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Liao J, Wu B, Mao J, Ni P. Factors Associated with Patient-Caregiver Concordance about Life-Sustaining Treatment Preferences among Advanced Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Semin Oncol Nurs 2024:151697. [PMID: 39097463 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151697] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Concordance of preferences for end-of-life care regarding patients between patients with advanced cancer and family caregivers can improve the likelihood of honoring dying patients' wishes. However, there is a dearth of knowledge in mainland China. The purpose of this study was to examine patient-family caregiver concordance about patients' life-sustaining treatment preferences and associated factors among patients with advanced cancer in China. METHODS From September 2019 to December 2021, a convenience sample of 406 dyads of advanced cancer patient-family caregiver were recruited from 2 tertiary hospitals in Wuhan, China. Participants completed a questionnaire about patient's preferences for life-sustaining treatment, respectively. The concordance was assessed by percent agreement and kappa coefficients. Associated factors were identified by univariate analysis and binary logistic regression. RESULTS The average concordance rate on the preferences for life-sustaining treatment was 56.1%, ranging from 52.9% to 59.3%. Factors associated with a higher level of patient-family caregiver concordance were following: patients who were married, whose educational levels were at college or above, who had not been informed of diagnosis by a physician, who had been informed of the effects and side effects of related drugs by a physician, and who cared for a seriously ill family member or friend and caregivers whose educational level were primary or below. CONCLUSIONS The patient-family caregiver concordance about patients' life-sustaining treatment preferences among patients with advanced cancer was poor. Patients' and caregivers' understanding of life-sustaining treatment and its efficacy in end-of-life should be facilitated. Relevant conversation should be encouraged between patients and caregivers, thus providing value-concordant end-of-life care for patients with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Health professionals need to carry out advanced care planning in oncology departments on mainland China to encourage patients and caregivers to discuss patients' end-of-life care preferences. Facilitating patients' and caregivers' understanding of life-sustaining treatment preferences may help improve the patient-caregiver concordance on life-sustaining treatment preferences among patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liao
- Nurse-in-charge, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bei Wu
- Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing and NYU Aging Incubator, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Jing Mao
- Professor, School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Ni
- Associated Professor, School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China..
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Jonsdottir G, Haraldsdottir E, Vilhjalmsson R, Sigurdardottir V, Hjaltason H, Klinke ME, Tryggvadottir GB, Jonsdottir H. Transition to end-of-life care in patients with neurological diseases in an acute hospital ward. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:253. [PMID: 39039445 PMCID: PMC11265032 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03768-z] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transitioning to end-of-life care and thereby changing the focus of treatment directives from life-sustaining treatment to comfort care is important for neurological patients in advanced stages. Late transition to end-of-life care for neurological patients has been described previously. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether previous treatment directives, primary medical diagnoses, and demographic factors predict the transition to end-of-life care and time to eventual death in patients with neurological diseases in an acute hospital setting. METHOD All consecutive health records of patients diagnosed with stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson's disease or other extrapyramidal diseases (PDoed), who died in an acute neurological ward between January 2011 and August 2020 were retrieved retrospectively. Descriptive statistics and multivariate Cox regression were used to examine the timing of treatment directives and death in relation to medical diagnosis, age, gender, and marital status. RESULTS A total of 271 records were involved in the analysis. Patients in all diagnostic categories had a treatment directive for end-of-life care, with patients with haemorrhagic stroke having the highest (92%) and patients with PDoed the lowest (73%) proportion. Cox regression identified that the likelihood of end-of-life care decision-making was related to advancing age (HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.007-1.039, P = 0.005), ischaemic stroke (HR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.034-2.618, P = 0.036) and haemorrhagic stroke (HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.219-3.423, P = 0.007) diagnoses. End-of-life care decision occurred from four to twenty-two days after hospital admission. The time from end-of-life care decision to death was a median of two days. Treatment directives, demographic factors, and diagnostic categories did not increase the likelihood of death following an end-of-life care decision. CONCLUSIONS Results show not only that neurological patients transit late to end-of-life care but that the timeframe of the decision differs between patients with acute neurological diseases and those with progressive neurological diseases, highlighting the particular significance of the short timeframe of patients with the progressive neurological diseases ALS and PDoed. Different trajectories of patients with neurological diseases at end-of-life should be further explored and clinical guidelines expanded to embrace the high diversity in neurological patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun Jonsdottir
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland.
