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Mallon T, Schulze J, Dams J, Weber J, Asendorf T, Böttcher S, Sekanina U, Schade F, Schneider N, Freitag M, Müller C, König HH, Nauck F, Friede T, Scherer M, Marx G. Evaluating palliative care case conferences in primary care for patients with advanced non-malignant chronic conditions: a cluster-randomised controlled trial (KOPAL). Age Ageing 2024; 53:afae100. [PMID: 38783755 PMCID: PMC11116821 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dementia are underrepresented in specialist palliative home care (SPHC). However, the complexity of their conditions requires collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and SPHC teams and timely integration into SPHC to effectively meet their needs. OBJECTIVE To facilitate joint palliative care planning and the timely transfer of patients with advanced chronic non-malignant conditions to SPHC. METHODS A two-arm, unblinded, cluster-randomised controlled trial. 49 GP practices in northern Germany were randomised using web-based block randomisation. We included patients with advanced CHF, COPD and/or dementia. The KOPAL intervention consisted of a SPHC nurse-patient consultation followed by an interprofessional telephone case conference between SPHC team and GP. The primary outcome was the number of hospital admissions 48 weeks after baseline. Secondary analyses examined the effects on health-related quality of life and self-rated health status, as measured by the EuroQol 5D scale. RESULTS A total of 172 patients were included in the analyses. 80.4% of GP practices had worked with SHPC before, most of them exclusively for cancer patients. At baseline, patients reported a mean EQ-VAS of 48.4, a mean quality of life index (EQ-5D-5L) of 0.63 and an average of 0.80 hospital admissions in the previous year. The intervention did not significantly reduce hospital admissions (incidence rate ratio = 0.79, 95%CI: [0.49, 1.26], P = 0.31) or the number of days spent in hospital (incidence rate ratio = 0.65, 95%CI: [0.28, 1.49], P = 0.29). There was also no significant effect on quality of life (∆ = -0.02, 95%CI: [-0.09, 0.05], P = 0.53) or self-rated health (∆ = -2.48, 95%CI: [-9.95, 4.99], P = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS The study did not show the hypothesised effect on hospitalisations and health-related quality of life. Future research should focus on refining this approach, with particular emphasis on optimising the timing of case conferences and implementing discussed changes to treatment plans, to improve collaboration between GPs and SPHC teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Mallon
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Josefine Schulze
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Judith Dams
- Department of Health Economics and Health Care Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Asendorf
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 32, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silke Böttcher
- Division of General Practice, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerlaender Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Uta Sekanina
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 38, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Franziska Schade
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 3, 37075 Göttingen and Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nils Schneider
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Freitag
- Division of General Practice, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerlaender Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Müller
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 38, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Care Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedemann Nauck
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tim Friede
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 32, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriella Marx
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Zafeiridi E, McMichael A, O’Hara L, Passmore P, McGuinness B. Hospital admissions and emergency department visits for people with dementia. QJM 2024; 117:119-124. [PMID: 37812203 PMCID: PMC10896632 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that people with dementia (PwD) are more likely to be admitted to hospital, have prolonged hospital stay, or visit an emergency department (ED), compared to people without dementia. AIM This study assessed the rates of hospital admissions and ED visits in PwD and investigated the causes and factors predicting this healthcare use. Further, this study assessed survival following hospital admissions and ED visits. DESIGN This was a retrospective study with data from 26 875 PwD and 23 961 controls. METHODS Data from national datasets were extracted for demographic characteristics, transitions to care homes, hospital and ED use and were linked through the Honest Broker Service. PwD were identified through dementia medication and through causes for hospital admissions and death. RESULTS Dementia was associated with increased risk of hospital admissions and ED visits, and with lower odds of hospital readmission. Significant predictors for hospital admissions and readmissions in PwD were transitioning to a care home, living in urban areas and being widowed, while female gender and living in less deprived areas reduced the odds of admissions. Older age and living in less deprived areas were associated with lower odds of an ED visit for PwD. In contrast to predictions, mortality rates were lower for PwD following a hospital admission or ED visit. CONCLUSIONS These findings result in a better understanding of hospital and ED use for PwD. Surprisingly, survival for PwD was prolonged following hospital admissions and ED visits and thus, policies and services enabling these visits are necessary, especially for people who live alone or in rural areas; however, increased primary care and other methods, such as eHealth, could provide equally effective care in order to avoid distress and costs for hospital admissions and ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Zafeiridi
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - A McMichael
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - L O’Hara
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - P Passmore
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - B McGuinness
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
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3
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Nasu K, Miyashita M, Hirooka K, Endo T, Fukahori H. Ambulance use and emergency department visits among people with dementia: A cross-sectional survey. Nurs Health Sci 2023; 25:712-720. [PMID: 37987542 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.13066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore factors associated with ambulance use and emergency department (ED) visits among people with dementia in the month before death. A web-based survey of bereaved family caregivers of people with dementia was conducted in March 2020. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted with ambulance use and ED visits in the month before death as dependent variables. Age and gender of people with dementia and their family caregivers, home care use, decision-makers, comorbidities, degree of independence in daily living, and caregivers' preparedness for death were independent variables. Data were collected from 817 caregivers of people with dementia who had died at hospitals (52.4%), long-term care facilities (25.0%), or own homes (22.4%). Caregivers' lack of preparedness for death was significantly associated with ambulance use in the month before death. Comorbidites and males with dementia were significantly associated with ED visits in the month before death. Better death preparedness of family caregivers may reduce ambulance use for symptoms that can be more effectively addressed by palliative care than acute care for people with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsumi Nasu
- Keio Research Institute at SFC, Fujisawa, Japan
- School of Nursing, Yasuda Women's University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Kayo Hirooka
- Graduate School of Health Care Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuro Endo
- International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, Narita, Japan
| | - Hiroki Fukahori
- Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan
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4
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Fox S, Drennan J, Guerin S, Kernohan WG, Murphy A, O'Connor N, Rukundo A, Timmons S. A comparison of four dementia palliative care services using the RE-AIM framework. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:677. [PMID: 37858076 PMCID: PMC10585827 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04343-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Living with a life-limiting illness, people with dementia benefit from palliative care which considers the holistic needs of the person and their family. However, little is known about how palliative care may be best provided to people living with dementia at home in the community. We examined four exemplary dementia palliative care services for people with dementia in the community, to see what activities they were providing, what were the commonalities and differences, and what lessons could be learned. METHODS A long-list of dementia palliative care services in Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, was identified through a survey, and four exemplar services were chosen based on criteria including: in operation >six months; provides identifiable activities; availability of routinely collected service data; not exclusively for people with dementia in final hours or days of life. Mixed-methods of data collection included interviews, focus-groups and surveys with service staff, surveys of service users, and routinely collected service data. The RE-AIM framework was used to describe and understand the sample of dementia palliative care services. RESULTS The four services had varied organisational structures and were led by different disciplines. However, they all provided common core activities including holistic and person-centred care, early advance care planning with service user involvement, carer support, integrated healthcare services, continuity of care, 24/7 support, bereavement support. All had needs-based referral criteria, accepting any age or dementia sub-type. All supported people with dementia to remain living at home and to have a comfortable, dignified death in their preferred place. CONCLUSIONS An effective dementia palliative care service may take different forms. Whether the service is dementia-led or Specialist Palliative Care-led, efficacy is associated with providing a range of key activities and implementing them effectively. The data collected strongly suggests the benefits of the dementia palliative care services to a person with dementia and their families and offers valuable insight into the key factors for the establishment and successful running of such services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Fox
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Jonathan Drennan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Guerin
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - W George Kernohan
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, County Antrim, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland
| | - Aileen Murphy
- Department of Economics, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Niamh O'Connor
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aphie Rukundo
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Timmons
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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O'Brien H, Kruger C, Ravindrarasan S, Kiely F, Foley T. Perceived Palliative Care Education Needs of GP Trainees: A National Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:320-327.e13. [PMID: 37380146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT GP's provide palliative care in the community. Managing complex palliative needs can be challenging for GPs and even more so for GP trainees. During the postgraduate training period GP trainees are working in the community but have more time for education. This time in their career could present a good opportunity for palliative care education. For any education to be effective their educational needs must first be clarified. OBJECTIVES To explore the perceived palliative care education needs and preferred education methods of GP trainees. METHODS A national, multisite qualitative study involving a series of semistructured focus group interviews with third and fourth year GP trainees. Data were coded and analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. RESULTS Perceived Educational Needs: five themes were conceptualized: 1) Empowerment vs. Disempowerment; 2) Community Practice; 3) Intra- and Interpersonal Skills; 4) Formative Experiences; 5) Contextual Challenges. PREFERRED EDUCATIONAL METHODS Three themes were conceptualized: 1) Oriented Learning-experiential vs. didactic; 2) Practicalities; 3) Communication Skills. CONCLUSION This is the first multisite national qualitative study exploring the perceived palliative care educational needs and preferred educational methods of GP trainees. Trainees expressed a unanimous need for experiential palliative care education. Trainees also identified means to address their educational requirements. This study suggests that a collaborative approach between specialist palliative care and general practice is necessary to create educational opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah O'Brien
- Marymount Hospice (H.O., C.K., S.R., F.K.), Cork, Ireland
| | - Claire Kruger
- Marymount Hospice (H.O., C.K., S.R., F.K.), Cork, Ireland.
