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Lee DW, Lee SY, Yoo SH, Kim KH, Kim MS, Shin J, Hwang IY, Hwang IG, Baek SK, Kim DY, Kim YJ, Kang B, Lee J, Cho B. SupporTive Care At Home Research (STAHR) for patients with advanced cancer: Protocol for a cluster non-randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302011. [PMID: 38739589 PMCID: PMC11090303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancements in the treatment and management of patients with cancer have extended their survival period. To honor such patients' desire to live in their own homes, home-based supportive care programs have become an important medical practice. This study aims to investigate the effects of a multidimensional and integrated home-based supportive care program on patients with advanced cancer. SupporTive Care At Home Research is a cluster non-randomized controlled trial for patients with advanced cancer. This study tests the effects of the home-based supportive care program we developed versus standard oncology care. The home-based supportive care program is based on a specialized home-based medical team approach that includes (1) initial assessment and education for patients and their family caregivers, (2) home visits by nurses, (3) biweekly regular check-ups/evaluation and management, (4) telephone communication via a daytime access line, and (5) monthly multidisciplinary team meetings. The primary outcome measure is unplanned hospitalization within 6 months following enrollment. Healthcare service use; quality of life; pain and symptom control; emotional status; satisfaction with services; end-of-life care; advance planning; family caregivers' quality of life, care burden, and preparedness for caregiving; and medical expenses will be surveyed. We plan to recruit a total of 396 patients with advanced cancer from six institutions. Patients recruited from three institutions will constitute the intervention group, whereas those recruited from the other three institutions will comprise the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Wook Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Lee
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human System Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Hye Yoo
- Department of Human System Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyae Hyung Kim
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sun Kim
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongmi Shin
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Young Hwang
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In Gyu Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Kyung Baek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do yeun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Beodeul Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bundang CHA Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Joongyub Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Belong Cho
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human System Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute on Aging, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human Systems Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Mughrabi AE, Salmany SS, Aljarrat B, Dabbous A, Ayyalawwad H. Appropriate use of medication among home care adult cancer patients at end of life: a retrospective observational study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:108. [PMID: 38671427 PMCID: PMC11046754 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01432-4] [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] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medications are commonly used for symptom control in cancer patients at the end of life. This study aimed to evaluate medication utilization among home care palliative patients with cancer at the end of life and assess the appropriateness of these medications. METHOD This retrospective observational study included adult cancer patients who received home care in 2020. Medications taken during the last month of the patient's life were reviewed and classified into three major categories: potentially avoidable, defined as medications that usually have no place at the end of life because the time to benefit is shorter than life expectancy; medications of uncertain appropriateness, defined as medications that need case-by-case evaluation because they could have a role at the end of life; and potentially appropriate, defined as medications that provide symptomatic relief. RESULTS In our study, we enrolled 353 patients, and 2707 medications were analyzed for appropriateness. Among those, 1712 (63.2%) were classified as potentially appropriate, 755 (27.9%) as potentially avoidable, and 240 (8.9%) as medications with uncertain appropriateness. The most common potentially avoidable medications were medications for peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (30.5%), vitamins (14.6%), beta-blockers (9.8%), anticoagulants (7.9%), oral antidiabetics (5.4%) and insulin products (5.3%). Among the potentially appropriate medications, opioid analgesics were the most frequently utilized medications (19.5%), followed by laxatives (19%), nonopioid analgesics (14.4%), gamma-aminobutyric acid analog analgesics (7.7%) and systemic corticosteroids (6%). CONCLUSION In home care cancer patients, approximately one-third of prescribed medications were considered potentially avoidable. Future measures to optimize medication use in this patient population are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sewar S Salmany
- Department of Pharmacy, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Ala'a Dabbous
- Department of Pharmacy, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Haya Ayyalawwad
- Department of Nursing, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
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Iupati S, Stanley J, Egan R, MacLeod R, Davies C, Spence H, Iupati D, Middlemiss T, Gwynne-Robson I. Systematic Review of Models of Effective Community Specialist Palliative Care Services for Evidence of Improved Patient-Related Outcomes, Equity, Integration, and Health Service Utilization. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1562-1577. [PMID: 37366688 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0461] [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: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The benefits of palliative care programs are well documented. However, the effectiveness of specialist palliative care services is not well established. The previous lack of consensus on criteria for defining and characterizing models of care has restrained direct comparison between these models and limited the evidence base to inform policy makers. A rapid review for studies published up to 2012 was unable to find an effective model. Aim: To identify effective models of community specialist palliative care services. Design: A mixed-method synthesis design reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. Prospero: CRD42020151840. Data sources: Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched in September 2019 for primary research and review articles from 2012 to 2019. Supplementary search was conducted on Google in 2020 for policy documents to identify additional relevant studies. Results: The search yielded 2255 articles; 36 articles satisfied the eligibility criteria and 6 additional articles were identified from other sources. Eight systematic reviews and 34 primary studies were identified: observational studies (n = 24), randomized controlled trials (n = 5), and qualitative studies (n = 5). Community specialist palliative care was found to improve symptom burden/quality of life and to reduce secondary service utilization across cancer and noncancer diagnoses. Much of this evidence relates to face-to-face care in home-based settings with both round-the-clock and episodic care. There were few studies addressing pediatric populations or minority groups. Findings from qualitative studies revealed that care coordination, provision of practical help, after-hours support, and medical crisis management were some of the factors contributing to patients' and caregivers' positive experience. Conclusion: Strong evidence exists for community specialist palliative care to improve quality of life and reducing secondary service utilization. Future research should focus on equity outcomes and the interface between generalist and specialist care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salina Iupati
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Te Omanga Hospice, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
| | - James Stanley
- Biostatistics Group, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Richard Egan
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Roderick MacLeod
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cheryl Davies
- Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma and Research Trust, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
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Sakamoto A, Inokuchi R, Iwagami M, Sun Y, Tamiya N. Association between advanced care planning and emergency department visits: A systematic review. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 68:84-91. [PMID: 36958094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance care planning can help provide optimal medical care according to a patient's wishes as a part of patient-centered discussions on end-of-life care. This can prevent undesired transfers to emergency departments. However, the effects of advance care planning on emergency department visits and ambulance calls in various settings or specific conditions remain unclear. AIM To evaluate whether advanced care planning affected the frequency of emergency department visits and ambulance calls. DESIGN Systematic review. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022340109). We assessed risk of bias using RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I, and ROBINS-E. DATA SOURCES We searched the PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and EMBASE databases from their inception until September 22, 2022 for studies comparing patients with and without advanced care planning and reported the frequency of emergency department visits and ambulance calls as outcomes. RESULTS Eight studies were included. Regarding settings, two studies on patients in nursing homes showed that advanced care planning significantly reduced the frequency of emergency department visits and ambulance calls. However, two studies involving several medical care facilities reported inconclusive results. Regarding patient disease, a study on patients with depression or dementia showed that advanced care planning significantly reduced emergency department visits; in contrast, two studies on patients with severe respiratory diseases and serious illnesses showed no significant reduction. Seven studies showed a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS Advanced care planning may lead to reduced emergency department visits and ambulance calls among nursing home residents and patients with depression or dementia. Further research is warranted to identify the effectiveness of advanced care planning in specific settings and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Sakamoto
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Ryota Inokuchi
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan; Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan.
| | - Masao Iwagami
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan; Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Yu Sun
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan; Department of Health Services Research, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan; Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Nanako Tamiya
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan; Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tenno-dai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
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Cicozi K, Smith SM, Grossoehme DH, Hiltunen A, Roth C, Richner G, Kim SS, Friebert S. Pediatric Home-Based Hospice and Palliative Medicine Provider Home Visits: A Multisite Study. J Palliat Med 2023. [PMID: 36695724 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pediatric home-based palliative care and/or hospice provider (Physician, Advanced Practice Nurse, or Physician Assistant) home visits are an underexplored subject in the literature with little available descriptive data and limited evidence guiding how best to utilize them. Objectives: Describe the population receiving hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) provider home visits and characterize visit themes. Design: Retrospective chart review of electronic medical record (EMR) data Setting/Subjects: A total of 226 individuals 1 month to 21 years of age, who received an HPM provider home visit from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018; two large quaternary medical centers in the Midwest. Measurements: Demographic data, content, and details from home visit abstracted from the EMR. Results: The three most common diagnostic groups receiving HPM provider home visits were neurological (42%), congenital chromosomal (26%), and prematurity-related (14%) conditions. Goals of care (GOC) were discussed at 29% of visits; most commonly, goals related to code status (42%), technology dependence (20%), and nutrition/hydration (15%). A change in GOC occurred in 44% of visits. Forms of anticipatory guidance addressed were nutrition (68%), side effects of treatment (63%), pain assessment (59%), decline/death (32%), and allow natural death/do not resuscitate/advance directives (26%). Conclusion: HPM provider visits are diverse in content and changes in plan of care with potential for proactive identification of GOC and provision of important anticipatory guidance around patient decline and end of life. Further research is indicated to establish which populations benefit most and how to leverage this scarce resource strategically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Cicozi
- Department of Anesthesia, Section of Hospice and Palliative Care, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Steven M Smith
- Department of Anesthesia, Section of Hospice and Palliative Care, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel H Grossoehme
- Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA.,Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Audrey Hiltunen
- Department of Anesthesia, Section of Hospice and Palliative Care, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Catherine Roth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Richner
- Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephani S Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Friebert
- Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA.,Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Ito N, Okamura N, Iida M, Wada Y, Hirano M, Nishikawa S, Kawasuji H, Yamamoto Y, Yoshizaki H. Clinical Features of Hypoxemia Due to Infection Under Home-Based Medication During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period. Cureus 2023; 15:e34178. [PMID: 36843758 PMCID: PMC9957571 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growing demand for home-based medication during the COVID-19 pandemic period, there remains scarce evidence of hypoxemic infection in home-care settings. In this study, we investigated the clinical features of hypoxemic respiratory failure due to infection during the period under home-based medication (defined as 'home-care-acquired infection'). METHODS This retrospective observational study enrolled patients with home-care-acquired infection, other than COVID-19, in two home-care clinics in Sapporo, Japan, between April 2020 and May 2021 (the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic). The participants were divided into two groups according to whether they required additional home oxygen therapy, and were compared to assess the predictors of hypoxemic respiratory failure. Furthermore, the clinical features were compared with those in patients aged >60 years with COVID-19 who were admitted to Toyama University Hospital during the same period. RESULTS A total of 107 patients with home-care-acquired infections were included in the study (median age, 82 years). Twenty-two patients required home oxygen therapy, and 85 did not. Thirty-day mortality rates were 32% and 8%. Among the patients in the hypoxemia group, none had desired a care-setting transition, following the advanced care planning. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that initial antibiotic treatment failure and malignant disease were independently associated with hypoxemic respiratory failure (odds ratio, 7.28 and 7.10; p=0.023 and p<0.005, respectively). In comparison with hypoxemia in the COVID-19 cohort, the lower incidence of febrile co-habitants and earlier onset of hypoxemia were significant in those due to home-care-acquired infection. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that hypoxemia due to home-care-acquired infection was characterized by distinct features, possibly different from those due to COVID-19 in the early pandemic period.
