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Johnson MJ, Rutterford L, Sunny A, Pask S, de Wolf-Linder S, Murtagh FEM, Ramsenthaler C. Benefits of specialist palliative care by identifying active ingredients of service composition, structure, and delivery model: A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004436. [PMID: 39093900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialist palliative care (SPC) services address the needs of people with advanced illness. Meta-analyses to date have been challenged by heterogeneity in SPC service models and outcome measures and have failed to produce an overall effect. The best service models are unknown. We aimed to estimate the summary effect of SPC across settings on quality of life and emotional wellbeing and identify the optimum service delivery model. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. Databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ICTRP, clinicaltrials.gov) were searched (January 1, 2000; December 28, 2023), supplemented with further hand searches (i.e., conference abstracts). Two researchers independently screened identified studies. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing SPC intervention versus usual care in adults with life-limiting disease and including patient or proxy reported outcomes as primary or secondary endpoints. The meta-analysis used, to our knowledge, novel methodology to convert outcomes into minimally clinically important difference (MID) units and the number needed to treat (NNT). Bias/quality was assessed via the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were used to synthesize endpoints between 2 weeks and 12 months for effect on quality of life and emotional wellbeing expressed and combined in units of MID. From 42,787 records, 39 international RCTs (n = 38 from high- and middle-income countries) were included. For quality of life (33 trials) and emotional wellbeing (22 trials), statistically and clinically significant benefit was seen from 3 months' follow-up for quality of life, standardized mean difference (SMD in MID units) effect size of 0.40 at 13 to 36 weeks, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.21, 0.59], p < 0.001, I2 = 60%). For quality of life at 13 to 36 weeks, 13% of the SPC intervention group experienced an effect of at least 1 MID unit change (relative risk (RR) = 1.13, 95% CI [1.06, 1.20], p < 0.001, I2 = 0%). For emotional wellbeing, 16% experienced an effect of at least 1 MID unit change at 13 to 36 weeks (95% CI [1.08, 1.24], p < 0.001, I2 = 0%). For quality of life, the NNT improved from 69 to 15; for emotional wellbeing from 46 to 28, from 2 weeks and 3 months, respectively. Higher effect sizes were associated with multidisciplinary and multicomponent interventions, across settings. Sensitivity analyses using robust MID estimates showed substantial (quality of life) and moderate (emotional wellbeing) benefits, and lower number-needed-to-treat, even with shorter follow-up. As the main limitation, MID effect sizes may be biased by relying on derivation in non-palliative care samples. CONCLUSIONS Using, to our knowledge, novel methods to combine different outcomes, we found clear evidence of moderate overall effect size for both quality of life and emotional wellbeing benefits from SPC, regardless of underlying condition, with multidisciplinary, multicomponent, and multi-setting models being most effective. Our data seriously challenge the current practice of referral to SPC close to death. Policy and service commissioning should drive needs-based referral at least 3 to 6 months before death as the optimal standard of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam J Johnson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anisha Sunny
- School of Psychology and Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Pask
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Susanne de Wolf-Linder
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
- School of Health Professions, Institute of Health Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Fliss E M Murtagh
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Ramsenthaler
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
- School of Health Professions, Institute of Health Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
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Kochovska S, Murtagh FEM, Agar M, Phillips JL, Dudgeon D, Lujic S, Johnson MJ, Currow DC. Creating more comparable cohorts in observational palliative care studies: A proposed framework to improve applicability and replicability of research. Palliat Med 2024; 38:617-624. [PMID: 38454317 PMCID: PMC11157983 DOI: 10.1177/02692163241234227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care is characterised by heterogeneous patient and caregiver populations who are provided care in different health systems and a research base including a large proportion of observational, mostly retrospective studies. The inherent diversity of palliative care populations and the often inadequate study descriptions challenge the application of new knowledge into practice and reproducibility for confirmatory studies. Being able to define systematically study populations would significantly increase their generalisability and effective translation into practice. PROPOSAL Based on an informal consensus process by active palliative care researchers challenged by this problem and a review of the current evidence, we propose an approach to creating more comparable cohorts in observational (non-randomised) palliative care studies that relies on defining the study population in relation to a fixed, well-defined event from which analyses are built ('anchoring'). In addition to providing a detailed and complete description of the study population, anchoring is the critical step in creating more comparable cohorts in observational palliative care studies. Anchoring can be done with respect to a single or multiple data points, and can support both prospective and retrospective data collection and analysis. DISCUSSION Anchoring the cohort to reproducible data points will help create more comparable cohorts in palliative care whilst mitigating its inherent heterogeneity. This, in turn, will help optimise the generalisability, applicability and reproducibility of observational palliative care studies to strengthen the evidence base and improve practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavica Kochovska
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Fliss EM Murtagh
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Meera Agar
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane L Phillips
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Deborah Dudgeon
- Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sanja Lujic
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - David C Currow
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Pereira J, Klinger C, Seow H, Marshall D, Herx L. Are We Consulting, Sharing Care, or Taking Over? A Conceptual Framework. Palliat Med Rep 2024; 5:104-115. [PMID: 38415077 PMCID: PMC10898231 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Primary- and specialist-level palliative care services are needed. They should work collaboratively and synergistically. Although several service models have been described, these remain open to different interpretations and deployment. Aim This article describes a conceptual framework, the Consultation-Shared Care-Takeover (C-S-T) Framework, its evolution and its applications. Design An iterative process informed the development of the Framework. This included a symposium, literature searches, results from three studies, and real-life applications. Results The C-S-T Framework represents a spectrum anchored by the Consultation model at one end, the Takeover model at the other end, and the Shared Care model in the center. Indicators, divided into five domains, help differentiate one model from the other. The domains are (1) Scope (What aspects of care are addressed by the palliative care clinician?); (2) Prescriber (Who prescribes the treatments?); (3) Communication (What communication occurs between the palliative care clinician and the patient's attending clinician?); (4) Follow-up (Who provides the follow-up visits and what is their frequency?); and (5) Most responsible practitioner (MRP) (Who is identified as MRP?). Each model demonstrates strengths, limitations, uses, and roles. Conclusions The C-S-T Framework can be used to better describe, understand, assess, and monitor models being used by specialist palliative care teams in their interactions with primary care providers and other specialist services. Large studies are needed to test the application of the Framework on a broader scale in health care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pereira
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Pallium Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Klinger
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Pallium Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hsien Seow
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Denise Marshall
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonie Herx
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Cotton A, Sayers J, Green H, Magann L, Paulik O, Sikhosana N, Fernandez R, Foster J. Older persons' perceptions and experiences of community palliative care: a systematic review of qualitative evidence. JBI Evid Synth 2024; 22:234-272. [PMID: 37930393 PMCID: PMC10871598 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-22-00353] [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: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to critically appraise and synthesize qualitative evidence of older persons' perceptions and experiences of community palliative care. INTRODUCTION Palliative care focuses on the relief of symptoms and suffering at the end of life and is needed by approximately 56.8 million people globally each year. An increase in aging populations coupled with the desire to die at home highlights the growing demand for community palliative care. This review provides an understanding of the unique experiences and perceptions of older adults receiving community palliative care. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review appraised qualitative studies examining the perceptions and experiences of older adults (65 years or older) receiving community palliative care. Eligible research designs included, but were not limited to, ethnography, grounded theory, and phenomenology. METHODS A search of the literature across CINAHL (EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid SP), Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus databases was undertaken in July 2021 and updated November 1, 2022. Included studies were published in English between 2000 and 2022. The search for unpublished studies included ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Study selection, quality appraisal, and data extraction were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Findings from the included studies were pooled using the JBI meta-aggregation method. RESULTS Nine qualitative studies involving 98 participants were included in this review. A total of 100 findings were extracted and grouped into 14 categories. Four synthesized findings evolved from these categories: i) Older persons receiving palliative care in the community recognize that their life is changed and come to terms with their situation, redefining what is normal, appreciating life lived, and celebrating the life they still have by living one day at a time; ii) Older persons receiving palliative care in the community experience isolation and loneliness exacerbated by their detachment and withdrawal from and by others; iii) Older persons receiving palliative care in the community face major challenges managing prevailing symptoms, medication management difficulties, and costs of medical care and equipment; and iv) Older persons want to receive palliative care and to die at home; however, this requires both informal and formal supports, including continuity of care, good communication, and positive relationships with health care providers. CONCLUSIONS Experiences and perceptions of community palliative care vary among older adults. These are influenced by the individual's expectations and needs, available services, and cost. Older adults' input into decision-making about their care is fundamental to their needs being met and is contingent on effective communication between the patient, family, and staff across services. Policy that advocates for trained palliative care staff to provide care is necessary to optimize care outcomes, while collaboration between staff and services is critical to enabling holistic care, managing symptoms, and providing compassionate care and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Cotton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The New South Wales Centre for Evidence Based Health Care: A JBI Affiliated Group, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Jan Sayers
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Heidi Green
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Transformative Nursing, Midwifery and Health Research: A JBI Affiliated Group, The University of Newcastle, Gosford, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Nqobile Sikhosana
- The New South Wales Centre for Evidence Based Health Care: A JBI Affiliated Group, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Ritin Fernandez
- Centre for Transformative Nursing, Midwifery and Health Research: A JBI Affiliated Group, The University of Newcastle, Gosford, NSW, Australia
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jann Foster
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The New South Wales Centre for Evidence Based Health Care: A JBI Affiliated Group, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Ingham Research Institute, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Jones A, Lapointe-Shaw L, Brown K, Babe G, Hillmer M, Costa A, Stall N, Quinn K. Short-term mortality and palliative care use after delayed hospital discharge: a population-based retrospective cohort study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024:spcare-2023-004647. [PMID: 38195118 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004647] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In Canada, patients whose acute medical issues have been resolved but are awaiting discharge from hospital are designated as alternate level of care (ALC). We investigated short-term mortality and palliative care use following ALC designation in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of adult, acute care hospital admissions in Ontario with an ALC designation between January and December 2021. Our follow-up window was until 90 days post-ALC designation or death. Setting of discharge and death was determined using admission and discharge dates from multiple databases. We measured palliative care using physician billings, inpatient palliative care records and palliative home care records. We compared the characteristics of ALC patients by 90-day survival status and compared palliative care use across settings of discharge and death. RESULTS We included 54 839 ALC patients with a median age of 80 years. Nearly one-fifth (18.4%) of patients died within 90 days. Patients who died were older, had more comorbid conditions and were more likely to be male. Among those who died, 35.1% were never discharged from hospital and 20.3% were discharged but ultimately died in the hospital. The majority of people who died received palliative care following their ALC designation (68.1%). CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of patients experiencing delayed discharge die within 3 months, with the majority dying in hospitals despite being identified as ready to be discharged. Future research should examine the adequacy of palliative care provision for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Jones
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Lapointe-Shaw
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Sinai Health System and the University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Brown
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Michael Hillmer
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Digital and Analytics Strategy, Ministry of Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Costa
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan Stall
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Sinai Health System and the University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's Age Lab and Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kieran Quinn
