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Surr C, Ashley L. End of life care for people with dementia and comorbid cancer: recent studies and research gaps. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024; 37:376-380. [PMID: 38841908 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This narrative review examines recent research on end of life (EOL) care for people with dementia and comorbid cancer, highlighting the complexity and challenge of providing effective EOL care for this group and areas of interest for future research. RECENT FINDINGS People with cancer and dementia and their family/supporters have more complex care and support needs at EOL that are less well met than those of older adults with cancer alone, including questionable use of aggressive EOL care interventions, poorer access to specialist palliative care teams and poor pain management. Those diagnosed with dementia at the same time as, or after their cancer diagnosis, are at greater risk of aggressive EOL care and EOL cancer treatment and care plans that are not able to meet their care needs as dementia progresses. SUMMARY There is a lack of research on EOL care for people with cancer and dementia. There is little understanding of what good care for this population looks like and if and how EOL care can best meet the needs of people with cancer and dementia or their carers/supporters. More research is needed to inform improved care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Surr
- Centre for Dementia Research, School of Health
| | - Laura Ashley
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
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Bagchus C, Zee MS, van der Steen JT, Klapwijk MS, Dekker NL, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Pasman HRW. Challenges in recognizing and discussing changes in a resident's condition in the palliative phase: focus group discussions with nursing staff working in nursing homes about their experiences. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:144. [PMID: 38858719 PMCID: PMC11163817 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01479-3] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most nursing home residents have complex care needs, require palliative care and eventually die in these facilities. Timely recognition of changes in a resident's condition is crucial for providing appropriate care. Observations by nursing staff play a significant role in identifying and interpreting these changes. METHODS Focus group discussions were conducted with nursing staff from ten nursing homes in the Netherlands to explore their experiences and challenges in recognizing and discussing changes in a resident's condition. These discussions were analysed following the principles of thematic analysis. RESULTS The analysis of the challenges nursing staff face in identifying and interpreting changes in a resident's condition, resulted in three themes. First, that recognizing changes is considered complex, because it requires specialized knowledge and skills that is generally not part of their education and must partly be learned in practice. This also depends on how familiar the nursing staff is with the resident. Furthermore, different people observe residents through different lenses, depending on their relation and experiences with residents. This could lead to disagreements about the resident's condition. Lastly, organizational structures such as the resources available to document and discuss a resident's condition and the hierarchy between nursing home professionals often hindered discussions and sharing observations. CONCLUSION Nursing staff's experiences highlight the complexity of recognizing and discussing changes in nursing home residents' conditions. While supporting the observational skills of nursing staff is important, it is not enough to improve the quality of care for nursing home residents with palliative care needs. As nursing staff experiences challenges at different, interrelated levels, improving the process of recognizing and discussing changes in nursing home residents requires an integrated approach in which the organization strengthens the position of nursing staff. It is important that their observations become a valued and integrated and part of nursing home care.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bagchus
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M S Zee
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J T van der Steen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Hippocratespad 21, Gebouw 3, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Community Care and Radboudumc Alzheimer center, Radboud university medical center, P.O. Box 9600, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M S Klapwijk
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Hippocratespad 21, Gebouw 3, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - N Lemos Dekker
- Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - B D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - H R W Pasman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Rice E, Scott MM, Webber C, Seow H, Sivapathasundaram B, Tanuseputro P. Characterizing the Palliative Care Physician Workforce: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study With Population-Based Data in Ontario, Canada. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:1849-1854.e1. [PMID: 37460087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Because of an increasing need to build capacity for end-of-life care, improving access to palliative care is a priority. Where a physician practices (eg, hospital, outpatient clinic, home) directly relates to the type of service and the stage of illness at which care is provided. In this study, we describe the physician palliative care specialist workforce and the settings of care within which they practice. DESIGN A retrospective cohort. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS All physicians with palliative care billing codes who were practicing between April 1, 2018, and March 31, 2019, in Ontario, Canada. METHODS Descriptive statistics of physician billing location and frequency using linked population-based health administrative data. RESULTS We identified 8883 physicians who provided palliative care during the study period. Of those, 723 (8.1%) were classified as palliative care specialists (>10% of their billings encounters were palliative care). The majority (57.4%) of palliative care specialists worked in 1 setting more than 90% of their time, across home visits (27.1%), indirect care (22.4%), and office (7.9%). There were 61 palliative care specialists practicing in mixed locations who provided home visits, meaning 310 (42.9%) of the palliative care specialists delivered some home-based care. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This research provides a comprehensive description of the current palliative care specialist physician workforce that can support efforts to build capacity for high-quality end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rice
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Hsien Seow
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; ICES, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.