| | | | - Fiona Kiely
- Marymount Hospice (H.O., C.K., S.R., F.K.), Cork, Ireland
| | - Tony Foley
- University College Cork (T.F.), Cork, Ireland
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6
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Pereira MJ, Tay RY, Tan WS, Molina JADC, Ali NB, Leong IYO, Wu HY, Chin JJ, Lee AOK, Koh MYH, Hum AYM. Integrated palliative homecare in advanced dementia: reduced healthcare utilisation and costs. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023; 13:77-85. [PMID: 32434925 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-002145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the economic benefit of an integrated home-based palliative care programme for advanced dementia (Programme Dignity), evaluation is required. This study aimed to estimate Programme Dignity's average monthly cost from a provider's perspective; and compare healthcare utilisation and costs of programme patients with controls, accounting for enrolment duration. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. Home-dwelling patients with advanced dementia (stage 7 on the functional assessment staging in Alzheimer's disease) with a history of pneumonia, albumin <35 g/L or tube-feeding and known to be deceased were analysed (Programme Dignity=184, controls=139). One-year programme operational costs were apportioned on a per patient-month basis. Cumulative healthcare utilisation and costs were examined at 1, 3 and 6 months look-back from death. Between-group comparisons used Poisson, zero-inflated Poisson regressions and generalised linear models. RESULTS The average monthly programme cost was SGD$1311 (SGD-Pounds exchange rate: 0.481) per patient. Fully enrolled programme patients were less likely to visit the emergency department (incidence rate ratios (IRRs): 1 month=0.56; 3 months=0.19; 6 months=0.10; all p<0.001), be admitted to hospital (IRRs: 1 month=0.60; 3 months=0.19; 6 months=0.15; all p<0.001), had a lower cumulative length of stay (IRRs: 1 month=0.78; 3 months=0.49; 6 months=0.24; all p<0.001) and incurred lesser healthcare utilisation costs (β-coefficients: 1 month=0.70; 3 months=0.40; 6 months=0.43; all p<0.01) at all time-points examined. CONCLUSION Programme Dignity for advanced dementia reduces healthcare utilisation and costs. If scalable, it may benefit more patients wishing to remain at home at the end-of-life, allowing for a potentially sustainable care model to cope with rapid population ageing. It contributes to the evidence base of advanced dementia palliative care and informs healthcare policy making. Future studies should estimate informal caregiving costs for comprehensive economic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ri Yin Tay
- Research, Dover Park Hospice, Singapore .,Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education, Singapore
| | - Woan Shin Tan
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, National Healthcare Group, Singapore.,Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education, Singapore
| | | | | | - Ian Yi Onn Leong
- Integrative and Community Care, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Huei Yaw Wu
- Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education, Singapore.,Palliative Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jing Jih Chin
- Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.,Integrative and Community Care, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Mervyn Yong Hwang Koh
- Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education, Singapore.,Palliative Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Allyn Y M Hum
- Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education, Singapore.,Palliative Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
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7
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Timmons S, Fox S. Palliative care for people with dementia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 191:81-105. [PMID: 36599517 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-824535-4.00013-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Dementia is the most common neurologic disease, affecting approximately 55 million people worldwide. Dementia is a terminal illness, although not always recognized as such. This chapter discusses the key issues in providing palliative care for people with living with dementia and their families. Common palliative care needs and symptoms are presented, including psychosocial, physical, emotional, and spiritual, and the need to actively anticipate and seek symptoms according to the dementia type and stage is emphasized. Families are hugely impacted by a dementia diagnosis, and throughout this chapter, they are considered in the unit of care, and also as a member of the care team. Multiple challenges particular to dementia palliative care are highlighted throughout, such as the lack of timely dementia diagnoses, difficulty with symptom prognostication, the person's inability to verbally express their symptoms and care preferences, and a low threshold for medication side effects. Finally, service models for dementia palliative care in community, residential, and acute hospital settings are discussed, along with the evidence for each. Overall, this chapter reinforces that the individual needs of the person living with dementia and their family must be considered to provide person-centered and comprehensive palliative care, enabling them to live well until death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Timmons
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Mercy University Hospital & St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Siobhan Fox
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Arendts G, Chenoweth L, Hayes BJ, Campbell E, Agar M, Etherton-Beer C, Spilsbury K, Howard K, Braitberg G, Cubitt M, Sheehan C, Magann L, Sudharshan T, Schnitker LM, Pearce J, Gilmore I, Cerra N, duPreez J, Jaworski R, Soh SC, Celenza A. CELPI: trial protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a Carer End of Life Planning Intervention in people dying with dementia. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:869. [PMID: 36384478 PMCID: PMC9670369 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03534-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dementia is a leading cause of death in developed nations. Despite an often distressing and symptom laden end of life, there are systematic barriers to accessing palliative care in older people dying of dementia. Evidence exists that 70% of people living with severe dementia attend an emergency department (ED) in their last year of life. The aim of this trial is to test whether a Carer End of Life Planning Intervention (CELPI), co-designed by consumers, clinicians and content specialists, improves access to end of life care for older people with severe dementia, using an ED visit as a catalyst for recognising unmet needs and specialist palliative care referral where indicated. Methods A randomised controlled trial (RCT) enrolling at six EDs across three states in Australia will be conducted, enrolling four hundred and forty dyads comprising a person with severe dementia aged ≥ 65 years, and their primary carer. Participants will be randomly allocated to CELPI or the control group. CELPI incorporates a structured carer needs assessment and referral to specialist palliative care services where indicated by patient symptom burden and needs assessment. The primary outcome measure is death of the person with dementia in the carer-nominated preferred location. Secondary outcomes include carer reported quality of life of the person dying of dementia, hospital bed day occupancy in the last 12 months of life, and carer stress. An economic evaluation from the perspective of a health funder will be conducted. Discussion CELPI seeks to support carers and provide optimal end of life care for the person dying of dementia. This trial will provide high level evidence as to the clinical and cost effectiveness of this intervention. Trial registration ACTRN12622000611729 registered 22/04/2022. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03534-1.
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9
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Leniz J, Gulliford M, Higginson IJ, Bajwah S, Yi D, Gao W, Sleeman KE. Primary care contacts, continuity, identification of palliative care needs, and hospital use: a population-based cohort study in people dying with dementia. Br J Gen Pract 2022; 72:BJGP.2021.0715. [PMID: 35817583 PMCID: PMC9282808 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2021.0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing hospital admissions among people dying with dementia is a policy priority. AIM To explore associations between primary care contacts, continuity of primary care, identification of palliative care needs, and unplanned hospital admissions among people dying with dementia. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a retrospective cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked with hospital records and Office for National Statistics data. Adults (>18 years) who died between 2009 and 2018 with a diagnosis of dementia were included in the study. METHOD The association between GP contacts, Herfindahl-Hirschman Index continuity of care score, palliative care needs identification before the last 90 days of life, and multiple unplanned hospital admissions in the last 90 days was evaluated using random-effects Poisson regression. RESULTS In total, 33 714 decedents with dementia were identified: 64.1% (n = 21 623) female, mean age 86.6 years (SD 8.1), mean comorbidities 2.2 (SD 1.6). Of these, 1894 (5.6%) had multiple hospital admissions in the last 90 days of life (increase from 4.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.2 to 5.6 in 2009 to 7.1%, 95% CI = 5.7 to 8.4 in 2018). Participants with more GP contacts had higher risk of multiple hospital admissions (incidence risk ratio [IRR] 1.08, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.11). Higher continuity of care scores (IRR 0.79, 95% CI = 0.68 to 0.92) and identification of palliative care needs (IRR 0.66, 95% CI = 0.56 to 0.78) were associated with lower frequency of these admissions. CONCLUSION Multiple hospital admissions among people dying with dementia are increasing. Higher continuity of care and identification of palliative care needs are associated with a lower risk of multiple hospital admissions in this population, and might help prevent these admissions at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Leniz
- NIHR clinician scientist and honorary consultant in palliative medicine, Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London
| | - Martin Gulliford
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, King's College London, London
| | - Irene J Higginson
- NIHR clinician scientist and honorary consultant in palliative medicine, Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London
| | - Sabrina Bajwah
- NIHR clinician scientist and honorary consultant in palliative medicine, Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London
| | - Deokhee Yi
- NIHR clinician scientist and honorary consultant in palliative medicine, Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London
| | - Wei Gao
- NIHR clinician scientist and honorary consultant in palliative medicine, Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London
| | - Katherine E Sleeman
- NIHR clinician scientist and honorary consultant in palliative medicine, Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London
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10
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O'Connor N, Fox S, Kernohan WG, Drennan J, Guerin S, Murphy A, Timmons S. A scoping review of the evidence for community-based dementia palliative care services and their related service activities. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:32. [PMID: 35264118 PMCID: PMC8905782 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00922-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative care is identified internationally as a priority for efficacious dementia care. Research into “effective models” of palliative care for people with dementia has been recommended by several European countries. To build an effective service-delivery model we must gain an understanding of existing models used in similar settings. The study aim is to identify core components of extant models of palliative care for people with dementia, and their families, who are living at home in the community. Methods A scoping review was employed. The search strategy was devised to identify all peer-reviewed research papers relating to the above aim. This process was iterative, and the search strategy was refined as evidence emerged and was reviewed. All types of study designs and both quantitative and qualitative studies of non-pharmacological interventions were considered for inclusion. Results The search identified 2,754 unique citations, of which 18 papers were deemed eligible for inclusion. Although a palliative care approach is recommended from early in the disease process, most evidence involves end-of-life care or advanced dementia and pertains to residential care. The majority of the research reviewed focused on the effects of advance care planning, and end-of-life care; specialist palliative care input, and/or generalist palliative care provided by dementia services to enable people to remain at home and to reduce costs of care. Community staff training in palliative care appeared to improve engagement with Specialist Palliative Care teams. Integration of dementia and palliative care services was found to improve care received for people with dementia and their carers. Conclusions While the evidence for integration of dementia and palliative care services is promising, further high-quality research is necessary particularly to identify the key components of palliative care for people living with dementia. This is imperative to enable people with dementia to inform their own care, to stay living at home for as long as possible, and, where appropriate, to die at home. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00922-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh O'Connor
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Fox
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. .,Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, The Bungalow, St Finbarr's Hospital, Block 13, Douglas road, T12XH60, Cork, Republic of Ireland.