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Bullard JT, Kowalkowski M, Sparling A, Roberge J, Barkley JE. A Retrospective Evaluation of the Impacts of a Multidisciplinary Care Model for Managing Patients with Advanced Illness on Acute Care Utilization and Quality of Care at End of Life. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1835-1843. [PMID: 36137010 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0264] [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: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A home-based goal-concordant care model targeting patients with advanced illnesses may reduce acute care utilization and improve quality outcomes at end of life. Aim: Study aim was to determine impact of the Advanced Illness Management (AIM) program on end-of-life utilization and quality of care. Design: A retrospective observational study design using propensity score fine stratum weighting methodologies was applied to decedent patients identified for AIM enrollment/eligibility in 2018 to 2019. Setting/Participants: A total of 3859 decedents, 216 of whom were AIM enrollees, were identified from a metropolitan health system's electronic medical records (EMR) and met study eligibility criteria. Results: Compared with usual care, AIM enrollees spent more days away from acute care in the last 30, 90, and 180 days of life. Furthermore, AIM enrollees were less likely to expire in an acute care hospital. Conclusions: Enrollment in programs such as AIM should be considered for patients with advanced illnesses approaching end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod T Bullard
- Clinical Analytic, Center for Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marc Kowalkowski
- Clinical Analytic, Center for Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alica Sparling
- Health Economics, Novant Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jason Roberge
- Clinical Analytic, Center for Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - John E Barkley
- Clinical Analytic, Center for Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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Driller B, Talseth-Palmer B, Hole T, Strømskag KE, Brenne AT. Cancer patients spend more time at home and more often die at home with advance care planning conversations in primary health care: a retrospective observational cohort study. Palliat Care 2022; 21:61. [PMID: 35501797 PMCID: PMC9063101 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00952-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spending time at home and dying at home is advocated to be a desirable outcome in palliative care (PC). In Norway, home deaths among cancer patients are rare compared to other European countries. Advance care planning (ACP) conversations enable patients to define goals and preferences, reflecting a person’s wishes and current medical condition. Method The study included 250 cancer patients in the Romsdal region with or without an ACP conversation in primary health care who died between September 2018 and August 2020. The patients were identified through their contact with the local hospital, cancer outpatient clinic or hospital-based PC team. Results During the last 90 days of life, patients who had an ACP conversation in primary health care (N=125) were mean 9.8 more days at home, 4.5 less days in nursing home and 5.3 less days in hospital. Having an ACP conversation in primary health care, being male or having a lower age significantly predicted more days at home at the end of life (p< .001). Patients with an ACP conversation in primary health care where significantly more likely to die at home (p< .001) with a four times higher probability (RR=4.5). Contact with the hospital-based PC team was not associated with more days at home or death at home. Patients with contact with the hospital-based PC team were more likely to have an ACP conversation in primary health care. Conclusion Palliative cancer patients with an ACP conversation in primary health care spent more days at home and more frequently died at home. Data suggest it is important that ACP conversations are conducted in primary health care setting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00952-1.
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Coppa D, Winchester SB, Maestri X, Roberts MB. Nurse practitioners in home-based prepalliative care demonstrate an innovative, value-based approach to end-of-life care planning. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2022; 34:701-710. [PMID: 35416801 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurse practitioners (NPs) demonstrate value-based, home-based primary health care (HBPC) to home-bound patients with high disease burden at reduced cost. PURPOSE The research questions were as follows: (a) Does patient-centered, prepalliative care delivered by HBPC NPs decrease number of hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits and increase patient satisfaction? and (b) What are the criteria for patients to receive end-of-life (EOL) discussions by NPs? METHODOLOGY This was a quasi-experimental, retrospective two-group design with a convenience sample of 233 HBPC patients from an academic clinical partnership compared with 234 clinic patients matched on age and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score over 4 years. Measures included signed advanced directives (ADRs), medical orders of life-sustaining treatment (MOLST) forms, number and length of home visits, hospitalizations, and ED visits after diagnosis. Chi-square analyses and general linear models using a Poisson distribution were conducted. RESULTS Home-based primary health care patients had higher disease burden, statistically higher CCI scores, and signed ADR and MOLST agreements more often than clinic patients with significantly fewer hospitalizations and ED visits, and longer visits with providers. CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving HBPC for prepalliative, EOL illness benefit from more time to discuss the difficult factors surrounding access to care for those with life-threatening illnesses. IMPLICATIONS Recipients of prepalliative HBPC by NPs could require fewer provider visits, hospitalizations and ED visits, patient satisfaction, and a potential decrease in health care spending at EOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Coppa
- College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Street Providence, Rhode Island
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Dube D, Sussman T, Brotman S, de Vries B, Gutman G. Advance Care Planning among Older Gay Men Living with HIV in Montreal, Canada: Challenges to Thinking and Talking about Future Care. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2022; 69:756-772. [PMID: 33433307 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2020.1855029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study employed a cross sectional focus group design to explore how older gay men living with HIV, experience, perceive, and engage with advance care planning (ACP). Seven gay men 50+, residing in Montreal, Canada, participated in a focus group that was audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Findings suggested that social isolation, preoccupations with day-to-day living, and managing disclosures related to sexual orientation and HIV status created barriers to these men's capacities to think about let alone talk about future care. These findings challenge current conceptualizations of ACP, which position reflection as an individual process that precedes allocating a decision-maker and communicating care preferences. Analyses further revealed that relational connections helped create a space where ACP could occur for participants. Hence, improving the uptake of ACP amongst older gay men with HIV may require interventions that embed such discussions into broader programs aimed at building support and community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Dube
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tamara Sussman
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shari Brotman
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brian de Vries
- Department of Gerontology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gloria Gutman
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Coulourides Kogan A, Li O, Fields T, Mosqueda L, Lorenz K. Frontline provider perceptions of implementing home-based palliative care covered by an insurer. Health Serv Res 2021; 57:872-880. [PMID: 34806185 PMCID: PMC9264462 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13913] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine frontline providers' experiences implementing home-based palliative care (HBPC) covered by a private health insurer in partnership with community-based hospice, home health, and Accountable Care Organizations. STUDY SETTING Primary data collection at three community-based hospice and home health organizations in Northern and Southern California at the outset of the new private payer-contracted HBPC. STUDY DESIGN Qualitative focus groups with frontline HBPC providers. DATA COLLECTION Focus groups were guided by a nine-item, semi-structured research protocol, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by two independent coders using a grounded theory approach. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Participants (n = 24) were mostly White (79.2%) female (91.7%) aged 39 years or less (62.5%), and from diverse disciplines. Three major themes were identified: (1) patient referrals, (2) organizational factors, and (3) HBPC reimbursement. Findings highlight barriers and facilitators to implementing HBPC covered by an insurer including the organization's community reputation, the dynamic/"teaminess" of the HBPC team, having a site champion/"quarterback," and issues from a siloed medical system. Participants also discussed challenges with patient referrals, specifically, lack of palliative care knowledge (both providers and patients/families) and poor communication with patients referred to HBPC. CONCLUSIONS This study found that despite a favorable perception of payer-contracted HBPC by frontline providers, barriers and facilitators persist, with patient accrual/referral paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Coulourides Kogan
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, Department of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Southern California, Alhambra, California, USA
| | - Oscar Li
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, Department of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Southern California, Alhambra, California, USA
| | - Torrie Fields
- Healthcare Quality & Affordability, Palliative Care, Blue Shield of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,VotiveHealth, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
| | - Laura Mosqueda
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, Department of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Southern California, Alhambra, California, USA
| | - Karl Lorenz
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Wu CY, Wu YH, Chang YH, Tsay MS, Chen HC, Hsieh HY. Community Nurses' Preparations for and Challenges in Providing Palliative Home Care: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11838. [PMID: 34831593 PMCID: PMC8624655 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hospitals have played a leading role in providing palliative care in Taiwan as its care model has developed over the past few decades. However, earlier local studies in Taiwan showed that terminal patients prefer to die at home, highlighting the need to promote community-based palliative care instead of hospital-based care. Along with this shift, how community nurses provide palliative home care merits further exploration. This qualitative descriptive study aims to understand (1) how community nurses implement community-based palliative care, (2) what preparations are needed, and (3) what challenges they may face. Purposive sampling was used for recruiting nurses. We conducted one-on-one, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Eight community nurses with a range of experience in palliative home care were interviewed. Four major themes emerged: (1) Opportunities, (2) Qualifications, (3) Support, and (4) Commitments. Psychological preparedness, well-developed professional capabilities, external assistance, and peer support motivate community nurses to offer community-based palliative care. As the requests for palliative home care services increase, community nurses play a critical role in palliative home care. Although the sample size is small and the findings retrieved from a small number of experiences might not be generalized to every region, the study results could inform future experience-sharing and workshop sessions to train more nurses for community-based care, expanding service coverage, and providing optimal palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yi Wu
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80788, Taiwan; (C.-Y.W.); (Y.-H.W.)
