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Gonella S, Dimonte V, Arnone Y, Albanesi B, Berchialla P, Di Giulio P, van der Steen JT. Interventions to Promote End-of-Life Conversations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:e365-e398. [PMID: 37164151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although several interventions aimed to promote end-of-life conversations are available, it is unclear whether and how these affect delivery of end-of-life conversations. Measuring the processes associated with high-quality end-of-life care may trigger improvement. OBJECTIVES To estimate the effect of interventions aimed to promote end-of-life conversations in clinical encounters with patients with advanced chronic or terminal illness or their family, on process indicators of end-of-life conversations. METHODS Systematic review with meta-analysis (PROSPERO no. CRD42021289471). Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus) were searched up to September 30, 2021. The primary outcomes were any process indicators of end-of-life conversations. Results of pairwise meta-analyses were presented as Risk Ratio (RR) for occurrence, standardized mean difference (SMD) for quality and ratio of means (ROM) for duration. Meta-analysis was not performed when fewer than four studies were available. RESULTS A total of 4,663 articles were scanned. Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review and 16 entered at least one meta-analysis: documented occurrence (n = 8), patient-reported occurrence (n = 4), patient-reported-quality (n = 4), duration (n = 4). There was significant variability in settings, patients' clinical conditions, and professionals. No significant effect of interventions on documented occurrence (RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.84-2.84; I2 91%), patient-reported occurrence (RR 1.52, 95% CI 0.80-2.91; I2 95%), patient-reported quality (SMD 0.83, 95% CI -1.06 to 2.71; I2 99%), or duration (ROM 1.20, 95% CI 0.95-1.51; I2 65%) of end-of-life conversations was found. Data on frequency were conflicting. Interventions targeting multiple stakeholders promoted earlier and more comprehensive conversations. CONCLUSION Heterogeneity was considerable, but findings suggest no significant effect of interventions on occurrence, patient-reported quality and duration of end-of-life conversations. Nevertheless, we found indications for interventions targeting multiple stakeholders to promote earlier and more comprehensive conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino (S.G.), Torino, Italy.
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics (B.A., P.DG., V.D., Y.A.), University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Ylenia Arnone
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics (B.A., P.DG., V.D., Y.A.), University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Beatrice Albanesi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics (B.A., P.DG., V.D., Y.A.), University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Berchialla
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences (P.B.), University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics (B.A., P.DG., V.D., Y.A.), University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - J T van der Steen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care (J.T.S.), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Primary and Community Care (J.T.S.), Radboud University Medical Center, Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen. The Netherlands
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Gonella S, Conti A, Albanesi B, Antal A, Dimonte V, Di Giulio P. Lived experiences of end-of-life communication among nursing home staff: An interpretive phenomenological study. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:698-710. [PMID: 36447384 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15489] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore and understand lived experiences of end-of-life communication among nursing home staff. DESIGN Interpretive phenomenological study. METHODS In-person, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted from May to August 2021 with 21 nursing home staff members involved in end-of-life communication (four managers, four chief nurses, three chief medical officers, three nurses, three psychologists, two occupational therapists, one chief nurse aide and one nurse aide). Data were analysed by van Manen's hermeneutic approach, which uses the lifeworld existentials of spatiality, corporeality, temporality and relationality to guide reflection on the human experience. Data were reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. RESULTS Thirteen categories were identified and framed within the four existentials. Regarding spatiality, end-of-life communication took place in a physical, mental, socio-cultural and professional competence space. With regard to corporeality, interviewees reported difficulties in managing their own feelings and those of family caregivers. For temporality, interviewees reported delays in end-of-life communication due to staffing issues and an increase in urgent and temporary relief admissions to nursing homes. To compensate, they tried to assure that all interactions that did take place were of high quality. Finally, with regard to relationality, interviewees lived end-of-life communication through their relationships with family caregivers and colleagues. The supportive role of colleagues was expressed as teamwork, which helped promote reflexivity about how to tailor communication, manage challenging emotions and situations, set aside time for communication, and prepare family caregivers for death. CONCLUSION End-of-life communication was an all-encompassing experience for nursing home staff. The supportive role of colleagues was stressed across all existentials, suggesting that teamwork is essential in delivering effective communication at the end-of-life. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION There was no patient or public contribution to this study, which addresses the experiences of nursing home staff only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessio Conti
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Beatrice Albanesi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alexandra Antal
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Gonella S, Campagna S, Dimonte V. A Situation-Specific Theory of End-of-Life Communication in Nursing Homes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:869. [PMID: 36613191 PMCID: PMC9820248 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
High-quality end-of-life communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs), patients and/or their family caregivers (FCs) improves quality of life and reduces non-beneficial care at the end of life. Nursing homes (NHs) are among the contexts at the forefront of these conversations. Having a solid theoretical basis for the role of end-of-life communication in NHs in transitioning to palliative-oriented care can offer indications for research, practice, education, and policy related to geropalliative care. This study aimed to develop a situation-specific theory of end-of-life communication in NHs by refining an existing theory. A four-step integrative approach was employed that included: (1) checking the assumptions for theorization; (2) exploring the phenomenon through multiple sources; (3) theorizing; and (4) reporting. All elements of the existing end-of-life communication theory in NHs were confirmed: end-of-life communication improved the understanding of FCs about their relatives' health conditions, shared decision-making, and reflections on the desired preferences of residents/FCs for care at the end of life. Furthermore, the family environment affected the burden of FCs in the decision-making process. Finally, time and resource constraints, regulations, visitation restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and social and cultural values influenced the quality and timing of communication. The study findings confirmed the impact of the political, historical, social, and cultural context on end-of-life communication, thus providing the basis for a situation-specific theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Campagna
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Tark A, Estrada LV, Stone PW, Baernholdt M, Buck HG. Systematic review of conceptual and theoretical frameworks used in palliative care and end-of-life care research studies. Palliat Med 2023; 37:10-25. [PMID: 36081200 PMCID: PMC10790406 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221122268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frameworks are the conceptual underpinnings of the study. Both conceptual and theoretical frameworks are often used in palliative and end-of-life care studies to help with study design, guide, and conduct investigations. While an increasing number of investigators have included frameworks in their study, to date, there has not been a comprehensive review of frameworks that were utilized in palliative and end-of-life care research studies. AIM To summarize conceptual and theoretical frameworks used in palliative and end-of-life care research studies. And to synthesize which of eight domains from the National Consensus Project's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care (fourth edition) each framework belongs to. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Four electronic databases (EMBASE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, PsychINFO, and PubMed) were searched from July 2010 to September 2021. RESULTS A total 2231 citations were retrieved, of which 44 articles met eligibility. Across primary studies, 33,801 study participants were captured. Twenty-six investigators (59.1%) proposed previously unpublished frameworks. In 10 studies, investigators modified existing frameworks, mainly to overcome inherent limitations. In eight studies, investigators utilized existing frameworks referenced in previously published studies. There were eight orientations identified among 44 frameworks we reviewed (e.g. system, patient, patient-doctor). CONCLUSIONS We examined palliative and end-of-life research studies to identify and characterize conceptual or theoretical frameworks proposed or utilized. Of 44 frameworks we reviewed, 21 studies (47.7%) were aligned with a Clinical Practice Guideline's single domain, while the rest two or more of eight guidelines in quality palliative care domains.
