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Chutarattanakul L, Jarusukthavorn V, Dejkriengkraikul N, Oo MZ, Tint SS, Angkurawaranon C, Wiwatkunupakarn N. Misconception between palliative care and euthanasia among Thai general practitioners: a cross-sectional study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:96. [PMID: 38600512 PMCID: PMC11007896 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01430-6] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care lower medical expenses and enhances quality of life, but misconception with euthanasia delays timely care and makes inappropriate patient management. OBJECTIVE To examine the magnitude of misconceptions between palliative care and euthanasia among Thai general practitioners, explore the association with knowledge, attitudes, and practical experience, and assess the association between misconception and confidence in practicing and referring patients to palliative care centers. METHODS All 144 general practitioners who were going to start residency training at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital in 2021 participated in this observational cross-sectional study. A chi-square test was utilized to examine the relationship between misconception and knowledge, attitude, practical experience, confidence to practice, and confidence to refer patients. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out while controlling for age, sex, knowledge, attitude, and experience to examine the relationship between misconception and confidence to practice and refer patients for palliative care. Statistical significance was defined at p < 0.05. RESULTS About 41% of general physicians had misconceptions regarding palliative care and euthanasia. High knowledge was associated with a lower level of misconception (p = 0.01). The absence of misconceptions was weakly associated with a higher level of confidence in practicing palliative care, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.51 (95% confidence interval 0.73 to 3.10, p = 0.07). CONCLUSION High misconception rates between palliative care and euthanasia among young Thai physicians might impact their confidence in delivering palliative care. Training initiatives for medical students and practitioners can mitigate misconceptions, fostering better palliative care utilization in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalita Chutarattanakul
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Viriya Jarusukthavorn
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Nisachol Dejkriengkraikul
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Myo Zin Oo
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Soe Sandi Tint
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chaisiri Angkurawaranon
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nutchar Wiwatkunupakarn
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Intawaroros Road, Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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Krause R, Gwyther L, Olivier J. The influence of context on the implementation of integrated palliative care in an academic teaching hospital in South Africa. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2024; 18:26323524231219510. [PMID: 38196405 PMCID: PMC10775728 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231219510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative care (PC) has been integrated to a limited extent in the South African healthcare system. Contextual factors may be a pivotal influence in this integration. Objectives This study aims to explore contextual factors that are possibly influencing the integration or lack thereof in an academic teaching hospital (ATH). Design A mixed-method study was conducted in a large ATH in South Africa. Methods The mixed methods were conducted in parallel and then merged. Findings were integrated to describe the contextual factors influencing PC integration, to develop a timeline of implementation and assess the probable influence of context on the integration process. The mixed-methods phases included a narrative review of published literature related to health systems, integration of health interventions and PC in teaching hospital settings; followed by interviews, documentary and routine data analyses. Semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled participants provided the qualitative data. Primary national, provincial and organizational documents expanded the contextual phenomena and corroborated findings. Routine hospital admission and mortality data was statistically analysed to expand further and corroborate findings. All qualitative data was thematically analysed using deductive coding, drawing from the aspects of the contextual dimensions of integration. Results Enabling contextual factors for local PC integration were global and local advocacy, demonstrated need, PC being a human right, as well as the personal experiences of hospital staff. Impeding factors were numerous misconceptions, PC not valued as a healthcare priority, as well as limitations in functional elements necessary for PC integration: national and regional political support, leadership at all levels and sustainable financing. Conclusion The normative and functional contextual aspects interplay at macro, meso and micro levels positively and negatively. How stakeholders understand and value PC directly and indirectly impacts on PC integration. Strategic interventions such as mandatory education are required to ensure PC integration. The health system is dynamic, and understanding the context in which the health system functions is core to the integration of PC. This may assist in developing integration strategies to address PC integration and the transferability of these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Krause
- Division of Interdisciplinary Palliative Care and Medicine, University of Cape Town, Room 2.28, Falmouth Building, Observatory, Western Cape 7935, South Africa
| | - Liz Gwyther
- Division of Interdisciplinary Palliative Care and Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Jill Olivier
- Department of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
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Fischer C, Bednarz D, Simon J. Methodological challenges and potential solutions for economic evaluations of palliative and end-of-life care: A systematic review. Palliat Med 2024; 38:85-99. [PMID: 38142280 PMCID: PMC10798028 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231214124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the increasing demand for palliative and end-of-life care, along with the introduction of costly new treatments, there is a pressing need for robust evidence on value. However, comprehensive guidance is missing on methods for conducting economic evaluations in this field. AIM To identify and summarise existing information on methodological challenges and potential solutions/recommendations for economic evaluations of palliative and end-of-life care. DESIGN We conducted a systematic review of publications on methodological considerations for economic evaluations of adult palliative and end-of-life care as per our PROSPERO protocol CRD42020148160. Following initial searches, we conducted a two-stage screening process and quality appraisal. Information was thematically synthesised, coded, categorised into common themes and aligned with the items specified in the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards statement. DATA SOURCES The databases Medline, Embase, HTADatabase, NHSEED and grey literature were searched between 1 January 1999 and 5 June 2023. RESULTS Out of the initial 6502 studies, 81 were deemed eligible. Identified challenges could be grouped into nine themes: ambiguous and inaccurate patient identification, restricted generalisability due to poor geographic transferability of evidence, narrow costing perspective applied, difficulties defining comparators, consequences of applied time horizon, ambiguity in the selection of outcomes, challenged outcome measurement, non-standardised measurement and valuation of costs as well as challenges regarding a reliable preference-based outcome valuation. CONCLUSION Our review offers a comprehensive context-specific overview of methodological considerations for economic evaluations of palliative and end-of-life care. It also identifies the main knowledge gaps to help prioritise future methodological research specifically for this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fischer
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Damian Bednarz
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judit Simon
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
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Reid E, Lukoma M, Ho D, Bagasha P, Leng M, Namukwaya L. Palliative care needs and barriers in an urban Ugandan Emergency Department: A mixed-methods survey of emergency healthcare workers and patients. Afr J Emerg Med 2023; 13:339-344. [PMID: 38162896 PMCID: PMC10757186 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative Care offers patient-centered, symptom-focused relief for patients with incurable disease, and early integration of palliative care ensures quality of life and death while reducing medical impoverishment. The Emergency Department is an ideal yet understudied, under-utilized location to initiate palliative care. Objective To evaluate the palliative care needs of patients with incurable disease and perceived barriers amongst healthcare providers in the Emergency Department of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Methods A mixed methods survey of Emergency Department healthcare workers and patients was conducted. A crosse sectional survey of ninety-nine patients was conducted using the integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS). Eleven interviews were conducted with healthcare workers at Kiruddu Hospital, identified by purposive sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data.. Grounded theory approach was used to construct the in depth interview questions, code and analyze qualitative results and collapse these results into final themes. Results The most common diagnoses were HIV/HIV-TB (32 %), heart disease (18 %), and sickle cell disease (14 %). The prevalence of unmet palliative care needs was substantial: more that 70 % of patients reported untreated symptoms e.g., pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing. Seventy-seven percent of the population reported severe or overwhelming pain. The main barriers to provision of palliative care in the Emergency Department as identified by healthcare workers were: (1) lack of adequate training in palliative care; (2) Challenges due to patient volume and understaffing; (3) the misconception that palliative care is associated with pain management alone; (4) Financial constraints as the greatest challenge faced by patients with incurable disease. Conclusions We report a high prevalence of unmet palliative care needs among patients in this urban Ugandan Emergency Department, and important barriers reported by emergency healthcare providers. Identification of these barriers offers opportunities to overcome them including harnessing novel mHealth interventions such as clinical support apps or telehealth palliative care consultants. Integration of palliative care in this setting would improve the care of vulnerable patients, provide healthcare workers with an additional care modality while likely adding value to the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Reid
- Division of Global Health & International Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Michael Lukoma
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dao Ho
- Memorial Sloane Kettering Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Peace Bagasha
- Makerere Palliative Care Unit, Mulago Hospital, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mhoira Leng
- Makerere Palliative Care Unit, Mulago Hospital, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Liz Namukwaya
- Makerere Palliative Care Unit, Mulago Hospital, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Negasa EH, Human SP, Roro AG. Challenges in Palliative Care Provision in Ethiopia: An Exploratory Qualitative Study. J Pain Res 2023; 16:3405-3415. [PMID: 37817758 PMCID: PMC10561620 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s415866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of chronic illnesses is increasing at an alarming rate in Ethiopia. However, the existing palliative care service is not adequate to address the palliative care need of the patients and their families. This demands the need to explore, among other things, the challenges in palliative care provision. Thus, this article aimed to examine the challenges of palliative care provision in Ethiopia. Methods The study considered Ethiopia as a case and examined the topic using a qualitative exploratory design. The data used in the study were collected through 29 in-depth interviews and 5 focus group discussions with health professionals and other stakeholders and analyzed using thematic analysis technique with ATLAS-ti 7.0 computer software. Results This study explored patient-related, provider-related, health system-related and partnership-related challenges/gaps in palliative care in Ethiopia. Patient-related factors include, delay in seeking medical care, lack of awareness of disease conditions, discontinuation of treatment due to inability to pay, a lack of follow-up care by considering cancer diagnosis as end of life/death and preferring dying at home. Provider-related challenges include lack of awareness of palliative care, lack of pre-service/in-service training for health professionals, absence of palliative care in the curricula of health programs and scarcity of research information on palliative care in Ethiopia. Health-system challenges include lack of drug, reagent shortage, limited chemotherapy and radiotherapy services, and weak facility-community linkage. Finally, lack of collaborators between governmental and non-governmental organizations was seen as a challenge to the provision of palliative care in Ethiopia. Conclusion The study revealed that the challenges to palliative care provision in Ethiopia include patient-related factors, provider-related factors, health facility-related factors and partnership-related factors. Therefore, it is vital to take these challenges into account in order to improve the current palliative care service provision in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endalew Hailu Negasa
- Department of Nursing, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromiya, Ethiopia
| | - Sarie Petronella Human
- Department of Health Studies, College of Human Science, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ameyu Godesso Roro