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Arian M, Hajiabadi F, Amini Z, Oghazian MB, Valinejadi A, Sahebkar A. Introduction of Various Models of Palliative Oncology Care: A Systematic Review. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2024; 19:109-126. [PMID: 38155467 DOI: 10.2174/0115748871272511231215053624] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to synthesize the existing evidence on various palliative care (PC) models for cancer patients. This effort seeks to discern which facets of PC models are suitable for various patient cohorts, elucidate their mechanisms, and clarify the circumstances in which these models operate. METHODS A comprehensive search was performed using MeSH terms related to PC and cancer across various databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and a comprehensive evidence map were also applied. RESULTS Thirty-three reviews were published between 2009 and 2023. The conceptual PC models can be classified broadly into time-based, provider-based, disease-based, nurse-based, issue-based, system-based, team-based, non-hospice-based, hospital-based, community-based, telehealth-based, and setting-based models. The study argues that the outcomes of PC encompass timely symptom management, longitudinal psychosocial support, enhanced communication, and decision-making. Referral methods to specialized PC services include oncologist-initiated referral based on clinical judgment alone, via referral criteria, automatic referral at the diagnosis of advanced cancer, or referral based on symptoms or other triggers. CONCLUSION The gold standard for selecting a PC model in the context of oncology is a model that ensures broad availability of early PC for all patients and provides well-timed, scheduled, and specialized care for patients with the greatest requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Arian
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hajiabadi
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zakiyeh Amini
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Oghazian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Ali Valinejadi
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Løkke A, Castello L, Pinheiro Martins P, Soulard S, Hilberg O. Burden of Disease and Productivity Loss in the European Economic Area in Patients Affected by Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease. Adv Ther 2023; 40:5502-5518. [PMID: 37837527 PMCID: PMC10611590 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02701-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progression of fibrosis in interstitial lung diseases (ILD) has been associated with poor prognosis, lower quality of life for patients and caregivers, and higher healthcare costs. This study estimated the burden of disease and productivity loss of progressively fibrosing ILD, focusing on progressive pulmonary fibrosis other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (non-IPF PPF) and systemic sclerosis-associated ILD (SSc-ILD) in the European Economic Area (EEA). METHODS An economic model was built to estimate the clinical burden of SSc-ILD and non-IPF PPF. The model was based on published data on disease prevalence and disease burden (in terms of comorbidities, exacerbations, and deaths) as well as on productivity loss (in terms of sick days, early retirement, permanent disability, and job loss). Aggregate income loss was obtained by multiplying productivity loss by the median daily income in each country/area of investigation. A sensitivity analysis was performed to test the impact of the variability of the model assumptions. RESULTS In the whole EEA, a total of 86,794 and 13,221 individuals were estimated to be affected by non-IPF PPF and SSc-ILD, respectively. Estimated annual sick days associated with the diseases were 3,952,604 and 672,172, early retirements were 23,174 and 5341, permanently disabled patients were 41,748 and 4037, and job losses were 19,789 and 2617 for non-IPF PPF and SSc-ILD, respectively. Annual exacerbations were estimated to be 22,401-31,181 and 1259-1753, while deaths were 5791-6171 and 572-638 in non-IPF PPF and SSc-ILD, respectively. The estimated annual aggregate income loss in EEA, accounting for losses due to annual sick days, early retirements, and permanently disabled patients, was €1433 million and €220 million in non-IPF PPF and SSc-ILD, respectively. The productivity loss due to job losses was €194 million and €26 million in non-IPF PPF and SSc-ILD, respectively. The main driver of aggregate income loss variability was the prevalence. CONCLUSION The impact of non-IPF PPF and SSc-ILD on society is definitely non-negligible. Actions to reduce the burden on our societies are highly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Løkke
- Department of Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Ole Hilberg
- Department of Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Bassah N, Vaughn L, Santos Salas A. Nurse-led adult palliative care models in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:4112-4126. [PMID: 36965072 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To map evidence on the nature and extent of use of nurse-led palliative care models in low- and middle-income countries serving adults with life-limiting conditions. DESIGN A scoping review of the literature was undertaken. DATA SOURCES A systematic search was performed from database inception to March 2022 in: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Wiley Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Web of Science, SciELO and Global Health. Main search terms included: Nurse-led AND Palliative care AND Low-and middle-income countries. Grey literature was searched from Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global, the World Health Organization and selected palliative care websites. We searched the reference list of included articles for additional studies. REVIEW METHODS We used the framework by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Titles and abstracts were screened by one reviewer and full text by two reviewers. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize data and results are presented descriptively using themes and categories. RESULTS Eighteen studies were included, with majority from Sub-Saharan Africa (10/20). Three nurse-led palliative care models emerged: nurse-led empowering care, nurse-led symptom control and nurse-led multicomponent palliative care. They served particularly cancer and HIV patients and were delivered in person or by telehealth care. Reported outcomes were adherence to therapy, improved self-care ability, improved quality of life and increased access to palliative. CONCLUSIONS The use of nurse-led palliative care in low- and middle-income countries is in its developing stages and seems feasible. Nursing roles in in low- and middle-income countries need to be expanded by developing advanced practice nurses and nurse practitioner programmes, with palliative care content. More impact evaluation studies on the use of nurse-led palliative care models in these countries are needed. IMPACT This review highlights nurse-led care models that can enhance access and quality of life of patients with life-limiting conditions in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahyeni Bassah
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 3rd Floor Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Lisa Vaughn
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 3rd Floor Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anna Santos Salas
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 3rd Floor Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Iupati S, Stanley J, Egan R, MacLeod R, Davies C, Spence H, Iupati D, Middlemiss T, Gwynne-Robson I. Systematic Review of Models of Effective Community Specialist Palliative Care Services for Evidence of Improved Patient-Related Outcomes, Equity, Integration, and Health Service Utilization. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1562-1577. [PMID: 37366688 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0461] [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: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The benefits of palliative care programs are well documented. However, the effectiveness of specialist palliative care services is not well established. The previous lack of consensus on criteria for defining and characterizing models of care has restrained direct comparison between these models and limited the evidence base to inform policy makers. A rapid review for studies published up to 2012 was unable to find an effective model. Aim: To identify effective models of community specialist palliative care services. Design: A mixed-method synthesis design reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. Prospero: CRD42020151840. Data sources: Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched in September 2019 for primary research and review articles from 2012 to 2019. Supplementary search was conducted on Google in 2020 for policy documents to identify additional relevant studies. Results: The search yielded 2255 articles; 36 articles satisfied the eligibility criteria and 6 additional articles were identified from other sources. Eight systematic reviews and 34 primary studies were identified: observational studies (n = 24), randomized controlled trials (n = 5), and qualitative studies (n = 5). Community specialist palliative care was found to improve symptom burden/quality of life and to reduce secondary service utilization across cancer and noncancer diagnoses. Much of this evidence relates to face-to-face care in home-based settings with both round-the-clock and episodic care. There were few studies addressing pediatric populations or minority groups. Findings from qualitative studies revealed that care coordination, provision of practical help, after-hours support, and medical crisis management were some of the factors contributing to patients' and caregivers' positive experience. Conclusion: Strong evidence exists for community specialist palliative care to improve quality of life and reducing secondary service utilization. Future research should focus on equity outcomes and the interface between generalist and specialist care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salina Iupati
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Te Omanga Hospice, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
| | - James Stanley
- Biostatistics Group, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Richard Egan
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Roderick MacLeod
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cheryl Davies
- Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma and Research Trust, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
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Negasa EH, Human SP, Roro AG. Challenges in Palliative Care Provision in Ethiopia: An Exploratory Qualitative Study. J Pain Res 2023; 16:3405-3415. [PMID: 37817758 PMCID: PMC10561620 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s415866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of chronic illnesses is increasing at an alarming rate in Ethiopia. However, the existing palliative care service is not adequate to address the palliative care need of the patients and their families. This demands the need to explore, among other things, the challenges in palliative care provision. Thus, this article aimed to examine the challenges of palliative care provision in Ethiopia. Methods The study considered Ethiopia as a case and examined the topic using a qualitative exploratory design. The data used in the study were collected through 29 in-depth interviews and 5 focus group discussions with health professionals and other stakeholders and analyzed using thematic analysis technique with ATLAS-ti 7.0 computer software. Results This study explored patient-related, provider-related, health system-related and partnership-related challenges/gaps in palliative care in Ethiopia. Patient-related factors include, delay in seeking medical care, lack of awareness of disease conditions, discontinuation of treatment due to inability to pay, a lack of follow-up care by considering cancer diagnosis as end of life/death and preferring dying at home. Provider-related challenges include lack of awareness of palliative care, lack of pre-service/in-service training for health professionals, absence of palliative care in the curricula of health programs and scarcity of research information on palliative care in Ethiopia. Health-system challenges include lack of drug, reagent shortage, limited chemotherapy and radiotherapy services, and weak facility-community linkage. Finally, lack of collaborators between governmental and non-governmental organizations was seen as a challenge to the provision of palliative care in Ethiopia. Conclusion The study revealed that the challenges to palliative care provision in Ethiopia include patient-related factors, provider-related factors, health facility-related factors and partnership-related factors. Therefore, it is vital to take these challenges into account in order to improve the current palliative care service provision in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endalew Hailu Negasa
- Department of Nursing, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromiya, Ethiopia
| | - Sarie Petronella Human
- Department of Health Studies, College of Human Science, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ameyu Godesso Roro
- Department of Sociology, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromiya, Ethiopia
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11
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Hatzikiriakidis K, Ayton D, Skouteris H, Patitsas L, Smith K, Dhulia A, Poon P. A rapid umbrella review of the literature surrounding the provision of patient-centred end-of-life care. Palliat Med 2023; 37:1079-1099. [PMID: 37448148 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231183007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients have reported a broad range of unmet needs in their receipt of clinical care at the end of life. Therefore, enhancing the quality of end-of-life care through patient-centred healthcare interactions is warranted. AIM The aim of this rapid umbrella review was to synthesise previous literature reviews that have examined: (1) patient preferences for patient-centred end-of-life care; (2) barriers and enablers to patient-centred end-of-life care; (3) interventions designed to enhance patient-centred end-of-life care; and (4) patient-centred models of end-of-life care. DESIGN A rapid umbrella review was conducted and informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodological guidance for conducting umbrella reviews. DATA SOURCES Three academic databases were searched for relevant literature in May 2022: MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL Plus. Inclusion criteria encompassed literature reviews that examined the topic of patient-centred care for any adult patients in end-of-life care. RESULTS A total of 92 literature reviews were identified. Findings suggest that there is often a discrepancy between patient preferences and the provision of care. These discrepancies have been associated with a range of barriers at the patient, staff and system levels. Common interventions included education and training for staff which were often met with improved patient outcomes. Patient-centred models of care were underrepresented across the literature. CONCLUSIONS This review highlighted a need for healthcare systems to support staff in providing a patient-centred end of life experience through the development of a co-designed patient-centred model of care, supplemented by professional development and a systematic approach to identifying and documenting patient preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas Hatzikiriakidis
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton VIC, Australia
| | - Darshini Ayton
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton VIC, Australia
| | - Helen Skouteris
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton VIC, Australia
- Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Patitsas
- Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Peter Poon
- Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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12
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Fee A, Hasson F, Slater P, Payne S, McConnell T, Finlay DA, McIlfatrick S. Out-of-hours community palliative care: a national survey of hospice providers. Int J Palliat Nurs 2023; 29:137-143. [PMID: 36952353 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2023.29.3.137] [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] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based palliative out-of-hours services operate outside normal working hours. However, little is known about the provision and delivery of such care. AIM The aim of this study was to describe types of provision and delivery of out-of-hours palliative care services provided by UK hospices. METHODS Survey questionnaires were emailed to 150 adult hospices in the UK. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and qualitative data subjected to thematic analysis. FINDINGS Responding hospices (n=57) provided the following types of support: telephone advice 72% (n=41); care at home 70% (n=40); and rapid response 35% (n=20). There were variations between services regarding referral mechanisms, availability and workforce, and integration with statutory services was limited. CONCLUSION Variation in the type of provision and delivery of out-of-hours palliative care services alongside limited integration with statutory care have contributed to inequity of access to community-based palliative care, and potentially suboptimal patient and informal caregiver outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Fee