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80788, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Wu
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80788, Taiwan; (C.-Y.W.); (Y.-H.W.)
| | - Yi-Hui Chang
- Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80788, Taiwan; (Y.-H.C.); (M.-S.T.); (H.-C.C.)
| | - Min-Shiow Tsay
- Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80788, Taiwan; (Y.-H.C.); (M.-S.T.); (H.-C.C.)
| | - Hung-Cheng Chen
- Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80788, Taiwan; (Y.-H.C.); (M.-S.T.); (H.-C.C.)
| | - Hui-Ya Hsieh
- Department of Specialist Nurse and Surgical Nurse Practitioner Office, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80788, Taiwan
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Hum A, Yap CW, Koh MYH. End-stage organ disease-Healthcare utilisation: Impact of palliative medicine. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021:bmjspcare-2021-003288. [PMID: 34663595 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although patients living with end-stage organ disease (ESOD) suffer unmet needs from the physical and emotional burdens of living with chronic illness, they are less likely to receive palliative care.The aims of the study were to determine if palliative care referrals reduced healthcare utilisation and if impact on healthcare utilisation was dependent on the timing of the referral. METHODS Patients with ESOD who received palliative care support were matched with those who did not using coarsened exact matching and propensity score matching, and compared in this retrospective cohort study. Primary outcomes of interests were reduction in all-cause emergency department (ED) visits and costs, reduction in all-cause tertiary hospital admissions, length of hospital stay and inpatient hospital costs. RESULTS Patients with ESOD referred to palliative care experienced a reduction in the frequency of all cause ED visits and inpatient hospital admissions. Significant impact of a palliative care referral was at 3 months, rather than 1 month prior to death with a greater reduction in the frequency of ED visits, inpatient hospital admissions, length of stay and charges (p all <0.05). The most common ESOD referred to palliative care for 1110 matched patients was end-stage renal failure (57.7%), and least commonly for respiratory failure (7.6%). CONCLUSION Palliative care can reduce healthcare utilisation, with reduction greatest when the referral is timed earlier in the disease trajectory. Cost savings can be judiciously redirected to the development of palliative care resources for integrated support of patients and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyn Hum
- Palliative Medicine Department, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- The Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education (PalC), Singapore
| | - Chun Wei Yap
- National Healthcare Group Health Services and Outcomes Research, Singapore
| | - Mervyn Yong Hwang Koh
- Palliative Medicine Department, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- The Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education (PalC), Singapore
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Kaasalainen S, Mccleary L, Vellani S, Pereira J. Improving End-of-Life Care for People with Dementia in LTC Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond. Can Geriatr J 2021; 24:164-169. [PMID: 34484498 PMCID: PMC8390320 DOI: 10.5770/cgj.24.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in deaths in long-term care homes (LTCH). People with dementia living in LTCHs represent one of the most frail and marginalized populations in Canada. The surge of COVID-19 cases in LTCHs and rationing of health-care resources during the pandemic have amplified the pre-existing need for improvements in palliative and end-of-life care in LTCHs. This position statement, created by a task force commissioned by the Alzheimer Society of Canada, provides recommendations for a multipronged coordinated approach to improving palliative and end-of-life care of people with dementia living in LTCHs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lynn Mccleary
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Nursing, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON
| | - Shirin Vellani
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON
| | - Jose Pereira
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.,Pallium Canada, Ottawa, ON
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A Comparison of the Survival, Place of Death, and Medical Utilization of Terminal Patients Receiving Hospital-Based and Community-Based Palliative Home Care: A Retrospective and Propensity Score Matching Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147272. [PMID: 34299722 PMCID: PMC8307712 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Evidence shows that community-based palliative home care (PHC) provision enhances continuous care and improves patient outcomes. This study compared patient survival, place of death, and medical utilization in community- versus hospital-based PHC. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients aged over 18 referred to either community- or hospital-based PHC from May to December 2018 at a tertiary hospital and surrounding communities in Southern Taiwan. A descriptive analysis, Chi-square test, t-test, and Log-rank test were used for the data analysis of 131 hospital-based PHC patients and 43 community-based PHC patients, with 42 paired patient datasets analyzed after propensity score matching. More nurse visits (p = 0.02), fewer emergency-room visits (p = 0.01), and a shorter waiting time to access PHC (p = 0.02) were found in the community group. There was no difference in the duration of survival and hospitalization between groups. Most hospital-based patients (57%) died in hospice wards, while most community-based patients died at home (52%). Community-based PHC is comparable to hospital-based PHC in Taiwan. Although it has fewer staffing and training requirements, it is an alternative for terminal patients to meet the growing end-of-life care demand.
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Takahashi PY, Chandra A, McCoy RG, Borkenhagen LS, Larson ME, Thorsteinsdottir B, Hickman JA, Swanson KM, Hanson GJ, Naessens JM. Outcomes of a Nursing Home-to-Community Care Transition Program. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:2440-2446.e2. [PMID: 33984293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most transitional care initiatives to reduce rehospitalization have focused on the transition that occurs between a patient's hospital discharge and return home. However, many patients are discharged from a skilled nursing facility (SNF) to their homes. The goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mayo Clinic Care Transitions (MCCT) program (hereafter called program) among patients discharged from SNFs to their homes. DESIGN Propensity-matched control-intervention trial. INTERVENTION Patients in the intervention group received care management following nursing stay (a home visit and nursing phone calls). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Patients enrolled after discharge from an SNF to home were matched to patients who did not receive intervention because of refusal, program capacity, or distance. Patients were aged ≥60 years, at high risk for hospitalization, and discharged from an SNF. METHODS Program enrollees were matched through propensity score to nonenrollees on the basis of age, sex, comorbid health burden, and mortality risk score. Conditional logistic regression analysis examined 30-day hospitalization and emergency department (ED) use; Cox proportional hazards analyses examined 180-day hospital stay and ED use. RESULTS Each group comprised 160 patients [mean (standard deviation) age, 85.4 (7.4) years]. Thirty-day hospitalization and ED rates were 4.4% and 10.0% in the program group and 3.8% and 10.0% in the group with usual care (P = .76 for hospitalization; P > .99 for ED). At 180 days, hospitalization and ED rates were 30.6% and 46.3% for program patients compared with 11.3% and 25.0% in the comparison group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We found no evidence of reduced hospitalization or ED visits by program patients vs the comparison group. Such findings are crucial because they illustrate how aggressive stabilization care within the SNF may mitigate the program role. Furthermore, we found higher ED and hospitalization rates at 180 days in program patients than the comparison group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Y Takahashi
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Anupam Chandra
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rozalina G McCoy
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lynn S Borkenhagen
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mary E Larson
- Employee and Community Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Joel A Hickman
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kristi M Swanson
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gregory J Hanson
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Division of Community Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James M Naessens
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Hewner S, Chen C, Anderson L, Pasek L, Anderson A, Popejoy L. Transitional Care Models for High-Need, High-Cost Adults in the United States: A Scoping Review and Gap Analysis. Prof Case Manag 2021; 26:82-98. [PMID: 32467513 PMCID: PMC10576263 DOI: 10.1097/ncm.0000000000000442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Study: This scoping review explored research literature on the integration and coordination of services for high-need, high-cost (HNHC) patients in an attempt to answer the following questions: What models of transitional care are utilized to manage HNHC patients in the United States ? and How effective are they in reducing low-value utilization and in improving continuity ? Primary Practice Settings: U.S. urban, suburban, and rural health care sites within primary care, veterans’ services, behavioral health, and palliative care. Methodology and Sample: Utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, a stepwise method was applied to search multiple databases for peer-reviewed published research on transitional care models serving HNHC adult patients in the United States from 2008 to 2018. All eligible studies were included regardless of quality rating. Exclusions were foreign models, studies published prior to 2008, review articles, care reports, and studies with participants younger than 18 years. The search returned 1,088 studies, of which 19 were included. Results: Four studies were randomized controlled trials and other designs included case reports and observational, quasi-experimental, cohort, and descriptive studies. Studies focused on Medicaid, Medicare, dual-eligible patients, veterans, and the uninsured or underinsured. High-need, high-cost patients were identified on the basis of prior utilization patterns of inpatient and emergency department visits, high cost, multiple chronic medical diagnoses, or a combination of these factors. Tools used to identify these patients included the hierarchical condition category predictive model, the Elder Risk Assessment, and the 4-year prognostic index score. The majority of studies combined characteristics of multiple case management models with varying levels of impact. Implications for Case Management Practice:
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Hewner
- Sharon Hewner, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a faculty in the Department of the Family, Community and Health Systems Science Department in the University at Buffalo School of Nursing. Her research focuses on implementing technology-supported care management interventions to improve transitional care for persons with social needs and multiple chronic conditions
- Chiahui Chen, MS, RN, FNP-BC, is a University at Buffalo School of Nursing PhD candidate. Her research interests are concerned with the development of a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care in the intensive care unit and the improvement of nursing care to enhance the quality of end of life
- Linda Anderson, BSN, RN, is a PhD student in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her doctoral research focuses on exploring functional status, health care experiences, and health-related quality of life in older women with chronic illness and disability
- Lana Pasek, EdM, MSN, ANP-BC, CCRN, CNRN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. She is an adult nurse practitioner with experience managing high-need, high-cost patients in a county hospital and an inner-city clinic. Her research interest is the development of patient-reported outcome measures for chronic diseases
- Amanda Anderson, MSN, MPA, RN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. Amanda develops care transitions programs utilizing nurses and telehealth, and she is a contributing editor for the American Journal of Nursing . Her research looks at gaps homeless patients face when transitioning between community-based and acute care institutions
- Lori Popejoy, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri. She is a health system researcher focused on understanding the complex issues surrounding care to older adults across the continuum and implementation of evidence-based approaches to care coordination
| | - Chiahui Chen
- Sharon Hewner, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a faculty in the Department of the Family, Community and Health Systems Science Department in the University at Buffalo School of Nursing. Her research focuses on implementing technology-supported care management interventions to improve transitional care for persons with social needs and multiple chronic conditions