- Department of Sociology, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromiya, Ethiopia
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Nguyen V, Khanh QT, Hocaoglu M, Huyen HTM, Thinh DHQ, Krakauer EL. Integrated Hospital- and Home-Based Palliative Care for Cancer Patients in Vietnam: People-Centered Outcomes. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:175-182.e3. [PMID: 37119878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hospital-based palliative care (PC) linked to palliative home care is rarely accessible in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVES To study people-centered outcomes of a palliative home care team based at a major cancer center in Vietnam. METHODS The palliative home care team, consisting of at least one physician and one nurse, provided home PC when needed by patients of the cancer center who lived within 10 kilometers. A linguistically validated version of the African Palliative Outcomes Scale was integrated into standard clinical data collection. We retrospectively reviewed data from the 81 consecutive patients on prevalence and severity of pain and other types of physical, psycho-social, and spiritual suffering at the first home visit (baseline) and at the first follow-up visit and measured any differences. RESULTS There was great demand for palliative home care. From baseline to follow-up, there was significant improvement in pain regardless of the baseline severity of pain (p < 0.003). Among patients with severe pain, breathlessness, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or worry about illness at baseline, there was significant improvement (p < 0.001), and caregiver worry about the patient also improved significantly. CONCLUSION Integration of hospital- and home-based PC for cancer patients is feasible and improves people-centered outcomes at low cost in Vietnam. These data suggest that benefits to patients, their families, and the health care system can accrue from integration of PC at all levels in Vietnam and other LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viet Nguyen
- Swedish First Hill Family Medicine Residency (V.N.), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Quach Thanh Khanh
- Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital (Q.T.K., H.T.M.H., D.H.Q.T.), Ho Chi Ming City , Vietnam
| | - Mevhibe Hocaoglu
- Cicely Saunders Institute (M.H.), King's College London, UK; Department of Global Health & Social Medicine (M.H., E.L.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Hoang Thi Mong Huyen
- Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital (Q.T.K., H.T.M.H., D.H.Q.T.), Ho Chi Ming City , Vietnam
| | - Dang Huy Quoc Thinh
- Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital (Q.T.K., H.T.M.H., D.H.Q.T.), Ho Chi Ming City , Vietnam
| | - Eric L Krakauer
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine (M.H., E.L.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; University of Medicine & Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (E.L.K.), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Salikhanov I, Katapodi MC, Kunirova G, Crape BL. Improving palliative care outcomes in remote and rural areas of LMICs through family caregivers: lessons from Kazakhstan. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1186107. [PMID: 37601198 PMCID: PMC10434554 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1186107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 60 million people require palliative care worldwide, and nearly 80% of them live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Providing palliative care in remote and rural areas of LMICs requires special consideration to ensure equitable access to healthcare. This perspective aims to deliver pragmatic, context-oriented policy recommendations designed to improve palliative care outcomes in Kazakhstan by capitalizing on existing resources and considering its unique geopolitical and sociocultural context. With approximately half of the population in Kazakhstan residing in remote and rural regions, the provision of healthcare services - specifically palliative care - mandates particular attention to ensure equal access to high-quality care. To understand challenges of implementing palliative care in remote and rural regions of Kazakhstan and to propose tailored solutions, 29 key stakeholders, including family caregivers, health professionals, and palliative care administrators, were identified in five regions of Kazakhstan. The main challenges encountered by family caregivers include lack of palliative care skills, the need for home-based care from mobile services, and high out-of-pocket expenditures. The challenges highlighted by healthcare providers and administrators were the lack of formal education in palliative care, shortage of opioids, and limited societal awareness and state support. Based on challenges elaborated from stakeholders and existing literature in palliative care and family caregiving, this perspective advocates against replicating the strategies implemented in high-income countries. Family caregivers play a critical role in implementing affordable and efficient palliative care in resource-limited settings. Enhancing their competencies through digital training and increasing access to palliative care services through mobile teams are tailored and localized solutions that address specific challenges in Kazakhstan. It is postulated that these recommendations may find utility in other LMICs, potentially benefiting nearly 48 million individuals who require these services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Salikhanov
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria C. Katapodi
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gulnara Kunirova
- President of the Kazakhstan Association of Palliative Care, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Byron L. Crape
- Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
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Mutedzi B, Nkhoma K, Langhaug L, Hunt J, Harding R. Improving bereavement outcomes in Zimbabwe: results of a feasibility cluster trial of the 9-cell bereavement tool. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:127. [PMID: 37480142 PMCID: PMC10360285 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01313-2] [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: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite high mortality rates from both communicable and non-communicable diseases, bereavement is under-researched in African countries. The 9-cell bereavement tool was designed to assist individuals to reflect on their feelings about bereavement and identify resources in families and communities to manage bereavement. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of implementing the 9-cell bereavement tool and recruitment to experimental evaluation. METHODS A feasibility cluster randomized trial with embedded qualitative interviews was conducted in two comparable neighbourhoods in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. Community leaders identified potential community lay bereavement supporters (interventionists). Each community lay bereavement supporter recruited two to three recently bereaved community members (trial participants). Following baseline data collection, the communities were randomly allocated to intervention or wait-list control. Self-administered questionnaires were completed at T0 (month 0), T1 (3 months) and T2 (6 months). Grief, mental health and social support were assessed. Focus group discussions with selected interventionists described training impact and intervention processes. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. RESULTS Implementation of the nine-cell bereavement tool and recruitment to experimental evaluation were successful. Implementation of the tool and the recruitment of study participants were conducted within the intended timeframe of 3 weeks. In line with the suggested sample size, the study was able to recruit and retain at least 75% of the trial participants for the total duration of the study. CONCLUSION The feasibility cluster trial was successfully implemented and assessed. Through the published protocol, the literature review and the results of this study, it has been noted that there is an urgent need to carry out a full trial in this subject matter, not only as a contribution to the currently sparse literature in this regard, but for the enormous potential public health benefit in supporting and saving lives in many more under-resourced and under-supported countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION Protocol registration: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16484746 . Protocol publication: https://pilotfeasibilitystudies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40814-019-0450-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mutedzi
- Island Hospice and Healthcare, 6 Natal Road, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Kennedy Nkhoma
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - Lisa Langhaug
- Zvitambo Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, 16 McLaughlin Road, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Richard Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9PJ, UK
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Khan S, Sadler K, Sidiqui K, AlYami H, AlGarni M, Al-Kofide A, Podda A. Physicians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perception Toward Pediatric Palliative Care in Saudi Arabia: A National Exploratory Survey. Palliat Med Rep 2023; 4:185-192. [PMID: 37496712 PMCID: PMC10366288 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric palliative care (PPC) helps maintain the quality of life for both children and their families. It has been identified as an important goal within the global health agenda. In Saudi Arabia, the discipline remains in its infancy, as illustrated by the absence of PPC programs in academic and health care institutions. Aim The aim was to conduct a pilot study assessing physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward PPC. Method Data were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire sent to physicians working in Saudi Arabia. Results One hundred twelve completed the survey (male 54.2%, n = 50). A total of 40.8% (n = 42) had 20 years or more of experience, 42.9% (n = 48) were from the hematology-oncology specialty, and 68.5% (n = 74) received no training in PPC. Half suggested that children should be informed of their condition but mostly when reaching 12 or 15 years of age. Various physicians reported that the most appropriate time to discuss a transition to palliative care goals is when diagnosing an incurable condition or when despite all efforts, a condition continues to progress and death is expected. Conclusion Multiple gaps were identified. PPC basic concepts should be included in the formal medical curriculum (e.g., pain management, communication, and ethical considerations at the end of life). There is also a significant need to develop further both primary and specialized palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saadiya Khan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kim Sadler
- Department of Oncology and Liver Diseases, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawar Sidiqui
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad AlYami
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak AlGarni
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Al-Kofide
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Antonello Podda
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Eng V, Sudoyo AW, Nuhonni SA, Hendrianto K. Indonesia's Unique Social System as Key to Successful Implementation of Community- and Home-Based Palliative Care. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2200290. [PMID: 37290020 PMCID: PMC10497302 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Venita Eng
- Indonesian Cancer Foundation Jakarta Chapter, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Kevin Hendrianto
- Medical Faculty, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia
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Carey N, Abathun E, Maguire R, Wodaje Y, Royce C, Ayers N. Co-design and prototype development of the 'Ayzot App': A mobile phone based remote monitoring system for palliative care. Palliat Med 2023; 37:771-781. [PMID: 37002562 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231162408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care, a recognised component of care by the World Health Organization is poorly developed in low- and middle-income countries. Mobile phone technology, an effective way to increase access and sustainability of healthcare systems globally, has demonstrated benefits within palliative care service delivery, but is yet to be utilised in Ethiopia. AIM To co-design, develop and evaluate a mobile phone based remote monitoring system for use by palliative care patients in Ethiopia. DESIGN Two-phase co-design approach comprising multiple methods that is stakeholder interviews, focus groups, user-co-creation activities and healthcare worker prioritisation discussions 2019-2020. Phase-1 interviews (n = 40), Phase-2 focus groups (n = 3) and interviews (n = 10). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Hospice Ethiopia and Yekatit 12 Medical College Hospital: healthcare workers, palliative care patients, family carers & software-developers. RESULTS Co-design activities lead to development of the prototype 'Ayzot' application, which was well received and reported to be easy to use. Patients, and family caregivers saw provision of self-care information and symptom management as a key function of the App and expressed very positive attitudes towards such information being included. Healthcare workers found the App offered service benefits, in terms of time and cost-savings. CONCLUSION This paper provides a detailed example of the development and design of a prototype remote monitoring system using mobile phone technology for palliative care use in Ethiopia. Further development and real-world testing are required, to not only understand how it acts within usual care to deliver anticipated benefits but also to explore its effectiveness and provide cost estimates for wider implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Carey
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the Highlands and Islands, UK
| | | | - Roma Maguire
- Digital Health and Care and Research, University of Strathclyde, UK
| | | | | | - Nicola Ayers
- Palliative Care Advisor, Ministry of Health, Ethiopia
- School of Nursing, BPP University, Waterloo, London, UK
