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Freeman JQ, Omoleye OJ, Zhao F, Huo D. Palliative Care Use Trends, Racial/Ethnic Disparities, and Overall Survival Differences Among Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:763-775. [PMID: 38301120 PMCID: PMC11301711 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0547] [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] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Palliative care improves cancer patients' quality of life. Limited research has investigated racial/ethnic disparities in palliative care utilization and its associated survival among metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. Objectives: To examine racial/ethnic palliative care use disparities and assess racial/ethnic overall survival differences in MBC patients stratified by palliative care use. Design: A retrospective study of MBC patients from the 2004-2020 National Cancer Database. Measurements: Palliative care was defined as noncurative cancer treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and/or pain management; utilization was coded "yes/no." Racial/ethnic groups included Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN), Black, Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (HPI), Hispanic, and White. Logistic regression was performed to assess palliative care use disparities. Overall survival was modeled using Cox regression. Results: Of 148,931 patients, the mean age was 62 years; 99% were female; 73% identified as White, 17% as Black, 6% as Hispanic, 3% as Asian, 0.3% as AIAN, and 0.3% as HPI; 42% and 39% had Medicare and private insurance, respectively. Overall, 21% used palliative care, with an increasing utilization rate from 2004 to 2020 (3.6% increase per year, p-trend <0.001). Black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84 to 0.94), Asian (aOR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.86), and Hispanic (aOR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.74) patients had a lower likelihood of palliative care utilization than White patients. Among palliative care users, compared with White patients, Black (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.21) patients had a greater mortality risk, while Asian (aHR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.97) and Hispanic (aHR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.69 to 0.87) patients had a lower mortality risk. Conclusions: Palliative care utilization among MBC patients significantly increased but remained suboptimal. Racial/ethnic minority patients were less likely to use palliative care, and Black patients had worse survival, than White patients, suggesting the need for improving palliative care access and ameliorating disparities in MBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincong Q. Freeman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Health and the Social Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program, UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Olasubomi J. Omoleye
- Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Fangyuan Zhao
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dezheng Huo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program, UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Velasco Yanez RJ, Carvalho Fernandes AF, de Freitas Corpes E, Moura Barbosa Castro RC, Sixsmith J, Lopes-Júnior LC. Palliative care in the treatment of women with breast cancer: A scoping review. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:592-609. [PMID: 38058195 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent studies on the quality of life in women with breast cancer show a high prevalence of signs and symptoms that should be the focus of palliative care (PC), leading us to question the current role they play in addressing breast cancer. Therefore, the objective of this review is to map the scope of available literature on the role of PC in the treatment of women with breast cancer. METHODS This is a methodologically guided scoping review by the Joanna Briggs Institute and adapted to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist for report writing. Systematic searches were conducted in 8 databases, an electronic repository, and gray literature. The searches were conducted with the support of a librarian. The study selection was managed through the RAYYAN software in a blind and independent manner by 2 reviewers. The extracted data were analyzed using the qualitative thematic analysis technique and discussed through textual categories. RESULTS A total of 9,812 studies were identified, of which only 136 articles and 3 sources of gray literature are included in this review. In terms of general characteristics, the majority were published in the USA (35.7%), had a cross-sectional design (44.8%), and were abstracts presented at scientific events (19.6%). The majority of interventions focused on palliative radiotherapy (13.6%). Thematic analysis identified 14 themes and 12 subthemes. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Our findings offer a comprehensive view of the evidence on PC in the treatment of breast cancer. Although a methodological quality assessment was not conducted, these results could guide professionals interested in the topic to position themselves in the current context. Additionally, a quick synthesis of recommendations on different palliative therapies is provided, which should be critically observed. Finally, multiple knowledge gaps are highlighted, which could be used for the development of future studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Judith Sixsmith