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Malhotra C, Balasubramanian I. Instability in Caregivers' Perception of Dementia as a Terminal Disease. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:1427-1432. [PMID: 37567244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Family caregivers' perception that dementia is a terminal disease influence end-of-life (EoL) care of persons with severe dementia (PwSDs). Yet, this perception and the extent to which it changes over time is underexplored. We assessed PwSD caregivers' perception of dementia as a terminal disease and changes in this perception over time. DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Two hundred fifteen primary informal caregivers of community-dwelling PWSDs in Singapore were surveyed every 4 months over a period of 16 months. METHODS We assessed the proportion of caregivers who perceived that dementia is a terminal disease and the extent to which it changed between the previous time points. Using mixed effects multinomial regression models, we assessed factors associated with caregivers' perception and changes in perception between consecutive time points. RESULTS At baseline, only 26% of the caregivers reported correctly that dementia is a terminal disease. This changed over time, not necessarily toward a correct perception. Caregivers of PwSDs with an acute medical condition in the last 4 months (risk ratio [RR] 2.19, 95% CI 1.21, 3.97) and those with higher functional dependence (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01,1.22) were more likely and those of older PwSDs were less likely (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81, 0.93) to perceive dementia as a terminal disease. Caregivers of PwSDs who had experienced an acute medical problem in the last 4 months (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.00, 2.49) were also more likely to shift their perception toward being correct. Caregivers of PwSDs who had more agitation behaviors were more likely to shift their perception toward being incorrect (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00,1.07) CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Few caregivers perceived dementia as terminal, and this perception changed over time and differed according to age and the health status of PwSD. Results have implications regarding the frequency of prognostic discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetna Malhotra
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Program in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
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Pinkert C, Holle B. Home-based care for people living with dementia at the end of life: the perspective of experts. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:123. [PMID: 37658329 PMCID: PMC10472677 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01251-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last phase of their lives, people living with dementia often indicate restlessness, anxiety or pain. Further, their care is considered inadequate, as they are, for example, sometimes overtreated for curative care or undertreated for pain management. These patients also face multiple barriers in accessing palliative care. This qualitative study explores the perception of experts about how people living with dementia in Germany are cared for at home toward the end of their lives. METHODS A total of 12 experts involved in outpatient/palliative care were recruited to constitute a purposive, heterogeneous sample. Interviews, which were structured using an interview guide, were conducted with physicians, nurses, representatives of health insurance funds, welfare associations, municipal counselling centres, scientists and coordinators of outpatient palliative care and voluntary work; the interviews were transcribed and analysed via thematic content analysis, based on Kuckartz's method. RESULTS The analysis of the results led to the establishment of four main categories that focused on formal care arrangements, the roles of relatives in care arrangements, the specifics of dementia, and restrictions on access to palliative care. CONCLUSIONS Suitable end-of-life care for people living with dementia and support for their relatives require resources and the conceptualisation of specific care arrangements to help minimise potential barriers that prevent access to palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Pinkert
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Standort Witten, Witten, Germany.
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing Science, Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H), Witten, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Holle
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Standort Witten, Witten, Germany
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing Science, Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H), Witten, Germany
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Wentlandt K, Wolofsky KT, Weiss A, Hurlburt L, Fan E, Zimmermann C, Isenberg SR. Differences in Palliative Care Provision by Primary and Specialist Providers Supporting Patients With COVID-19: A Qualitative Study. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1121-1127. [PMID: 37103488 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To describe the delivery of palliative care by primary providers (PP) and specialist providers (SP) to hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: PP and SP completed interviews about their experiences providing palliative care. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-one physicians (11 SP, 10 PP) were interviewed. Six thematic categories emerged. Care provision: PP and SP described their support of care discussions, symptom management, managing end of life, and care withdrawal. Patients provided care: PP described patients at end of life, with comfort-focused goals; SP included patients seeking life-prolonging treatments. Approach to symptom management: SP described comfort, and PP discomfort in providing opioids with survival-focused goals. Goals of care: SP felt these conversations were code status-focused. Supporting family: both groups indicated difficulties engaging families due to visitor restrictions; SP also outlined challenges in managing family grief and need to advocate for family at the bedside. Care coordination: internist PP and SP described difficulties supporting those leaving the hospital. Conclusion: PP and SP may have a different approach to care, which may affect consistency and quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Wentlandt
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kayla T Wolofsky
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Weiss
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay Hurlburt
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eddy Fan
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Chen Y, Hou L, Li W, Wang Q, Zhou W, Yang H. Referral criteria to palliative care for patients with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review. Curr Med Res Opin 2023; 39:267-279. [PMID: 36369847 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2146405] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to identify the referral criteria for palliative care in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS We conducted an electronic search for publications on referral criteria for palliative care in patients with Parkinson's disease in six electronic databases. The articles were thoroughly reviewed by two independent reviewers for inclusion using a predefined data extraction list. The referral criteria were thematically classified using a coding methodology. RESULTS This systematic review included 36 publications. We identified 14 referral criteria themes. The most common referral indicators were functional decline (n = 11 [31%]), needs assessment tools (n = 11 [31%]), physical or emotional symptoms (n = 10[28%]), need for palliative care (n = 10 [28%]), decision support (n = 9 [25%]), advanced Parkinson's disease (n = 7[19%]), and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (n = 7 [19%]). However, there was a lack of consensus on symptom assessment tools. In addition, there were no agreed cut-offs or defined time for palliative care referral for patients with Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS The 14 themes identified in this systematic review were categorized into disease- and needs-based criteria. These themes show the wide range of referral timing and procedures. Further studies should be conducted to reveal standardized referral criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Chen
- School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Liyuan Hou