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Ailshire JA, Herrera CA, Choi E, Osuna M, Suzuki E. Cross-national differences in wealth inequality in health services and caregiving used near the end of life. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 58:101911. [PMID: 36969343 PMCID: PMC10030998 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Socioeconomic inequality in access to and use of health services and social care provided near the end of life, or end-of-life care (EOLC), is not well understood in many countries. We examined wealth inequality in EOLC-hospital, nursing home, and hospice use and receipt of formal and informal caregiving-in 22 countries in Europe, Asia (South Korea), and North America (United States, Mexico). Methods We used harmonized data from nationally representative studies of people aged 50 and older that collected information on healthcare utilisation and caregiving receipt in the time preceding death. We categorized countries according to their level of public long-term care (LTC) spending and examined EOLC prevalence across countries. We used logistic regression models to estimate wealth inequality in each type of EOLC. Findings In the USA the least wealthy had more hospital (OR 1.30, p = 0.008) and nursing home/care use (OR 1.88, p < 0.001). In South Korea the least wealthy had more nursing home/care use (OR 2.24, p = 0.003). The least wealthy in high LTC Europe had less hospice use (OR 0.56, p = 0.003). The least wealthy were also less likely to be hospitalized in European countries with low LTC spending (OR 0.81, p = 0.04), but more likely to receive informal caregiving (OR 1.25, p = 0.033). Formal care was more common among the least wealthy in high LTC Europe (OR 1.57, p = 0.002), the USA (OR 1.42, p < 0.001) and South Korea (OR 1.69, p = 0.028), but less common among the least wealthy in Mexico (OR 0.17, p < 0.001). Interpretation Wealth inequality in EOLC exists across countries and reflects differences in the organization, financing, and delivery of care in different countries. The findings highlight the need to consider equity in current and future plans to improve EOLC access. Funding United States National Institute on Aging Grant R01AG030153.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Ailshire
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Cristian A. Herrera
- The World Bank Group, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eunyoung Choi
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Margarita Osuna
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Elina Suzuki
- The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris, France
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13
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Pérez-Cruz PE, Undurraga E, Arreola-Ornelas H, Corsi O, Jiang Kwete XX, Krakauer EL, Rosa WE, Knaul FM. Bridging gaps to universal palliative care access in Chile: serious health-related suffering and the cost of expanding the package of care services. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 19:100425. [PMID: 36950031 PMCID: PMC10025417 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The Lancet Commission on Palliative Care (PC) and Pain Relief quantified the burden of serious health-related suffering (SHS), proposing an Essential Package of PC (EPPC) to narrow the global PC divide. We applied the EPPC framework to analyze PC access in Chile, identify gaps in coverage, and provide recommendations to improve PC access. Methods Total SHS and population in need of PC was estimated using official 2019 government data. We differentiated between cancer and non-cancer related SHS given guaranteed Chilean PC coverage for cancer. We calculated differences between the Chilean PC package and the Lancet Commission EPPC to estimate the cost of expanding to achieve national coverage of palliative care. Findings In 2019, nearly 105,000 decedent and non-decedent Chileans experienced SHS with a lower-bound estimate of 12.1 million days and an upper-bound estimate of 42.4 million days of SHS. Each individual experienced between 116 and 520 days of SHS per year. People living with a cancer diagnosis had PC access with financial protection, accounting for almost 42% of patients in need. People with non-cancer diagnoses-about 61 thousand patients-lacked PC coverage. Expanding coverage of the EPPC for all patients in need would cost just above $123 million USD, equivalent to 0.47% of Chilean National Health Expenditure. Interpretation Achieving universal PC access is urgent and feasible for Chile, classified as a high-income country. Expanding PC services and coverage to the EPPC standard are affordable and critical health system responses to ensuring financial protection for patients with SHS. In Chile, this requires closing large gaps in PC coverage pertaining to patients with non-cancer conditions and treatment of symptoms that go beyond pain. Our research provides an empirical approach for applying the Lancet Commission SHS framework to estimate the cost of achieving national universal PC access anchored in a package of health care services. Funding This research was partially funded by the Chilean Government through the Fondo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (Fondecyt Regular) grant number 1201721, the U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee grant AWD-003806 awarded to the University of Miami and by the University of Miami Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas. We acknowledge NIH/NCI award P30CA008748.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro E. Pérez-Cruz
- Programa Medicina Paliativa y Cuidados Continuos, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago, Chile
- Sección Medicina Paliativa, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago, Chile
- Corresponding author. Programa Medicina Paliativa y Cuidados Continuos, Departamento Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Diagonal Paraguay 362, Oficina 523, Santiago, 8330077, Chile.
| | - Eduardo Undurraga
- Escuela de Gobierno, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago, Chile
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, CIFAR, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Research Center for Integrated Disaster Risk Management (CIGIDEN), Chile
| | - Hector Arreola-Ornelas
- Institute for Obesity Research, Tecnológico de Monterrey, México
- Escuela de Gobierno y Transformación Pública, Tecnológico de Monterrey, México
- Tómatelo a Pecho, AC, México
- Fundación Mexicana para la Salud, México
| | - Oscar Corsi
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Eric L. Krakauer
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William E. Rosa
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Felicia M. Knaul
- Tómatelo a Pecho, AC, México
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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14
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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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Bigi S, Borelli E, Potenza L, Gilioli F, Artioli F, Porzio G, Luppi M, Bandieri E. Early palliative care for solid and blood cancer patients and caregivers: Quantitative and qualitative results of a long-term experience as a case of value-based medicine. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1092145. [PMID: 36950093 PMCID: PMC10025337 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1092145] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer patients and their caregivers have substantial unmet needs, that negatively impact the clinical outcome and quality of life. However, interventions aimed to address such needs are still suboptimal, failing to answer the recent healthcare call for the adoption of value-based models of care. In the case of incurable oncologic and hematologic cancers, a value-based model of care should plan advanced care on patients' needs and include the quality of death as an outcome. The integration of early palliative care into standard oncologic care for patients with advanced cancers represents a recent innovative model of assistance whose benefits for patients and caregivers are now widely recognized. The key elements underlying the reasons behind these benefits are the multidisciplinary collaboration (teamwork), an honest and empathetic communication between the early palliative care team, the patient, and the caregiver (rapport building), and the ability to detect changes in the physical/psychosocial wellbeing of the patient, along the whole disease trajectory (constant monitoring). Methods This community case study documents the quantitative and qualitative results of a long term clinical and research experience in delivering early palliative care service to address both solid and blood cancer patients' and their primary caregivers' needs. Results Data showed decreased use of chemotherapy, blood transfusions and referral to intensive care units near the end of life; increased life expectancy; improved symptom burden and mood; increased frequency of goals-of-care and advanced care planning conversations. Hope perception among bereaved caregivers was associated with resilience and realistic expectations raising from honest communication with the early palliative care team and appreciation toward the model. Patients and caregivers perceived the possibility of a good death as realistic and not as an unlikely event as it was for patients and caregivers on standard oncologic care only. Gratitude expressions toward the model and the team were frequently identified in their reports and positively associated with communication and spirituality. Conclusions These findings are discussed in the context of an updated literature review regarding value-based care and suggest that early palliative care integrated into standard oncology care may be considered as an effective model of value-based care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bigi
- Department of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sarah Bigi
| | - Eleonora Borelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Gilioli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, USL, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Artioli
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | | | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Bandieri
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
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16
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Ghazanfari MJ, Karkhah S, Shahroudi P, Mollaei A, Niksolat M, Foolady Azarnaminy A, Emami Zeydi A. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Attitudes of Iranian Nurses and Related Factors Towards End-Of-Life Care. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221133496. [PMID: 36254820 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221133496] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence regarding attitudes of Iranian nurses and related factors towards end-of-life (EOL) care. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Magiran, Iranmedex, Scientific Information Database, and Google Scholar search engine were searched using Persian and English appropriate keywords from the earliest records up to September 11, 2020. A total of 849 nurses were included in six studies. After a meta-analysis of the mean score of nurses' attitudes, the pooled mean was 80.07 out of 120 (Q(5)=4.32, I-squared=0.00%; 95%CI: 73.53-86.60; p < 0.001). Marital status, ward type, education level, a history of participating in EOL care workshops, personal study of EOL care, experience of caring for a dying family member or close people, natural and approach acceptance, fear of death, and professional autonomy had a significant positive relationship with nurses' attitudes towards EOL care. Therefore, further large-scale studies considering potential confounding variables are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Ghazanfari
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Samad Karkhah
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Parinaz Shahroudi
- Department of Surgical Technology, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Aghil Mollaei
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Niksolat
- Firoozabadi Clinical and Research Development Unit, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Foolady Azarnaminy
- Department of Anesthesiology and Ccritical Care Medicine, Social Security Organization Hospital, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Amir Emami Zeydi
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Nasibeh School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Shlobin NA, Garcia RM, Bernstein M. Neuropalliative care for the neurosurgeon: a primer. J Neurosurg 2022; 137:850-858. [PMID: 34920433 DOI: 10.3171/2021.9.jns211872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Many neurosurgical conditions are incurable, leading to disability or severe symptoms, poor quality of life, and distress for patients and families. The field of neuropalliative care (NPC) addresses the palliative care (PC) needs of individuals living with neurological conditions. Neurosurgeons play an important role within multidisciplinary NPC teams because of their understanding of the natural history of and treatment strategies for neurosurgical conditions, longitudinal patient-physician relationships, and responsibility for neurosurgical emergencies. Moreover, patients with neurosurgical conditions have unique PC needs given the trajectories of neurosurgical diseases, the realities of prognostication, psychosocial factors, communication strategies, and human behavior. PC improves outcomes among neurosurgical patients. Despite the importance of NPC, neurosurgeons often lack formal training in PC skills, which include identifying patients who require PC, assessing a patient's understanding and preferences regarding illness, educating patients, building trust, managing symptoms, addressing family and caregiver needs, discussing end-of-life care, and recognizing when to refer patients to specialists. The future of NPC involves increasing awareness of the approach's importance, delineating priorities for neurosurgeons with regard to NPC, increasing emphasis on PC skills during training and practice, expanding research efforts, and adjusting reimbursement structures to incentivize the provision of NPC by neurosurgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Shlobin
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Roxanna M Garcia
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mark Bernstein
- 2Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto; and
- 3Temmy Latner Center for Palliative Care, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Armitage RC. Palliative care and pain relief in LMICs: a global public health and moral failing. Public Health 2022; 205:e10-e11. [PMID: 35022143 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R C Armitage
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.