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
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Freeman JQ, Scott AW, Akhiwu TO. Rural-urban disparities and trends in utilization of palliative care services among US patients with metastatic breast cancer. J Rural Health 2024:10.1111/jrh.12826. [PMID: 38375950 PMCID: PMC11333727 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess trends and rural-urban disparities in palliative care utilization among patients with metastatic breast cancer. METHODS We analyzed data from the 2004-2019 National Cancer Database. Palliative care services, including surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and/or other pain management, were provided to control pain or alleviate symptoms; utilization was dichotomized as "yes/no." Rural-urban residence, defined by the US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service's Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, was categorized as "rural/urban/metropolitan." Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine rural-urban differences in palliative care use. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. FINDINGS Of 133,500 patients (mean age 62.4 [SD = 14.2] years), 86.7%, 11.7%, and 1.6% resided in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas, respectively; 72.5% were White, 17.0% Black, 5.8% Hispanic, and 2.7% Asian. Overall, 20.3% used palliative care, with a significant increase from 15.6% in 2004-2005 to 24.5% in 2008-2019 (7.0% increase per year; p-value for trend <0.001). In urban areas, 23.3% received palliative care, compared to 21.0% in rural and 19.9% in metropolitan areas (p < 0.001). After covariate adjustment, patients residing in rural (AOR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.73-0.98) or metropolitan (AOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.80-0.89) areas had lower odds of having used palliative care than those in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS In this national, racially diverse sample of patients with metastatic breast cancer, the utilization of palliative care services increased over time, though remained suboptimal. Further, our findings highlight rural-urban disparities in palliative care use and suggest the potential need to promote these services while addressing geographic access inequities for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincong Q Freeman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Health and the Social Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Adam W Scott
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ted O Akhiwu
- Department of Medicine, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Prsic E, Morris JC, Adelson KB, Parker NA, Gombos EA, Kottarathara MJ, Novosel M, Castillo L, Gould Rothberg BE. Oncology hospitalist impact on hospice utilization. Cancer 2023; 129:3797-3804. [PMID: 37706601 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unplanned hospitalizations among patients with advanced cancer are often sentinel events prompting goals of care discussions and hospice transitions. Late referrals to hospice, especially those at the end of life, are associated with decreased quality of life and higher total health care costs. Inpatient management of patients with solid tumor malignancies is increasingly shifting from oncologists to oncology hospitalists. However, little is known about the impact of oncology hospitalists on the timing of transition to hospice. OBJECTIVE To compare hospice discharge rate and time to hospice discharge on an inpatient oncology service led by internal medicine-trained hospitalists and a service led by oncologists. METHODS At Smilow Cancer Hospital, internal medicine-trained hospitalists were integrated into one of two inpatient medical oncology services allowing comparison between the new, hospitalist-led service (HS) and the traditional, oncologist-led service (TS). Discharges from July 26, 2021, through January 31, 2022, were identified from the electronic medical record. The odds ratio for discharge disposition by team was calculated by logistic regression using a multinomial distribution. Adjusted length of stay before discharge was assessed using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS The HS discharged 47/400 (11.8%) patients to inpatient hospice, whereas the TS service discharged 18/313 (5.8%), yielding an adjusted odds ratio of 1.94 (95% CI, 1.07-3.51; p = .03). Adjusted average length of stay before inpatient hospice disposition was 6.83 days (95% CI, 4.22-11.06) for the HS and 16.29 days (95% CI, 7.73-34.29) for the TS (p = .003). CONCLUSIONS Oncology hospitalists improve hospice utilization and time to inpatient hospice referral on an inpatient medical oncology service. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Patients with advanced cancer are often admitted to the hospital near the end of life. These patients generally have a poor chance of long-term survival and may prefer comfort-focused care with hospice. In this study, oncology hospitalists discharged a higher proportion of patients to inpatient hospice with less time spent in the hospital before discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Prsic
- Section of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jensa C Morris
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Hospital Medicine Service, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kerin B Adelson
