the challenges of the Working to Improve Discussions About Defibrillator Management trial, our novel, multicenter trial aimed at improving communication between cardiology clinicians and their patients with advanced heart failure (HF) who have implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). The study objectives are (1) to increase ICD deactivation conversations, (2) to increase the number of ICDs deactivated, and (3) to improve psychological outcomes in bereaved caregivers. The unit of randomization is the hospital, the intervention is aimed at HF clinicians, and the patient and caregiver are the units of analysis. Three hospitals were randomized to usual care and three to intervention. The intervention consists of an interactive educational session, clinician reminders, and individualized feedback. We enroll patients with advanced HF and their caregivers, and then we regularly survey them to evaluate whether the intervention has improved communication between them and their HF providers. We encountered three implementation barriers. First, there were institutional review board concerns at two sites because of the palliative nature of the study. Second, we had difficulty in creating entry criteria that accurately identified an HF population at high risk of dying. Third, we had to adapt our entry criteria to the changing landscape of ventricular assist devices and cardiac transplant eligibility. Here we present our novel solutions to the difficulties we encountered. Our work has the ability to enhance conduct of future studies focusing on improving care for patients with advanced illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan E Goldstein
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA.
| | - Jill Kalman
- Division of Cardiology, Samuel Bronfman Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jean S Kutner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Erik K Fromme
- Departments of Medicine, Radiation Medicine, and Nursing, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Mathew D Hutchinson
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hannah I Lipman
- Divisions of Geriatrics and Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA; The Montefiore-Einstein Center for Bioethics, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Daniel D Matlock
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Keith M Swetz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rachel Lampert
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Omarys Herasme
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - R Sean Morrison
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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Hanson LC, Bull J, Wessell K, Massie L, Bennett RE, Kutner JS, Aziz NM, Abernethy A. Strategies to support recruitment of patients with life-limiting illness for research: the Palliative Care Research Cooperative Group. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 48:1021-30. [PMID: 24863152 PMCID: PMC4241388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2014.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The Palliative Care Research Cooperative Group (PCRC) is the first clinical trials cooperative for palliative care in the U.S. OBJECTIVES To describe barriers and strategies for recruitment during the inaugural PCRC clinical trial. METHODS The parent study was a multisite randomized controlled trial enrolling adults with life expectancy anticipated to be one to six months, randomized to discontinue statins (intervention) vs. to continue on statins (control). To study recruitment best practices, we conducted semistructured interviews with 18 site principal investigators (PIs) and clinical research coordinators (CRCs) and reviewed recruitment rates. Interviews covered three topics: 1) successful strategies for recruitment, 2) barriers to recruitment, and 3) optimal roles of the PI and CRC. RESULTS All eligible site PIs and CRCs completed interviews and provided data on statin protocol recruitment. The parent study completed recruitment of 381 patients. Site enrollment ranged from 1 to 109 participants, with an average of 25 enrolled per site. Five major barriers included difficulty locating eligible patients, severity of illness, family and provider protectiveness, seeking patients in multiple settings, and lack of resources for recruitment activities. Five effective recruitment strategies included systematic screening of patient lists, thoughtful messaging to make research relevant, flexible protocols to accommodate patients' needs, support from clinical champions, and the additional resources of a trials cooperative group. CONCLUSION The recruitment experience from the multisite PCRC yields new insights into methods for effective recruitment to palliative care clinical trials. These results will inform training materials for the PCRC and may assist other investigators in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Hanson
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Cecil B. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Janet Bull
- Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, Flat Rock, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kathryn Wessell
- Cecil B. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa Massie
- Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, Flat Rock, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachael E Bennett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Jean S Kutner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Noreen M Aziz
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy Abernethy