- Research Associate, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Felicity Hasson
- Senior Lecturer, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Paul Slater
- Lecturer/Statistician, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Sheila Payne
- Emeritus Professor, International Observatory on End-of-Life Care, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, England, UK
| | - Tracey McConnell
- Senior Research Fellow, Marie Curie Hospice Belfast, Belfast; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Northern Ireland/Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Dori-Anne Finlay
- Patient and Public Involvement Representative, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Sonja McIlfatrick
- Professor of Nursing and Palliative Care/Head of School of Nursing, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, UK
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13
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Firth AM, Lin CP, Yi DH, Goodrich J, Gaczkowska I, Waite F, Harding R, Murtagh FE, Evans CJ. How is community based 'out-of-hours' care provided to patients with advanced illness near the end of life: A systematic review of care provision. Palliat Med 2023; 37:310-328. [PMID: 36924146 PMCID: PMC10126468 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231154760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deaths in the community are increasing. However, community palliative care out-of-hours is variable. We lack detailed understanding of how care is provided out-of-hours and the associated outcomes. AIM To review systematically the components, outcomes and economic evaluation of community-based 'out-of-hours' care for patients near the end of life and their families. DESIGN Mixed method systematic narrative review. Narrative synthesis, development and application of a typology to categorise out-of-hours provision. Qualitative data were synthesised thematically and integrated at the level of interpretation and reporting. DATA SOURCES Systematic review searching; MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL from January 1990 to 1st August 2022. RESULTS About 64 publications from 54 studies were synthesised (from 9259 retrieved). Two main themes were identified: (1) importance of being known to a service and (2) high-quality coordination of care. A typology of out-of-hours service provision was constructed using three overarching dimensions (service times, focus of team delivering the care and type of care delivered) resulting in 15 categories of care. Only nine papers were randomised control trials or controlled cohorts reporting outcomes. Evidence on effectiveness was apparent for providing 24/7 specialist palliative care with both hands-on clinical care and advisory care. Only nine publications reported economic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS The typological framework allows models of out-of-hours care to be systematically defined and compared. We highlight the models of out-of-hours care which are linked with improvement of patient outcomes. There is a need for effectiveness and cost effectiveness studies which define and categorise out-of-hours care to allow thorough evaluation of services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Firth
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Cheng-Pei Lin
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK.,Institute of Community Health Care, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei
| | - Deok Hee Yi
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Joanna Goodrich
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Inez Gaczkowska
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Frances Waite
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Richard Harding
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Fliss Em Murtagh
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK.,University of Hull, Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull, UK
| | - Catherine J Evans
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
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14
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De Brauwer I, Henrard S, Baeyens H, Van Den Noortgate N, De Saint-Hubert M, Piers R. Palliative profile, one-year mortality and quality of life in older inpatients according to Be-PICT: a multicenter prospective cohort study. Acta Clin Belg 2023; 78:16-24. [PMID: 35293853 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2022.2053812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A palliative care approach (PCA), including advanced care planning (ACP), should be considered for patients with limited life expectancy. The Belgian Palliative Care Indicators Tool (Be-PICT) has been released to help identify patients who may benefit from such approach. This study aimed at measuring 1-year mortality and describe the quality of life in older inpatients, according to baseline Be-PICT results. METHODS Prospective multicentre cohort study in older patients (≥ 75 years) admitted at geriatrics and cardiology wards of four Belgian hospitals. The palliative profile was defined as a positive Be-PICT.1, defined by the presence of its three criteria, i.e. a negative physician's answer to the surprise question 'would you be surprised if this patient dies in the 6-12 next months?', ≥ 1 poor health indicator and ≥ 1 life-limiting condition. RESULTS Of the 379 patients (50% aged ≥85 years; 51% female), 52 (14%) presented a palliative profile and 83 (23%) died within 1 year. Be-PICT.1 showed the following characteristics to predict 1-year mortality: sensitivity 0.54, specificity 0.83, positive and negative predictive values 0.48 and 0.86, positive and negative likelihood ratios 3.22 and 0.55. The patients with a palliative profile were at higher mortality risk (hazard ratio 4.79 p < 0.001) and 1-year mortality rate (45%). Not using the SQ allowed to improve sensitivity to include a larger number of patients who may benefit from ACP and PCA. CONCLUSIONS Be-PICT.1 is a simple case-finding tool to identify older inpatients being at high mortality risk and candidates for ACP and PCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle De Brauwer
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium.,Institute of Health and Society, UCLouvain, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Séverine Henrard
- Institute of Health and Society, UCLouvain, Bruxelles, Belgium.,Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Hilde Baeyens
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, AZ Alma Campus Eeklo, Eeklo, Belgium
| | - Nele Van Den Noortgate
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marie De Saint-Hubert
- Institute of Health and Society, UCLouvain, Bruxelles, Belgium.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, CHU UCL Namur, Yvoir, Namur, Belgium
| | - Ruth Piers
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
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15
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French M, Keegan T, Preston N. Facilitating equitable access to hospice care in socially deprived areas: A mixed methods multiple case study. Palliat Med 2022; 37:508-519. [PMID: 36380483 PMCID: PMC10074748 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221133977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is uncertainty about the factors influencing inequities in access to palliative care in socially deprived areas, including the role of service models and professional perceptions. AIM To explore the relationship between social deprivation and access to hospice care, including factors influencing access and professional experiences of providing care. DESIGN A mixed-methods multiple case study approach was used. Hospice referrals data were analysed using generalised linear mixed models and other regression analyses. Qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings from different areas (cases) were compared in a cross-case analysis. SETTING The study took place in North West England, using data from three hospices (8699 hospice patients) and interviews with 42 healthcare professionals. RESULTS Social deprivation was not statistically significantly, or consistently, associated with hospice referrals in the three cases (Case 1, Incidence Rate Ratio 1.04, p = 0.75; Case 2, Incidence Rate Ratio 1.09, p = 0.15, Case 3, Incidence Rate Ratio 0.88, p = 0.35). Hospice data and interviews suggest the model of hospice care, including working relationship with hospitals, and the local nature of social deprivation influenced access. Circumstances associated with social deprivation can conflict with professional expectations within palliative care. CONCLUSION Hospice care in the UK can be organised in ways that facilitate referrals of patients from socially deprived areas, although uncertainty about what constitutes need limits conclusions about equity. Grounding professional narratives around expectations, responsibility, and choice in frameworks that recognise the sociostructural influences on end-of-life circumstances may help to foster more equitable palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddy French
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, UK
| | | | - Nancy Preston
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, UK
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16
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Bradley N, Dowrick C, Lloyd-Williams M. Feasibility of Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Psychosocial Palliative Care: Observational Cohort Study of Hospice Day Care and Social Support Groups. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13258. [PMID: 36293835 PMCID: PMC9603547 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Palliative care patients can be at risk of social isolation or loneliness. Interventions that can provide effective social support, and particularly emotional support, could facilitate healthy coping that bolsters quality of life and reduces depression in palliative care patients. This is an observational cohort study which recruited thirty patients (n = 30) from the day services of four independent hospices in England. Participants completed patient reported outcome measures in perceived social support, loneliness, and depression, at up to three time points. Age range was 56-91 years, males and females were equally represented, and the sample was 93% white British. In participants that provided two or more timepoints, perceived social support increased, and loneliness and depression decreased. Largest changes with the least variation between participants was in emotional support (p = 0.165) and loneliness (p = 0.104). These results suggest that the psychosocial patient reported outcome measures used (MOS-SS, UCLA, BEDS) could be sensitive to change aligned with the goals of this intervention in palliative care. Participants in this study were observed to derive psychosocial benefit from attending the hospice day service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Bradley
- Centre for Health & Clinical Research, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1DD, UK
| | - Christopher Dowrick
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Mari Lloyd-Williams
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
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17
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Schilling S, Armaou M, Morrison Z, Carding P, Bricknell M, Connelly V. Understanding teamwork in rapidly deployed interprofessional teams in intensive and acute care: A systematic review of reviews. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272942. [PMID: 35980893 PMCID: PMC9387792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid increase of acute and intensive care capacities in hospitals needed during the response to COVID-19 created an urgent demand for skilled healthcare staff across the globe. To upscale capacity, many hospitals chose to increase their teams in these departments with rapidly re-deployed inter-professional healthcare personnel, many of whom had no prior experience of working in a high-risk environment and were neither prepared nor trained for work on such wards. This systematic review of reviews examines the current evidence base for successful teamwork in rapidly deployed interprofessional teams in intensive and acute care settings, by assessing systematic reviews of empirical studies to inform future deployments and support of rapidly formed clinical teams. This study identified 18 systematic reviews for further analysis. Utilising an integrative narrative synthesis process supported by thematic coding and graphical network analysis, 13 themes were found to dominate the literature on teams and teamwork in inter-professional and inter-disciplinary teams. This approach was chosen to make the selection process more transparent and enable the thematic clusters in the reviewed papers to be presented visually and codifying four factors that structure the literature on inter-professional teams (i.e., team-internal procedures and dynamics, communicative processes, organisational and team extrinsic influences on teams, and lastly patient and staff outcomes). Practically, the findings suggest that managers and team leaders in fluid and ad-hoc inter-professional healthcare teams in an intensive care environment need to pay attention to reducing pre-existing occupational identities and power-dynamics by emphasizing skill mix, establishing combined workspaces and break areas, clarifying roles and responsibilities, facilitating formal information exchange and developing informal opportunities for communication. The results may guide the further analysis of factors that affect the performance of inter-professional teams in emergency and crisis deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schilling
- Department of Psychology, Health & Professional Development, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- School of Security Studies, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Maria Armaou
- Department of Psychology, Health & Professional Development, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Morrison
- Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Carding
- Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Bricknell
- School of Security Studies, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent Connelly
- Department of Psychology, Health & Professional Development, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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18
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Death doulas have gained greater attention recently by offering psychosocial, spiritual and other non-clinical support for patients with time-limiting diseases, including their families, with the potential to complement existing end-of-life care services. However, their roles, scope of practice and care impact remain poorly understood. AIM To describe existing knowledge on death doulas regarding their roles, care impact, training and regulation. DESIGN This scoping review utilised Levac et al.'s framework and textual narrative synthesis to summarise the findings. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles from inception to 20 May 2021. Empirical studies, narrative reports, unpublished theses and studies in English were included. RESULTS Thirteen articles were included. Death doulas take on diverse roles in end-of-life care. Their roles include providing psychosocial, spiritual, practical support, companionship and resource navigation. The positive impacts of engaging a death doula include continuous presence, holistic service and flexible payment regime. The negative aspects include role inconsistencies and confusion among healthcare professionals and the public. CONCLUSIONS Death doulas can augment existing end-of-life care services by providing holistic and personalised care services at home or hospital settings. Their roles are still evolving and remain mostly unregulated, with little evidence about their impact. There is a need for more rigorous studies to explore healthcare professionals' views about this role and examine the clinical outcomes among dying persons and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hui Zhang
- National University of Singapore, Singapore
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19