- Section of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale University Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nathaniel A Parker
- Section of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Hospital Medicine Service, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Erin A Gombos
- Section of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Hospital Medicine Service, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Madison Novosel
- Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lawrence Castillo
- Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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5
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Engel M, Kars MC, Teunissen SCCM, van der Heide A. Effective communication in palliative care from the perspectives of patients and relatives: A systematic review. Palliat Support Care 2023; 21:890-913. [PMID: 37646464 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In palliative care, effective communication is essential to adequately meet the needs and preferences of patients and their relatives. Effective communication includes exchanging information, facilitates shared decision-making, and promotes an empathic care relationship. We explored the perspectives of patients with an advanced illness and their relatives on effective communication with health-care professionals. METHODS A systematic review was conducted. We searched Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane for original empirical studies published between January 1, 2015 and March 4, 2021. RESULTS In total, 56 articles on 53 unique studies were included. We found 7 themes that from the perspectives of patients and relatives contribute to effective communication: (1) open and honest information. However, this open and honest communication can also trigger anxiety, stress, and existential disruption. Patients and relatives also indicated that they preferred (2) health-care professionals aligning to the patient's and relative's process of uptake and coping with information; (3) empathy; (4) clear and understandable language; (5) leaving room for positive coping strategies, (6) committed health-care professionals taking responsibility; and (7) recognition of relatives in their role as caregiver. Most studies in this review concerned communication with physicians in a hospital setting. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Most patients and relatives appreciate health-care professionals to not only pay attention to strictly medical issues but also to who they are as a person and the process they are going through. More research is needed on effective communication by nurses, in nonhospital settings and on communication by health-care professionals specialized in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijanne Engel
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke C Kars
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia C C M Teunissen
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Impact of early palliative care on additional line of chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer patients: results from the randomized study OSS. Support Care Cancer 2022; 31:82. [PMID: 36574052 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07561-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The most appropriate criteria and timing for palliative care referral remain a critical issue, especially in patients with metastatic breast cancer for whom long-term chemosensibility and survival are observed. We aimed to compare the impact of early palliative care including formal concertation with oncologists on decision for an additional line of chemotherapy compared with usual oncology care. METHODS This randomized prospective study enrolled adult women with metastatic breast cancer and visceral metastases with a 3rd- or 4th-line chemotherapy (CT). Patients received usual oncology care with a palliative care consultation only upon patient or oncologist request (standard group, S) or were referred to systematic palliative care consultation including a regular concertation between palliative care team and oncologists (early palliative care group, EPC). The primary endpoint was the rate of an additional CT (4th or 5th line) decision. Quality of life, symptoms, social support and satisfaction were self-evaluated at 6 and 12 months, at treatment discontinuation or 3 months after discontinuation. RESULTS From January 2009 to November 2012, two authorized cancer centers included 98 women (EPC: 50; S: 48). Thirty-seven (77.1%, 95%CI 62.7-88%) patients in the EPC group had a subsequent chemotherapy prescribed and 36 (72.0%, 95%CI 57.5-83.8%) in the S group (p = 0.646). No differences in symptom control and global quality of life were observed, but less deterioration in physical functioning was reported in EPC (EPC: 0 [- 53-40]; S: - 6; 7 [- 60 to - 20]; p = 0.027). Information exchange and communication were significant improved in EPC (exchange, EPC: - 8.3 [- 30 to + 7]; S: 0.0 [- 17 to + 23]; p = 0.024; communication, EPC: 12.5 [- 8 to - 37]; S: 0.0 [- 21 to + 17]; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION EPC in metastatic breast cancer patients did not impact the prescription rate of additional chemotherapy in patients a 3rd- or 4th-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer; however, EPC may contribute to alleviate deterioration in physical functioning, while facilitating communication. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT00905281, May 20, 2009.