- Chiahui Chen, MS, RN, FNP-BC, is a University at Buffalo School of Nursing PhD candidate. Her research interests are concerned with the development of a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care in the intensive care unit and the improvement of nursing care to enhance the quality of end of life
- Linda Anderson, BSN, RN, is a PhD student in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her doctoral research focuses on exploring functional status, health care experiences, and health-related quality of life in older women with chronic illness and disability
- Lana Pasek, EdM, MSN, ANP-BC, CCRN, CNRN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. She is an adult nurse practitioner with experience managing high-need, high-cost patients in a county hospital and an inner-city clinic. Her research interest is the development of patient-reported outcome measures for chronic diseases
- Amanda Anderson, MSN, MPA, RN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. Amanda develops care transitions programs utilizing nurses and telehealth, and she is a contributing editor for the American Journal of Nursing . Her research looks at gaps homeless patients face when transitioning between community-based and acute care institutions
- Lori Popejoy, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri. She is a health system researcher focused on understanding the complex issues surrounding care to older adults across the continuum and implementation of evidence-based approaches to care coordination
| | - Linda Anderson
- Sharon Hewner, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a faculty in the Department of the Family, Community and Health Systems Science Department in the University at Buffalo School of Nursing. Her research focuses on implementing technology-supported care management interventions to improve transitional care for persons with social needs and multiple chronic conditions
- Chiahui Chen, MS, RN, FNP-BC, is a University at Buffalo School of Nursing PhD candidate. Her research interests are concerned with the development of a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care in the intensive care unit and the improvement of nursing care to enhance the quality of end of life
- Linda Anderson, BSN, RN, is a PhD student in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her doctoral research focuses on exploring functional status, health care experiences, and health-related quality of life in older women with chronic illness and disability
- Lana Pasek, EdM, MSN, ANP-BC, CCRN, CNRN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. She is an adult nurse practitioner with experience managing high-need, high-cost patients in a county hospital and an inner-city clinic. Her research interest is the development of patient-reported outcome measures for chronic diseases
- Amanda Anderson, MSN, MPA, RN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. Amanda develops care transitions programs utilizing nurses and telehealth, and she is a contributing editor for the American Journal of Nursing . Her research looks at gaps homeless patients face when transitioning between community-based and acute care institutions
- Lori Popejoy, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri. She is a health system researcher focused on understanding the complex issues surrounding care to older adults across the continuum and implementation of evidence-based approaches to care coordination
| | - Lana Pasek
- Sharon Hewner, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a faculty in the Department of the Family, Community and Health Systems Science Department in the University at Buffalo School of Nursing. Her research focuses on implementing technology-supported care management interventions to improve transitional care for persons with social needs and multiple chronic conditions
- Chiahui Chen, MS, RN, FNP-BC, is a University at Buffalo School of Nursing PhD candidate. Her research interests are concerned with the development of a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care in the intensive care unit and the improvement of nursing care to enhance the quality of end of life
- Linda Anderson, BSN, RN, is a PhD student in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her doctoral research focuses on exploring functional status, health care experiences, and health-related quality of life in older women with chronic illness and disability
- Lana Pasek, EdM, MSN, ANP-BC, CCRN, CNRN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. She is an adult nurse practitioner with experience managing high-need, high-cost patients in a county hospital and an inner-city clinic. Her research interest is the development of patient-reported outcome measures for chronic diseases
- Amanda Anderson, MSN, MPA, RN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. Amanda develops care transitions programs utilizing nurses and telehealth, and she is a contributing editor for the American Journal of Nursing . Her research looks at gaps homeless patients face when transitioning between community-based and acute care institutions
- Lori Popejoy, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri. She is a health system researcher focused on understanding the complex issues surrounding care to older adults across the continuum and implementation of evidence-based approaches to care coordination
| | - Amanda Anderson
- Sharon Hewner, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a faculty in the Department of the Family, Community and Health Systems Science Department in the University at Buffalo School of Nursing. Her research focuses on implementing technology-supported care management interventions to improve transitional care for persons with social needs and multiple chronic conditions
- Chiahui Chen, MS, RN, FNP-BC, is a University at Buffalo School of Nursing PhD candidate. Her research interests are concerned with the development of a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care in the intensive care unit and the improvement of nursing care to enhance the quality of end of life
- Linda Anderson, BSN, RN, is a PhD student in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her doctoral research focuses on exploring functional status, health care experiences, and health-related quality of life in older women with chronic illness and disability
- Lana Pasek, EdM, MSN, ANP-BC, CCRN, CNRN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. She is an adult nurse practitioner with experience managing high-need, high-cost patients in a county hospital and an inner-city clinic. Her research interest is the development of patient-reported outcome measures for chronic diseases
- Amanda Anderson, MSN, MPA, RN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. Amanda develops care transitions programs utilizing nurses and telehealth, and she is a contributing editor for the American Journal of Nursing . Her research looks at gaps homeless patients face when transitioning between community-based and acute care institutions
- Lori Popejoy, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri. She is a health system researcher focused on understanding the complex issues surrounding care to older adults across the continuum and implementation of evidence-based approaches to care coordination
| | - Lori Popejoy
- Sharon Hewner, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a faculty in the Department of the Family, Community and Health Systems Science Department in the University at Buffalo School of Nursing. Her research focuses on implementing technology-supported care management interventions to improve transitional care for persons with social needs and multiple chronic conditions
- Chiahui Chen, MS, RN, FNP-BC, is a University at Buffalo School of Nursing PhD candidate. Her research interests are concerned with the development of a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care in the intensive care unit and the improvement of nursing care to enhance the quality of end of life
- Linda Anderson, BSN, RN, is a PhD student in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her doctoral research focuses on exploring functional status, health care experiences, and health-related quality of life in older women with chronic illness and disability
- Lana Pasek, EdM, MSN, ANP-BC, CCRN, CNRN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. She is an adult nurse practitioner with experience managing high-need, high-cost patients in a county hospital and an inner-city clinic. Her research interest is the development of patient-reported outcome measures for chronic diseases
- Amanda Anderson, MSN, MPA, RN, is a University at Buffalo Nursing doctoral student. Amanda develops care transitions programs utilizing nurses and telehealth, and she is a contributing editor for the American Journal of Nursing . Her research looks at gaps homeless patients face when transitioning between community-based and acute care institutions
- Lori Popejoy, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships in Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri. She is a health system researcher focused on understanding the complex issues surrounding care to older adults across the continuum and implementation of evidence-based approaches to care coordination
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Huang M, van der Borght C, Leithaus M, Flamaing J, Goderis G. Patients' perceptions of frequent hospital admissions: a qualitative interview study with older people above 65 years of age. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:332. [PMID: 32894056 PMCID: PMC7487888 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01748-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although 'frequent flyer' hospital admissions represent barely 3 to 8% of the total patient population in a hospital, they are responsible for a disproportionately high percentage (12 to 28%) of all admissions. Moreover, hospital admissions are an important contributor to health care costs and overpopulation in various hospitals. The aim of this research is to obtain a deeper insight into the phenomenon of frequent flyer hospital admissions. Our objectives were to understand the patients' perspectives on the cause of their frequent hospital admissions and to identify the perceived consequences of the frequent flyer status. METHODS This qualitative study took place at the University Hospital of Leuven. The COREQ guidelines were followed to provide rigor to the study. Patients were included when they had at least four overnight admissions in the past 12 months, an age above 65 years and hospital admission at the time of the study. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and encoded in NVivo. RESULTS Thirteen interviews were collected. A total of 17 perceived causes for frequent hospital admission were identified, which could be divided into the following six themes: patient, drugs, primary care, secondary care, home and family. Most of the causes were preventable or modifiable. The perceived consequences of being a frequent flyer were divided into the following six themes: body, daily life functioning, social participation, mental status and spiritual dimension. Negative experiences were linked to frequent flying and could be situated mainly in the categories of social participation, mental status and spiritual dimensions. CONCLUSIONS Frequent hospital admissions may be conceived as an indicator, i.e., a 'red flag', of patients' situations characterized by physical, mental, spiritual and social deprivation in their home situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaolin Huang
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carolien van der Borght
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Merel Leithaus
- Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Goderis
- Academic Center for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnevoer 33 Blok J Bus, 7001 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Home-Based Palliative Care and Its Influence on Quality of Life in Patients With a Life-Limiting Condition. Home Healthc Now 2020; 38:261-267. [PMID: 32889994 DOI: 10.1097/nhh.0000000000000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The need for comprehensive palliative care is inevitable with the aging population. Incorporating home-based palliative care is a new frontier within healthcare. The purpose of this study was to embed home-based palliative care services within the visiting nursing association (VNA) at a health system in Pennsylvania, examining effect on quality of life and symptom control, and average number of hospital admission days. A convenience sample of patients with one or more chronic conditions was selected from the existing VNA census (n = 22). A series of topics were outlined for discussion at each weekly visit for the pilot length of up to 6 months, scripted by evidence-based guidelines from the ENABLE II: Charting Your Course booklet (). A pretest/posttest survey method was conducted by utilizing results of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer. The effectiveness of the program was assessed using Spearman correlation to compare the difference in scores to the number of weeks in the program. The average number of hospital admission days during the pilot period was compared with admission days 6 months before enrollment in the pilot using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A significant relationship was found between the number of weeks in the program and reduction in the total ESAS symptom scores (rho = -0.484, p = .022), indicating that a reduction in symptoms was significantly more likely the longer a patient was in the program. Percentage of patients hospitalized decreased from 86% during preintervention period to 32% while enrolled. There was a noted reduction in the average number of days patients spent in the hospital while enrolled in the pilot (z = -2.24, p = 0.025).