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Gonella S, Di Giulio P, Berchialla P, Bo M, Cotogni P, Macchi G, Campagna S, Dimonte V. The Impact of Health and Social Care Professionals' Education on the Quality of Serious Illness Conversations in Nursing Homes: Study Protocol of a Quality Improvement Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:725. [PMID: 36613049 PMCID: PMC9819581 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Health and social care professionals (HCPs) who work in nursing homes (NHs) are increasingly required to sustain serious illness conversations about care goals and preferences. Although these conversations may also be challenging for experienced HCPs and the literature recognizes high-quality communication as key to providing patient-centered care, so far, no specific educational program has been developed for the NH setting to improve HCPs' communication skills. Our study aims to test the feasibility and potential effectiveness of an innovative, blended communication skills training program (Teach-to-Communicate) targeting the HCPs who work in NHs. This program includes classroom-based theory, experiential learning, and e-learning, and relies on interdisciplinary contexts and several didactic methods. The study consists of two phases: phase I is the development of written resources that employ focus group discussion involving field experts and external feedback from key stakeholders. Phase II consists of a multicenter, pilot, pre-post study with nested qualitative study. The Teach-to-Communicate training program is expected to enhance the quality of communication in NH and HCPs' confidence in sustaining serious illness conversations, reduce family carers' psycho-emotional burden and improve their satisfaction with the care received, and increase advance care planning documentation. Our protocol will provide insight for future researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers and pave the way for blended educational approaches in the field of communication skills training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Berchialla
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Mario Bo
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Cotogni
- Pain Management and Palliative Care, Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, University of Torino, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Macchi
- Pain Management and Palliative Care, Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, University of Torino, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Campagna
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Schüttengruber G, Halfens RJ, Lohrmann C. 'End of life': a concept analysis. Int J Palliat Nurs 2022; 28:314-321. [PMID: 35861440 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2022.28.7.314] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concept of end of life (EOL), as in the term end-of-life care, is used synonymously in both palliative and terminal care. Practitioners and researchers both require a clearer specification of the end-of-life concept to be able to provide appropriate care in this phase of life and to conduct robust research on a well-described theoretical basis. AIMS The aim of this study was to critically analyse the end-of-life concept and its associated terminology. METHOD A concept analysis was performed by applying Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method. FINDINGS Time remaining, clinical status/physical symptoms, psychosocial symptoms and dignity were identified as the main attributes of the concept. Transition into the end-of-life phase and its recognition were identified as antecedents. This study demonstrates that end-of-life care emerged following the application of the 'end-of-life concept' to clinical practice. CONCLUSION The early recognition of the end-of-life phase seems to be crucial to ensuring an individual has well-managed symptoms and a dignified death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruud J Halfens
- Associate Professor, Health Service Research, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Christa Lohrmann
- Professor, Institute of Nursing Science, Medical University of Graz, Austria
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Visser M, Smaling HJA, Parker D, van der Steen JT. How Do We Talk With People Living With Dementia About Future Care: A Scoping Review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:849100. [PMID: 35496203 PMCID: PMC9039178 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.849100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A diagnosis of dementia often comes with difficulties in understanding a conversational context and expressing how one feels. So far, research on how to facilitate advance care planning (ACP) for people with dementia focused on defining relevant themes and topics for conversations, or on how to formalize decisions made by surrogate decision makers, e.g., family members. The aim of this review is to provide a better scope of the existing research on practical communication aspects related to dementia in ACP conversations. In November 2020, seven databases were searched to select papers for inclusion (Proquest, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Psycinfo, Amed, and Cinahl). This search was updated in December 2021. The search strategy consisted of three tiers (related terms to "dementia," "communication" and "ACP"), intersected by using the Boolean term "AND," and resulted in 787 studies. Two researchers followed explicit criteria for two sequential levels of screening, based on titles and abstracts and full papers. A total of 22 studies were included for data analysis. Seven topics (i.e., importance of having ACP conversations, knowledge gap, inclusion of people with dementia in ACP conversations, policy vs. practice, adapting to cognitive changes, adapting to psychosocial changes, and adapting to emotional changes) emerged clustered around two themes (i.e., communicating with people with dementia in ACP, and changes in communication due to dementia). This scoping review provides practical suggestions for healthcare professionals to improve ACP communication and uncovered gaps in research on communication aspects related to dementia in ACP conversations, such as non-verbal behavior, timing and implementation, and personal preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Visser
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke J A Smaling
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,University Network for the Care Sector Zuid-Holland, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Deborah Parker
- Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny T van der Steen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Which has more influence on a family's assessment of the quality of dying of their long-term care resident with dementia: Frequency of symptoms or quality of communication with healthcare team? Palliat Support Care 2022; 21:438-444. [PMID: 35346414 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522000323] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Symptoms present at the end of life and the quality of communication with the healthcare team have both been shown to impact family assessments of the quality of dying of their loved one with dementia. However, the relative contributions of these two factors to family assessments have not yet been investigated. To address this knowledge gap, we explored which of these two factors has more influence on family assessments of the quality of dying of long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia. METHOD This is a secondary analysis of a mortality follow-back study. Ninety-four family members of LTC residents who had died with dementia assessed the quality of dying (very good or not very good), the frequency of symptoms, and the quality of communication with the healthcare team using a self-administered questionnaire mailed 1 month after the resident's death. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relative contributions of the two independent variables of primary interest (frequency of symptoms and quality of communication) to the families' assessments of the quality of dying. RESULTS Multivariate analyses revealed that the quality of communication with the healthcare team was closely linked to the quality of dying (p = 0.009, OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.09-1.65), whereas the frequency of symptoms was not (p = 0.142, OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.98-1.11) after controlling for potential confounders. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Our findings show that healthcare providers' ability to engage in the end-of-life conversations with families outweighs the frequency of symptoms in family assessments of the quality of dying of their relative with dementia. Enhancing healthcare providers' ability to communicate with families about the end-of-life care could improve families' perceptions of the quality of dying of their relative with dementia and, consequently, ease their grieving process.