- School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Wei Li
- International Medical Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaohong Wang
- School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Nursing, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Wentao Zhou
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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Harrison KL, Garrett SB, Gilissen J, Terranova MJ, Bernstein Sideman A, Ritchie CS, Geschwind MD. Developing neuropalliative care for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Prion 2022; 16:23-39. [PMID: 35239456 PMCID: PMC8896185 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2022.2043077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to identify targets for neuropalliative care interventions in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease by examining characteristics of patients and sources of distress and support among former caregivers. We identified caregivers of decedents with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease from the University of California San Francisco Rapidly Progressive Dementia research database. We purposively recruited 12 caregivers for in-depth interviews and extracted associated patient data. We analysed interviews using the constant comparison method and chart data using descriptive statistics. Patients had a median age of 70 (range: 60-86) years and disease duration of 14.5 months (range 4-41 months). Caregivers were interviewed a median of 22 (range 11-39) months after patient death and had a median age of 59 (range 45-73) years. Three major sources of distress included (1) the unique nature of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; (2) clinical care issues such as difficult diagnostic process, lack of expertise in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, gaps in clinical systems, and difficulties with end-of-life care; and (3) caregiving issues, including escalating responsibilities, intensifying stress, declining caregiver well-being, and care needs surpassing resources. Two sources of support were (1) clinical care, including guidance from providers about what to expect and supportive relationships; and (2) caregiving supports, including connection to persons with experience managing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, instrumental support, and social/emotional support. The challenges and supports described by caregivers align with neuropalliative approaches and can be used to develop interventions to address needs of persons with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista L. Harrison
- Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Philip R. University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Joni Gilissen
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine & Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Vub), Belgium
| | - Michael J. Terranova
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alissa Bernstein Sideman
- Philip R. University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christine S. Ritchie
- Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- The Mongan Institute and the Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Michael D. Geschwind
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Osakwe ZT, Obioha CU, Muller K, Saint Fleur-Calixte R. A Description of Persons With Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias Receiving Home Health Care: A National Analysis. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2022; 24:00129191-990000000-00045. [PMID: 36178738 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The end-of-life period of individuals with Alzheimer disease and related dementias receiving home health care (HHC) is understudied. We sought to describe characteristics of HHC patients with Alzheimer disease and related dementias at risk of death within a year, based on clinician assessment. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a 5% random sample of the Outcome and Assessment Information Set data set for the year 2017. We used Outcome and Assessment Information Set-C item M1034 to identify HHC patients with overall status of progressive condition leading to death within a year. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the association between sociodemographic, functional, clinical, and caregiving factors and likelihood of decline leading to death within a year, as identified by HHC clinicians. Clinician perception of decline leading to death within a year was higher for Whites (vs Blacks or Hispanics) (odds ratio [OR], 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69-0.80], and OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.57-0.69], respectively). Factors associated with increased odds of decline leading to death within a year included daily pain (OR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.06-1.17]), anxiety daily or more often (OR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.49-1.67]), shortness of breath (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.34-1.57]), use of oxygen (OR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.52-1.69]), disruptive behavior (OR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.20-1.31]), and feeding difficulty (OR, 2.25 [95% CI, 2.09-2.43]). High symptom burden exists among HHC patients with Alzheimer disease and related dementias identified to have a status of decline leading to death within a year.
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Rukundo A, Fox S, Guerin S, Kernohan G, Drennan J, O'Connor N, Timmons S. How blogs support the transfer of knowledge into practice in the field of dementia palliative care: a survey of facilitators and barriers. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:117. [PMID: 35778712 PMCID: PMC9248102 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01001-7] [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: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blogging can help to maximise the impact of one’s work in academia and beyond by making research findings accessible for multiple knowledge users, such as healthcare professionals and the public, as well as other researchers. As part of the knowledge exchange and dissemination activities of the Model for Dementia Palliative Care Project, this study explored stakeholders’ views of blogs as a means to translate research findings. Methods A web-based survey was developed, piloted, and revised. It was distributed electronically via key dementia and palliative care organisations websites, newsletters, social media platforms, and within the staff mailing lists of five Universities in Ireland. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results Complete responses were received from 128 participants. The majority of respondents were healthcare researchers (n = 53), followed by healthcare providers (n = 46). The preferred methods of reviewing research findings were scientific papers, websites and news articles. Respondents read healthcare blogs “sometimes” (39.1%), with < 19% reading them “often” or “very often”. Receiving an email notification might increase the likelihood of reading a new blog post for 83% of respondents. Barriers to engaging with blogs included lack of time, preference for other media, lack of awareness regarding available blogs, and concerns about the credibility and source of information. An appropriate length and the author of the blog were key features that encouraged engagement with a blog. Conclusions Despite respondents choosing a scientific paper as their preferred method to consume research findings, many indicated an openness to reading blogs on their area of interest. Creating concise, relevant, and credible blogs, and suitably promoting them, could increase the impact and reach of healthcare research, such as in the emerging field of dementia palliative care, and thus promote translation of research findings into practice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-01001-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphie Rukundo
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Siobhan Fox
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Guerin
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - George Kernohan
- School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, Ulster University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Jonathan Drennan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Niamh O'Connor
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Timmons
