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Liao J, Wu B, Mao J, Ni P. Factors Associated with Patient-Caregiver Concordance about Life-Sustaining Treatment Preferences among Advanced Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Semin Oncol Nurs 2024:151697. [PMID: 39097463 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Concordance of preferences for end-of-life care regarding patients between patients with advanced cancer and family caregivers can improve the likelihood of honoring dying patients' wishes. However, there is a dearth of knowledge in mainland China. The purpose of this study was to examine patient-family caregiver concordance about patients' life-sustaining treatment preferences and associated factors among patients with advanced cancer in China. METHODS From September 2019 to December 2021, a convenience sample of 406 dyads of advanced cancer patient-family caregiver were recruited from 2 tertiary hospitals in Wuhan, China. Participants completed a questionnaire about patient's preferences for life-sustaining treatment, respectively. The concordance was assessed by percent agreement and kappa coefficients. Associated factors were identified by univariate analysis and binary logistic regression. RESULTS The average concordance rate on the preferences for life-sustaining treatment was 56.1%, ranging from 52.9% to 59.3%. Factors associated with a higher level of patient-family caregiver concordance were following: patients who were married, whose educational levels were at college or above, who had not been informed of diagnosis by a physician, who had been informed of the effects and side effects of related drugs by a physician, and who cared for a seriously ill family member or friend and caregivers whose educational level were primary or below. CONCLUSIONS The patient-family caregiver concordance about patients' life-sustaining treatment preferences among patients with advanced cancer was poor. Patients' and caregivers' understanding of life-sustaining treatment and its efficacy in end-of-life should be facilitated. Relevant conversation should be encouraged between patients and caregivers, thus providing value-concordant end-of-life care for patients with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Health professionals need to carry out advanced care planning in oncology departments on mainland China to encourage patients and caregivers to discuss patients' end-of-life care preferences. Facilitating patients' and caregivers' understanding of life-sustaining treatment preferences may help improve the patient-caregiver concordance on life-sustaining treatment preferences among patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liao
- Nurse-in-charge, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bei Wu
- Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing and NYU Aging Incubator, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Jing Mao
- Professor, School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Ni
- Associated Professor, School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China..
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Askari A, Roshan HM, Abbaszadeh N, Salesi M, Hosseini SM, Golmohammadi M, Barasteh S, Nademi O, Mashayekh R, Sadeghi MH. Readiness for advance care planning and related factors in the general population: a cross sectional study in Iran. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:167. [PMID: 38982407 PMCID: PMC11234553 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01496-2] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Advance Care Planning (ACP), as a process for expressing and recording patients' preferences about end-of-life care, has received increasing attention in recent years. However, implementing ACP has been challenging in Iran. OBJECTIVES To assess the readiness for advance care planning and related factors in the general population of Iran. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on the general population of Iran in 2022. The data was collected using demographic information questionnaire and The RACP Scale. The purpose and methodology of the research was explained to all participants, and upon their agreement an informed consent was obtained. Participants were invited to fill out the questionnaires wherever is more convenient for them, either alone or if needed, with the help of the researcher to protect their privacy. Chi-square, fisher exact test and multiple logistic Regression model were used to assess the effective factors on the RACP. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 26. RESULTS A total of 641 people with an average age of 36.85 ± 12.05 years participated in this study. Of those, 377 (58.8%) had high RACP. The logistics model showed an association between the chance of readiness for receiving ACP with participants' education level, such that the chance of readiness in those with Master's or Ph.D. degrees was three times higher than those with a diploma (p = 0.00, OR:3.178(1.672, 6.043)). However, the chances of readiness in those with bachelor's degrees was not significantly different from those with a diploma (p = 0.936, OR: 0.984 (0.654, 1.479)). Moreover, the chance of readiness was 1.5 higher in participants over 40 years of age compared with participants under the age of 40 (P = 0.01, OR: 1.571(1.10, 2.23)). CONCLUSION According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that there is a relatively RACP among people in Iranian society. The readiness of individuals for ACP increases by their age and education level. Therefore, by holding appropriate training intervention, we can increase the readiness of the public for ACP to improve their end-of-life outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Askari
- Medicine, Quran and Hadith Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nasim Abbaszadeh
- Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Salesi
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Morteza Hosseini
- Medicine, Quran and Hadith Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Golmohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salman Barasteh
- Nursing Faculty, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Nursing Care Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Omid Nademi
- Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razieh Mashayekh
- Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Rodriguez GM, Parikh DA, Kapphahn K, Gupta DM, Fan AC, Shah S, Srinivas S, Teuteberg W, Seevaratnam B, Asuncion K, Chien J, Moore K, Ruiz SM, Patel MI. Coaches Activating, Reaching, and Engaging Patients to Engage in Advance Care Planning: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 2024; 10:949-953. [PMID: 38780960 PMCID: PMC11117149 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Importance Advance care planning (ACP) remains low among patients with advanced cancer. Multilevel interventions compared with clinician-level interventions may be more effective in improving ACP. Objective To evaluate whether a multilevel intervention could improve clinician-documented ACP compared with a clinician-level intervention alone. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized clinical trial, performed from September 12, 2019, through May 12, 2021, included adults with advanced genitourinary cancers at an academic, tertiary hospital. Data analysis was performed by intention to treat from May 1 to August 10, 2023. Intervention Participants were randomized 1:1 to a 6-month patient-level lay health worker structured ACP education along with a clinician-level intervention composed of 3-hour ACP training and integration of a structured electronic health record documentation template (intervention group) or to the clinician-level intervention alone (control group). Main Outcome and Measures The primary outcome was ACP documentation in the electronic health record by the oncology clinician within 12 months after randomization. Secondary, exploratory outcomes included shared decision-making, palliative care use, hospice use, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations within 12 months after randomization. Results Among 402 participants enrolled in the study, median age was 71 years (range, 21-102 years); 361 (89.8%) identified as male. More intervention group participants had oncology clinician-documented ACP than control group participants (82 [37.8%] vs 40 [21.6%]; odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% CI, 1.44-3.64). At 12-month follow-up, more intervention than control group participants had palliative care (72 [33.2%] vs 25 [13.5%]; OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.91-5.28) and hospice use (49 [22.6%] vs 19 [10.3%]; OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.44-4.51). There were no differences in the proportion of participants between groups with an emergency department visit (65 [30.0%] vs 61 [33.0%]; OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.57-1.33) or hospitalization (89 [41.0%] vs 85 [46.0%]; OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.55-1.22). Intervention group participants had fewer hospitalizations than control group participants (mean [SD] number of hospitalizations per year, 0.87 [1.60] vs 1.04 [1.77]) and a lower risk of hospitalization (incidence rate ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.65-0.98). Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, a multilevel intervention improved oncology clinician-documented ACP compared with a clinician-level intervention alone for patients with genitourinary cancer. The intervention is one approach to effectively increase ACP among patients with cancer. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03856463.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys M. Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Divya A. Parikh
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Kris Kapphahn
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Divya M. Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alice C. Fan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Sumit Shah
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Sandy Srinivas
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | | | - Khay Asuncion
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Joanne Chien
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Kaidi Moore
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Shann Mika Ruiz
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Manali I. Patel
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Medical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
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Van Dussen DJ, Coyne SR, Ward RE. Veteran's Attitudes and Knowledge of End-of-Life Care: A Pilot Study Using a Mixed Methods Approach. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:747-753. [PMID: 37751735 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231204990] [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: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Veterans make up a quarter of the deaths in the United States (US). However, little is known about their knowledge and preferences about end-of-life care and pain management. Given this, we were interested in how veterans' military experiences impact their end-of-life experiences and attitudes. Our exploratory study addressed the knowledge and perceptions of hospice and pain management at the end of life. The quantitative aspect was a survey using descriptive statistics that used a small (n = 14) subgroup from a randomly selected sample in the continental US. A small population-based sample (N = 123) used a blended sampling frame of randomly selected validated cell phone and landline numbers. The qualitative aspect examined eight targeted interviews of urban dwelling older veterans over age 60 residing in Northeast Ohio to get a deeper understanding of their knowledge and attitudes toward end-of-life care. Our findings suggest that veterans did not understand the difference between hospice and palliative care and expressed concerns regarding pain medication use at the end of life. Future research examining the concept of stoicism at the end of life among veterans and educational interventions are needed.