| | - W George Kernohan
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland
| | - Jonathan Drennan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Guerin
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aileen Murphy
- Department of Economics, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Timmons
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Elyn A, Gardette V, Renoux A, Sourdet S, Nourhashemi F, Sanou B, Dutech M, Muller P, Gallini A. Potential determinants of unfavourable healthcare utilisation trajectories during the last year of life of people with incident Alzheimer Disease or Related Syndromes: a nationwide cohort study using administrative data. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6554096. [PMID: 35348586 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND people approaching the end-of-life frequently face inappropriate care. With Alzheimer Disease or Related Syndromes (ADRS), end-of-life is characterised by progressive decline, but this period remains difficult to identify. This leads to a lack of anticipation and sometimes with unfavourable healthcare utilisation trajectories (HUTs). OBJECTIVE to quantify unfavourable HUTs during the last year of life and identify their potential determinants in both community and nursing-home settings. DESIGN nationwide cohort study using administrative database. SETTING French community and nursing-home residents. SUBJECTS incident ADRS people identified in 2012, who died up to 31 December 2017. METHODS we used multidimensional clustering to identify 15 clusters of HUTs, using 11 longitudinal healthcare dimensions during the last year of life. Clusters were qualitatively assessed by pluri-disciplinary experts as favourable or unfavourable HUTs. Individual and contextual potential determinants of unfavourable HUTs were studied by setting using logistic random-effect regression models. RESULTS 62,243 individuals died before 31 December 2017; 46.8% faced unfavourable end-of-life HUTs: 55.2% in the community and 31.8% in nursing-homes. Individual potential determinants were identified: younger age, male gender, ADRS identification through hospitalisation, shorter survival, life-limiting comorbidities, psychiatric disorders, acute hospitalisations and polypharmacy. In the community, deprivation and autonomy were identified as potential determinants. Contextual potential determinants raised mostly in the community, such as low nurse or physiotherapist accessibilities. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of people with ADRS faced unfavourable HUTs during their last year of life. Individual potential determinants should help anticipate advance care planning and palliative care needs assessment. Contextual potential determinants suggest geographical disparities and health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Elyn
- CERPOP, UMR1295, Unité Mixte INSERM - Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Axe Maintain, Aging Research Team, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
- Pain Evaluation and Treatment Center, Neurosciences Department, University Hospital of Toulouse, Place du Dr Joseph Baylac, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
- Forms – Occitanie’s Multiprofessional Health Care Centers Federation, 7 Clos de la Tuilerie, 31560 Nailloux, France
- University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Virginie Gardette
- CERPOP, UMR1295, Unité Mixte INSERM - Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Axe Maintain, Aging Research Team, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
- University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
- Department of Epidemiology, University Hospital of Toulouse, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Axel Renoux
- Department of Epidemiology, University Hospital of Toulouse, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Sandrine Sourdet
- CERPOP, UMR1295, Unité Mixte INSERM - Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Axe Maintain, Aging Research Team, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
- University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
- Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Toulouse, Hôpital La Grave, Cité de la Santé, Place Lange, TSA 60033, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Fati Nourhashemi
- CERPOP, UMR1295, Unité Mixte INSERM - Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Axe Maintain, Aging Research Team, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
- University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
- Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Toulouse, Hôpital La Grave, Cité de la Santé, Place Lange, TSA 60033, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Brigitte Sanou
- Réseau Relience - Territorial Network for Home-based Palliative Care, Chronic Pain and Chronic Disease, 39 Impasse de la Flambère, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - Michel Dutech
- Forms – Occitanie’s Multiprofessional Health Care Centers Federation, 7 Clos de la Tuilerie, 31560 Nailloux, France
| | - Philippe Muller
- Department of Epidemiology, University Hospital of Toulouse, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
- CNRS UMR 5505 IRIT – Toulouse Institute for Research in Computer Science, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Adeline Gallini
- CERPOP, UMR1295, Unité Mixte INSERM - Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Axe Maintain, Aging Research Team, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
- University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
- Department of Epidemiology, University Hospital of Toulouse, 37 Allées Jules Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
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12
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Measuring effectiveness in community-based palliative care programs: A systematic review. Soc Sci Med 2022; 296:114731. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Teike Lüthi F, MacDonald I, Rosselet Amoussou J, Bernard M, Borasio GD, Ramelet AS. Instruments for the identification of patients in need of palliative care in the hospital setting: a systematic review of measurement properties. JBI Evid Synth 2021; 20:761-787. [PMID: 34812189 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-20-00555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the measurement properties of the available instruments used by clinicians for identifying adults in need of general or specialized palliative care in hospital settings. INTRODUCTION Identification of patients in need of palliative care has been recognized as an area where many health care professionals need guidance. Differentiating between patients who require general palliative care and patients with more complex conditions who need specialized palliative care is particularly challenging. INCLUSION CRITERIA We included development and validation studies that reported on measurement properties (eg, content validity, reliability, or responsiveness) of instruments used by clinicians for identifying adult patients (>18 years and older) in need of palliative care in hospital settings. METHODS Studies published until March 2020 were searched in four databases: Embase.com, Medline Ovid, PubMed, and CINAHL EBSCO. Unpublished studies were searched in Google Scholar, government websites, hospice websites, the Library Network of Western Switzerland, and WorldCat. The search was not restricted by language; however, only studies published in English or French were eligible for inclusion. The title and abstracts of the studies were screened by two independent reviewers against the inclusion criteria. Full-text studies were reviewed for inclusion by two independent reviewers. The quality of the measurement properties of all included studies were assessed independently by two reviewers according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology. RESULTS Out of the 23 instruments identified, four instruments were included, as reported in six studies: the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) criteria, the Necesidades Paliativas (NECPAL), the Palliative Care Screening Tool (PCST), and the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT). The overall psychometric quality of all four instruments was insufficient according to the COSMIN criteria, with the main deficit being poor construct description during development. CONCLUSIONS For the early identification of patients needing palliative care in hospital settings, there is poor quality and incomplete evidence according to the COSMIN criteria for the four available instruments. This review highlights the need for further development of the construct being measured. This may be done by conducting additional studies on these instruments or by developing a new instrument for the identification of patients in need of palliative care that addresses the current gaps in construct and structural validity. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42020150074.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Teike Lüthi
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland Psychiatry Library, Education and Research Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Site de Cery, Prilly, Switzerland Bureau d'Echange des Savoirs pour des praTiques exemplaires de soins (BEST): a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
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Loffredo AJ, Chan GK, Wang DH, Goett R, Isaacs ED, Pearl R, Rosenberg M, Aberger K, Lamba S. United States Best Practice Guidelines for Primary Palliative Care in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med 2021; 78:658-669. [PMID: 34353647 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The growing palliative care needs of emergency department (ED) patients in the United States have motivated the development of ED primary palliative care principles. An expert panel convened to develop best practice guidelines for ED primary palliative care to help guide frontline ED clinicians based on available evidence and consensus opinion of the panel. Results include recommendations for screening and assessment of palliative care needs, ED management of palliative care needs, goals of care conversations, ED palliative care and hospice consults, and transitions of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Loffredo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.
| | - Garrett K Chan
- Department of Physiologic Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - David H Wang
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Scripps Health, San Diego, CA
| | - Rebecca Goett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Eric D Isaacs
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Rachel Pearl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Mark Rosenberg
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St Joseph's Health, Paterson and Wayne, NJ
| | - Kate Aberger
- Division of Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics, St Joseph's Health, Paterson, NJ; Department of Emergency Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, Somerville, NJ
| | - Sangeeta Lamba
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dementia is a progressive illness with a complex biopsychosocial constellation of symptoms faced by millions of individuals and families worldwide. Palliative care teams have specialized in symptom management and end-of-life care for decades; however, the role of palliative care in dementia management is not yet well elucidated. The aim of this systematic review was to understand the impact of palliative care in dementia management. METHOD This systematic review was conducted using a prospective study protocol. Medline and PubMed were searched from January 1, 1998 to October 2017. Eligible studies included single-blind cluster, two-arm parallel cluster, or unblinded randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, retrospective cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, concurrent mixed methods study, qualitative study, and Delphi studies. RESULTS Four key themes were identified in this review: goals of care and end-of-life conversations, symptom management, emergency room visits, and prescribing behavior. In each domain, palliative care consultation either showed benefit or was postulated to have benefit if implemented. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Although the literature to support or refute thematic conclusions is not large, there was a trend toward patient care benefit across several domains. Large RCTs with longer follow-up across different settings should be undertaken to solidify the themes and trends outlined in this review. Understanding the views of healthcare providers including referral sources (i.e., general practitioners and specialists) through qualitative research could optimize palliative care referrals, implement palliative care recommendations, and improve a targeted palliative care education curriculum.
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16
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Williamson LE, Evans CJ, Cripps RL, Leniz J, Yorganci E, Sleeman KE. Factors Associated With Emergency Department Visits by People With Dementia Near the End of Life: A Systematic Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:2046-2055.e35. [PMID: 34273269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emergency department (ED) attendance is common among people with dementia and increases toward the end of life. The aim was to systematically review factors associated with ED attendance among people with dementia approaching the end of life. DESIGN Systematic search of 6 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, ASSIA, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) and gray literature. Quantitative studies of any design were eligible. Newcastle-Ottawa Scales and Cochrane risk-of-bias tools assessed study quality. Extracted data were reported narratively, using a theoretical model. Factors were synthesized based on strength of evidence using vote counting (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020193271). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Adults with dementia of any subtype and severity, in the last year of life, or in receipt of services indicative of nearness to end of life. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was ED attendance, defined as attending a medical facility that provides 24-hour access to emergency care, with full resuscitation resources. RESULTS After de-duplication, 18,204 titles and abstracts were screened, 367 were selected for full-text review and 23 studies were included. There was high-strength evidence that ethnic minority groups, increasing number of comorbidities, neuropsychiatric symptoms, previous hospital transfers, and rural living were positively associated with ED attendance, whereas higher socioeconomic position, being unmarried, and living in a care home were negatively associated with ED attendance. There was moderate-strength evidence that being a woman and receiving palliative care were negatively associated with ED attendance. There was only low-strength evidence for factors associated with repeat ED attendance. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The review highlights characteristics that could help identify patients at risk of ED attendance near the end of life and potential service-related factors to reduce risks. Better understanding of the mechanisms by which residential facilities and palliative care are associated with reduced ED attendance is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley E Williamson
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Brixton, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Catherine J Evans
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Brixton, London, United Kingdom; Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton General Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L Cripps
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Brixton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Javiera Leniz
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Brixton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emel Yorganci
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Brixton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine E Sleeman
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Brixton, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Murtonen A, Lehto JT, Sumelahti ML. End of life in multiple sclerosis: Disability, causes and place of death among cases diagnosed from 1981 to 2010 in Pirkanmaa hospital district in Western Finland. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 54:103139. [PMID: 34273609 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103139] [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: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality risk and causes of death have been widely studied in MS. Surveys on conditions related to approaching death have not been conducted before in Finland. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to sort out the possible needs for end of life (EOL) care in MS by examining causes, place of death and level of hospitalization by age and MS related disability before approaching death. MATERIALS Data included information for MS patients diagnosed from 1981 to 2010 in a Finnish university hospital district. Information on place and causes of death and care prior to death was based on death certificates from Statistics Finland. Decedents initial disease course, disease modifying treatment (DMT) use and MS related disability status by using EDSS were achieved from hospital records. RESULTS Data included 113 decedents. Level of disability showed EDSS 6.0 or higher in 54% of the patients. In relapsing onset MS (N 93, 80%) DMTs were used in 11%. Infections, respiratory or other, were the main immediate cause of death (51.3%, n 58) among cases with varying disability. Central or university hospital (42.5%) or community hospital ward (28.3%) were places of death in majority of cases and nursing home (13.3%), home (9.7%) or hospice (3.7%) less often. Place of death did not significantly differ between age-groups (Chi square p = 0.86). Mean age at death was 57 years (range 28-90, SD 13.86). Cardiovascular causes of death were reported mainly in age group 60 years or more and suicide in age group younger than 50 years. CONCLUSION The level of hospitalization was high at end of life in all age-groups. High MS related disability and immobility among decedents likely relates to infections as the most common cause of death. Along with our and earlier surveys in this field, we showed that places of death and level of disability before death share similarities in both younger and older age groups highlighting the need of palliative care and end of life care plans in all MS patients with triggers of poor survival. The recently published consensus definition featuring palliative care guideline in MS is aimed at improving end of life care in MS. Our results point at need for future studies in order to assess the impact of palliative care treatment guidelines in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annukka Murtonen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Finland.