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Ding J, Johnson CE, Auret K, Ritson D, Masarei C, Chua D, Licqurish S, Mitchell G, Cook A. Comparison of end-of-life care for people living in home settings versus residential aged care facilities: A nationwide study among Australian general practitioners. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:91-101. [PMID: 33825245 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We have little knowledge of differences in end-of-life care between home settings and residential aged care facilities (RACFs) where people spend most of their last year of life. This study aimed to compare end-of-life care between home settings and RACFs from the perspective of Australian general practitioners (GPs). A descriptive study was conducted with 62 GPs from Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria. Participants were asked to provide reports on end-of-life care of decedents in their practice using a validated clinic-based data collection process developed by our team between September 2018 and August 2019. Of the 213 reported expected deaths, 66.2% mainly lived at home in the last year of life. People living at home were more likely to die at a younger age (median 77 vs. 88, p < 0.001), to be male (51.1% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.01) and to die of cancer (53.9% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001) compared to those in RACFs. There were no significant differences between the two patient groups for seven out of the eight assessed symptoms, except nausea. GPs' perceived roles in caring for patients and levels of their involvement in provision of common palliative care services were comparable between the two groups. The usual accommodation setting was most frequently considered the preferred place of death in both groups. However, more home residents ended up dying in hospital compared to RACF residents. There were significantly higher frequencies of end-of-life discussions (ORs ranged 5.46-9.82 for all topic comparisons) with GPs associated with people living at home versus RACFs. One opportunity for improved care is through promoting greater involvement of GPs in end-of-life discussions with RACF residents and staff. In general, more Australians could potentially remain at home until death if provided with greater access to essential specialist palliative care services and supportive services in home settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Ding
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Claire E Johnson
- Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Supportive and Palliative Care, Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kirsten Auret
- Rural Clinical School of Western Australia, The University of Western Australia, Albany, WA, Australia
| | - Dianne Ritson
- The Val Lishman Health Foundation, Bunbury, WA, Australia
| | | | - David Chua
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sharon Licqurish
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Mitchell
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Angus Cook
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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10
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Almansour I, Abdel Razeq NM. Communicating prognostic information and hope to families of dying patients in intensive care units: A descriptive qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2021; 30:861-873. [PMID: 33377560 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15630] [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: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To understand how prognostic information is communicated by Jordanian doctors and nurses to the families of dying patients in intensive care units, with an emphasis on exploring how hope and truth telling about patients' poor prognosis are managed. BACKGROUND Improving end-of-life care requires a focus on adequate family-professionals prognostic communication, while maintaining a realistic level of hope and family support. DESIGN A descriptive qualitative approach was applied. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 nurses and 15 resident doctors caring for dying patients. Bardin's procedure of categorical content analysis was applied. The COREQ checklist for reporting qualitative studies was followed. RESULTS Two main categories emerged from the data of this study: 'perspectives on optimistic hope' and 'approaches to prognostic communication'. Health professionals experience extreme difficulty, and therefore, frequently avoid openly disclosing information about patients' poor prognosis to the families. Consequently, the health professionals adopted various methods to balance truth telling against sustaining hope among the patients' families. Providing false assurance was perceived as permissible and understandable, in order to nurture the families' hope. CONCLUSIONS Improving end-of-life care in intensive care units in Jordan requires a focus on family-professional communication. Jordanian intensive care doctors and nurses perceived honest family-professional communication regarding dying patients to be extremely challenging. Healthcare professionals should develop their competency of meeting the informational and emotional needs of patients in ICUs and their families, while also honouring their cultural values, during prognostic communication. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Effective training of healthcare professionals is vital on ways to enhance communication of prognostic information and to foster realistic hope among families of dying patients in intensive care units. There is a need to also explore the families' perspectives on prognostic communication in order to understand the similarities and differences between the professionals' and families' perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issa Almansour
- Clinical Nursing Department, The University of Jordan - School of Nursing, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nadin M Abdel Razeq
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing Department, The University of Jordan - School of Nursing, Amman, Jordan
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11
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Bicknell R, Lim WK, Maier AB, LoGiuidice D. A study protocol for the development of a multivariable model predicting 6- and 12-month mortality for people with dementia living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Australia. Diagn Progn Res 2020; 4:17. [PMID: 33033746 PMCID: PMC7538167 DOI: 10.1186/s41512-020-00085-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For residential aged care facility (RACF) residents with dementia, lack of prognostic guidance presents a significant challenge for end of life care planning. In an attempt to address this issue, models have been developed to assess mortality risk for people with advanced dementia, predominantly using long-term care minimum data set (MDS) information from the USA. A limitation of these models is that the information contained within the MDS used for model development was not collected for the purpose of identifying prognostic factors. The models developed using MDS data have had relatively modest ability to discriminate mortality risk and are difficult to apply outside the MDS setting. This study will aim to develop a model to estimate 6- and 12-month mortality risk for people with dementia from prognostic indicators recorded during usual clinical care provided in RACFs in Australia. METHODS A secondary analysis will be conducted for a cohort of people with dementia from RACFs participating in a cluster-randomized trial of a palliative care education intervention (IMPETUS-D). Ten prognostic indicator variables were identified based on a literature review of clinical features associated with increased mortality for people with dementia living in RACFs. Variables will be extracted from RACF files at baseline and mortality measured at 6 and 12 months after baseline data collection. A multivariable logistic regression model will be developed for 6- and 12-month mortality outcome measures using backwards elimination with a fractional polynomial approach for continuous variables. Internal validation will be undertaken using bootstrapping methods. Discrimination of the model for 6- and 12-month mortality will be presented as receiver operating curves with c statistics. Calibration curves will be presented comparing observed and predicted event rates for each decile of risk as well as flexible calibration curves derived using loess-based functions. DISCUSSION The model developed in this study aims to improve clinical assessment of mortality risk for people with dementia living in RACFs in Australia. Further external validation in different populations will be required before the model could be developed into a tool to assist with clinical decision-making in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Bicknell
- Department of Medicine and Aged Care, @AgeMelbourne, Melbourne Health–Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, 6 North Main Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria 3050 Australia
| | - Wen Kwang Lim
- Department of Medicine and Aged Care, @AgeMelbourne, Melbourne Health–Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, 6 North Main Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria 3050 Australia
| | - Andrea B. Maier
- Department of Medicine and Aged Care, @AgeMelbourne, Melbourne Health–Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, 6 North Main Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria 3050 Australia
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, @AgeAmsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dina LoGiuidice
- Department of Medicine and Aged Care, @AgeMelbourne, Melbourne Health–Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, 6 North Main Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria 3050 Australia
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12
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Durepos P, Ploeg J, Sussman T, Akhtar-Danesh N, Kaasalainen S. "A Crazy Roller Coaster at the End": A Qualitative Study of Death Preparedness With Caregivers of Persons With Dementia. SAGE Open Nurs 2020; 6:2377960820949111. [PMID: 33415300 PMCID: PMC7774442 DOI: 10.1177/2377960820949111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Caregivers of persons with dementia experience challenges that can make