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Suen MHP, Chow AYM, Woo RKW, Yuen SK. What makes advance care planning discussion so difficult? A systematic review of the factors of advance care planning in healthcare settings. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38766704 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000464] [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: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Existing systematic reviews related to advance care planning (ACP) largely focus on specific groups and intervention efficacy or are limited to contextual factors. This research aims to identify the modifiable factors perceived by different users of ACP in healthcare settings and inform healthcare professionals about the factors affecting ACP practice. METHODS Five English-language databases (ProQuest, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, and Medline) and two Chinese-language databases (CNKI and NCL) were searched up to November 2022. Empirical research identifying factors related to ACP in healthcare settings was included. ACP is defined as a discussion process on future end-of-life care. Thematic synthesis was performed on all included studies. RESULTS A total of 1871 unique articles were screened; the full texts of 193 were assessed by 4 reviewers, and 45 articles were included for analysis. Twenty-two (54%) studies were qualitative, 15 (33%) were quantitative, and 6 (13%) used mixed methods. Foci varied from 28 (62%) studies on a single subject group (either patient, family, or physician), 11 (25%) on 2 subject groups (either patient and family or patient and healthcare professional), and 6 (13%) covered 3 subject groups (patient, family, and healthcare professional). Among the 17 studies involving more than 1 subject group, only 2 adopted a dyadic lens in analysis. Complex interwoven factors were categorized into (1) intrapersonal factors, (2) interpersonal factors, and (3) socio-environmental factors, with a total of 11 themes: personal belief, emotions, the burden on others, timing, responsiveness, relationship, family dynamics, experience, person taking the lead, culture, and support. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Patients, families, and healthcare professionals are the essential stakeholders of ACP in healthcare settings. Factors are interweaved among the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and socio-environmental dimensions. Research is warranted to examine the dynamic interactions of the 3 essential stakeholders from a multidimensional perspective, and the mechanism of the interweaving of factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Hay Ping Suen
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Amy Yin Man Chow
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Jockey Club End-of-Life Community Care Project, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Sze Kit Yuen
- Caritas Medical Centre, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong
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Hussein S, Lim CA, Manokaran T, Kassam S, Earp M, Tang PA, Karim S, Biondo P, Watanabe SM, Sinnarajah A, Tan A, Simon J. Colorectal Cancer Patients' Reported Frequency, Content, and Satisfaction with Advance Care Planning Discussions. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:1235-1245. [PMID: 38534925 PMCID: PMC10969091 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31030092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This observational cohort study describes the frequency, content, and satisfaction with advance care planning (ACP) conversations with healthcare providers (HCPs), as reported by patients with advanced colorectal cancer. (2) Methods: The patients were recruited from two tertiary cancer centers in Alberta, Canada. Using the My Conversations survey with previously validated questions, the patients were asked about specific ACP elements discussed, with which HCPs these elements were discussed, their satisfaction with these conversations, and whether they had a goals of care designation (GCD) order. We surveyed and analyzed data from the following four time points: enrollment, months 1, 2, and 3. (3) Results: In total, 131 patients were recruited. At enrollment, 24% of patients reported discussing at least one ACP topic. From enrollment to month 3, patients reported a high frequency of discussions (80.2% discussed fears, 71.0% discussed prognosis, 54.2% discussed treatment preferences at least once); however, only 44.3% of patients reported discussing what is important to them in considering health care preferences. Patients reported having ACP conversations most often with their oncologists (84.7%) and cancer clinic nurses (61.8%). Patients reported a high level of satisfaction with their ACP conversations, with over 80% of patients reported feeling heard and understood. From enrollment to month 3, there was an increase in the number of patients with a GCD order from 53% to 74%. (4) Conclusions: Patients reported more frequent conversations compared to the literature and clinical documentation. While the satisfaction with these conversations is high, there is room for quality improvement, particularly in eliciting patients' personal goals for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Hussein
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (S.H.); (S.K.); (M.E.); (P.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Chloe Ahryung Lim
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (C.A.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Thulasie Manokaran
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (C.A.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Shireen Kassam
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (S.H.); (S.K.); (M.E.); (P.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Madalene Earp
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (S.H.); (S.K.); (M.E.); (P.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Patricia A. Tang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada; (P.A.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Safiya Karim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada; (P.A.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Patricia Biondo
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (S.H.); (S.K.); (M.E.); (P.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Sharon M. Watanabe
- Division of Palliative Care Medicine, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada;
| | - Aynharan Sinnarajah
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (S.H.); (S.K.); (M.E.); (P.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Amy Tan
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jessica Simon
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (S.H.); (S.K.); (M.E.); (P.B.); (A.S.)
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Chang YK, Wu YK, Liu TH. The effectiveness of a virtual reality teaching module on advance care planning and advance decision for medical professionals. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:112. [PMID: 38317136 PMCID: PMC10845462 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04990-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concepts of advance care planning (ACP) and advance decisions/directives (ADs) are widely recognized around the world. The Patient Right to Autonomy Act in Taiwan, the first of its kind in Asia, went into effect in 2019. However, a lack of knowledge and confidence regarding ACP and ADs is a barrier for medical professionals in discussing ACP and ADs with their patients. In addition, in Asian countries, physicians tend to make family-centered decisions, which influence how they can implement ADs. METHODS Virtual reality (VR) is known for its immersive and interactive simulation experience and can upgrade medical education. We developed a VR teaching module to help medical professionals better understand ACP and ADs, with assessment tools integrated into the module. The participants were asked to answer seven knowledge items embedded in the module and fill out the surveys regarding attitudes toward ACP and ADs and confidence in implementing ADs before and after the module. They also reported behaviors related to ADs before and three months after the VR experience. RESULTS From July 2020 to June 2022, 30 physicians and 59 nurses joined the study, and 78.7% of them had no prior experience in hospice care. After learning from the VR module, all 89 participants were able to answer all seven items correctly. The results showed a slightly more positive attitude toward ACP and ADs (scores: 32.29 ± 3.80 versus 33.06 ± 3.96, p < .05) and more confidence in implementing ADs (scores: 13.96 ± 2.68 versus 16.24 ± 2.67, p < .001) after the VR module. Changes in AD-related behaviors (scores: 11.23 ± 4.01 versus 13.87 ± 4.11, p < .001) were also noted three months after the VR experience. CONCLUSIONS This study found that medical professionals may have better knowledge of ACP and ADs, slightly improved attitudes toward ACP and ADs, and greater confidence in implementing ADs after experiencing the VR module. Most importantly, the findings suggested that using a VR format may help motivate medical professionals to perform essential behaviors related to ADs, including introducing ADs to their patients and discussing ADs with their own family.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Kang Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien City, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Kuang Wu
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien City, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hung Liu
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien City, Taiwan.