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Bahrami M, Sadeghi A, Mosavizadeh R, Masoumy M. Challanges of Meeting the Palliative Care Needs of Colorectal Cancer patients in Iran: A Qualitative Research. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY RESEARCH 2022; 27:325-330. [PMID: 36275340 PMCID: PMC9580567 DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_444_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite the high prevalence of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) in Iran and the need to pay more attention to the Palliative Care (PC) needs of patients with this disease, a few studies have previously examined the PC needs of them by gaining the patients', family members', and treatment team's views. This study aimed to investigate the challenges in the way of meeting the PC needs of CRC patients. Materials and Methods This study was a qualitative content analysis study conducted on 43 participants (including 15 patients, 20 health care providers, and eight family members) through purposive sampling and semi-structured individual interviews in Omid Educational and Medical Center and Iranian Cancer "Control Center (MACSA) in Isfahan from May 2020 to December 2021. Data analysis was performed simultaneously with data collection using conventional qualitative content analysis with the Graneheim and Lundman approach. In order to assess the trustworthiness of the obtained data, credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability criteria were used. Results Data analysis led to the production of 615 primary codes, 16 sub-categories, and five main categories. These five main categories included "Lack of facilities and equipment", "Lack of quality of services provided by the treatment team", "Insufficient financial support to the patient and family", "Insufficient psychological and emotional support from the patient and family", and "Inefficiency of the patient and community awareness process". Conclusions To improve the quality of care and increase patients' satisfaction with the provided services, it is recommended that policymakers should meet the challenges of the PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Bahrami
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, Department of Adult Health Nursing, Faculty Of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadeghi
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, Department of Hematology-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rohallah Mosavizadeh
- ALA Cancer Prevention and Control Center, Department of Islamic Education, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Masoumy
- Student Research Committee, Faculty Of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran,Address for correspondence: Dr. Masoumeh Masoumy, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. E-mail:
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Frick J, Gebert P, Grittner U, Letsch A, Schindel D, Schenk L. Identifying and handling unbalanced baseline characteristics in a non-randomized, controlled, multicenter social care nurse intervention study for patients in advanced stages of cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:560. [PMID: 35585571 PMCID: PMC9118792 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09646-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Given the psychosocial burdens patients in advanced stages of cancer face, innovative care concepts are needed. At the same time, such vulnerable patient groups are difficult to reach for participation in intervention studies and randomized patient inclusion may not be feasible. This article aims to identify systematic biases respectively selection effects occurring during the recruitment phase and to discuss their potential causes based on a non-randomized, multicenter intervention study with patients in advanced stages of cancer. Methods Patients diagnosed with at least one of 16 predefined cancers were recruited at four hospitals in three German cities. The effect of social care nurses’ continuous involvement in acute oncology wards was measured by health-related quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), information and participation preferences, decisional conflicts, doctor-patient communication, health literacy and symptom perception. Absolute standardized mean difference was calculated as a standardized effect size to test baseline characteristics balance between the intervention and control groups. Results The study enrolled 362 patients, 150 in the intervention and 212 in the control group. Except for gender, both groups differed in relevant socio-demographic characteristics, e.g. regarding age and educational background. With respect to the distribution of diagnoses, the intervention group showed a higher symptom burden than the control group. Moreover, the control group reported better quality of life at baseline compared to the intervention group (52.6 points (SD 21.7); 47.8 points (SD 22.0), ASMD = 0.218, p = 0.044). Conclusion Overall, the intervention group showed more social and health vulnerability than the control group. Among other factors, the wide range of diagnoses included and structural variation between the recruiting clinics increased the risk for bias. We recommend a close, continuous monitoring of relevant social and health-related characteristics during the recruitment phase as well as the use of appropriate statistical analysis strategies for adjustment, such as propensity score methods. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00013640); registered on 29th December 2017. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09646-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Frick
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pimrapat Gebert
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Letsch
- Department of Medicine II, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Schindel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Liane Schenk