preparing for end-of-life particularly difficult. Feeling prepared for death
is associated with caregiver well-being in bereavement and is promoted by
strategies supporting a palliative approach. Further conceptualization of
caregiver preparedness for death of persons with dementia is needed to guide
the practice of healthcare providers and to inform development of a
preparedness questionnaire. Objectives We aimed to: 1) explore the end-of-life experiences of caregivers of persons
with dementia to understand factors perceived as influencing preparedness;
and 2) identify the core concepts (i.e., components), barriers and
facilitators of preparedness for death. Methods This study used an interpretive descriptive design. Semi-structured
interviews were conducted with sixteen bereaved caregivers of persons with
dementia, recruited from long-term care homes in Ontario. Data was analyzed
through reflexive thematic analysis. Findings Four themes were interpreted including: ‘A crazy rollercoaster at the end’
which described the journey of caregivers at end-of-life. The journey
provided context for the development of core concepts (i.e., components) of
preparedness represented by three themes: ‘A sense of control, ‘Doing right’
and ‘Coming to terms’. Conclusion The study findings serve to expand the conceptualization of preparedness and
can guide improvements to practice in long-term care. Core concepts,
facilitators and influential factors of preparedness will provide the
conceptual basis and content to develop the Caring Ahead: Preparing for
End-of-Life with Dementia questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Durepos
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University.,Canadian Frailty Network, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University.,Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Noori Akhtar-Danesh
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University.,Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon Kaasalainen
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University.,Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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What contributes to family carers' decision to transition towards palliative-oriented care for their relatives in nursing homes? Qualitative findings from bereaved family carers' experiences. Palliat Support Care 2020; 19:208-216. [PMID: 32830632 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951520000747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Family carers (FCs) of nursing home (NH) residents are best placed to notice deteriorations that signal impending death in their relative, which can open a conversation with healthcare professionals (HCPs) about adjusting the care plan. We explored contributors to bereaved FCs' decision to transition towards palliative-oriented care for their relatives in NHs. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study used a phenomenological design. Thirty-two bereaved FCs across 13 Italian NHs completed semi-structured interviews. Additional data were collected on NH referrals to palliative care services (PCS) in the 6 months before study start and treatments provided in the last week of life. Content analysis with a combined inductive and deductive approach was applied to identify codes and fit them into an a priori framework. When codes did not fit, they were grouped into new categories, which were finally gathered into themes. RESULTS FCs reported four types of "trigger events" that made them doubt that their relative would recover: (1) physical deterioration (e.g., stopping eating/walking or swallowing problems); (2) social confirmation (e.g., confirming their relative's condition with friends); (3) multiple hospitalizations; and (4) external indicators (e.g., medical examinations by external consultants). A "resident-centered environment" helped FCs recognize trigger events and "raise awareness of the possibility of death"; however, the "need for reassurance" was pivotal to a "gradual transition towards palliative-oriented care". When participants did not recognize the trigger event, their relative continued to receive curative-oriented care. NHs that referred residents to PCS discussed palliative-oriented care more frequently with FCs, had a lower nurse-to-resident and nurse aide-to-resident ratio, and administered more palliative-oriented care. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Trigger events represent an opportunity to discuss residents' prognosis and are the starting point for a gradual transition towards palliative-oriented care. Adequate staffing, teamwork, and communication between FCs and healthcare professionals contribute to a sensitive, timely shift in care goals.
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Gonella S, Basso I, Clari M, Dimonte V, Di Giulio P. A qualitative study of nurses' perspective about the impact of end-of-life communication on the goal of end-of-life care in nursing home. Scand J Caring Sci 2020; 35:502-511. [PMID: 32343871 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With a growing nursing home population suffering from chronic progressive illnesses and evolving patterns of comorbidities, end-of-life communication takes on a critical role to enable healthcare professionals to gather information about the resident's wishes for care at the end-of-life and organise the care plan accordingly. AIM To explore nurses' perspective about the process by which end-of-life communication impacts on the goal of end-of-life care in nursing home residents. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive research design based on thematic analysis was performed. Fourteen nurses involved in the care of residents during their last week of life were recruited across 13 Italian nursing homes and accounted for 34 semi-structured interviews. A combined approach of analysis that incorporated a data-driven inductive approach and a theory-driven one was adopted. RESULTS Twelve themes described how end-of-life communication may contribute to adjust the care plan in nursing home according to the nurses' perspective. Five antecedents (i.e. life crisis or transitions, patient-centered environment, arising the question of possible dying, quality of relationships and culture of care) influenced the establishment and quality of communication, and five attributes depicted the characteristics and potential mechanisms of end-of-life communication (i.e. healthcare professional-resident and healthcare professional-family carers communication, knowledge of family carers' preferences, knowledge of residents' preferences, family carers and residents understanding, and shared decision-making), while curative-oriented and palliative-oriented care goals emerged as consequences. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into the nursing perspective of end-of-life communication between healthcare professionals and bereaved family carers of nursing home residents. Several factors influenced the occurrence and quality of end-of-life communication, which contributed to the transition towards palliative-oriented care by using and improving knowledge about family cares' and resident's preferences for end-of-life care, promoting family carers and residents understanding about prognosis and treatments available, and fostering shared decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Ines Basso
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Clari
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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15
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Gonella S, Campagna S, Basso I, De Marinis MG, Di Giulio P. Mechanisms by which end-of-life communication influences palliative-oriented care in nursing homes: A scoping review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:2134-2144. [PMID: 31278036 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE End-of-life communication has been largely recognized to promote quality end-of-life care in nursing home (NHs) by increasing residents' likelihood of receiving comfort-oriented care. This scoping review summarizes what is known about the potential mechanisms by which end-of-life communication may contribute to palliative-oriented care in NHs. METHODS Using the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, five literature databases were searched. We extracted 2159 articles, 11 of which met the inclusion criteria: seven quantitative, three qualitative, and one mixed-methods study. RESULTS Three mechanisms were identified: a) promotion of family carers' understanding about their family member's health condition, prognosis, and treatments available; b) fostering of shared decision-making between health care professionals (HCPs) and residents/family carers; and c) using and improving knowledge about residents' preferences. CONCLUSION Family carers' understanding, shared decision-making, and knowledge of residents' preferences contribute to palliative-oriented care in NHs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Discussions about end-of-life should take place early in a resident's disease trajectory to allow time for family carers to understand the condition and participate in subsequent, mindful, shared decision-making. HCPs should conduct systematic and thorough discussions about end-of-life treatment options with all cognitively competent residents to promote informed advance directives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Roma, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Sara Campagna
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Ines Basso
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia De Marinis
- Nursing Research Unit, University Campus Bio Medico of Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