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, No. 289, Jianguo Road, Xindian District, 231, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Miura H, Goto Y. Comparison of the Life-Sustaining Treatment, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and Palliative Care Implementation Rates between Homebound Patients with Malignant and Nonmalignant Disease Who Died in an Acute Hospital Setting: A Single-Center Retrospective Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:136. [PMID: 38255025 PMCID: PMC10815562 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated and compared the implementation of life-support treatment (LST), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) implementation rates, and the influence of acute illnesses on the introduction of palliative care (PC) to homebound patients with malignant and nonmalignant disease, who subsequently died in an acute hospital setting. METHODS Among the homebound patients admitted to the ward in our hospital from 2011 to 2018, we investigated and compared the attributes, underlying diseases, causes of death, and rates of implementation of LST, CPR, and PC between patients with malignant and nonmalignant disease who died in the ward, using data obtained from hospitalization records. Furthermore, acute illnesses related to the introduction of PC were examined. RESULTS Of the 551 homebound patients admitted to the ward of an acute hospital, 119 died in the ward. Of the deceased patients, 60 had malignant disease and 59 had nonmalignant disease. Patients with nonmalignant disease had higher rates of LST implementation and CPR and a lower rate of PC. Patients with infectious disease, who required antimicrobial drugs, had significantly lower PC introduction rates. CONCLUSION Understanding the influence of the timing of PC introduction in acute care for homebound patients with advanced chronic illness are issues to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisayuki Miura
- Department of Home Care and Regional Liaison Promotion, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu 474-8511, Aichi, Japan;
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Shinada K, Kohno T, Fukuda K, Higashitani M, Kawamatsu N, Kitai T, Shibata T, Takei M, Nochioka K, Nakazawa G, Shiomi H, Miyashita M, Mizuno A. End-of-Life Discussions and Their Timing for Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases - From the Perspective of Bereaved Family Members. Circ J 2023; 88:135-143. [PMID: 37989279 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-23-0507] [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: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhanced discussions regarding end-of-life (EOL) are crucial to provide appropriate care for seriously ill patients. However, the current status of EOL discussions, especially their timing and influencing factors, among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remains unknown.Methods and Results: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of bereaved family members of CVD patients who died at 10 tertiary care institutes in Japan. In all, 286 bereaved family members (38.2% male; median age 66.0 [interquartile range 58.0-73.0] years) of CVD patients were enrolled; of these, 200 (69.9%) reported that their families had had EOL discussions with physicians. The major topic discussed was resuscitation (79.0%), and 21.5% discussed the place of EOL care. Most discussions were held during hospitalization of the patient (88.2%). More than half (57.1%) the discussions were initiated less than 1 month before the patient died, and 22.6% of family members felt that this timing of EOL discussions was late. Bereaved family members' perception of late EOL discussions was associated with the family members aggressive attitude towards life-prolonging treatment, less preparedness for bereavement, and less satisfaction with EOL care. CONCLUSIONS Approximately 70% of bereaved family members of CVD patients had EOL discussions, which were often held shortly before the patient died. Further research is required to establish an ideal approach to EOL discussions at an appropriate time, which may improve the quality of EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keitaro Shinada
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine
| | - Takashi Kohno
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Keiichi Fukuda
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Takeshi Kitai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Tatsuhiro Shibata
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine
| | - Makoto Takei
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital
| | - Kotaro Nochioka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Gaku Nakazawa
- Department of Cardiology, Tokai University School of Medicine
- Department of Cardiology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Hiroki Shiomi
- Department of Cardiology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Division of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Atsushi Mizuno
- Department of Cardiology, St. Luke's International Hospital
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Kao LT, Ko SC, Chen PJ, Wu YC, Liao KM, Liang YS, Ho CH, Liang FW. Trend Analysis of Palliative Care Utilization in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease During Hospitalization from 2007 to 2018 in Taiwan. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2023; 18:3015-3026. [PMID: 38143921 PMCID: PMC10748865 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s435954] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Palliative care utilization among hospitalized patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Taiwan remains low despite its costs making it eligible for reimbursement since 2009. Few studies have examined the trends of palliative care utilization. We analyzed the annual rate, associated factors, and timing of the inpatient palliative care utilization by hospitalized patients with COPD. Patients and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional observational study between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2018. Population-based claims data were extracted from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to identify patients aged ≧40 years with COPD five years before the first instance of inpatient palliative care utilization. Results There were 24,502 patients with COPD receiving inpatient palliative care. Our results indicated that older age, concomitant chronic conditions-especially cancer-and severity of comorbidities were associated with a higher rate of palliative care utilization by hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In our study, the proportion of hospitalized patients with COPD receiving inpatient palliative care and having a Charlson comorbidity index score of 1-2 was lower than that of patients with cancer and a Charlson comorbidity index score ≧3 during the 12-year study-observation period. In addition, approximately 50% of hospitalized patients with COPD received palliative care within 18 months after their initial admission for COPD during the study period. However, individuals with a CCI score of 1-2 exhibited a slower entry into palliative care, with nearly 50% initiating it within the first two years. Conclusion Inpatient palliative care utilization by hospitalized patients with advanced COPD remains low due to various causes. Our findings highlight that palliative care may be considered by professional care providers as routine care and as a way to manage problematic symptoms during hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ting Kao
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shian-Chin Ko
- Center for Palliative Care, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Jen Chen
- Department of Family Medicine and Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cih Wu
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Ming Liao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Chiali, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shan Liang
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Han Ho
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan
- Department of Information Management, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan City, Taiwan
- Cancer Center, Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Wen Liang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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11
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Afshar K, van Baal K, Wiese B, Schleef T, Stiel S, Müller-Mundt G, Schneider N. Structured implementation of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool in general practice - A prospective interventional study with follow-up. Palliat Care 2022; 21:214. [PMID: 36451172 PMCID: PMC9714240 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01107-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in the provision of primary palliative care (PC). The identification of patients who might benefit from PC and the timely initiation of patient-centred PC measures at the end of life are essential, yet challenging. Although different tools exist to support these key tasks, a structured approach is often missing. OBJECTIVE The study aimed at implementing the German version of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT-DE™) in general practices, following a structured and regional approach, in order to evaluate the effects of this tool on the identification of patients with potential PC needs and the initiation of patient-centred PC measures. METHODS The intervention of this mixed-methods study comprised a standardised training of 52 GPs from 34 general practices in two counties in Lower Saxony, Germany, on the use of the SPICT-DE™. The SPICT-DE™ is a clinical tool which supports the identification of patients with potential PC needs. Subsequently, over a period of 12 months, GPs applied the SPICT-DE™ in daily practice with adult patients with chronic, progressive diseases, and completed a follow-up survey 6 months after the initial patient assessment. The outcome parameters were alterations in the patient's clinical situation, and the type and number of initiated patient-centred PC measures during the follow-up interval. Additionally, 12 months after the standardised training, GPs provided feedback on their application of the SPICT-DE™. RESULTS A total of 43 GPs (n = 15 female, median age 53 years) out of an initial sample of 52 trained GPs assessed 580 patients (n = 345 female, median age 84 years) with mainly cardiovascular (47%) and cancer (33%) diseases. Follow-up of 412 patients revealed that 231 (56%) experienced at least one critical incident in their disease progression (e.g. acute crisis), 151 (37%) had at least one hospital admission, and 141 (34%) died. A review of current treatment/medication (76%) and a clarification of treatment goals (53%) were the most frequently initiated patient-centred PC measures. The majority of GPs deemed the SPICT-DE™ practical (85%) and stated an intention to continue applying the tool in daily practice (66%). CONCLUSIONS The SPICT-DE™ is a practical tool that supports the identification of patients at risk of deterioration or dying and promotes the initiation of patient-centred PC measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (N° DRKS00015108; 22/01/2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kambiz Afshar
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina van Baal
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Birgitt Wiese
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Tanja Schleef
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gabriele Müller-Mundt
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nils Schneider
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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12
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Smith MA, Brøchner AC, Nedergaard HK, Jensen HI. Facilitators and Barriers for Initiating Conversations About End of Life. Palliat Med Rep 2022; 3:296-307. [PMID: 36636612 PMCID: PMC9805848 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2022.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Conducting a conversation about wishes for treatment at end of life (EOL) has been shown to improve EOL care for patients and relatives. Still, only a minority of physicians conduct the conversation, which might lead to unwanted interventions and treatments. Objectives The purpose of this survey was to examine which factors facilitate and hinder physicians across a wide range of health care facilities to initiate the conversation about wishes for treatment at EOL. Design A questionnaire survey based on a Delphi-developed questionnaire. Setting/Subjects The questionnaire was sent to both hospital physicians and general practitioners (GPs) in a Danish region. Results More than 3000 physicians were invited to participate in the survey. Of these, 782 responded, 622 working at a hospital department, and 160 from general practice clinics. Results showed that senior physicians, GPs, and physicians working in a medical department feel best equipped to conduct the conversation. Moreover, senior physicians pointed to their experience as physicians as being of great importance for conducting the conversation, whereas junior physicians found training in conducting the conversation as an important factor. Conclusion Our study indicates that different factors depending on the health care setting and the seniority of the physician facilitate or hinder physicians from conducting the conversation about wishes for treatment at EOL. Being aware of these differences and making a concerted effort depending on setting and seniority might help implement and conduct the conversation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Aaby Smith
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Kolding Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Address correspondence to: Mette Aaby Smith, MD, PhD Student, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Kolding Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding 6000, Denmark.
| | - Anne C. Brøchner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Kolding Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Helene K. Nedergaard
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Kolding Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Hanne I. Jensen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Kolding Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kolding, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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13
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Ferguson L, Clark H, de Beer W. Resuscitation status conversations: a short education session improves junior doctors’ confidence. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022; 12:292-295. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AimJunior doctors are frequently required to discuss resuscitation status with patients. They generally lack experience, confidence and skill in having these conversations. However, there is currently no formal postgraduate education requirement to improve or develop in this area. The aim of this educational intervention was to improve junior doctors’ level of confidence and skill in having resuscitation status conversations with patients.MethodAn educational intervention for 27 prevocational postgraduate second and third-year house officers at a tertiary hospital in Hamilton, New Zealand was conducted. A self-administered survey was completed preintervention and postintervention.ResultsFour factors were assessed in the survey (level of confidence having conversations regarding resuscitation status, ability to prognosticate, content of conversations and perceived barriers to having conversations), with a statistically significant difference found with respect to level of confidence having conversations regarding resuscitation status (p=0.001).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that a short education session improves confidence in discussing resuscitation status. It has also identified the need for further postgraduate training in complex communication skills.
