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Kremling A, Bausewein C, Klein C, Nadolny S, Ostgathe C, Schildmann E, Ziegler K, Schildmann J. Terminological Confusion About Sedation in Palliative Care: Results of an International Online Vignette Survey. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:487-494. [PMID: 38330403 PMCID: PMC10998700 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0159] [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] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Terminological problems concerning sedation in palliative care and consequences for research and clinical decision making have been reported frequently. Objectives: To gather data on the application of definitions of sedation practices in palliative care to clinical cases and to analyze implications for high-quality definitions. Design: We conducted an online survey with a convenience sample of international experts involved in the development of guidelines on sedation in palliative care and members of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC). Participants were asked to apply four published definitions to four case vignettes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 32 experts and 271 EAPC members completed the survey. The definitions were applied correctly in n = 2200/4848 cases (45.4%). The mean number of correct applications of the definitions (4 points max.) was 2.2 ± 1.14 for the definition of the SedPall study group, 1.8 ± 1.03 for the EAPC definition, 1.7 ± 0.98 for the definition of the Norwegian Medical Association, and 1.6 ± 1.01 for the definition of the Japanese Society of Palliative Medicine. The rate of correct applications for the 16 vignette-definition pairs varied between 70/303 (23.1%) and 227/303 (74.9%). The content of definitions and vignettes together with free-text comments explains participants' decisions and misunderstandings. Conclusions: Definitions of sedation in palliative care are frequently incorrectly applied to clinical case scenarios under simplified conditions. This suggests that clinical communication and research might be negatively influenced by misunderstandings and inconsistent labeling or reporting of data. Clinical Trial Registration Number: DRKS00015047.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kremling
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University München, Comprehensive Cancer Centre Munich (CCCM), Germany
| | - Carsten Klein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCCER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephan Nadolny
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Institute for Educational and Health-Care Research in the Health Sector, Hochschule Bielefeld—University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Germany
| | - Christoph Ostgathe
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCCER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Schildmann
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University München, Comprehensive Cancer Centre Munich (CCCM), Germany
- Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Ziegler
- Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedural Law, Commercial Criminal Law and Medical Criminal Law, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Schildmann
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Beauverd M, Mazzoli M, Pralong J, Tomczyk M, Eychmüller S, Gaertner J. Palliative sedation - revised recommendations. Swiss Med Wkly 2024; 154:3590. [PMID: 38579308 DOI: 10.57187/s.3590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Palliative sedation is defined as the monitored use of medications intended to induce a state of decreased or absent awareness (unconsciousness) to relieve the burden of otherwise intractable suffering in a manner ethically acceptable to the patient, their family, and healthcare providers. In Switzerland, the prevalence of continuous deep sedation until death increased from 4.7% in 2001 to 17.5% of all deceased in 2013, depending on the research method used and on regional variations. Yet, these numbers may be overestimated due to a lack of understanding of the term "continuous deep sedation" by for example respondents of the questionnaire-based study. Inadequately trained and inexperienced healthcare professionals may incorrectly or inappropriately perform palliative sedation due to uncertainties regarding its definitions and practice. Therefore, the expert members of the Bigorio group and the authors of this manuscript believe that national recommendations should be published and made available to healthcare professionals to provide practical, terminological, and ethical guidance. The Bigorio group is the working group of the Swiss Palliative Care Society whose task is to publish clinical recommendations at a national level in Switzerland. These recommendations aim to provide guidance on the most critical questions and issues related to palliative sedation. The Swiss Society of Palliative Care (palliative.ch) mandated a writing board comprising four clinical experts (three physicians and one ethicist) and two national academic experts to revise the 2005 Bigorio guidelines. A first draft was created based on a narrative literature review, which was internally reviewed by five academic institutions (Lausanne, Geneva, Bern, Zürich, and Basel) and the heads of all working groups of the Swiss Society of Palliative Care before finalising the guidelines. The following themes are discussed regarding palliative sedation: (a) definitions and clinical aspects, (b) the decision-making process, (c) communication with patients and families, (d) patient monitoring, (e) pharmacological approaches, and (f) ethical and controversial issues. Palliative sedation must be practised with clinical and ethical accuracy and competence to avoid harm and ethically questionable use. Specialist palliative care teams should be consulted before initiating palliative sedation to avoid overlooking other potential treatment options for the patient's symptoms and suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Beauverd