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Croker A, Fisher K, Hungerford P, Gourlay J, May J, Lees S, Chapman J. Developing a meta-understanding of 'human aspects' of providing palliative care. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2022; 16:26323524221083679. [PMID: 35281714 PMCID: PMC8915236 DOI: 10.1177/26323524221083679] [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: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Our intention was to develop a meta-understanding of the ‘human aspects’ of providing palliative care. Integral to developing this meta-understanding was recognising the individuality of people, their varied involvements, situations, understandings, and responses, and the difficulty in stepping back to get a whole view of this while being in the midst of providing palliative care. We intended for this meta-understanding to inform reflections and sense-making conversations related to people’s changing situations and diverse needs. Methods: Using collaborative inquiry, this qualitative research was undertaken ‘with’ clinicians rather than ‘on’ them. Our team (n = 7) was composed of palliative care clinicians and researchers from a co-located rural health service and university. We explored our personal perceptions and experiences through a series of 12 meetings over 8 months. In addition, through five focus groups, we acccessed perceptions and experiences of 13 purposively sampled participants with a range of roles as carers and/or healthcare providers. Data were dialogically and iteratively interpreted. Findings: Our meta-understanding of ‘human aspects’ of providing palliative care, represented diagrammatically in a model, is composed of ATTRIBUTES OF HUMANITY and ACTIONS OF CARING. ATTRIBUTES OF HUMANITY are death’s inevitability, suffering’s variability, compassion’s dynamic nature, and hope’s precariousness. ACTIONS OF CARING include recognising and responding, aligning expectations, valuing relationships, and using resources wisely. The meta-understanding is a framework to keep multiple complex concepts ‘in view’ as they interrelate with each other. Significance of findings: Our meta-understanding, highlighting ‘human aspects’ of providing palliative care, has scope to embrace complexity, uncertainty, and the interrelatedness of people in the midst of resourcing, requiring, and engaging in palliative care. Questions are posed for this purpose. The non-linear diagrammatic representation of ATTRIBUTES OF HUMANITY and ACTIONS OF CARING facilitates multiple ways of engaging and revisiting palliative care situations or navigating changes within and across them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Croker
- Department of Rural Health (UONDRH), The University of Newcastle, 114 - 148 Johnston Street, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia
| | - Karin Fisher
- Department of Rural Health (UONDRH), The University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jonathan Gourlay
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer May
- Department of Rural Health (UONDRH), The University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | - Shannon Lees
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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20
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Wikert J, Gesell D, Bausewein C, Jansky M, Nauck F, Kranz S, Hodiamont F. Specialist palliative care classification: typology development. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022:bmjspcare-2021-003435. [PMID: 35135807 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The heterogeneity of specialist palliative care services requires a classification to enable a clear description and comparison. In Germany, specialist palliative care is provided by palliative care units, palliative care advisory teams in hospitals and palliative home care teams. The differentiation between the three care settings can serve as a first level of classification. However, due to profound variations in regulatory structures and financing systems, services within each setting are heterogeneous and characteristics remain unclear, which impedes quality management. Further characteristics of specialist palliative care models need to be considered to allow for differentiation. Thus, services should be described on a polyhierarchical basis, such as a typology, representing relevant characteristics. We aimed at the development of a comprehensive classification to facilitate the description and differentiation of specialist palliative care models. METHODS Qualitative study including the development of a literature based, preliminary list of structural and processual characteristics, expert interviews and focus groups. Eleven interviews from May to June 2020 and two focus groups, with seven and nine participants each, in January 2021. RESULTS Several structure and process characteristics were identified as suitable features for the specification of specialist palliative care in Germany. A classification in form of a typology including relevant characteristics has been developed. CONCLUSIONS The advanced typology refines the existing level of differentiation within specialist palliative care services in Germany and paves the way for an improved understanding of services. This deeper insight into structure and process characteristics of specialist palliative care is necessary internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Wikert
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Gesell
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximiliane Jansky
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Friedemann Nauck
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Steven Kranz
- German Association for Palliative Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Farina Hodiamont
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
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21
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Hodiamont F, Schatz C, Gesell D, Leidl R, Boulesteix AL, Nauck F, Wikert J, Jansky M, Kranz S, Bausewein C. COMPANION: development of a patient-centred complexity and casemix classification for adult palliative care patients based on needs and resource use - a protocol for a cross-sectional multi-centre study. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:18. [PMID: 35120502 PMCID: PMC8814797 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A casemix classification based on patients’ needs can serve to better describe the patient group in palliative care and thus help to develop adequate future care structures and enable national benchmarking and quality control. However, in Germany, there is no such an evidence-based system to differentiate the complexity of patients’ needs in palliative care. Therefore, the study aims to develop a patient-oriented, nationally applicable complexity and casemix classification for adult palliative care patients in Germany. Methods COMPANION is a mixed-methods study with data derived from three subprojects. Subproject 1: Prospective, cross-sectional multi-centre study collecting data on patients’ needs which reflect the complexity of the respective patient situation, as well as data on resources that are required to meet these needs in specialist palliative care units, palliative care advisory teams, and specialist palliative home care. Subproject 2: Qualitative study including the development of a literature-based preliminary list of characteristics, expert interviews, and a focus group to develop a taxonomy for specialist palliative care models. Subproject 3: Multi-centre costing study based on resource data from subproject 1 and data of study centres. Data and results from the three subprojects will inform each other and form the basis for the development of the casemix classification. Ultimately, the casemix classification will be developed by applying Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analyses using patient and complexity data from subproject 1 and patient-related cost data from subproject 3. Discussion This is the first multi-centre costing study that integrates the structure and process characteristics of different palliative care settings in Germany with individual patient care. The mixed methods design and variety of included data allow for the development of a casemix classification that reflect on the complexity of the research subject. The consecutive inclusion of all patients cared for in participating study centres within the time of data collection allows for a comprehensive description of palliative care patients and their needs. A limiting factor is that data will be collected at least partly during the COVID-19 pandemic and potential impact of the pandemic on health care and the research topic cannot be excluded. Trial registration German Register for Clinical Studies trial registration number: DRKS00020517.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farina Hodiamont
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.
| | - Caroline Schatz
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Munich, Germany.,Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, LMU Munich School of Management, Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Gesell
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Reiner Leidl
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Munich, Germany.,Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, LMU Munich School of Management, Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne-Laure Boulesteix
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), Munich, Germany
| | - Friedemann Nauck
- Clinic for Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia Wikert
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximiliane Jansky
- Clinic for Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Steven Kranz
- German Association for Palliative Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
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22
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Bayly J, Bone AE, Ellis-Smith C, Tunnard I, Yaqub S, Yi D, Nkhoma KB, Cook A, Combes S, Bajwah S, Harding R, Nicholson C, Normand C, Ahuja S, Turrillas P, Kizawa Y, Morita T, Nishiyama N, Tsuneto S, Ong P, Higginson IJ, Evans CJ, Maddocks M. Common elements of service delivery models that optimise quality of life and health service use among older people with advanced progressive conditions: a tertiary systematic review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048417. [PMID: 34853100 PMCID: PMC8638152 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health and social care services worldwide need to support ageing populations to live well with advanced progressive conditions while adapting to functional decline and finitude. We aimed to identify and map common elements of effective geriatric and palliative care services and consider their scalability and generalisability to high, middle and low-income countries. METHODS Tertiary systematic review (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, Embase, January 2000-October 2019) of studies in geriatric or palliative care that demonstrated improved quality of life and/or health service use outcomes among older people with advanced progressive conditions. Using frameworks for health system analysis, service elements were identified. We used a staged, iterative process to develop a 'common components' logic model and consulted experts in geriatric or palliative care from high, middle and low-income countries on its scalability. RESULTS 78 studies (59 geriatric and 19 palliative) spanning all WHO regions were included. Data were available from 17 739 participants. Nearly half the studies recruited patients with heart failure (n=36) and one-third recruited patients with mixed diagnoses (n=26). Common service elements (≥80% of studies) included collaborative working, ongoing assessment, active patient participation, patient/family education and patient self-management. Effective services incorporated patient engagement, patient goal-driven care and the centrality of patient needs. Stakeholders (n=20) emphasised that wider implementation of such services would require access to skilled, multidisciplinary teams with sufficient resource to meet patients' needs. Identified barriers to scalability included the political and societal will to invest in and prioritise palliative and geriatric care for older people, alongside geographical and socioeconomic factors. CONCLUSION Our logic model combines elements of effective services to achieve optimal quality of life and health service use among older people with advanced progressive conditions. The model transcends current best practice in geriatric and palliative care and applies across the care continuum, from prevention of functional decline to end-of-life care. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020150252.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Bayly
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
- St Barnabas Hospice, Worthing, UK
| | - Anna E Bone
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Clare Ellis-Smith
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - India Tunnard
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shuja Yaqub
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deokhee Yi
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kennedy B Nkhoma
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Amelia Cook
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Combes
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
- St Christopher's Hospice, London, UK
- University of Surrey Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Guildford, UK
| | - Sabrina Bajwah
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Harding
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline Nicholson
- St Christopher's Hospice, London, UK
- University of Surrey Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Guildford, UK
| | - Charles Normand
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, The University of Dublin Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shalini Ahuja
- Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Pamela Turrillas
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Nanako Nishiyama
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University, Habikino, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Department of Palliative Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Paul Ong
- WHO Centre for Health Development (WKC), Kobe, Japan
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Catherine J Evans
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
- Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Matthew Maddocks
- Cicely Saunders Institute for Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
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23
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Components for providing person-centred palliative healthcare: An umbrella review. Int J Nurs Stud 2021; 125:104111. [PMID: 34773736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.104111] [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: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Person-centred palliative healthcare is an important approach to maintaining and improving patients' quality of life living with a chronic non-communicable disease and their partners. Such an approach can reduce unnecessary hospitalisation, holistically address the patient and their partners' needs, and help develop an advance care plan. OBJECTIVES Assess, analyse, and synthesise the currently existing international guidelines for providing person-centred palliative care and identify the key components for providing a high-quality approach. METHODS An umbrella review methodology of systematic reviews with the method of examination, analysis and synthesis of literature and the compilation method. Relevant systematic reviews of guidelines for providing person-centred palliative care in English, German and/or Slovenian language in PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases, until November 2020. RESULTS Out of 3,910 records, we included seven reviews for thematic synthesis. We identified four key elements of flourishing in person-centred palliative healthcare: (i) Healthcare staff prerequisites and traits; (ii) Palliative healthcare environment; (iii) Palliative healthcare processes; and (iv) Palliative healthcare outcomes. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that person-centred palliative healthcare plays an important role in the comprehensive treatment of patients living with a non-communicable disease accompanied by disturbing symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness amongst healthcare professionals and especially general practitioners about the possibilities of including patients with a non-communicable disease in early person-centred palliative healthcare. Tweetable Abstract: #UmbrellaReview of components for providing #personcentredpalliative #healthcare. Components provide healthcare professionals and interdisciplinary #palliative teams with the steps on how to give #personcentredpalliative #healthcare to #patient and #support to #carepartners.