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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Bahrami M, Masoumy M, Sadeghi A, Mosavizadeh R. Development, implementation and evaluation a palliative care program for colorectal cancer patients: a mixed methods protocol study. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:441. [PMID: 35459102 PMCID: PMC9028062 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09538-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer(CRC) patients are among the incurable groups who need comprehensive palliative care covering all aspects including physical, mental, social, and spiritual. The purpose of this study is to develop, implement, and evaluate a holistic palliative care program for CRC patients in order to improve quality of life of CRC patients. Methods This study is an exploratory mixed methods study which will be conducted using a sequential qualitative-quantitative design (QUAL quan) consists of four sequential steps using the approach proposed by Ewles & Sminett to develop the program. In the first phase, a qualitative study (semi-structured interview) will be conducted to discover the needs of CRC patients from the perspective of patients, family members and care providers. In the second phase, the literature review will be performed with the aim of confirming and completing the discovering new needs. In the third phase, in order to prioritize the identified needs and prepare a initial draft of the palliative care program will be done a panel of experts. In the fourth phase, the part of the developed program according to the opinions of the panel of experts, will be implemented as quasi-experimental intervention and the effect of intervention on quality of life will be evaluated. Discussion This results of this study are expected to meet the needs of CRC patients and their families through providing a holistic care and improve their quality of life in the socio-cultural context of Iran. This program can be useful in providing care, education, policy making and for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Bahrami
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, Department of Adult Health Nursing, Faculty Of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Masoumy
- Student Research Committee, Faculty Of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Alireza Sadeghi
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, Department of Hematology-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rohallah Mosavizadeh
- ALA Cancer Prevention and Control Center, Department of Islamic Education, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Greer JA, Moy B, El-Jawahri A, Jackson VA, Kamdar M, Jacobsen J, Lindvall C, Shin JA, Rinaldi S, Carlson HA, Sousa A, Gallagher ER, Li Z, Moran S, Ruddy M, Anand MV, Carp JE, Temel JS. Randomized Trial of a Palliative Care Intervention to Improve End-of-Life Care Discussions in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2022; 20:136-143. [PMID: 35130492 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2021.7040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies show that early, integrated palliative care (PC) improves quality of life (QoL) and end-of-life (EoL) care for patients with poor-prognosis cancers. However, the optimal strategy for delivering PC for those with advanced cancers who have longer disease trajectories, such as metastatic breast cancer (MBC), remains unknown. We tested the effect of a PC intervention on the documentation of EoL care discussions, patient-reported outcomes, and hospice utilization in this population. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with MBC and clinical indicators of poor prognosis (n=120) were randomly assigned to receive an outpatient PC intervention (n=61) or usual care (n=59) between May 2, 2016, and December 26, 2018, at an academic cancer center. The intervention entailed 5 structured PC visits focusing on symptom management, coping, prognostic awareness, decision-making, and EoL planning. The primary outcome was documentation of EoL care discussions in the electronic health record (EHR). Secondary outcomes included patient-report of discussions with clinicians about EoL care, QoL, and mood symptoms at 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks after baseline and hospice utilization. RESULTS The rate of EoL care discussions documented in the EHR was higher among intervention patients versus those receiving usual care (67.2% vs 40.7%; P=.006), including a higher completion rate of a Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form (39.3% vs 13.6%; P=.002). Intervention patients were also more likely to report discussing their EoL care wishes with their doctor (odds ratio [OR], 3.10; 95% CI, 1.21-7.94; P=.019) and to receive hospice services (OR, 4.03; 95% CI, 1.10-14.73; P=.035) compared with usual care patients. Study groups did not differ in patient-reported QoL or mood symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This PC intervention significantly improved rates of discussion and documentation regarding EoL care and delivery of hospice services among patients with MBC, demonstrating that PC can be tailored to address the supportive care needs of patients with longer disease trajectories. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02730858.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Greer
- Massachusetts General Hospital.,Harvard Medical School, and
| | - Beverly Moy
- Massachusetts General Hospital.,Harvard Medical School, and
| | | | | | - Mihir Kamdar
- Massachusetts General Hospital.,Harvard Medical School, and
| | | | - Charlotta Lindvall
- Harvard Medical School, and.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Simone Rinaldi
- Massachusetts General Hospital.,Harvard Medical School, and
| | | | - Angela Sousa
- Massachusetts General Hospital.,Harvard Medical School, and
| | | | - Zhigang Li
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Samantha Moran
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Magaret Ruddy
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Maya V Anand
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York; and
| | - Julia E Carp
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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11