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14
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Patel MI, Kapphahn K, Dewland M, Aguilar V, Sanchez B, Sisay E, Murillo A, Smith K, Park DJ. Effect of a Community Health Worker Intervention on Acute Care Use, Advance Care Planning, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Adults With Advanced Stages of Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 2022; 8:1139-1148. [PMID: 35771552 PMCID: PMC9247857 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Importance Deficiencies in advance care planning and symptom management are associated with avoidable acute care use among patients with cancer. Community health worker (CHW)-led approaches may be an approach to reduce acute care use but remain untested in community settings. Objective To determine whether a CHW-led advance care planning and symptom screening intervention can reduce acute care use more than usual care in a community setting. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized clinical trial was conducted among patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage or recurrent solid and hematologic cancers from August 8, 2017, through November 30, 2021. Data analysis was performed November 30, 2021, through January 1, 2022, by intention to treat. Interventions Participants were randomized 1:1 to usual care (control group) or usual care with the 6-month CHW-led intervention (intervention group). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was acute care use. Secondary outcomes included advance care planning documentation, supportive care use, patient-reported outcomes, survival, and end-of-life care use. Results Among 128 participants, median (range) age was 67 (19-89) years; 61 (47.7%) were female; and 2 (1.6%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 11 (8.6%) were Asian, 5 (3.9%) were Black, 23 (18.0%) were Hispanic or Latino, 2 (1.6%) were of mixed race, 2 (1.6%) were Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 86 (67.2%) were White, and 20 (15.6%) did not report race. Intervention participants had 62% lower risk of acute care use than the control (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.19-0.76) within 6 months. At 12 months, intervention participants had 17% lower odds of acute care use (odds ratio [OR], 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-0.98), 8 times the odds of advance care planning documentation (OR, 7.18; 95% CI, 2.85-18.13), 4 times the odds of palliative care (OR, 4.46; 95% CI, 1.88-10.55), nearly double the odds of hospice (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.16-2.88), and nearly double the odds of improved mental and emotional health from enrollment to 6 and 12 months postenrollment (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.03-3.28; and OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.04-4.65, respectively) than the control. There were no differences in the death (control, 26 [40.6%] vs intervention, 32 [50.0%]). Fewer intervention participants had acute care use (0 vs 6 [23.1%]) in the month before death than the control. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, integration of a CHW-led intervention into cancer care reduced acute care use and is one approach to improve cancer care delivery for patients with advanced stages of disease in community settings. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03154190.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manali I. Patel
- Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California,Medical Services, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California,Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research/Health Research and Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Kristopher Kapphahn
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Ariana Murillo
- Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Kim Smith
- St Jude Crosson Cancer Institute, Center for Hematology and Oncology, Fullerton, California
| | - David J. Park
- St Jude Crosson Cancer Institute, Center for Hematology and Oncology, Fullerton, California
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15
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Shaku F, Yada Y, Tsutsumi M, Kim WS. Characterising end-of-life decision-making of life-sustaining treatment among Japanese nurses. Int J Palliat Nurs 2021; 27:213-218. [PMID: 34169740 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2021.27.4.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Often, nurses are closer to end-of-life (EOL) patients than other medical professionals, due to the time they spend with them at their bedside, which leads them to understand patients' care goals. AIMS To investigate the importance of EOL preferences by examining nurses' EOL decision-making regarding life-sustaining treatment (LST). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 559 self-reported questionnaires of Japanese nurses were examined. Marital status, age and decision-making regarding LST for themselves were investigated. FINDINGS Unmarried participants from all age groups had a higher percentage of 'no preference for LST' than married groups. Differences between the percentages were higher in the 20s age group. Married participants increasingly preferred to receive no LST as their age increased, unlike single participants. CONCLUSION Marital status influences Japanese nurses' EOL decision-making regarding LST. Therefore, it is necessary to consider a patient's marital status to facilitate better decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumio Shaku
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Nihon University Itabashi Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Yada
- Division of Pharmacology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Woe Sook Kim
- College of Nursing Art and Science, University of Hyogo, Japan
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16
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Cheng SY, Lin CP, Chan HYL, Martina D, Mori M, Kim SH, Ng R. Advance care planning in Asian culture. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2020; 50:976-989. [PMID: 32761078 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyaa131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing has been recognized as one of the most critically important health-care issues worldwide. It is relevant to Asia, where the increasing number of older populations has drawn attention to the paramount need for health-care investment, particularly in end-of-life care. The advocacy of advance care planning is a mean to honor patient autonomy. Since most East Asian countries are influenced by Confucianism and the concept of 'filial piety,' patient autonomy is consequently subordinate to family values and physician authority. The dominance from family members and physicians during a patient's end-of-life decision-making is recognized as a cultural feature in Asia. Physicians often disclose the patient's poor prognosis and corresponding treatment options to the male, family member rather to the patient him/herself. In order to address this ethical and practical dilemma, the concept of 'relational autonomy' and the collectivism paradigm might be ideally used to assist Asian people, especially older adults, to share their preferences on future care and decision-making on certain clinical situations with their families and important others. In this review article, we invited experts in end-of-life care from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan to briefly report the current status of advance care planning in each country from policy, legal and clinical perspectives. According to the Asian experiences, we have seen different models of advance care planning implementation. The Asian Delphi Taskforce for advance care planning is currently undertaken by six Asian countries and a more detailed, culturally sensitive whitepaper will be published in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Yi Cheng
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Pei Lin
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Yue-Lai Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Central Ave, Hong Kong
| | - Diah Martina
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Division of Psychosomatic and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia
| | - Masanori Mori
- Palliative Care Team, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Sun-Hyun Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Raymond Ng
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Jln Tan Tock Seng, Singapore
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17
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Liao J, Wu B, Mao J, Ni P. Preference for Aggressive End-of-Life Care among Advanced Cancer Patients in Wuhan, China: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186592. [PMID: 32927824 PMCID: PMC7560226 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Life-sustaining treatments (LSTs) and end-of-life (EOL) care’s goal for prolonging one’s life are defined as aggressive EOL care among critically ill patients. They have limited effects and add unnecessary financial burden to advanced cancer patients. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information on demographics, disease conditions, preference for LSTs, and goal of EOL care among advanced cancer patients of comprehensive grade-A tertiary hospitals in Wuhan, mainland China. Most patients preferred to accept LSTs when they were in a critical condition, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (89.9%), mechanical ventilation support (85.7%), nasogastric tube feeding (84.1%), blood transfusion (89.8%), general surgery (87.5%), and hemodialysis (85.8%). Most (88%) preferred prolonging life as the goal of EOL care. Logistic regression showed common influencing factors were participants who completed junior high/high school or below and were financially adequate had higher reference for aggressive EOL care. Patients whose physician had accurately disclosed prognosis; however, showed a decrease trend for aggressive EOL care. Most advanced cancer patients preferred to accept aggressive EOL care. Discussions about prognosis disclosure among physicians and patients should be improved. Education about LSTs’ limitations and comfort-oriented care’s benefits should be promoted among the advanced cancer patients in mainland China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liao
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
| | - Bei Wu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing and NYU Aging Incubator, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Jing Mao
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
| | - Ping Ni
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-1387-154-0316
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18