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19
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Palliative Care’s Role in Austere Medicine. Wilderness Environ Med 2022; 33:102-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Gafer N, Marhoom M, Siddig S, Ali H, Mursi M, Harðardóttir D, Harding R. Prevalence of Life-Limiting and Life-Threatening Illness and Associated Palliative Care Needs Among Hospital Inpatients in Sudan. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:124-130. [PMID: 34256089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Evidence is needed to inform expansion of hospital-based palliative care in low and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to measure need for palliative care among adult inpatients at five hospitals in Sudan. Objectives were to 1) measure point prevalence of life-limiting and life-threatening illness (LL/LTI); 2) determine patient insight into diagnosis and prognosis; 3) assess palliative care-related symptoms and concerns. METHODS In this two-day census, data were extracted from charts on documented LL/LTI for each occupied bed. For patients with LL/LTI, self-report data was collected on symptoms, concerns and understanding of diagnosis and prognosis using Integrated African Palliative Outcome Scale (IAPOS). RESULTS 1) Prevalence of LL/LTI in general hospitals was 30.9%-70.5%. 2) n = 439 patients gave self-report data (response rate 89.8%). Mean age was 52.3 (SD 17.8), 59% of patients correctly knew their diagnosis, and 36% knew their illness was progressive. Those with a non-cancer diagnosis were significantly less likely to know their prognosis (28.4% vs 40.7% respectively, P = 0.012). 3) Family anxiety was most burdensome (56.7% scoring on the two most severe categories on a 6-point Likert), followed by pain (52.4%), poor mobility (40.5%), patient worry (39.9%), and fatigue (36.9%). Patients unaware of prognosis had higher total IAPOS scores than those aware their prognosis was progressive, 38.9 (SD = 15.6) (t = -3.297, P = 0.001, mean difference = -5.010, 95% CI: -7.997, -2.023). CONCLUSION Care for those with life-limiting and life-threatening illness places a significant occupancy burden on public hospitals. Communication skills are required to provide patients with insight, and core palliative care skills for acute hospital clinicians are needed to manage the high burden of symptoms and concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Gafer
- Khartoum Oncology Hospital (N.G., S.S.), Sudan
| | | | | | - Halima Ali
- National Cancer Institute (H.A.), Wad Madani, Sudan
| | | | - Daney Harðardóttir
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care (D.H., R.H.), King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, UK.
| | - Richard Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care (D.H., R.H.), King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, UK
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Jane Bates M, Gordon MRP, Gordon SB, Tomeny EM, Muula AS, Davies H, Morris C, Manthalu G, Namisango E, Masamba L, Henrion MYR, MacPherson P, Squire SB, Niessen LW. Palliative care and catastrophic costs in Malawi after a diagnosis of advanced cancer: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e1750-e1757. [PMID: 34756183 PMCID: PMC8600125 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00408-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inclusive universal health coverage requires access to quality health care without financial barriers. Receipt of palliative care after advanced cancer diagnosis might reduce household poverty, but evidence from low-income and middle-income settings is sparse. METHODS In this prospective study, the primary objective was to investigate total household costs of cancer-related health care after a diagnosis of advanced cancer, with and without the receipt of palliative care. Households comprising patients and their unpaid family caregiver were recruited into a cohort study at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi, between Jan 16 and July 31, 2019. Costs of cancer-related health-care use (including palliative care) and health-related quality-of-life were recorded over 6 months. Regression analysis explored associations between receipt of palliative care and total household costs on health care as a proportion of household income. Catastrophic costs, defined as 20% or more of total household income, sale of assets and loans taken out (dissaving), and their association with palliative care were computed. FINDINGS We recruited 150 households. At 6 months, data from 89 (59%) of 150 households were available, comprising 89 patients (median age 50 years, 79% female) and 64 caregivers (median age 40 years, 73% female). Patients in 55 (37%) of the 150 households died and six (4%) were lost to follow-up. 19 (21%) of 89 households received palliative care. Catastrophic costs were experienced by nine (47%) of 19 households who received palliative care versus 48 (69%) of 70 households who did not (relative risk 0·69, 95% CI 0·42 to 1·14, p=0·109). Palliative care was associated with substantially reduced dissaving (median US$11, IQR 0 to 30 vs $34, 14 to 75; p=0·005). The mean difference in total household costs on cancer-related health care with receipt of palliative care was -36% (95% CI -94 to 594; p=0·707). INTERPRETATION Vulnerable households in low-income countries are subject to catastrophic health-related costs following a diagnosis of advanced cancer. Palliative care might result in reduced dissaving in these households. Further consideration of the economic benefits of palliative care is justified. FUNDING Wellcome Trust; National Institute for Health Research; and EMMS International.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Jane Bates
- Department of Family Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Miriam R P Gordon
- Department of Economics, Global Development Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen B Gordon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ewan M Tomeny
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Adamson S Muula
- Department of Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Helena Davies
- Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, London, UK
| | - Claire Morris
- Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, London, UK
| | - Gerald Manthalu
- Department of Planning, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Eve Namisango
- African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Leo Masamba
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Marc Y R Henrion
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Peter MacPherson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - S Bertel Squire
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Louis W Niessen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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22
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Nalugya LG, Harborne D, Reid E. Factors affecting initiation of palliative care in a Ugandan Emergency Department. Afr J Emerg Med 2021; 11:442-446. [PMID: 34765429 PMCID: PMC8568603 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2021.06.005] [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: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Emergency Department (ED) of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital serves a largely rural population of 4 million people in western Uganda. Here, ED patients with incurable illness often have prolonged stays. Palliative care (PC) is a low-cost intervention that focuses on alleviating pain and suffering for patients with incurable disease, while improving satisfaction with care and optimizing healthcare utilization. This is especially important in low resource settings. A prior needs assessment in our ED revealed that 50% of patients have PC needs. The ED is an optimal location to initiate PC, yet this rarely happens. There is a great need to identify factors affecting initiation of ED PC in our resource-limited setting. Methods A semi-structured questionnaire and chart review was conducted from March to August 2020. Patients admitted from the ED were assessed for PC needs. Those who met criteria were approached for inclusion and flagged for initiation of PC. The follow-up period was 7 days. Results Sixty two percent of those subjects flagged for initiation of PC received it. By day seven, 36.1 of the study population had died. ED initiation of PC varied significantly by diagnosis, with cancer patients more likely to receive PC (p = 0.0097). Conclusion Important barriers to PC initiation were identified in our Ugandan ED, related to diagnosis. These barriers could be overcome by improving awareness of PC amongst patients and providers alike and implementing a PC screening tool for all admissions. Future research is needed to identify other barriers, as well as strategies for improved hospital-wide uptake of PC in this resource-limited setting.
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23
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May P, Normand C, Noreika D, Skoro N, Cassel JB. Using predicted length of stay to define treatment and model costs in hospitalized adults with serious illness: an evaluation of palliative care. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2021; 11:38. [PMID: 34542719 PMCID: PMC8454145 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-021-00336-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Economic research on hospital palliative care faces major challenges. Observational studies using routine data encounter difficulties because treatment timing is not under investigator control and unobserved patient complexity is endemic. An individual's predicted LOS at admission offers potential advantages in this context. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study on adults admitted to a large cancer center in the United States between 2009 and 2015. We defined a derivation sample to estimate predicted LOS using baseline factors (N = 16,425) and an analytic sample for our primary analyses (N = 2674) based on diagnosis of a terminal illness and high risk of hospital mortality. We modelled our treatment variable according to the timing of first palliative care interaction as a function of predicted LOS, and we employed predicted LOS as an additional covariate in regression as a proxy for complexity alongside diagnosis and comorbidity index. We evaluated models based on predictive accuracy in and out of sample, on Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria, and precision of treatment effect estimate. RESULTS Our approach using an additional covariate yielded major improvement in model accuracy: R2 increased from 0.14 to 0.23, and model performance also improved on predictive accuracy and information criteria. Treatment effect estimates and conclusions were unaffected. Our approach with respect to treatment variable yielded no substantial improvements in model performance, but post hoc analyses show an association between treatment effect estimate and estimated LOS at baseline. CONCLUSION Allocation of scarce palliative care capacity and value-based reimbursement models should take into consideration when and for whom the intervention has the largest impact on treatment choices. An individual's predicted LOS at baseline is useful in this context for accurately predicting costs, and potentially has further benefits in modelling treatment effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter May
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland.
