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Paque K, Baudry L, Van Fraeyenhove F, Heyrman B. Barriers and facilitators to early initiation of palliative care as perceived by nurses working on pneumology and nephrology, a descriptive qualitative study. Scand J Caring Sci 2024. [PMID: 39192524 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Initiation of palliative care early in the disease trajectory is beneficial for patients with a life-limiting disease. However, palliative care is still introduced rather late or not at all. Therefore, this study aims to explore barriers and facilitators to early initiation of palliative care as perceived by nurses working on pneumology and nephrology. METHODS A descriptive interview-based study was conducted from a critical realist perspective until data sufficiency was reached. Fifteen nurses presented and discussed a patient for whom palliative care was initiated too late. Template analysis was conducted to develop themes and subthemes. RESULTS Five key themes were extracted: (1) communication, (2) fear, (3) personal beliefs about life and death, (4) ambiguity in terminology and (5) workload and time pressure. Barriers related to poor interdisciplinary communication were therapeutic obstinance, hierarchy, unawareness of the patient's wishes and fear of saying something inappropriate. Other barriers were patients' religious beliefs which often hindered the use of sedatives or morphine and led to discomfort and time restraints. A palliative support team in hospital and advance care planning (ACP) were enablers for early palliative care. STUDY LIMITATIONS This study started from a negative experience, leading to identification of a lot of barriers and only a few facilitators. The limited sample size and the restriction to two wards within one single hospital limit the diversity of perspectives and the generalisability of the findings. CONCLUSION More attention is needed for ACP and interdisciplinary communication. Palliative care, including ACP, and interdisciplinary communication should be included in the basic curricula of all healthcare professional courses. Further research is needed to explore barriers and facilitators to early initiation of palliative care in other healthcare settings and patient populations. This is crucial in order to develop and implement sustainable interventions for specific groups of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristel Paque
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Hast, Associate Degree Nursing, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Lars Baudry
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Haematology, ZNA-Middelheim, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Bert Heyrman
- Department of Haematology, ZNA-Middelheim, Antwerp, Belgium
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Qureshi D, Grubic N, Maxwell CJ, Bush SH, Casey G, Isenberg SR, Tanuseputro P, Webber C. Association of Disease Trajectory and Place of Care with End-of-Life Burdensome Transitions: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:105229. [PMID: 39186950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105229] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES End-of-life (EOL) transitions to hospital can be burdensome for older adults and may contribute to poor outcomes. We investigated the association of disease trajectory and place of care with EOL burdensome transitions. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using administrative data. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Ontarians aged ≥65 years who died between 2015 and 2018 and received long-term care (LTC) or home care 6 months before death. METHODS Disease trajectories were defined based on EOL functional decline: terminal illness, organ failure, frailty, sudden death, and other. Places of care included LTC, EOL home care, and non-EOL home care. Burdensome transitions were defined as early (≥3 hospitalizations for any reason or ≥2 hospitalizations due to pneumonia, urinary tract infection, sepsis, or dehydration in the last 90 days of life) or late (≥1 hospitalizations for any reason in the last 3 days of life). Multinomial logistic regression tested for effect modification between disease trajectory and places of care on burdensome transitions. RESULTS Of 110,776 decedents, 40.7% had organ failure, 37.5% had frailty, and 12.8% had a terminal illness, with the remainder in sudden death or other categories. Most were in LTC (62.5%), and 37.5% received home care, with 6.8% receiving designated EOL home care and 30.7% non-EOL home care. There was a significant interaction (P < .001) between disease trajectory and care settings. Compared with terminal illness, organ failure was associated with increased odds of early transitions across all care settings [odds ratios (ORs) ranging 1.14-1.21]. Frailty was associated with increased odds of early transitions solely for non-EOL home care recipients (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.28). Organ failure and frailty were associated with increased odds of late transitions across all settings, with organ failure having greater odds in LTC (organ failure OR 2.29, 95% CI 2.02-2.60, vs frailty OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.58-2.04). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Disparities exist in burdensome transitions, notably for noncancer decedents with organ failure in LTC. Enhancing palliative care may help reduce burdensome transitions and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Qureshi
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Colleen J Maxwell
- ICES, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shirley H Bush
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Genevieve Casey
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Colleen Webber
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; ICES, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Crowley P, Saab MM, Cornally N, Ronan I, Tabirca S, Murphy D. Identification of unmet palliative care needs of nursing home residents: A scoping review protocol. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306980. [PMID: 39116114 PMCID: PMC11309440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nursing home residents often have life limiting illnesses in combination with multiple comorbidities, cognitive deficits, and frailty. Due to these complex characteristics, a high proportion of nursing home residents require palliative care. However, many do not receive palliative care relative to this need resulting in unmet care needs. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no literature reviews to synthesise the evidence on how nursing home staff identify unmet palliative care needs and to determine what guidelines, policies, and frameworks on identifying unmet palliative care needs of nursing home residents are available. AIM The aim of this scoping review is to map and summarise the evidence on identifying unmet palliative care needs of residents in nursing homes. METHODS This scoping review will be guided by the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The search will be conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, and APA PsycArticles. A search of grey literature will also be conducted in databases such as CareSearch, Trip, GuidelineCentral, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the National Institute for Health and Care and Excellence website. The search strategy will be developed in conjunction with an academic librarian. Piloting of the screening process will be conducted to ensure agreement among the team on the eligibility criteria. Covidence software will be used to facilitate deduplication, screening, and blind reviewing. Four reviewers will conduct title and abstract screening. Six reviewers will conduct full text screening. Any conflicts will be resolved by a reviewer not involved in the conflict. One reviewer will conduct data extraction using pre-established data extraction tables. Results will be synthesised, and a narrative synthesis will be used to illustrate the findings of this review. Data will be presented visually using tables, figures, and word clouds, as appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Crowley
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mohamad M. Saab
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Nicola Cornally
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Isabel Ronan
- School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sabin Tabirca
- School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - David Murphy
- School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Zaza SI, Jacobson N, Buffington A, Dudek A, Haug K, Bradley T, Bushaw KJ, Kalbfell EL, Kwekkeboom K, Schwarze ML. Systems Forces Leading to Feeding Tube Placement in Patients with Advanced Dementia: A Qualitative Exploration of Clinical Momentum. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:993-1000. [PMID: 39083427 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0555] [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: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Older adults with serious illness near the end-of-life often receive invasive treatments. We developed a conceptual model called clinical momentum that describes system-level forces producing a trajectory of care that is difficult to modify and contributes to overtreatment. We sought to evaluate the empirical fit of our model by examining an event with clear guidelines against intervention: permanent feeding tube placement in patients with advanced dementia. Methods: We screened three hospitals and identified patients 65 years and older with advanced dementia who received a permanent feeding tube. We interviewed 34 family members and clinicians. We coded transcripts and characterized factors that arose during the course of care and their relationships to feeding tube placement. We used abductive analysis to compare the data with theory and identify areas of discordance and alignment. Results: We found that the course of care started with a temporary tube to correct an acute problem. As problems were identified, multiple clinicians were consulted to address a specific problem without collective discussion of the patient's health trajectory. Eventually, clinicians had to address the temporary tube, which was framed to families as a decision to place a permanent feeding tube or withdraw treatment. Conclusion: Elements of the model-including recognition-primed decision-making, "fix-it," and sunk costs-contributed to placement of a feeding tube, which set in motion a path toward intervention long before a goals-of-care conversation occurs. Clinical momentum expands our understanding of overtreatment at the end-of-life and may reveal opportunities to reduce other nonbeneficial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah I Zaza
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nora Jacobson
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research and School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Anne Buffington
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alex Dudek
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Karlie Haug
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Taylor Bradley
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kyle J Bushaw
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Elle L Kalbfell
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kris Kwekkeboom
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Niedzwiecki MJ, Forrow LV, Gellar J, Pohl RV, Chen A, Miescier L, Kranker K. The Medicare Care Choices Model was associated with reductions in disparities in the use of hospice care for Medicare beneficiaries with terminal illness. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14289. [PMID: 38419507 PMCID: PMC11249828 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14289] [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: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM) on disparities in hospice use and quality of end-of-life care for Medicare beneficiaries from underserved groups-those from racial and ethnic minority groups, dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, or living in rural areas. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Medicare enrollment and claims data from 2013 to 2021 for terminally ill Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries nationwide. STUDY DESIGN Through MCCM, terminally ill enrolled Medicare beneficiaries received supportive and palliative care services from hospice providers concurrently with curative treatments. Using a matched comparison group, we estimated subgroup-specific effects on hospice use, days at home, and aggressive treatment and multiple emergency department visits in the last 30 days of life. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS The sample included decedent Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in MCCM and a matched comparison group from the same geographic areas who met model eligibility criteria at time of enrollment: having a diagnosis of cancer, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or HIV/AIDS; living in the community; not enrolled in the Medicare hospice benefit in the previous 30 days; and having at least one hospital stay and three office visits in the previous 12 months. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Eligible beneficiaries from underserved groups were underrepresented in MCCM. MCCM increased enrollees' hospice use and the number of days at home and reduced aggressive treatment among all subgroups analyzed. MCCM also reduced disparities in hospice use by race and ethnicity and dual eligibility by 4.1 (90% credible interval [CI]: 1.3-6.1) and 2.4 (90% CI: 0.6-4.4) percentage points, respectively. It also reduced disparities in having multiple emergency department visits for rural enrollees by 1.3 (90% CI: 0.1-2.7) percentage points. CONCLUSIONS MCCM increased hospice use and quality of end-of-life care for model enrollees from underserved groups and reduced disparities in hospice use and having multiple emergency department visits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lynn Miescier
- Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Cheung K, Saffran A, Engdahl A, Chiang B, Boyle J, Taylor P, Murphy P. Identifying Prevalence and Potential Predictors of Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation Orders to Facilitate Preoperative Discussions on Code Status. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024:10499091241268589. [PMID: 39075980 DOI: 10.1177/10499091241268589] [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: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) orders allow patients with life-threatening conditions to decline resuscitation efforts should the need arise. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends discussions with patients on their code status to clarify and honor their goals of care perioperatively. This project sought to determine the prevalence of DNAR orders and to identify the demographics and potential clinical predictors of DNAR status at the beginning and end of admission, which would help anesthesiologists at our center facilitate these discussions. METHODS Factors associated with DNAR status at beginning and at end of hospital stay were determined through univariate logistic regressions. For DNAR status at beginning and end of hospital admission, variables assessed were age at arrival, race, sex, palliative consult, use of palliative care service, length of stay in days, presence of surgery, presence of emergent surgery, care level, and medical service. RESULTS Approximately 2.4 percent of the sample had an active DNAR order at the beginning of their hospital admission compared to 7.4 percent at the end of hospital admission. Factors significantly associated with DNAR status at the beginning of the hospital stay were consistent with prior literature (age, palliative care consult or service). However, factors significantly associated with DNAR status at the end of hospital stay that were notable included length of stay, undergoing emergent surgery, higher level of care, and being on the oncology service and medical respiratory intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study allows anesthesiologists at our institution to identify patients who may benefit from a more comprehensive perioperative discussion about code status based on certain clinical characteristics, which may improve quality of care by preventing unwanted resuscitative measures that do not align with a patient's goals of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Cheung
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Alex Saffran
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph Boyle
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Perry Taylor
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Paul Murphy
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Pereira CFR, Dijxhoorn AFQ, Koekoek B, van den Broek M, van der Steen K, Engel M, van Rijn M, Meijers JM, Hasselaar J, van der Heide A, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, van der Linden YM, Boddaert MS, Jeurissen PPT, Merkx MAW, Raijmakers NJH. Potentially Inappropriate End of Life Care and Healthcare Costs in the Last 30 Days of Life in Regions Providing Integrated Palliative Care in the Netherlands: A Registration-based Study. Int J Integr Care 2024; 24:6. [PMID: 39005964 PMCID: PMC11243768 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.7504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to assess the effect of integrated palliative care (IPC) on potentially inappropriate end- of-life care and healthcare-costs in the last 30 days of life in the Netherlands. Methods Nationwide health-insurance claims data were used to assess potentially inappropriate end-of-life care (≥2 emergency room visits; ≥2 hospital admissions; >14 days hospitalization; chemotherapy; ICU admission; hospital death) and healthcare-costs in all deceased adults in IPC regions pre- and post- implementation and in those receiving IPC compared to a 1:2 matched control group. Results In regions providing IPC deceased adults (n = 37,468) received significantly less potentially inappropriate end-of-life care post-implementation compared to pre-implementation (26.5% vs 27.9%; p < 0.05). Deceased adults who received IPC (n = 210) also received significantly less potentially inappropriate end-of-life care compared to a matched control group (14.8% vs 28.3%; p < 0.05). Mean hospital costs significantly decreased for deceased adults who received IPC (€2,817), while mean costs increased for general practitioner services (€311) and home care (€1,632). Discussion These results highlight the importance of implementation of integrated palliative care and suitable payment. Further research in a larger sample is needed. Conclusion This study shows less potentially inappropriate end-of-life care and a shift in healthcare costs from hospital to general practitioner and home care with IPC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne-floor Q. Dijxhoorn
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Berdine Koekoek
- Gelre Hospitals, Apeldoorn, Netherlands Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marijanne Engel
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjon van Rijn
- Department of Medicine for Older People, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC –Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Science, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith M. Meijers
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Zuyderland Care, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hasselaar
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bregje D. Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC –. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yvette M. van der Linden
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Manon S. Boddaert
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick P. T. Jeurissen
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias A. W. Merkx
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja J. H. Raijmakers
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Dörr A, Vogel I, Wittenbecher F, Westermann J, Thuss-Patience P, Ahn J, Pelzer U, Hardt J, Bullinger L, Flörcken A. Effective symptom relief through continuous integration of palliative care in advanced renal cell carcinoma patients: comprehensive measurement using the palliative care base assessment. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2024; 18:26323524241260424. [PMID: 39045295 PMCID: PMC11265252 DOI: 10.1177/26323524241260424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Due to modern therapies, survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has been significantly prolonged. Nevertheless, patients suffering from advanced disease often present with severe symptoms. Early integration of palliative care into anti-cancer treatment has been shown to improve quality of life and may even prolong survival. Therefore, it is recommended to offer palliative care to patients with complex symptoms at the beginning of an advanced disease stage. To our knowledge, so far, no study has been conducted to examine the role of palliative care in patients with mRCC. Objectives This study aimed to assess the symptom burden and quality of life before and after an inpatient palliative care treatment. Design The study design is a retrospective observational study. Methods We included patients with mRCC, who were admitted to our palliative care unit between 2011 and 2017 due to severe symptoms. The symptom burden was assessed at admission, throughout treatment, and at discharge. The evaluation consisted of the palliative care base assessment and daily documentation of relevant symptoms. Results We evaluated 110 hospitalizations of 58 RCC patients. On average, patients were admitted to the palliative care unit 7 years after initial diagnosis (range 1-305 months). The median age was 70.5 years, 69% of the patients were male, 3% female. The main causes for admission were pain (52%) and dyspnea (26%), and the most frequent patient-reported symptoms were fatigue/exhaustion (87%), weakness (83%), and need for assistance with activities of daily living (83%). Multidisciplinary palliative care treatment led to a significant reduction in the median minimal documentation system (MIDOS) symptom score (15.6-9.9, p < 0.001), the median numeric pain rating scale (3-0, p < 0.001), and a significant reduction in mean ratings of the distress thermometer (5.5-3.1, p = 0.016). Conclusion Our analysis shows that the integration of palliative care treatment is effective throughout the disease in mRCC and could measurably reduce the symptom burden in our patient population. Palliative care should not be equated with end-of-life care but should rather be integrated throughout advanced disease, particularly as soon as a cure is impossible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Dörr
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Insa Vogel
- Department of Gynecology, Immanuel Klinikum Bernau, Herzzentrum Brandenburg, Bernau, Germany
| | - Friedrich Wittenbecher
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Westermann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Thuss-Patience
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johann Ahn
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Pelzer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Hardt
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Human Medicine, Institute for Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Lars Bullinger
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Flörcken
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Varilek BM, Da Rosa P. Analysis of Palliative Care Knowledge and Symptom Burden Among Female Veterans With Serious Illness: A Cross-Sectional Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:641-650. [PMID: 37385594 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231187341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The female Veteran population is rapidly growing, as is their use of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers (VAMCs). Additionally, 90% of female Veterans are under 65 years old, meaning healthcare providers at VAMCs must be ready to manage the complex serious illnesses that affect female Veterans as they age. These serious illnesses require proper medical management, which can include palliative care. However, little palliative care research includes female Veterans. Aims: The aims of this cross-sectional study were to examine palliative care knowledge and symptom burden among female Veterans' and examine factors associated a symptom burden scale. Methods: Consenting participants completed online questionnaires, including the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS), Condensed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (CMSAS), and demographics. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample, bivariate association were carried out with a Chi-square and t test. A generalized linear model explored associations between CMSAS and its subscales with sociodemographic, number of serious illnesses, and facility type (VAMC vs civilian facility). Results: 152 female Veterans completed the survey. PaCKS scores were consistent across our sample. Physical symptoms were rated higher for those receiving care at VAMCs compared to civilian facilities (P = .02) in the bivariate analysis. The factors associated with CMSAS were age, employment status and number of serious illnesses (all P < .05). Conclusions: Palliative care can assist female Veterans with serious illness. More research is needed to further explore variables associated with symptom burden among female Veterans such as age, employment status, and number of serious illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Varilek
- College of Nursing, South Dakota State University, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Patricia Da Rosa
- Office of Nursing Research, College of Nursing, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
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Sergeant M, Ly O, Kandasamy S, Anand SS, de Souza RJ. Managing greenhouse gas emissions in the terminal year of life in an overwhelmed health system: a paradigm shift for people and our planet. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e327-e333. [PMID: 38729672 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Health care contributes 4·4% of global net carbon emissions. Hospitals are resource-intensive settings, using a large amount of supplies in patient care and have high energy, ventilation, and heating needs. This Viewpoint investigates emissions related to health care in a patient's last year of life. End of life (EOL) is a period when health-care use and associated emissions production increases exponentially due primarily to hospital admissions, which are often at odds with patients' values and preferences. Potential solutions detailed within this Viewpoint are facilitating advanced care plans with patients to ensure their EOL wishes are clear, beginning palliative care interventions earlier when treating a life-limiting illness, deprescribing unnecessary medications because medications and their supply chains make up a significant portion of health-care emissions, and, enhancing access to low-intensity community care settings (eg, hospices) within the last year of life if home care is not available. Our analysis was done using Canadian data, but the findings can be applied to other high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles Sergeant
- Department of Family Medicine, Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Olivia Ly
- Department of Family Medicine, Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sujane Kandasamy
- Department of Child and Youth Studies, Brock University, St Catherine's, ON, Canada
| | - Sonia S Anand
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Russell J de Souza
