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Heinzelmann A, Tewes M, Müller S, Sure U, Herrmann K, Schadendorf D, Warnecke E, Rausch R, Skoda EM, Salvador Comino MR. Determining the cut-off value for the Minimal Documentation System (MIDOS2) screening tool to initiate specialized palliative care based on patient's subjective need for palliative support and symptom burden in inpatients with advanced cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:360. [PMID: 39046592 PMCID: PMC11269497 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Minimal Documentation System (MIDOS2) is recommended as a systematic screening tool for assessing symptom burden and patient needs in advanced cancer patients. Given the absence of an optimal weighting of individual symptoms and a corresponding cut-off value, this study aims to determine a threshold based on inpatient's subjective need for palliative support. Additionally, we investigate the correlation between symptom burden and subjective need for palliative support collected through a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) with survival duration of less or more than one year. METHODS Inpatients diagnosed with advanced solid cancer completed an electronic PROM, which included the MIDOS2 questionnaire among other tools. Differences in symptom burden were analysed between patients expressing subjective need for palliative support and those with survival of less or more than one year using ANOVA, Mann-Whitney-U Test, logistic regression, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. Cut-off analyses were performed using a ROC curve. Youden-Index, sensitivity, and specificity measures were used as well. RESULTS Between April 2020 and March 2021, 265 inpatients were included in the study. Using a ROC curve, the MIDOS2 analysis resulted in an Area under the curve (AUC) of 0.732, a corresponding cut-off value of eight points, a sensitivity of 76.36% and a specificity of 62.98% in assessing the subjective need for palliative support. The MIDOS2, with double weighting of the significant symptoms, showed a cut-off value of 14 points, achieving a sensitivity of 78.18% and a specificity of 72.38%. A total of 55 patients (20.8%) expressed a need for support from the palliative care team. This need was independent of the oncological tumour entity and increased among patients with a survival of less than one year. These patients reported significantly poorer physical (p < 0.001) or mental (p < 0.001) condition. Additionally, they reported higher intensities of pain (p = 0.002), depressive symptoms (p < 0.001), weakness (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and tiredness (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Using the established MIDOS2 cut-off value with an adjusted double weighting in our study, a large proportion of inpatients may be accurately referred to SPC based on their subjective need for palliative support. Additionally, subjective reports of poor general, mental, and physical condition, as well as pain, depressive symptoms, weakness, anxiety, and tiredness, increase the subjective need for palliative support, particularly in patients with a survival prognosis of less than one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Heinzelmann
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Essen (AöR), 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Mitra Tewes
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Essen (AöR), 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandy Müller
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Essen (AöR), 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sure
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen (AöR), 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Ken Herrmann
- Department of Nuclearmedicine, University Hospital Essen (AöR), 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen (AöR), 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Eva Warnecke
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Essen (AöR), 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Raya Rausch
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen (AöR), 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Skoda
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Collins A, Gurren L, McLachlan SA, Wawryk O, Philip J. Communication about early palliative care: A qualitative study of oncology providers' perspectives of navigating the artful introduction to the palliative care team. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1003357. [PMID: 36568185 PMCID: PMC9780660 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1003357] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite robust evidence for the integration of early palliative care for patients with advanced cancer, many patients still access this approach to care late. Communication about the introduction of Early Palliative Care is an important skill of healthcare providers working in this setting. In the context of limited community understanding about palliative care, patients and their families may express fear or negative reactions to its early introduction. Health professionals may lack the confidence or skill to describe the role and benefits of early palliative care. Aim This study sought to explore clinicians' perspectives on communication about referral to early palliative care, specifically identifying facilitators in undertaking this communication task. Methods An exploratory qualitative study set within a tertiary oncology service in Victoria, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively sampled oncology clinicians exploring their perspectives on communication about referral to early palliative care. A reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken by two researchers, including both latent and semantic coding relevant to the research question. Reporting of the research was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. Results Twelve oncology clinicians (58% female, with 67% > 15 years clinical experience) from medical oncology, surgical oncology, and haematology participated. The artful navigation of communication about early palliative care was characterised by the need for a 'spiel' involving the adoption of a series of strategies or 'tactics' when introducing this service. These themes included: 1) Using carefully selected and rehearsed language; 2) Framing in terms of symptom control; 3) Framing as additive to patient care; 4) Selling the service benefits of early palliative care; 5) Framing acceptance of referral as an altruistic act; and 6) Adopting a phased approach to delivering information about palliative care. Implications This study highlights the wide ranging and innovative communication strategies and skills required by health professionals to facilitate referral to early palliative care for cancer patients and their families. Future focus on upskilling clinicians around communication of this topic will be important to ensure successful implementation of models of early palliative care in routine cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Collins