| | - Juho T Lehto
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Finland; Palliative Care Centre and Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Teike Lüthi F, Mabire C, Rosselet Amoussou J, Bernard M, Borasio GD, Ramelet AS. Instruments for the identification of patients in need of palliative care: protocol for a systematic review of measurement properties. JBI Evid Synth 2021; 18:1144-1153. [PMID: 32813369 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-d-19-00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the psychometric properties of available clinician-reported instruments developed to identify patients in need of general and specialized palliative care in acute care settings. INTRODUCTION Identification of patients in need of palliative care has been recognized as an area where many health care professionals need guidance. Differentiating between patients who require general palliative care and patients with more complex conditions who need specialized palliative care is particularly challenging. To our knowledge, no dedicated instruments are available to date to assist health care professionals to make this identification. INCLUSION CRITERIA Included studies will report on i) instruments aiming to identify patients in need of palliative care, ii) adult patients in need of palliative care in acute-care settings, iii) clinician-reported outcome measures, or iv) the development process or one or more of its measurement properties. Studies conducted in intensive care units, emergency departments, or nursing homes will be excluded. METHODS We will search for studies published in English and French in a variety of sources, including Embase, Medline Ovid SP, PubMed, CINAHL EBSCO, Google Scholar, government websites, and hospice websites. All citations will be screened and selected by two independent reviewers. Data extraction, quality assessment, and syntheses of included studies will be performed according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) criteria. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42020150074.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Teike Lüthi
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Mabire
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Bureau d'Echange des Savoirs pour des praTiques exemplaires de soins (BEST): A JBI Centre of Excellence
| | - Joëlle Rosselet Amoussou
- Psychiatry Library, Education and Research Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Site de Cery, Prilly, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Anne-Sylvie Ramelet
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Bureau d'Echange des Savoirs pour des praTiques exemplaires de soins (BEST): A JBI Centre of Excellence
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Amado-Tineo JP, Oscanoa-Espinoza T, Vásquez-Alva R, Huari-Pastrana R, Delgado-Guay MO. Emergency Department Use by Terminally Ill Patients: A Systematic Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:531-543. [PMID: 32822748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Terminally ill patients (TIP) frequently visit the emergency department (ED), but the prevalence of these visits is unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of TIP visiting the ED. METHODS Systematic review of observational studies published between 1998 and 2018 reporting adults TIP who used the hospital ED, searching in PubMed, CINAHL, SciELO, LILACS, and Cochrane. Three evaluators selected and extracted data (kappa concordance 0.63). The quality of the studies was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and global estimates were made, calculating combined prevalence (95% confidence interval [CI]) and heterogeneity of the studies (I2). RESULTS We identified 2429 publications, ultimately including 31 studies in 14 countries; 79% were from high-income countries, 21% from medium-income countries, and none from low-income countries. Most were from 2015. We found that 45% of patients with cancer visited the ED in the last month of life [95% CI 37-54%] and 75% in the last six months of life [95% CI 62-83%]; I2 = 100%. Overall, 17% of patients who visited the ED had a terminal illness [95% CI 12-23%]; I2 = 98%. Few studies reported terminal nononcologic illness, specific age groups or diseases, hospital admission rates, use of palliative care or nonresuscitation, or other criteria that could be used for grouping. CONCLUSIONS Patients with terminal cancer frequently use the ED at the end of life, although use varies among patients and few studies have examined low-income countries or patients with nononcologic terminal illness. The global prevalence of TIP in the ED cannot be calculated from limited reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- José P Amado-Tineo
- Emergency Department of Rebagliati Hospital EsSalud, Medicine School, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru.
| | - Teodoro Oscanoa-Espinoza
- Medicine Department of Almenara Hospital EsSalud, Medicine School, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Rolando Vásquez-Alva
- Emergency Department of Rebagliati Hospital EsSalud, Medicine School, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Roberto Huari-Pastrana
- Emergency Department of Rebagliati Hospital EsSalud, Medicine School, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Marvin O Delgado-Guay
- Department of Palliative Care Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Clinical Nurse Specialist Collaboration With a Community-Based Palliative Care Program: An Evidence-Based Practice Project. CLIN NURSE SPEC 2021; 35:88-95. [PMID: 33534251 DOI: 10.1097/nur.0000000000000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES The purpose of the project was to evaluate the impact of a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) collaborating with an established Midwestern community-based palliative care program on the following quality outcomes: care coordination, 30-day readmissions, and emergency department (ED) utilization. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT Palliative care services are evolving from the inpatient setting to community-based models to meet the needs of patients in their homes. As community-based programs develop, healthcare systems are examining the various models of care. The evidence-based practice project evaluated a collaborative practice model between a CNS and a community-based palliative care team. Quantitative analysis included 30-day readmissions and ED utilization in a preimplementation and postimplementation design. Qualitative data were obtained from a focus group of the community-based palliative care team to discuss the role of the CNS on the team. OUTCOMES The addition of a CNS did not significantly impact 30-day readmissions or ED visits. An unexpected outcome was that the CNS intervention was associated with an increase in social work visits. Results of the focus groups suggested that the CNS improved care coordination, nursing support, education, and medical management. CONCLUSION Both quantitative and qualitative analyses suggest that the CNS enhanced coordination of care and quality outcomes. Examining the CNS contribution over a longer period will further clarify the CNS's impact to the team.
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Rosenwohl-Mack A, Dubbin L, Chodos A, Dulaney S, Fang ML, Merrilees J, Portacolone E. Use of Services by People Living Alone With Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review. Innov Aging 2021; 5:igab004. [PMID: 33796795 PMCID: PMC7990060 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Formal supports and social services are essential to people living alone with cognitive impairment (PLACI) because they are at risk of negative health outcomes and lack cohabitants who may support them with cognitively demanding tasks. To further our understanding of this critical and worldwide issue, we conducted a systematic review to understand whether, and how, PLACI access and use essential formal supports and services. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We searched 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Sociological Abstracts) to identify quantitative and mixed-method literature on formal service use among PLACI. The initial search was conducted in 2018 and updated in 2020. RESULTS We identified 32 studies published between 1992 and 2019, representing 13 countries, that met our criteria: 16 reported on health services and 26 on social services. Most studies compared PLACI with people with cognitive impairment living with others. Health service use was lower or similar among PLACI, as opposed to counterparts living with others. Most studies reported a higher use of social services (e.g., home services) among PLACI than those living with others. Overall use of essential home service among PLACI was higher in Europe than in the United States, a country where large portions of PLACI were reported receiving no formal services. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS We identified wide variability among countries and major gaps in service use. Results for use of health services were mixed, although our findings suggest that PLACI may have fewer physician visits than counterparts living with others. Our findings suggest that varying policies and budgets for these services among countries may have affected our findings. We encourage researchers to evaluate and compare the influence of social policies in the well-being of PLACI. We also encourage policy makers to prioritize the needs of PLACI in national dementia strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Rosenwohl-Mack
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Leslie Dubbin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Anna Chodos
- Division of Geriatrics, University of California San Francisco, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Sarah Dulaney
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Min-Lin Fang
- Library, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Elena Portacolone
- Institute for Health & Aging, University of California San Francisco, USA
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Amado JP, Vasquez R, Huari R, Rimache L, Lizonde R. Impact of Applying Palliative Care on Symptoms and Survival of Patients with Advanced Chronic Disease Admitted to the Emergency Department. Indian J Palliat Care 2020; 26:332-337. [PMID: 33311875 PMCID: PMC7725180 DOI: 10.4103/ijpc.ijpc_195_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In the emergency department, there is a need to provide palliative care; however, they are not usually administered. The present study evaluates the evolution of the intensity of the symptoms when applying palliative care, in adult patients with advanced chronic disease admitted to the emergency room, and compares survival between those who receive this care and those who do not. Materials and Methods: A clinical intervention study was conducted including patients older than 18 years with advanced chronic disease admitted to the emergency room with an indication of palliative support according to the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool 2015. Three hundred and seven patients were studied (74 in the intervention group and 233 in the group not intervened). In the intervention group, the intensity of pre- and postintervention symptoms was compared (Wilcoxon test). The survival of both the groups were then compared (logrank test). Results: There was a significant decrease in pain and dyspnea at 24 and 48 h postintervention (P < 0.01), respectively, while drowsiness increased significantly at 24 h (P < 0.01) but did not change at 48 h (P = 0.38). Excluding patients with better functional status, there was less survival at 3 months in the intervention group (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Dyspnea and pain decreased with the application of palliative care but not drowsiness. Survival in the intervention group was lower than in the nonintervention group. However, the reason for providing palliative care is to relieve suffering at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose P Amado
- Department of Emergency, Rebagliati Hospital, EsSalud, Peru.,Medicine School, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Rolando Vasquez
- Department of Emergency, Rebagliati Hospital, EsSalud, Peru.,Medicine School, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Roberto Huari
- Department of Emergency, Rebagliati Hospital, EsSalud, Peru
| | | | - Rosa Lizonde
- Department of Emergency, Rebagliati Hospital, EsSalud, Peru
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The Association between Home Healthcare and Burdensome Transitions at the End-of-Life in People with Dementia: A 12-Year Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249255. [PMID: 33322024 PMCID: PMC7764349 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For people with dementia, burdensome transitions may indicate poorer-quality end-of-life care. Little is known regarding the association between home healthcare (HHC) and these burdensome transitions. We aimed to investigate the impact of HHC on transitions and hospital/intensive care unit (ICU) utilisation nearing the end-of-life for people with dementia at a national level. METHODS A nested case-control analysis was applied in a retrospective cohort study using a nationwide electronic records database. We included people with new dementia diagnoses who died during 2002-2013 in whole population data from the universal healthcare system in Taiwan. Burdensome transitions were defined as multiple hospitalisations in the last 90 days (early transitions, ET) or any hospitalisation or emergency room visit in the last three days of life (late transitions, LT). People with (cases) and without (controls) burdensome transitions were matched on a ratio of 1:2. We performed conditional logistic regression with stratified analyses to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the risks of transitions. RESULTS Among 150,125 people with new dementia diagnoses, 61,399 died during follow-up, and 31.1% had burdensome transitions (50% were early and 50% late). People with ET had the highest frequency of admissions and longer stays in hospital/ICU during their last year of life, while people with LT had fewer hospital/ICU utilisation than people without end-of-life transitions. Receiving HHC was associated with an increased risk of ET (OR = 1.14, 95 % CI: 1.08-1.21) but a decreased risk of LT (OR = 0.89, 95 % CI 0.83-0.94). In the people receiving HHC, however, those who received longer duration (e.g., OR = 0.50, 95 % CI: 0.42-0.60, >365 versus ≤30 days) or more frequent HHC or HHC delivered closer to the time of death were associated with a remarkably lower risk of ET. CONCLUSIONS HHC has differential effects on early and late transitions. Characteristics of HHC such as better continuity or interdisciplinary coordination may reduce the risk of transitions at the end-of-life. We need further studies to understand the longitudinal effects of HHC and its synergy with palliative care, as well as the key components of HHC that achieve better end-of-life outcomes.