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Liu WM, Koerner J, Lam L, Johnston N, Samara J, Chapman M, Forbat L. Improved Quality of Death and Dying in Care Homes: A Palliative Care Stepped Wedge Randomized Control Trial in Australia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 68:305-312. [PMID: 31681981 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mortality in care homes is high, but care of dying residents is often suboptimal, and many services do not have easy access to specialist palliative care. This study examined the impact of providing specialist palliative care on residents' quality of death and dying. DESIGN Using a stepped wedge randomized control trial, care homes were randomly assigned to crossover from control to intervention using a random number generator. Analysis used a generalized linear and latent mixed model. The trial was registered with ANZCTR: ACTRN12617000080325. SETTING Twelve Australian care homes in Canberra, Australia. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1700 non-respite residents were reviewed from the 12 participating care homes. Of these residents, 537 died and 471 had complete data for analysis. The trial ran between February 2017 and June 2018. INTERVENTION Palliative Care Needs Rounds (hereafter Needs Rounds) are monthly hour-long staff-only triage meetings to discuss residents at risk of dying without a plan in place. They are chaired by a specialist palliative care clinician and attended by care home staff. A checklist is followed to guide discussions and outcomes, focused on anticipatory planning. MEASUREMENTS This article reports secondary outcomes of staff perceptions of residents' quality of death and dying, care home staff confidence, and completion of advance care planning documentation. We assessed (1) quality of death and dying, and (2) staff capability of adopting a palliative approach, completion of advance care plans, and medical power of attorney. RESULTS Needs Rounds are associated with staff perceptions that residents had a better quality of death and dying (P < .01; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.83-12.21), particularly in the 10 facilities that complied with the intervention protocol (P < .01; 95% CI = 6.37-13.32). Staff self-reported perceptions of capability increased (P < .01; 95% CI = 2.73-6.72). CONCLUSION The data offer evidence for monthly triage meetings to transform the lives, deaths, and care of older people residing in care homes. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:305-312, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Man Liu
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jane Koerner
- University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | | | - Nikki Johnston
- Calvary Public Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Juliane Samara
- Calvary Public Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Michael Chapman
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,ACT Health, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Liz Forbat
- Australian Catholic University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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17
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Morin L, Wastesson JW, Laroche ML, Fastbom J, Johnell K. How many older adults receive drugs of questionable clinical benefit near the end of life? A cohort study. Palliat Med 2019; 33:1080-1090. [PMID: 31172885 PMCID: PMC6691599 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319854013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high burden of disease-oriented drugs among older adults with limited life expectancy raises important questions about the potential futility of care. AIM To describe the use of drugs of questionable clinical benefit during the last 3 months of life of older adults who died from life-limiting conditions. DESIGN Longitudinal, retrospective cohort study of decedents. Death certificate data were linked to administrative and healthcare registries with national coverage in Sweden. SETTING Older adults (≥75 years) who died from conditions potentially amenable to palliative care between 1 January and 31 December 2015 in Sweden. We identified drugs of questionable clinical benefit from a set of consensus-based criteria. RESULTS A total of 58,415 decedents were included (mean age, 87.0 years). During their last 3 months of life, they received on average 8.9 different drugs. Overall, 32.0% of older adults continued and 14.0% initiated at least one drug of questionable clinical benefit (e.g. statins, calcium supplements, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, antidementia drugs). These proportions were highest among younger individuals (i.e. aged 75-84 years), among people who died from organ failure and among those with a large number of coexisting chronic conditions. Excluding people who died from acute and potentially unpredictable fatal events had little influence on the results. CONCLUSION A substantial share of older persons with life-limiting diseases receive drugs of questionable clinical benefit during their last months of life. Adequate training, guidance and resources are needed to rationalize and deprescribe drug treatments for older adults near the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Morin
- 1 Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,2 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas W Wastesson
- 1 Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,2 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie-Laure Laroche
- 3 Centre de pharmacovigilance et de pharmaco-épidémiologie, Department of Pharmacology-Toxicology and Centre of Pharmacovigilance, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France.,4 INSERM 1248, University of Limoges, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Johan Fastbom
- 1 Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Johnell
- 2 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Pulst A, Fassmer AM, Schmiemann G. Experiences and involvement of family members in transfer decisions from nursing home to hospital: a systematic review of qualitative research. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:155. [PMID: 31164101 PMCID: PMC6549333 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1170-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nursing home residents (NHR) are characterized by increasing frailty, multimorbidity and care dependency. These conditions result in frequent hospital transfers which can lead to negative effects on residents’ health status and are often avoidable. Reasons for emergency department (ED) visits or hospital admissions are complex. Prior research indicated factors influencing transfer decisions in view of nursing staff and general practitioners. The aim of this systematic review is to explore how family members experience and influence transfers from nursing home (NH) to hospital and how they are involved in the transfer decision. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in Medline via PubMed, Ebsco Scopus and CINAHL in May 2018. Studies were eligible if they contained information a) about the decision to transfer NHR to hospital and b) the experiences or influence of family members. The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) approach for qualitative systematic reviews. Screening, selection and quality appraisal of studies were performed independently by two reviewers. Synthesis of qualitative data was conducted through meta-aggregation. Results After screening of n = 2863 articles, in total n = 10 qualitative studies were included in the review. Results indicate that family members of NHR experience decision-making before hospitalization differently. They mainly reported NH-related, hospital-related, and family/resident-related factors influencing the transfer decision. The involvement of family members in the decision-making process varies - from no involvement to insistence on a decision in favor of their personal preferences. However, hospital transfer decisions and other treatment decisions (e.g. advance care planning (ACP) discussions) were commonly discussed with physicians and nurses. Conflicts between family members and healthcare providers mostly arose around the interpretation of resident’s best interest. In general, family members perceive discussions as challenging thus leading to emotional stress and discomfort. Conclusion The influence of NHR family members concerning hospital transfer decisions varies. Family members are an important link for communication between resident and medical staff and for communication between NH and hospital. Interventions aiming to reduce hospitalization rates have to take these findings into account. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12877-019-1170-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pulst
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Grazer Str. 4, 28359, Bremen, Germany. .,Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Maximilian Fassmer
- Department of Health Services Research, School VI - Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Guido Schmiemann
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Grazer Str. 4, 28359, Bremen, Germany.,Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, 28359, Bremen, Germany
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19
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Gonella S, Basso I, De Marinis MG, Campagna S, Di Giulio P. Good end-of-life care in nursing home according to the family carers' perspective: A systematic review of qualitative findings. Palliat Med 2019; 33:589-606. [PMID: 30969160 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319840275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing homes are becoming a common site where delivering end-of-life care for older adults. They often represent the junction between the curative and the palliative phase. AIM To identify the elements that nursing home residents' family carers perceive as good end-of-life care and develop a conceptual model of good end-of-life care according to the family perspective. DESIGN Systematic review (PROSPERO no. 95581) with meta-aggregation method. DATA SOURCES Five electronic databases were searched from inception between April and May 2018. Published qualitative studies (and mixed-method designs) of end-of-life care experience of nursing home family carers whose relative was dead or at the end-of-life were included. No language or temporal limits were applied. RESULTS In all, 18 studies met inclusion criteria. A 'life crisis' often resulted in a changed need of care, and the transition towards palliative care was sustained by a 'patient-centered environment'. Family carers described good end-of-life care as providing resident basic care and spiritual support; recognizing and treating symptoms; assuring continuity in care; respecting resident's end-of-life wishes; offering environmental, emotional and psychosocial support; keeping family informed; promoting family understanding; and establishing a partnership with family carers by involving and guiding them in a shared decision-making. These elements improved the quality of end-of-life of both residents and their family, thus suggesting a common ground between good end-of-life care and palliative care. CONCLUSION The findings provide a family-driven framework to guide a sensitive and compassionate transition towards palliative care in nursing home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- 1 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.,2 Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Ines Basso