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24
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Yang GM, Shivanada S, Foo C, Neo SH, Ho S, Yoon S. Experience of Patients in a Consult Model versus an Integrated Palliative Care and Medical Oncology Co-Rounding Model: A Qualitative Study. J Palliat Med 2021; 25:291-295. [PMID: 34748407 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Research on different models of palliative care should include evaluation of the patients' experience of care. Objectives: To understand the patients' experience regarding care received in a consult model versus an integrated palliative care and medical oncology co-rounding model during a hospital admission. Design: Qualitative study using thematic analysis. Setting/Subjects: Seventeen patients with stage 4 solid tumor admitted to a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Results: Although experiences of care during the hospital stay were similar in both models, patients in the integrated model were able to better articulate the benefits of palliative care involvement alongside oncologists-to facilitate better communication and a more holistic understanding of the clinical context, with a view to effectively addressing the patient's needs. Conclusions: An integrated co-rounding model may possibly smoothen the transition for advanced cancer patients to palliative care, and could perhaps be considered for implementation to foster reach of palliative care services and improve patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Meijuan Yang
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of General Medicine, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sushma Shivanada
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cherylyn Foo
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shirlyn Huishan Neo
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shirlynn Ho
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sungwon Yoon
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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25
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Meng L, Peters MDJ, Sharplin G, Eckert M. Outcome measures of palliative care programs and interventions implemented in nursing homes: a scoping review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2021; 20:715-722. [PMID: 34698706 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-20-00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to identify and map the outcomes reported from evaluations that measure the effectiveness and acceptability of palliative care programs and interventions in residential aged care facilities. INTRODUCTION As the population ages, there is increasing attention on implementing new interventions and programs to improve palliative care in residential aged care facilities. However, there is no standard evaluation for intervention implementation. Mapping the outcome measures used in evaluations of diverse palliative care interventions in residential aged care facilities has not been explored recently. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review will consider studies involving older adults (aged 50 and above) in any country living and receiving care in residential aged care facilities. This review will exclude literature that focused on other age groups and people receiving palliative care in other care settings, such as hospitals, palliative care inpatient units, sheltered housing, cancer centers, own homes, and hospices. METHODS This scoping review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. This scoping review will identify both published and unpublished (eg, gray literature) primary studies, as well as reviews. The databases to be searched for published studies will include MEDLINE, Emcare, ProQuest, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The search will be limited to evidence published in English from 2008 to the present. Visual, tabular, and accompanying narrative summaries will be used to present the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyuan Meng
- University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia Adelaide Nursing School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia The Centre for Evidence-based Practice South Australia (CEPSA): A JBI Centre of Excellence, Adelaide, SA, Australia College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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26
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Rumbold B, Aoun SM. Palliative and End-of-Life Care Service Models: To What Extent Are Consumer Perspectives Considered? Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9101286. [PMID: 34682966 PMCID: PMC8536088 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This article presents evidence found in a search of national and international literature for patient preferences concerning settings in which to receive palliative care and the appropriateness of different models of palliative care. The purpose was to inform end-of-life care policy and service development of the Western Australian Department of Health through a rapid review of the literature. It was found that consumer experience of palliative care is investigated poorly, and consumer contribution to service and policy design is limited and selective. Most patients experience a mix of settings during their illness, and evidence found by the review has more to do with qualities and values that will contribute to good end-of-life care in any location. Models of care do not make systematic use of the consumer data that are available to them, although an increasingly common theme is the need for integration of the various sources of care supporting dying people. It is equally clear that most integration models limit their attention to end-of-life care provided by health services. Transitions between settings merit further attention. We argue that models of care should take account of consumer experience not by incorporating generalised evidence but by co-creating services with local communities using a public health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Rumbold
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Samar M. Aoun
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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27
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Yang GM, Zhou S, Xu Z, Goh SS, Zhu X, Chong DQ, Tan DS, Kanesvaran R, Yee AC, Neo PS, Cheung YB. Comparing the effect of a consult model versus an integrated palliative care and medical oncology co-rounding model on health care utilization in an acute hospital - an open-label stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial. Palliat Med 2021; 35:1578-1589. [PMID: 34524044 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211022957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The benefit of specialist palliative care for cancer inpatients is established, but the best method to deliver specialist palliative care is unknown. AIM To compare a consult model versus a co-rounding model; both provide the same content of specialist palliative care to individual patients but differ in the level of integration between palliative care and oncology clinicians. DESIGN An open-label, cluster-randomized trial with stepped-wedge design. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay; secondary outcomes were 30-day readmissions and access to specialist palliative care. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03330509. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Cancer patients admitted to the oncology inpatient service of an acute hospital in Singapore. RESULTS A total of 5681 admissions from December 2017 to July 2019 were included, of which 5295 involved stage 3-4 cancer and 1221 received specialist palliative care review. Admissions in the co-rounding model had a shorter hospital length of stay than those in the consult model by 0.70 days (95%CI -0.04 to 1.45, p = 0.065) for all admissions. In the sub-group of stage 3-4 cancer patients, the length of stay was 0.85 days shorter (95%CI 0.05-1.65, p = 0.038). In the sub-group of admissions that received specialist palliative care review, the length of stay was 2.62 days shorter (95%CI 0.63-4.61, p = 0.010). Hospital readmission within 30 days (OR1.03, 95%CI 0.79-1.35, p = 0.822) and access to specialist palliative care (OR1.19, 95%CI 0.90-1.58, p = 0.215) were similar between the consult and co-rounding models. CONCLUSIONS The co-rounding model was associated with a shorter hospital length of stay. Readmissions within 30 days and access to specialist palliative care were similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Yang
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Siqin Zhou
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhizhen Xu
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Xia Zhu
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yin-Bun Cheung
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Tampere University, Finland
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28
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Ullgren H, Fransson P, Olofsson A, Segersvärd R, Sharp L. Health care utilization at end of life among patients with lung or pancreatic cancer. Comparison between two Swedish cohorts. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254673. [PMID: 34270589 PMCID: PMC8284833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose was to analyze trends in intensity of care at End-of-life (EOL), in two cohorts of patients with lung or pancreatic cancer. Setting We used population-based registry data on health care utilization to describe proportions and intensity of care at EOL comparing the two cohorts (deceased in the years of 2010 and 2017 respectively) in the region of Stockholm, Sweden. Primary and secondary outcomes Main outcomes were intensity of care during the last 30 days of life; systemic anticancer treatment (SACT), emergency department (ED) visits, length of stay (LOS) > 14 days, intensive care (ICU), death at acute care hospital and lack of referral to specialized palliative care (SPC) at home. The secondary outcomes were outpatient visits, place of death and hospitalizations, as well as radiotherapy and major surgery. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used for associations. A moderation variable was added to assess for the effect of SPC at home between the cohorts. Results Intensity of care at EOL increased over time between the cohorts, especially use of SACT, increased with 10%, p<0.001, (n = 102/754 = 14% to n = 236/972 = 24%), ED visits with 7%, p<0.001, (n = 25/754 = 3% to n = 100/972 = 10%) and ICU care, 2%, p = 0.04, (n = 12/754 = 2% to n = 38/972 = 4%). High intensity of care at EOL were more likely among patients with lung cancer. The difference in use of SACT between the years, was moderated by SPC, with an increase of SACT, unstandardized coefficient β; 0.87, SE = 0.27, p = 0.001, as well as the difference between the years in death at acute care hospitals, that decreased (β = 0.69, SE = 0.26, p = 0.007). Conclusion These findings underscore an increase of several aspects regarding intensity of care at EOL, and a need for further exploration of the optimal organization of EOL care. Our results indicate fragmentation of care and a need to better organize and coordinate care for vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Ullgren
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Regional Cancer Center, Stockholm, Gotland, Sweden
- Theme cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Per Fransson
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Ralf Segersvärd
- Regional Cancer Center, Stockholm, Gotland, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Sharp
- Regional Cancer Center, Stockholm, Gotland, Sweden
- Department of Innovative Care, LIME, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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29
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Evidence on the economic value of end-of-life and palliative care interventions: a narrative review of reviews. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:89. [PMID: 34162377 PMCID: PMC8223342 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00782-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the demand for palliative care increases, more information is needed on how efficient different types of palliative care models are for providing care to dying patients and their caregivers. Evidence on the economic value of treatments and interventions is key to informing resource allocation and ultimately improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. We assessed the available evidence on the economic value of palliative and end-of-life care interventions across various settings. METHODS Reviews published between 2000 and 2019 were included. We included reviews that focused on cost-effectiveness, intervention costs and/or healthcare resource use. Two reviewers extracted data independently and in duplicate from the included studies. Data on the key characteristics of the studies were extracted, including the aim of the study, design, population, type of intervention and comparator, (cost-) effectiveness resource use, main findings and conclusions. RESULTS A total of 43 reviews were included in the analysis. Overall, most evidence on cost-effectiveness relates to home-based interventions and suggests that they offer substantial savings to the health system, including a decrease in total healthcare costs, resource use and improvement in patient and caregivers' outcomes. The evidence of interventions delivered across other settings was generally inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Some palliative care models may contribute to dual improvement in quality of care via lower rates of aggressive medicalization in the last phase of life accompanied by a reduction in costs. Hospital-based palliative care interventions may improve patient outcomes, healthcare utilization and costs. There is a need for greater consistency in reporting outcome measures, the informal costs of caring, and costs associated with hospice.