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Wentlandt K, Wolofsky KT, Weiss A, Hurlburt L, Fan E, Kaya E, O'Connor E, Lewin W, Graham C, Zimmermann C, Isenberg SR. Identifying barriers and facilitators to palliative care integration in the management of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A qualitative study. Palliat Med 2022; 36:945-954. [PMID: 35441551 PMCID: PMC9174575 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221087162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care is well suited to support patients hospitalized with COVID-19, but integration into care has been variable and generally poor. AIM To understand barriers and facilitators of palliative care integration for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS Internists, Intensivists and palliative care physicians completed semi-structured interviews about their experiences providing care to patients with COVID-19. Results were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Twenty-three physicians (13 specialist palliative care, five intensivists, five general internists) were interviewed; mean ± SD age was 42 ± 11 years and 61% were female. Six thematic categories were described including: patient and family factors, palliative care knowledge, primary provider factors, COVID-19 specific factors, palliative care service factors, and leadership and culture factors. Patient and family factors included patient prognosis, characteristics that implied prognosis (i.e., age, etc.), and goals of care. Palliative care knowledge included confidence in primary palliative care skills, misperception that COVID-19 is not a 'palliative diagnosis', and the need to choose quantity or quality of life in COVID-19 management. Primary provider factors included available time, attitude, and reimbursement. COVID-19 specific factors were COVID-19 as an impetus to act, uncertain illness trajectory, treatments and outcomes, and infection control measures. Palliative care service factors were accessibility, adaptability, and previous successful relationships. Leadership and culture factors included government-mandated support, presence at COVID planning tables, and institutional and unit culture. CONCLUSION The study findings highlight the need for leadership support for formal integrated models of palliative care for patients with COVID-19, a palliative care role in pandemic planning, and educational initiatives with primary palliative care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Wentlandt
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kayla T Wolofsky
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Weiss
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsay Hurlburt
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eddy Fan
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ebru Kaya
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erin O'Connor
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Supportive Care, University Health Network, Divisions of Palliative Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Warren Lewin
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cassandra Graham
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Department of Medicine, Bruyère Research Institute; University of Ottawa; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Nguyen HQ, Borson S, Khang P, Langer‐Gould A, Wang SE, Carrol J, Lee JS. Dementia diagnosis and utilization patterns in a racially diverse population within an integrated health care delivery system. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2022; 8:e12279. [PMID: 35310534 PMCID: PMC8918121 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction In an effort to identify improvement opportunities for earlier dementia detection and care within a large, integrated health care system serving diverse Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries, we examined where, when, and by whom Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) diagnoses are recorded as well as downstream health care utilization and life care planning. Methods Patients 65 years and older, continuously enrolled in the Kaiser Foundation health plan for at least 2 years, and with a first ADRD diagnosis between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, comprised the incident cohort. Electronic health record data were used to identify site and source of the initial diagnosis (clinic vs hospital-based, provider type), health care utilization in the year before and after diagnosis, and end-of-life care. Results ADRD prevalence was 5.5%. A total of 25,278 individuals had an incident ADRD code (rate: 1.2%) over the study period-nearly half during a hospital-based encounter. Hospital-diagnosed patients had higher comorbidities, acute care use before and after diagnosis, and 1-year mortality than clinic-diagnosed individuals (36% vs 11%). Many decedents (58%-72%) received palliative care or hospice. Of the 55% diagnosed as outpatients, nearly two-thirds were diagnosed by dementia specialists; when used, standardized cognitive assessments indicated moderate stage ADRD. Despite increases in advance care planning and visits to dementia specialists in the year after diagnosis, acute care use also increased for both clinic- and hospital-diagnosed cohorts. Discussion Similar to other MA plans, ADRD is under-diagnosed in this health system, compared to traditional Medicare, and diagnosed well beyond the early stages, when opportunities to improve overall outcomes are presumed to be better. Dementia specialists function primarily as consultants whose care does not appear to mitigate acute care use. Strategic targets for ADRD care improvement could focus on generating pragmatic evidence on the value of proactive detection and tracking, care planning, and the role of specialists in chronic care management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Q. Nguyen
- Department of Research and EvaluationKaiser Permanente Southern CaliforniaPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Soo Borson
- School of MedicineDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- University of Southern California Keck School of MedicineDepartment of Family MedicineLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Peter Khang
- Los Angeles Medical CenterDepartment of GeriatricsPalliative and Continuing CareKaiser Permanente Southern CaliforniaPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Annette Langer‐Gould
- Los Angeles Medical CenterDepartment of NeurologyKaiser Permanente Southern CaliforniaPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Susan E. Wang
- West Los Angeles Medical CenterDepartment of GeriatricsPalliative and Continuing CareKaiser Permanente Southern CaliforniaPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jarrod Carrol
- Los Angeles Medical CenterDepartment of NeurologyKaiser Permanente Southern CaliforniaPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Janet S. Lee
- Department of Research and EvaluationKaiser Permanente Southern CaliforniaPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
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13
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Roach A, Rogers AH, Hendricksen M, McCarthy EP, Mitchell SL, Lopez RP. Guilt as an Influencer in End-of-Life Care Decisions for Nursing Home Residents With Advanced Dementia. J Gerontol Nurs 2022; 48:22-27. [PMID: 34978495 PMCID: PMC8938982 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20211206-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The concept of guilt has been studied in the context of caregivers of older adults with advanced dementia, usually describing the feelings a person has of placing a loved one in a long-term care facility; however, little research has been done to understand how nursing home staff and proxies for older adults with dementia describe guilt as a decision-influencer in end-of-life care. For the current study, private, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 158 nursing home staff and 44 proxies in 13 nursing homes across four demographic regions in the United States. Interviews were reviewed and analyzed for how the concept of guilt was perceived as a decision-influencer. Nursing home staff described guilt as an important influencer in why proxies make decisions about end-of-life care. Staff noted that proxies who felt guilty about their relationship with their loved one or lack of time spent at end-of-life tended to be more aggressive in care decisions, whereas no proxies mentioned guilt as an influencer in care decisions. Rather, proxies used language of obligation and commitment to describe why they make decisions. Findings highlight the disconnect between nursing home staff and proxies in what motivates proxies to make end-of-life decisions for loved ones. Nursing home staff should be aware of misconceptions about proxies and work to understand proxies' true rationale and motivations for making care decisions. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(1), 22-27.].