- Department of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Anna Collins,
| | - Lorna Gurren
- Department of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sue-Anne McLachlan
- Department of Medical Oncology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivia Wawryk
- Department of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Carr K, Hasson F, McIlfatrick S, Downing J. Initiation of paediatric advance care planning: Cross-sectional survey of health professionals reported behaviour. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:423-434. [PMID: 34873744 PMCID: PMC9306788 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, initiation of paediatric advance care planning discussions is advocated early in the illness trajectory; however, evidence suggests it occurs at crisis points or close to end of life. Few studies have been undertaken to ascertain the prevalence and determinants of behaviour related to initiation by the healthcare professional. METHOD Underpinned by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model for behaviour change, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in United Kingdom and Ireland using a purposive sample of health professionals. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied and nonparametric statistical analysis used. Open-ended questions were mapped and correlations between COM-B and demographic profiles identified. RESULTS Responses (n = 140): Paediatric advance care planning was viewed positively; however, initiation practices were found to be influenced by wide ranging diagnoses and disease trajectories. Whilst some tools and protocols exist, they were not used in a systematic manner, and initiation behaviour was often not guided by them. Initiation was unstandardized, individually led, guided by intuition and experience and based on a range of prerequisites. Such behaviour, combined with inconsistencies in professional development, resulted in varying practice when managing clinical deterioration. Professionals who felt adequately trained initiated more conversations (capability). Those working in palliative care specialties, hospice settings and doctors initiated more discussions (opportunity). There was no difference in Motivation between professions, clinical settings or specialisms, although 25% (n = 35) of responses indicated discomfort discussing death and 34% (n = 49) worried about families' emotional reaction. CONCLUSION Although advocated, paediatric advance care planning is a complex process, commonly triggered by the physical deterioration and rarely underpinned by support tools. The COM-B framework was useful in identifying fundamental differences in initiation behaviour; however, further research is required to explore the complexity of initiation behaviour and the system within which the care is being delivered to identify influences on initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Carr
- Institute of Nursing and Health ResearchUlster UniversityNewtownabbeyUK
| | - Felicity Hasson
- Institute of Nursing and Health ResearchUlster UniversityNewtownabbeyUK
| | - Sonja McIlfatrick
- Institute of Nursing and Health ResearchUlster UniversityNewtownabbeyUK
| | - Julia Downing
- International Children's Palliative Care NetworkBristolUK,Department of MedicineMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
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Bjørk E, Thompson W, Ryg J, Gaardboe O, Jørgensen TL, Lundby C. Patient Preferences for Discussing Life Expectancy: a Systematic Review. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:3136-3147. [PMID: 34338978 PMCID: PMC8481511 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06973-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discussing life expectancy helps inform decisions related to preventive medication, screening, and personal care planning. Our aim was to systematically review the literature on patient preferences for discussing life expectancy and to identify predictors for these preferences. METHODS We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and gray literature from inception until 17 February 2021. Two authors screened titles/abstracts and full texts, and extracted data and one author assessed quality. The outcome of interest was the proportion of patients willing to discuss life expectancy. We reported descriptive statistics, performed a narrative synthesis, and explored sub-groups of patients according to patient characteristics. RESULTS A total of 41 studies with an accumulated population of 27,570 participants were included, comprising quantitative survey/questionnaire studies (n=27) and qualitative interview studies (n=14). Willingness to discuss life expectancy ranged from 19 to 100% (median 61%, interquartile range (IQR) 50-73) across studies, with the majority (77%) reporting more than half of subjects willing to discuss. There was considerable heterogeneity in willingness to discuss life expectancy, even between studies from patients with similar ages, diseases, and cultural profiles. The highest variability in willingness to discuss was found among patients with cancer (range 19-100%, median 61%, IQR 51-81) and patients aged 50-64 years (range 19-97%, median 61%, IQR 45-87). This made it impossible to determine predictors for willingness to discuss life expectancy. DISCUSSION Most patients are willing to discuss life expectancy; however, a substantial proportion is not. Heterogeneity and variability in preferences make it challenging to identify clear predictors of willingness to discuss. Variability in preferences may to some extent be influenced by age, disease, and cultural differences. These findings highlight the individual and complex nature in which patients approach this topic and stress the importance of clinicians considering eliciting patient's individual preferences when initiating discussions about life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Bjørk