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30
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Brown CRL, Webber C, Seow HY, Howard M, Hsu AT, Isenberg SR, Jiang M, Smith GA, Spruin S, Tanuseputro P. Impact of physician-based palliative care delivery models on health care utilization outcomes: A population-based retrospective cohort study. Palliat Med 2021; 35:1170-1180. [PMID: 33884934 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211009440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing involvement of palliative care generalists may improve access to palliative care. It is unknown, however, if their involvement with and without palliative care specialists are associated with different outcomes. AIM To describe physician-based models of palliative care and their association with healthcare utilization outcomes including: emergency department visits, acute hospitalizations and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in last 30 days of life; and, place of death. DESIGN Population-based retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative data. We used descriptive statistics to compare outcomes across three models (generalist-only palliative care; consultation palliative care, comprising of both generalist and specialist care; and specialist-only palliative care) and conducted a logistic regression for community death. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS All adults aged 18-105 who died in Ontario, Canada between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2017. RESULTS Of the 231,047 decedents who received palliative services, 40.3% received generalist, 32.3% consultation and 27.4% specialist palliative care. Across models, we noted minimal to modest variation for decedents with at least one emergency department visit (50%-59%), acute hospitalization (64%-69%) or ICU admission (7%-17%), as well as community death (36%-40%). In our adjusted analysis, receipt of a physician home visit was a stronger predictor for increased likelihood of community death (odds ratio 9.6, 95% confidence interval 9.4-9.8) than palliative care model (generalist vs consultation palliative care 2.0, 1.9-2.0). CONCLUSION The generalist palliative care model achieved similar healthcare utilization outcomes as consultation and specialist models. Including a physician home visit component in each model may promote community death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R L Brown
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Colleen Webber
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,ICES, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hsien-Yeang Seow
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Howard
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Amy T Hsu
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,ICES, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mengzhu Jiang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Glenys A Smith
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,ICES, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Spruin
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,ICES, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,ICES, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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31
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Piers R, De Brauwer I, Baeyens H, Velghe A, Hens L, Deschepper E, Henrard S, De Pauw M, Van Den Noortgate N, De Saint-Hubert M. Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool prognostic value in older hospitalised patients: a prospective multicentre study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021:bmjspcare-2021-003042. [PMID: 34059507 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of older patients are hospitalised. Prognostic uncertainty causes hospital doctors to be reluctant to make the switch from cure to care. The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) has not been validated for prognostication in an older hospitalised population. AIM To validate SPICT as a prognostic tool for risk of dying within one year in older hospitalised patients. DESIGN Prospective multicentre study. Premorbid SPICT and 1-year survival and survival time were assessed. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Patients 75 years and older admitted at acute geriatric (n=209) and cardiology units (CUs) (n=249) of four hospitals. RESULTS In total, 59.3% (124/209) was SPICT identified on acute geriatric vs 40.6% (101/249) on CUs (p<0.001). SPICT-identified patients in CUs reported more functional needs and more symptoms compared to SPICT non-identified patients. On acute geriatric units, SPICT-identified patients reported more functional needs only.The HR of dying was 2.9 (95% CI 1.1 to 8.7) in SPICT-identified versus non-identified after adjustment for hospital strata, age, gender and did not differ between units. One-year mortality was 24% and 22%, respectively, on acute geriatric versus CUs (p=0.488). Pooled average sensitivity, specificity and partial area under the curve differed significantly between acute geriatric and CUs (p<0.001), respectively, 0.82 (95%CI 0.66 to 0.91), 0.49 (95%CI 0.40 to 0.58) and 0.82 in geriatric vs 0.69 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.87), 0.66 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.77) and 0.65 in CUs. CONCLUSIONS SPICT may be used as a tool to identify older hospitalised patients at risk of dying within 1 year and who may benefit from a palliative care approach including advance care planning. The prognostic accuracy of SPICT is better in older patients admitted at the acute geriatric versus the CU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Piers
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabelle De Brauwer
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium
- UCL Institute of Health and Society, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Hilde Baeyens
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, AZ Alma campus Eeklo, Eeklo, Belgium
| | - Anja Velghe
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lineke Hens
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen Deschepper
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Séverine Henrard
- UCL Institute of Health and Society, Bruxelles, Belgium
- UCLouvain Louvain Drug Research Institute, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Michel De Pauw
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele Van Den Noortgate
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
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Creating Effective Models for Delivering Palliative Care in Advanced Liver Disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 20:43-52. [PMID: 33868897 PMCID: PMC8035614 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-021-00562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The current healthcare system is not fully equipped to provide comprehensive support for patients with advanced liver disease (ALD) and their caregivers resulting in concomitant suffering and reduced quality of life (QoL). Integration of palliative care (PC) within routine care has demonstrated benefits in improving symptoms and QoL and reducing healthcare utilization for other serious illnesses but has been underutilized or delayed for ALD care. The purpose of this article is to outline the domains and benefits of PC and discuss the misconceptions and barriers for PC integration, and healthcare delivery models supporting PC integration within ALD care. Recent Findings PC has eight key domains related to physical and mental health, goals for future care, and care of the caregivers. PC offers benefits to improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction and reduce healthcare utilization. To date there have been successful models of PC that are primarily hospital- or community-based; successful models have been PC specialist- or primary/generalist-led. Summary Concurrent PC within oncology has formed the basis for most evidence-based guidelines. PC integration within ALD care is still in its infancy. While amassing evidence in ALD, hepatology organizations can promote consensus-based integrated PC models that can guide research and practice efforts to increase supportive care for these patients in need and their family caregivers.
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Finucane AM, O'Donnell H, Lugton J, Gibson-Watt T, Swenson C, Pagliari C. Digital health interventions in palliative care: a systematic meta-review. NPJ Digit Med 2021; 4:64. [PMID: 33824407 PMCID: PMC8024379 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-021-00430-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital health interventions (DHIs) have the potential to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of palliative care but heterogeneity amongst existing systematic reviews presents a challenge for evidence synthesis. This meta-review applied a structured search of ten databases from 2006 to 2020, revealing 21 relevant systematic reviews, encompassing 332 publications. Interventions delivered via videoconferencing (17%), electronic healthcare records (16%) and phone (13%) were most frequently described in studies within reviews. DHIs were typically used in palliative care for education (20%), symptom management (15%), decision-making (13%), information provision or management (13%) and communication (9%). Across all reviews, mostly positive impacts were reported on education, information sharing, decision-making, communication and costs. Impacts on quality of life and physical and psychological symptoms were inconclusive. Applying AMSTAR 2 criteria, most reviews were judged as low quality as they lacked a protocol or did not consider risk of bias, so findings need to be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Finucane
- Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. .,Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
| | - Hannah O'Donnell
- The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Jean Lugton
- Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Tilly Gibson-Watt
- Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Claudia Pagliari
- The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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Ogi M, Campling N, Birtwistle J, Richardson A, Bennett MI, Santer M, Latter S. Community access to palliative care medicines-patient and professional experience: systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021:bmjspcare-2020-002761. [PMID: 33775932 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing palliative care patients living at home with timely access to medicines is critical to enable effective symptom management, minimise burden and reduce unplanned use of healthcare services. Little is known about how diverse community-based palliative care models influence medicine access. OBJECTIVE To produce a critical overview of research on experiences and outcomes of medicine access in community-based palliative care models of service delivery through a systematic review and narrative synthesis. METHODS MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library databases and grey literature were systematically searched for all types of studies. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool; a narrative synthesis was used to integrate and summarise findings. RESULTS 3331 articles were screened; 10 studies were included in the final sample. Studies included a focus on community pharmacy (n=4), hospice emergency medication kits (HEMKs) in the home (n=3), specialist community nurse prescribers (n=1), general practice (n=1) and one study included multiple service delivery components. Community pharmacy was characterised by access delays due to lack of availability of medicine stock and communication difficulties between the pharmacy and other healthcare professionals. HEMKs were perceived to reduce medicine access time out of hours and speed symptom control. However, the majority of studies comprised small, local samples, largely limited to self-reports of health professionals. There was a lack of data on outcomes, and no comparisons between service delivery models. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required to understand which models facilitate rapid and efficient access to medicines for community-based palliative care patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizue Ogi
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Natasha Campling
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Jakki Birtwistle
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Alison Richardson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael I Bennett
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Miriam Santer
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Susan Latter
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
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Quinn KL, Wegier P, Stukel TA, Huang A, Bell CM, Tanuseputro P. Comparison of Palliative Care Delivery in the Last Year of Life Between Adults With Terminal Noncancer Illness or Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e210677. [PMID: 33662135 PMCID: PMC7933993 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.0677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Palliative care improves health outcomes, but studies of the differences in the delivery of palliative care to patients with different types of serious illness are lacking. OBJECTIVE To examine the delivery of palliative care among adults in their last year of life who died of terminal noncancer illness compared with those who died of cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cohort study used linked health administrative data of adults who received palliative care in their last year of life and died between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017, in Ontario, Canada. EXPOSURES Cause of death (chronic organ failure, dementia, or cancer). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Components of palliative care delivery, including timing and location of initiation, model of care, physician mix, care settings, and location of death. RESULTS A total of 145 709 adults received palliative care (median age, 78 years; interquartile range, 67-86 years; 50.7% female); 21 054 died of chronic organ failure (4704 of heart failure, 5715 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 3785 of end-stage kidney disease, 579 of cirrhosis, and 6271 of stroke), 14 033 died of dementia, and 110 622 died of cancer. Palliative care was initiated earlier (>90 days before death) in patients with cancer (32 010 [28.9%]) than in those with organ failure (3349 [15.9%]; absolute difference, 13.0%) or dementia (2148 [15.3%]; absolute difference, 13.6%). A lower proportion of patients with cancer had palliative care initiated in the home (16 088 [14.5%]) compared with patients with chronic organ failure (6904 [32.8%]; absolute difference, -18.3%) or dementia (3922 [27.9%]; absolute difference, -13.4%). Patients with cancer received palliative care across multiple care settings (92 107 [83.3%]) more often than patients with chronic organ failure (12 061 [57.3%]; absolute difference, 26.0%) or dementia (7553 [53.8%]; absolute difference, 29.5%). Palliative care was more often delivered to patients with cancer (80 615 [72.9%]) using a consultative or specialist instead of a generalist model compared with patients with chronic organ failure (9114 [43.3%]; absolute difference, 29.6%) or dementia (5634 [40.1%]; absolute difference, 32.8%). Patients with cancer (42 718 [38.6%]) received shared palliative care more often from general practitioners and physicians with subspecialty training, compared with patients with chronic organ failure (3599 [17.1%]; absolute difference, 21.5%) or dementia (1989 [14.2%]; absolute difference, 24.4%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, there were substantial patient- and practitioner-level differences in the delivery of palliative care across distinct types of serious illness. These patient- and practitioner-level differences have important implications for the organization and scaled implementation of palliative care programs, including enhancement of practitioner education and training and improvements in equitable access to care across all settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran L. Quinn
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Wegier
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology, Public Health, and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Therese A. Stukel
- ICES, Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Chaim M. Bell
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- ICES, Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Interdepartmental Division of Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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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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Hasson F, Jordan J, McKibben L, Graham-Wisener L, Finucane A, Armour K, Zafar S, Hewison A, Brazil K, Kernohan WG. Challenges for palliative care day services: a focus group study. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:11. [PMID: 33435954 PMCID: PMC7802306 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00699-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care day services provide a safe environment for people with palliative care needs, enabling them to access a range of services while acting as a respite services for family caregivers. Viewed as marginal services, they are often under resourced and under researched. The aim of this study was to understand how palliative day care services contribute to client care from the perspective of management and hospice multidisciplinary teams. METHODS A descriptive qualitative study, using six focus groups conducted with staff at three United Kingdom hospices in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thirty-five participants were recruited, including management and staff. Discussions were transcribed and analysed thematically. RESULTS Four key themes emerged: (1) variations of care, beyond heterogeneity of patients; (2) unclear referrals and inconsistent patient population; (3) recognising strengths and challenges and (4) an uncertain future. A major focus of group discussions was the model of care and the benefits of the service, however the importance of demonstrating services' effectiveness and value for money was highlighted. CONCLUSIONS Management and hospice staff believed day-services to be a helpful introduction to palliative care, providing both social and medical support. Economic pressures and patient demand were influencing them to move from a social model to a hybrid model. Further research is needed to understand the effectiveness of the service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Hasson
- Ulster University, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland.
| | - Joanne Jordan
- Ulster University, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland
| | - Laurie McKibben
- Ulster University, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland
| | - Lisa Graham-Wisener
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland
| | - Anne Finucane
- Marie Curie Hospice, Frogston Road West, Edinburgh, EH10 7DR, Scotland
| | - Kathy Armour
- Marie Curie Hospice, Marsh Lane Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2PQ, England
| | - Shazia Zafar
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Clinical Sciences, School of Nursing, College of Medical & Dental Services, Birmingham, BT15 2TT, England
| | - Alistair Hewison
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Clinical Sciences, School of Nursing, College of Medical & Dental Services, Birmingham, BT15 2TT, England
| | - Kevin Brazil
- School of Nursing and Midwifery Centre for Evidence and Social Innovation, Queens University, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland
| | - W George Kernohan
- Ulster University, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland
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A model for enhancing prevention of mother to child HIV transmission in a low resource setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AFRICA NURSING SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2021.100359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Impact of home-based palliative care on health care costs and hospital use: A systematic review. Palliat Support Care 2020; 19:474-487. [PMID: 33295269 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951520001315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of home-based palliative care (HBPC) on reducing hospital visits and whether HBPC lowered health care cost. METHOD We searched six bibliographic databases (Embase (Ovid); Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Medline (Ovid); PubMed; Web of Science Core Collection; and, CINAHL) until February 2019 and performed a narrative synthesis of our findings. RESULTS Of the 1,426 identified references, 21 articles based on 19 unique studies met our inclusion criteria, which involved 92,000 participants. In both oncological and non-oncological patients, HBPC consistently reduced the number of hospital visits and their length, as well as hospitalization costs and overall health care costs. Even though home-treated patients consumed more outpatient resources, a higher saving in the hospital costs counterbalanced this. The reduction in overall health care costs was most noticeable for study periods closer to death, with greater reductions in the last 2 months, last month, and last two weeks of life. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Stakeholders should recognize HBPC as an intervention that decreases patient care costs at end of life and therefore health care providers should assess the preferences of patients nearing the end-of-life to identify those who will benefit most from HBPC.