- Service de soins palliatifs et de support, Département de médecine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Eychmüller
- Universitäres Zentrum für Palliative Care (UZP), Inselspital, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Gaertner
- Palliative Care Center Hildegard, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Switzerland
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Tomczyk M, Jaques C, Jox RJ. Palliative sedation: ethics in clinical practice guidelines - systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e651-e663. [PMID: 37567756 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004266] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of our study was to determine whether, and to what degree, the ethical dimension was present in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on palliative sedation, and to identify the ethical issues with respect to the different forms of this practice. The purpose was purely to be descriptive; our aim was not to make any kind of normative judgements on these ethical issues or to develop our own ethical recommendations. METHODS We performed a systematic review of CPGs on the palliative sedation of adults, focusing our analysis on the ethical dimension of these texts and the ethical issues of this practice. The study protocol is registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS In total, 36 current CPGs from four continents (and 14 countries) were included in our analysis. Generally, ethics was rarely referred to or absent from the CPGs. Only six texts contained a specific section explicitly related to ethics. Ethical issues were named, conceptualised and presented in heterogeneous, often confusing ways. It was impossible to identify the ethical issues of each form of palliative sedation. Ethics expertise was not involved in the development of most of the CPGs and, if it was, this did not always correlate with the ethical dimension of the document. CONCLUSIONS Effective cooperation between palliative care clinicians and ethicists should be encouraged, in order to integrate in particular the crucial ethical issues of continuous deep sedation until death when developing or updating CPGs on palliative sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Jaques
- Medical Library, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Palliative & Supportive Care Service, Chair in Geriatric Palliative Care, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Takamizawa S, Ishiki H, Takeda Y, Arakawa S, Kawasaki N, Maeda I, Yokomichi N, Yamaguchi T, Otani H, Morita T, Satomi E, Mori M. Prognostic Impact of Malignant Wounds in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Cohort Study. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241274216. [PMID: 39240755 PMCID: PMC11380123 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241274216] [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: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malignant wounds are lesions caused by metastasis from distant primary cancers or by direct invasion of the cutaneous structures of a primary cancer, and are most common in patients with breast or head and neck cancers. Malignant wounds not only cause physical symptoms, but also affect survival. Recognizing prognosis in terminal-stage cancer patients is necessary for both patients and health care providers. The prognostic impact of malignant wounds in patients with head and neck cancer has been poorly investigated. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of the results of a prospective cohort study that investigated the dying process in patients with advanced cancer in 23 palliative care units in Japan. The primary outcome of this study was the prognostic impact of malignant wounds in patients with head and neck cancer. The difference in survival between patients with head and neck cancer who had malignant wounds and those who did not was compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS Of 1896 patients admitted to palliative care units, 68 had head and neck cancer, and 29 of these had malignant wounds. Overall survival was significantly shorter in patients with malignant wounds than that in those without (median: 19.0 days vs 32.0 days, P = 0.046). CONCLUSION Patients with head and neck cancer who had malignant wounds had worse overall survival than those who did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigemasa Takamizawa
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Ishiki
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuma Takeda
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Arakawa
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naruaki Kawasaki
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Care, Senri-Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | - Hiroyuki Otani
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, St. Mary's Hospital, Kurume, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Research Association for Community Health, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Eriko Satomi