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Kubi B, Istl AC, Lee KT, Conca-Cheng A, Johnston FM. Advance Care Planning in Cancer: Patient Preferences for Personnel and Timing. JCO Oncol Pract 2020; 16:e875-e883. [DOI: 10.1200/jop.19.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE: Opportunities for advance care planning (ACP) discussions continue to be missed despite the demonstrated benefit of such conversations. This is in part because of a poor understanding of patient preferences. We aimed to determine oncology patients’ preferences surrounding ACP with a focus on the choice of which health care providers to have the conversation with and the timing of conversations. METHODS: A cross-sectional 19-question survey of surgical and medical oncology patients in a tertiary care hospital was conducted that assessed knowledge, experience, and preferences surrounding ACP. Quantitative variables were reported with descriptive statistics, and a coding structure was developed to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were surveyed. Only 24% of patients reported previously having ACP discussions with their physicians despite 82.5% reporting a wish to do so. Patients felt that these discussions were a priority for them (to alleviate familial guilt, maintain control, and prevent others’ values from guiding end-of-life care), but they reported that previous experiences with ACP had been neither comprehensive nor effective. Most patients (43.5%) preferred to have ACP discussions with their primary care providers (PCPs) compared with 7% preferring their surgeon and 5.5% preferring their oncologist. Trust and familiarity with PCPs arose as the dominant theme underlying this selection. Most patients (94%) preferred to have ACP discussions early, with 45% wishing such a discussion had been initiated before their cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Patients with cancer prefer to have ACP discussions with their PCPs and prefer to do so early in their disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boateng Kubi
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Kimberley T. Lee
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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19
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Vlckova K, Tuckova A, Polakova K, Loucka M. Factors associated with prognostic awareness in patients with cancer: A systematic review. Psychooncology 2020; 29:990-1003. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.5385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Vlckova
- Center for Palliative Care Prague Czech Republic
- First Faculty of MedicineCharles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Anna Tuckova
- Center for Palliative Care Prague Czech Republic
- Faculty of Social SciencesCharles University Prague Czech Republic
| | | | - Martin Loucka
- Center for Palliative Care Prague Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of MedicineCharles University Prague Czech Republic
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20
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Huang YT, Wang YW, Chi CW, Hu WY, Lin R, Shiao CC, Tang WR. Differences in medical costs for end-of-life patients receiving traditional care and those receiving hospice care: A retrospective study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229176. [PMID: 32078660 PMCID: PMC7032706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hospice care has a positive effect on medical costs. The correlation between survival time after receiving hospice care and medical costs has not been previously investigated in the literature on Taiwan. This study aimed to compare the differences in medical costs between traditional care and hospice care among end-of-life patients with cancer. Methods Data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program on all patients who had passed away between 2010 and 2013 were used. Those whose year of death was between 2010 and 2013 were defined as end-of-life patients. The patients were divided into two groups: traditional care and hospice care. We then analyzed the differences in end-of-life medical cost between the two groups. Results From 2010 to 2013, the proportion of patients receiving hospice care significantly increased from 22.2% to 41.30%. In the hospice group, compared with the traditional group, the proportions of hospital stays over 14 days and deaths in a hospital were significantly higher, but the proportions of outpatient clinic visits; emergency room admissions; intensive care unit admissions; use of ventilator; use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and use of hemodialysis, surgery, and chemotherapy were significantly lower. Total medical costs were significantly lower. A greater number of days of survival for end-of-life patients when receiving hospice care results in higher saved medical costs. Conclusion Hospice care can effectively save a large amount of end-of-life medical costs, and more medical costs are saved when patients are referred to hospice care earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Huang
- Department of Nursing, Camillian Saint Mary`s Hospital Luodong, Luodong, Yilan, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Saint Mary's Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Sanxing Township, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ying-Wei Wang
- Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Datong Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chou-Wen Chi
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan, R.O.C.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Yu Hu
- Department of Nursing College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Rung Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Clinical Informatics and Medical Statistics Research Center, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Chung Shiao
- Saint Mary's Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Sanxing Township, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Camillian Saint Mary`s Hospital Luodong, Luodong, Yilan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Woung-Ru Tang
- School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
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Bossert J, Wensing M, Thomas M, Villalobos M, Jung C, Siegle A, Hagelskamp L, Deis N, Jünger J, Krug K. Implementation of the milestones communication approach for patients with limited prognosis: evaluation of intervention fidelity. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:21. [PMID: 32070311 PMCID: PMC7029500 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-0527-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite improvements in diagnostics and therapy, the majority of lung tumours are diagnosed at advanced stage IV with a poor prognosis. Due to the nature of an incurable disease, patients need to engage in shared decision making on advance care planning. To implement this in clinical practice, effective communication between patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals is essential. The Heidelberg Milestones Communication Approach (MCA) is delivered by a specifically trained interprofessional tandem and consists of four milestone conversations (MCs) at pivotal times in the disease trajectory. MC 1 (Diagnosis): i.e. prognosis; MC 2 (Stable disease): i.e. prognostic awareness; MC 3 (Progression): i.e. reassessment; MC 4 (Best supportive care): i.e. end of treatment. In between MCs, follow-up calls are carried out to sustain communication. This study aimed to assess to what extent the MCA was implemented as planned and consolidated in specialized oncology practice. Methods A prospective observational process evaluation study was conducted, which focused on the implementation fidelity of the MCA. All MCs during two assessment periods were included. We analysed all written records of the conversations, which are part of the routine documentation during MCs and follow-up calls. Adherence to key aspects of the manual was documented on structured checklists at the beginning of the implementation of the MCA and after 6 months. The analysis was descriptive. Differences between the two assessment periods are analysed with chi-square tests. Results A total of 133 MCs and 54 follow-up-calls (t1) and of 172 MCs and 92 follow-up calls (t2) were analysed. MC 2 were the most frequently completed conversations (n = 51 and n = 47). Advance care planning was discussed in 26 and 13% of MC 2 in the respective assessment periods; in 31 and 47% of MC 2, prognostic awareness was recorded. The most frequently documented topic in the follow-up calls was the physical condition in patients (82 and 83%). Conclusion The implementation of a trajectory-specific communication concept was largely successful. Additional studies are needed to understand how fidelity could be further improved. Trial registration DRKS00013469 / Date of registration: 22.12.2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Bossert
- Department of General Practice and Health Service Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Service Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Thomas
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstraße 1, D-69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Villalobos
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstraße 1, D-69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Corinna Jung
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstraße 1, D-69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Siegle
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstraße 1, D-69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Hagelskamp
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Röntgenstraße 1, D-69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Deis
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Proficiency Assessment, Malakoff Passage, Rheinstraße 4, D-55116, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jana Jünger
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Proficiency Assessment, Malakoff Passage, Rheinstraße 4, D-55116, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katja Krug
- Department of General Practice and Health Service Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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22
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Niranjan SJ, Turkman Y, Williams BR, Williams CP, Halilova KI, Smith T, Knight SJ, Bhatia S, Rocque GB. "I'd Want to Know, Because a Year's Not a Long Time to Prepare for a Death": Role of Prognostic Information in Shared Decision Making among Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:937-943. [PMID: 32043896 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0457] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Increasing emphasis on patient-centered care has led to highlighted importance of shared decision making, which better aligns medical decisions with patient care preferences. Effective shared decision making in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treatment requires prognostic understanding, without which patients may receive treatment inconsistent with personal preferences. Objectives: To assess MBC patient and provider perspectives on the role of prognostic information in treatment decision making. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with MBC patients and community oncologists and separate focus groups involving lay navigators, nurses, and academic oncologists. Qualitative analysis utilized a content analysis approach that included a constant comparative method to generate themes. Results: Of 20 interviewed patients with MBC, 30% were African American. Academic oncologists were mostly women (60%), community oncologists were all Caucasian, and nurses were all women and 28% African American. Lay navigators were all African American and predominately women (86%). Five emergent themes were identified. (1) Most patients wanted prognostic information but differed in when they wanted to have this conversation, (2) Emotional distress and discomfort was a critical reason for not discussing prognosis, (3) Religious beliefs shaped preferences for prognostic information, (4) Health care professionals differed on prognostic information delivery timing, and (5) Providers acknowledged that an individualized approach taking into account patient values and preferences would be beneficial. Conclusion: Most MBC patients wanted prognostic information, yet varied in when they wanted this information. Understanding why patients want limited or unrestricted prognostic information can inform oncologists' efforts toward shared decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya J Niranjan