- 3 Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia De Marinis
- 4 Nursing Research Unit. University Campus Bio Medico of Rome, via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Campagna
- 3 Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- 3 Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
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20
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Gonella S, Basso I, Dimonte V, Martin B, Berchialla P, Campagna S, Di Giulio P. Association Between End-of-Life Conversations in Nursing Homes and End-of-Life Care Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2019; 20:249-261. [PMID: 30470575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Less aggressive end-of-life (EOL) care has been observed when health care professionals discuss approaching EOL and preferences about life-sustaining treatments with nursing home (NH) residents or their families. We performed a comprehensive systematic review to evaluate the association between health care professionals-residents and health care professionals-family EOL conversations and EOL care outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review with meta-analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Seven databases were searched in December 2017 to find studies that focused on health care professionals-residents (without oncologic disease) and health care professionals-family EOL conversations and aimed to explore the impact of EOL conversations on resident's or family's EOL care outcomes. MEASURES Random effects meta-analyses with subsequent quality sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were performed to assess the effects of EOL conversations on the decision to limit or withdraw life-sustaining treatments. A funnel plot and Eagger test were used to assess publication bias. RESULTS 16 studies were included in the qualitative and 7 in the quantitative synthesis. Health care professionals-family EOL conversations were positively associated with the family's decision to limit or withdraw life-sustaining treatments (odds ratio = 2.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.58-3.14). The overall effect of health care professionals-family EOL conversations on the family's decision to limit or withdraw life-sustaining treatments remained stable in the quality sensitivity analysis. In the meta-regression, family members with a higher level of education were less influenced by EOL conversations with health care professionals when making decisions about limiting or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments. No publication bias was detected (P = .4483). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS This systematic review shows that EOL conversations promote palliative care. Structured conversations aimed at exploring NH resident preferences about EOL treatment should become routine. NH administrators should offer health care professionals regular training on EOL conversations, and resident-centered care that involves residents and their families in a shared decision-making process at EOL needs to be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Ines Basso
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy; Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Martin
- Research and Third Mission Area, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Berchialla
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Campagna
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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21
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Care staff's self-efficacy regarding end-of-life communication in the long-term care setting: Results of the PACE cross-sectional study in six European countries. Int J Nurs Stud 2019; 92:135-143. [PMID: 30822706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2018.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An important part of palliative care is discussing preferences at end of life, however such conversations may not often occur. Care staff with greater self-efficacy towards end-of-life communication are probably more likely to have such discussions, however, there is a lack of research on self-efficacy towards end-of-life discussions among long-term care staff in Europe and related factors. OBJECTIVES Firstly, to describe and compare the self-efficacy level of long-term care staff regarding end-of-life communication across six countries; secondly, to analyse characteristics of staff and facilities which are associated to self-efficacy towards end-of-life communication. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTINGS Long-term care facilities in Belgium, England, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland (n = 290). PARTICIPANTS Nurses and care assistants (n = 1680) completed a self-efficacy scale and were included in the analyses. METHODS Care staff rated their self-efficacy (confidence in their own ability) on a scale of 0 (cannot do at all) to 7 -(certain can do) of the 8-item communication subscale of the Self-efficacy in End-of-Life Care survey. Staff characteristics included age, gender, professional role, education level, training in palliative care and years working in direct care. Facility characteristics included facility type and availability of palliative care guidelines, palliative care team and palliative care advice. Analyses were conducted using Generalized Estimating Equations, to account for clustering of data at facility level. RESULTS Thde proportion of staff with a mean self-efficacy score >5 was highest in the Netherlands (76.4%), ranged between 55.9% and 60.0% in Belgium, Poland, England and Finland and was lowest in Italy (29.6%). Higher levels of self-efficacy (>5) were associated with: staff over 50 years of age (OR 1.86 95% CI[1.30-2.65]); nurses (compared to care assistants) (1.75 [1.20-2.54]); completion of higher secondary or tertiary education (respectively 2.22 [1.53-3.21] and 3.11 [2.05-4.71]; formal palliative care training (1.71 [1.32-2.21]); working in direct care for over 10 years (1.53 [1.14-2.05]); working in a facility with care provided by onsite nurses and care assistants and offsite physicians (1.86 [1.30-2.65]); and working in a facility where guidelines for palliative care were available (1.39 [1.03-1.88]). CONCLUSION Self-efficacy towards end-of-life communication was most often low in Italy and most often high in the Netherlands. In all countries, low self-efficacy was found relatively often for discussion of prognosis. Palliative care education and guidelines for palliative care could improve the self-efficacy of care staff.
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Evenblij K, Ten Koppel M, Smets T, Widdershoven GAM, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Pasman HRW. Are care staff equipped for end-of-life communication? A cross-sectional study in long-term care facilities to identify determinants of self-efficacy. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:1. [PMID: 30621703 PMCID: PMC6323808 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0388-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background End-of-life conversations are rarely initiated by care staff in long-term care facilities. A possible explanation is care staff’s lack of self-efficacy in such conversations. Research into the determinants of self-efficacy for nurses and care assistants in end-of-life communication is scarce and self-efficacy might differ between care staff of mental health facilities, nursing homes, and care homes. This study aimed to explore differences between care staff in mental health facilities, nursing homes, and care homes with regard to knowledge about palliative care, time pressure, and self-efficacy in end-of-life communication, as well as aiming to identify determinants of high self-efficacy in end-of-life communication. Methods Two cross-sectional Dutch studies, one in mental health facilities and one in nursing and care homes (PACE study). Nurses and care assistants were invited to complete a questionnaire in 2015. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of high self-efficacy. Results Five hundred forty one nurses and care assistants completed a survey; 137 worked in mental health facilities, 172 in nursing homes, and 232 in care homes. Care staff at mental health facilities were the most knowledgeable about the World Health Organization’s definition of palliative care: 76% answered 4–5 out of 5 items correctly compared to 38% of nursing home staff and 40% of care home staff (p < 0.001). Around 60% of care staff in all settings experienced time pressure. Care staff had high self-efficacy regarding end-of-life communication with patients: the overall mean score across all facilities was 5.47 out of 7 (standard deviation 1.25). Determinants of high self-efficacy were working in a mental health facility, age > 36, female, with formal palliative care training, and knowledge of the palliative care definition. Conclusion Mental healthcare staff knew more about palliative care and had higher self-efficacy in end-of-life communication compared to nursing and care home staff. Educating care staff about providing palliative care and training them in it might improve end-of-life communication in these facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Evenblij
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Public and Occupational Health, VUmc Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, P.O. Box 7057, 1007, Amsterdam, MB, Netherlands.