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Klein C, Voss R, Ostgathe C, Ansgar Schildmann J. Sedation in Palliative Care—a Clinically Oriented Overview of Guidelines and Treatment Recommendations. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 120:235-242. [PMID: 36851822 PMCID: PMC10282508 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The appropriate provision of sedation as a last resort for the relief of suffering in palliative care is dealt with variably in actual practice. This article is intended as an overview of practically relevant information found in treatment recommendations and guidelines. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, and a manual search was carried out online. Recommendations that were not available in either German or English, or that were specific to pediatric practice, were excluded. Publication quality was assessed with the AGREE II instrument (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II). The recommendations in the documents were qualitatively evaluated. RESULTS 29 publications (11 journal articles, 18 other) of varying quality according to AGREE II were included. All recommendations and guidelines were essentially based on expert consensus. The common indications for sedation are otherwise intractable delirium, dyspnea, and pain, in patients with a life expectancy of no more than two weeks. Existential distress is a controversial indication. The drug of first choice is midazolam. As the sedating effect of opioids is hard to predict, they should not be used as sedatives. The risks of sedation include respiratory and circulatory depression, as well as the loss of communicative ability, control, and autonomy. It is generally recommended that the patient's symptom burden and depth of sedation should be monitored; clinical and technically supported monitoring are recommended in some publications as well, depending on the situation. CONCLUSION There is a broad consensus in favor of sedation to relieve suffering in the last days and hours of life. Recommendations vary for patients with a longer life expectancy and for those with existential distress, and with respect to monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Klein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg
| | - Rafaela Voss
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
| | - Christoph Ostgathe
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg
| | - Jan Ansgar Schildmann
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
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Hwang IC. Current Status and Future Directions of Research on Palliative Sedation. JOURNAL OF HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2022; 25:193-197. [PMID: 37674671 PMCID: PMC10179994 DOI: 10.14475/jhpc.2022.25.4.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Patients with terminal cancer experience very severe symptoms during the end of life, and palliative sedation (PS) may be considered if those symptoms are refractory to any other treatment. This brief report presents ethical considerations, practices, and recent concerns on PS. PS is quite different from euthanasia. There is a lack of consensus and standards on protocols, but its notable effects have been reported in hospice care settings. Most studies to date have reported no difference in survival between patients receiving PS and those not, and PS must be conducted proportionally with the lightest level of sedation. The most common indication for PS is delirium, and midazolam is the main sedative used. It is recommended that information regarding PS should be provided to patients and their caregivers repeatedly as early as possible. Existential suffering alone is not an indication for PS, and there is a lack of evidence on bispectral analysis. Additional research on PS is needed in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Cheol Hwang
- Department of Family Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
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Tomczyk M, Jaques C, Jox RJ. Clinical Practice Guidelines on Palliative Sedation Around the World: A Systematic Review. J Palliat Care 2022:8258597221138674. [PMID: 36437779 DOI: 10.1177/08258597221138674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The principal aim of this study was to identify, systematically and transparently, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on palliative sedation from around the world. Methods: A systematic search was performed using 5 databases, grey literature search tools, citation tracking, and contact with palliative care experts across the world. Current CPGs accredited by an international, national, or regional authority, published in English, German, French, or Italian, were subjected to content analysis. Results: In total, 35 CPGs from 14 countries and 1 international CPG were included in the analysis. The CPGs had diverse formal characteristics. Their thematic scope was difficult to analyze and compare because of differences in the terms and definitions of palliative sedation in those texts. We identified 3 main situations: (1) CPGs with a fully explicit thematic scope; (2) CPGs with a partially explicit thematic scope; and (3) CPGs without an explicit thematic scope. Several CPGs explicitly stated what forms of sedation were excluded from the text. However, this presentation was often confusing. Conclusion: Our review provides several pieces of information that could guide international reflections in this field, and be used to develop or update CPGs at all levels. Efforts should be made to clarify the thematic scope of each CPG on palliative sedation, in order to generate an understanding of the forms of this therapy addressed in the text.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, 30635Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Jaques