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Campbell CL, Baernholdt M, Yan G, Hinton ID, Lewis E. Racial/ethnic perspectives on the quality of hospice care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2012; 30:347-53. [PMID: 22952128 DOI: 10.1177/1049909112457455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diversity in the US population is increasing, and evaluating the quality of culturally sensitive hospice care is important. A survey design was used to collect data from 743 patients enrolled in hospice or their family members or caregivers. Race/ethnicity was not significantly associated with any of the hospice interventions or outcomes. Patients were less likely to be satisfied with the overall hospice care (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.065-0.796, P = .021) compared to other type of respondents. Satisfaction with emotional support was substantially associated with the increased likelihood of satisfaction with pain management (OR = 3.82, 95% CI = 1.66-8.83, P = .002), satisfaction with other symptom management (OR = 6.17, 95% CI = 2.80-13.64, P < .001), and of overall satisfaction with hospice care (OR = 20.22, 95% CI = 8.64-47.35, P < .001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy L Campbell
- The University of Virginia, School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Wohleber AM, McKitrick DS, Davis SE. Designing Research With Hospice and Palliative Care Populations. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2011; 29:335-45. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909111427139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in palliative care and hospice populations is important for improving quality of care, quality of life, and provider understanding of individuals at the end of life. However, this research involves many potential challenges. This review seeks to inform and assist researchers targeting to design studies targeting hospice and palliative care patients by presenting a thorough review of the published literature. This review covers English-language articles published from 1990 through 2009 listed in the PsycInfo, Medline, or CINAHL research databases under relevant keywords. Articles on pediatric hospice were not included. Issues discussed include study design, informed consent, and recruitment for participants. Synthesized recommendations for researchers in these populations are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Wohleber
- School of Professional Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | | | - Shawn E. Davis
- School of Professional Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
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Hagen NA, Biondo PD, Brasher PMA, Stiles CR. Formal feasibility studies in palliative care: why they are important and how to conduct them. J Pain Symptom Manage 2011; 42:278-89. [PMID: 21444184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Revised: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The concept of clinical trial feasibility is of great interest to the community of palliative care researchers, clinicians, and granting agencies. Significant allocation of resources is required in the form of funding, time, intellect, and motivation to carry out clinical research, and understandably, clinical investigators, institutions, and granting agencies are disappointed when funded trials are unsuccessfully conducted. We argue that for many trials conducted in palliative care, the feasibility of conducting the proposed trial should be formally explored before implementation. There is substantial information available within the literature on the topic of study feasibility but no singular guide on how one can pragmatically apply this advice in the palliative care setting. We suggest that a Formal Feasibility Study for palliative care trials should be commonly conducted before development of a larger pivotal trial, to prospectively identify barriers to research, develop strategies to address these barriers, and predict whether the larger study is feasible. If a Formal Feasibility Study is not required, elements of feasibility can be specifically tested before launching clinical trials. The purpose of this article is to offer a draft framework for the design and conduct of a Formal Feasibility Study that, if implemented, could concretely support successful completion of high-quality research in a timely fashion. Additionally, we hope to foster dialogue within the palliative care research community regarding the relevance of establishing feasibility before initiation of definitive trials in the palliative care population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil A Hagen
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services Cancer Care, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Parker Oliver D, Demiris G, Wittenberg-Lyles E, Porock D. The use of videophones for patient and family participation in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings: a promising approach. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2011; 19:729-35. [PMID: 19832889 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2009.01142.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Inclusion of patients and caregivers in decisions related to the delivery of care is inherent in the hospice philosophy. Telemedicine technologies offer a potential solution to the challenges presented by the geographic distance between team meetings and the home environment. While inclusion requires additional coordination by the hospice team, it also offers an important opportunity to improve communication between the team and the patient and family. A modified conceptual model based on two previous frameworks is outlined to support patient and family involvement in hospice team meetings. Further research is suggested to determine the structural feasibility of patient and family involvement via videophone as well as the structural and procedural changes resulting from this inclusion. Finally, clinical outcomes and family evaluation of the inclusion experience need to be thoroughly researched before final conclusions may be reached.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Parker Oliver