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14
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Leniz J, Higginson IJ, Yi D, Ul-Haq Z, Lucas A, Sleeman KE. Identification of palliative care needs among people with dementia and its association with acute hospital care and community service use at the end-of-life: A retrospective cohort study using linked primary, community and secondary care data. Palliat Med 2021; 35:1691-1700. [PMID: 34053356 PMCID: PMC8532216 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211019897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital admissions among people dying with dementia are common. It is not known whether identification of palliative care needs could help prevent unnecessary admissions. AIM To examine the proportion of people with dementia identified as having palliative care needs in their last year of life, and the association between identification of needs and primary, community and hospital services in the last 90 days. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using Discover, an administrative and clinical dataset from 365 primary care practices in London with deterministic individual-level data linkage to community and hospital records. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS People diagnosed with dementia and registered with a general practitioner in North West London (UK) who died between 2016 and 2019. The primary outcome was multiple non-elective hospital admissions in the last 90 days of life. Secondary outcomes included contacts with primary and community care providers. We examined the association between identification of palliative care needs with outcomes. RESULTS Among 5804 decedents with dementia, 1953 (33.6%) were identified as having palliative care needs, including 1141 (19.7%) identified before the last 90 days of life. Identification of palliative care needs before the last 90 days was associated with a lower risk of multiple hospital admissions (Relative Risk 0.70, 95% CI 0.58-0.85) and more contacts with the primary care practice, community nurses and palliative care teams in the last 90 days. CONCLUSIONS Further investigation of the mechanisms underlying the association between identification of palliative care needs and reduced hospital admissions could help reduce reliance on acute care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Leniz
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deokhee Yi
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Zia Ul-Haq
- Discover-Now, Imperial College Health Partners, London, UK
| | - Amanda Lucas
- Discover-Now, Imperial College Health Partners, London, UK
| | - Katherine E Sleeman
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
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15
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Miranda R, Smets T, De Schreye R, Faes K, Van Den Noortgate N, Cohen J, Van den Block L. Improved quality of care and reduced healthcare costs at the end-of-life among older people with dementia who received palliative home care: A nationwide propensity score-matched decedent cohort study. Palliat Med 2021; 35:1701-1712. [PMID: 34109861 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211019321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While palliative home care is advocated for people with dementia, evidence of its effectiveness is lacking. AIM To evaluate the effects of palliative home care on quality and costs of end-of-life care for older people with dementia. DESIGN Decedent cohort study using linked nationwide administrative databases and propensity score matching. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS All home-dwelling older people who died with dementia between 2010 and 2015 in Belgium (N = 23,670). EXPOSURE Receiving palliative home care support for the first time between 360 and 15 days before death. RESULTS Five thousand six hundred and thirty-seven (23.8%) received palliative home care support in the last 2 years of life, of whom 2918 received it for the first time between 360 and 15 days before death. Two thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine people who received support were matched to 2839 people who received usual care. After matching, those using palliative home care support, in the last 14 days of life, had lower risk of hospital admission (17.5% vs 50.5%; relative risk (RR) = 0.21), undergoing diagnostic testing (17.0% vs 53.6%; RR = 0.20) and receiving inappropriate medications, but were more likely to die at home (75.7% vs 32.6%; RR = 6.45) and to have primary care professional contacts (mean 11.7 vs mean 5.2), compared with those who did not. Further, they had lower mean total costs of care in the last 30 days of life (incremental cost:-€2129). CONCLUSIONS Palliative home care use by home-dwelling older people with dementia is associated with improved quality and reduced costs of end-of-life care. Access remains low and should be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Miranda
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tinne Smets
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robrecht De Schreye
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kristof Faes
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Walsh SC, Murphy E, Devane D, Sampson EL, Connolly S, Carney P, O'Shea E. Palliative care interventions in advanced dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 9:CD011513. [PMID: 34582034 PMCID: PMC8478014 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011513.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a chronic, progressive and ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disease. Advanced dementia is characterised by profound cognitive impairment, inability to communicate verbally and complete functional dependence. Usual care of people with advanced dementia is not underpinned universally by a palliative approach. Palliative care has focused traditionally on care of people with cancer, but for more than a decade, there have been calls worldwide to extend palliative care services to include all people with life-limiting illnesses in need of specialist care, including people with dementia. This review is an updated version of a review first published in 2016. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of palliative care interventions in advanced dementia. SEARCH METHODS We searched ALOIS, the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialised Register on 7 October 2020. ALOIS contains records of clinical trials identified from monthly searches of several major healthcare databases, trial registries and grey literature sources. We ran additional searches across MEDLINE (OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), four other databases and two trial registries on 7 October 2020 to ensure that the searches were as comprehensive and as up-to-date as possible. SELECTION CRITERIA We searched for randomised (RCTs) and non-randomised controlled trials (nRCTs), controlled before-and-after studies and interrupted time series studies evaluating the impact of palliative care interventions for adults with advanced dementia of any type. Participants could be people with advanced dementia, their family members, clinicians or paid care staff. We included clinical interventions and non-clinical interventions. Comparators were usual care or another palliative care intervention. We did not exclude studies based on outcomes measured. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two review authors (SW, EM, PC) independently assessed all potential studies identified in the search against the review inclusion criteria. Two authors independently extracted data from eligible studies. Where appropriate, we estimated pooled treatment effects in a fixed-effect meta-analysis. We assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the overall certainty of the evidence for each outcome using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS Nine studies (2122 participants) met the review inclusion criteria. Two studies were individually-randomised RCTs, six were cluster-randomised RCTs and one was a controlled before-and-after study. We conducted two separate comparisons: organisation and delivery of care interventions versus usual care (six studies, 1162 participants) and advance care planning interventions versus usual care (three studies, 960 participants). Two studies were carried out in acute hospitals and seven in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. For both comparisons, we found the included studies to be sufficiently similar to conduct meta-analyses. Changes to the organisation and delivery of care for people with advanced dementia may increase comfort in dying (MD 1.49, 95% CI 0.34 to 2.64; 5 studies, 335 participants; very low certainty evidence). However, the evidence is very uncertain and unlikely to be clinically significant. These changes may also increase the likelihood of having a palliative care plan in place (RR 5.84, 95% CI 1.37 to 25.02; 1 study, 99 participants; I2 = 0%; very low certainty evidence), but again the evidence is very uncertain. Such interventions probably have little effect on the use of non-palliative interventions (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.72; 2 studies, 292 participants; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty evidence). They may also have little or no effect on documentation of advance directives (RR 1.46, 95% CI 0.50 to 4.25; 2 studies, 112 participants; I2 = 52%; very low certainty evidence), or whether discussions take place about advance care planning (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.18; 1 study, 193 participants; I2 = 0%; very low certainty evidence) and goals of care (RR 2.36, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.54; 1 study, 13 participants; I2 = 0%; low certainty evidence). No included studies assessed adverse effects. Advance care planning interventions for people with advanced dementia probably increase the documentation of advance directives (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.41; 2 studies, 384; moderate certainty evidence) and the number of discussions about goals of care (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.59; 2 studies, 384 participants; moderate certainty evidence). They may also slightly increase concordance with goals of care (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.79; 1 study, 63 participants; low certainty evidence). On the other hand, they may have little or no effect on perceived symptom management (MD -1.80, 95% CI -6.49 to 2.89; 1 study, 67 participants; very low certainty evidence) or whether advance care planning discussions occur (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.24; 1 study, 67 participants; low certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence on palliative care interventions in advanced dementia is limited in quantity and certainty. When compared to usual care, changes to the organisation and delivery of care for people with advanced dementia may lead to improvements in comfort in dying, but the evidence for this was of very low certainty. Advance care planning interventions, compared to usual care, probably increase the documentation of advance directives and the occurrence of discussions about goals of care, and may also increase concordance with goals of care. We did not detect other effects. The uncertainty in the evidence across all outcomes in both comparisons is mainly driven by imprecision of effect estimates and risk of bias in the included studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon C Walsh
- Economics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Edel Murphy
- PPI Ignite Programme, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Declan Devane
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth L Sampson
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Patricia Carney
- Department of Public Health HSE Midlands, Health Service Executive, Tullamore, Ireland
| | - Eamon O'Shea
- School of Business and Economics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Kosaka M, Miyatake H, Kotera Y, Masunaga H, Arita S, Tsunetoshi C, Nishikawa Y, Ozaki A, Beniya H. The survival time of end-of-life home care patients in Fukui prefecture, Japan: A retrospective observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27225. [PMID: 34559116 PMCID: PMC10545356 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT End-of-life advance care planning (ACP) has become increasingly important in home care setting. In facilitating ACP discussion in home care setting, accurate understanding of patients' survival would be beneficial because it would facilitate healthcare professionals to individualize ACP discussion. However, little is known about survival outcome of home care patients. This study aimed to clarify the outcome of patients and identify factors to better predict the survival outcome of home care patients with the focus on patients' primary diseases.We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from 277 patients managed at a home care clinic in Japan and first treated in 2017 or 2018. Data regarding sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and clinical outcome on December 31, 2019 were extracted. Using Kaplan-Meier product-limit method, we estimated the overall 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, and 3 year survival probabilities among the entire patients and their differences according to their primary disease. We also evaluated whether outcomes differed based on the primary disease or other factors using the hazard ratio and Cox proportional hazards regression.The overall survival probability was 82.5% at 30 days, 67.8% at 90 days, 52.7% at 1 year, and 39.1% at 3 years. The survival rates at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, and 3 years were 64.6%, 33.4%, 9.5%, and 4.1% among cancer patients; 91.9%, 86.4%, 78.1%, and 47.0% among dementia patients; and 91.9%, 86.4%, 78.1%, and 47.0% among patients with other nervous and cerebrovascular diseases, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression clarified that cancer patients (hazard ratio 6.53 [95% CI 4.16-10.28]) and older adults (hazard ratio 1.01 [95% CI 1.00-1.02]) were significantly more likely to die than dementia patients and young patients, respectively.Primary disease had a significant influence on the prediction of survival time and could be a useful indicator to individualize ACP in home care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kosaka
- Orange Home-Care Clinic, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Satoshi Arita
- Orange Home-Care Clinic, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
| | - Chie Tsunetoshi
- Orange Home-Care Clinic, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Orange Home-Care Clinic, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Beniya
- Orange Home-Care Clinic, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
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18
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Leniz J, Yi D, Yorganci E, Williamson LE, Suji T, Cripps R, Higginson IJ, Sleeman KE. Exploring costs, cost components, and associated factors among people with dementia approaching the end of life: A systematic review. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2021; 7:e12198. [PMID: 34541291 PMCID: PMC8438684 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding costs of care for people dying with dementia is essential to guide service development, but information has not been systematically reviewed. We aimed to understand (1) which cost components have been measured in studies reporting the costs of care in people with dementia approaching the end of life, (2) what the costs are and how they change closer to death, and (3) which factors are associated with these costs. METHODS We searched the electronic databases CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science, EconLit, and Embase and reference lists of included studies. We included any type of study published between 1999 and 2019, in any language, reporting primary data on costs of health care in individuals with dementia approaching the end of life. Two independent reviewers screened all full-text articles. We used the Evers' Consensus on Health Economic Criteria checklist to appraise the risk of bias of included studies. RESULTS We identified 2843 articles after removing duplicates; 19 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 16 were from the United States. Only two studies measured informal costs including out-of-pocket expenses and informal caregiving. The monthly total direct cost of care rose toward death, from $1787 to $2999 USD in the last 12 months, to $4570 to $11921 USD in the last month of life. Female sex, Black ethnicity, higher educational background, more comorbidities, and greater cognitive impairment were associated with higher costs. DISCUSSION Costs of dementia care rise closer to death. Informal costs of care are high but infrequently included in analyses. Research exploring the costs of care for people with dementia by proximity to death, including informal care costs and from outside the United States, is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Leniz
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and RehabilitationKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Deokhee Yi
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and RehabilitationKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Emel Yorganci
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and RehabilitationKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Lesley E. Williamson
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and RehabilitationKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Trisha Suji
- School of Medical EducationFaculty of Life Science and MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Rachel Cripps
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and RehabilitationKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Irene J. Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and RehabilitationKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Katherine E. Sleeman
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and RehabilitationKing's College LondonLondonUK
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19