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Quinn KL, Shurrab M, Gitau K, Kavalieratos D, Isenberg SR, Stall NM, Stukel TA, Goldman R, Horn D, Cram P, Detsky AS, Bell CM. Association of Receipt of Palliative Care Interventions With Health Care Use, Quality of Life, and Symptom Burden Among Adults With Chronic Noncancer Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA 2020; 324:1439-1450. [PMID: 33048152 PMCID: PMC8094426 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.14205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The evidence for palliative care exists predominantly for patients with cancer. The effect of palliative care on important end-of-life outcomes in patients with noncancer illness is unclear. OBJECTIVE To measure the association between palliative care and acute health care use, quality of life (QOL), and symptom burden in adults with chronic noncancer illnesses. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PubMed from inception to April 18, 2020. STUDY SELECTION Randomized clinical trials of palliative care interventions in adults with chronic noncancer illness. Studies involving at least 50% of patients with cancer were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently screened, selected, and extracted data from studies. Narrative synthesis was conducted for all trials. All outcomes were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Acute health care use (hospitalizations and emergency department use), disease-generic and disease-specific quality of life (QOL), and symptoms, with estimates of QOL translated to units of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative Care scale (range, 0 [worst] to 184 [best]; minimal clinically important difference, 9 points) and symptoms translated to units of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale global distress score (range, 0 [best] to 90 [worst]; minimal clinically important difference, 5.7 points). RESULTS Twenty-eight trials provided data on 13 664 patients (mean age, 74 years; 46% were women). Ten trials were of heart failure (n = 4068 patients), 11 of mixed disease (n = 8119), 4 of dementia (n = 1036), and 3 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 441). Palliative care, compared with usual care, was statistically significantly associated with less emergency department use (9 trials [n = 2712]; 20% vs 24%; odds ratio, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.68-1.00]; I2 = 3%), less hospitalization (14 trials [n = 3706]; 38% vs 42%; odds ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.65-0.99]; I2 = 41%), and modestly lower symptom burden (11 trials [n = 2598]; pooled standardized mean difference (SMD), -0.12; [95% CI, -0.20 to -0.03]; I2 = 0%; Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale score mean difference, -1.6 [95% CI, -2.6 to -0.4]). Palliative care was not significantly associated with disease-generic QOL (6 trials [n = 1334]; SMD, 0.18 [95% CI, -0.24 to 0.61]; I2 = 87%; Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative Care score mean difference, 4.7 [95% CI, -6.3 to 15.9]) or disease-specific measures of QOL (11 trials [n = 2204]; SMD, 0.07 [95% CI, -0.09 to 0.23]; I2 = 68%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of patients with primarily noncancer illness, palliative care, compared with usual care, was statistically significantly associated with less acute health care use and modestly lower symptom burden, but there was no significant difference in quality of life. Analyses for some outcomes were based predominantly on studies of patients with heart failure, which may limit generalizability to other chronic illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran L. Quinn
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ottawa and North, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammed Shurrab
- ICES, Toronto, Ottawa and North, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Gitau
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sarina R. Isenberg
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan M. Stall
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Therese A. Stukel
- ICES, Toronto, Ottawa and North, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Russell Goldman
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daphne Horn
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Cram
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ottawa and North, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allan S. Detsky
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chaim M. Bell
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ottawa and North, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Comans T, Nguyen KH, Stafford-Bell F, Agar M. Cost comparison of different models of palliative care delivery. Australas J Ageing 2020; 40:90-93. [PMID: 32965056 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12843] [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: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this project was to assess the value for money of a modified unit within a residential aged care facility (RACF) for people requiring palliative care at the end of life. METHODS A three-way comparison using a mixed-method costing was used to estimate the per day cost of the unit compared to care in a palliative care unit within a hospital and a standard RACF bed. RESULTS The cost of the unit was estimated at $242 per day (2015 Australian dollars). The palliative care hospital bed cost $1,664 per day. The cost of a standard RACF bed was $123 per day, indicating that an additional $120 per day is required to provide the higher level of care required by people with complex palliative care needs. CONCLUSION A modified RACF unit could provide substantial cost savings to the health budget for selected complex palliative care patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Comans
- Centre for Health Services Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Kim-Huong Nguyen
- Centre for Health Services Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | | | - Meera Agar
- ImPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Phillips JN, Besbris J, Foster LA, Kramer NM, Maiser S, Mehta AK. Models of outpatient neuropalliative care for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurology 2020; 95:782-788. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000010831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe some current models of outpatient neuropalliative care (NPC) available to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at different institutions within the United States.MethodsSix NPC physicians were asked to contribute written descriptions about the PC available in their ALS clinics. Descriptions were then compiled and assessed for similarities and differences.ResultsAll clinics are multidisciplinary, with regular appointments every 3 months and similar appointment times for new visits (60–120 minutes) and follow-up visits (20–45 minutes). Four clinics have an NPC specialist embedded within the ALS clinic, 1 institution has a separate clinic for NPC, and 1 institution has both. The NPC physician at 5 institutions is a neurologist with formal palliative care training and at 1 institution is an internist with formal palliative care training. NPC is part of routine care for all patients at 2 institutions, and the primary reasons for consultation are goals of care (GOC) and severe symptom management.ConclusionNPC is provided to patients with ALS heterogeneously throughout the United States with some variation in services and delivery, but all clinics are addressing similar core needs. Given the poor prognosis and high PC needs, those with ALS are the ideal patients to receive NPC. Future studies are necessary given the paucity of data available to determine best practices and to better define meaningful outcomes.
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Mayland CR, Ingarfield K, Rogers SN, Dey P, Thomas S, Waylen A, Leary SD, Pring M, Hurley K, Waterboer T, Pawlita M, Ness AR. Disease trajectories, place and mode of death in people with head and neck cancer: Findings from the 'Head and Neck 5000' population-based prospective clinical cohort study. Palliat Med 2020; 34:639-650. [PMID: 32103703 PMCID: PMC7238508 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320904313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few large studies describe initial disease trajectories and subsequent mortality in people with head and neck cancer. This is a necessary first step to identify the need for palliative care and associated services. AIM To analyse data from the Head and Neck 5000 study to present mortality, place and mode of death within 12 months of diagnosis. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS In total, 5402 people with a new diagnosis of head and neck cancer were recruited from 76 cancer centres in the United Kingdom between April 2011 and December 2014. RESULTS Initially, 161/5402 (3%) and 5241/5402 (97%) of participants were treated with 'non-curative' and 'curative' intent, respectively. Within 12 months, 109/161 (68%) in the 'non-curative' group died compared with 482/5241 (9%) in the 'curative' group. Catastrophic bleed was the terminal event for 10.4% and 9.8% of people in 'non-curative' and 'curative' groups, respectively; terminal airway obstruction was recorded for 7.5% and 6.3% of people in the same corresponding groups. Similar proportions of people in both groups died in a hospice (22.9% 'non-curative'; 23.5% 'curative') and 45.7% of the 'curative' group died in hospital. CONCLUSION In addition to those with incurable head and neck cancer, there is a small but significant 'curative' subgroup of people who may have palliative needs shortly following diagnosis. Given the high mortality, risk of acute catastrophic event and frequent hospital death, clarifying the level and timing of palliative care services engagement would help provide assurance as to whether palliative care needs are being met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona R Mayland
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism,
University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Palliative Care Institute, University of
Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kate Ingarfield
- National Institute of Health (NIHR)
Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation
Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff
University, Cardiff, UK
- Community Oral Health, University of
Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, UK
| | - Simon N Rogers
- Aintree University Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | | | - Steven Thomas
- National Institute of Health (NIHR)
Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation
Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Dental School, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrea Waylen
- Bristol Dental School, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sam D Leary
- National Institute of Health (NIHR)
Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation
Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Dental School, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Miranda Pring
- National Institute of Health (NIHR)
Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation
Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Dental School, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Katrina Hurley
- National Institute of Health (NIHR)
Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation
Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tim Waterboer
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology,
Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ),
Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Pawlita
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology,
Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ),
Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andy R Ness
- National Institute of Health (NIHR)
Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation
Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Dental School, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Glasdam S, Ekstrand F, Rosberg M, van der Schaaf AM. A gap between the philosophy and the practice of palliative healthcare: sociological perspectives on the practice of nurses in specialised palliative homecare. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2020; 23:141-152. [PMID: 31385188 PMCID: PMC7039838 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-019-09918-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Palliative care philosophy is based on a holistic approach to patients, but research shows that possibilities for living up to this philosophy seem limited by historical and administrative structures. From the nurse perspective, this article aims to explore nursing practice in specialised palliative homecare, and how it is influenced by organisational and cultural structures. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with nine nurses were conducted, inspired by Bourdieu. The findings showed that nurses consolidate the doxa of medicine, including medical-professional values that configure a control-oriented, positivistic approach, supported by the organising policy for clinical practice. Hierarchically, nurses were positioned under doctors: medical rounds functioned as a structuring structure for their working day. They acted as medical assistants, and the prevailing medical logic seemed to make it difficult for nurses to meet their own humanistic ideals. Only short time slots allowed nurses to prioritise psychosocial needs of patients and relatives. Point-of-actions had high priority, added financial resources and ensured that budgets were allocated. Weekly visits made it possible for nurses to measure, control and govern patients' drugs and symptoms which was a necessity for their function as medical assistants. The findings challenge nurses to take on an ethical point of view, partly to ensure that patients and their families receive good palliative care focusing on more than medical issues and logic, and partly to strengthen the nurses' profession in the palliative field and help them implement palliative care philosophy in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stinne Glasdam
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Baravägen 3, 222 41 Lund, Sweden
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Quinn KL, Hsu AT, Smith G, Stall N, Detsky AS, Kavalieratos D, Lee DS, Bell CM, Tanuseputro P. Association Between Palliative Care and Death at Home in Adults With Heart Failure. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e013844. [PMID: 32070207 PMCID: PMC7335572 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.013844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Palliative care is associated with improved symptom control and quality of life in people with heart failure. There is conflicting evidence as to whether it is associated with a greater likelihood of death at home in this population. The objective of this study was to describe the delivery of newly initiated palliative care services in adults who die with heart failure and measure the association between receipt of palliative care and death at home compared with those who did not receive palliative care. Methods and Results We performed a population-based cohort study using linked health administrative data in Ontario, Canada of 74 986 community-dwelling adults with heart failure who died between 2010 and 2015. Seventy-five percent of community-dwelling adults with heart failure died in a hospital. Patients who received any palliative care were twice as likely to die at home compared with those who did not receive it (adjusted odds ratio 2.12 [95% CI, 2.03-2.20]; P<0.01). Delivery of home-based palliative care had a higher association with death at home (adjusted odds ratio 11.88 [95% CI, 9.34-15.11]; P<0.01), as did delivery during transitions of care between inpatient and outpatient care settings (adjusted odds ratio 8.12 [95% CI, 6.41-10.27]; P<0.01). Palliative care was most commonly initiated late in the course of a person's disease (≤30 days before death, 45.2% of subjects) and led by nonspecialist palliative care physicians 61% of the time. Conclusions Most adults with heart failure die in a hospital. Providing palliative care near the end-of-life was associated with an increased likelihood of dying at home. These findings suggest that scaling existing palliative care programs to increase access may improve end-of-life care in people dying with chronic noncancer illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran L Quinn