- Medical Library, 30635Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, 30635Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Palliative & Supportive Care Service, 30635Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Kwon S, Kim M, Choi S. Ethical dilemmas and care actions in nurses providing palliative sedation. Nurs Ethics 2022; 29:1220-1230. [PMID: 35728273 DOI: 10.1177/09697330221105639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, palliative care is increasingly important, with an emphasis on the process of dying with dignity. However, nurses who care for such patients experience the associated ethical dilemmas. OBJECTIVE To explore the meaning of nurses' experiences in dealing with ethical dilemmas in relation to palliative sedation. RESEARCH DESIGN A qualitative research design was employed with a thematic analysis approach. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT Using purposive sampling, 15 nurses, working at palliative care units for at least 1 year, were recruited as participants. Data were collected using unstructured in-depth interviews, and data collection and analysis was performed simultaneously. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Ethical approval was obtained from the authors' institutional review board. All participants provided informed consent. For the face-to-face interview, the South Korean standard COVID-19 quarantine guidelines, such as mandatory masking and social distancing, were followed. RESULTS Dilemmas raised by patients, were related to concerns about appropriate drug dose; dilemmas raised by nurses, were related to passive care, sense of guilt for failure to predict death, and colleague's disrespectful attitudes toward patients; dilemmas from patients' families were related to demands for palliative sedation and reversal of those demands. Care actions to deal with ethical dilemmas comprised evidence-based care, person-centered thinking, reflecting on the death situation, compassion, providing explanation and help to family members. CONCLUSION Nurses' ethical dilemmas were pre-dominantly influenced by themselves, rather than by the patients or their families, especially if they felt they could not do their best for patients. The core concept of care actions to deal with the ethical dilemmas, was person-centered care and compassion. Then, how patients and their family members perceive person-centered care and compassion, should be further explored to improve palliative sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinyoung Kwon
- Department of Nursing, 250458Gangdong University, Eumseong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea
| | | | - Sujin Choi
- 35031Woosuk University, Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, Korea
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Twycross RG. Response to Morita et al., Re: Defining " Continuous Deep Sedation" Using Treatment Protocol (DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2021.0058). Palliat Med Rep 2022; 3:105-106. [PMID: 35919384 PMCID: PMC9279122 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2022.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Twycross
- Emeritus Clinical Reader in Palliative Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Morita T, Kawahara T, Stone P, Sykes N, Miccinesi G, Klein C, Stiel S, Hui D, Deliens L, Heijltjes MT, Mori M, Heckel M, Robijn L, Krishna L, Rietjens J. Intercountry and intracountry variations in opinions of palliative care specialist physicians in Germany, Italy, Japan and UK about continuous use of sedatives: an international cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060489. [PMID: 35459681 PMCID: PMC9036469 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore intercountry and intracountry differences in physician opinions about continuous use of sedatives (CUS), and factors associated with their approval of CUS. SETTINGS Secondary analysis of a questionnaire study. PARTICIPANTS Palliative care physicians in Germany (N=273), Italy (N=198), Japan (N=334) and the UK (N=111). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Physician approval for CUS in four situations, intention and treatment goal, how to use sedatives and beliefs about CUS. RESULTS There were no significant intercountry or intracountry differences in the degree of agreement with statements that (1) CUS is not necessary as suffering can always be relieved with other measures (mostly disagree); (2) intention of CUS is to alleviate suffering and (3) shortening the dying process is not intended. However, there were significant intercountry differences in agreement with statements that (1) CUS is acceptable for patients with longer survival or psychoexistential suffering; (2) decrease in consciousness is intended and (3) choice of neuroleptics or opioids. Acceptability of CUS for patients with longer survival or psychoexistential suffering and whether decrease in consciousness is intended also showed wide intracountry differences. Also, the proportion of physicians who agreed versus disagreed with the statement that CUS may not alleviate suffering adequately even in unresponsive patients, was approximately equal. Regression analyses revealed that both physician-related and country-related factors were independently associated with physicians' approval of CUS. CONCLUSION Variations in use of sedatives is due to both physician- and country-related factors, but palliative care physicians consistently agree on the value of sedatives to aid symptom control. Future research should focus on (1) whether sedatives should be used in patients with longer survival or with primarily psychoexistential suffering, (2) understanding physicians' intentions and treatment goals, (3) efficacy of different drugs and (4) understanding the actual experiences of patients receiving CUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takuya Kawahara