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Wade Thompson
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Odense Deprescribing Initiative (ODIN), Odense C, Denmark
| | - Jesper Ryg
- Odense Deprescribing Initiative (ODIN), Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Ove Gaardboe
- Danish Society for Patient Safety, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Trine Lembrecht Jørgensen
- Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Carina Lundby
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Odense Deprescribing Initiative (ODIN), Odense C, Denmark
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Sævareid TJL, Pedersen R, Magelssen M. Positive attitudes to advance care planning - a Norwegian general population survey. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:762. [PMID: 34334131 PMCID: PMC8327435 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06773-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Authorities recommend advance care planning and public acceptance of it is a prerequisite for widespread implementation. Therefore, we did the first study of the Norwegian public with an aim of getting knowledge on their attitudes to issues related to advance care planning. Methods An electronic survey to a nationally representative web panel of Norwegian adults. Results From 1035 complete responses (response rate 40.7%), we found that more than nine out of ten of the general public wanted to participate in advance care planning, believed it to be useful for many, and wanted to make important healthcare decisions themselves. Almost nine out of ten wanted to be accompanied by next of kin during advance care planning. Most (69%) wanted health care personnel to initiate advance care planning and preferred it to be timed to serious illness with limited lifetime (68%). Only about 9% stated that health care personnel should have the final say in healthcare decisions in serious illness. Conclusions Developing and implementing advance care planning as a public health initiative seems warranted based on the results of this study. Patient perspectives should be promoted in decision-making processes. Nevertheless, training of health care personnel should emphasise voluntariness and an individual approach to initiating, timing and conducting advance care planning because of individual variations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reidar Pedersen
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, Frederik Holsts hus, 0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Magelssen
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, Frederik Holsts hus, 0450, Oslo, Norway
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Obaremi OD, Olatokun WM. A survey of health information source use in rural communities identifies complex health literacy barriers. Health Info Libr J 2021; 39:59-67. [PMID: 33615631 DOI: 10.1111/hir.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to health information is critical for good health. However, residents of rural communities may face more difficulties in accessing health information than residents in rural areas. Problems may be structural, socio-economic and cultural. OBJECTIVES The study assessed sources and challenges concerning health information access and use among residents of five rural communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS Descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were elicited from forty respondents through focus group discussions (FGD). Elicited data were thematically analysed. RESULTS Several informal and primary information sources were often used. Residents used the radio to access health information, and they also visited hospitals/health centres, asked doctors, participated in health sensitisation programmes and consulted traditional herbalists. However, the barriers included financial problems, infrastructure problems (bad road network, unreliable electricity supplies), living far from health centres and finding suitable health information in their own language. These are individual and systemic/structural challenges. DISCUSSION The focus group participants were aware of the importance of reliable health information sources, but often had to use a mixture of sources. Traditional herbalists were valued sources (more available and affordable). Health literacy problems concern education and language. CONCLUSIONS Service provision could be improved to make health information more efficient and effective for rural communities, by building on what works (e.g. health sensitisation programmes, radio programmes providing health education) and providing more multi-lingual services. The study also confirmed the importance of evaluating traditional herbal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluseyi Daniel Obaremi
- Africa Regional Centre for Information Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Nigeria
| | - Wole Michael Olatokun
- Africa Regional Centre for Information Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Nigeria
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Blackwood DH, Vindrola-Padros C, Mythen MG, Columb MO, Walker D. A national survey of anaesthetists' preferences for their own end of life care. Br J Anaesth 2020; 125:1088-1098. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.07.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Brassfield ER, Buchbinder M. Clinicians' Perspectives on the Duty to Inform Patients About Medical Aid-in-Dying. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2019; 11:53-62. [PMID: 31829903 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2019.1695016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: As of 2019, ten jurisdictions in the United States have authorized physicians to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to a terminally ill patient for the purpose of hastening death. Relatively little bioethics scholarship has addressed the question of whether physicians have an obligation to inform qualifying patients about aid-in-dying (AID) in permissive jurisdictions and little is known about providers' actual communication practices with respect to this issue. Methods: One hundred and forty-four in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using an inductive analytic approach as part of the Vermont Study on Aid-in-Dying. Results: Seventeen respondents, 14 physicians and 3 nurse practitioners, met the inclusion criteria for this sub-study. Eleven respondents indicated that they at least sometimes inform patients about AID. Respondents described multiple factors that influence whether or not they might initiate discussions of AID, including the importance of informing patients of their options for end-of-life care, worries about undue influence, and worries about the potential effects on the patient-provider relationship. For those providers who do initiate discussion of AID at least some of the time, attention to the particulars of each individual patient's situation and the context of the discussion appear to play a role in shaping communication about AID. Conclusions: While initiating a clinical discussion of AID is undoubtedly challenging, our study provides compelling descriptive evidence that some medical providers who support AID do not unilaterally follow the conventional bioethics wisdom holding that they ought to wait for patients to introduce the topic of AID. Future research should investigate how to approach these discussions so as to minimize ethical worries about undue influence or potential negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Brassfield
- Department of Philosophy and School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mara Buchbinder
- Center for Bioethics, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Jorge R, Teixeira A, Calanzani N, Nunes R, Sousa L. Older people's preferences for prognostic information in a situation of serious illness with less than a year to live. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2019; 24:4313-4324. [PMID: 31664403 DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320182411.02022018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the preferences of community-dwelling older people about information disclosure regarding poor prognosis, the likely symptoms and problems, and the care options available in a situation of serious illness with less than a year to live; and to identify factors associated with a preference for information disclosure regarding poor prognosis. The Brazilian version of the Preferences and Priorities for End of Life Care (PRISMA) questionnaire was administered face-to-face to 400 older people, living in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The main results indicated that 74.0% preferred to be informed that they had limited time left, 89.3% wished to be informed about symptoms and problems, and 96.3% about available care options. The factors associated with preferences for information about poor prognosis were: gender (women: OR = 0.446, 95% CI: 0.269-0.738) and choosing the least preferred place to die (home of a relative or friend: OR = 2.423, 95% CI: 1.130-5.198. These results show that most older people want to be informed in an advanced illness situation with less than a year to live. Health care professionals need to be prepared to anticipate news about poor prognosis and the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Jorge
- Programa Doutoral em Geriatria e Gerontologia, Departamento de Educação e Psicologia, Universidade de Aveiro. Campus Universitário de Santiago. 3810-193. Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Andreia Teixeira
- Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde (CINTESIS). Porto, Portugal
| | - Natália Calanzani
- Instituto Usher de Ciências da Saúde da População e Informática, Centro de Ciências da Saúde da População, Universidade de Edimburgo. Edimburgo Reino Unido
| | - Rui Nunes
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto. Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Sousa
- Departamento de Educação e Psicologia, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde (Cintesis.ua), Universidade de Aveiro. Aveiro, Portugal
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Miranda R, Penders YWH, Smets T, Deliens L, Miccinesi G, Vega Alonso T, Moreels S, Van den Block L. Quality of primary palliative care for older people with mild and severe dementia: an international mortality follow-back study using quality indicators. Age Ageing 2018; 47:824-833. [PMID: 29893776 PMCID: PMC6201823 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afy087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background measuring the quality of primary palliative care for older people with dementia in different countries is important to identify areas where improvements can be made. Objective using quality indicators (QIs), we systematically investigated the overall quality of primary palliative care for older people with dementia in three different countries. Design/setting a mortality follow-back survey through nation- and region-wide representative Sentinel Networks of General Practitioners (GPs) in Belgium, Italy and Spain. GPs registered all patient deaths in their practice. We applied a set of nine QIs developed through literature review and expert consensus. Subjects patients aged 65 or older, who died non-suddenly with mild or severe dementia as judged by GPs (n = 874). Results findings showed significantly different QI scores between Belgium and Italy for regular pain measurement (mild dementia: BE = 44%, IT = 12%, SP = 50% | severe dementia: BE = 41%, IT = 9%, SP = 47%), acceptance of approaching death (mild: BE = 59%, IT = 48%, SP = 33% | severe: BE = 41%, IT = 21%, SP = 20%), patient-GP communication about illness (mild: BE = 42%, IT = 6%, SP = 20%) and involvement of specialised palliative services (mild: BE = 60%, IT = 20%, SP = 77%). The scores in Belgium differed from Italy and Spain for patient-GP communication about medical treatments (mild: BE = 34%, IT = 12%, SP = 4%) and repeated multidisciplinary consultations (mild: BE = 39%, IT = 5%, SP = 8% | severe: BE = 36%, IT = 10%, SP = 8%). The scores for relative-GP communication, patient death outside hospitals and bereavement counselling did not differ between countries. Conclusion while the countries studied differed considerably in the overall quality of primary palliative care, they have similarities in room for improvement, in particular, pain measurement and prevention of avoidable hospitalisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Miranda