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Abstract
Palliative medicine is specialized medical care for people with serious illness. Serious illness is one with high risk of mortality that negatively affects quality of life or function or is burdensome in symptoms, treatments, or caregiver stress. Palliative care improves symptom management and addresses the needs of patients and families, resulting in improved patient and caregiver quality of life and reduced symptom burden and health care utilization. Hospice is palliative care for patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less and is appropriate when goals are to avoid hospitalization and maximize time at home for patients who are dying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Tatum
- Dell Medical School, University of Texas in Austin, 1501 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
| | - Sarah S Mills
- Dell Medical School, University of Texas in Austin, 1501 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701, USA
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A Value-Based Payment Model for Palliative Care: An Analysis of Savings and Return on Investment. J Ambul Care Manage 2020; 42:66-73. [PMID: 30499902 DOI: 10.1097/jac.0000000000000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Five percent of the US population accounts for 50% of total health expenditures. This "5%" problem requires moderating Medicare cost trends. SPARK, a community-based palliative care program, focused on its costliest Medicare Advantage patients. This cohort's projected costs were 280% higher than average beneficiaries, based on Medicare's risk model. Despite significant losses during enrollees' first year, a positive 5.1% ROI was found over the program's 4 years when stop-loss insurance payments were included. SPARK demonstrates that a high-quality, community-based palliative care program can be financially self-sustaining using a value-based payment model with premium plus stop-loss income exceeding actual costs.
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de Nooijer K, Penders YW, Pivodic L, Van Den Noortgate NJ, Pype P, Van den Block L. Specialist palliative care services for older people in primary care: A systematic review using narrative synthesis. Palliat Med 2020; 34:32-48. [PMID: 31564214 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319874978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is recognition that older people with incurable conditions should have access to specialist palliative care services. However, it remains unclear which activities and outcomes these services entail for older people in primary care and to which patients they are provided. AIM The aim of this review was to identify the criteria for referral to specialist services; who provides specialist palliative care; through which activities and with which frequency; which outcomes are reported; and which suggestions are made to improve services. DESIGN Systematic review of the literature and narrative synthesis. Quality appraisal and selection of studies were performed independently by two researchers. Participant characteristics, intervention features, outcome data and suggestions for improvement were retrieved. DATA SOURCES Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, Google Scholar, PsycINFO and CINAHL EBSCO databases (until June 2019). RESULTS Ten eligible articles, three qualitative, three quantitative, three mixed-method and one narrative review, were identified. Referral criteria were mainly based on patient characteristics such as diagnosis. The specialist services involved a variety of activities and outcomes and descriptions were often lacking. Services could be improved regarding the information flow between healthcare professionals, greater in-depth palliative care knowledge for case managers and social workers, identification of a key worker and support for family carers. CONCLUSION The limited evidence available shows areas for improvement of the quality of and access to specialist services for older people, such as support for family carers. In addition, this review underscores the need for comprehensive reporting of interventions and the use of consensus-based outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim de Nooijer
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yolanda Wh Penders
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lara Pivodic
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nele J Van Den Noortgate
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Pype
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
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23
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Association between palliative care and the rate of advanced care planning: A systematic review. Palliat Support Care 2019; 18:589-601. [PMID: 31771672 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951519001068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advanced care planning (ACP) is central to patients' dignity and autonomy; however, in many countries it is underutilized. Studies that tested the effects of palliative care (PC) often included the rate of documented ACP as a secondary end point. We aimed to assess the contribution of PC to the rate of ACP among terminally ill patients by systematically reviewing relevant clinical trials. METHOD PUBMED and "Cochrane trials" databases were screened for clinical trials published until October 2017 that compared the addition of PC to standard treatment and that had ACP as a primary or a secondary end point. Studies were assessed for validity by three investigators using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the ROBINS-I tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and for cohort studies, respectively. RESULTS Twenty-six trials with 37,924 patients were included. Four were RCTs, nine were cohort studies, and 12 were cross-sectional studies. Randomized trials had the lowest risk of bias. There was a positive correlation between the addition of PC and ACP in 25 studies, among them four randomized trials. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS In this systematic review, PC was associated with improvement in the rate of ACP. Understanding the significant effect of PC on the completion of ACP is an additional emphasis on the importance of this treatment among terminally ill patients.
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Ernecoff NC, Hanson LC, Fox AL, Daaleman TP, Kistler CE. Palliative Care in a Community-Based Serious-Illness Care Program. J Palliat Med 2019; 23:692-697. [PMID: 31644370 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although community-based serious-illness care (CBSC) is an innovative care model, it is unclear to what extent CBSC addresses palliative care needs, particularly for those patients near death. Objectives: To evaluate palliative care services of a CBSC program. Design: Retrospective chart reviews. Setting/Subjects: Patients enrolled in a CBSC program in central North Carolina. Measurement: Descriptive statistics of palliative care needs and services, such as symptom management, psychosocial support, and advance care planning (ACP), for survivors and decedents. Results: Patients were seen in an 18-month time frame (n = 159). Mean enrollment in the program was 261.1 days (standard deviation 180.6). Patients' average age was 70 years, 56% were female, and 33% were black. Patients' most frequent comorbidities were dementia (32%), heart failure (32%), and diabetes (28%). Fifty patients (31%) died during the study period. Clinicians most frequently screened for pain (70%), constipation (57%), and dyspnea (57%). Of those screened positive, clinicians most frequently treated pain (92%), anxiety (84%), and constipation (83%). Among the 54% who screened positive for psychosocial distress, 82% received support. Clinicians screened 22% for spiritual needs; 4% received spiritual care. Among decedents, 66% were enrolled in hospice; 14% died in in-hospital. Decedents were more likely than survivors to have ACP (34% vs. 18%, p = 0.03) and a primary goal of comfort (40% vs. 12%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: A CBSC program provided palliative care services comparable with other home-based palliative care programs. Although the CBSC program does not address all domains of palliative care, it provided most with symptom management, psychosocial support, and ACP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Ernecoff
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura C Hanson
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care Program, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexandra L Fox
- Department of Clinical Social Work, Central Regional Hospital, Butner, North Carolina, USA
| | - Timothy P Daaleman
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christine E Kistler
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Hemsley B, Meredith J, Bryant L, Wilson NJ, Higgins I, Georgiou A, Hill S, Balandin S, McCarthy S. An integrative review of stakeholder views on Advance Care Directives (ACD): Barriers and facilitators to initiation, documentation, storage, and implementation. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:1067-1079. [PMID: 30799141 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the views and experiences of patients and their health care providers on developing advance care planning (ACP) and advance care directives (ACD); and determine barriers and facilitators to ACD development, storage, and use, including implications for people with communication disability. METHOD An integrative review of 93 studies, analysed according to their content themes. RESULTS Content themes encapsulated the initiation, documentation, and implementation stages of ACP/ACD. Lack of guidance for initiating and supporting ACP/ACD impedes discussions, and both patients and healthcare providers avoid discussions owing to fear of dying and reluctance to think about end-of-life. CONCLUSIONS There are several barriers and facilitators to the initiation of ACP discussions, documentation and implementation of ACD, and little research exploring the views of legal professionals on the development, storage, or use of ACP documents. Further research is needed to explore the timing and responsibility of both legal and health professionals in initiating and supporting ACP discussions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS It is important for healthcare providers to raise ACP discussions regularly so that patients have time to make informed advance care decisions. Storage of the document in an electronic health record might facilitate better access to and implementation of patients' end-of-life care decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Hemsley
- The University of Technology Sydney, Building 7, Faculty of Science and Graduate School of Health Building, 67 Thomas Street, Ultimo, Australia @BronwynHemsley.
| | - Jacqueline Meredith
- The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, 2308, NSW, Australia.
| | - Lucy Bryant
- The University of Technology Sydney, Building 7, Faculty of Science and Graduate School of Health Building, 67 Thomas Street, Ultimo, Australia @BronwynHemsley.
| | - Nathan J Wilson
- Western Sydney University, Building G10/Office 10, Hawkesbury Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
| | - Isabel Higgins
- The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, 2308, NSW, Australia.
| | - Andrew Georgiou
- Macquarie University, Room L6 36, Level 6, 75 Talavera Road, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Sophie Hill
- La Trobe University, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, VIC, 3086, Australia.
| | - Susan Balandin
- Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Shaun McCarthy
- The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, 2308, NSW, Australia.