- Clinical Research Promotion Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Patrick Stone
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nigel Sykes
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Guido Miccinesi
- Department of Oncological Network, Prevention and Research Institute-ISPRO, Firenze, Italy
| | - Carsten Klein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen - EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Madelon T Heijltjes
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Masanori Mori
- Palliative and Supportive care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Maria Heckel
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen - EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lenzo Robijn
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lalit Krishna
- The Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Center Singapore, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore
| | - Judith Rietjens
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Imai K, Morita T, Yokomichi N, Mori M, Naito AS, Yamauchi T, Tsukuura H, Uneno Y, Tsuneto S, Inoue S. Association of the RASS Score with Intensity of Symptoms, Discomfort, and Communication Capacity in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Sedation: Is RASS an Appropriate Outcome Measure? Palliat Med Rep 2022; 3:47-54. [PMID: 35558868 PMCID: PMC9080998 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2021.0087] [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] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Palliative sedation is sometimes needed for refractory symptoms, and the Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale (RASS) is one of the key measures. The primary aim of this study was to explore the association between RASS and degree of distress quantified by other measures: Item “symptom control” of Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS, item 2), Discomfort Scale for Dementia of Alzheimer Type (Discomfort Scale), and Noncommunicative Patient's Pain Assessment Instrument (NOPPAIN), as well as a communication capacity measured by the Communication Capacity Scale (CCS), item 4. Methods: This was a prospective observational study on terminally ill cancer patients with palliative sedation in a palliative care unit of a designated cancer hospital. Primarily responsible palliative care physicians rated RASS, Discomfort Scale, NOPPAIN, and CCS just before sedation and 1, 4, 24, and 48 hours after, and ward nurses rated STAS at the same time. Since the ward nurses evaluated STAS during palliative sedation, we regarded STAS as a standard of distress measure. Results: A total of 249 assessments were performed for 55 patients. RASS was moderately to highly associated with symptom intensity measured by STAS, discomfort measured by the Discomfort Scale, and pain measured by NOPPAIN (r = 0.63 to 0.73). But communication capacity measured by CCS is not parallel with RASS and demonstrated a valley shape. In 82 assessments with an RASS score of −1 to −3, 11 patients (13%) had physical symptoms of STAS of 2 or more. Conclusions: RASS can roughly estimate physical distress in patients with palliative sedation, but a measure to more precisely quantify the symptom experience is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Akemi Shirado Naito
- Department of Palliative Care, Miyazaki Medical Association Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan
| | | | | | - Yu Uneno
- Department of Therapeutic Oncology and Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Morita T, Imai K, Mori M, Yokomichi N, Tsuneto S. Defining “Continuous Deep Sedation” Using Treatment Protocol: A Proposal Article. Palliat Med Rep 2022; 3:8-15. [PMID: 36262550 PMCID: PMC8900204 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2021.0058] [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] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Continuous deep sedation (CDS) is regarded as a far-reaching form of sedative use for symptom control, but there are no established uniform definitions. Objectives: To propose types of sedative use related to CDS using treatment protocols with three parameters: documented treatment goals, rapidity of dose titration, and planned duration of treatment. Methods: Opinion article. Results: We propose four types of sedative use potentially related to CDS: (1) proportional sedation (treatment goal is symptom relief with regular monitoring to maximize patient communication, not a decrease in consciousness; with gradual use of sedatives; there is a chance to cease sedatives), (2) rapid proportional sedation (treatment goal is symptom relief with a rapid loading phase, followed by regular monitoring to maximize patient communication; there is a chance to cease sedatives), (3) deep sedation with a chance of cessation (deep sedation intended initially, followed by regular assessments of appropriateness of treatment goal; there is a chance to cease sedatives), and (4) continuous deep sedation until death (deep sedation indicated from initiation and maintained until death). Conclusion: This article proposes an idea that the use of treatment protocols that visualize treatment goals, rapidity of dose titration, and planned duration of treatment may help understand the existing variations in sedative use over the world. The use of treatment protocols in the same way when defining a medical treatment in other specialty fields might clear up the current confusion about the use of sedatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Morita
