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Ceylan S, Akkurt AF, Gurses M, Aydemir A, Dede TO, Acaroglu R, Duran Ugur FU. Inflammatory indexes predict mortality in non-malignant patients in palliative care. Int J Palliat Nurs 2024; 30:404-412. [PMID: 39028312 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2024.30.7.404] [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: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature on the use of inflammatory indexes for palliative care patients without malignancy is scarce. AIMS To determine which inflammatory indexes are associated with the mortality risks of non-malignant patients hospitalised and receiving palliative care. METHODS Discharged or deceased patients in a palliative care unit of a secondary care hospital were included. The laboratory values were obtained during the first 48 hours of hospitalisation. FINDINGS As a result of univariate Cox regression analysis, 14-day mortality rate was affected by lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-albumin ratio (NAR), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), multi-inflammatory indexes (MII-1) and MII-2 (p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.002, p=0.009 and p=0.003, respectively); NLR, CLR, NAR, CAR, MII-1 and MII-2 (respectively p=0.005, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001 and p<0.001) affected 28-day mortality rate. Indexes that statistically significantly increased both 14-day and 28-day mortality rates independently of other variables were CLR, NAR, CAR, MII-1 and MII-2. CONCLUSION High values in inflammatory indexes, including C-reactive protein and albumin increase the risk of 14-day and 28-day mortality rates in palliative care non-malignant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Ceylan
- Palliative Care Unit, Ataturk State Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Mehtap Gurses
- Palliative Care Unit, Ataturk State Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ayfer Aydemir
- Palliative Care Unit, Ataturk State Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Ruya Acaroglu
- Palliative Care Unit, Ataturk State Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
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Depoorter V, Vanschoenbeek K, Decoster L, Silversmit G, Debruyne PR, De Groof I, Bron D, Cornélis F, Luce S, Focan C, Verschaeve V, Debugne G, Langenaeken C, Van Den Bulck H, Goeminne JC, Teurfs W, Jerusalem G, Schrijvers D, Petit B, Rasschaert M, Praet JP, Vandenborre K, De Schutter H, Milisen K, Flamaing J, Kenis C, Verdoodt F, Wildiers H. End-of-Life Care in the Last Three Months before Death in Older Patients with Cancer in Belgium: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study Using Data Linkage. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3349. [PMID: 37444458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to describe end-of-life (EOL) care in older patients with cancer and investigate the association between geriatric assessment (GA) results and specialized palliative care (SPC) use. Older patients with a new cancer diagnosis (2009-2015) originally included in a previous multicentric study were selected if they died before the end of follow-up (2019). At the time of cancer diagnosis, patients underwent geriatric screening with Geriatric 8 (G8) followed by GA in case of a G8 score ≤14/17. These data were linked to the cancer registry and healthcare reimbursement data for follow-up. EOL care was assessed in the last three months before death, and associations were analyzed using logistic regression. A total of 3546 deceased older patients with cancer with a median age of 79 years at diagnosis were included. Breast, colon, and lung cancer were the most common diagnoses. In the last three months of life, 76.3% were hospitalized, 49.1% had an emergency department visit, and 43.5% received SPC. In total, 55.0% died in the hospital (38.5% in a non-palliative care unit and 16.4% in a palliative care unit). In multivariable analyses, functional and cognitive impairment at cancer diagnosis was associated with less SPC. Further research on optimizing EOL healthcare utilization and broadening access to SPC is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lore Decoster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Silversmit
- Research Department, Belgian Cancer Registry, 1210 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philip R Debruyne
- Division of Medical Oncology, Kortrijk Cancer Centre, AZ Groeninge, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Technology Research Centre (MTRC), Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Inge De Groof
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Iridium Cancer Network Antwerp, Sint-Augustinus, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dominique Bron
- Department of Hematology, ULB-Institute Jules Bordet, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frank Cornélis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc-UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Luce
- Department Medical Oncology, University Hospital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles ULB, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christian Focan
- Department of Oncology, Groupe Santé CHC-Liège, Clinique CHC-MontLégia, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Vincent Verschaeve
- Department of Medical Oncology, GHDC Grand Hôpital de Charleroi, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Gwenaëlle Debugne
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de Mouscron, 7700 Mouscron, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Wesley Teurfs
- Department Medical Oncology, ZNA Stuivenberg, 2060 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Jerusalem
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sart Tilman, Liège University, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Dirk Schrijvers
- Department of Medical Oncology, ZNA Middelheim, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte Petit
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Jolimont, 7100 La Louvière, Belgium