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Charles Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Danielle Noreika
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Nevena Skoro
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - J Brian Cassel
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Nwagu GC, Bhattarai S, Swahn M, Ahmed S, Aneja R. Prevalence and Mortality of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in West Africa: Biologic and Sociocultural Factors. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1129-1140. [PMID: 34264759 PMCID: PMC8457872 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gift C Nwagu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Monica Swahn
- International Consortium for Advancing Research on Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Saad Ahmed
- International Consortium for Advancing Research on Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.,Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Ritu Aneja
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.,International Consortium for Advancing Research on Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
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25
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Gautam D, Adhikari S. Palliative care services for cancer patients in Nepal, a lower-middle-income country. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2021; 15:26323524211021105. [PMID: 34164623 PMCID: PMC8191070 DOI: 10.1177/26323524211021105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rise in cancer burden, need for palliative care services has increased simultaneously and majority of people requiring services are from low- and middle-income countries where palliative care is in primitive stage. Nepal is also facing similar challenges of dealing with cancer care and end-of-life care. From its initiation in the early 1990s, there has been gradual progress in the development of palliative care with joint effort of government as well as non-governmental organizations. Morphine, a major milestone for pain management, is being manufactured in the country for nearly a decade, yet morphine equivalence mg per capita is far below the global average. Currently, Nepal has been placed under ‘Category 3a’ with isolated care provision and there are a lot of challenges to overcome to improve the existing services. Majority of hospice and palliative care centres are located in the capital city and only a few in the periphery. Scarcity of treatment centres and expertise, limited finances, lack of awareness among patients and health care workers, and difficult terrain are major barriers for optimal care. Proper implementation of national guidelines, human resource development and integration of palliative care to primary healthcare level would be crucial steps for further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Gautam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur 44207, Nepal
| | - Sudhir Adhikari
- Department of Paediatrics, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Nepal
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26
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Qanungo S, Calvo-Schimmel A, McGue S, Singh P, Roy R, Bhattacharjee G, Panda N, Kumar G, Chowdhury R, Cartmell KB. Barriers, Facilitators and Recommended Strategies for Implementing a Home-Based Palliative Care Intervention in Kolkata, India. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 38:572-582. [PMID: 33167661 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120969127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 40 million people in the world are in need of palliative care, but only one-seventh of that population receive services. Underuse of palliative care in low resource countries exacerbates suffering in patients with life limiting illnesses such as cancer. OBJECTIVES The current study was conducted to identify barriers, facilitators and recommended strategies for informing development of a home-based palliative care intervention for poor and medically underserved rural patients in Kolkata, India. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 clinical and patient stakeholders in Kolkata, India. Questions queried current practices for delivering palliative care, along with barriers, facilitators and optimal strategies for implementing homebased palliative care. RESULTS We identified some key barriers to palliative care delivery in rural areas: lack of access to palliative care till late stages; patients unaware of their cancer stage; lack of affordability of medication and treatment costs; transportation challenges to access care; strict morphine distribution regulations making it challenging for patients to obtain morphine; cultural factors discouraging patients from seeking palliative care; resistance from medical community to use "rural medical practitioners (RMPs)" to deliver care. We also identified important facilitators, including availability of existing palliative care infrastructure at the cancer center, network of RMPs to serve as CHWs to facilitate palliative care delivery, low morphine cost and family support system for patients. CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence that a palliative care intervention which leverages an existing CHW infrastructure may be a feasible model for expanding the reach of palliative care to rural underserved patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suparna Qanungo
- 2345Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Shannon McGue
- 2345Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Pooja Singh
- 2345Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rakesh Roy
- 75690Saroj Gupta Cancer Center and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Gautam Bhattacharjee
- 75690Saroj Gupta Cancer Center and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Nibedita Panda
- 75690Saroj Gupta Cancer Center and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- 236752Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Rekha Chowdhury
- 75690Saroj Gupta Cancer Center and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Kathleen B Cartmell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, 2545Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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Krakauer EL, Kane K, Kwete X, Afshan G, Bazzett-Matabele L, Ruthnie Bien-Aimé DD, Borges LF, Byrne-Martelli S, Connor S, Correa R, Devi CRB, Diop M, Elmore SN, Gafer N, Goodman A, Grover S, Hasenburg A, Irwin K, Kamdar M, Kumar S, Truong QXN, Randall T, Rassouli M, Sessa C, Spence D, Trimble T, Varghese C, Fidarova E. Essential Package of Palliative Care for Women With Cervical Cancer: Responding to the Suffering of a Highly Vulnerable Population. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:873-885. [PMID: 34115527 PMCID: PMC8457866 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with cervical cancer, especially those with advanced disease, appear to experience suffering that is more prevalent, complex, and severe than that caused by other cancers and serious illnesses, and approximately 85% live in low- and middle-income countries where palliative care is rarely accessible. To respond to the highly prevalent and extreme suffering in this vulnerable population, we convened a group of experienced experts in all aspects of care for women with cervical cancer, and from countries of all income levels, to create an essential package of palliative care for cervical cancer (EPPCCC). The EPPCCC consists of a set of interventions, medicines, simple equipment, social supports, and human resources, and is designed to be safe and effective for preventing and relieving all types of suffering associated with cervical cancer. It includes only inexpensive and readily available medicines and equipment, and its use requires only basic training. Thus, the EPPCCC can and should be made accessible everywhere, including for the rural poor. We provide guidance for integrating the EPPCCC into gynecologic and oncologic care at all levels of health care systems, and into primary care, in countries of all income levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L. Krakauer
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Departments of Medicine and of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Palliative Care, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Khadidjatou Kane
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Gauhar Afshan
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Lisa Bazzett-Matabele
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Danta Dona Ruthnie Bien-Aimé
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Université Episcopale d'Haiti, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
- Faculté des Sciences Infirmières de Leogane, Leogane, Haiti
| | - Lawrence F. Borges
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah Byrne-Martelli
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Raimundo Correa
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit and Palliative Care Service, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Mamadou Diop
- Cancer Institute of Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Shekinah N. Elmore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Nahla Gafer
- Radiation and Isotope Centre, Oncology Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan
- Comboni College of Science and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Annekathryn Goodman
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Surbhi Grover
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Annette Hasenburg
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kelly Irwin
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Mihir Kamdar
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatrics, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Institute of Palliative Medicine, Medical College, Kerala, India
| | - Quynh Xuan Nguyen Truong
- College of Public Health Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Boston, MA
- University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tom Randall
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Cristiana Sessa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Dingle Spence
- Hope Institute Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica
- University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | | | - Cherian Varghese
- Department of Non-communicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elena Fidarova
- Department of Non-communicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Afolabi OA, Nkhoma K, Maddocks M, Harding R. What constitutes a palliative care need in people with serious illnesses across Africa? A mixed-methods systematic review of the concept and evidence. Palliat Med 2021; 35:1052-1070. [PMID: 33860715 PMCID: PMC8371282 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211008784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clarity on what constitutes a palliative care need is essential to ensure that health systems and clinical services deliver an appropriate response within Universal Health Coverage. AIM To synthesise primary evidence from Africa for palliative care needs among patients and families with serious illness. DESIGN We conducted a mixed methods systematic review with sequential synthesis design. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019136606) and included studies were quality assessed using Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. DATA SOURCES Six global literature databases and Three Africa-specific databases were searched up to October 2020 for terms related to palliative care, serious illnesses and Africa. Palliative care need was defined as multidimensional problems, symptoms, distress and concerns which can benefit from palliative care. RESULTS Of 7810 papers screened, 159 papers met eligibility criteria. Palliative care needs were mostly described amongst patients with HIV/AIDS (n = 99 studies) or cancer (n = 59), from East (n = 72) and Southern (n = 89) Africa. Context-specific palliative care needs included managing pregnancy and breastfeeding, preventing infection transmission (physical); health literacy needs, worry about medical bills (psychological); isolation and stigma, overwhelmed families needing a break, struggling to pay children's school fees and selling assets (social and practical needs); and rites associated with cultural and religious beliefs (spiritual). CONCLUSIONS Palliative care assessment and care must reflect the context-driven specific needs of patients and families in Africa, in line with the novel framework. Health literacy is a crucial need in this context that must be met to ensure that the benefits of palliative care can be achieved at the patient-level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladayo A Afolabi
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Nursing Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Kennedy Nkhoma
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Maddocks
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Harding
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
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29
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Afolabi OA, Abboah-Offei M, Namisango E, Chukwusa E, Oluyase AO, Luyirika EBK, Harding R, Nkhoma K. Do the Clinical Management Guidelines for Covid-19 in African Countries Reflect the African Quality Palliative Care Standards? A Review of Current Guidelines. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:e17-e23. [PMID: 33617951 PMCID: PMC7894087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.01.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care should be a component of COVID-19 management to relieve suffering, improve patient outcomes and save cost. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify and critically appraise the palliative care recommendations within COVID-19 case management guidelines in African countries. METHODS The study employed systematic guideline review design. All guidelines from any country in Africa, of any language, published between December 2019 and June 2020 were retrieved through online search and email to in-country key contacts. We conducted a content analysis of the palliative care recommendations within the guidelines and appraised the recommendations using African Palliative Care Association standards for providing quality palliative care. RESULTS We retrieved documents from 29 of 54 African countries. Fifteen documents from 15 countries were included in the final analysis, of which eight countries have identifiable PC recommendations in their COVID-19 management guidelines. Of these eight, only one country (South Sudan) provided comprehensive palliative care recommendations covering the domains of physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing, two (Namibia and Uganda) addressed only physical and psychological wellbeing while the remaining five countries addressed only physical symptom management. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive palliative care which addresses physical, psychological, social and spiritual concerns must be prioritized within case management guidelines in African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladayo A Afolabi
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Nursing Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
| | - Mary Abboah-Offei
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eve Namisango
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK; African Palliative Care Association
| | - Emeka Chukwusa
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Adejoke O Oluyase
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Richard Harding
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kennedy Nkhoma
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
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30
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Global Perspectives on Palliative Care for Cancer Patients: Not All Countries Are the Same. Curr Oncol Rep 2021; 23:60. [PMID: 33829323 PMCID: PMC8026388 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Purpose of the Review The integration of cancer-related palliative care is essential to holistic, quality cancer care. While some similarities exist between countries, this manuscript will focus on five differences that impact palliative care for cancer patients including the epidemiology of cancer and related symptoms, cancer-specific integration into care, palliative care education, economic development of the country, and cultural and religious differences. Recent Findings The epidemiology of cancer varies around the world resulting in variable symptoms and the need for individualized approaches to palliative care. While palliative care is integrated in some countries, it is lacking in over half of the world, and specific integration into cancer care is virtually absent. Education and training are the key to expansion, and yet oncology-focused palliative care education is lacking or is not well-reported in the literature. To complicate this global lens even further are the economic disparities that exist. Low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) are resource poor and have the fewest resources and least amount of integration, and yet patients with advanced cancer are over-represented in these countries. Essential to cancer-related palliative care is a tailored approach that addresses cultural and religious differences around the globe. Summary Palliative care is developing around the globe and yet palliative care specific for cancer patients is in its infancy. Cancer care professionals should (1) understand the epidemiologic differences that exist globally and the impact this has on palliative care, (2) integrate palliative care into the cancer care arena, (3) provide cancer-specific palliative education focused on the cancer trajectory from diagnosis through survivorship and end of life, (4) advocate for LMICs, which suffer from a lack of resources and services, and (5) understand cultural and religious differences that exist to provide holistic and sensitive cancer-related palliative care.