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Sato M, Tamiya N, Jin X, Watanabe T, Takahashi H, Noguchi H. Impact of a Japanese Incentivization Program to Increase End-of-Life Care Outside of Hospitals. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:329-333. [PMID: 33160874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the association of an incentivization program to promote death outside of hospitals with changes in place of death. DESIGN A longitudinal observational study using national databases. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Participants comprised Japanese decedents (≥65 years) who had used long-term care insurance services and died between April 2007 and March 2014. METHODS Using a database of Japanese long-term care insurance service claims, subjects were divided into community-dwelling and residential aged care (RAC) facility groups. Based on national death records, change in place of death after the Japanese government initiated incentivization program was observed using logistic regression. RESULTS Hospital deaths decreased by 8.7% over time, mainly due to an increase in RAC facility deaths. The incentivization program was more associated with decreased in-hospital deaths for older adults in RAC facilities than community-dwelling older adults. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In Japan, the proportion of in-hospital deaths of frail older adults decreased since the health services system introduced the incentivization program for end-of-life care outside of hospitals. The shift of place of death from hospitals to different locations was more prominent among residents of RAC facilities, where informal care from laymen was required less, than among community residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikiya Sato
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Health Services Center, Human Resources Group, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Nanako Tamiya
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Xueying Jin
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Taeko Watanabe
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Haruko Noguchi
- Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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25
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Impact of Dementia on Health Service Use in the Last 2 Years of Life for Women with Other Chronic Conditions. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 21:1651-1657.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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26
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Bakan G, Ozen M, Azak A, Erdur B. Determination of the characteristics and outcomes of the palliative care patients admitted to the emergency department. Int Emerg Nurs 2020; 53:100934. [PMID: 33035881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2020.100934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Terminally ill patients in need of palliative care present to emergency departments. This study aims to identify the usage level of the emergency departments by patients in need of palliative care, along with their experienced symptoms, preferences, needs, and the subsequent initiatives taken for symptom management. METHODS The study was designed as a cross-sectional study and conducted with a group of 208 patients. The Patient Information Form, the Form of the Criteria for Receiving Palliative Care, and the Karnofsky Performance Scale were used for data collection. RESULTS This report founda thatcancer patients were the most frequent users of emergency facilities within palliative care patient groups and more than half of those hospitalized patients were subsequently admitted to intensive care units. Patients with poorer functional conditions and in need of further palliative care preferred home care rather than receiving Advanced Cardiac Life Support. CONCLUSION This study displays evidence that palliative care patients with a poorer functional condition in need of further palliative care should be able to spend the last days of their lives at home with their families rather than in the exhausting and crowded environment of the emergency departments. Furthermore, healthcare policymakers should actively support palliative care as well as taking the necessary actions to mitigate the burden placed on hospital resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulcan Bakan
- Internal Medicine Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pamukkale University, Kinikli Campus, Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Mert Ozen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukale University, Kinikli Campus, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Arife Azak
- Internal Medicine Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pamukkale University, Kinikli Campus, Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Bulent Erdur
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukale University, Kinikli Campus, Denizli, Turkey.
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Halevi Hochwald I, Radomyslsky Z, Danon Y, Nissanholtz-Gannot R. Challenges in home care at the end stage of dementia: Hospice units vs. home care units. A qualitative study. DEATH STUDIES 2020; 46:1667-1677. [PMID: 33040716 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1829748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Home hospice units specializing in palliative end-of-life care are uncommon despite the theoretical benefit for people with end stage dementia (PWESD). We described the challenges of caring for PWESD and their families using 24 semi-structured in-depth interviews with professional staff members from two care settings-home hospice units and home care units-in Israel. Staff described end-of-life care for PWESD in four sub-themes: dementia as an end-stage disease; appropriateness of palliative care for PWESD; a family member at the center of care; and "dying-in-place" versus hospitalization. Our findings may enable better services and quality of care for PWESD living at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Halevi Hochwald
- School of Nursing, Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel, Israel
- School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | | | - Yehuda Danon
- School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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Dooley J, Booker M, Barnes R, Xanthopoulou P. Urgent care for patients with dementia: a scoping review of associated factors and stakeholder experiences. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e037673. [PMID: 32938596 PMCID: PMC7497532 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People with dementia are more vulnerable to complications in urgent health situations due to older age, increased comorbidity, higher dependency on others and cognitive impairment. This review explored the factors associated with urgent care use in dementia and the experiences of people with dementia, informal carers and professionals. DESIGN Scoping review. The search strategy and data synthesis were informed by people with dementia and carers. DATA SOURCES Searches of CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed were conducted alongside handsearches of relevant journals and the grey literature through 15 January 2019. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Empirical studies including all research designs, and other published literature exploring factors associated with urgent care use in prehospital and emergency room settings for people with dementia were included. Two authors independently screened studies for inclusion. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data were extracted using charting techniques and findings were synthesised according to content and themes. RESULTS Of 2967 records identified, 54 studies were included in the review. Specific factors that influenced use of urgent care included: (1) common age-related conditions occurring alongside dementia, (2) dementia as a diagnosis increasing or decreasing urgent care use, (3) informal and professional carers, (4) patient characteristics such as older age or behavioural symptoms and (5) the presence or absence of community support services. Included studies reported three crucial components of urgent care situations: (1) knowledge of the patient and dementia as a condition, (2) inadequate non-emergency health and social care support and (3) informal carer education and stress. CONCLUSIONS The scoping review highlighted a wider variety of sometimes competing factors that were associated with urgent care situations. Improved and increased community support for non-urgent situations, such as integrated care, caregiver education and dementia specialists, will both mitigate avoidable urgent care use and improve the experience of those in crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemima Dooley
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School for Social and Community Medicine, Bristol University, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew Booker
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School for Social and Community Medicine, Bristol University, Bristol, UK
| | - Rebecca Barnes
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School for Social and Community Medicine, Bristol University, Bristol, UK
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Nakanishi M, Ogawa A, Nishida A. Availability of home palliative care services and dying at home in conditions needing palliative care: A population-based death certificate study. Palliat Med 2020; 34:504-512. [PMID: 31971075 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319896517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avoiding inappropriate care transition and enabling people with chronic diseases to die at home have become important health policy issues. Availability of palliative home care services may be related to dying at home. AIM After controlling for the presence of hospital beds and primary care physicians, we examined the association between availability of home palliative care services and dying at home in conditions requiring such services. DESIGN Death certificate data in Japan in 2016 were linked with regional healthcare statistics. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS All adults (18 years or older) who died from conditions needing palliative care in 2016 in Japan were included. RESULTS There were 922,756 persons included for analysis. Malignant neoplasm (37.4%) accounted for most decedents, followed by heart disease including cerebrovascular disease (31.4%), respiratory disease (14.7%) and dementia/Alzheimer's disease/senility (11.5%). Of decedents, 20.8% died at home or in a nursing home and 79.2% died outside home (hospital/geriatric intermediate care facility). Death at home was more likely in health regions with fewer hospital beds and more primary care physicians, in total and per condition needing palliative care. Number of home palliative care services was negatively associated with death at home. The adjustment for home palliative care services disappeared in heart disease including cerebrovascular disease and reversed in respiratory disease. CONCLUSION Specialised home palliative care services may be suboptimal, and primary care services may serve as a key access point in providing baseline palliative care to people with conditions needing palliative care. Therefore, primary care services should aim to enhance their palliative care workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miharu Nakanishi
- Mental Health and Nursing Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asao Ogawa
- Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nishida
- Mental Health Promotion Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Taylor R, Ellis J, Gao W, Searle L, Heaps K, Davies R, Hawksworth C, Garcia-Perez A, Colclough G, Walker S, Wee B. A scoping review of initiatives to reduce inappropriate or non-beneficial hospital admissions and bed days in people nearing the end of their life: much innovation, but limited supporting evidence. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:24. [PMID: 32103745 PMCID: PMC7045380 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-0526-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hospitalisation during the last weeks of life when there is no medical need or desire to be there is distressing and expensive. This study sought palliative care initiatives which may avoid or shorten hospital stay at the end of life and analysed their success in terms reducing bed days. Methods Part 1 included a search of literature in PubMed and Google Scholar between 2013 and 2018, an examination of governmental and organisational publications plus discussions with external and co-author experts regarding other sources. This initial sweep sought to identify and categorise relevant palliative care initiatives. In Part 2, we looked for publications providing data on hospital admissions and bed days for each category. Results A total of 1252 abstracts were reviewed, resulting in ten broad classes being identified. Further screening revealed 50 relevant publications describing a range of multi-component initiatives. Studies were generally small and retrospective. Most researchers claim their service delivered benefits. In descending frequency, benefits identified were support in the community, integrated care, out-of-hours telephone advice, care home education and telemedicine. Nurses and hospices were central to many initiatives. Barriers and factors underpinning success were rarely addressed. Conclusions A wide range of initiatives have been introduced to improve end-of-life experiences. Formal evidence supporting their effectiveness in reducing inappropriate/non-beneficial hospital bed days was generally limited or absent. Trial registration N/A
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wei Gao
- Cicely Saunders Institute, London, UK
| | | | | | - Robert Davies
- Stgilesmedical Ltd, The Vestry House, St Giles High Street, London, WC2H 8LG, UK.,Stgilesmedical GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claire Hawksworth
- Stgilesmedical Ltd, The Vestry House, St Giles High Street, London, WC2H 8LG, UK
| | - Angela Garcia-Perez
- Stgilesmedical Ltd, The Vestry House, St Giles High Street, London, WC2H 8LG, UK
| | | | - Steven Walker
- Stgilesmedical Ltd, The Vestry House, St Giles High Street, London, WC2H 8LG, UK. .,Stgilesmedical GmbH, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Bee Wee
- Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Sir Michael Sobell House, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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31