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Engel M, van der Padt-Pruijsten A, Huijben AMT, Kuijper TM, Leys MBL, Talsma A, van der Heide A. Quality of hospital discharge letters for patients at the end of life: A retrospective medical record review. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2021; 31:e13524. [PMID: 34697850 PMCID: PMC9285046 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective For patients who are discharged to go home after a hospitalisation, timely and adequately informing their general practitioner is important for continuity of care, especially at the end of life. We studied the quality of the hospital discharge letter for patients who were hospitalised in their last year of life. Methods A retrospective medical record review was performed. Included patients had been admitted to the hospital during the period 1 January to 1 July 2017 and had died within a year after discharge. Results Data were collected from records of 108 patients with cancer or other diseases. For 57 patients (53%), the discharge letter included information that related to their limited life expectancy (e.g., agreements about treatment limitations), whereas the patient's limited life expectancy was addressed in the medical record in 76 cases (70%). We found related information in discharge letters for 36 patients (66%) who died <3 months compared to 21 patients (40%) who died 3–12 months after hospitalisation (p < 0.01). Conclusion For patients with a limited life expectancy going home after a hospitalisation, one out of two hospital discharge letters lacked any information addressing their limited life expectancy. Specific guidelines for medical information exchange between care settings are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijanne Engel
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Auke M T Huijben
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maria B L Leys
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Hanson LC, Ernecoff NC, Wessell KL, Lin FC, Milowsky MI, Collichio FA, Wood WA, Rosenstein DL. Mortality Risk for Patients With Stage IV Cancer and Acute Illness Hospitalization. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:797-804. [PMID: 33096216 PMCID: PMC8075274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cancer prognosis data often come from clinical trials which exclude patients with acute illness. OBJECTIVES For patients with Stage IV cancer and acute illness hospitalization to 1) describe predictors of 60-day mortality and 2) compare documented decision-making for survivors and decedents. METHODS Investigators studied a consecutive prospective cohort of patients with Stage IV cancer and acute illness hospitalization. Structured health record and obituary reviews provided data on 60-day mortality (outcome), demographics, health status, and treatment; logistic regression models identified mortality predictors. RESULTS Four hundred ninety-two patients with Stage IV cancer and acute illness hospitalization had median age of 60.2 (51% female, 38% minority race/ethnicity); 156 (32%) died within 60 days, and median survival for decedents was 28 days. Nutritional insufficiency (odds rato [OR] 1.83), serum albumin (OR 2.15 per 1.0 g/dL), and hospital days (OR 1.04) were associated with mortality; age, gender, race, cancer, and acute illness type were not predictive. On admission, 79% of patients had orders indicating Full Code. During 60-day follow-up, 42% of patients discussed goals of care. Documented goals of care discussions were more common for decedents than survivors (70% vs. 28%, P < 0.001), as were orders for do not resuscitate/do not intubate (68% vs. 24%, P < 0.001), stopping cancer-directed therapy (29% vs. 10%, P < 0.001), specialty Palliative Care (79% vs. 44%, P < 0.001), and Hospice (68% vs. 14%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Acute illness hospitalization is a sentinel event in Stage IV cancer. Short-term mortality is high; nutritional decline increases risk. For patients with Stage IV cancer, acute illness hospitalization should trigger goals of care discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Hanson
- Division of Geriatric Medicine & Palliative Care Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Natalie C Ernecoff
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathryn L Wessell
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Feng-Chang Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew I Milowsky
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Frances A Collichio
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - William A Wood
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donald L Rosenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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13
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Tanguy-Melac A, Denis P, Fagot-Campagna A, Gastaldi-Ménager C, Laurent M, Tuppin P. Intensity of Care, Expenditure, and Place of Death in French Women in the Year Before Their Death From Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study. Cancer Control 2020; 27:1073274820977175. [PMID: 33356850 PMCID: PMC8480356 DOI: 10.1177/1073274820977175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Health care utilization of women with breast cancer (BC) during the last year of life, together with the causes and place of death and associated expenditure have been poorly described. Women treated for BC (2014-2015) with BC as a cause of death in 2015 and covered by the national health insurance general scheme (77% of the population) were identified in the French health data system (n = 6,696, mean age: 68.7 years, SD ± 15). Almost 70% died in short-stay hospitals (SSH), 4% in hospital-at-home (HaH), 9% in Rehab, 5% in skilled nursing homes (SNH) and 12% at home. One-third presented cardiovascular comorbidity. During the last year, 90% were hospitalized at least once in SSH, 25% in Rehab, 13% in HaH and 71% received hospital palliative care (HPC), but only 5% prior to their end-of-life stay. During the last month, 85% of women were admitted at least once to a SSH, 42% via the emergency department, 10% to an ICU, 24% received inpatient chemotherapy and 18% received outpatient chemotherapy. Among the 83% of women who died in hospital, independent factors for HPC use were cardiovascular comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.72-0.95) and, in the 30 days before death, at least one SNH stay (aOR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.36-0.76), ICU stay (aOR: 0.36; 95%CI: 0.30-0.43), inpatient chemotherapy (aOR: 0.55; 95%CI: 0.48-0.63), outpatient chemotherapy (aOR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.51-0.70), death in Rehab (aOR: 1.4; 95%CI: 1.05-1.86) or HAH (aOR: 4.5; 95%CI: 2.47-8.1) vs SSH. Overall mean expenditure reimbursed per woman was €38,734 and €42,209 for those with PC. Women with inpatient or outpatient chemotherapy during the last month had lower rates of HPC, suggesting declining use of HPC before death. This study also indicates SSH-centered management with increased use of HPC in HaH and Rehab units and decreased access to HPC in SNH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pierre Denis