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Ontario Canada.,ICES Toronto and Ottawa Ontario Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation University of Toronto Ontario Canada.,Department of Medicine Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Amy T Hsu
- ICES Toronto and Ottawa Ontario Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Program Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa Ontario Canada.,School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine University of Ottawa Ontario Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Glenys Smith
- ICES Toronto and Ottawa Ontario Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Program Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Nathan Stall
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation University of Toronto Ontario Canada.,Women's College Research Institute Women's College Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada.,Division of Geriatric Medicine University of Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Allan S Detsky
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Ontario Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation University of Toronto Ontario Canada.,Department of Medicine Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario Canada
| | | | - Douglas S Lee
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Ontario Canada.,ICES Toronto and Ottawa Ontario Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation University of Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Chaim M Bell
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Ontario Canada.,ICES Toronto and Ottawa Ontario Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation University of Toronto Ontario Canada.,Department of Medicine Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- ICES Toronto and Ottawa Ontario Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Program Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa Ontario Canada.,School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine University of Ottawa Ontario Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute Ottawa Ontario Canada.,Department of Medicine University of Ottawa Ontario Canada
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Marcus KL, Santos G, Ciapponi A, Comandé D, Bilodeau M, Wolfe J, Dussel V. Impact of Specialized Pediatric Palliative Care: A Systematic Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:339-364.e10. [PMID: 31404638 PMCID: PMC6989377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Specialized pediatric palliative care (SPPC) is increasingly involved in the care of seriously ill children, yet the evidence on its impact has not been comprehensively reviewed. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the effects of providing SPPC to seriously ill children on patient-, caregiver-, and systems-level outcomes. METHODS We performed a Systematic Review following Cochrane methods. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS, and Web of Science were searched from January 1996 to June 2018. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION We included randomized controlled, cohort, case-control, and before-after studies in which exposure to SPPC services was the intervention of interest. All outcomes reported in these studies were included. Two investigators independently selected articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias of included studies using standardized criteria. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included in qualitative synthesis: one nonrandomized controlled trial, 16 cohort studies, and seven before-after studies. Evidence certainty was low. Twenty-one studies had one or more area with high risk of bias, most commonly selection bias, low group comparability, risk for confounding, and inadequate statistical reporting. Studies analyzed 46 domains, operationalized as 136 distinct outcomes. SPPC was associated with better child quality of life scores in all four studies that assessed this outcome. No other outcome showed this consistency. CONCLUSION Receiving SPPC was associated with better child quality of life. However, the paucity and low certainty of the evidence precluded any firm recommendations about SPPC practice. Larger collaborative networks and greater consensus regarding SPPC research standards are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Marcus
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gisella Santos
- Center for Research and Implementation in Palliative Care, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Ciapponi
- Cochrane Center, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Comandé
- Cochrane Center, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Madeline Bilodeau
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Veronica Dussel
- Center for Research and Implementation in Palliative Care, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Firth AM, O'Brien SM, Guo P, Seymour J, Richardson H, Bridges C, Hocaoglu MB, Grande G, Dzingina M, Higginson IJ, Murtagh FE. Establishing key criteria to define and compare models of specialist palliative care: A mixed-methods study using qualitative interviews and Delphi survey. Palliat Med 2019; 33:1114-1124. [PMID: 31250704 PMCID: PMC6691593 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319858237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialist palliative care services have various configurations of staff, processes and interventions, which determine how care is delivered. Currently, there is no consistent way to define and distinguish these different models of care. AIM To identify the core components that characterise and differentiate existing models of specialist palliative care in the United Kingdom. DESIGN Mixed-methods study: (1) semi-structured interviews to identify criteria, (2) two-round Delphi study to rank/refine criteria, and (3) structured interviews to test/refine criteria. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Specialist palliative care stakeholders from hospice inpatient, hospital advisory, and community settings. RESULTS (1) Semi-structured interviews with 14 clinical leads, from eight UK organisations (five hospice inpatient units, two hospital advisory teams, five community teams), provided 34 preliminary criteria. (2) Delphi study: Round 1 (54 participants): thirty-four criteria presented, seven removed and seven added. Round 2 (30 participants): these 34 criteria were ranked with the 15 highest ranked criteria, including setting, type of care, size of service, diagnoses, disciplines, mode of care, types of interventions, 'out-of-hours' components (referrals, times, disciplines, mode of care, type of care), external education, use of measures, bereavement follow-up and complex grief provision. (3) Structured interviews with 21 UK service leads (six hospice inpatients, four hospital advisory and nine community teams) refined the criteria from (1) and (2), and provided four further contextual criteria (team purpose, funding, self-referral acceptance and discharge). CONCLUSION In this innovative study, we derive 20 criteria to characterise and differentiate models of specialist palliative care - a major paradigm shift to enable accurate reporting and comparison in practice and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Firth
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Suzanne M O'Brien
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ping Guo
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jane Seymour
- 2 School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Christopher Bridges
- 4 Palliative Care Team, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mevhibe B Hocaoglu
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK.,5 Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Department of Psychology, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Cyprus.,6 Dr Fazil Kucuk Faculty of Medicine, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Cyprus
| | - Gunn Grande
- 7 Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mendwas Dzingina
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fliss Em Murtagh
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK.,8 Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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de Wolf-Linder S, Dawkins M, Wicks F, Pask S, Eagar K, Evans CJ, Higginson IJ, Murtagh FEM. Which outcome domains are important in palliative care and when? An international expert consensus workshop, using the nominal group technique. Palliat Med 2019; 33:1058-1068. [PMID: 31185812 PMCID: PMC6691595 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319854154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When capturing patient-level outcomes in palliative care, it is essential to identify which outcome domains are most important and focus efforts to capture these, in order to improve quality of care and minimise collection burden. AIM To determine which domains of palliative care are most important for measurement of outcomes, and the optimal time period over which these should be measured. DESIGN An international expert consensus workshop using nominal group technique. Data were analysed descriptively, and weighted according to ranking (1-5, lowest to highest priority) of domains. Participants' rationales for their choices were analysed thematically. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS In all, 33 clinicians and researchers working globally in palliative care outcome measurement participated. Two groups (n = 16; n = 17) answered one question each (either on domains or optimal timing). This workshop was conducted at the 9th World Research Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care in 2016. RESULTS Participants' years of experience in palliative care and in outcome measurement ranged from 10.9 to 14.7 years and 5.8 to 6.4 years, respectively. The mean scores (weighted by rank) for the top-ranked domains were 'overall wellbeing/quality of life' (2.75), 'pain' (2.06), and 'information needs/preferences' (2.06), respectively. The palliative measure 'Phase of Illness' was recommended as the preferred measure of time period over which the domains were measured. CONCLUSION The domains of 'overall wellbeing/quality of life', 'pain', and 'information needs/preferences' are recommended for regular measurement, assessed using 'Phase of Illness'. International adoption of these recommendations will help standardise approaches to improving the quality of palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne de Wolf-Linder
- School of Health Professions, Institute of Nursing, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Marsha Dawkins
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Francesca Wicks
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sophie Pask
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Kathy Eagar
- Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine J Evans
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Fliss E M Murtagh
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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Scott D, Hudson P, Charnley K, Payne C, Westcott G. Development of an eHealth information resource for family carers supporting a person receiving palliative care on the island of Ireland. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:74. [PMID: 31470841 PMCID: PMC6717391 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0457-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many people receiving palliative care wish to die at home. Often, support from family or friends is key to ensuring that this wish is fulfilled. However, carers report feeling underprepared to undertake this role. This paper describes the process of developing a consensus and evidence based website to provide core information to help people support someone receiving palliative care on the island of Ireland. Methods The project comprised three phases: (1) a review of systematic reviews facilitated the identification of core information needs; (2) content was developed in collaboration with a Virtual Reference Group (VRG) comprising patients, carers and professionals; and, (3) subject experts within the project team worked with a web developer to précis the agreed content and ensure it was in a format that was appropriate for a website. Members of the VRG were then invited to test and approve the website before it was made available to the general public. Results Nineteen systematic reviews identified nine consensus areas of core information required by carers; a description of palliative care; prognosis and treatment of the condition; medication and pain management; personal care; specialist equipment; locally available support services; what to do in an emergency; nutrition; and, support for the carer. This information was shared with the VRG and used to develop website content. Conclusions We engaged with service users and professionals to develop an evidence-based website addressing the agreed core information needs of non-professional carers who wish to provide palliative care to a friend or relative.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Scott
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Peter Hudson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Karen Charnley
- All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care, Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services, Harold's Cross, Dublin 6, Ireland
| | - Cathy Payne
- All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care, Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services, Harold's Cross, Dublin 6, Ireland
| | - Gareth Westcott
- All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care, Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services, Harold's Cross, Dublin 6, Ireland
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Storick V, O’Herlihy A, Abdelhafeez S, Ahmed R, May P. Improving palliative and end-of-life care with machine learning and routine data: a rapid review. HRB Open Res 2019. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.12923.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Improving end-of-life (EOL) care is a priority worldwide as this population experiences poor outcomes and accounts disproportionately for costs. In clinical practice, physician judgement is the core method of identifying EOL care needs but has important limitations. Machine learning (ML) is a subset of artificial intelligence advancing capacity to identify patterns and make predictions using large datasets. ML approaches have the potential to improve clinical decision-making and policy design, but there has been no systematic assembly of current evidence. Methods: We conducted a rapid review, searching systematically seven databases from inception to December 31st, 2018: EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, WOS, SCOPUS and ECONLIT. We included peer-reviewed studies that used ML approaches on routine data to improve palliative and EOL care for adults. Our specified outcomes were survival, quality of life (QoL), place of death, costs, and receipt of high-intensity treatment near end of life. We did not search grey literature and excluded material that was not a peer-reviewed article. Results: The database search identified 426 citations. We discarded 162 duplicates and screened 264 unique title/abstracts, of which 22 were forwarded for full text review. Three papers were included, 18 papers were excluded and one full text was sought but unobtainable. One paper predicted six-month mortality, one paper predicted 12-month mortality and one paper cross-referenced predicted 12-month mortality with healthcare spending. ML-informed models outperformed logistic regression in predicting mortality but poor prognosis is a weak driver of costs. Models using only routine administrative data had limited benefit from ML methods. Conclusion: While ML can in principle help to identify those at risk of adverse outcomes and inappropriate treatment near EOL, applications to policy and practice are formative. Future research must not only expand scope to other outcomes and longer timeframes, but also engage with individual preferences and ethical challenges.
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