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Mallon A, Slater P, Hasson F, Casson K, McIlfatrick S. What do young adults know about palliative care? A cross-sectional survey. Public Health 2021; 191:78-84. [PMID: 33545498 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A public health approach to palliative care that reorientates care towards the public is advocated in global policy. The public are drivers in identifying care priorities and partners in finding solutions to care issues; however, a necessary prerequisite is that the public knows what palliative care is and what it can achieve. The aim of this study was to investigate what young adults, an important cohort of the public, know about palliative care and identify key predictors of knowledge. STUDY DESIGN This is a cross-sectional online survey. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey measured knowledge of palliative care using the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS), with young adults (aged 18-29 years) recruited from a university in the UK. Data relating to demographic characteristics and familiarity and experience of palliative care were collected, with descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses undertaken to determine respondents' knowledge levels and key predictors. RESULTS In total, 83% (n = 710) of respondents (n = 859) had heard of the term palliative care. The mean score on the PaCKS was 8.87 (standard deviation = 3.4, range = 0-13); men had lower levels of knowledge (P = 0.016). Most respondents were aware that palliative care is not specifically for those with cancer or exclusively for older populations. They were unsure of timing and other key aspects reporting significant levels of 'I don't 'know' responses. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that familiarity and experience of palliative care moderated demographic influences (age, gender, education level) on knowledge (β = 0.45, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that despite high levels of awareness and familiarity with the term, significant numbers of respondents indicated a lack of knowledge of palliative care rather than inaccurate knowledge. This suggests the need for public health organisations to partner with palliative care sectors to develop and disseminate clear unequivocal messaging relating to the breadth of palliative care that both informs and engages young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mallon
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Irsland, UK.
| | - P Slater
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Irsland, UK
| | - F Hasson
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Irsland, UK
| | - K Casson
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Irsland, UK
| | - S McIlfatrick
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Irsland, UK
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Bayuo J, Bristowe K, Harding R, Agbeko AE, Wong FKY, Agyei FB, Allotey G, Baffour PK, Agbenorku P, Hoyte-Williams PE, Agambire R. "Hanging in a balance": A qualitative study exploring clinicians' experiences of providing care at the end of life in the burn unit. Palliat Med 2021; 35:417-425. [PMID: 33198576 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320972289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the culture in burns/critical care units is gradually evolving to support the delivery of palliative/end of life care, how clinicians experience the end of life phase in the burn unit remains minimally explored with a general lack of guidelines to support them. AIM To explore the end of life care experiences of burn care staff and ascertain how their experiences can facilitate the development of clinical guidelines. DESIGN Interpretive-descriptive qualitative approach with a sequential two phased multiple data collection strategies was employed (face to face semi-structured in-depth interviews and follow-up consultative meeting). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS The study was undertaken in a large teaching hospital in Ghana. Twenty burn care staff who had a minimum of 6 months working experience completed the interviews and 22 practitioners participated in the consultative meeting. RESULTS Experiences of burn care staff are complex with four themes emerging: (1) evaluating injury severity and prognostication, (2) nature of existing system of care, (3) perceived patient needs, and (4) considerations for palliative care in burns. Guidelines in this regard should focus on facilitating communication between the patient and family and staff, holistic symptom management at the end of life, and post-bereavement support for family members and burn care practitioners. CONCLUSIONS The end of life period in the burn unit is poorly defined coupled with prognostic uncertainty. Collaborative model of practice and further training are required to support the integration of palliative care in the burn unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bayuo
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Presbyterian University College, Abetifi, Eastern, Ghana.,School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Katherine Bristowe
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, Kings College, London, UK
| | - Richard Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, Kings College, London, UK
| | | | | | - Frank Bediako Agyei
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Presbyterian University College, Abetifi, Eastern, Ghana
| | - Gabriel Allotey
- Burns Intensive Care Unit, Plastics and Reconstructive Surgical Unit, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Prince Kyei Baffour
- Burns Intensive Care Unit, Plastics and Reconstructive Surgical Unit, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Pius Agbenorku
- Plastics, Burns and Reconstructive Surgical Division, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana.,School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Paa Ekow Hoyte-Williams
- Plastics, Burns and Reconstructive Surgical Division, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Ramatu Agambire
- Department of Nursing, Garden City University College, Kumasi, Ghana
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Boufkhed S, Harding R, Kutluk T, Husseini A, Pourghazian N, Shamieh O. What Is the Preparedness and Capacity of Palliative Care Services in Middle-Eastern and North African Countries to Respond to COVID-19? A Rapid Survey. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:e13-e50. [PMID: 33227380 PMCID: PMC7679234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Evidence from prior public health emergencies demonstrates palliative care's importance to manage symptoms, make advance care plans, and improve end-of-life outcomes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the preparedness and capacity of palliative care services in the Middle-East and North Africa region to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was undertaken, with items addressing the WHO International Health Regulations. Nonprobabilistic sampling was used, and descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS Responses from 43 services in 12 countries were analyzed. Half of respondents were doctors (53%), and services were predominantly hospital based (84%). All but one services had modified at least one procedure to respond to COVID-19. Do Not Resuscitate policies were modified by a third (30%) and unavailable for a fifth (23%). While handwashing facilities at points of entry were available (98%), a third had concerns over accessing disinfectant products (37%), soap (35%), or running water (33%). The majority had capacity to use technology to provide remote care (86%) and contact lists of patients and staff (93%), though only two-fifths had relatives' details (37%). Respondents reported high staff anxiety about becoming infected themselves (median score 8 on 1-10 scale), but only half of services had a stress management procedure (53%). Three-fifths had plans to support triaging COVID-19 patients (60%) and protocols to share (58%). CONCLUSION Participating services have prepared to respond to COVID-19, but their capacity to respond may be limited by lack of staff support and resources. We propose recommendations to improve service preparedness and relieve unnecessary suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Boufkhed
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Richard Harding
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tezer Kutluk
- Department of Pediatric Oncology Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine and Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Abdullatif Husseini
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine
| | - Nasim Pourghazian
- Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omar Shamieh
- Center for Palliative & Cancer Care in Conflict, Department of Palliative Care, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan; College of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Lin CP, Boufkhed S, Pai AA, Namisango E, Luyirika E, Sleeman KE, Costantini M, Peruselli C, Higginson IJ, Ekstrand ML, Harding R, Salins N, Bhatnagar S. Preparedness and Capacity of Indian Palliative Care Services to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Rapid Assessment Survey. Indian J Palliat Care 2021; 27:152-171. [PMID: 34035634 PMCID: PMC8121233 DOI: 10.4103/ijpc.ijpc_429_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has been causing a high burden of suffering for patients and families. There is limited evidence on the preparedness of Indian palliative care services for the pandemic. AIM This study aimed to assess the preparedness and capacity of Indian palliative care services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was developed based on prior evidence and international health regulations. It was emailed to the Indian Palliative Care Association members and investigators' professional networks in India. One participant per palliative care service was requested. Descriptive analysis was used. RESULTS Representatives of 78 palliative care services completed the survey. Three in four services had COVID-19 case definition and adapted their protocols for infection control (75%). About half of the services (55%) reported concerns about achieving appropriate hand hygiene in the community. More than half of the services (59%) had capacity to train nonspecialists for symptom control and psychological support. About half of the services reported that they had plans to redeploy staff (56%) and resources (53%) in the case of outbreaks. Two-fifths of the services used paper records to store an updated contact list of staff (40%) and did not have designated focal contacts for information update (40%). Staff anxiety related to personal infection risk and family care was relatively high (median score = 7 on a 1-10 scale). CONCLUSION We recommend the following resource allocation to enable palliative care services to support the Indian health system in delivering essential care in this and future pandemics: (1) infection control, especially in the community; (2) training using existing clinical protocols to strengthen palliative care across the health system; and (3) redeployment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Pei Lin
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
- School of Nursing, Institute of Community Health Care, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sabah Boufkhed
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Asha Albuquerque Pai
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Eve Namisango
- African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Katherine E Sleeman
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Carlo Peruselli
- Società Italiana di Cure Palliative (Italian Society of Palliative Care), MI, Italy
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria L Ekstrand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- St John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Richard Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Naveen Salins
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sushma Bhatnagar
- Department of Oncoanesthesia and Palliative Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Sleeman KE, Gomes B, de Brito M, Shamieh O, Harding R. The burden of serious health-related suffering among cancer decedents: Global projections study to 2060. Palliat Med 2021; 35:231-235. [PMID: 32945226 PMCID: PMC7797611 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320957561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care improves outcomes for people with cancer, but in many countries access remains poor. Understanding future needs is essential for effective health system planning in response to global policy. AIM To project the burden of serious health-related suffering associated with death from cancer to 2060 by age, gender, cancer type and World Bank income region. DESIGN Population-based projections study. Global projections of palliative care need were derived by combining World Health Organization cancer mortality projections (2016-2060) with estimates of serious health-related suffering among cancer decedents. RESULTS By 2060, serious health-related suffering will be experienced by 16.3 million people dying with cancer each year (compared to 7.8 million in 2016). Serious health-related suffering among cancer decedents will increase more quickly in low income countries (407% increase 2016-2060) compared to lower-middle, upper-middle and high income countries (168%, 96% and 39% increase 2016-2060, respectively). By 2060, 67% of people who die with cancer and experience serious health-related suffering will be over 70 years old, compared to 47% in 2016. In high and upper-middle income countries, lung cancer will be the single greatest contributor to the burden of serious health-related suffering among cancer decedents. In low and lower-middle income countries, breast cancer will be the single greatest contributor. CONCLUSIONS Many people with cancer will die with unnecessary suffering unless there is expansion of palliative care integration into cancer programmes. Failure to do this will be damaging for the individuals affected and the health systems within which they are treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Sleeman