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Teike Lüthi F, Bernard M, Beauverd M, Gamondi C, Ramelet AS, Borasio GD. IDentification of patients in need of general and specialised PALLiative care (ID-PALL©): item generation, content and face validity of a new interprofessional screening instrument. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:19. [PMID: 32050964 PMCID: PMC7017473 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-0522-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early identification of patients requiring palliative care is a major public health concern. A growing number of instruments exist to help professionals to identify these patients, however, thus far, none have been thoroughly assessed for criterion validity. In addition, no currently available instruments differentiate between patients in need of general vs. specialised palliative care, and most are primarily intended for use by physicians. This study aims to develop and rigorously validate a new interprofessional instrument allowing identification of patients in need of general vs specialised palliative care. METHODS The instrument development involved four steps: i) literature review to determine the concept to measure; ii) generation of a set of items; iii) review of the initial set of items by experts to establish the content validity; iv) administration of the items to a sample of the target population to establish face validity. We conducted a Delphi process with experts in palliative care to accomplish step 3 and sent a questionnaire to nurses and physicians non-specialised in palliative care to complete step 4. The study was conducted in the French and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland. An interdisciplinary committee of clinical experts supervised all steps. RESULTS The literature review confirmed the necessity of distinguishing between general and specialised palliative care needs and of adapting clinical recommendations to these different needs. Thirty-six nurses and physicians participated in the Delphi process and 28 were involved in the face validity assessment. The Delphi process resulted in two lists: a 7-item list to identify patients in need of general PC and an 8-item list to identify specialised PC needs. The content and face validity were deemed to be acceptable by both the expert and target populations. CONCLUSION This instrument makes a significant contribution to the identification of patients with palliative care needs as it has been designed to differentiate between general and specialised palliative care needs. Moreover, diagnostic data is not fundamental to the use of the instrument, thus facilitating its use by healthcare professionals other than physicians, in particular nurses. Internal and criterion validity assessments are ongoing and essential before wider dissemination of the instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Teike Lüthi
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Mathieu Bernard
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel Beauverd
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Gamondi
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Palliative and Supportive Care Clinic, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Sylvie Ramelet
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gian Domenico Borasio
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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32
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Ragg M, Ragg J, Milnes S, Bailey M, Orford N. Patients with life-limiting illness presenting to the emergency department. Emerg Med Australas 2019; 32:288-294. [PMID: 31668017 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.13409] [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: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine characteristics, outcomes and flow for patients over the age of 45 years with a life-limiting illness (LLI) presenting to a regional ED. METHODS Retrospective, observational cohort study of patients with LLI in an Australian regional ED over a 15-day period. Eligible patients were 45 years of age or older who fulfilled criteria for having an LLI. Data included demographics, diagnosis for current presentation, presence of advance care documentation, LLI category, admission and discharge destination from ED, ED and hospital length of stay and outcome for patients admitted to the acute hospital. RESULTS A total of 152 (12%) patients had an LLI. The LLI group were older, had a significantly longer median length of stay in the ED (5.9 [interquartile range 4.0-8.4] vs 3.9 h [interquartile range 2.5-6.3], P < 0.0001) and were less likely to leave the ED within 4 h (26% vs 51.5%, P < 0.0001). Forty-six percent of patients with an LLI had some form of advanced care documentation. Patients with an LLI were more likely to require hospital admission. In relation to illness trajectory, the frailty/dementia trajectory group had comparatively the longest ED length of stay with less than 10% leaving the ED within 4 h. This group were more likely to be discharged to a residential care facility. CONCLUSION A significant proportion of patients 45 years or older had an LLI which had implications for their length of ED stay and discharge destination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ragg
- Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - James Ragg
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Sharyn Milnes
- Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Bailey
- Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil Orford
- Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Giles TM, Hammad K, Breaden K, Drummond C, Bradley SL, Gerace A, Muir-Cochrane E. Nurses' perceptions and experiences of caring for patients who die in the emergency department setting. Int Emerg Nurs 2019; 47:100789. [PMID: 31495727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2019.100789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of people dying in emergency departments (EDs) is increasing. However, EDs are not well designed or resourced for safe and effective End-Of-Life (EOL) care encounters, and there is little evidence regarding clinicians' perceptions and experiences of providing such care when the death is sudden and unexpected. AIM This study explored nurses' perceptions and experiences of caring for patients who die suddenly and unexpectedly in the ED. METHODS Open-end responses were collected as part of a larger descriptive survey design. The qualitative data were analysed thematically. RESULTS 211 ED nurse completed the online survey. Within the qualitative data, five themes were identified during analysis: 1) key elements of EOL care, 2) systemic and environmental barriers, 3) educational deficits, 4) role ambiguity, and 5) emotional impact. Participants identified communication, a standardised approach, and better educational preparedness as the most important elements of EOL care when the death was sudden and unexpected. CONCLUSIONS ED nurses want to provide high quality care to dying patients and their families. However, their efforts are hampered by systemic and environmental barriers outside their control. There is a need for a culture shift to overcome the barriers that currently obstruct ED nurses from providing meaningful and effective EOL care in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey M Giles
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Karen Hammad
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Katrina Breaden
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Christine Drummond
- Central Adelaide Palliative Services, Woodville, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sandra L Bradley
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Adam Gerace
- CQ University, Wayville, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Eimear Muir-Cochrane
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Bone AE, Evans CJ, Etkind SN, Sleeman KE, Gomes B, Aldridge M, Keep J, Verne J, Higginson IJ. Factors associated with older people's emergency department attendance towards the end of life: a systematic review. Eur J Public Health 2019; 29:67-74. [PMID: 30481305 PMCID: PMC6345149 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emergency department (ED) attendance for older people towards the end of life is common and increasing, despite most preferring home-based care. We aimed to review the factors associated with older people’s ED attendance towards the end of life. Methods Systematic review using Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science from inception to March 2017. Included studies quantitatively examined factors associated with ED attendance for people aged ≥65 years within the last year of life. We assessed study quality using the QualSyst tool and determined evidence strength based on quality, quantity and consistency. We narratively synthesized the quantitative findings. Results Of 3824 publications identified, 21 were included, combining data from 1 565 187 participants. 17/21 studies were from the USA and 19/21 used routinely collected data. We identified 47 factors and 21 were included in the final model. We found high strength evidence for associations between ED attendance and palliative/hospice care (adjusted effect estimate range: 0.1–0.94); non-white ethnicity (1.03–2.16); male gender (1.04–1.83, except 0.70 in one sub-sample) and rural areas (0.98–1.79). The final model included socio-demographic, illness and service factors, with largest effect sizes for service factors. Conclusions In this synthesis, receiving palliative care was associated with lower ED attendance in the last year of life for older adults. This has implications for service models for older people nearing the end of life. However, there is limited evidence from European countries and none from low or middle-income countries, which warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Bone
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Catherine J Evans
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK.,Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton General Hospital, Brighton, UK
| | - Simon N Etkind
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Katherine E Sleeman
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Barbara Gomes
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Melissa Aldridge
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Jeff Keep
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Irene J Higginson
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
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Ding J, Saunders C, Cook A, Johnson CE. End-of-life care in rural general practice: how best to support commitment and meet challenges? BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:51. [PMID: 31238934 PMCID: PMC6593492 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have specifically assessed the scope, nature and challenges of palliative and end-of-life care in rural general practice. These knowledge gaps limit the development of evidence-based policies and services for patients in the last months of life. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) and other stakeholders on rural GPs' involvement and challenges in providing palliative and end-of-life care in regional Australia. METHODS A qualitative study involving five focus groups with 26 GPs based in rural/regional Western Australia together with 15 individual telephone interviews with four GPs and 11 other stakeholders involved in end-of-life care across Australia. RESULTS The rural GPs' central role in end-of-life care was recognized by the majority of participants but multiple challenges were also identified. Some challenges were comparable to those found in urban settings but others were more pronounced, including resource limitations and lack of training. Inappropriate payment models discouraged GPs' involvement in some aspects of end-of-life care, such as case conferences and home visits. Compared to GPs in urban settings, those in rural/regional communities often reported closer doctor-patient relationships and better care integration and collaboration. These positive aspects of care could be further developed to enhance service provision. Our study highlighted the importance of regular interactions with other professionals and patients in providing end-of-life care, but many GPs and other stakeholders found such interactions more challenging than the more "technical" aspects of care. CONCLUSIONS Rural/regional GPs appear to be disproportionately affected by inappropriate payment models and limited resources, but may benefit from closer doctor-patient relationships and better care integration and collaboration relative to urban GPs. Systematic collection of empirical data on GP management at end-of-life is required to build on these strengths and address the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Ding
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Christobel Saunders
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Angus Cook
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Claire E. Johnson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800 Australia
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Lewis ET, Harrison R, Hanly L, Psirides A, Zammit A, McFarland K, Dawson A, Hillman K, Barr M, Cardona M. End-of-life priorities of older adults with terminal illness and caregivers: A qualitative consultation. Health Expect 2019; 22:405-414. [PMID: 30614161 PMCID: PMC6543262 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As older adults approach the end-of-life (EOL), many are faced with complex decisions including whether to use medical advances to prolong life. Limited information exists on the priorities of older adults at the EOL. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore patient and family experiences and identify factors deemed important to quality EOL care. METHOD A descriptive qualitative study involving three focus group discussions (n = 18) and six in-depth interviews with older adults suffering from either a terminal condition and/or caregivers were conducted in NSW, Australia. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS Seven major themes were identified as follows: quality as a priority, sense of control, life on hold, need for health system support, being at home, talking about death and competent and caring health professionals. An underpinning priority throughout the seven themes was knowing and adhering to patient's wishes. CONCLUSION Our study highlights that to better adhere to EOL patient's wishes a reorganization of care needs is required. The readiness of the health system to cater for this expectation is questionable as real choices may not be available in acute hospital settings. With an ageing population, a reorganization of care which influences the way we manage terminal patients is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebony T. Lewis
- Faculty of MedicineSchool of Public Health and Community MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Reema Harrison