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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van Baal K, Hemmerling M, Stahmeyer JT, Stiel S, Afshar K. End-of-life care in Germany between 2016 and 2020 - A repeated cross-sectional analysis of statutory health insurance data. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:105. [PMID: 38643167 PMCID: PMC11031961 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01387-6] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hospice and Palliative Care Act of 2015 aimed at developing and regulating the provision of palliative care (PC) services in Germany. As a result of the legal changes, people with incurable diseases should be enabled to experience their final stage of life including death according to their own wishes. However, it remains unknown whether the act has impacted end-of-life care (EoLC) in Germany. OBJECTIVE The present study examined trends in EoLC indicators for patients who died between 2016 and 2020, in the context of Lower Saxony, Germany. METHODS Repeated cross-sectional analysis was conducted on data from the statutory health insurance fund AOK Lower Saxony (AOK-LS), referring to the years 2016-2020. EoLC indicators were: (1) the number of patients receiving any form of outpatient PC, (2) the number of patients receiving generalist outpatient PC and (3) specialist outpatient PC in the last year of life, (4) the onset of generalist outpatient PC and (5) the onset of specialist outpatient PC before death, (6) the number of hospitalisations in the 6 months prior to death and (7) the number of days spent in hospital in the 6 months prior to death. Data for each year were analysed descriptively and a comparison between 2016 and 2020 was carried out using t-tests and chi-square tests. RESULTS Data from 160,927 deceased AOK-LS members were analysed. The number of patients receiving outpatient PC remained almost consistent over time (2016 vs. 2020 p = .077). The number of patients receiving generalist outpatient PC decreased from 28.4% (2016) to 24.5% (2020; p < .001), whereas the number of patients receiving specialist outpatient PC increased from 8.5% (2016) to 11.2% (2020; p < .001). The onset of generalist outpatient PC moved from 106 (2016) to 93 days (2020; p < .001) before death, on average. The onset of specialist outpatient PC showed the reverse pattern (2016: 55 days before death; 2020: 59 days before death; p = .041). CONCLUSION Despite growing needs for PC at the end of life, the number of patients receiving outpatient PC did not increase between 2016 and 2020. Furthermore, specialist outpatient PC is being increasingly prescribed over generalist outpatient PC. Although the early initiation of outpatient PC has been proven valuable for the majority of people at the end of life, generalist outpatient PC was not initiated earlier in the disease trajectory over the study period, as was found to be true for specialist outpatient PC. Future studies should seek to determine how existing PC needs can be optimally met within the outpatient sector and identify factors that can support the earlier initiation of especially generalist outpatient PC. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study "Optimal Care at the End of Life" was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00015108; 22 January 2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina van Baal
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Melissa Hemmerling
- AOK Lower Saxony, Department for Health Services Research, Hildesheimer Str. 273, 30519, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jona Theodor Stahmeyer
- AOK Lower Saxony, Department for Health Services Research, Hildesheimer Str. 273, 30519, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kambiz Afshar
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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12
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Sohal A, Chaudhry H, Sharma R, Dhillon N, Kohli I, Singla P, Arora K, Dukovic D, Verma M, Roytman M. Recent Trends in Palliative Care Utilization in Patients With Decompensated Liver Disease: 2016-2020 National Analysis. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:335-344. [PMID: 37851991 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0367] [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: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) have a poor quality of life, which often worsens as disease severity increases. Palliative care (PC) has emerged as a management option in ESLD patients, especially for those who are not candidates for a liver transplant. Objective: To assess the associated factors and trends in PC utilization in recent years. Design: We used the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database of the United States to identify patients with decompensated cirrhosis who suffered in-hospital mortality. Information regarding patient demographics, hospital characteristics, etiology and decompensations, Elixhauser comorbidities, and interventions was collected. The multivariate regression model was used to identify factors associated with PC use. Results: Out of 98,160 patients, 52,645 patients (53.6%) received PC consultations. PC utilization increased from 49.11% in 2016 to 56.85% in 2019, with a slight decrease to 54.47% in 2020. Patients with PC use had decreased incidence of blood transfusions (28.85% vs. 36.53%, p < 0.001), endoscopy (18% vs. 20.26%, p 0.0001), liver transplantation (0.28% vs. 0.69%, p < 0.001), and mechanical ventilation (46.22% vs. 56.37%, p < 0.001). African American, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander patients had 29%, 27%, and 23% lower odds of receiving PC than White patients. Patients in the two lowest income quartiles had 12% and 22% lower odds of receiving PC compared with the highest quartile. Conclusions: PC utilization in patients with ESLD is associated with decreased invasive procedures, shorter lengths of stay, and lower hospitalization charges. Minorities, as well as patients in the lower income quartiles, were less likely to receive PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalam Sohal
- Department of Hepatology, Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hunza Chaudhry
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Fresno, Fresno, California, USA
| | - Ragini Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maullana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Nimrat Dhillon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shri Guru Ram Das Medical College, Amritsar, India
| | - Isha Kohli
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Piyush Singla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dayanand Medical College, and Hospital, Punjab, India
| | - Kirti Arora
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dayanand Medical College, and Hospital, Punjab, India
| | - Dino Dukovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ross University School of Medicine, Miramar, Florida, USA
| | - Manisha Verma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Marina Roytman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, Fresno, Fresno, California, USA
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13
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Sachdev R, Shearn-Nance G, Vu L, Bensken WP, Douglas SL, Koroukian SM, Rose J. Comparing the use of aggressive end-of life care among frail and non-frail patients with cancer using a claims-based frailty index. J Geriatr Oncol 2024; 15:101706. [PMID: 38320468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2024.101706] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite mounting consensus that end-of-life (EOL) care for patients with cancer should focus on improving quality of life, many patients continue to receive aggressive, disease-oriented treatment until death. Within this group, patients with increased frailty may be at higher risk of adverse treatment-related outcomes. We therefore examined the relationship between degree of frailty and receipt of aggressive EOL care among Medicare-insured patients with cancer in Ohio. MATERIALS AND METHODS From the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System (OCISS) linked with Medicare claims, we identified patients diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer who died between 2012 and 2016. Frailty was operationalized using a validated claims-based frailty index. Six quality indicators reflecting receipt of aggressive EOL care were identified from claims: (1) any cancer-directed treatment, (2) >1 emergency department (ED) visit, (3) >1 hospital admission, (4) any intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the last 30 days of life, (5) entry to hospice in the last three days of life, and (6) in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to control for demographic factors, Medicare and Medicaid dual enrollment, and cancer type and stage in the relationship between frailty and aggressive EOL care. RESULTS Overall, 31,465 patients met selection criteria. Patients with moderate/severe frailty were less likely than non-/pre-frail patients to receive any aggressive EOL care (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.92 [95% confidence interval 0.86-0.99]). This group was also less likely to undergo cancer-directed treatment in their last 30 days or to enter hospice in their last three days. Increasing frailty was associated with lower odds of admission to the ICU in the last 30 days of life (mild frailty: aOR 0.88 [0.83-0.94]; moderate/severe frailty: aOR 0.85 [0.78-0.92]) or of dying in-hospital (mild frailty: 0.85 [0.79-0.91]; moderate/severe frailty: aOR 0.74 [0.67-0.82]), but higher odds of having >1 ED visit in the last 30 days of life (mild frailty: aOR 1.43 [1.32-1.53]; moderate/severe frailty: aOR 1.61 [1.47-1.77]). DISCUSSION These findings suggest the need for more explicit discussion of emergency care seeking for patients with cancer at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Sachdev
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Galen Shearn-Nance
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Long Vu
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, WG-49, Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, USA
| | - Wyatt P Bensken
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, WG-49, Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, USA
| | - Sara L Douglas
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH. 44104, USA
| | - Siran M Koroukian
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, WG-49, Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, USA
| | - Johnie Rose
- Center for Community Health Integration, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11000 Cedar Ave., Ste. 402, Cleveland, OH 44106-7136, USA.
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14
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Murmann M, Manuel DG, Tanuseputro P, Bennett C, Pugliese M, Li W, Roberts R, Hsu AT. Estimated mortality risk and use of palliative care services among home care clients during the last 6 months of life: a retrospective cohort study. CMAJ 2024; 196:E209-E221. [PMID: 38408785 PMCID: PMC10896599 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.221513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada, only 15% of patients requiring palliative care receive such services in the year before death. We describe health care utilization patterns among home care users in their last 6 months of life to inform care planning for older people with varying mortality risks and evolving care needs as they decline. METHODS Using population health administrative data from Ontario, we performed a retrospective cohort study involving home care clients aged 50 years and older who received at least 1 interRAI (Resident Assessment Instrument) Home Care assessment between April 2018 and September 2019. We report the proportion of clients who used acute care, long-term care, and palliative home care services within 6 months of their assessment, stratified by their predicted 6-month mortality risk using a prognostic tool called the Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder-life in their Communities Tool (RESPECT) and vital status. RESULTS The cohort included 247 377 adults, 11.9% of whom died within 6 months of an assessment. Among decedents, 50.6% of those with a RESPECT-estimated median survival of fewer than 3 months received at least 1 nonphysician palliative home care visit before death. This proportion declined to 38.7% and 29.5% among decedents with an estimated median survival between 3 and 6 months and between 6 and 12 months, respectively. INTERPRETATION Many older adults in Ontario do not receive any palliative home care before death. Prognostic tools such as RESPECT may improve recognition of reduced life expectancies and palliative care needs of individuals in their final years of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Murmann
- Bruyère Research Institute (Murmann, Tanuseputro, Hsu); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Bennett, Pugliese, Li, Roberts, Hsu), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Department of Family Medicine (Manuel, Hsu), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Pugliese); Department of Medicine (Tanuseputro), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Douglas G Manuel
- Bruyère Research Institute (Murmann, Tanuseputro, Hsu); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Bennett, Pugliese, Li, Roberts, Hsu), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Department of Family Medicine (Manuel, Hsu), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Pugliese); Department of Medicine (Tanuseputro), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute (Murmann, Tanuseputro, Hsu); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Bennett, Pugliese, Li, Roberts, Hsu), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Department of Family Medicine (Manuel, Hsu), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Pugliese); Department of Medicine (Tanuseputro), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Carol Bennett
- Bruyère Research Institute (Murmann, Tanuseputro, Hsu); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Bennett, Pugliese, Li, Roberts, Hsu), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Department of Family Medicine (Manuel, Hsu), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Pugliese); Department of Medicine (Tanuseputro), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Michael Pugliese
- Bruyère Research Institute (Murmann, Tanuseputro, Hsu); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Bennett, Pugliese, Li, Roberts, Hsu), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Department of Family Medicine (Manuel, Hsu), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Pugliese); Department of Medicine (Tanuseputro), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Wenshan Li
- Bruyère Research Institute (Murmann, Tanuseputro, Hsu); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Bennett, Pugliese, Li, Roberts, Hsu), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Department of Family Medicine (Manuel, Hsu), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Pugliese); Department of Medicine (Tanuseputro), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Rhiannon Roberts
- Bruyère Research Institute (Murmann, Tanuseputro, Hsu); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Bennett, Pugliese, Li, Roberts, Hsu), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Department of Family Medicine (Manuel, Hsu), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Pugliese); Department of Medicine (Tanuseputro), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Amy T Hsu
- Bruyère Research Institute (Murmann, Tanuseputro, Hsu); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Bennett, Pugliese, Li, Roberts, Hsu), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Department of Family Medicine (Manuel, Hsu), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro, Pugliese); Department of Medicine (Tanuseputro), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.