- King's College London, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, UK
| | - Barbara Gomes
- King's College London, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maja de Brito
- King's College London, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Omar Shamieh
- Department of Palliative Care, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Richard Harding
- King's College London, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, UK
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Boufkhed S, Namisango E, Luyirika E, Sleeman KE, Costantini M, Peruselli C, Normand C, Higginson IJ, Harding R. Preparedness of African Palliative Care Services to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Assessment. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:e10-e26. [PMID: 32949761 PMCID: PMC7493734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care is an essential component of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response but is overlooked in national and international preparedness plans. The preparedness and capacity of African palliative care services to respond to COVID-19 is unknown. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the preparedness and capacity of African palliative care services to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We developed, piloted, and conducted a cross-sectional online survey guided by the 2005 International Health Regulations. It was electronically mailed to the 166 African Palliative Care Association's members and partners. Descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS About 83 participants from 21 countries completed the survey. Most services had at least one procedure for the case management of COVID-19 or another infectious disease (63%). Respondents reported concerns over accessing running water, soap, and disinfectant products (43%, 42%, and 59%, respectively) and security concerns for themselves or their staff (52%). Two in five services (41%) did not have any or make available additional personal protective equipment. Most services (80%) reported having the capacity to use technology instead of face-to-face appointment, and half (52%) reported having palliative care protocols for symptom management and psychological support that could be shared with nonspecialist staff in other health care settings. CONCLUSION Our survey suggests that African palliative care services could support the wider health system's response to the COVID-19 pandemic with greater resources such as basic infection control materials. It identified specific and systemic weaknesses impeding their preparedness to respond to outbreaks. The findings call for urgent measures to ensure staff and patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Boufkhed
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Eve Namisango
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Katherine E Sleeman
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Charles Normand
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Harding
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ehrlich BS, Movsisyan N, Batmunkh T, Kumirova E, Borisevich MV, Kirgizov K, Graetz DE, McNeil MJ, Yakimkova T, Vinitsky A, Ferrara G, Li C, Lu Z, Kaye EC, Baker JN, Agulnik A. Barriers to the early integration of palliative care in pediatric oncology in 11 Eurasian countries. Cancer 2020; 126:4984-4993. [PMID: 32813913 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early integration of palliative care significantly improves quality of life for children with cancer. However, cultural, structural, and socioeconomic barriers can delay the integration of palliative care into cancer care, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. To date, little is known regarding the timing of and barriers to palliative care integration in Eurasia. METHODS The Assessing Doctors' Attitudes on Palliative Treatment (ADAPT) survey evaluates physician perceptions regarding palliative care integration into pediatric oncology in Eurasia. This evidence-based survey was adapted to the regional context; iteratively reviewed by US and regional panelists; and piloted in English, Russian, and Mongolian. After distribution to physicians caring for children with cancer, statistical analysis was complemented by qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. RESULTS A total of 424 physician responses were received from 11 countries in the Eurasian region. Study findings demonstrated wide variability in access to palliative care experts across countries (18%-96%), with the majority of providers (64%) reporting that the initial palliative care consultation typically occurs when curative options are no longer available. Providers desired an earlier initial palliative care consultation than what currently occurs in their setting (P < .001). Primary barriers to timely consultation included limited access to palliative care services and specialists, lack of physician education, and perceived family resistance. CONCLUSIONS The current study is the first to identify physician perceptions of the delayed timing of palliative care integration into childhood cancer care and associated barriers in Eurasia. These findings will inform the development of targeted interventions to mitigate local structural and cultural barriers to access and facilitate earlier palliative care integration in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bella S Ehrlich
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.,Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Narine Movsisyan
- Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - Ella Kumirova
- Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina V Borisevich
- Belarusian Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk, Belarus
| | | | - Dylan E Graetz
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Michael J McNeil
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Taisiya Yakimkova
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Anna Vinitsky
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Gia Ferrara
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Erica C Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Justin N Baker
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Asya Agulnik
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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Ehrlich BS, Movsisyan N, Batmunkh T, Kumirova E, Borisevich MV, Kirgizov K, Graetz DE, McNeil MJ, Yakimkova T, Vinitsky A, Ferrara G, Li C, Lu Z, Kaye EC, Baker JN, Agulnik A. A multicountry assessment in Eurasia: Alignment of physician perspectives on palliative care integration in pediatric oncology with World Health Organization guidelines. Cancer 2020; 126:3777-3787. [PMID: 32530519 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for early integration of palliative care for all children with life-threatening illness. Provider awareness and misperceptions, however, can impede this imperative. In the Eurasian region, little is known about physician knowledge and perspectives on palliative care. METHODS The Assessing Doctors' Attitudes on Palliative Treatment survey was developed as an evidence-based and culturally relevant assessment of physician perceptions on palliative care integration into childhood cancer care in Eurasia. Iteratively tested by American and Eurasian palliative care experts, the survey was culturally adapted, translated, and piloted in English, Russian, and Mongolian. The survey was distributed to physicians caring for children with cancer. Fifteen statements were scored in accordance with WHO guidelines to evaluate provider knowledge. The statistical analysis was complemented by a qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. RESULTS This study received 424 responses from 11 countries in Eurasia. The mean alignment between provider perspectives and WHO recommendations was 70% (range, 7%-100%). Significant independent predictors of higher alignment included country, prior palliative care education, and greater experience with patient death. Respondents primarily described palliative care as end-of-life care and symptom management. Two-thirds of respondents (67%) reported not feeling confident about delivering at least 1 component of palliative care. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study assessing physician perspectives and knowledge of palliative care in Eurasia and reveals wide variability in alignment with WHO guidelines and limited confidence in providing palliative care. Study findings will inform targeted educational interventions, which must be tailored to the local political, economic, and cultural context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bella S Ehrlich
- Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.,Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Narine Movsisyan
- Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - Ella Kumirova
- Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina V Borisevich
- Belarusian Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Kirill Kirgizov
- N. N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dylan E Graetz
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Michael J McNeil
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Taisiya Yakimkova
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Anna Vinitsky
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Gia Ferrara
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Erica C Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Justin N Baker
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Asya Agulnik
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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MacRae MC, Fazal O, O'Donovan J. Community health workers in palliative care provision in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic scoping review of the literature. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e002368. [PMID: 32457030 PMCID: PMC7252978 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community health workers (CHWs) are currently deployed in improving access to palliative care in a limited number of low-income or middle-income countries (LMICs). This review therefore aimed to document evidence from LMICs regarding (1) where and how CHWs are currently deployed in palliative care delivery, (2) the methods used to train and support CHWs in this domain, (3) the evidence surrounding the costs attached with deploying CHWs in palliative care provision and (4) challenges and barriers to this approach. METHODS We conducted a systematic scoping review of the literature, adhering to established guidelines. 11 major databases were searched for literature published between 1978 and 2019, as well as the grey literature. FINDINGS 13 original studies were included, all of which were conducted in sub-Saharan African countries (n=10) or in India (n=3). Ten described a role for CHWs in adult palliative care services, while three described paediatric services. Roles for CHWs include raising awareness and identifying individuals requiring palliative care in the community, therapeutic management for pain, holistic home-based care and visitation, and provision of psychological support and spiritual guidance. Reports on training context, duration and outcomes were variable. No studies conducted a formal cost analysis. Challenges to this approach include training design and sustainability; CHW recruitment, retention and support; and stigma surrounding palliative care. CONCLUSION Despite relatively limited existing evidence, CHWs have important roles in the delivery of palliative care services in LMIC settings. There is a need for a greater number of studies from different geographical contexts to further explore the effectiveness of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Owais Fazal
- Division of Research, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