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Kremling A, Bausewein C, Klein C, Schildmann E, Ostgathe C, Ziegler K, Schildmann J. Intentional Sedation as a Means to Ease Suffering: A Systematically Constructed Terminology for Sedation in Palliative Care. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:793-796. [PMID: 35073180 PMCID: PMC9081045 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kremling
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Department of Palliative Medicine Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität, Comprehensive Cancer Centre Munich (CCCM), LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Klein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCCER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Schildmann
- Department of Palliative Medicine Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität, Comprehensive Cancer Centre Munich (CCCM), LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Ostgathe
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCCER-EMN), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Ziegler
- Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedural Law, Commercial Criminal Law and Medical Criminal Law, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Schildmann
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Family experience of palliative sedation therapy: proportional vs. continuous deep sedation. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:3903-3915. [PMID: 35039967 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Some patients experience intense symptoms refractory to intensive palliative care, and palliative sedation is sometimes used. Palliative sedation may be classified into proportional and continuous deep sedation (CDS). The primary aim of this study was to compare family experience between families of patients who received proportional or CDS. METHODS A multicenter questionnaire survey was conducted involving bereaved families of cancer patients who received proportional or CDS based on a sedation protocol. Overall evaluation of sedation (satisfaction, family-perceived distress, appropriateness of timing, and patient distress) and 13-item family concerns, good death, satisfaction with care, depression, quality of care, unfinished business, and balance between symptom relief and maintaining communication were measured. RESULTS Among the 2120 patients who died, 222 patients received a continuous infusion of midazolam. A sedation protocol was used in 147 patients, and questionnaires were sent to 124 families. A total of 78 responses were finally returned (proportional, 58 vs. CDS, 20). There were no significant differences in the overall evaluation, family concerns, total score of good death, satisfaction, depression, or balance between symptom relief and maintaining communication. On the other hand, some quality of care items, i.e., relationship with medical staff (P < 0.01), physical care by nurses (P = 0.04), and coordination and consistency (P = 0.04), were significantly better in the CDS group than in the proportional sedation group. Family-reported unfinished business was also better in the CDS group, with marginal significance. CONCLUSIONS Family experience of CDS was not less favorable than proportional sedation, and actually rated more favorably for some elements of quality of care and unfinished business.
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Imai K, Morita T, Yokomichi N, Kawaguchi T, Kohara H, Yamaguchi T, Kikuchi A, Odagiri T, Watanabe YS, Kamura R, Maeda I, Kawashima N, Ito S, Baba M, Matsuda Y, Oya K, Kaneishi K, Hiratsuka Y, Naito AS, Mori M. Efficacy of Proportional Sedation and Deep Sedation Defined by Sedation Protocols: A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Comparative Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:1165-1174. [PMID: 34118372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the efficacy of two types of palliative sedation: proportional and deep sedation, defined by sedation protocols. METHODS From a multicenter prospective observational study, we analyzed the data of those patients who received the continuous infusion of midazolam according to the sedation protocol. The primary endpoint was goal achievement at 4 hours: in proportional sedation, symptom relief (Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale: IPOS ≤ 1) and absence of agitation (modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale: RASS ≤ 0); in deep sedation, the achievement of deep sedation (RASS ≤ -4). Secondary endpoints included deep sedation as a result of proportional sedation, communication capacity (Communication Capacity Scale item 4 ≤ 2), IPOS and RASS scores, and adverse events. RESULTS A total of 81 patients from 14 palliative care units were analyzed: proportional sedation (n = 64) and deep sedation (n = 17). At 4 hours, the goal was achieved in 77% (n = 49; 95% confidence interval: 66-87) with proportional sedation; and 88% (n = 15; 71-100) with deep sedation. Deep sedation was necessary in 45% of those who received proportional sedation. Communication capacity was maintained in 34% with proportional sedation and 10% with deep sedation. IPOS decreased from 3.5 to 0.9 with proportional sedation, and 3.5 to 0.4 with deep sedation; RASS decreased from +0.3 to -2.6, and +0.4 to -4.2, respectively. Fatal events related to the treatment occurred in 2% (n = 1) with proportional and none with deep sedation. CONCLUSION Proportional sedation achieved satisfactory symptom relief while maintaining some patients' consciousness, and deep sedation achieved good symptom relief while the majority of patients lost consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital (K.I.), Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., N.Y., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., N.Y., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Kawaguchi