| | - Maud Ten Koppel
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Public and Occupational Health, VUmc Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, P.O. Box 7057, 1007, Amsterdam, MB, Netherlands
| | - Tinne Smets
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guy A M Widdershoven
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Medical Humanities, VUmc Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Public and Occupational Health, VUmc Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, P.O. Box 7057, 1007, Amsterdam, MB, Netherlands
| | - H Roeline W Pasman
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Public and Occupational Health, VUmc Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, P.O. Box 7057, 1007, Amsterdam, MB, Netherlands
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Di Giulio P, Finetti S, Giunco F, Basso I, Rosa D, Pettenati F, Bussotti A, Villani D, Gentile S, Boncinelli L, Monti M, Spinsanti S, Piazza M, Charrier L, Toscani F. The Impact of Nursing Homes Staff Education on End-of-Life Care in Residents With Advanced Dementia: A Quality Improvement Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:93-99. [PMID: 30315916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.10.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT End-of-life care in nursing homes (NHs) needs improvement. We carried out a study in 29 NHs in the Lombardy Region (Italy). OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare end-of-life care in NH residents with advanced dementia before and after an educational intervention aimed to improving palliative care. METHODS The intervention consisted of a seven-hour lecture, followed by two 3-hour meetings consisting of case discussions. The intervention was held in each NH and well attended by NH staff. This multicenter, comparative, observational study included up to 20 residents with advanced dementia from each NH: the last 10 who died before the intervention (preintervention group, 245 residents) and the first 10 who died at least three months after the intervention (postintervention group, 237 residents). Data for these residents were collected from records for 60 days and seven days before death. RESULTS The use of "comfort hydration" (<1000 mL/day subcutaneously) tended to increase from 16.9% to 26.8% in the postintervention group. The number of residents receiving a palliative approach for nutrition and hydration increased, though not significantly, from 24% preintervention to 31.5% postintervention. On the other hand, the proportion of tube-fed residents and residents receiving intravenous hydration decreased from 15.5% to 10.5%, and from 52% to 42%, respectively. Cardiopulmonary resuscitations decreased also from 52/245 (21%) to 18/237 (7.6%) cases (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION The short educational intervention modified some practices relevant to the quality of end-of-life care of advanced dementia patients in NHs, possibly raising and reinforcing beliefs and attitudes already largely present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; SUPSI, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Finetti
- Lino Maestroni Foundation, Palliative Medicine Research Institute, Cremona, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Giunco
- Department of Health and Social Services Polo Lombardia 2, Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, Milano, Italy
| | - Ines Basso
- Intensive Care Unit, SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Debora Rosa
- Nursing Degree Course, Section of Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pettenati
- Lino Maestroni Foundation, Palliative Medicine Research Institute, Cremona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bussotti
- Agenzia Continuità Ospedale Territorio, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | - Daniele Villani
- Neuro-Rehabilitation and Alzheimer Disease Evaluation Unit, "Figlie di San Camillo" Hospital, Cremona, Italy
| | - Simona Gentile
- Rehabilitation and Alzheimer Disease Evaluation Unit, Ancelle della Carità Hospital, Cremona, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Monti
- Geriatric Institute "Pio Albergo Trivulzio", Milano, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Piazza
- Italian Foundation of Leniterapia (FILE), Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorena Charrier
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Franco Toscani
- Lino Maestroni Foundation, Palliative Medicine Research Institute, Cremona, Italy
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Abstract
Religion and culture play important roles in influencing end-of-life communication among the elderly. However, little is known about end-of-life communication among elderly nursing home residents. A qualitative study involving a sample of 13 elderly residents of a non- government nursing home in the north of Peninsular Malaysia was conducted to investigate residents' attitudes and ideas about their end-of-life preferences. Thematic analysis was performed to identify major themes emerging from the interviews. This study found that elderly residents actively avoided end-of-life communication, but that their cultural and religious beliefs remained of paramount importance. It is hoped that these findings will provide a platform upon which to improve current nursing home care in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ng Xi Jiao
- Department of Social Work, School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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25
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Bereaved Family Members' Satisfaction with Care during the Last Three Months of Life for People with Advanced Illness. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6:healthcare6040130. [PMID: 30404147 PMCID: PMC6315663 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6040130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies evaluating the end-of-life care for longer periods of illness trajectories and in several care places are currently lacking. This study explored bereaved family members' satisfaction with care during the last three months of life for people with advanced illness, and associations between satisfaction with care and characteristics of the deceased individuals and their family members. METHODS A cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample was 485 family members of individuals who died at four different hospitals in Sweden. RESULTS Of the participants, 78.7% rated the overall care as high. For hospice care, 87.1% reported being satisfied, 87% with the hospital care, 72.3% with district/county nurses, 65.4% with nursing homes, 62.1% with specialized home care, and 59.6% with general practitioners (GPs). Family members of deceased persons with cancer were more likely to have a higher satisfaction with the care. A lower satisfaction was more likely if the deceased person had a higher educational attainment and a length of illness before death of one year or longer. CONCLUSION The type of care, diagnoses, length of illness, educational attainment, and the relationship between the deceased person and the family member influences the satisfaction with care.
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ten Koppel M, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Pasman HR, Bernabei R, Carpenter I, Denkinger MD, Onder G, van der Roest HG, Topinkova E, van Hout HPJ. Are older long term care residents accurately prognosticated and consequently informed about their prognosis? Results from SHELTER study data in 5 European countries. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200590. [PMID: 30020976 PMCID: PMC6051611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informing residents in long term care facilities (LTCFs) about their prognosis can help them prepare for the end of life. This study aimed to examine which proportion of European LTCF residents, close to death, are accurately prognosticated and consequently informed about their prognosis; and to examine factors related to accurate prognostication and discussion of prognosis. METHODS A subsample of SHELTER study data was used, consisting of: 500 residents from 5 European countries, who died within 6 months after their last assessment, and had a valid answer on the item 'End stage disease, 6 or fewer months to live'. This item was used to indicate whether an accurate prognosis was established and discussed with residents. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine factors related to establishment and discussion of accurate prognosis. RESULTS 86.4% of residents close to death did not receive an accurate prognosis. Residents with cancer; fatigue; dehydration; and normal mode of nutritional intake were more likely to have an accurate prognosis established and discussed. Accurate prognostication and prognosis discussion was less likely for residents who: had a diagnosis under 'other'; initiated interactions; and residents from Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. CONCLUSIONS The great majority of residents close to death did not receive an accurate prognosis. Prognostication tools might help clinicians to increase their prognostic accuracy and communication training might help to discuss prognosis with residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud ten Koppel
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Bregje D. Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H. Roeline Pasman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roberto Bernabei
- Centro Medicina dell’Invecchiamento, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Iain Carpenter
- Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D. Denkinger
- Agaplesion Bethesda Clinic, Geriatric Centre Ulm/Alb-Donau, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Graziano Onder
- Centro Medicina dell’Invecchiamento, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Henriëtte G. van der Roest
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Topinkova
- Department of Geriatrics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hein P. J. van Hout