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland.
| | - Erna Haraldsdottir
- Division of Nursing and Paramedic Science, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, EH216UU, Scotland
| | - Runar Vilhjalmsson
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland
| | - Valgerdur Sigurdardottir
- Palliative Care Unit, Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland
| | - Haukur Hjaltason
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland
- Department of Neurology, Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland
| | - Marianne Elisabeth Klinke
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland
- Department of Neurology, Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland
| | | | - Helga Jonsdottir
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland
- Respiratory Section, Division of Clinical Services, Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland
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Choi HR, Ho MH, Lin CC. Navigating tensions when life-sustaining treatment is withdrawn: A thematic synthesis of nurses' and physicians' experiences. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:2337-2356. [PMID: 38323726 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
AIM To synthesise nurses' and physicians' experiences with withdrawing life-sustaining treatment in an intensive care unit. DESIGN The chosen methodology is thematic synthesis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses and Enhancing Transparency are used in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research Statement. METHODS AND DATA SOURCES A systematic search is conducted in APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science following the inclusion and exclusion criteria in April 2023. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted the qualitative data. Subsequently, data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis of qualitative research. This study was not registered with any review registry due to the irrelevance of the data to health-related outcomes. RESULTS From the 16 articles, 267 quotes were extracted and analysed. The findings of the study revealed five analytical themes: (1) tensions between interdependent collaboration and hierarchical roles; (2) tensions between dignified dying or therapeutic perspectives; (3) family members' reflections of patient's wishes; (4) tensions in family members' positions; and (5) double-sidedness of distress. CONCLUSION This study contributes to nursing knowledge by providing a more nuanced understanding of this complex phenomenon of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. The findings of this study have revealed significant variations globally in the practices surrounding the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in intensive care units, emphasising the need for further research to inform clinical practices that cater to diverse contexts. REPORTING METHOD Enhancing Transparency are used in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research Statement (ENTREQ statement). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Since this study reported a potential collision between the patient's dignified dying and the family member's perceptions and interests, the family member's wishes should be carefully distinguished from the patient's quality of end of life in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Ri Choi
- School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Mu-Hsing Ho
- School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Chia-Chin Lin
- Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation, School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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Kim SH, Jang JH, Kim YZ, Kim KH, Nam TM. Recent Trends in the Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment in Patients with Acute Cerebrovascular Disease : 2017-2021. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2024; 67:73-83. [PMID: 37454676 PMCID: PMC10788555 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2023.0074] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Act on Life-Sustaining Treatment (LST) decisions for end-of-life patients has been effective since February 2018. An increasing number of patients and their families want to withhold or withdraw from LST when medical futility is expected. This study aimed to investigate the status of the Act on LST decisions for patients with acute cerebrovascular disease at a single hospital. METHODS Between January 2017 and December 2021, 227 patients with acute cerebrovascular diseases, including hemorrhagic stroke (n=184) and ischemic stroke (n=43), died at the hospital. The study period was divided into the periods before and after the Act. RESULTS The duration of hospitalization decreased after the Act was implemented compared to before (15.9±16.1 vs. 11.2±18.6 days, p=0.127). The rate of obtaining consent for the LST plan tended to increase after the Act (139/183 [76.0%] vs. 27/44 [61.4%], p=0.077). Notably, none of the patients made an LST decision independently. Ventilator withdrawal was more frequently performed after the Act than before (52/183 [28.4%] vs. 0/44 [0%], p<0.001). Conversely, the rate of organ donation decreased after the Act was implemented (5/183 [2.7%] vs. 6/44 [13.6%], p=0.008). Refusal to undergo surgery was more common after the Act was implemented than before (87/149 [58.4%] vs. 15/41 [36.6%], p=0.021) among the 190 patients who required surgery. CONCLUSION After the Act on LST decisions was implemented, the rate of LST withdrawal increased in patients with acute cerebrovascular disease. However, the decision to withdraw LST was made by the patient's family rather than the patient themselves. After the execution of the Act, we also observed an increased rate of refusal to undergo surgery and a decreased rate of organ donation. The Act on LST decisions may reduce unnecessary treatments that prolong end-of-life processes without a curative effect. However, the widespread application of this law may also reduce beneficial treatments and contribute to a decline in organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hwan Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Ji Hwan Jang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Young Zoon Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Kyu Hong Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Taek Min Nam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
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Power J, Gouldthorpe C, Davies A. Vital Signs in Palliative Care: A Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4641. [PMID: 37760611 PMCID: PMC10527359 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184641] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vital signs are routinely measured in secondary healthcare settings and can be used to detect clinical problems, guide treatment, and monitor response to treatment. Vital signs are less frequently measured in palliative care settings. Reasons for this are unclear. This scoping review aimed to assess the generic use of vital signs in palliative care, and its role in prognostication for adult patients with cancer receiving palliative care. Medline, Embase, and CINAHL were searched for articles involving adult patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care who had their vital signs measured. Twenty-six articles were identified in which one or a combination of vital signs, with or without other clinical parameters, was used to prognosticate for patients. An additional three articles investigated the generic use of vital signs in patients with advanced cancer. There was significant heterogeneity between identified studies, with some indication that changes in vital signs may indicate that a patient is close to death. However, other studies suggested that patients may maintain normal vital signs until the time of death. Further studies are needed to explore whether abnormal vital signs may be used as a prognostic indicator for patients with cancer receiving palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Power
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, D6W RY72 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Craig Gouldthorpe
- Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, D6W RY72 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Davies
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, D6W RY72 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
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