- Faculty of MedicineSchool of Public Health and Community MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Laura Hanly
- SWS Clinical SchoolThe Simpson Centre for Health Services ResearchUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Alex Psirides
- Department of Intensive Care MedicineWellington Regional HospitalWellingtonNew Zealand
- University of OtagoWellingtonNew Zealand
| | | | - Kathryn McFarland
- Cunningham Centre for Palliative CareSacred Heart Health ServiceSt Vincent's Health NetworkSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Angela Dawson
- Faculty of HealthThe Australian Centre for Public and Population Health ResearchUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ken Hillman
- SWS Clinical SchoolThe Simpson Centre for Health Services ResearchUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Intensive Care UnitLiverpool HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Margo Barr
- Centre for Primary Health Care and EquityFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Magnolia Cardona
- Centre for Research in Evidence‐Based PracticeFaculty of Health Sciences and MedicineBond UniversityGold CoastQueenslandAustralia
- Gold Coast Hospital and Health ServiceGold CoastQueenslandAustralia
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Sternberg SA, Sabar R, Katz G, Segal R, Fux-Zach L, Grofman V, Roth G, Cohen N, Radomyslaski Z, Bentur N. Home hospice for older people with advanced dementia: a pilot project. Isr J Health Policy Res 2019; 8:42. [PMID: 31060626 PMCID: PMC6501395 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-019-0304-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dementia is a terminal illness making the palliative and hospice approach to care appropriate for older people with advanced dementia. Objective To examine clinical and health services outcomes of a quality improvement pilot project to provide home hospice care for older people with advanced dementia. Study design Twenty older people with advanced dementia being treated in the Maccabi Healthcare Services homecare program, received home hospice care as an extension of their usual care for 6–7 months (or until they died) from a multidisciplinary team who were available 24/7. Family members were interviewed using validated questionnaires about symptom management, satisfaction with care, and caregiver burden. Hospitalizations prevented and medications discontinued, were determined by medical record review and team consensus. Findings The findings are based on 112 months of care with an average of 5.6 (SD 1.6) months per participant. The participants were on average 83.5 (SD 8.6) years old, 70% women, in homecare for 2.8 (SD 2.0) years, had dementia for 5.6 (SD 3.6) years with multiple comorbidities, and had been hospitalized for an average of 14.0 (SD 18.1) days in the year prior to the project. Four patients were fed via artificial nutrition. During the pilot project, 4 patients died, 2 patients withdrew, 1 patient was transferred to a nursing home and 13 returned to their usual homecare program. The home hospice program lead to significant (p < 0.001)improvement in: symptom management (score of 33.8 on admission on the Volicer symptom management scale increased to 38.3 on discharge), in satisfaction with care (27.5 to 35.3,), and a significant decline in caregiver burden (12.1 to 1.4 on the Zarit Burden index). There were five hospitalizations, and 33 hospitalizations prevented, and an average of 2.1(SD 1.4) medications discontinued per participant. Family members reported that the professionalism and 24/7 availability of the staff provided the added value of the program. Conclusions This pilot quality improvement project suggests that home hospice care for older people with advanced dementia can improve symptom management and caregiver satisfaction, while decreasing caregiver burden, preventing hospitalizations and discontinuing unnecessary medications. Identifying older people with advanced dementia with a 6 month prognosis remains a major challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley A Sternberg
- Israel Ministry of Health, Division of Geriatrics, 39 Yirmiyahu St, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Ron Sabar
- Sabar Health, Home Hospital and Hospice, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Glynis Katz
- Sabar Health, Home Hospital and Hospice, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronit Segal
- Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Valeria Grofman
- EMDA - the Alzheimer's Association of Israel, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gery Roth
- EMDA - the Alzheimer's Association of Israel, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Netta Cohen
- JDC-ESHEL - the Association for the Planning and Development of Services for the Aged, Jerusalem, Israel
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Philip RR, Venables E, Manima A, Tripathy JP, Philip S. "Small small interventions, big big roles"- a qualitative study of patient, care-giver and health-care worker experiences of a palliative care programme in Kerala, India. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:16. [PMID: 30717717 PMCID: PMC6362568 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0400-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Home-based palliative care is an essential resource for many communities. We conducted a qualitative study to explore perceptions of a home-based palliative care programme in Kerala, India, from the perspective of patients, their care-givers and the doctors, nurses and volunteers running the intervention. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was carried out. One focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with patients (n = 8) and two with male and female volunteers (n = 12); and interviews were conducted with doctors (n = 3), nurses (n = 3) and care-givers (n = 14). FGDs and interviews were conducted in Malayalam, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Transcripts were coded and analysed using manual content analysis. Results Doctors, nurses and volunteers have interdependent roles in providing palliative care to patients, including mentorship, training, patient care and advocating for patient needs. Volunteers also considered themselves to be mediators between families and the programme. Care-givers were mainly female and were caring for relatives. They have physically demanding, psychologically stressful and socially restrictive experiences of care-giving. They felt that the programme facilitated their role as care-givers by giving them training and support. Patients with long standing illnesses felt that the programme enabled them to become more independent and self-reliant. The local community supports the programme through economic contributions and offering practical assistance to patients. Conclusion The salient features of this programme include the provision of regular holistic care through a team of doctors, nurses and patients. The programme was perceived to have improved the lives of patients and their care-givers. The involvement of volunteers from the local community was perceived as a strength of the programme, whilst simultaneously being a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Rachel Philip
- Department of Community Medicine, Government T.D Medical College Alappuzha, Vandanam P.O, Alappuzha, Kerala, India.
| | - Emilie Venables
- Médecins Sans Frontières - Operational Centre Brussels, Medical Department, Operational Research Unit (LuxOR), Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abdulla Manima
- Malappuram Initiative in Palliative care, Malappuram, Kerala, India
| | - Jaya Prasad Tripathy
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.,Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, India
| | - Sairu Philip
- Department of Community Medicine, Government T.D Medical College Alappuzha, Vandanam P.O, Alappuzha, Kerala, India
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Ní Chróinín D, Goldsbury DE, Beveridge A, Davidson PM, Girgis A, Ingham N, Phillips JL, Wilkinson AM, Ingham JM, O'Connell DL. Health-services utilisation amongst older persons during the last year of life: a population-based study. BMC Geriatr 2018; 18:317. [PMID: 30572832 PMCID: PMC6302397 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-018-1006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate population-based data regarding hospital-based care utilisation by older persons during their last year of life are important in health services planning. We investigated patterns of acute hospital-based service use at the end of life, amongst older decedents in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. METHODS Data from all persons aged ≥70 years who died in the state of NSW Australia in 2007 were included. Several measures of hospital-based service utilisation during the last year of life were assessed from retrospectively linked data comprising data for all registered deaths, cause of death, hospital care during the last year of life (NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection [APDC] and Emergency Department [ED] Data Collection [EDDC]), and the NSW Cancer Registry. RESULTS Amongst 34,556 decedents aged ≥70 years, 82% (n = 28,366) had ≥1 hospitalisation during the last year of life (median 2), and 21% > 3 hospitalisations. Twenty-five percent (n = 5485) of decedents attended ED during the last week of life. Overall, 21% had a hospitalisation > 30 days in the last year of life, and 7% spent > 3 months in hospital; 79% had ≥1 ED attendance, 17% > 3. Nine percent (n = 3239) spent time in an intensive care unit. Fifty-three percent (n = 18,437) died in an inpatient setting. Hospital records had referenced palliative care for a fifth (7169) of decedents. Adjusting for age group, sex, place of residence, area-level socioeconomic status, and cause of death, having > 3 hospitalisations during the last year of life was more likely for persons dying from cancer (35% versus 16% non-cancer deaths, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.33), 'younger' old decedents (29% for age 70-79 and 20% for age 80-89 versus 11% for 90+, aOR 2.42 and 1.77 respectively) and males (25% versus 17% females, aOR 1.38). Patterns observed for other hospital-based service use were similar. CONCLUSIONS This population-based study reveals high use of hospital care among older persons during their last year of life, although this decreased with increasing older age, providing important data to inform health services planning for this population, and highlighting aspects requiring further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Ní Chróinín
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, UNSW, Corner of Elizabeth and Goulburn Streets, Liverpool, Sydney, NSW, 2170, Australia.
| | | | - Alexander Beveridge
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, and St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Patricia M Davidson
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Afaf Girgis
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicholas Ingham
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, and UNSW Australia, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jane L Phillips
- IMPACCT - Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne M Wilkinson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Jane M Ingham
- UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
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van Gaans D, Dent E. Issues of accessibility to health services by older Australians: a review. Public Health Rev 2018; 39:20. [PMID: 30027001 PMCID: PMC6047130 DOI: 10.1186/s40985-018-0097-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review provides an in-depth investigation into the difficulties facing older Australians when accessing health care services. METHODS A literature search was conducted in December 2016 using Academic Premier to identify relevant publications. Key search terms were accessibility, health service, older people and Australia. Papers published between 1999 and 2016 were included. Statements of accessibility were extracted and then grouped using the five dimensions of accessibility by Penchansky and Thomas (1981): availability, accessibility, accommodation, affordability and acceptability. RESULTS Forty-one papers were included. Availability issues identified were inadequate health care services, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations and those residing in rural areas. Accessibility issues included difficulties accessing transport to health care services, which in turn restricted choice of appointment time. Issues of accommodation identified were long waiting times for appointments with both general practitioners and medical specialists. Affordability was a common problem, compounded by multi-morbidity requiring high health care use. Issues of acceptability centred on the role of the family, feelings of shame when receiving care from a non-family member, traditional practices and gender sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS The contribution of factors to health service accessibility varies according to an older person's geographical local and their accessibility to transport, as well as their level of multi-morbidity and cultural background. Improving access to health services could be improved by matching services to the population that they serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah van Gaans
- Centre for Population Health Research, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
| | - Elsa Dent
- Centre for Positive Ageing and Wellbeing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Dementia is now recognized as a progressive life-limiting illness where many patients can benefit from access to palliative care. RECENT FINDINGS The present review has focused on three areas namely, advanced care planning in supporting palliative care for dementia, hospice provision for people with dementia and provision of care within family home. In advanced care planning, there is little research on systematically developed and implemented advance care planning interventions or whether they achieve desired outcomes for end-of-life care. There is limited research on hospice-based care for patients with dementia and most studies are U.S. based. Equally studies exploring how family carers can be supported and facilitated to care at home for the person with dementia to the end of life are exploratory rather than determining what factors may be important. SUMMARY There are relatively few studies, especially quantitative studies or intervention studies being carried out to determine most effective means of providing palliative care for people with dementia, particularly with respect to advanced care planning, the provision of hospice-based care and support at home. Despite increased public awareness of dementia as a terminal illness, more research is required to support patients with dementia and their families at the end of life.