- 27054Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie (CNAM), Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Tuppin
- 27054Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie (CNAM), Paris, France
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14
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Chen Y, Lin S, Zhu Y, Xu R, Lan X, Xiang F, Li X, Zhang Y, Chen S, Yu H, Wu D, Zang J, Tang J, Jin J, Han H, Tao Z, Zhou Y, Hu X. Prevalence, trend and disparities of palliative care utilization among hospitalized metastatic breast cancer patients who received critical care therapies. Breast 2020; 54:264-271. [PMID: 33212422 PMCID: PMC7679246 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early integration of palliative care (PC) for patients with advanced cancer has been recommended to improve quality of care. This study aims to describe prevalence, temporal trend and predictors of PC use in metastatic breast cancer (mBCa) patients receiving critical care therapies (CCT; included invasive mechanic ventilation, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube, total parenteral nutrition, tracheostomy and dialysis). METHODS The National Inpatient Sample was queried for mBCa patients receiving CCT between 2005 and 2014. Annual percent changes (APC) were calculated for PC prevalence in the overall cohort and subgroups. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to explore predictors of PC use. RESULTS Of 5833 mBCa patients receiving CCT, 880 (15.09%) received PC. Rate of PC use increased significantly from 2.53% in 2005 to 25.96% in 2014 (APC: 35.75%; p < 0.0001). Higher increase in PC use was observed in South (from 0.65% to 27.11%; APC: 59.42%; p < 0.0001), medium bedsize hospitals (from 3.75% to 26.05%; APC: 38.16%; p = 0.0006) and urban teaching hospitals (from 4.13% to 29.86%; APC: 37.33%; p = 0.0005). Multivariable analysis revealed that year interval, urban teaching hospitals, and invasive mechanical ventilation were associated with increased PC use, while primary diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders, fractures, metastatic sites from lymph nodes and tracheostomy were associated with lower PC use. CONCLUSIONS PC use in mBCa patients receiving CCT increases significantly over the period. However, it still remains low. Efforts to illustrate disparities in PC use are needed to improve quality of care for mBCa patients receiving CCT, especially for those hospitalized in rural and nonteaching hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuchen Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihui Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohong Lan
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shudong Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongni Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juxiang Zang
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiali Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiewen Jin
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hedong Han
- Department of Health Statistics, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhonghua Tao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xichun Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Alyami HM, Chan RJ, New K. End-of-life care preferences for people with advanced cancer and their families in intensive care units: a systematic review. Support Care Cancer 2019; 27:3233-3244. [PMID: 31102056 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-04844-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced cancer patients' end-of-life care preferences in oncology units, medical-surgical units, nursing homes and palliative care services have been established. However, less is known about end-of-life care preferences of patients with advanced cancer in intensive care units and their families. AIM To explore end-of-life care preferences of patients with advanced cancer and their families in intensive care units and if these align with essential elements for end-of-life care. DESIGN Electronic databases were searched up to February 2018. Reference lists of retrieved articles were screened for potential studies. RESULTS A total of 112 full text articles were retrieved. Of these, 12 articles reporting outcomes from 10 studies were eligible for inclusion. The majority were retrospective chart reviews (n = 7) and conducted in developed countries (n = 9). Care preferences change over time with deteriorating physical condition. Ongoing patient-centred communication and shared decision-making are critical as is teamwork and involvement of a palliative care team. Marital status, gender and ethnicity appear to influence care preferences. Of those studies examining patient preferences and/or the receiving of their preferences, these could be aligned with approximately half of the Australian essential elements for end-of-life care. CONCLUSIONS Providing end-of-life care for patients with advanced cancer in intensive care units is challenging. No studies have investigated prospectively the end-of-life care preferences of patients and their families in this acute setting. Further research is required to determine the elements of care preferences for patients with advanced cancer and their families in intensive care units in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan M Alyami
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Chamberlain Building St. Lucia Campus, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