- Department of Health Services Administration, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yasemin Turkman
- School of Nursing, and University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Beverly R Williams
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Courtney P Williams
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Karina I Halilova
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Tom Smith
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara J Knight
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Gabrielle B Rocque
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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23
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Wen FH, Chen JS, Chang WC, Chou WC, Hsieh CH, Tang ST. Accurate prognostic awareness and preference states influence the concordance between terminally ill cancer patients' states of preferred and received life-sustaining treatments in the last 6 months of life. Palliat Med 2019; 33:1069-1079. [PMID: 31185815 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319853488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Factors facilitating/hindering concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining treatments may be distorted if preferences and predictors are measured long before death. AIM To examine factors facilitating/hindering concordance between cancer patients' preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states in their last 6 months. DESIGN Longitudinal, observational design. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS States of preferred and received life-sustaining treatments (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, intensive care unit care, cardiac massage, intubation with mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutritional support, and nasogastric tube feeding) were examined in 218 Taiwanese cancer patients by a latent transition model with hidden Markov modeling. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to examine factors facilitating/hindering concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states. RESULTS Concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states was poor (40.8%, kappa value (95% confidence interval): 0.05 [-0.03, 0.14]). Patients who accurately understood their prognosis and preferred comfort care were significantly more likely to receive preferred life-sustaining treatments before death than those who did not know their prognosis but wanted to know, those who were uniformly uncertain about what life-sustaining treatments they preferred to receive, and those who preferred nutritional support but declined other life-sustaining treatments. Patient age, physician-patient end-of-life-care discussions, symptom distress, and functional dependence were not associated with concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states. CONCLUSION Prognostic awareness and preferred states of life-sustaining treatments were significantly associated with concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states. Personalized interventions should be developed to cultivate terminally ill cancer patients' accurate prognostic awareness, allowing them to formulate realistic life-sustaining-treatment preferences and facilitating their receiving value-concordant end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fur-Hsing Wen
- 1 Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- 2 Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- 2 Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- 2 Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- 2 Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- 2 Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan.,3 Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiugn
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24
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Chen TR, Hu WY, Two SN, Chiu TY. What influences the willingness of cancer patients to receive hospice palliative care at end of life? Jpn J Clin Oncol 2019; 49:361-366. [PMID: 30793175 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyy199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The benefits of hospice palliative care (HPC) for end-of-life (EoL) patients have been widely acknowledged in recent years. There is still limited knowledge about cancer patients' willingness toward HPC. This study aimed to investigate the willingness of cancer patients to receive HPC and the influencing factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with cancer patients enrolled from teaching hospitals in Taiwan. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, EoL care preferences, and scales for measuring the willingness to receive HPC, HPC knowledge, and attitude towards HPC. Data were collected by senior nurses and they were analyzed using descriptive and a regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 148 valid questionnaires were collected. The participants indicated that they 'willing to receive' HPC (mean3.8 on a 5-point scale). The predictors for their willingness to receive HPC were knowledge about HPC (P = 0.001), positive attitude towards HPC (P = 0.008), preference for hospital death (P = 0.022), and preference for quality of life (P = 0.047) as the goal of EoL care. These factors explained 32.7% of the total variance in the willingness to receive HPC. CONCLUSIONS Cancer patients were generally willing to receive HPC. Clinician should discuss EoL care with them earlier. Develop appropriate educational strategies that can provide cancer patients with sufficient and tailored HPC information to develop their knowledge and to create a positive attitude about HPC is necessary, thereby to allow for early HPC intervention and to fulfill the patients' need for HPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ru Chen
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology.,School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University
| | - Wen-Yu Hu
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University
| | - Shiow-Ni Two
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University.,Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University
| | - Tai-Yuan Chiu
- Department of Family, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan
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25
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Wen FH, Chen JS, Chou WC, Chang WC, Hsieh CH, Tang ST. Factors Predisposing Terminally Ill Cancer Patients' Preferences for Distinct Patterns/States of Life-Sustaining Treatments Over Their Last Six Months. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:190-198.e2. [PMID: 30447386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT High-quality end-of-life (EOL) care depends on thoroughly assessing terminally ill patients' preferences for EOL care and tailoring care to individual needs. Studies on predictors of EOL-care preferences were primarily cross-sectional and assessed preferences for multiple life-sustaining treatments (LSTs), making clinical applications difficult. OBJECTIVE/METHODS We examined factors predisposing cancer patients (N = 303) to specific LST-preference states (life-sustaining preferring, comfort preferring, uncertain, and nutrition preferring) derived from six LSTs (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intensive care unit care, chest compression, intubation with mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutrition, and tube feeding) in patients' last six months by multilevel multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Participants with accurate prognostic awareness and physician-patient EOL-care discussions were less likely to be in life-sustaining-preferring, uncertain, and nutrition-preferring states than in the comfort-preferring state. Better quality of life (QOL) and more depressive symptoms predisposed participants to be less likely to be in the uncertain than in the comfort-preferring state. Membership in the nutrition-preferring rather than the comfort-preferring state was significantly higher for participants in the state of moderate symptom distress with severe functional impairment than in the state of mild symptom distress with high functioning. CONCLUSION Accurate prognostic awareness, physician-patient EOL-care discussions, QOL, depressive symptoms, and symptom-functional states predisposed terminally ill cancer patients to distinct LST-preference states. Clinicians should cultivate patients' accurate prognostic awareness and facilitate EOL-care discussions to foster realistic expectations of LST efficacy at EOL. Clinicians should enhance patients' QOL to reduce uncertainty in EOL-care decision making and provide adequate psychological support to those with more depressive symptoms who prefer comfort care only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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26
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Lin CP, Cheng SY, Chen PJ. Advance Care Planning for Older People with Cancer and Its Implications in Asia: Highlighting the Mental Capacity and Relational Autonomy. Geriatrics (Basel) 2018; 3:E43. [PMID: 31011081 PMCID: PMC6319225 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics3030043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
With dramatically increasing proportions of older people, global ageing has remarkably influenced healthcare services and policy making worldwide. Older people represent the majority of patients with cancer, leading to the increasing demand of healthcare due to more comorbidities and inherent frailty. The preference of older people with cancer are often ignored, and they are considered incapable of making choices for themselves, particularly medical decisions. This might impede the provision of their preferred care and lead to poor healthcare outcomes. Advance care planning (ACP) is considered an effective intervention to assist older people to think ahead and make a choice in accordance with their wishes when they possess capacity to do so. The implementation of ACP can potentially lead to positive impact for patients and families. However, the assessment of mental capacity among older adults with cancer might be a crucial concern when implementing ACP, as loss of mental capacity occurs frequently during disease deterioration and functional decline. This article aims to answer the following questions by exploring the existing evidence. How does ACP develop for older people with cancer? How can we measure mental capacity and what kind of principles for assessment we should apply? What are the facilitators and barriers when implementing an ACP in this population? Furthermore, a discussion about cultural adaptation and relevant legislation in Asia is elucidated for better understanding about its cultural appropriateness and the implications. Finally, recommendations in relation to early intervention with routine monitoring and examination of capacity assessment in clinical practice when delivering ACP, reconciling patient autonomy and family values by applying the concept of relational autonomy, and a corresponding legislation and public education should be in place in Asia. More research on ACP and capacity assessment in different cultural contexts and policy frameworks is highlighted as crucial factors for successful implementation of ACP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Pei Lin
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London SE5 9PJ, UK.
| | - Shao-Yi Cheng
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan.
| | - Ping-Jen Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Palliative Care Centre, Chi-Mei Medical Centre, Tainan 710, Taiwan.