| | - Marika Rasschaert
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jean-Philippe Praet
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, CHU St-Pierre, Free Universities Brussels, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Koen Milisen
- Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cindy Kenis
- Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Freija Verdoodt
- Research Department, Belgian Cancer Registry, 1210 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hans Wildiers
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Teike Lüthi F, Bernard M, Vanderlinden K, Ballabeni P, Gamondi C, Ramelet AS, Borasio GD. Measurement Properties of ID-PALL, A New Instrument for the Identification of Patients With General and Specialized Palliative Care Needs. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:e75-e84. [PMID: 33781917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT To improve access to palliative care, identification of patients in need of general or specialized palliative care is necessary. To our knowledge, no available identification instrument makes this distinction. ID-PALL is a screening instrument developed to differentiate between these patient groups. OBJECTIVE To assess the structural and criterion validity and the inter-rater agreement of ID-PALL. METHODS In this multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study, nurses and physicians assessed medical patients hospitalized for 2 to 5 days in two tertiary hospitals in Switzerland using ID-PALL. For the criterion validity, these assessments were compared to a clinical gold standard evaluation performed by palliative care specialists. Structural validity, internal consistency and inter-rater agreement were assessed. RESULTS 2232 patients were assessed between January and December 2018, 97% by nurses and 50% by physicians. The variances for ID-PALL G and S are explained by two factors, the first one explaining most of the variance in both cases. For ID-PALL G, sensitivity ranged between 0.80 and 0.87 and specificity between 0.56 and 0.59. ID-PALL S sensitivity ranged between 0.82 and 0.94, and specificity between 0.35 and 0.64. A cut-off value of 1 delivered the optimal values for patient identification. Cronbach's alpha was 0.78 for ID-PALL G and 0.67 for ID-PALL S. The agreement rate between nurses and physicians was 71.5% for ID-PALL G and 64.6% for ID-PALL S. CONCLUSION ID-PALL is a promising screening instrument allowing the early identification of patients in need of general or specialized palliative care. It can be used by nurses and physicians without a specialized palliative care training. Further testing of the finalized clinical version appears warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Teike Lüthi
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (F.T.L., M.B., K.V., C.G., G.D.B.), Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital (F.T.L., P.B., A.S.R.), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Mathieu Bernard
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (F.T.L., M.B., K.V., C.G., G.D.B.), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katia Vanderlinden
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (F.T.L., M.B., K.V., C.G., G.D.B.), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierluigi Ballabeni
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital (F.T.L., P.B., A.S.R.), Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne (P.B.), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Gamondi
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (F.T.L., M.B., K.V., C.G., G.D.B.), Lausanne, Switzerland; Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (C.G.), Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Sylvie Ramelet
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital (F.T.L., P.B., A.S.R.), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gian Domenico Borasio
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (F.T.L., M.B., K.V., C.G., G.D.B.), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Gilissen J, Hunt L, Van den Block L, van der Steen J, Tahir P, Ritchie C. Earlier initiation of palliative care in the disease trajectory of people living with dementia: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044502. [PMID: 34155071 PMCID: PMC8217927 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While the need for palliative care for people living with dementia has widely been recognised, they continue to be a disadvantaged group when it comes to timely initiation, and controversies remain regarding appropriate timing, or what elements constitute high quality palliative care early in the disease trajectory. To date, no literature review has summarised this debate or offered insights. The aim of this scoping review is to provide a general overview of research regarding palliative care in mild or moderate dementia, to identify existing controversies, and to examine what are key components of palliative care in dementia, specifically when initiated earlier in the disease trajectory. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Consistent with recent guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews, we carried out a search for academic literature in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science; on 5 November 2019 and an updated search on 2 February 2021. We will include studies with different study designs published in English over the last decade that focused on palliative care in early stages of dementia. We will include models targeting at least one outcome domain of palliative care (physical, psychological, social or spiritual) and advance care planning, and will exclude hospice models with limited prognosis similar to the requirements in the USA. We will report study characteristics and quality. We aim to apply narrative synthesis techniques to develop a theoretical model of how, for whom and why palliative care can be relevant in early stages of dementia, and what are facilitators and barriers. We anticipate to also describe if and how the concept of (early) palliative care in dementia changed across time and studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethical review required. Results will identify research gaps and lay out basic principles for conceptualising palliative care in early stages of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joni Gilissen
- Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine & Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine and the Mongan Institute for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren Hunt
- Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine & Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jenny van der Steen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
| | - Peggy Tahir
- UCSF Library, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christine Ritchie
- Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine and the Mongan Institute for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Chen SH, Lai XB, Chen LQ, Xia HO, Chen CY. A qualitative study of caring in hospice wards in Shanghai. Nurs Health Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Hui Chen
- School of Nursing, Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Xiao Bin Lai
- School of Nursing, Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Li Qun Chen
- School of Nursing, Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Hai Ou Xia
- School of Nursing, Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Chun Yan Chen
- Department of Nursing Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center Shanghai China
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Dodd S, Preston N, Payne S, Walshe C. Exploring a New Model of End-of-Life Care for Older People That Operates in the Space Between the Life World and the Healthcare System: A Qualitative Case Study. Int J Health Policy Manag 2020; 9:344-351. [PMID: 32610738 PMCID: PMC7500390 DOI: 10.15171/ijhpm.2019.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innovative service models to facilitate end-of-life care for older people may be required to enable and bolster networks of care. The aim of this study was to understand how and why a new charitably funded service model of end-of-life care impacts upon the lives of older people. METHODS A multiple exploratory qualitative case study research strategy. Cases were 3 sites providing a new end-oflife service model for older people. The services were provided in community settings, primarily providing support in peoples own homes. Study participants included the older people receiving the end-of-life care service, their informal carers, staff providing care within the service and other stakeholders. Data collection included individual interviews with older people and informal carers at 2 time points, focus group interviews with staff and local stakeholders, nonparticipant observation of meetings, and a final cross-case deliberative panel discussion workshop. Framework analysis facilitated analysis within and across cases. RESULTS Twenty-three service users and 5 informal carers participated in individual interviews across the cases. Two focus groups were held with an additional 12 participants, and 19 people attended the deliberative panel workshop. Important elements contributing to the experience and impacts of the service included organisation, where services felt they were 'outsiders,' the focus of the services and their flexible approach; and the impacts particularly in enriching relationships and improving mental health. CONCLUSION These end-of-life care service models operated in a space between the healthcare system and the person's life world. This meant there could be ambiguity around their services, where they occupied a liminal, but important, space. These services are potentially important to older people, but should not be overly constrained or they may lose the very flexibility that enables them to have impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Dodd
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Nancy Preston
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Sheila Payne
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Catherine Walshe
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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Marques FP, Bulgarelli AF. [The significance of home care in caring for the elderly in their twilight years: the human perspective of the SUS professional]. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2020; 25:2063-2072. [PMID: 32520254 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232020256.21782018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The access to healthcare of elderly individuals in their twilight years needing palliative care in the home serve as a wake-up call in terms of current healthcare programs and strategies. This study seeks to analyze the relevance of home visits within the scope of primary healthcare actions for the elderly from the standpoint of professionals of the Unified Health System (SUS). It is a study with a qualitative theoretical and methodological approach, involving comprehensive research together with 12 health professionals, based on the thinking of German philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer. The data were systematized and analyzed using the Content Analysis method and interpreted by means of philosophical hermeneutics. It is perceived that home visits for the elderly are somewhat stressful, albeit effective, which generate human processes of trust and collective action for care with respect to the condition of others. The consensus of home visits embraces the dialogical reflection of the representation of human care and solidarity in the work of SUS. It is believed that this study will provide guidelines such that primary care managers may reflect on how important, necessary, and stressful the performance of home care in the Brazilian reality is in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Pasquetti Marques
- Departamento de Odontologia Preventiva e Social, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Av. Paulo Gama 110, Farroupilha. 90040-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.