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Holmberg B, Hellström I, Österlind J. End-of-life care in a nursing home: Assistant nurses’ perspectives. Nurs Ethics 2018; 26:1721-1733. [DOI: 10.1177/0969733018779199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Worldwide, older persons lack access to palliative care. In Sweden, many older persons die in nursing homes where care is provided foremost by assistant nurses. Due to a lack of beds, admission is seldom granted until the older persons have complex care needs and are already in a palliative phase when they move in. Objective: To describe assistant nurses’ perspectives of providing care to older persons at the end of life in a nursing home. Research design: Data were collected in semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed with inductive qualitative content analysis. Participants and research context: Seven assistant nurses from a nursing home in Sweden were randomly selected. Ethical consideration: The research was approved by the local ethics committee. Results: Three main categories emerged; “Death a natural part of life”; “The older person’s well-being”; and “Care in the moment of death”; and seven sub-categories. The assistant nurses described themselves as knowing the older persons well enough to provide good end-of-life care. This was achieved by making small-talk while providing daily care. Relying on experience-based knowledge, they strove to provide end-of-life care built upon respect and engagement with the ambition to strengthen older persons’ dignity, for example, by lowering the tempo of care at the end of life, in spite of organizational restrictions. Discussion: The assistant nurses offered attentive end-of-life care, focusing upon bodily care. The existential needs of the older persons were not foregrounded. Conclusion: To develop their work, and to promote an ethical foundation for such care, assistant nurses might need support and education to be able to offer a care more in line with the aims of palliative care. Furthermore, the organization of care needs to promote, not impede, the realization of this development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingrid Hellström
- Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Sweden; Linköping University, Sweden
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Lavin K, Davydow DS, Downey L, Engelberg RA, Dunlap B, Sibley J, Lober WB, Okimoto K, Khandelwal N, Loggers ET, Teno JM, Curtis JR. Effect of Psychiatric Illness on Acute Care Utilization at End of Life From Serious Medical Illness. J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 54:176-185.e1. [PMID: 28495487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Little is known about psychiatric illness and utilization of end-of-life care. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that preexisting psychiatric illness would increase hospital utilization at end of life among patients with chronic medical illness due to increased severity of illness and care fragmentation. METHODS We reviewed electronic health records to identify decedents with one or more of eight chronic medical conditions based on International Classification of Diseases-9 codes. We used International Classification of Diseases-9 codes and prescription information to identify preexisting psychiatric illness. Regression models compared hospital utilization among patients with and without psychiatric illness. Path analyses examined the effect of severity of illness and care fragmentation. RESULTS Eleven percent of 16,214 patients with medical illness had preexisting psychiatric illness, which was associated with increased risk of death in nursing homes (P = 0.002) and decreased risk of death in hospitals (P < 0.001). In the last 30 days of life, psychiatric illness was associated with reduced inpatient and intensive care unit utilization but increased emergency department utilization. Path analyses confirmed an association between psychiatric illness and increased hospital utilization mediated by severity of illness and care fragmentation, but a stronger direct effect of psychiatric illness decreasing hospitalizations. CONCLUSION Our findings differ from the increased hospital utilization for patients with psychiatric illness in circumstances other than end-of-life care. Path analyses confirmed hypothesized associations between psychiatric illness and increased utilization mediated by severity of illness and care fragmentation but identified more powerful direct effects decreasing hospital use. Further investigation should examine whether this effect represents a disparity in access to preferred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Lavin
- Department of Psychiatry and Palliative Care Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dimitry S Davydow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lois Downey
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ruth A Engelberg
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ben Dunlap
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - James Sibley
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - William B Lober
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kelson Okimoto
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nita Khandelwal
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth T Loggers
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joan M Teno
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - J Randall Curtis
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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29
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Nishiguchi S, Sugaya N, Sakamaki K, Mizushima S. End-of-life care bonus promoting end-of-life care in nursing homes: An 11-year retrospective longitudinal prefecture-wide study in Japan. Biosci Trends 2017; 11:54-61. [PMID: 28132998 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2016.01183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The end-of-life (EOL) care bonus introduced by the Japanese government works as a financial incentive and framework of quality preservation, including advance care planning, for EOL care among nursing home residents. This study aims to clarify the effects of the EOL care bonus in promoting EOL care in nursing homes. A longitudinal observational study using a questionnaire was conducted. We invited 378 nursing homes in Kanagawa prefecture in Japan, a region with a rapidly aging population, to participate in the study. The outcome was the number of residents dying in nursing homes from 2004 to 2014. In a linear mixed model, fixed-effect factors included year established, unit care, regional elderly population rate and hospital beds, adjacent affiliated hospital, full-time physician on site, physician's support during off-time, basic EOL care policy, usage of the EOL care bonus, EOL care conference, and staff experience of EOL care. A total of 237 nursing home facilities responded (62.7%). The linear mixed model showed that the availability of the EOL care bonus (coefficient 3.1, 95 % CI 0.67-5.51, p = 0.012) and years of usage of the EOL care bonus (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased numbers of residents dying in nursing homes. Our analysis revealed that the EOL care bonus has the potential to increase the number of residents receiving EOL care in nursing homes over several years. EOL care conferences, physician support for emergency care during off-time, and the presence of an adjacent affiliated hospital may also increase the number of residents receiving EOL care in nursing homes. These results suggest that a government financial incentive may contribute to effective EOL care among nursing home residents in other developed countries with rapidly aging populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Nishiguchi
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University
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30
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Palliative care during the final week of life of older people in nursing homes: A register-based study. Palliat Support Care 2017; 15:417-424. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951516000948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective:Our aim was to explore the presence of symptoms, symptom relief, and other key aspects of palliative care during the final week of life among older people residing in nursing homes.Method:Our study employed data from the Swedish Palliative Care Register on all registered individuals aged 60 and older who had died in nursing homes during the years 2011 and 2012. Variables pertaining to monitoring and treatment of symptoms, end-of-life discussions, circumstances around the death, and the individual characteristics of deceased individuals were explored using descriptive statistics.Results:The most common underlying causes of death among the 49,172 deceased nursing home residents were circulatory diseases (42.2%) and dementia (22.7%). The most prevalent symptom was pain (58.7%), followed by rattles (42.4%), anxiety (33.0%), confusion (21.8%), shortness of breath (14.0%), and nausea (11.1%). Pain was the symptom with the highest degree of total relief (46.3%), whereas shortness of breath and confusion were totally relieved in 6.1 and 4.3% of all individuals, respectively. The use of valid instruments for symptom assessment was reported for pain in 12.3% and for other symptoms in 7.8% of subjects. The most prevalent individual prescriptions for injection PRN (pro re nata, according to circumstances) were for pain treatment (79.5%) and rattles (72.8%). End-of-life discussions were performed with 27.3% of all the deceased individuals and with 53.9% of their relatives. Of all individuals, 82.1% had someone present at death, and 15.8% died alone. Of all the nursing home resident deaths recorded, 45.3% died in their preferred place.Significance of results:There were large variations in degree of relief from different symptoms during the final week of life. Pain was the most prevalent symptom, and it was also the symptom with the highest proportion of total/partial relief. Other symptoms were less prevalent but also less well-relieved. Our results indicate a need for improvement of palliative care in nursing home settings, focusing on management of distressing symptoms and promotion of end-of-life discussions.
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