- Department of Practical Pharmacy (T.K.), Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kohara
- Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Division of Palliative Care (T.Y.), Konan Medical Center, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ayako Kikuchi
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine (A.K.), Mitsubishi Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuya Odagiri
- Komaki City Hospital (T.O.), Palliative Care, Komaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Sumazaki Watanabe
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.S.W.), National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Rena Kamura
- Hospice (R.K.), Yodogawa Christian Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri-Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Natsuki Kawashima
- Department of Palliative Medicine (N.K.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Satoko Ito
- Hospice (S.I.), The Japan Baptist Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mika Baba
- Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan
| | - Yosuke Matsuda
- Palliative Care Department (Y.M.), St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Oya
- Transitional and Palliative Care (K.O.), Aso Iizuka Hospital, Iizuka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kaneishi
- Department of Palliative Care Unit (K.K.), JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Hiratsuka
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akemi Shirado Naito
- Department of Palliative Care (A.S.N.), Miyazaki Medical Association Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., N.Y., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Naito AS, Morita T, Imai K, Ikenaga M, Hamano J, Abo H, Kizawa Y, Tsuneto S. Development of a Scoring System to Determine Proportional Appropriateness of Continuous Deep Sedation: A Concept-of-Proof Study. J Palliat Med 2021; 24:1539-1544. [PMID: 34297628 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Some patients require continuous deep sedation (CDS) for refractory symptoms despite intensive palliative care. The principle of proportionality is proposed on the basis of clinical decisions, but no validated tools to assist such decision making are available. Aim: To develop a scoring system to determine whether CDS is proportionally appropriate. Subjects and Methods: A secondary analysis of a nationwide questionnaire survey of Japanese palliative care specialists was performed. Physicians were asked to rate the degree that they believed CDS to be appropriate in a total of 27 scenarios based on a combination of 3 factors with 3 levels: (1) the estimated survival (days, weeks, and months), (2) the patient's wish (clear and consistent, somewhat unclear and/or inconsistent, and unclear or inconsistent), and (3) confidence in refractoriness of the symptom (definite, probable, and unsure). Based on logistic regression analyses, a scoring system with two formulas (the proportionality score to determine that continuous deep sedation is appropriate [ProScoreCDS-appropriate] and proportionality score to determine that continuous deep sedation is inappropriate [ProScoreCDS-inappropriate]) to predict specialists' decision that CDS is appropriate or inappropriate was developed. The accuracy of the formulas was investigated. Results: Among 695 palliative care specialists, 469 returned the questionnaire (response rate, 69%) and 440 were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses identified that all three factors were significantly associated with physicians' decisions about the appropriateness of performing CDS. Using weighted value, the total score ranged from 3 to 67 for ProScoreCDS-appropriate, and 3 to 27 for ProScoreCDS-inappropriate. The area under the curve (AUC) values of ProScoreCDS-appropriate and ProScoreCDS-inappropriate were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.89) and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.81-0.82), respectively. Using cutoff points of 41 and 14, sensitivity and specificity were 68.6% and 88.9% for ProScoreCDS-appropriate and 67.7% and 76.0% for ProScoreCDS-inappropriate, respectively. Conclusion: A scoring system to determine whether CDS is proportionally appropriate can be constructed, and a further study to develop a clinical tool is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akemi Shirado Naito
- Department of Palliative Care, Miyazaki Medical Association Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative Care Team, Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ikenaga
- Hospice Children's Hospice Hospital, Yodogawa Christian Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Hamano
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Abo
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Rokko Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kizawa
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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