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Abreu W, Rodrigues T, Sequeira C, Pires R, Sanhudo A. The experience of psychological distress in family caregivers of people with dementia: A cross-sectional study. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2018; 54:317-323. [PMID: 29077985 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the degree of psychological distress in family caregivers of people with dementia. DESIGN AND METHODS A nonprobabilistic sample of 54 dyads (people with dementia and family caregivers) was recruited. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and the Barthel Index were used for data collection. FINDINGS About half of the caregivers had significant levels of psychological distress. Caregivers showed high scores in some BSI dimensions: somatization, obsessive-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, and paranoid ideation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Alleviating the caregivers' distress is likely to have positive effects on the overall health and capacity to care. Frameworks for providing palliative care to people with advanced dementia and support the caregivers would enhance the quality of care provided and may reduce the distress on the caregiver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Abreu
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Porto School of Nursing, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Carlos Sequeira
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Porto School of Nursing, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Sanhudo
- Hospital Magalhães Lemos, Rua Professor Álvaro Rodrigues, Porto, Portugal
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Chen PJ, Liang FW, Ho CH, Cheng SY, Chen YC, Chen YH, Chen YC. Association between palliative care and life-sustaining treatments for patients with dementia: A nationwide 5-year cohort study. Palliat Med 2018; 32:622-630. [PMID: 29343186 DOI: 10.1177/0269216317751334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between palliative care and life-sustaining treatments for patients with dementia is unclear in Asian countries. AIM To analyse the use of palliative care and its association with aggressive treatments based on Taiwanese national data. DESIGN A matched cohort study was conducted. The association between intervention and outcome was evaluated using conditional logistic regression analyses. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS The source population comprised 239,633 patients with dementia diagnosed between 2002 and 2013. We selected patients who received palliative care between 2009 and 2013 (the treatment cohort; N = 1996) and assembled a comparative cohort ( N = 3992) through 1:2 matching for confounding factors. RESULTS After 2009, palliative care was provided to 3928 (1.64%) patients of the dementia population. The odds ratio for undergoing life-sustaining treatments in the treatment cohort versus the comparative cohort was <1 for most treatments (e.g. 0.41 for mechanical ventilation (95% confidence interval: 0.35-0.48)). The odds ratio was >1 for some treatments (e.g. 1.73 for tube feeding (95% confidence interval: 1.54-1.95)). Palliative care was more consistently associated with fewer life-sustaining treatments for those with cancer. CONCLUSIONS Palliative care is related to reduced life-sustaining treatments for patients with dementia. However, except in the case of tube feeding, which tended to be provided alongside palliative care regardless of cancer status, having cancer possibly had itself a protective effect against the use of life-sustaining treatments. Modifying the eligibility criteria for palliative care in dementia, improving awareness on the terminal nature of dementia and facilitating advance planning for dementia patients may be priorities for health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Jen Chen
- 1 Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,2 Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,3 Palliative Care Center, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Wen Liang
- 4 The NCKU Research Center for Health Data and Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Han Ho
- 5 Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,6 Department of Hospital and Health Care Administration, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Yi Cheng
- 7 Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Chen
- 5 Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Chen
- 8 Department of Family Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Chun Chen
- 2 Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,9 Department of Nursing, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
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Sleeman KE, Perera G, Stewart R, Higginson IJ. Predictors of emergency department attendance by people with dementia in their last year of life: Retrospective cohort study using linked clinical and administrative data. Alzheimers Dement 2017; 14:20-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.06.2267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Sleeman
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Policy and Rehabilitation King's College London London United Kingdom
| | - Gayan Perera
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London United Kingdom
| | - Robert Stewart
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King's College London London United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust London United Kingdom
| | - Irene J. Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Policy and Rehabilitation King's College London London United Kingdom
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Cresp SJ, Lee SF, Moss C. Experiences of substitute decision makers in making decisions for older persons diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder at end of life: a qualitative systematic review protocol. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 15:1770-1777. [DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2016-003252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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McQuoid J, Jowsey T, Talaulikar G. Contextualising renal patient routines: Everyday space-time contexts, health service access, and wellbeing. Soc Sci Med 2017; 183:142-150. [PMID: 28482275 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Stable routines are key to successful illness self-management for the growing number of people living with chronic illness around the world. Yet, the influence of chronically ill individuals' everyday contexts in supporting routines is poorly understood. This paper takes a space-time geographical approach to explore the everyday space-time contexts and routines of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We ask: what is the relationship between renal patients' space-time contexts and their ability to establish and maintain stable routines, and, what role does health service access play in this regard? We draw from a qualitative case study of 26 individuals with CKD in Australia. Data comprised self-reported two day participant diaries and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was guided by an inductive-deductive approach. We examined the embeddedness of routines within the space-time contexts of participants' everyday lives. We found that participants' everyday space-time contexts were highly complex, especially for those receiving dialysis and/or employed, making routines difficult to establish and vulnerable to disruption. Health service access helped shape participants' everyday space-time contexts, meaning that incidences of unpredictability in accessing health services set-off 'ripple effects' within participants' space-time contexts, disrupting routines and making everyday life negotiation more difficult. The ability to absorb ripple effects from unpredictable health services without disrupting routines varied by space-time context. Implications of these findings for the deployment of the concept of routine in health research, the framing of patient success in self-managing illness, and health services design are discussed. In conclusion, efforts to understand and support individuals in establishing and maintaining routines that support health and wellbeing can benefit from approaches that contextualise and de-centre everyday human behaviour. Opportunities to support renal patients in managing illness and experiencing wellbeing outside the clinical setting lie in a space-time re-design of chronic care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia McQuoid
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, USA; School for Physical, Environmental, and Mathematical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Tanisha Jowsey
- Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, The University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Girish Talaulikar
- Director, Renal Services, ACT Health, ACT, Australia; Associate Prof of Nephrology, Australian National University (ANU) Medical School, Australia.
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Spilsbury K, Rosenwax L, Arendts G, Semmens JB. The Association of Community-Based Palliative Care With Reduced Emergency Department Visits in the Last Year of Life Varies by Patient Factors. Ann Emerg Med 2017; 69:416-425. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Wang DH. Beyond Code Status: Palliative Care Begins in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med 2017; 69:437-443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Youens D, Moorin R. The Impact of Community-Based Palliative Care on Utilization and Cost of Acute Care Hospital Services in the Last Year of Life. J Palliat Med 2017; 20:736-744. [PMID: 28437201 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2016.0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based palliative care may potentially benefit patients by offering their preferred care at the end of life and benefit systems by reducing hospital use. OBJECTIVE To compare place of death and acute care hospital use in the last year of life between cancer decedents who did and did not access a community-based palliative care service (PCS). DESIGN Retrospective observational cohort study using linked individual administrative records from cancer registry, hospital, emergency department (ED), mortality, and PCS databases. Propensity score-weighted regression methods were used. SETTING/SUBJECTS Whole of population study incorporating 28,561 West Australian cancer decedents from 2001 to 2011. MEASUREMENTS Exposure was defined as ever/never accessed PCS. Outcomes were place of death (in/out of hospital) and the number, length of stay, and cumulative cost of hospital admissions at the end of life. RESULTS Decedents who accessed the service (n = 16,530) had triple (adjusted odds ratio 3.19 [3.01-3.38]) the odds of dying out of hospital compared with those who did not. Unplanned hospitalizations were reduced in the last year (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.94 [0.91-0.97]) and last week of life (adjusted [IRR] 0.35 [0.33-0.38]), as were ED presentations (adjusted RR 0.92 [0.98-0.95], adjusted RR 0.26 [0.23-0.28]) in the last year and last week of life, respectively. There were significant reductions in average total bed days (-7.60 [-8.34 to -6.87]) and acute care costs (-A$5,491 [-A$6,155 to -A$4,827]) over the last year of life. CONCLUSIONS In addition to supporting people to die out of hospital, PCS was associated with reduced acute care admissions, bed days, and costs over the last year of life. The provision of high-quality palliative care in the community alleviates the burden on acute care hospitals and, thus, may partially offset public funding of this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Youens
- 1 Health Systems and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Curtin University , Bentley, Australia
| | - Rachael Moorin
- 1 Health Systems and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Curtin University , Bentley, Australia .,2 Centre for Health Services Research, School of Population Health, The University of Western Australia , Crawley, Australia
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Hanson E, Hellström A, Sandvide Å, Jackson GA, MacRae R, Waugh A, Abreu W, Tolson D. The extended palliative phase of dementia – An integrative literature review. DEMENTIA 2016; 18:108-134. [PMID: 27460046 DOI: 10.1177/1471301216659797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This article presents an integrative literature review of the experience of dementia care associated with the extended palliative phase of dementia. The aim was to highlight how dementia is defined in the literature and describe what is known about the symptomatology and management of advanced dementia regarding the needs and preferences of the person with dementia and their family carer/s. There was no consistent definition of advanced dementia. The extended palliative phase was generally synonymous with end-of-life care. Advanced care planning is purported to enable professionals to work together with people with dementia and their families. A lack of understanding of palliative care among frontline practitioners was related to a dearth of educational opportunities in advanced dementia care. There are few robust concepts and theories that embrace living the best life possible during the later stages of dementia. These findings informed our subsequent work around the concept, ‘Dementia Palliare’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Hanson
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre, Linnaeus University, Sweden
| | - Amanda Hellström
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre, Linnaeus University, Sweden
| | - Åsa Sandvide
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre, Linnaeus University, Sweden
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