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Reid E, Abathun E, Diribi J, Mamo Y, Hall P, Fallon M, Wondemagegnhu T, Grant L. Rationale and study design: A randomized controlled trial of early palliative care in newly diagnosed cancer patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2020; 18:100564. [PMID: 32309673 PMCID: PMC7154993 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100564] [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: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient-reported outcomes and economic aspects of Palliative Care (PC) provision in low-income countries (LIC) are under-studied. Demonstrating the economic value of PC is key to sustainability and guiding health care policy. Our preliminary data in Ethiopia demonstrated a widespread need for PC, poor access to it, and high out of pocket payments (OOP). We suspect that in this and other LIC, PC may function not only to reduce suffering but also as a poverty reduction strategy.We are conducting a randomized controlled trial of standard Oncology care versus standard Oncology care plus PC in newly diagnosed cancer patients in Addis Ababa. Ninety-seven adults presenting to Oncology Clinic will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio. Subjects receiving PC will meet with a PC provider at time of enrollment and at follow up visits in their homes. All subjects will be assessed via questionnaire at enrollment and follow-up Oncology visits at 8 ± 4 and 12 ± 4 weeks. A cost-consequence analysis will be performed, to include: patient-reported OOP and healthcare utilization, the latter to be assessed through chart adjudication. Outcomes will include change in African Palliative Care Association Palliative Outcome Score, changes in OOP and healthcare utilization.We hypothesize that the cost of home-based PC will be offset by improvements in patient-reported outcomes, decreased OOP and healthcare utilization, rendering PC cost-effective in this LIC. These findings may lead to widespread dissemination of an effective, sustainable and cost-saving public PC delivery strategy that would improve the quality of life and death for millions of people. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03712436.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Reid
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA.,University of Edinburgh Global Health Academy, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jilcha Diribi
- Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Peter Hall
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marie Fallon
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Liz Grant
- University of Edinburgh Global Health Academy, Edinburgh, UK
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Bates MJ, Muula A, Gordon SB, Henrion MYR, Tomeny E, MacPherson P, Squire B, Niessen L. Study protocol for a single-centre observational study of household wellbeing and poverty status following a diagnosis of advanced cancer in Blantyre, Malawi - 'Safeguarding the Family' study. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:2. [PMID: 32161817 PMCID: PMC7047920 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15633.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many households in low-and-middle income countries face the additional burden of crippling out-of-pocket expenditure when faced with a diagnosis of life-limiting illness. Available evidence suggests that receipt of palliative care supports cost-savings for cancer-affected households. This study will explore the relationship between receipt of palliative care, total household out-of-pocket expenditure on health and wellbeing following a first-time diagnosis of advanced cancer at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. Protocol: Patients and their primary family caregivers will be recruited at the time of cancer diagnosis. Data on healthcare utilisation, related costs, coping strategies and wellbeing will be gathered using new and existing questionnaires (the Patient-and-Carer Cancer Cost Survey, EQ-5D-3L and the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Score). Surveys will be repeated at one, three and six months after diagnosis. In the event of the patient’s death, a brief five-item questionnaire on funeral costs will be administered to caregivers not less than two weeks following the date of death. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses will assess the relationship between exposure to palliative care and total household expenditure from baseline to six months. A sample size of 138 households has been calculated in order to detect a medium effect (as determined by Cohen’s f
2=0.15) of receipt of palliative care in a regression model for change in total household out-of-pocket expenditure as a proportion of annual household income. Ethics and dissemination: The study has received ethical approval. Results will be reported using STROBE guidelines and disseminated through scientific meetings, open access publications and a national stakeholder meeting. Conclusions: This study will provide data on expenditure for healthcare by households affected by advanced cancer in Malawi. We also explore whether receipt of palliative care is associated with a reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure at household level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Jane Bates
- University of Malawi College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Adamson Muula
- University of Malawi College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Stephen B Gordon
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.,Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, P O Box 30096, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Marc Y R Henrion
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.,Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, P O Box 30096, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Ewan Tomeny
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Peter MacPherson
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.,Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, P O Box 30096, Blantyre 3, Malawi.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Bertel Squire
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Louis Niessen
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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42
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Bates MJ, Muula A, Gordon SB, Henrion MY, Tomeny E, MacPherson P, Squire B, Niessen L. Study protocol for a single-centre observational study of household wellbeing and poverty status following a diagnosis of advanced cancer in Blantyre, Malawi - ‘Safeguarding the Family’ study. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:2. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15633.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many households in low-and-middle income countries face the additional burden of crippling out-of-pocket expenditure when faced with a diagnosis of life-limiting illness. Available evidence suggests that receipt of palliative care supports cost-savings for cancer-affected households. This study will explore the relationship between receipt of palliative care, total household out-of-pocket expenditure on health and wellbeing following a first-time diagnosis of advanced cancer at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. Protocol: Patients and their primary family caregivers will be recruited at the time of cancer diagnosis. Data on healthcare utilisation, related costs, coping strategies and wellbeing will be gathered using new and existing questionnaires (the Patient-and-Carer Cancer Cost Survey, EQ-5D-3L and the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Score). Surveys will be repeated at one, three and six months after diagnosis. In the event of the patient’s death, a brief five-item questionnaire on funeral costs will be administered to caregivers not less than two weeks following the date of death. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses will assess the relationship between exposure to palliative care and total household expenditure from baseline to six months. A sample size of 138 households has been calculated in order to detect a medium effect (as determined by Cohen’s f2=0.15) of receipt of palliative care in a regression model for change in total household out-of-pocket expenditure as a proportion of annual household income. Ethics and dissemination: The study has received ethical approval. Results will be reported using STROBE guidelines and disseminated through scientific meetings, open access publications and a national stakeholder meeting. Conclusions: This study will provide data on expenditure for healthcare by households affected by cancer in Malawi. We also explore whether receipt of palliative care is associated with a reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure at household level.
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Saygili M, Çelik Y. An evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of the different palliative care models available to cancer patients in Turkey. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2019; 28:e13110. [PMID: 31162760 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13110] [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] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three different models are commonly used to provide palliative care services to cancer patients in Turkey: comprehensive palliative care center (CPCC), hospital inpatient services (HIS) and home healthcare (HHC). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of three alternative palliative care models for cancer patients. METHODS The study included a total of 160 patients diagnosed with cancer (CPCC:60, HIS:59, HHC:41). The patients' quality of life and their levels of satisfaction were used as the indicators of effectiveness, while direct and indirect costs incurred by service providers, patients and relatives were considered in estimating the costs of alternative models. The cost and effectiveness of the alternatives compared the "patient perspective" and "societal perspective" separately. RESULTS From a societal perspective, palliative care services provided the HIS model was found to be more cost-effective than the CPCC model. From a patient perspective, HHC was found to be more cost-effective compared to the other two models. CONCLUSIONS This study has the potential to provide substantial evidence to health managers and decision-makers with respect to health planning and the formulation of social security policies in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meltem Saygili
- Department of Health Care Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Çelik
- Department of Health Care Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Sleeman KE, de Brito M, Etkind S, Nkhoma K, Guo P, Higginson IJ, Gomes B, Harding R. The escalating global burden of serious health-related suffering: projections to 2060 by world regions, age groups, and health conditions. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2019; 7:e883-e892. [PMID: 31129125 PMCID: PMC6560023 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30172-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 357] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Serious life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses place an enormous burden on society and health systems. Understanding how this burden will evolve in the future is essential to inform policies that alleviate suffering and prevent health system weakening. We aimed to project the global burden of serious health-related suffering requiring palliative care until 2060 by world regions, age groups, and health conditions. Methods We projected the future burden of serious health-related suffering as defined by the Lancet Commission on Palliative Care and Pain Relief, by combining WHO mortality projections (2016–60) with estimates of physical and psychological symptom prevalence in 20 conditions most often associated with symptoms requiring palliative care. Projections were described in terms of absolute numbers and proportional change compared with the 2016 baseline data. Results were stratified by World Bank income regions and WHO geographical regions. Findings By 2060, an estimated 48 million people (47% of all deaths globally) will die with serious health-related suffering, which represents an 87% increase from 26 million people in 2016. 83% of these deaths will occur in low-income and middle-income countries. Serious health-related suffering will increase in all regions, with the largest proportional rise in low-income countries (155% increase between 2016 and 2060). Globally, serious health-related suffering will increase most rapidly among people aged 70 years or older (183% increase between 2016 and 2060). In absolute terms, it will be driven by rises in cancer deaths (16 million people, 109% increase between 2016 and 2060). The condition with the highest proportional increase in serious-related suffering will be dementia (6 million people, 264% increase between 2016 and 2060). Interpretation The burden of serious health-related suffering will almost double by 2060, with the fastest increases occurring in low-income countries, among older people, and people with dementia. Immediate global action to integrate palliative care into health systems is an ethical and economic imperative. Funding Research Challenge Fund, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Sleeman
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Maja de Brito
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Simon Etkind
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kennedy Nkhoma
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ping Guo
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Barbara Gomes
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Richard Harding
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
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