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Thorsteinsdottir B, Peterson SM, Naessens JM, McCoy RG, Hanson GJ, Hickson LJ, Chen CYY, Rahman PA, Shah ND, Borkenhagen L, Chandra A, Havyer R, Leppin A, Takahashi PY. Care Transitions Program for High-Risk Frail Older Adults is Most Beneficial for Patients with Cognitive Impairment. J Hosp Med 2019; 14:329-335. [PMID: 30794142 PMCID: PMC6546541 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.3112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although posthospitalization care transitions programs (CTP) are highly diverse, their overall program thoroughness is most predictive of their success. OBJECTIVE To identify components of a successful homebased CTP and patient characteristics that are most predictive of reduced 30-day readmissions. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. PATIENTS A total of 315 community-dwelling, hospitalized, older adults (≥60 years) at high risk for readmission (Elder Risk Assessment score ≥16), discharged home over the period of January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013. SETTING Midwest primary care practice in an integrated health system. INTERVENTION Enrollment in a CTP during acute hospitalization. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was all-cause readmission within 30 days of the first CTP evaluation. Logistic regression was used to examine independent variables, including patient demographics, comorbidities, number of medications, completion, and timing of program fidelity measures, and prior utilization of healthcare. RESULTS The overall 30-day readmission rate was 17.1%. The intensity of follow-up varied among patients, with 17.1% and 50.8% of the patients requiring one and ≥3 home visits, respectively, within 30 days. More than half (54.6%) required visits beyond 30 days. Compared with patients who were not readmitted, readmitted patients were less likely to exhibit cognitive impairment (29.6% vs 46.0%; P = .03) and were more likely to have high medication use (59.3% vs 44.4%; P = .047), more emergency department (ED; 0.8 vs 0.4; P = .03) and primary care visits (4.0 vs 3.0; P = .018), and longer cumulative time in the hospital (4.6 vs 2.5 days; P = .03) within 180 days of the index hospitalization. Multivariable analysis indicated that only cognitive impairment and previous ED visits were important predictors of readmission. CONCLUSIONS No single CTP component reliably predicted reduced readmission risk. Patients with cognitive impairment and polypharmacy derived the most benefit from the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjorg Thorsteinsdottir
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Corresponding Author: Bjorg Thorsteinsdottir, MD: E-mail: thorsteinsdottir. ; Telephone: 507-774-5944
| | - Stephanie M Peterson
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - James M Naessens
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Rozalina G McCoy
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Gregory J Hanson
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - LaTonya J Hickson
- Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Christina YY Chen
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Parvez A Rahman
- Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Nilay D Shah
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Lynn Borkenhagen
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Anupam Chandra
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Rachel Havyer
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Aaron Leppin
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Paul Y Takahashi
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Chuzi S, Hale S, Arnold J, Zhou A, Harap R, Grady KL, Rich JD, Yancy CW, Ogunseitan A, Szmuilowicz E, Wilcox JE. Pre-Ventricular Assist Device Palliative Care Consultation: A Qualitative Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:100-107. [PMID: 30315917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a mandate requiring that all patients undergoing destination therapy ventricular assist device (DT VAD) implantation have access to a palliative care team before surgery. Subsequently, many VAD programs implemented a mandatory preimplantation palliative care consultation for patients considering DT VAD. However, little is known about the quality of these consults. METHODS All patients undergoing DT VAD implantation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital from October 30, 2013 (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decision date), through March 1, 2018, were included. Palliative care consultation notes were qualitatively analyzed for elements of "palliative care assessment" and preparedness planning. RESULTS Sixty-eight preimplantation palliative care consultations were analyzed. Fifty-six percent of the consults occurred in the intensive care unit, and the median time from consult to VAD implant was six days. General palliative care elements were infrequently discussed. Furthermore, the elements of preparedness planning-device failure, post-VAD health-related quality of life, device complications, and progressive comorbidities-were discussed in only 10%, 54%, 49%, and 12% of consultations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS One-time preimplantation palliative care consultations at our institution do not lead to completion of preparedness planning or even general palliative care assessment. Further work is needed to determine the most effective way to integrate palliative care into preimplantation care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Chuzi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Sarah Hale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jason Arnold
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rebecca Harap
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathleen L Grady
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jonathan D Rich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Clyde W Yancy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adeboye Ogunseitan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine (Palliative Care), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eytan Szmuilowicz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine (Palliative Care), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jane E Wilcox
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Chen CY, Naessens JM, Takahashi PY, McCoy RG, Borah BJ, Borkenhagen LS, Kimeu AK, Rojas RL, Johnson MG, Visscher SL, Cha SS, Thorsteinsdottir B, Hanson GJ. Improving Value of Care for Older Adults With Advanced Medical Illness and Functional Decline: Cost Analyses of a Home-Based Palliative Care Program. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 56:928-935. [PMID: 30165123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Identifying high-value health care delivery for patients with clinically complex and high-cost conditions is important for future reimbursement models. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to assess the Medicare reimbursement savings of an established palliative care homebound program. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study involving 50 participants enrolled in a palliative care homebound program and 95 propensity-matched control patients at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, between September 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. Total Medicare reimbursement was compared in the year before enrollment with the year after enrollment for participants and controls. RESULTS No significant differences were observed in demographic characteristics or prognostic indices between the two groups. Total Medicare reimbursement per program participant the year before program enrollment was $16,429 compared with $14,427 per control patient, resulting in $2004 higher charges per program patient. In 12 months after program enrollment, mean annual payment was $5783 per patient among participants and $22,031 per patient among the matched controls. In the second year, the intervention group had a decrease of $10,646 per patient; the control group had an increase of $7604 per patient. The difference between the participant group and control group was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and favored the palliative care homebound program enrollees by $18,251 (95% CI, $11,268-$25,234). CONCLUSION The Mayo Clinic Palliative Care Homebound Program reduced annual Medicare expenditures by $18,251 per program participant compared with matched control patients. This supports the role of home-based palliative medicine in delivering high-value care to high-risk older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Y Chen
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
| | - James M Naessens
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paul Y Takahashi
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rozalina G McCoy
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bijan J Borah
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Ashley K Kimeu
- Certified Nurse Practitioners, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ricardo L Rojas
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matt G Johnson
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sue L Visscher
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Stephen S Cha
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Gregory J Hanson
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Mayo Center for Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Symptom Assessment and Hospital Utilization in a Home-Based Palliative Care Program. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2018; 20:332-337. [PMID: 30063625 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Palliative care delivery is shifting to the home, yet data are limited on symptom assessment tools and protocols for that setting. A quality improvement project was done in a home-based palliative care program to imbed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System into the electronic health record. The purpose of the quality improvement project was to track symptom severity and collect utilization data. Baseline data were collected on 35 patients for symptom presence and severity as well as hospital utilization and readmission. The most common symptoms were tiredness, pain, and a lack of feeling of overall well-being. The most severe symptoms, those with a rating of 6 of 10 or higher, were pain, drowsiness, and anxiety. Seventy-seven percent of the symptoms within the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System showed an improvement over the 3-month QI project per the electronic health record data. Hospitalization rates also went from 4.2% to 2.6% and 30-day readmissions were reduced from 15% to 0%. The results suggest that the palliative care program was able to improve symptoms through the use of Edmonton Symptom Assessment System and that that may have affected hospital utilization.
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30
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Arcanjo SP, Saporetti LA, Curiati JAE, Jacob-Filho W, Avelino-Silva TJ. Clinical and laboratory characteristics associated with referral of hospitalized elderly to palliative care. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 16:eAO4092. [PMID: 29694607 PMCID: PMC5968794 DOI: 10.1590/s1679-45082018ao4092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate clinical and laboratory characteristics associated with referral of acutely ill older adults to exclusive palliative care. Methods A retrospective cohort study based on 572 admissions of acutely ill patients aged 60 years or over to a university hospital located in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2009 to 2013. The primary outcome was the clinical indication for exclusive palliative care. Comprehensive geriatric assessments were used to measure target predictors, such as sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive, functional and laboratory data. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of palliative care. Results Exclusive palliative care was indicated in 152 (27%) cases. In the palliative care group, in-hospital mortality and 12 month cumulative mortality amounted to 50% and 66%, respectively. Major conditions prompting referral to palliative care were advanced dementia (45%), cancer (38%), congestive heart failure (25%), stage IV and V renal dysfunction (24%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8%) and cirrhosis (4%). Major complications observed in the palliative care group included delirium (p<0.001), infections (p<0.001) and pressure ulcers (p<0.001). Following multivariate analysis, male sex (OR=2.12; 95%CI: 1.32-3.40), cancer (OR=7.36; 95%CI: 4.26-13.03), advanced dementia (OR=12.6; 95%CI: 7.5-21.2), and albumin levels (OR=0.25; 95%CI: 0.17-0.38) were identified as independent predictors of referral to exclusive palliative care. Conclusion Advanced dementia and cancer were the major clinical conditions associated with referral of hospitalized older adults to exclusive palliative care. High short-term mortality suggests prognosis should be better assessed and discussed with patients and families in primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suelen Pereira Arcanjo
- Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luis Alberto Saporetti
- Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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31
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Bond WF, Kim M, Franciskovich CM, Weinberg JE, Svendsen JD, Fehr LS, Funk A, Sawicki R, Asche CV. Advance Care Planning in an Accountable Care Organization Is Associated with Increased Advanced Directive Documentation and Decreased Costs. J Palliat Med 2018; 21:489-502. [PMID: 29206564 PMCID: PMC5867515 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance care planning (ACP) documents patient wishes and increases awareness of palliative care options. OBJECTIVE To study the association of outpatient ACP with advanced directive documentation, utilization, and costs of care. DESIGN This was a case-control study of cases with ACP who died matched 1:1 with controls. We used 12 months of data pre-ACP/prematch and predeath. We compared rates of documentation with logit model regression and conducted a difference-in-difference analysis using generalized linear models for utilization and costs. SETTING/SUBJECTS Medicare beneficiaries attributed to a large rural-suburban-small metro multisite accountable care organization from January 2013 to April 2016, with cross reference to ACP facilitator logs to find cases. MEASUREMENTS The presence of advance directive forms was verified by chart review. Cost analysis included all utilization and costs billed to Medicare. RESULTS We matched 325 cases and 325 controls (51.1% female and 48.9% male, mean age 81). 320/325 (98.5%) ACP versus 243/325 (74.8%) of controls had a Healthcare Power of Attorney (odds ratio [OR] 21.6, 95% CI 8.6-54.1) and 172/325(52.9%) ACP versus 145/325 (44.6%) controls had Practitioner Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02-1.90) post-ACP/postmatch. Adjusted results showed ACP cases had fewer inpatient admissions (-0.37 admissions, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.08), and inpatient days (-3.66 days, 95% CI -6.23 to -1.09), with no differences in hospice, hospice days, skilled nursing facility use, home health use, 30-day readmissions, or emergency department visits. Adjusted costs were $9,500 lower in the ACP group (95% CI -$16,207 to -$2,793). CONCLUSIONS ACP increases documentation and was associated with a reduction in overall costs driven primarily by a reduction in inpatient utilization. Our data set was limited by small numbers of minorities and cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- William F. Bond
- Jump Simulation, OSF HealthCare, Peoria, Illinois
- Department of Emergency Medicine, OSF HealthCare, Peoria, Illinois
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois
| | - Minchul Kim
- Center for Outcomes Research, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois
| | | | | | | | - Linda S. Fehr
- Division of Supportive Care, OSF HealthCare, Peoria, Illinois
| | - Amy Funk
- College of Nursing, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
| | - Robert Sawicki
- Division of Supportive Care, OSF HealthCare, Peoria, Illinois
| | - Carl V. Asche
- Center for Outcomes Research, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois