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Maetens A, Deliens L, Van den Block L, Beernaert K, Cohen J. Are We Evolving Toward Greater and Earlier Use of Palliative Home Care Support? A Trend Analysis Using Population-Level Data From 2010 to 2015. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 58:19-28.e10. [PMID: 31004775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The need for increased use and earlier initiation of palliative home care has been advocated by several international organizations. OBJECTIVES To investigate time trends in the use and timing of initiating palliative home care support (PHCS). METHODS We conducted an observational study using routinely collected population-level databases linked with health claims data for the entire population living at home that died of diseases indicative of palliative care needs in Belgium between 2010 and 2015 (n = 230,704). Trends and trends by cause of death and age were measured through changes over time in prevalence of use of PHCS. Rates were standardized for age, sex, and cause of death distribution in 2010. The median number of days before death when PHCS was initiated was calculated for each year. RESULTS Uptake of PHCS increased from 31.7% to 34.9% between 2010 and 2015. Trends were similar in size for all groups, except for people who died of dementia (smallest increase with 1.9 percent point). The timing of initiating PHCS advanced from 41 to 46 days before death, with the smallest increase observed among people who died of dementia (+2.5 days). The proportion of people receiving PHCS only in the last week of life changed from 15.3% to 13.9%. CONCLUSION This population-level study found a slight trend toward more and earlier initiation of PHCS between 2010 and 2015. However, uptake of PHCS remained below estimated needs in the population and the proportion of people receiving PHCS in their very late life remained stable over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Maetens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels & Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels & Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels & Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels & Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels & Ghent, Belgium
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Piers R, Albers G, Gilissen J, De Lepeleire J, Steyaert J, Van Mechelen W, Steeman E, Dillen L, Vanden Berghe P, Van den Block L. Advance care planning in dementia: recommendations for healthcare professionals. BMC Palliat Care 2018; 17:88. [PMID: 29933758 PMCID: PMC6014017 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0332-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Advance care planning (ACP) is a continuous, dynamic process of reflection and dialogue between an individual, those close to them and their healthcare professionals, concerning the individual’s preferences and values concerning future treatment and care, including end-of-life care. Despite universal recognition of the importance of ACP for people with dementia, who gradually lose their ability to make informed decisions themselves, ACP still only happens infrequently, and evidence-based recommendations on when and how to perform this complex process are lacking. We aimed to develop evidence-based clinical recommendations to guide professionals across settings in the practical application of ACP in dementia care. Methods Following the Belgian Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine’s procedures, we 1) performed an extensive literature search to identify international guidelines, articles reporting heterogeneous study designs and grey literature, 2) developed recommendations based on the available evidence and expert opinion of the author group, and 3) performed a validation process using written feedback from experts, a survey for end users (healthcare professionals across settings), and two peer-review groups (with geriatricians and general practitioners). Results Based on 67 publications and validation from ten experts, 51 end users and two peer-review groups (24 participants) we developed 32 recommendations covering eight domains: initiation of ACP, evaluation of mental capacity, holding ACP conversations, the role and importance of those close to the person with dementia, ACP with people who find it difficult or impossible to communicate verbally, documentation of wishes and preferences, including information transfer, end-of-life decision-making, and preconditions for optimal implementation of ACP. Almost all recommendations received a grading representing low to very low-quality evidence. Conclusion No high-quality guidelines are available for ACP in dementia care. By combining evidence with expert and user opinions, we have defined a unique set of recommendations for ACP in people living with dementia. These recommendations form a valuable tool for educating healthcare professionals on how to perform ACP across settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Piers
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gwenda Albers
- Flanders Federation for Palliative Care, Vilvoorde, Belgium
| | - Joni Gilissen
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium. .,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jan De Lepeleire
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, ACHG, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Steyaert
- Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Flemish Expertise Centre on Dementia Care, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Mechelen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, ACHG, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Els Steeman
- Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Let Dillen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium. .,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
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