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15
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Taylor S, Vercell A, Sawyer C, Khatoon B, Coomber-Moore J, Yorke J, Mula C, Berman R. Enhanced supportive care: prospective cohort study of oncology patients and caregivers. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 14:103-117. [PMID: 37696586 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004231] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A prospective cohort study to evaluate clinical effectiveness of the enhanced supportive care (ESC) service at a comprehensive cancer centre and to explore the impact of the service on patient and caregiver outcomes and experience. METHODS Patients who received care under the ESC service and their caregivers were eligible. Consented patients (n=184) and caregivers (n=67) completed questionnaires at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks post-ESC. Patient questionnaires assessed quality of life (QOL), symptoms, experience of ESC and health service use. Caregiver questionnaires included QOL and needs assessment. Selected patients (n=13) participated in qualitative interviews. Quantitative analysis explored differences in questionnaire responses over time (p<0.05). Qualitative data were analysed thematically. RESULTS Patient quantitative data showed improvements in QOL (p=0.004 for European Quality of Life Questionnaire 5 dimensions (EQ5D) health index scores) and anxiety (p=0.006) at 4 weeks, reduction in some symptoms (pain p=0.02 at 4 weeks), improvement in self-efficacy, an increase in problems being addressed and a decrease in health service use (reduction in outpatient appointments). Qualitative findings suggested patients were generally satisfied with the ESC service but identified areas for improvement such as increased awareness of ESC and earlier referral. Fewer improvements were noted for caregivers; however, they did report a decrease in unmet needs. CONCLUSION The ESC service had a positive impact on various patient-reported and caregiver-reported outcomes. There were also positive impacts on health service use. Increasing awareness of ESC and engaging patients at an earlier stage in the disease trajectory may further improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Taylor
- Christie Patient Centred Research Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Amy Vercell
- Christie Patient Centred Research Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Chelsea Sawyer
- Christie Patient Centred Research Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Binish Khatoon
- Christie Patient Centred Research Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jake Coomber-Moore
- Christie Patient Centred Research Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Janelle Yorke
- Christie Patient Centred Research Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Carole Mula
- Department of Supportive Care, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard Berman
- Department of Supportive Care, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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16
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Boddaert MS, Fransen HP, de Nijs EJM, van Gerven D, Spierings LEA, Raijmakers NJH, van der Linden YM. Association between Inappropriate End-of-Life Cancer Care and Specialist Palliative Care: A Retrospective Observational Study in Two Acute Care Hospitals. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:721. [PMID: 38398112 PMCID: PMC10886868 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040721] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A substantial number of patients with life-threatening illnesses like cancer receive inappropriate end-of-life care. Improving their quality of end-of-life care is a priority for patients and their families and for public health. To investigate the association between provision, timing, and initial setting of hospital-based specialist palliative care and potentially inappropriate end-of-life care for patients with cancer in two acute care hospitals in the Netherlands, we conducted a retrospective observational study using hospital administrative databases. All adults diagnosed with or treated for cancer in the year preceding their death in 2018 or 2019 were included. The main exposure was hospital-based specialist palliative care initiated >30 days before death. The outcome measures in the last 30 days of life were six quality indicators for inappropriate end-of-life care (≥2 ED-visits, ≥2 hospital admissions, >14 days hospitalization, ICU-admission, chemotherapy, hospital death). We identified 2603 deceased patients, of whom 14% (n = 359) received specialist palliative care >30 days before death (exposure group). Overall, 27% (n = 690) received potentially inappropriate end-of-life care: 19% in the exposure group, versus 28% in the non-exposure group (p < 0.001). The exposure group was 45% less likely to receive potentially inappropriate end-of-life care (AOR 0.55; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.73). Early (>90 days) and late (≤90 and >30 days) initiation of specialist palliative care, as well as outpatient and inpatient initiation, were all associated with less potentially inappropriate end-of-life care (AOR 0.49; 0.62; 0.32; 0.64, respectively). Thus, timely access to hospital-based specialist palliative care is associated with less potentially inappropriate end-of-life care for patients with cancer. The outpatient initiation of specialist palliative care seems to enhance this result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon S. Boddaert
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), 3501 DB Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), 3501 DB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi P. Fransen
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), 3501 DB Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), 3501 DB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen J. M. de Nijs
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dagmar van Gerven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alrijne Hospital, 2353 GA Leiderdorp, The Netherlands
| | | | - Natasja J. H. Raijmakers
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), 3501 DB Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), 3501 DB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yvette M. van der Linden
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), 3501 DB Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Merluzzi TV, Salamanca-Balen N, Philip EJ, Salsman JM, Chirico A. Integration of Psychosocial Theory into Palliative Care: Implications for Care Planning and Early Palliative Care. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:342. [PMID: 38254831 PMCID: PMC10813714 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020342] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Palliative care improves patients' symptoms, quality of life and family satisfaction with caregiving, reduces hospital admissions and promotes alignment of medical care with the patient's needs and goals. This article proposes the utility of integrating three psychosocial theories into standard palliative care with implications for care planning, early palliative care and optimizing quality of life. First, Control Theory focuses on the complex juxtaposition of promoting agency/empowerment in patients and carers and coping with often highly uncertain outcomes. Second, Optimal Matching Theory accounts for the alignment of need and provision of care to potentiate the quality of life effects of supportive care in a complex social process involving health care providers, patients and carers. Third, Hope Theory represents a dynamic process, which is marked by variation in the qualities of hope as the patient and carer confront challenges during palliative care. Future work will be translational in nature to adapt both assessment and interventions based on this theoretically driven augmentation of palliative care as well as to evaluate whether it provides a conceptual framework that has incremental utility in palliative care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas V. Merluzzi
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | | | - Errol J. Philip
- School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - John M. Salsman
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Atrium Health—Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | - Andrea Chirico
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
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18
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Gitau K, Huang A, Isenberg SR, Stall N, Ailon J, Bell CM, Quinn KL. Association of patient sex with use of palliative care in Ontario, Canada: a population-based study. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E1025-E1032. [PMID: 37935486 PMCID: PMC10635704 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20220232] [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] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether there are sex-based differences in use of palliative care near the end of life. The objective of this study was to measure the association between sex and palliative care use. METHODS We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study of all patients aged 18 years or older in the last year of life who died in Ontario, Canada, between 2010 and 2018. The primary exposure was patient biologic sex (male or female). The primary outcome was receipt of physician-delivered palliative care; secondary outcomes were approach to in-hospital palliative care and sex concordance of the patient and referring physician. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression to measure the association between patient sex and palliative care receipt, as well as patient-physician sex concordance. RESULTS There were 706 722 patients (354 657 females [50.2%], median age 80 yr [interquartile range 69-87 yr]) in the study cohort, 377 498 (53.4%) of whom received physician-delivered palliative care. After adjustment for age and selected comorbidities, female sex was associated with a 9% relative increase (adjusted relative risk [RR] 1.09, 95% CI 1.08-1.10) in receipt of physician-delivered palliative care. Female patients were 16% more likely than male patients (adjusted RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.14-1.18) to have had their first hospital admission in their final year of life categorized as having a likely palliative intent. Female patients were 18% more likely than male patients (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.17-1.19) to have had a female referring physician, and male patients were 20% more likely than female patients (adjusted RR 1.20, CI 1.19-1.21) to have had a male referring physician. INTERPRETATION After adjustment for age and comorbidities, male patients were slightly less likely than female patients to have received physician-delivered palliative care, and female patients were more likely than male patients to have had their first hospital admission in their final year of life categorized as having a likely palliative care intent. These results may reflect a between-sex difference in overall end-of-life care preferences or sex differences in decision-making influenced by patient-specific factors; further studies exploring how these factors affect end-of-life decision-making are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Gitau
- Departments of Medicine (Gitau, Stall, Ailon, Bell, Quinn) and Family and Community Medicine (Isenberg), University of Toronto; ICES (Huang, Stall, Bell, Quinn); Department of Medicine (Stall, Bell, Quinn), Sinai Health System; Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (Quinn), Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Isenberg), University of Ottawa; Bruyère Research Institute (Isenberg, Ailon), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Anjie Huang
- Departments of Medicine (Gitau, Stall, Ailon, Bell, Quinn) and Family and Community Medicine (Isenberg), University of Toronto; ICES (Huang, Stall, Bell, Quinn); Department of Medicine (Stall, Bell, Quinn), Sinai Health System; Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (Quinn), Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Isenberg), University of Ottawa; Bruyère Research Institute (Isenberg, Ailon), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Departments of Medicine (Gitau, Stall, Ailon, Bell, Quinn) and Family and Community Medicine (Isenberg), University of Toronto; ICES (Huang, Stall, Bell, Quinn); Department of Medicine (Stall, Bell, Quinn), Sinai Health System; Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (Quinn), Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Isenberg), University of Ottawa; Bruyère Research Institute (Isenberg, Ailon), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Nathan Stall
- Departments of Medicine (Gitau, Stall, Ailon, Bell, Quinn) and Family and Community Medicine (Isenberg), University of Toronto; ICES (Huang, Stall, Bell, Quinn); Department of Medicine (Stall, Bell, Quinn), Sinai Health System; Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (Quinn), Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Isenberg), University of Ottawa; Bruyère Research Institute (Isenberg, Ailon), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Jonathan Ailon
- Departments of Medicine (Gitau, Stall, Ailon, Bell, Quinn) and Family and Community Medicine (Isenberg), University of Toronto; ICES (Huang, Stall, Bell, Quinn); Department of Medicine (Stall, Bell, Quinn), Sinai Health System; Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (Quinn), Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Isenberg), University of Ottawa; Bruyère Research Institute (Isenberg, Ailon), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Chaim M Bell
- Departments of Medicine (Gitau, Stall, Ailon, Bell, Quinn) and Family and Community Medicine (Isenberg), University of Toronto; ICES (Huang, Stall, Bell, Quinn); Department of Medicine (Stall, Bell, Quinn), Sinai Health System; Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (Quinn), Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Isenberg), University of Ottawa; Bruyère Research Institute (Isenberg, Ailon), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Kieran L Quinn
- Departments of Medicine (Gitau, Stall, Ailon, Bell, Quinn) and Family and Community Medicine (Isenberg), University of Toronto; ICES (Huang, Stall, Bell, Quinn); Department of Medicine (Stall, Bell, Quinn), Sinai Health System; Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (Quinn), Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Isenberg), University of Ottawa; Bruyère Research Institute (Isenberg, Ailon), Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
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19
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O'Brien H, Kruger C, Ravindrarasan S, Kiely F, Foley T. Perceived Palliative Care Education Needs of GP Trainees: A National Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:320-327.e13. [PMID: 37380146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT GP's provide palliative care in the community. Managing complex palliative needs can be challenging for GPs and even more so for GP trainees. During the postgraduate training period GP trainees are working in the community but have more time for education. This time in their career could present a good opportunity for palliative care education. For any education to be effective their educational needs must first be clarified. OBJECTIVES To explore the perceived palliative care education needs and preferred education methods of GP trainees. METHODS A national, multisite qualitative study involving a series of semistructured focus group interviews with third and fourth year GP trainees. Data were coded and analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. RESULTS Perceived Educational Needs: five themes were conceptualized: 1) Empowerment vs. Disempowerment; 2) Community Practice; 3) Intra- and Interpersonal Skills; 4) Formative Experiences; 5) Contextual Challenges. PREFERRED EDUCATIONAL METHODS Three themes were conceptualized: 1) Oriented Learning-experiential vs. didactic; 2) Practicalities; 3) Communication Skills. CONCLUSION This is the first multisite national qualitative study exploring the perceived palliative care educational needs and preferred educational methods of GP trainees. Trainees expressed a unanimous need for experiential palliative care education. Trainees also identified means to address their educational requirements. This study suggests that a collaborative approach between specialist palliative care and general practice is necessary to create educational opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah O'Brien
- Marymount Hospice (H.O., C.K., S.R., F.K.), Cork, Ireland
| | - Claire Kruger
- Marymount Hospice (H.O., C.K., S.R., F.K.), Cork, Ireland.