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yolanda W H Penders
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tinne Smets
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guido Miccinesi
- Clinical and Descriptive Epidemiology Unit, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Tomás Vega Alonso
- Public Health Directorate, Regional Ministry of Health (Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consellería de Sanidad), Castile and Leon, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sarah Moreels
- Scientific Institute of Public Health (Wetenschappelijk Instituut Volksgezondheid, Institut Scientifique de Santé Publique), Unit of Health Services Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Penders YWH, Albers G, Deliens L, Miccinesi G, Vega Alonso T, Miralles M, Moreels S, Van den Block L. End-of-life care for people dying with dementia in general practice in Belgium, Italy and Spain: A cross-sectional, retrospective study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17:1667-1676. [PMID: 28060462 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe and compare end-of-life care for people with mild or severe dementia in general practice in Belgium, Italy and Spain, in terms of place of care, place of death, treatment aims, use of specialized palliative care and communication with general practitioners (GPs). METHODS Cross-sectional retrospective survey was carried out of nationwide networks of GPs in Belgium, Italy and Spain, including patients who died aged 65 years or older in 2009-2011 and were judged by the GP to have had dementia (n = 1623). RESULTS GPs reported a higher proportion of older people with severe dementia in Belgium (55%) than in Spain (46 %) and Italy (45 %), and a higher proportion of patients living in care homes (57% vs 18% and 13%, respectively). A palliative treatment aim was common in the last 3 months of life in all three countries. Specialized palliative care services were provided in 14% (Italy, severe dementia) to 38% (Belgium, severe dementia) of cases. Communication between GP and patient about illness-related topics occurred in between 50% (Italy) and 72% (Belgium) of cases of mild dementia, and 10% (Italy) to 32% (Belgium) of cases of severe dementia. Patient preferences for end-of-life care were known in a minority of cases. Few people (13-15 %) were transferred between care settings in the last week of life. CONCLUSIONS Although overall treatment aims at the end of life are often aligned with a palliative care approach and transfer rates are low, there is room for improvement in end-of-life care for people with dementia in all countries studied, especially regarding early patient-GP communication. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1667-1676.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda W H Penders
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gwenda Albers
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guido Miccinesi
- Clinical and Descriptive Epidemiology Unit, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Tomás Vega Alonso
- Public Health Directorate, Regional Ministry of Health (Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consellería de Sanidad), Castile and Leon, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Maite Miralles
- Public Health Directorate, Regional Ministry of Health (Dirección General de Salud Pública, Conselleria de Sanitat), Comunitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sarah Moreels
- Scientific Institute of Public Health (Wetenschappelijk Instituut Volksgezondheid, Institut Scientifique de Santé Publique), Unit of Health Services Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
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De Vleminck A, Pardon K, Houttekier D, Van den Block L, Vander Stichele R, Deliens L. The prevalence in the general population of advance directives on euthanasia and discussion of end-of-life wishes: a nationwide survey. BMC Palliat Care 2015; 14:71. [PMID: 26643482 PMCID: PMC4671216 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-015-0068-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To determine the extent to which members of the general population have talked to their physician about their wishes regarding medical treatment at the end of life, to describe the prevalence of advance directives on euthanasia, and to identify associated factors. Method This study used data from the cross-sectional Health Interview Study (HIS) 2008 that collected data from a representative sample (N = 9651) of the Belgian population. Results Of all respondents, 4.4 % had spoken to their physician about their wishes regarding medical treatment at the end of life, while 1.8 % had an advance directive on euthanasia. Factors positively associated with discussions regarding wishes for medical treatment at the end of life were being female, being older in age, having poorer health status and having more GP contacts. People older than 55 years and living in Flanders or Brussels were more likely than the youngest age categories to have an advance directive on euthanasia. Conclusion Younger people, men, people living in the Walloon region of Belgium, people without a longstanding illness, chronic condition or disability and people with few GP contacts could represent a target group for education regarding advance care planning. Public information campaigns and education of physicians may help to enable the public and physicians to engage more in advance care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline De Vleminck
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium.
| | - Koen Pardon
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium.
| | - Dirk Houttekier
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium.
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium. .,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Robert Vander Stichele
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium. .,Heymans Institute of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Belgium. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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