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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Demiris G, Oliver DP, Wittenberg-Lyles E. Assessing caregivers for team interventions (ACT): a new paradigm for comprehensive hospice quality care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2008; 26:128-34. [PMID: 19116302 DOI: 10.1177/1049909108328697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides a framework labeled ACT that aims to successfully integrate family caregivers and patients into one unit of care, as dictated by the hospice philosophy. ACT (assessing caregivers for team interventions) is based on the ongoing assessment of the caregiver background context, primary, secondary, and intrapsychic stressors as well as outcomes of the caregiving experience and subsequently, the design and delivery of appropriate interventions to be delivered by the hospice interdisciplinary team. Interventions have to be tailored to a caregiver's individual needs; such a comprehensive needs assessment allows teams to customize interventions recognizing that most needs and challenges cannot be met by only one health care professional or only one discipline. The proposed model ensures a holistic approach to address the multifaceted challenges of the caregiving experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Demiris
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Mularski RA, Rosenfeld K, Coons SJ, Dueck A, Cella D, Feuer DJ, Lipscomb J, Karpeh MS, Mosich T, Sloan JA, Krouse RS. Measuring outcomes in randomized prospective trials in palliative care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2007; 34:S7-S19. [PMID: 17532180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2007.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2007] [Accepted: 04/12/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families and reduce suffering from life-threatening illness. In assessing palliative care efficacy, researchers must consider a broad range of potential outcomes, including those experienced by the patient's family/caregivers, clinicians, and the health care system. The purpose of this article is to summarize the discussions and recommendations of an Outcomes Working Group convened to advance the palliative care research agenda, particularly in the context of randomized controlled trials. These recommendations address the conceptualization of palliative care outcomes, sources of outcomes data, application of outcome measures in clinical trials, and the methodological challenges to outcome measurement in palliative care populations. As other fields have developed and refined methodological approaches that address their particular research needs, palliative care researchers must do the same to answer important clinical questions in rigorous and credible ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Mularski
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97227, USA.
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Resnizky S, Bentur N. Can family caregivers of terminally ill patients be a reliable source of information about the severity of patient symptoms? Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2007; 23:447-56. [PMID: 17210998 DOI: 10.1177/1049909106294825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines the reliability of family caregivers' assessments of a terminally ill patient's symptoms and identifies patient and caregiver characteristics that affect the reliability of caregiver reports. It compares the reports of 143 patients in home hospice units with those of their family caregiver about patient symptoms during the 3 days preceding the interview (Edmonton scale). Correlation coefficients between the patients' and proxies' reports were 0.5 to 0.8, indicating moderate-to-high agreement. Characteristics that had an independent effect on identical reporting were the patient being fully disabled, the care-giver being a woman in good health, the caregiver living with the patient, and the caregiver providing assistance with activities of daily living and medical care. These results suggest that primary caregivers can be a good source of information about a patient's symptoms, although their reports should be used with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirli Resnizky
- Aging Research Unit, Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, Jerusalem, Israel
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Tolley DC, Payne R. Hospice partnerships with academic entities: philosophical and historical background and assessment of future needs. J Pain Symptom Manage 2007; 33:90-8. [PMID: 17196910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2006] [Revised: 09/29/2006] [Accepted: 10/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is consensus that more research is needed to help improve care at the end of life. Despite the fact that hospices take care of more and more dying persons every year, hospice organizations have not been highly involved in research. The National Hospice Work Group is comprised of hospice organizations that have made promotion of research a high priority. Structured interviews were conducted with members of the National Hospice Work Group to investigate how they think about the role of academic partners in their organizational missions, what their histories of involvement with academic partners are, and what they see as their most important academic needs for continuing to advance the research agenda. Members of the National Hospice Work Group see strategic partnerships with academic entities as essential to the goal of advancing research in end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Tolley
- Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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