| | | | - Fiona Kiely
- Marymount Hospice (H.O., C.K., S.R., F.K.), Cork, Ireland
| | - Tony Foley
- University College Cork (T.F.), Cork, Ireland
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20
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Morrison-Koechl J, Liu SH, Banerjee A, Heckman G, Keller H. Nutrition and Non-Nutrition-Related Challenges Predict Time to Death in Long-Term Care Residents: A Retrospective Chart Review. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:2823-2837. [PMID: 37750163 PMCID: PMC10518155 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s417344] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Signals of end-of-life decline observed in daily habits, such as mealtime participation, are important for moving towards comfort-focused goals of care in the final months of life of long-term care (LTC) residents. It is unclear how eating issues observed in real-time in LTC homes are used as indicators of suspected end of life. The study quantifies nutrition and key non-nutrition related signals (eg, general decline, unstable vitals) documented to describe end-of-life decline and the subsequent time to death. Patients and Methods A retrospective chart review identified the first documented conversation where end-of-life decline was considered by members of the care team (eg, nurses, physicians, dietitian, family member) for 76 randomly selected decedents from 9 LTC homes in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Time (days) to death was calculated. A directed content analysis of the free-text description of the suspected end-of-life decline was used to categorize signals. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis tested the risk of mortality associated with each categorized signal. Results Time to death of residents (mean age = 88 ± 7 years; 60% female) from the first documentation of potential end-of-life decline ranged from 0 days to over 2 years prior to death (median = 27.5 days). Seven nutrition-related and 18 non-nutrition related signals were identified. Swallowing difficulty (HR = 2.99; 95% CI = 1.41, 6.33), cognitive decline (HR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.20, 0.77), delirium (HR = 13.23; 95% CI = 1.57, 111.69), and cancer (HR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.07, 0.48) were associated with time to death. Conclusion This study provides insight into the signals used by care providers in LTC to suspect that residents are declining towards the end of life and identifies four signals that were associated with time to death. When identified by care providers as indicators of end-of-life decline, swallowing difficulty and delirium predicted a shorter time to death, while cancer and cognitive decline predicted a longer time to death. Recognition of nutrition and non-nutrition related signals may be leveraged to systematically introduce timely comfort care conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Morrison-Koechl
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheng Han Liu
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Albert Banerjee
- Department of Gerontology, St. Thomas University, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - George Heckman
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Keller
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Hughes MC, Vernon E, Hainstock A. The effectiveness of community-based palliative care programme components: a systematic review. Age Ageing 2023; 52:afad175. [PMID: 37740895 PMCID: PMC10517647 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that community-based palliative care programmes can improve patient outcomes and caregiver experiences cost-effectively. However, little is known about which specific components within these programmes contribute to improving the outcomes. AIM To systematically review research that evaluates the effectiveness of community-based palliative care components. DESIGN A systematic mixed studies review synthesising quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods study findings using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PROSPERO: ID # CRD42022302305. DATA SOURCES Four databases were searched in August 2021 (CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest Federated and PubMed including MEDLINE) and a close review of included article references. Inclusion criteria required articles to evaluate a single, specific component of a community-based palliative care programme either within an individual programme or across several programmes. RESULTS Overall, a total of 1,674 articles were identified, with 57 meeting the inclusion criteria. Of the included studies, 21 were qualitative, 25 were quantitative and 11 had mixed methods. Outcome measures consistently examined included patient/caregiver satisfaction, hospital utilisation and home deaths. The components of standardised sessions (interdisciplinary meetings about patients), volunteer engagement and early intervention contributed to the success of community-based palliative care programmes. CONCLUSIONS Certain components of community-based palliative care programmes are effective. Such components should be implemented and tested more in low- and middle-income countries and key and vulnerable populations such as lower-income and marginalised racial or ethnic groups. In addition, more research is needed on the cost-effectiveness of individual programme components.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Courtney Hughes
- Department of Public Health, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Erin Vernon
- Department of Economics, Seattle University, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
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22
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Webber C, Hafid S, Gayowsky A, Howard M, Tanuseputro P, Jones A, Scott MM, Hsu AT, Downar J, Manuel D, Conen K, Isenberg SR. End-of-life interventions in patients with cancer. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2023-004222. [PMID: 37536756 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe variations in the receipt of potentially inappropriate interventions in the last 100 days of life of patients with cancer according to patient characteristics and cancer site. METHODS We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of cancer decedents in Ontario, Canada who died between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018. Potentially inappropriate interventions, including chemotherapy, major surgery, intensive care unit admission, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation, dialysis, percutaneous coronary intervention, mechanical ventilation, feeding tube placement, blood transfusion and bronchoscopy, were captured via hospital discharge records. We used Poisson regression to examine associations between interventions and decedent age, sex, rurality, income and cancer site. RESULTS Among 151 618 decedents, 81.3% received at least one intervention, and 21.4% received 3+ different interventions. Older patients (age 95-105 years vs 19-44 years, rate ratio (RR) 0.36, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.38) and women (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.94) had lower intervention rates. Rural patients (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.10), individuals in the highest area-level income quintile (vs lowest income quintile RR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04), and patients with pancreatic cancer (vs colorectal cancer RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.12) had higher intervention rates. CONCLUSIONS Potentially inappropriate interventions were common in the last 100 days of life of cancer decedents. Variations in interventions may reflect differences in prognostic awareness, healthcare access, and care preferences and quality. Earlier identification of patients' palliative care needs and involvement of palliative care specialists may help reduce the use of these interventions at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Webber
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shuaib Hafid
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Michelle Howard
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron Jones
- ICES, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary M Scott
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy T Hsu
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Downar
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Doug Manuel
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katrin Conen
- Department of Medicine, Walker Family Cancer Centre and Niagara Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarina Roslyn Isenberg
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Xu L, Zeng L, Chai E, Morrison RS, Gelfman LP. Functional Status Changes in Patients Receiving Palliative Care Consult During COVID-19 Pandemic. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:137-145.e3. [PMID: 37088116 PMCID: PMC10122549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.04.018] [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] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hospitalized patients with functional impairment have higher symptom burden and mortality. Little is known about how increased patient volume and acuity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected access to palliative care among patients with functional impairment. OBJECTIVES To examine changes in functional status and hospital outcomes among patients receiving inpatient palliative care consultation before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, multisite cohort study of all adult patients (≥ 18 years) admitted to four hospitals in New York City, USA, who received inpatient palliative care consultation between March 1, 2019 and February 28, 2022 with documented functional status at the time of consultation measured by Karnofsky Performance Status scale. RESULTS Among 13,180 eligible patients identified, patients' functional status at the time of consultation decreased as palliative care consult volume increased with the onset of the pandemic. Compared to pre-pandemic, there was a statistically significant trend of lower functional status (P < 0.001) and higher in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001) among patients with noncancer and non-COVID-19 diagnoses two years after the pandemic. In contrast, patients with cancer had a statistically significant trend of higher functional status (P < 0.001) and no significant changes in in-hospital mortality over time. CONCLUSION As the healthcare system was stressed with high demand and limited resources, palliative care consultation prioritized highest acuity patients by shifting towards those with lower functional status and higher in-hospital mortality. This shift disproportionately affected noncancer patients. Innovative approaches to ensure upstream palliative care consultation during increased resource constraints are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyi Xu
- Division of Pulmonary (L.X.), Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (L.X., L.Z., E.C., R.S.M., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Li Zeng
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (L.X., L.Z., E.C., R.S.M., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Chai
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (L.X., L.Z., E.C., R.S.M., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rolfe Sean Morrison
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (L.X., L.Z., E.C., R.S.M., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; National Palliative Care Research Center (R.S.M.), New York, New York, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (R.S.M., L.P.G.), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura P Gelfman
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (L.X., L.Z., E.C., R.S.M., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (R.S.M., L.P.G.), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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24
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Gillmeyer KR, Johnson SW, Bolton RE, McCullough MB, Wiener RS. Organization of pulmonary hypertension care in non-expert care settings: Lessons learned from a multi-site study. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:663-673. [PMID: 36518045 PMCID: PMC10154164 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14114] [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: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine how select Veterans Health Administration (VA) sites organized care for patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), with a focus on describing existing practices and identifying unmet needs within the sites. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Semi-structured interviews across seven diverse VA sites. STUDY DESIGN Qualitative multiple-site study. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We interviewed 54 key informants including pulmonologists, cardiologists, primary care providers, advanced care practitioners, pharmacists, and clinical leaders to assess the structures and processes of PH care delivery. We analyzed transcripts using directed content analysis and constructed site profiles for each site, comparing profiles to existing guidelines for PH expert centers. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Sites varied considerably in how they organized PH care, with wide variation in the availability of structures and processes recommended for expert centers, including availability of PH expertise and PH-specific resources, multidisciplinary approach to care, establishment of clear referral pathways, and presence of PH education. Further, participants identified three areas of unmet need not directly addressed within current guidelines, including better integration of pharmacists into multidisciplinary teams, early and routine involvement of palliative care, and improved care coordination efforts. CONCLUSIONS The rising prevalence of PH and evolution of treatments for common PH subgroups underscore the need to standardize PH care delivery in non-expert care settings to improve care quality and patient outcomes. The insight gained from this study may inform the development of guidance appropriate for care settings outside of expert centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari R. Gillmeyer
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation ResearchVA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA and VA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- The Pulmonary CenterBoston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Shelsey W. Johnson
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation ResearchVA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA and VA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- The Pulmonary CenterBoston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Rendelle E. Bolton
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation ResearchVA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA and VA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- The Heller School for Social Policy and ManagementBrandeis UniversityWalthamMassachusettsUSA
| | - Megan B. McCullough
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation ResearchVA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA and VA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Public HealthZuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of MassachusettsLowellMassachusettsUSA
| | - Renda Soylemez Wiener
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation ResearchVA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA and VA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- The Pulmonary CenterBoston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
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25
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Boyd C, DiBartolo MC, Helne D, Everett K. Implementing a Standardized Workflow Process to Increase the Palliative Care to Hospice Admission Rate. J Nurs Care Qual 2023; 38:185-189. [PMID: 36461929 DOI: 10.1097/ncq.0000000000000682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care is a precursor for hospice care, an underutilized Medicare benefit that has been shown to improve quality of life, decrease health care costs, and provide expert symptom relief at the end of life. LOCAL PROBLEM Palliative patients transitioning to hospice services were experiencing delays within the admission process. PURPOSE To determine whether standardizing the workflow process with chart completion leads to increases in the hospice admission rate for palliative care patients transitioning to hospice care. METHODS This quality improvement project adapted Kurt Lewin's change theory and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle for implementation. Preintervention patient data were collected from May 2021 through August 2021, and postintervention data were collected from September 2021 through December 2021. INTERVENTIONS Standardization of the workflow process included assigning an urgency level to the hospice referral and deactivation (close) of the electronic medical record (EMR) chart, signaling completion of the workflow process. RESULTS The palliative care to hospice admission rate increased by 11.5% in the postintervention group. The EMR chart deactivation rate increased by 55.3%, which was statistically significant ( P ≤ .001). CONCLUSIONS The standardized workflow process increased the number of palliative care to hospice admissions and improved the effectiveness of transitioning palliative care patients to hospice services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charissa Boyd
- Capital Caring Health, Largo, Maryland (Dr Boyd); Salisbury University School of Nursing, Salisbury, Maryland (Dr DiBartolo); Capital Caring Health, Falls Church, Virginia (Dr Helne); and Hospice of Acadiana, Inc, Lafayette, Louisiana (Mr Everett)
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26
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Pain and Interventions in Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Province-Wide Analysis. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:3461-3472. [PMID: 36975475 PMCID: PMC10047317 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30030262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of the study was to examine the use of interventions and factors associated with interventions for pain. A population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada was conducted with patients diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC from January 2007 to September 2018. An Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) score of ≥4 defined moderate-to-severe pain following diagnosis. The study cohort included 13,159 patients, of which 68.5% reported at least one moderate-to-severe pain score. Most patients were assessed by a palliative care team (85.4%), and the majority received radiation therapy (73.2%). The use of nerve block was rare (0.8%). For patients ≥65 years of age who had drug coverage, 59.6% received an opiate prescription. Patients with moderate-to-severe pain were more likely to receive palliative assessment or radiation therapy compared to patients with none or mild pain. Patients aged ≥70 years and with a greater comorbidity burden were associated with less likelihood to receive radiation therapy. Patients from rural/non-major urban residence and with a greater comorbidity burden were also less likely to receive palliative care assessment. Factors associated with interventions for pain are described to inform future symptom management in this population.