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27
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Tang ST, Chen CH, Wen FH, Chen JS, Chang WC, Hsieh CH, Chou WC, Hou MM. Accurate Prognostic Awareness Facilitates, Whereas Better Quality of Life and More Anxiety Symptoms Hinder End-of-Life Care Discussions: A Longitudinal Survey Study in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients' Last Six Months of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 55:1068-1076. [PMID: 29289656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.12.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Terminally ill cancer patients do not engage in end-of-life (EOL) care discussions or do so only when death is imminent, despite guidelines for EOL care discussions early in their disease trajectory. Most studies on patient-reported EOL care discussions are cross sectional without exploring the evolution of EOL care discussions as death approaches. Cross-sectional studies cannot determine the direction of association between EOL care discussions and patients' prognostic awareness, psychological well-being, and quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVES/METHODS We examined the evolution and associations of accurate prognostic awareness, functional dependence, physical and psychological symptom distress, and QOL with patient-physician EOL care discussions among 256 terminally ill cancer patients in their last six months by hierarchical generalized linear modeling with logistic regression and by arranging time-varying modifiable variables and EOL care discussions in a distinct time sequence. RESULTS The prevalence of physician-patient EOL care discussions increased as death approached (9.2%, 11.8%, and 18.3% for 91-180, 31-90, and 1-30 days before death, respectively) but only reached significance in the last month. Accurate prognostic awareness facilitated subsequent physician-patient EOL care discussions, whereas better patient-reported QOL and more anxiety symptoms hindered such discussions. The likelihood of EOL care discussions was not associated with levels of physical symptom distress, functional dependence, or depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Physician-patient EOL care discussions for terminally ill Taiwanese cancer patients remain uncommon even when death approaches. Physicians should facilitate EOL care discussions by cultivating patients' accurate prognostic awareness early in their cancer trajectory when they are physically and psychologically competent, with better QOL, thus promoting informed and value-based EOL care decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Tzuh Tang
- Chang Gung University, School of Nursing, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chen Hsiu Chen
- Department of Nursing, University of Kang Ning, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Mo Hou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
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28
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Chi HL, Cataldo J, Ho EY, Rehm RS. Please Ask Gently: Using Culturally Targeted Communication Strategies to Initiate End-of-Life Care Discussions With Older Chinese Americans. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909118760310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Health-care providers (HCPs) find facilitating end-of-life (EOL) care discussions challenging, especially with patients whose ethnicities differ from their own. Currently, there is little guidance on how to initiate and facilitate such discussions with older Chinese Americans (≥55 years) and their families. Objective: To explore communication strategies for HCPs to initiate EOL care discussions with older Chinese Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area. Design: This qualitative (focused) ethnographic study included field observations and individual semistructured interviews with 14 community-dwelling older Chinese Americans who lived independently at home, 9 adult children, and 7 HCPs. Responses were analyzed using open coding, memos, and comparison across participants. Results: The study participants emphasized the importance of assessing readiness for early EOL care discussions. All recommended using indirect communication approaches to determine older Chinese Americans’ readiness. Indirect communication can be culturally targeted and applied at both system-wide (ie, health-care system) and individual (ie, HCP) levels. To institutionalize the practice, health-care facilities should implement EOL care discussion inquiries as part of routine during check-in or intake questionnaires. In individual practice, using depersonalized communication strategies to initiate the discussion was recommended to determine older Chinese Americans’ readiness. Conclusion: Assessing readiness should be an essential and necessary action for early EOL care discussions. Culturally targeted assessment of older Chinese Americans includes using indirect communication approaches to initiate an EOL care discussion to determine their readiness. In addition to health-care system integration, providers should implement and evaluate proposed EOL discussion initiation prompts with their older Chinese American patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Lin Chi
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Janine Cataldo
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Evelyn Y. Ho
- Department of Communication Studies, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roberta S. Rehm
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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29
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Tang ST, Wen FH, Chang WC, Hsieh CH, Chou WC, Chen JS, Hou MM. Preferences for Life-Sustaining Treatments Examined by Hidden Markov Modeling Are Mostly Stable in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients' Last Six Months of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 54:628-636.e2. [PMID: 28782702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Stability of life-sustaining treatment (LST) preferences at end of life (EOL) has not been well established for terminally ill cancer patients nor have transition probabilities been explored between different types of preferences. OBJECTIVE We assessed the stability of cancer patients' LST preferences at EOL by identifying distinct LST preference states and examining the probability of each state transitioning to other states between consecutive time points. METHODS Stability of LST preferences (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intensive care unit [ICU] care, cardiac massage, intubation with mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutrition support, and nasogastric tube feeding) was examined among 303 cancer patients in their last six months by hidden Markov modeling. RESULTS Six distinct LST preference states (initial size) were identified: uniformly preferring (8.3%), uniformly rejecting (33.8%), and uniformly uncertain about (20.5%) LST, favoring intravenous nutrition support but rejecting other treatments (19.9%), and favoring (3.6%) or uncertain about (14.0%) nutrition support and ICU care while rejecting other treatments. Shifts between LST preference states were relatively small between any two time points (transition probability of staying at the same state was 92.1% to 97.5%), except for the state characterized by uncertainty about nutrition support and ICU care while rejecting other treatments, in which 8.3% of patients shifted LST preferences toward uniform uncertainty at a subsequent assessment. CONCLUSIONS Our patients' LST preferences remained stable without prominent shifts toward preferring less aggressive LSTs even when death approached. Clarifying patients' understanding and expectations about LST efficacy and tailoring interventions to the unique needs of patients in each state may provide personalized EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Tzuh Tang
- Chang Gung University, School of Nursing, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Mo Hou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
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30
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McLawhorn VC, Vess J, Dumas BP. Integrating a Question Prompt List on an Inpatient Oncology Unit to Increase Prognostic Awareness. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2017; 20:385-90. [PMID: 27441510 DOI: 10.1188/16.cjon.385-390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with incurable cancer do not accurately understand their prognosis, which can lead to aggressive and, often, futile treatment. Improved prognostic awareness can help patients to appropriately de-escalate aggressive treatment sooner in an illness trajectory. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article is to introduce a patient-initiated discussion aid (question prompt list) on an oncology unit to increase prognostic awareness by promoting patient-provider dialogue, which could lead to limitation of life-sustaining treatments at the end of life and increased do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and hospice referrals. METHODS Medical records of consecutively admitted patients with a solid malignancy who were urgently admitted to the inpatient setting were reviewed for three months to determine the percentage of DNR orders and referrals to hospice care. After inclusion of the communication aid in admission packets, records of consecutively admitted patients to the inpatient setting were reviewed for three months to reassess the percentage of DNR orders and referrals to hospice care. FINDINGS An increase was seen in the percentage of patients with active DNR orders and in hospice referrals after a discussion aid was included in admission packets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joy Vess
- Medical University of South Carolina
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Rocque GB, Dionne-Odom JN, Sylvia Huang CH, Niranjan SJ, Williams CP, Jackson BE, Halilova KI, Kenzik KM, Bevis KS, Wallace AS, Lisovicz N, Taylor RA, Pisu M, Partridge EE, Butler TW, Briggs LA, Kvale EA. Implementation and Impact of Patient Lay Navigator-Led Advance Care Planning Conversations. J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 53:682-692. [PMID: 28062341 PMCID: PMC6559345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Advance care planning (ACP) improves alignment between patient preferences for life-sustaining treatment and care received at end of life (EOL). OBJECTIVES To evaluate implementation of lay navigator-led ACP. METHODS A convergent, parallel mixed-methods design was used to evaluate implementation of navigator-led ACP across 12 cancer centers. Data collection included 1) electronic navigation records, 2) navigator surveys (n = 45), 3) claims-based patient outcomes (n = 820), and 4) semistructured navigator interviews (n = 26). Outcomes of interest included 1) the number of ACP conversations completed, 2) navigator self-efficacy, 3) patient resource utilization, hospice use, and chemotherapy at EOL, and 4) navigator-perceived barriers and facilitators to ACP. RESULTS From June 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015, 50 navigators completed Respecting Choices® First Steps ACP Facilitator training. Navigators approached 18% of patients (1319/8704); 481 completed; 472 in process; 366 declined. Navigators were more likely to approach African American patients than Caucasian patients (20% vs. 14%, P < 0.001). Significant increases in ACP self-efficacy were observed after training. The mean score for feeling prepared to conduct ACP conversations increased from 5.6/10 to 7.5/10 (P < 0.001). In comparison with patients declining ACP participation (n = 171), decedents in their final 30 days of life who engaged in ACP (n = 437) had fewer hospitalizations (46% vs. 56%, P = 0.02). Key facilitators of successful implementation included physician buy-in, patient readiness, and prior ACP experience; barriers included space limitations, identifying the "right" time to start conversations, and personal discomfort discussing EOL. CONCLUSION A navigator-led ACP program was feasible and may be associated with lower rates of resource utilization near EOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle B Rocque
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
| | | | - Chao-Hui Sylvia Huang
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Soumya J Niranjan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Courtney P Williams
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Bradford E Jackson
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Karina I Halilova
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kelly M Kenzik
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kerri S Bevis
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Audrey S Wallace
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Nedra Lisovicz