- College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, PO Box 84428, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Raymond Javan Chan
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Division of Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Karen New
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
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16
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Forst D, Adams E, Nipp R, Martin A, El-Jawahri A, Aizer A, Jordan JT. Hospice utilization in patients with malignant gliomas. Neuro Oncol 2018; 20:538-545. [PMID: 29045712 PMCID: PMC5909651 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nox196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite recommendations from professional organizations supporting early hospice enrollment for patients with cancer, little research exists regarding end-of-life (EOL) practices for patients with malignant glioma (MG). We evaluated rates and correlates of hospice enrollment and hospice length of stay (LOS) among patients with MG. Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare-linked database, we identified adult patients who were diagnosed with MG from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2011 and who died before December 31, 2012. We extracted sociodemographic and clinical data and used univariate logistic regression analyses to compare characteristics of hospice recipients versus nonrecipients. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine predictors of hospice enrollment >3 or >7 days prior to death. Results We identified 12437 eligible patients (46% female), of whom 7849 (63%) were enrolled in hospice before death. On multivariable regression analysis, older age, female sex, higher level of education, white race, and lower median household income predicted hospice enrollment. Of those enrolled in hospice, 6996 (89%) were enrolled for >3 days, and 6047 (77%) were enrolled for >7 days. Older age, female sex, and urban residence were predictors of longer LOS (3- or 7-day minimum) on multivariable analysis. Median LOS on hospice for all enrolled patients was 21 days (interquartile range, 8-45 days). Conclusions We identified important disparities in hospice utilization among patients with MG, with differences by race, sex, age, level of education, and rural versus urban residence. Further investigation of these barriers to earlier and more widespread hospice utilization is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Forst
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric Adams
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ryan Nipp
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allison Martin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ayal Aizer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justin T Jordan
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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17
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DiMartino LD, Weiner BJ, Hanson LC, Weinberger M, Birken SA, Reeder-Hayes K, Trogdon JG. Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation and 30-Day Readmissions in Oncology. J Palliat Med 2017; 21:62-68. [PMID: 28772084 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research indicates that hospice and palliative care delivered in outpatient settings are associated with reduced hospital readmissions for cancer patients. However, little is known about how inpatient palliative care affects readmissions in oncology. OBJECTIVE To examine associations among inpatient palliative care consultation, hospice use (discharge), and 30-day readmissions among patients with solid tumor cancers. METHODS We identified all live discharges from a large tertiary cancer hospital between 2010 and 2016. Palliative care consult data were abstracted from medical charts and linked to hospital encounter data. Propensity scores were used to match palliative care consult to usual care encounters. Modified Poisson regression models estimated adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 30-day readmissions and hospice discharge. We compared predicted probabilities of readmission for palliative care consultation with hospice discharge, without hospice discharge, and usual care. RESULTS Of 8085 eligible encounters, 753 involved a palliative care consult. The likelihood of having a 30-day readmission did not differ between palliative care consult and usual care groups (p > 0.05). However, the palliative care consult group was more likely than usual care to have a hospice discharge (aRR = 4.09, 95% CI: 3.07-5.44). The predicted probability of 30-day readmission was lower when palliative care consultation was combined with hospice discharge compared to usual care or consultation with discharge to nonhospice postacute care (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The effect of inpatient palliative care on readmissions in oncology is largely driven by hospice enrollment. Strategies that combine palliative care consultation with hospice discharge may decrease hospital readmissions and improve cancer care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D DiMartino
- 1 Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,5 RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Bryan J Weiner
- 2 Departments of Global Health and Health Services, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Laura C Hanson
- 3 Division of Geriatric Medicine, Palliative Care Program, Cecil Sheps Center for Health Services Research, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Morris Weinberger
- 1 Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sarah A Birken
- 1 Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Katherine Reeder-Hayes
- 4 Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Justin G Trogdon
- 1 Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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18
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Costello J. Research roundup. Int J Palliat Nurs 2016. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2016.22.6.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Costello
- Senior Lecturer, University of Manchester School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work
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