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27
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N Seth Trueger
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Digital Media Editor, JAMA Network Open
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28
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Afshar K, van Baal K, Wiese B, Schleef T, Stiel S, Müller-Mundt G, Schneider N. Structured implementation of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool in general practice - A prospective interventional study with follow-up. Palliat Care 2022; 21:214. [PMID: 36451172 PMCID: PMC9714240 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01107-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in the provision of primary palliative care (PC). The identification of patients who might benefit from PC and the timely initiation of patient-centred PC measures at the end of life are essential, yet challenging. Although different tools exist to support these key tasks, a structured approach is often missing. OBJECTIVE The study aimed at implementing the German version of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT-DE™) in general practices, following a structured and regional approach, in order to evaluate the effects of this tool on the identification of patients with potential PC needs and the initiation of patient-centred PC measures. METHODS The intervention of this mixed-methods study comprised a standardised training of 52 GPs from 34 general practices in two counties in Lower Saxony, Germany, on the use of the SPICT-DE™. The SPICT-DE™ is a clinical tool which supports the identification of patients with potential PC needs. Subsequently, over a period of 12 months, GPs applied the SPICT-DE™ in daily practice with adult patients with chronic, progressive diseases, and completed a follow-up survey 6 months after the initial patient assessment. The outcome parameters were alterations in the patient's clinical situation, and the type and number of initiated patient-centred PC measures during the follow-up interval. Additionally, 12 months after the standardised training, GPs provided feedback on their application of the SPICT-DE™. RESULTS A total of 43 GPs (n = 15 female, median age 53 years) out of an initial sample of 52 trained GPs assessed 580 patients (n = 345 female, median age 84 years) with mainly cardiovascular (47%) and cancer (33%) diseases. Follow-up of 412 patients revealed that 231 (56%) experienced at least one critical incident in their disease progression (e.g. acute crisis), 151 (37%) had at least one hospital admission, and 141 (34%) died. A review of current treatment/medication (76%) and a clarification of treatment goals (53%) were the most frequently initiated patient-centred PC measures. The majority of GPs deemed the SPICT-DE™ practical (85%) and stated an intention to continue applying the tool in daily practice (66%). CONCLUSIONS The SPICT-DE™ is a practical tool that supports the identification of patients at risk of deterioration or dying and promotes the initiation of patient-centred PC measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (N° DRKS00015108; 22/01/2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kambiz Afshar
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina van Baal
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Birgitt Wiese
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Tanja Schleef
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gabriele Müller-Mundt
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nils Schneider
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Brites MA, Gonçalves J, Rego F. Admission to the Emergency Department by Patients Being Followed up for Palliative Care Consultations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15204. [PMID: 36429920 PMCID: PMC9690894 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients and families facing life-threatening diseases. Admissions to the emergency department are considered potentially avoidable. This study aims to characterize the use of the emergency department by palliative care patients at a public hospital in Portugal. METHODS This retrospective study included patients who had their first palliative care appointment during the year 2019; 135 patients were included, with 255 admissions to the emergency department. Descriptive statistical analysis consisted of calculating the absolute (n) and relative (%) frequencies for categorical variables and medians (Mdn) and percentiles (P25 and P75) for continuous variables. The multivariable associations were calculated via logistic models, with the statistical significance set to p < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Dying in hospital was associated with going to the emergency department. Patients who died in hospital had more admissions and spent more time there. CONCLUSION Emergency department admissions suggest that there are gaps in the provision of care. It is necessary to anticipate crisis situations, provide home and telephone appointments, and invest in professionals' education to respond to the needs that will grow in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Azevedo Brites
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Family Health Unit Corino de Andrade, Póvoa de Varzim, 4490-602 Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal
| | - Joana Gonçalves
- Póvoa de Varzim—Vila do Conde Hospital Center, 4490-421 Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal
| | - Francisca Rego
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Bainbridge D, Bishop V, Myers J, Marshall D, Stajduhar K, Seow H. Effectiveness of Training Programs About a Palliative Care Approach: A Systematic Review of Intervention Trials for Health Care Professionals. J Palliat Med 2022; 26:564-581. [PMID: 36378898 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Palliative care (PC) training initiatives have proliferated to assist generalist health care providers (HCPs) develop skills for applying an early PC approach. To date, there is little synthesis of high-level evidence to review the content and effectiveness of these programs. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a systematic review of trials of training inventions to build PC competency in HCPs, according to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration no. 271741). Materials and Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, HealthSTAR, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Clinical Trials for studies published since 2000. Eligible studies were trials assessing PC training for HCPs. Interventions had to address at least two of six PC-related components, adapted from the National Consensus Project: identification or assessment; illness understanding; symptom management; decision making; coping; and referral. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for inclusion, using Rayyan, and extracted relevant data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane ROB2 or ROBINS-I tools. Results: Of 1209 articles reviewed, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria, with the majority being conducted in the United States (n = 9) or Europe (n = 8). Nearly all studies (n = 19) collected data through self-reported surveys; administrative (n = 4), clinical outcomes (n = 4), or interaction analysis (n = 6) data were also or solely used. Interventions featured didactic, skill-based training followed by role-play and/or individual coaching. Communication around illness understanding was the most taught PC component. Few interventions involved comprehensive PC training, with 12 studies representing 3 or less of the 6 framework components. Most studies (n = 16) reported a significant positive impact on at least one outcome, most often HCP self-reported outcomes. Conclusions: While many of these interventions demonstrated improved confidence among HCPs in the PC components taught, findings were mixed on more objective outcome measures. Further trial-based evidence is required on comprehensive PC training to help inform these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl Bainbridge
- Department of Oncology and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie Bishop
- Department of Oncology and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeff Myers
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Denise Marshall
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelli Stajduhar
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hsien Seow
- Department of Oncology and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Burghout C, Nahar-van Venrooij LMW, Bolt SR, Smilde TJ, Wouters EJM. Benefits of Structured Advance Care Plan in end-of-Life Care Planning among Older Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Pilot Study. J Palliat Care 2022; 38:30-40. [PMID: 36039518 DOI: 10.1177/08258597221119660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Studies suggest that advance care planning (ACP) results in improved quality of life and reduced healthcare consumption. We assessed how the use of a structured advance care planning tool (ACPT) in oncology patients relates to their healthcare consumption before death, and to the match between preferred and actual place of death. Methods: We performed a pilot study at a teaching hospital in the Netherlands. Endpoints were 1) healthcare consumption at three and one month(s) before death, and 2) the match between preferred and actual place of death. Results: The study included 75 patients without an ACPT (group 1) and 59 patients with an ACPT (group 2) of whom the preferred place of care or death were documented at least three months before death in 15 patients (subgroup 2b). Compared to group 1, patients in group 2 had significantly more healthcare consumption. However, compared to group 1, patients in subgroup 2b underwent significantly less diagnostic (33.3% (n = 5) versus 69.3% (n = 52), p < 0.05) and laboratory tests (33.3% (n = 5) versus 62.7% (n = 47), p < 0.05) one month before death. Patients in subgroup 2b died at their preferred place more often (76.9%, n = 10) compared to patients in group 1 (58.3%, n = 7) (NS), which meant more deaths at home and less in-hospital-deaths. Conclusions: The results suggest that timely documentation of the preferred place of care or death in a structured ACPT may result in less healthcare consumption and a better match between the preferred and actual place of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Burghout
- Department of hemato-oncology, 10233Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Hertogenbosch, Noord Brabant, Netherlands.,Jeroen Bosch Academy Research, 10233Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Hertogenbosch, Noord Brabant, Netherlands.,Department of Tranzo, 120694Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | | | - Sascha R Bolt
- Department of Tranzo, 120694Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Tineke J Smilde
- Department of hemato-oncology, 10233Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Hertogenbosch, Noord Brabant, Netherlands
| | - Eveline J M Wouters
- Department of Tranzo, 120694Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, Netherlands.,3170Fontys University of Applied Science, School For Allied Health Professionals, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
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Tergas AI, Prigerson HG, Shen MJ, Dinicu AI, Neugut AI, Wright JD, Hershman DL, Maciejewski PK. Association between immigrant status and advanced cancer patients' location and quality of death. Cancer 2022; 128:3352-3359. [PMID: 35801713 PMCID: PMC9542060 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Cancer patients often prefer to die at home, a location associated with better quality of death (QoD). Several studies demonstrate disparities in end‐of‐life care among immigrant populations in the United States. This study aimed to evaluate how immigrant status affects location and quality of death among patients with advanced cancer in the United States. Methods Data were derived from Coping with Cancer, a federally funded multi‐site prospective study of advanced cancer patients and caregivers. The sample of patients who died during the study period was weighted (Nw = 308) to reduce statistically significant differences between immigrant (Nw = 49) and nonimmigrant (Nw = 259) study participants. Primary outcomes were location of death, death at preferred location, and poor QoD. Results Analyses adjusted for covariates indicated that patients who were immigrants were more likely to die in a hospital than home (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65–6.71) and less likely to die where they preferred (AOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20–0.90). Furthermore, immigrants were more likely to have poor QoD (AOR, 5.47; 95% CI, 2.70–11.08). Conclusions Immigrants, as compared to nonimmigrants, are more likely to die in hospital settings, less likely to die at their preferred location, and more likely to have poor QoD. Lay summary Cancer patients typically prefer to die in their own homes, which is associated with improved quality of death. However, disparities in end‐of‐life care among immigrant populations in the United States remain significant. Our study found that immigrants are less likely to die in their preferred locations and more likely to die in hospital settings, resulting in poorer quality of death.