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Hofmeister M, Memedovich A, Dowsett LE, Sevick L, McCarron T, Spackman E, Stafinski T, Menon D, Noseworthy T, Clement F. Palliative care in the home: a scoping review of study quality, primary outcomes, and thematic component analysis. BMC Palliat Care 2018. [PMID: 29514620 PMCID: PMC5842572 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0299-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of palliative care is to improve the quality of life of patients and families through the prevention and relief of suffering. Frequently, patients may choose to receive palliative care in the home. The objective of this paper is to summarize the quality and primary outcomes measured within the palliative care in the home literature. This will synthesize the current state of the literature and inform future work. Methods A scoping review was completed using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EconLit, PsycINFO, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database were searched from inception to August 2016. Inclusion criteria included: 1) care was provided in the “home of the patient” as defined by the study, 2) outcomes were reported, and 3) reported original data. Thematic component analysis was completed to categorize interventions. Results Fifty-three studies formed the final data set. The literature varied extensively. Five themes were identified: accessibility of healthcare, caregiver support, individualized patient centered care, multidisciplinary care provision, and quality improvement. Primary outcomes were resource use, symptom burden, quality of life, satisfaction, caregiver distress, place of death, cost analysis, or described experiences. The majority of studies were of moderate or unclear quality. Conclusions There is robust literature of varying quality, assessing different components of palliative care in the home interventions, and measuring different outcomes. To be meaningful to patients, these interventions need to be consistently evaluated with outcomes that matter to patients. Future research could focus on reaching a consensus for outcomes to evaluate palliative care in the home interventions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12904-018-0299-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Hofmeister
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Health Technology Assessment Unit, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ally Memedovich
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Health Technology Assessment Unit, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Laura E Dowsett
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Health Technology Assessment Unit, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Laura Sevick
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tamara McCarron
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Health Technology Assessment Unit, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Eldon Spackman
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Health Technology Assessment Unit, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tania Stafinski
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Devidas Menon
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Tom Noseworthy
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Health Technology Assessment Unit, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Fiona Clement
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada. .,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Health Technology Assessment Unit, Teaching Research and Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Bartley MM, Quigg SM, Chandra A, Takahashi PY. Health Outcomes From Assisted Living Facilities: A Cohort Study of a Primary Care Practice. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2018; 19. [PMID: 32774179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.12.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The population of older adults residing in assisted living facilities (ALF) in the United States is growing, yet health data about this population is relatively sparse. We aimed to compare health outcomes of ALF residents with those of age- and sex-matched community dwelling adults in a retrospective cohort study of 808 older adults. Linear regression analyses were conducted to describe the relationship between ALF residency and our outcomes of hospitalizations within 1 year of the index date (earliest recorded date in the ALF), 30-day rehospitalization following index hospitalization, emergency department (ED) visits, and mortality at 1 year. Hospitalizations were significantly greater for ALF residents than for controls. The odds of death for ALF residents were approximately twice that of controls. Falls and ED visits were also significantly greater for ALF residents. The ALF population requires targeted geriatric and primary care models if we are to effectively meet the needs of this growing population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairead M Bartley
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Stephanie M Quigg
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Anupam Chandra
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Paul Y Takahashi
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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34
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Sudat SEK, Franco A, Pressman AR, Rosenfeld K, Gornet E, Stewart W. Impact of home-based, patient-centered support for people with advanced illness in an open health system: A retrospective claims analysis of health expenditures, utilization, and quality of care at end of life. Palliat Med 2018; 32:485-492. [PMID: 28590150 DOI: 10.1177/0269216317711824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home-based care coordination and support programs for people with advanced illness work alongside usual care to promote personal care goals, which usually include a preference for home-based end-of-life care. More research is needed to confirm the efficacy of these programs, especially when disseminated on a large scale. Advanced Illness Management is one such program, implemented within a large open health system in northern California, USA. AIM To evaluate the impact of Advanced Illness Management on end-of-life resource utilization, cost of care, and care quality, as indicators of program success in supporting patient care goals. DESIGN A retrospective-matched observational study analyzing medical claims in the final 3 months of life. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Medicare fee-for-service 2010-2014 decedents in northern California, USA. RESULTS Final month total expenditures for Advanced Illness Management enrollees ( N = 1352) were reduced by US$4824 (US$3379, US$6268) and inpatient payments by US$6127 (US$4874, US$7682). Enrollees also experienced 150 fewer hospitalizations/1000 (101, 198) and 1361 fewer hospital days/1000 (998, 1725). The percentage of hospice enrollees increased by 17.9 percentage points (14.7, 21.0), hospital deaths decreased by 8.2 percentage points (5.5, 10.8), and intensive care unit deaths decreased by 7.1 percentage points (5.2, 8.9). End-of-life chemotherapy use and non-inpatient expenditures in months 2 and 3 prior to death did not differ significantly from the control group. CONCLUSION Advanced Illness Management has a positive impact on inpatient utilization, cost of care, hospice enrollment, and site of death. This suggests that home-based support programs for people with advanced illness can be successful on a large scale in supporting personal end-of-life care choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia E K Sudat
- 1 Research, Development & Dissemination, Sutter Health, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | - Anjali Franco
- 1 Research, Development & Dissemination, Sutter Health, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | - Alice R Pressman
- 1 Research, Development & Dissemination, Sutter Health, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Walter Stewart
- 1 Research, Development & Dissemination, Sutter Health, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
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Hanson GJ, Borah BJ, Moriarty JP, Ransom JE, Naessens JM, Takahashi PY. Cost-Effectiveness of a Care Transitions Program in a Multimorbid Older Adult Cohort. J Am Geriatr Soc 2017; 66:297-301. [DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J. Hanson
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota
| | - Bijan J. Borah
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for Science of Health Care Delivery; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota
| | - James P. Moriarty
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for Science of Health Care Delivery; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota
| | - Jeanine E. Ransom
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota
| | - James M. Naessens
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for Science of Health Care Delivery; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota
| | - Paul Y. Takahashi
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Rochester Minnesota
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Gelfman LP, Bakitas M, Warner Stevenson L, Kirkpatrick JN, Goldstein NE. The State of the Science on Integrating Palliative Care in Heart Failure. J Palliat Med 2017; 20:592-603. [PMID: 29493362 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0178] [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: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) is a chronic progressive illness associated with physical and psychological burdens, high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization. Palliative care is interdisciplinary care that aims to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for persons with serious illness and their families. It is offered simultaneously with disease-oriented care, unlike hospice or end-of-life care. Despite the demonstrated benefits of palliative care in other populations, evidence for palliative care in the HF population is limited. OBJECTIVE The objective of this article is to describe the current evidence and the gaps in the evidence that will need to be improved to demonstrate the benefits of integrating palliative care into the care of patients with advanced HF and their family caregivers. METHODS We reviewed the literature to examine the state of the science and to identify gaps in palliative care integration for persons with HF and their families. We then convened an interdisciplinary working group at an NIH/NPCRC sponsored workshop to review the evidence base and develop a research agenda to address these gaps. RESULTS We identified four key research priorities to improve palliative care for patients with HF and their families: (1) to better understand patients' uncontrolled symptoms, (2) to better characterize and address the needs of the caregivers of advanced HF patients, (3) to improve patient and family understanding of HF disease trajectory and the importance of advance care planning, and (4) to determine the best models of palliative care, including models for those who want to continue life-prolonging therapies. CONCLUSIONS The goal of this research agenda is to motivate patient, provider, policy, and payor stakeholders, including funders, to identify the key research topics that have the potential to improve the quality of care for patients with HF and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura P Gelfman
- 1 Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York.,2 Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center , Bronx, New York
| | - Marie Bakitas
- 3 School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Lynne Warner Stevenson
- 4 Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James N Kirkpatrick
- 5 Division of Cardiology, Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington Medical Center , Seattle, Washington
| | - Nathan E Goldstein
- 1 Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York.,2 Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center , Bronx, New York
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Wang Y, Leifheit-Limson EC, Fine J, Pandolfi MM, Gao Y, Liu F, Eckenrode S, Lichtman JH. National Trends and Geographic Variation in Availability of Home Health Care: 2002-2015. J Am Geriatr Soc 2017; 65:1434-1440. [PMID: 28322441 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate national trends and geographic variation in the availability of home health care from 2002 to 2015 and identify county-specific characteristics associated with home health care. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING All counties in the United States. PARTICIPANTS All Medicare-certified home health agencies included in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Home Health Compare system. MEASUREMENTS County-specific availability of home health care, defined as the number of available home health agencies that provided services to a given county per 100,000 population aged ≥18 years. RESULTS The study included 15,184 Medicare-certified home health agencies that served 97% of U.S. ZIP codes. Between 2002-2003 and 2014-2015, the county-specific number of available home health agencies per 100,000 population aged ≥18 years increased from 14.7 to 21.8 and the median (inter-quartile range) population that was serviced by at least one home health agency increased from 403,605 (890,329) to 455,488 (1,039,328). Considerable geographic variation in the availability of home health care was observed. The West, North East, and South Atlantic regions had lower home health care availability than the Central regions, and this pattern persisted over the study period. Counties with higher median income, a larger senior population, higher rates of households without a car and low access to stores, more obesity, greater inactivity, and higher proportions of non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic populations were more likely to have higher availability of home health care. CONCLUSION The availability of home health care increased nationwide during the study period, but there was much geographic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale University and Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Erica C Leifheit-Limson
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jonathan Fine
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, Connecticut
| | | | - Yan Gao
- Department of Sociology, Graduate School, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
| | | | | | - Judith H Lichtman
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale University and Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
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Braun LT, Grady KL, Kutner JS, Adler E, Berlinger N, Boss R, Butler J, Enguidanos S, Friebert S, Gardner TJ, Higgins P, Holloway R, Konig M, Meier D, Morrissey MB, Quest TE, Wiegand DL, Coombs-Lee B, Fitchett G, Gupta C, Roach WH. Palliative Care and Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Circulation 2016; 134:e198-225. [DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mission of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association includes increasing access to high-quality, evidence-based care that improves patient outcomes such as health-related quality of life and is consistent with the patients’ values, preferences, and goals. Awareness of and access to palliative care interventions align with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association mission. The purposes of this policy statement are to provide background on the importance of palliative care as it pertains to patients with advanced cardiovascular disease and stroke and their families and to make recommendations for policy decisions. Palliative care, defined as patient- and family-centered care that optimizes health-related quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering, should be integrated into the care of all patients with advanced cardiovascular disease and stroke early in the disease trajectory. Palliative care focuses on communication, shared decision making about treatment options, advance care planning, and attention to physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological distress with inclusion of the patient’s family and care system. Our policy recommendations address the following: reimbursement for comprehensive delivery of palliative care services for patients with advanced cardiovascular disease and stroke; strong payer-provider relationships that involve data sharing to identify patients in need of palliative care, identification of better care and payment models, and establishment of quality standards and outcome measurements; healthcare system policies for the provision of comprehensive palliative care services during hospitalization, including goals of care, treatment decisions, needs of family caregivers, and transition to other care settings; and health professional education in palliative care as part of licensure requirements.