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Yeh JC, Newman J, Main R, Hunt LJ. Improving End-of-Life Care for Persons Living With Dementia: Bereaved Caregivers' Observations and Recommendations. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:579-586. [PMID: 33556499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.01.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Dementia is a terminal diagnosis that requires significant caregiving support across the trajectory of decline through to death. Experiences and perspectives from bereaved caregivers can help identify ways to improve the end-of-life care experience of persons dying with dementia. OBJECTIVES This exploratory study sought to assess satisfaction with, and elicit recommendations for improving end-of-life care experiences of decedents with dementia from the perspective of bereaved caregivers. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted with caregivers of decedents with dementia (n = 53), from the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Multiple choice and open-ended questions were asked regarding end-of-life care discussions and decisions and respecting and honoring end-of-life needs and wishes. The Satisfaction with Care at the End of Life in Dementia instrument was adapted for the survey. RESULTS While approximately 75% of caregivers were satisfied with their person living with dementia's (PLWD) end-of-life care, 25% felt better care was needed. Qualitative findings revealed that gaps persist regarding communication with providers about disease progression, care continuity and coordination, and honoring death in a preferred location. While most caregivers felt ready to discuss end-of-life decisions with providers when their PLWD was near death, with retrospection, the majority would recommend that providers discuss end-of-life decisions with them during earlier stages of the disease. CONCLUSION End-of-life care for PLWD has significant room for improvement. Efforts to train healthcare providers should focus on helping them meet the complex informational, emotional, and social support needs of PLWD and their caregivers across the trajectory of decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarmin C Yeh
- Institute for Health & Aging, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
| | - Jeff Newman
- Institute for Health & Aging, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rachel Main
- Alzheimer's Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lauren J Hunt
- Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
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Gilissen J, Hunt L, Van den Block L, van der Steen J, Tahir P, Ritchie C. Earlier initiation of palliative care in the disease trajectory of people living with dementia: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044502. [PMID: 34155071 PMCID: PMC8217927 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While the need for palliative care for people living with dementia has widely been recognised, they continue to be a disadvantaged group when it comes to timely initiation, and controversies remain regarding appropriate timing, or what elements constitute high quality palliative care early in the disease trajectory. To date, no literature review has summarised this debate or offered insights. The aim of this scoping review is to provide a general overview of research regarding palliative care in mild or moderate dementia, to identify existing controversies, and to examine what are key components of palliative care in dementia, specifically when initiated earlier in the disease trajectory. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Consistent with recent guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews, we carried out a search for academic literature in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science; on 5 November 2019 and an updated search on 2 February 2021. We will include studies with different study designs published in English over the last decade that focused on palliative care in early stages of dementia. We will include models targeting at least one outcome domain of palliative care (physical, psychological, social or spiritual) and advance care planning, and will exclude hospice models with limited prognosis similar to the requirements in the USA. We will report study characteristics and quality. We aim to apply narrative synthesis techniques to develop a theoretical model of how, for whom and why palliative care can be relevant in early stages of dementia, and what are facilitators and barriers. We anticipate to also describe if and how the concept of (early) palliative care in dementia changed across time and studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethical review required. Results will identify research gaps and lay out basic principles for conceptualising palliative care in early stages of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joni Gilissen
- Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine & Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine and the Mongan Institute for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren Hunt
- Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine & Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jenny van der Steen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
| | - Peggy Tahir
- UCSF Library, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christine Ritchie
- Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine and the Mongan Institute for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Schüttengruber G, Halfens RJG, Lohrmann C. Care dependency of patients and residents at the end of life: A secondary data analysis of data from a cross-sectional study in hospitals and geriatric institutions. J Clin Nurs 2021; 31:657-668. [PMID: 34151486 PMCID: PMC9291881 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aims and objectives The holistic care dependency concept can be applied to gain comprehensive insights into individuals’ care needs in the end‐of‐life (EoL) phase. This study was carried out to measure and characterise the “care dependency” phenomenon in this phase and to obtain deeper knowledge about this phenomenon. Background The end of a human life is often characterised by a physical decline, often implying that a high amount of care is needed. Non‐malignant diseases can develop unpredictably; therefore, it is difficult to detect the onset of the EoL phase. Design Data were collected in a cross‐sectional multicentre study, using the Austrian Nursing Quality Measurement 2.0. Methods Descriptive and multivariate statistical methods were used. Care dependency was measured with the Care Dependency Scale (CDS). The study follows the STROBE guideline. Results Ten per cent (n = 389) of the sample (N = 3589) were allocated to “a pathway for management of patients at the end of life.” The patients and residents in the EoL phase are significantly older and more often diagnosed with dementia, and circulatory system and musculoskeletal system diseases. Of these patients, 60% were care dependent completely or to a great extent. Dementia and age represent main influencing factors that affect the degree of care dependency at the end of life. Conclusion Our results show that the “typical” EoL patient or resident is female, old and affected by dementia and/or circulatory system diseases. Dementia and age were identified as main factors that contribute to very high care dependency. Relevance to clinical practice The measurement of care dependency may support the identification of special care needs in the EoL phase. Gaining deeper knowledge about the care dependency phenomenon can also help healthcare staff better understand the needs of patients with non‐malignant conditions in their last phase of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruud J G Halfens
- Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christa Lohrmann
- Institute of Nursing Science, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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22
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Jaramillo-Hidalgo J, Lozano-Montoya I, Tornero-Torres O, Tejada-González P, Fuentes-Irigoyen R, Gómez-Pavón FJ. Prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescription in community-dwelling patients with advanced dementia and palliative care needs. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2021; 56:203-207. [PMID: 34001344 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2021.03.001] [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: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescription (PIP) in older people with advanced dementia, monitored by a Geriatric Home Care Unit (GHC), as well as the associated risk factors and costs. METHODS Community-dwelling patients ≥65 years with an advanced dementia diagnosis (GDS-FAST≥7a) and poor 1-year vital prognosis (Frail-VIG≥0.6) were included. Pharmacotherapy history was reviewed retrospectively, collecting functional and cognitive status, on the first GHC visit, of patients assessed January 2016-January 2019. Potentially inappropriate medication was defined following STOPP-Frail criteria. RESULTS 100 patients included (76% women, 89.15±5.8 years). Total medications prescribed 760 (7.63±3.4 drugs per patient). 85% patients were given at least one drug considered to be PIP. 26% (196) of the total drugs registered were PIPs. Patients who were prescribed an inappropriate drug showed a higher number of total prescribed drugs (7.92±3.42 vs 6.00±2.24; p 0.04) and a higher frequency of polypharmacy (84.7% vs 60%; p 0.025). Risk of receiving inappropriate medication increased by 24% for each additional drug prescribed (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.01-1.52; p 0.04). The costs associated with PIP were 113.99 euros per 100 patients/day; 41,606.35 euros per 100 patients/year. CONCLUSIONS Prescription of PIP to community-dwelling patients with severe dementia and poor vital prognosis is common and is associated with high economic impact in this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Jaramillo-Hidalgo