Disparities in end‐of‐life care and quality of death are prevalent among immigrants. The findings of this study illustrate that immigrants in the United States are more likely to die in hospital settings and less likely to die at their preferred location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Tergas
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA.,Division of Health Equity, Department of Population Science, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA.,Cornell Center for Research on End-of-Life Care, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Holly G Prigerson
- Cornell Center for Research on End-of-Life Care, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Megan J Shen
- Cornell Center for Research on End-of-Life Care, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andreea I Dinicu
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason D Wright
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dawn L Hershman
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul K Maciejewski
- Cornell Center for Research on End-of-Life Care, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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The impact of specialist community palliative care teams (SCPCT) on acute hospital admission rates in adult patients requiring end of life care: A systematic. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2022; 59:102168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Boddaert MS, Pereira C, Adema J, Vissers KCP, van der Linden YM, Raijmakers NJH, Fransen HP. Inappropriate end-of-life cancer care in a generalist and specialist palliative care model: a nationwide retrospective population-based observational study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022; 12:e137-e145. [PMID: 33355176 PMCID: PMC9120402 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of provision and timing of palliative care (PC) on potentially inappropriate end-of-life care to patients with cancer in a mixed generalist-specialist PC model. METHOD A retrospective population-based observational study using a national administrative health insurance database. All 43 067 adults in the Netherlands, who were diagnosed with or treated for cancer during the year preceding their death in 2017, were included. Main exposure was either generalist or specialist PC initiated >30 days before death (n=16 967). Outcomes were measured over the last 30 days of life, using quality indicators for potentially inappropriate end-of-life care. RESULTS In total, 14 504 patients (34%) experienced potentially inappropriate end-of-life care; 2732 were provided with PC >30 days before death (exposure group) and 11 772 received no PC or ≤30 days before death (non-exposure group) (16% vs 45%, p<0.001). Most patients received generalist PC (88%). Patients provided with PC >30 days before death were 5 times less likely to experience potentially inappropriate end-of-life care (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.20; (95% CI 0.15 to 0.26)) than those with no PC or PC in the last 30 days. Both early (>90 days) and late (>30 and≤90 days) PC initiation had lower odds for potentially inappropriate end-of-life care (AOR 0.23 and 0.19, respectively). CONCLUSION Timely access to PC in a mixed generalist-specialist PC model significantly decreases the likelihood of potentially inappropriate end-of-life care for patients with cancer. Generalist PC can play a substantial role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon S Boddaert
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Chantal Pereira
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Adema
- Vektis, Business Intelligence Center for Healthcare, Zeist, Netherlands
| | - Kris C P Vissers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Yvette M van der Linden
- Centre of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Natasja J H Raijmakers
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Heidi P Fransen
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Dalhammar K, Kristensson J, Falkenback D, Rasmussen BH, Malmström M. Symptoms, problems and quality of life in patients newly diagnosed with oesophageal and gastric cancer - a comparative study of treatment strategy. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:434. [PMID: 35448961 PMCID: PMC9022327 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09536-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with oesophageal and gastric cancer have a low likelihood of being cured and suffer from a broad spectrum of symptoms and problems that negatively affect their quality-of-life (QOL). Although the majority (67–75%) of patients at the time of diagnosis suffer from an incurable disease, research has primarily focused on the pre- and postoperative phase among patients treated with curative intent, with little attention to symptoms and problems in the diagnostic phase, especially in those who cannot be offered a cure. Methods In this cross-sectional study 158 patients newly diagnosed with oesophageal and gastric cancer visiting the surgical outpatient department for a preplanned care visit were included consecutively during 2018–2020. The validated instruments QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25, developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), and selected items from the Integrated Patient Outcome Scale (IPOS) were used to assess QOL, symptoms and problems. Differences between patients with a curative and a palliative treatment strategy were analysed using t-test and Mann–Whitney U test. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25 scores were compared to published reference data on the general Swedish population. Results Among all, the QOL was markedly lower, compared with general Swedish population (mean ± SD, 55.9 ± 24.7 vs 76.4 ± 22.8, p < 0.001). Compared to general population, the patients had significant impairment in all QOL aspects, particularly for role and emotional functioning and for symptoms such as eating-related problems, fatigue, insomnia and dyspnea. Majority of patients also reported severe anxiety among family and friends. Among patients with oesophageal cancer those with a palliative treatment strategy, compared with curative strategy, reported significantly lower QOL (mean ± SD, 50.8 ± 28.6 vs 62.0 ± 22.9 p = 0.030), physical (65.5 ± 22.6 vs 83.9 ± 16.5, p < 0.001) and role functioning (55.7 ± 36.6 vs 73.9 ± 33.3, p = 0.012), and a higher burden of several symptoms and problems. No significant differences between treatment groups were shown among patients with gastric cancer. Conclusions Patients newly diagnosed with oesophageal and gastric cancer, and especially those with incurable oesophageal cancer, have a severely affected QOL and several burdensome symptoms and problems. To better address patients’ needs, it seems important to integrate a palliative approach into oesophageal and gastric cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Dalhammar
- Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden. .,Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Jimmie Kristensson
- Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Dan Falkenback
- Department of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Birgit H Rasmussen
- Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marlene Malmström
- Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Bergenholtz H, Weibull A, Raunkiær M. Supportive and palliative care indicators tool (SPICT™) in a Danish healthcare context: translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and content validation. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:41. [PMID: 35331207 PMCID: PMC8943977 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00931-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early identification of patients who require palliative and supportive care at the general palliative care level is challenging. The Supportive & Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT™) might provide a helpful framework for this process. AIM To translate, culturally adapt and content validate SPICT™-DK in hospital, primary care, and general practice and within the broader Danish health care context. METHODS SPICT™-DK was translated and cross-culturally validated by using the TRAPD-model (Translation, Review, adjudication, pretesting, and documentation) as well as the EORTC- translation guide (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer). In the pre-(pilot) testing phase, six focus group interviews and five individual interviews were conducted involving n = 29 health care professionals from general practice, primary care, and hospital. The qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis and the SPICT™-DK was then revised and published. RESULTS The interviews revealed that SPICT™-DK can be used to identify people with palliative care needs. Three themes were derived from the analysis and showed SPICT™-DK provides a linguistic framework but must be used as an interdisciplinary tool as that SPICT™-DK requires competencies and collaboration. CONCLUSION SPICT™-DK is now translated and culturally validated in a Danish healthcare setting. The tool is useful to identify people with palliative care needs but must be implemented as an interdisciplinary collaborative intervention. SPICT™ -DK cannot be used by all healthcare professionals as it requires disease-specific competencies. However, it provides a common language for early palliative care interventions which can form the basis for interdisciplinary planning of future treatment and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Bergenholtz
- Surgical Department, Holbaek Hospital, Region Zealand, Smedelundsgade 60, 4300 Holbæk, Denmark
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Vestergade 17, 5800 Nyborg, Denmark
| | - Anna Weibull
- General Medicine, Medical Clinic, Grenaa, Denmark
| | - Mette Raunkiær
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Vestergade 17, 5800 Nyborg, Denmark
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When does early palliative care influence aggressive care at the end of life? Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:5371-5379. [PMID: 35290511 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-06954-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early palliative care improves patient quality of life and influences cancer care. The time frame of early has not been established. Eight quality measures reflect aggressive care at the end of life. We retrospectively reviewed patients who died with cancer between January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2019, and compared the timing of palliative care consultation, advance directives (AD), and home palliative care with aggressive care at the end of life (ACEOL). METHODS Patients without ACEOL indicators were compared to patients with one or more than one indicator of ACEOL. The proportion of patients who received palliative care, completed AD, and the timing of palliative care and AD (less than 30 days, 30-90 days, and greater than 90 days prior to death) was compared for patients who had ACEOL versus those who did not. Chi-square analysis was used for categorical data, one-way ANOVA for continuous variables, and odds ratio (OR) with confidence intervals (CI) was reported as a measure of effect size. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS 1727 patients died, 46% were female, and the mean age was 69 (SD 11.91). Seventy-one percent had a palliative care consult, 26% completed AD, and 888 (51.4%) had at least one indicator of ACEOL. The most common indicator of ACEOL was new chemotherapy within 30 days of death, in 571 of 888 (64%) of patients experiencing ACEOL. ADs completed at any time reduced ACEOL (OR 0.80, 95%CI 0.64-0.99). Palliative care initiated at 30 days was associated with a greater risk of ACEOL (OR 5.32, 95% CI 3.94-7.18) and initiated between 30 and 90 days (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.07-1.80) compared to no palliative care but was associated with reduced chemotherapy as an indicator of ACEOL when > 90 days (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.38-0.57) before death. DISCUSSION Completed ADs were associated with reduced chemotherapy in the last 30 days of life and reduced ICU admissions. This may reflect goals of care and end-of-life discussions and transition of care to comfort measures. Palliative care paradoxically when initiated within 90 days before death was associated with greater ACEOL compared to no palliative care. This may be due to consultation late in the course of illness with a focus on crisis management in patients frequently utilizing the health care system. There is an associated reduction in the use of chemotherapy in the last 30 days of life if palliative care is consulted 90 days prior to death. CONCLUSIONS An initial palliative care consult greater than 90 days before death and ADs completed at any time during the disease trajectory was associated only with reduced chemotherapy in the last 30 days of life compared with no palliative care among the 7 ACEOL indicators. ADs were associated with reduced ICU admissions. Most palliative care consults occurred within 90 days of death and a palliative care consult within 90 days of death is not an optimal utilization of services.