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Richard A Taylor
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Maria Pisu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Edward E Partridge
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Thomas W Butler
- University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A Kvale
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Travers A, Taylor V. What are the barriers to initiating end-of-life conversations with patients in the last year of life? Int J Palliat Nurs 2017; 22:454-462. [PMID: 27666307 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2016.22.9.454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Improving end of life care is a national imperative. Unsatisfactory care persists particularly in acute hospitals, with shortcomings, variability in communication and advance care planning identified as fundamental issues. This review explored the literature to identify what is known about the barriers to initiating end-of-life conversations with patients from the perspective of doctors and nurses in the acute hospital setting. METHOD Six electronic databases were searched for potentially relevant records published between 2008 and 2015. Studies were included if the authors reported on barriers to discussing end of life with families or patients as described by doctors or nurses in hospital settings, excluding critical care. RESULTS Of 1267 potentially relevant records, 12 were included in the review. Although there is limited high-quality evidence available, several barriers were identified. Recurrent themes within the literature related to a lack of education and training, difficulty in prognostication, cultural differences and perceived reluctance of the patient or family. CONCLUSIONS This study illustrated that, in addressing barriers to communication, consideration needs to be extended to include how to embed good communication practice between patients and health professionals into the culture of this setting. Board level commitment is required to raise awareness of, and familiarity with, policies and protocols concerning communication and end-of-life care. Communication training should include practical skills and tools, opportunities to explore the personal beliefs of practitioners and managing their emotions, opportunities to analyse the local organisational (physical and social environment) and team barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Travers
- Staff Nurse Central Manchester NHS Trust/MClin Res Student University of Manchester
| | - Vanessa Taylor
- Deputy Head of Nursing, Midwifery and Professional Programmes, University of York
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Gieniusz M, Nunes R, Saha V, Renson A, Schubert FD, Carey J. Earlier Goals of Care Discussions in Hospitalized Terminally Ill Patients and the Quality of End-of-Life Care: A Retrospective Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2016; 35:21-27. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909116682470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The association between physician-directed goals of care discussions (GOCDs) and the use of aggressive interventions in terminally ill patients has not been well characterized in the literature. We examined the associations between the timing of physician-directed GOCDs in terminally ill patients and the use of aggressive interventions, probability of dying in the inpatient setting, and intensive care unit (ICU) utilization. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted to our urban community hospital in 2015 who had a terminal diagnosis on admission and either died on an inpatient unit or were discharged to hospice. The primary independent variable was the number of days from admission to GOCD, expressed as a proportion of the patient’s length of stay (LOS). We used robust variance Poisson and zero-inflated negative binomial regression, as appropriate, to estimate the associations between goals of care timing and risk of having an intervention, risk of dying in the inpatient setting, odds of ICU admission, and ICU LOS. Results: A total of 197 cases were included. After adjusting for age, language, gender, insurance, dementia, and decision maker (patient versus surrogate decision maker), later GOCD was significantly associated with greater risk of having an aggressive intervention (risk ratio [RR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.06), greater risk of death as an inpatient (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02-1.06), and greater odds of ICU admission (odds ratio = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02-1.39). Conclusion: Later GOCDs were associated with greater risk of aggressive interventions and death as an inpatient and greater odds of ICU admission. Goals of care discussion should be done routinely and early during the hospitalization of terminally ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Gieniusz
- Department of Medicine, NYU Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Rosane Nunes
- Department of Medicine, NYU Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Valerie Saha
- Department of Nursing, NYU Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Audrey Renson
- Clinical Research Office, NYU Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Jeanne Carey
- Department of Medicine, NYU Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Fukui S, Morita T, Yoshiuchi K. Development of a Clinical Tool to Predict Home Death of a Discharged Cancer Patient in Japan: a Case-Control Study. Int J Behav Med 2016; 24:584-592. [DOI: 10.1007/s12529-016-9619-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Horne G, Payne S, Seymour J. Do patients with lung cancer recall physician-initiated discussions about planning for end-of-life care following disclosure of a terminal prognosis? BMJ Support Palliat Care 2016; 9:197-201. [PMID: 26842461 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-001015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communicating with patients about their prognosis and goals of care, including offering opportunities to engage in advance care planning (ACP) is widely recognised as best practice. Little is known about terminally ill patients' perceptions of communication and ACP practice following disclosure of their terminal prognosis. OBJECTIVES To examine whether terminally ill patients with lung cancer and their relatives recall conversations with disclosing physicians, about their concerns, goals of care or any offers to engage in ACP. METHODS Qualitative study using semistructured interviews with patients and their family members. The study setting was a cancer centre and cancer unit in northern England. RESULTS 25 patients with advanced lung cancer (18 men and 7 women, aged 47-85) and 19 family members, mainly from lower social economic classes, took part in the study. Participants had little or no recall of physicians initiating discussions about their concerns, or goals of care and did not perceive that they had been provided with either information about or opportunities to engage in ACP. Some participants reported a sense of abandonment following the disclosure of a terminal prognosis. This sense was compounded by a range of difficult emotional experiences following the disclosure. CONCLUSIONS It may be inappropriate to initiate discussions about end-of-life care planning immediately following the disclosure of a terminal prognosis. To avoid patients feeling abandoned physicians need to consider how they or another appropriate person can provide information and opportunities for terminally ill patients to engage in a process of ACP. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 06/Q2307/22.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheila Payne
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, International Observatory on End of Life Care, Furness College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Jane Seymour
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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Chao CT, Tsai HB, Shih CY, Hsu SH, Hung YC, Lai CF, Ueng RH, Chan DC, Hwang JJ, Huang SJ. Establishment of a renal supportive care program: Experience from a rural community hospital in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2016; 115:490-500. [PMID: 26825873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal supportive care (RSC) denotes a care program dedicated for patients with acute, chronic renal failure, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), aiming to offer maximal symptom relief and optimize patients' quality of life. The uncertainty of prognosis for patients with chronic kidney disease and ESRD, the sociocultural issues inherent to the Taiwanese society, and the void of structured and practical RSC pathway, contributes to the underrecognition and poor utilization of RSC. Taiwanese patients rarely receive information regarding RSC as part of a standardized care and are not commonly offered this option. In National Taiwan University Hospital Jinshan branch, we started a RSC subprogram, supported by the community-based palliative/hospice care main program. We focused on understanding the need and providing the choice of RSC to suitable candidates. A three-step and four-phase protocol was designed and implemented to identify appropriate patients and to enhance the applicability of the RSC. We harnessed family visit and home-based family meeting as a vehicle to understand the patients' preferences, to discover what ESRD patients and their family value most, and to introduce the option of RSC. In the current review, we described our pilot experience of establishing a RSC program in Taiwan, and discuss its potential advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ter Chao
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Bin Tsai
- Department of Traumatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yuan Shih
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Su-Hsuan Hsu
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chien Hung
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Fu Lai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Hsiuang Ueng
- Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Cheng Chan
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Chu-Tung Branch, Hsin-Chu County, Taiwan
| | - Juey-Jen Hwang
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Tang ST, Wen FH, Hsieh CH, Chou WC, Chang WC, Chen JS, Chiang MC. Preferences for Life-Sustaining Treatments and Associations With Accurate Prognostic Awareness and Depressive Symptoms in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients' Last Year of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016; 51:41-51.e1. [PMID: 26386187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The stability of life-sustaining treatment (LST) preferences at end of life (EOL) has been established. However, few studies have assessed preferences more than two times. Furthermore, associations of LST preferences with modifiable variables of accurate prognostic awareness, physician-patient EOL care discussions, and depressive symptoms have been investigated in cross-sectional studies only. OBJECTIVES To explore longitudinal changes in LST preferences and their associations with accurate prognostic awareness, physician-patient EOL care discussions, and depressive symptoms in terminally ill cancer patients' last year. METHODS LST preferences (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intensive care unit [ICU] care, intubation, and mechanical ventilation) were measured approximately every two weeks. Changes in LST preferences and their associations with independent variables were examined by hierarchical generalized linear modeling with logistic regression. RESULTS Participants (n = 249) predominantly rejected cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ICU care, intubation, and mechanical ventilation at EOL without significant changes as death approached. Patients with inaccurate prognostic awareness were significantly more likely than those with accurate understanding to prefer ICU care, intubation, and mechanical ventilation than to reject these LSTs. Patients with more severe depressive symptoms were less likely to prefer ICU care and to be undecided about wanting ICU care and mechanical ventilation than to reject such LSTs. LST preferences were not associated with physician-patient EOL care discussions, which were rare in our sample. CONCLUSION LST preferences are stable in cancer patients' last year. Facilitating accurate prognostic awareness and providing adequate psychological support may counteract the increasing trend for aggressive EOL care and minimize emotional distress during EOL care decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Tzuh Tang
- School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chu Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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