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Ambrosino N, Vitacca M, Dreher M, Isetta V, Montserrat JM, Tonia T, Turchetti G, Winck JC, Burgos F, Kampelmacher M, Vagheggini G. Tele-monitoring of ventilator-dependent patients: a European Respiratory Society Statement. Eur Respir J 2016; 48:648-63. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01721-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The estimated prevalence of ventilator-dependent individuals in Europe is 6.6 per 100 000 people. The increasing number and costs of these complex patients make present health organisations largely insufficient to face their needs. As a consequence, their burden lays mostly over families. The need to reduce healthcare costs and to increase safety has prompted the development of tele-monitoring for home ventilatory assistance.A European Respiratory Society Task Force produced a literature research based statement on commonly accepted clinical criteria for indications, follow-up, equipment, facilities, legal and economic issues of tele-monitoring of these patients.Many remote health monitoring systems are available, ensuring safety, feasibility, effectiveness, sustainability and flexibility to face different patients' needs. The legal problems associated with tele-monitoring are still controversial. National and European Union (EU) governments should develop guidelines and ethical, legal, regulatory, technical, administrative standards for remote medicine. The economic advantages, if any, of this new approach must be compared to a “gold standard” of home care that is very variable among different European countries and within each European country.Much more research is needed before considering tele-monitoring a real improvement in the management of these patients.
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Tan WS, Lee A, Yang SY, Chan S, Wu HY, Ng CWL, Heng BH. Integrating palliative care across settings: A retrospective cohort study of a hospice home care programme for cancer patients. Palliat Med 2016; 30:634-41. [PMID: 26867937 DOI: 10.1177/0269216315622126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Terminally ill patients at the end-of-life do transit between care settings due to their complex care needs. Problems of care fragmentation could result in poor quality of care. AIM We aimed to evaluate the impact of an integrated hospice home care programme on acute care service usage and on the share of home deaths. SETTINGS/PARTICIPANTS The retrospective study cohort comprised patients who were diagnosed with cancer, had an expected prognosis of 1 year or less, and were referred to a home hospice. The intervention group comprised deceased patients enrolled in the integrated hospice home care programme between September 2012 and June 2014. The historical comparison group comprised deceased patients who were referred to other home hospices between January 2007 and January 2011. RESULTS There were 321 cases and 593 comparator subjects. Relative to the comparator group, the share of hospital deaths was significantly lower for programme participants (12.1% versus 42.7%). After adjusting for differences at baseline, the intervention group had statistically significantly lower emergency department visits at 30 days (incidence rate ratio: 0.38; 95% confidence interval: 0.31-0.47), 60 days (incidence rate ratio: 0.61; 95% confidence interval: 0.54-0.69) and 90 days (incidence rate ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.77) prior to death. Similar results held for the number of hospitalisations at 30 days (incidence rate ratio: 0.48; 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.58), 60 days (incidence rate ratio: 0.71; 95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.82) and 90 days (incidence rate ratio: 0.77; 95% confidence interval: 0.68-0.88) prior to death. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that by integrating services between acute care and home hospice care, a reduction in acute care service usage could occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woan Shin Tan
- Health Services & Outcomes Research Department, National Healthcare Group, Singapore
| | - Angel Lee
- Palliative Medicine Department, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore Dover Park Hospice, Singapore
| | - Sze Yee Yang
- Palliative Medicine Department, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore Dover Park Hospice, Singapore
| | | | - Huei Yaw Wu
- Palliative Medicine Department, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore Dover Park Hospice, Singapore
| | - Charis Wei Ling Ng
- Health Services & Outcomes Research Department, National Healthcare Group, Singapore
| | - Bee Hoon Heng
- Health Services & Outcomes Research Department, National Healthcare Group, Singapore
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Yang N, Ornstein KA, Reckrey JM. Association Between Symptom Burden and Time to Hospitalization, Nursing Home Placement, and Death Among the Chronically Ill Urban Homebound. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016; 52:73-80. [PMID: 27033155 PMCID: PMC5369236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Revised: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Homebound adults experience significant symptom burden. OBJECTIVES To examine demographic and clinical characteristics associated with high symptom burden in the homebound, and to examine associations between symptom burden and time to hospitalization, nursing home placement, and death. METHODS Three hundred eighteen patients newly enrolled in the Mount Sinai Visiting Doctors Program, an urban home-based primary care program, were studied. Patient sociodemographic characteristics, symptom burden (measured via the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale), and incidents of hospitalization, nursing home placement, and death were collected via medical chart review. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the effect of high symptom burden on time to first hospitalization, nursing home placement, and death. RESULTS Of the study sample, 45% had severe symptom burden (i.e., Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale score >6 on at least one symptom). Patients with severe symptom burden were younger (82.0 vs. 85.5 years, P < 0.01), had more comorbid conditions (3.2 vs. 2.5 Charlson score, P < 0.01), higher prevalence of depression (43.4% vs. 12.0%, P < 0.01), lower prevalence of dementia (34.3% vs. 60.6%, P < 0.01), and used fewer hours of home health services (73.6 vs. 94.4 hours/wk, P < 0.01). Severe symptom burden was associated with a shorter time to first hospitalization (hazard ratio = 1.51, 95% CI 1.06-2.15) in adjusted models but had no association with time to nursing home placement or death. CONCLUSION The homebound with severe symptom burden represents a unique cohort of patients who are at increased risk of hospitalization. Tailored symptom management via home-based primary and palliative care programs may prevent unnecessary health care utilization in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Yang
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Katherine A Ornstein
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer M Reckrey
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Biehl M, Takahashi PY, Cha SS, Chaudhry R, Gajic O, Thorsteinsdottir B. Prediction of critical illness in elderly outpatients using elder risk assessment: a population-based study. Clin Interv Aging 2016; 11:829-34. [PMID: 27382266 PMCID: PMC4920232 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s99419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Identifying patients at high risk of critical illness is necessary for the development and testing of strategies to prevent critical illness. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between high elder risk assessment (ERA) score and critical illness requiring intensive care and to see if the ERA can be used as a prediction tool to identify elderly patients at the primary care visit who are at high risk of critical illness. Methods A population-based historical cohort study was conducted in elderly patients (age >65 years) identified at the time of primary care visit in Rochester, MN, USA. Predictors including age, previous hospital days, and comorbid health conditions were identified from routine administrative data available in the electronic medical record. The main outcome was critical illness, defined as sepsis, need for mechanical ventilation, or death within 2 years of initial visit. Patients with an ERA score of 16 were considered to be at high risk. The discrimination of the ERA score was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results Of the 13,457 eligible patients, 9,872 gave consent for medical record review and had full information on intensive care unit utilization. The mean age was 75.8 years (standard deviation ±7.6 years), and 58% were female, 94% were Caucasian, 62% were married, and 13% were living in nursing homes. In the overall group, 417 patients (4.2%) suffered from critical illness. In the 1,134 patients with ERA >16, 154 (14%) suffered from critical illness. An ERA score ≥16 predicted critical illness (odds ratio 6.35; 95% confidence interval 3.51–11.48). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.75, which indicated good discrimination. Conclusion A simple model based on easily obtainable administrative data predicted critical illness in the next 2 years in elderly outpatients with up to 14% of the highest risk population suffering from critical illness. This model can facilitate efficient enrollment of patients into clinical programs such as care transition programs and studies aimed at the prevention of critical illness. It also can serve as a reminder to initiate advance care planning for high-risk elderly patients. External validation of this tool in different populations may enhance its generalizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Biehl
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Stephen S Cha
- Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Ognjen Gajic
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine
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Costello J. Research roundup. Int J Palliat Nurs 2015. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2015.21.7.358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.
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von Gunten CF. Musical Chairs and the Role of Specialist Palliative Care. J Palliat Med 2015; 18:2. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2015.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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