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Av de la Universidad, 1, 28691- Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isabel Lozano-Montoya
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Av de la Universidad, 1, 28691- Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Olga Tornero-Torres
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Tejada-González
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Fuentes-Irigoyen
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J Gómez-Pavón
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Av de la Universidad, 1, 28691- Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
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23
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Oh SN, Kim YA, Kim YJ, Shim HJ, Song EK, Kang JH, Kwon JH, Lee JL, Lee SN, Maeng CH, Kang EJ, Do YR, Yun HJ, Jung KH, Yun YH. The Attitudes of Physicians and the General Public toward Prognostic Disclosure of Different Serious Illnesses: a Korean Nationwide Study. J Korean Med Sci 2020; 35:e401. [PMID: 33289368 PMCID: PMC7721562 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although international guidelines recommend palliative care approaches for many serious illnesses, the palliative needs of patients with serious illnesses other than cancer are often unmet, mainly due to insufficient prognosis-related discussion. We investigated physicians' and the general public's respective attitudes toward prognostic disclosure for several serious illnesses. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 928 physicians, sourced from 12 hospitals and the Korean Medical Association, and 1,005 members of the general public, sourced from all 17 administrative divisions in Korea. RESULTS For most illnesses, most physicians (adjusted proportions - end-organ failure, 99.0%; incurable genetic or neurologic disease, 98.5%; acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS], 98.4%; stroke or Parkinson's disease, 96.0%; and dementia, 89.6%) and members of the general public (end-organ failure, 92.0%; incurable genetic or neurologic disease, 92.5%; AIDS, 91.5%; stroke or Parkinson's disease, 92.1%; and dementia, 86.9%) wanted to be informed if they had a terminal prognosis. For physicians and the general public, the primary factor to consider when disclosing terminal status was "the patient's right to know his/her condition" (31.0%). Yet, the general public was less likely to prefer prognostic disclosure than physicians. Particularly, when their family members were patients, more than 10% of the general public did not want patients to be informed of their terminal prognosis. For the general public, the main reason for not disclosing prognosis was "psychological burden such as anxiety and depression" (35.8%), while for the physicians it was "disclosure would have no beneficial effect" (42.4%). CONCLUSION Most Physicians and the general public agreed that disclosure of a terminal prognosis respects patient autonomy for several serious illnesses. The low response rate of physicians might limit the generalizability of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Nae Oh
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Medicine, Yonsei University Graduate School, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Ae Kim
- Hospice & Palliative Care Branch, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hyun Jeong Shim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University School of Medicine, Hwasun, Korea
| | - Eun Kee Song
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Jung Hun Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Jung Hye Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Lim Lee
- Department of Hemato-oncology, Daegu Fatima Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Soon Nam Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chi Hoon Maeng
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Joo Kang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Rok Do
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hwan Jung Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kyung Hae Jung
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Ho Yun
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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24
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Gabbard J, Johnson D, Russell G, Spencer S, Williamson JD, McLouth LE, Ferris KG, Sink K, Brenes G, Yang M. Prognostic Awareness, Disease and Palliative Understanding Among Caregivers of Patients With Dementia. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 37:683-691. [PMID: 31854201 PMCID: PMC10581031 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119895497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with dementia (PwD) often have significant cognitive deficits and functional limitations, requiring substantial caregiver assistance. Given the high symptom burden and terminal nature of dementia, good prognostic awareness and integration of palliative care (PC) is needed. OBJECTIVE To evaluate prognostic awareness, disease, and PC understanding among caregivers of PwD and to assess for improvements in routine care. DESIGN A cross-sectional study of 2 cohorts at a single-academic medical center. Surveys were mailed to 200 caregivers of PwD in 2012 (cohort 1). Surveys were sent to new subset of caregivers of PwD (n = 80) in 2018 (cohort 2) to assess trends over time. RESULTS A total of 154 of caregivers completed the survey (response rate 55%). Compared to 2012, a higher proportion of caregivers in 2018 reported having conversations about prognosis with PwD's physicians (25% in 2012 vs 45% in 2018; P = .027). However, a large percentage (43% in 2012 and 40% in 2018) of caregivers reported no understanding of the PwD's prognosis. Despite most stating dementia was not curable, only 39% in 2012 and 52% in 2018 (P = .015) understood that dementia was a terminal disease. In addition, only 32% in 2012 and 40% in 2018 (P = .39) felt that they were knowledgeable about PC. CONCLUSIONS Prognostic discussions between caregivers of PwD and the PwD's physicians may be occurring more often; however, a high percentage of caregivers report a poor understanding about the terminal nature of dementia and the role of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gabbard
- Section on Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Center for Health Care Innovation, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Devin Johnson
- Section on Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Greg Russell
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Shenita Spencer
- Center for Supportive Care and Survivorship, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Jeff D. Williamson
- Section on Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Center for Health Care Innovation, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Laurie E. McLouth
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Keren G. Ferris
- Section on Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kaycee Sink
- Product Development—Neuroscience, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gretchen Brenes
- Section on Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mia Yang
- Section on Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Center for Health Care Innovation, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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25
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Abstract
Dementia management is complicated by neuropsychiatric symptoms such that the longitudinal care of a psychiatrist or other mental health provider is often an essential part of patient care and a major source of family support. Given the importance of end-of-life continuity of care, the involvement of psychiatry in palliative and hospice services affords an important opportunity for growth. Common challenges involve sharing prognostic information with patients and families to aid in advance planning, and management of persistent pain and nutritional issues. Future research will yield important new insights and guidelines for care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffrey Hashimie
- Psychiatry Service (116A), James A Haley VA Hospital, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 13000 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Susan K Schultz
- Psychiatry Service (116A), James A Haley VA Hospital, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 13000 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jonathan T Stewart
- Psychiatry Service (116A), James A Haley VA Hospital, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 13000 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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