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Croker JA, Bobitt J, Arora K, Kaskie B. Medical Cannabis and Utilization of Nonhospice Palliative Care Services: Complements and Alternatives at End of Life. Innov Aging 2022; 6:igab048. [PMID: 35047709 PMCID: PMC8759444 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives There is a need to know more about cannabis use among terminally diagnosed older adults, specifically whether it operates as a complement or alternative to palliative care. The objective is to explore differences among the terminal illness population within the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program (IMCP) by their use of palliative care. Research Design and Methods The study uses primary, cross-sectional survey data from 708 terminally diagnosed patients, residing in Illinois, and enrolled in the IMCP. We compared the sample on palliative care utilization through logistic regression models, examined associations between palliative care and self-reported outcome improvements using ordinary least squares regressions, and explored differences in average pain levels using independent t-tests. Results 115 of 708 terminally diagnosed IMCP participants were receiving palliative care. We find increased odds of palliative care utilization for cancer (odds ratio [OR] [SE] = 2.15 [0.53], p < .01), low psychological well-being (OR [SE] = 1.97 [0.58], p < .05), medical complexity (OR [SE] = 2.05 [0.70], p < .05), and prior military service (OR [SE] = 2.01 [0.68], p < .05). Palliative care utilization is positively associated with improvement ratings for pain (7.52 [3.41], p < .05) and ability to manage health outcomes (8.29 [3.61], p < .01). Concurrent use of cannabis and opioids is associated with higher pain levels at initiation of cannabis dosing (p < .05). Discussion and Implications Our results suggest that cannabis is largely an alternative to palliative care for terminal patients. For those in palliative care, it is a therapeutic complement used at higher levels of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Croker
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julie Bobitt
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kanika Arora
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Brian Kaskie
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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McCarthy S. Primary palliative care. Caring for patients with life-limiting illness in the community. MALAYSIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF MALAYSIA 2021; 16:2-5. [PMID: 34938387 PMCID: PMC8680944 DOI: 10.51866/cm0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The 9th October 2021, was World Palliative Care Day. This year's theme for world palliative care is "Leave No One Behind - Equity in Access to Palliative Care". Evidence for the outcomes of early palliative care is growing. In 2014, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution that was co-sponsored by Malaysia. The resolution called for countries to improve access to palliative care as a core component of health systems, with an emphasis on primary health care and community/home-based care.1 One study conducted in Malaysia in 2019 estimated that by 2030, with the increase in non-communicable diseases, 246 000 patients would require palliative care. For Malaysia to achieve equity in access to palliative care, care for these patients must be integrated into primary care. This article discusses some of the tools available for early identification of patients assessment and management of patients with palliative care needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia McCarthy
- Medical Director, Hospis Malaysia, 2, Jalan 4/96, Off Jalan Sekuci, Jln Cheras, Taman Sri Bahtera, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Antunes A, Gomes B, Campos L, Coelho M, Lopes S. Emergency department and hospital utilisation and expenditures in the last year of life: retrospective chronic diseases cohort study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021:bmjspcare-2021-003103. [PMID: 34819328 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003103] [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: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the influence of chronic diseases in emergency department (ED) and inpatient utilisation and expenditures in the 12 months before death. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of ED and inpatient database. Adults deceased at a hospital in Portugal in 2013 were included. We tested the influence of chronic diseases on the number of ED visits, hospital admissions and expenditures using generalised linear models. RESULTS The study included 484 patients (81.8% ≥65 years, median two chronic diseases). Nearly all (91.3%) attended the ED in the 12 months before death. The median number of admissions was 1, median expenditure was €6159. Adjusting for confounders, chronic pulmonary disease increased ED and inpatient utilisation (1.49; 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.83; 95% CI 1.29, 1.09 to 1.51). Increased ED utilisation was observed for patients with renal disease, dementia and metastatic solid tumour (1.40, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.71; 1.39, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.75; 1.31, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.60). Other malignancies showed increased inpatient utilisation (1.24, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.42). The number of chronic conditions had a considerable effect on expenditures (3: 2.08, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.99; ≥4: 4.02, 95% CI 2.51 to 6.45). CONCLUSION We found a high use of hospitals at the end of life, particularly EDs. Our findings suggest that people with cancer, renal disease, chronic pulmonary disease and dementia are relevant when developing cost-effective alternatives to hospital care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Antunes
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Barbara Gomes
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Luís Campos
- Serviço de Medicina do Hospital São Francisco Xavier, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental EPE, Lisboa, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Coelho
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Lopes
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Yang GM, Lim C, Zhuang Q, Ong WY. Prevalence and timing of specialist palliative care access among advanced cancer patients and association with hospital death. PROCEEDINGS OF SINGAPORE HEALTHCARE 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/20101058211055279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with advanced cancer have poor quality of life and high utilisation of acute healthcare services. Early access to palliative care has been shown to improve quality of life as well as reduce acute healthcare utilisation and costs. Objectives To determine the prevalence and timing of hospital-based specialist palliative care reviews for patients with advanced cancer known to National Cancer Centre Singapore. We also explored the association between specialist palliative care review and place of death. Methods A retrospective study of patients with Stage 4 cancer who died in a 2-year period from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017 (regardless of their date of diagnosis) and who received treatment in National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). Results A total of 2572 patients were included, of which 1226 (47.7%) had at least one inpatient or outpatient specialist palliative care consultation. Those who had their first specialist palliative care review 30 days or less before death had a 2.01 (95% CI 1.62 to 2.49, p < 0.001) increased odds of hospital death while those who had the first hospital-based palliative care review more than 30 days before death a 0.76 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.93, p = 0.009) reduced odds of hospital death. Conclusions Our study found inadequate and late access to specialist palliative care among advanced cancer patients. Furthermore, late access to specialist palliative care was associated with hospital death. There is an urgent need to improve access to specialist palliative care in order to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Meijuan Yang
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of General Medicine, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Cindy Lim
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Unit, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingyuan Zhuang
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wah Ying Ong
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
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Williams N, Hermans K, Stevens T, Hirdes JP, Declercq A, Cohen J, Guthrie DM. Prognosis does not change the landscape: palliative home care clients experience high rates of pain and nausea, regardless of prognosis. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:165. [PMID: 34666732 PMCID: PMC8527809 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00851-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most individuals who typically receive palliative care (PC) tend to have cancer and a relatively short prognosis (< 6 months). People with other life-limiting illnesses can also benefit from a palliative care approach. However, little is known about those who receive palliative home care in Ontario, Canada's largest province. To address this gap, the goal of this project was to understand the needs, symptoms and potential differences between those with a shorter (< 6 months) and longer prognosis (6+ months) for individuals receiving PC in the community. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using interRAI Palliative Care (interRAI PC) assessment data collected between 2011 and 2018. Individuals with a shorter prognosis (< 6 months; n = 48,019 or 64.1%) were compared to those with a longer prognosis (6+ months; n = 26,945) across several clinical symptoms. The standardized difference (stdiff), between proportions, was calculated to identify statistically meaningful differences between those with a shorter and longer prognosis. Values of the stdiff of 0.2 or higher (absolute value) indicated a statistically significant difference. RESULTS Overall, cancer was the most prevalent diagnosis (83.2%). Those with a shorter prognosis were significantly more likely to experience fatigue (75.3% vs. 59.5%; stdiff = 0.34) and shortness of breath at rest (22.1% vs. 13.4%; stdiff = 0.23). However, the two groups were similar in terms of severe pain (73.5% vs. 66.5%; stdiff = - 0.15), depressive symptoms (13.2% vs. 10.7%; stdiff = 0.08) and nausea (35.7% vs. 29.4%; stdiff = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the importance of earlier identification of individuals who could benefit from a palliative approach to their care as individuals with a longer prognosis also experience high rates of symptoms such as pain and nausea. Providing PC earlier in the illness trajectory has the potential to improve an individual's overall quality of life throughout the duration of their illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Williams
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
| | - Kirsten Hermans
- End-of-life Care Research Group, University of Brussels (VUB) and Ghent University (UGent), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), LUCAS, Minderbroedersstraat 8 box 5310, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tara Stevens
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - John P Hirdes
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Anja Declercq
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), LUCAS, Minderbroedersstraat 8 box 5310, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- University of Leuven (KU Leuven), CESO, Minderbroedersstraat 8 box 5310, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-life Care Research Group, University of Brussels (VUB) and Ghent University (UGent), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dawn M Guthrie
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Dalhammar K, Malmström M, Sandberg M, Falkenback D, Kristensson J. Health care utilization among patients with oesophageal and gastric cancer: the impact of initial treatment strategy and assignment of a contact nurse. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1019. [PMID: 34579714 PMCID: PMC8477461 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07042-7] [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] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients diagnosed with oesophageal and gastric cancer face a poor prognosis and numerous challenges of symptom management, lifestyle adjustments and complex treatment regimens. The multifaceted care needs and rapid disease progression reinforce the need for proactive and coherent health care. According to the national cancer strategy, providing coherent health care and palliative support is an area of priority. More knowledge is needed about health care utilization and the characteristics of the health care service in order to understand the readiness, accessibility and quality of current health care. The aim of this study was to describe individuals’ health care use from the time of treatment decision until death, and investigate the impact of the initial treatment strategy and assignment of a contact nurse (CN) on health care use among patients with oesophageal and gastric cancer. Methods This population-based cohort study included patients who died from oesophageal and gastric cancer in Sweden during 2014–2016. Through linking data from the National Register for Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer, the National Cause of Death Register, and the National Patient Register, 2614 individuals were identified. Associations between the initial treatment strategy and CN assignment, and health care use were investigated. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Poisson regression. Results Patients receiving palliative treatment and those receiving no tumour-directed treatment had a higher IRR for unplanned hospital stays and unplanned outpatient care visits compared with patients who received curative treatment. Patients receiving no tumour-directed treatment also had a lower IRR for planned hospital stays and planned outpatient care visits compared with patients given curative treatment. Compared with this latter group, patients with palliative treatment had a higher IRR for planned outpatient care visits. Patients assigned a CN had a higher IRR for unplanned hospital stays, unplanned outpatient care visits and planned outpatient care visits, compared with patients not assigned a CN. Conclusions A palliative treatment strategy and no tumour-directed treatment were associated with higher rates of unplanned health care compared with a curative treatment strategy, suggesting that a proactive approach is imperative to ensure quality palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Dalhammar
- Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden. .,Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Marlene Malmström
- Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Magnus Sandberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Dan Falkenback
- Department of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jimmie Kristensson
- Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Luymes N, Williams N, Garrison L, Goodridge D, Silveira M, Guthrie DM. "The system is well intentioned, but complicated and fallible" interviews with caregivers and decision makers about palliative care in Canada. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:149. [PMID: 34551748 PMCID: PMC8459520 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00843-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canadian palliative care (PC) philosophy seeks to support individuals in a person-centered and sensitive manner. Unfortunately, philosophy does not necessarily translate into practice and this divide may leave patients without appropriate care at the end of life, causing distress for some families. The primary goal of the study was to identify key factors affecting perceptions of quality PC from the perspective of informal caregivers and decision makers (e.g., program managers) and to understand how their experiences within the health care system may have influenced their perceptions. Methods Nine caregivers and 11 decision makers from Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, & Nova Scotia shared their experiences in PC via interview or focus group. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and qualitatively analyzed for themes. Results Three themes emerged, including the Caregiver as Anchor, Bewildering System, and Patient, Caregiver, and Family-Centered Care. While these results resembled other studies on caregivers and individuals receiving PC, the present study also uncovered systemic concerns. There was agreement between the two participant groups across most subthemes, however only caregivers reported feelings of being trapped by the health care system and a general lack of respect from health care professionals. Additionally, caregivers stressed the importance of preserving some sort of normalcy in daily life despite the individual’s illness. Conclusions Caregivers are critical. The health care system expects them to help a great deal, but they often do not feel supported or respected and the system is lacking the capacity and resources to meet their needs while they are grieving loss and struggling to meet demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Luymes
- Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Williams
- Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Liz Garrison
- Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donna Goodridge
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Maria Silveira
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, University of Michigan & GRECC, Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dawn M Guthrie
- Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Murtonen A, Lehto JT, Sumelahti ML. End of life in multiple sclerosis: Disability, causes and place of death among cases diagnosed from 1981 to 2010 in Pirkanmaa hospital district in Western Finland. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 54:103139. [PMID: 34273609 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality risk and causes of death have been widely studied in MS. Surveys on conditions related to approaching death have not been conducted before in Finland. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to sort out the possible needs for end of life (EOL) care in MS by examining causes, place of death and level of hospitalization by age and MS related disability before approaching death. MATERIALS Data included information for MS patients diagnosed from 1981 to 2010 in a Finnish university hospital district. Information on place and causes of death and care prior to death was based on death certificates from Statistics Finland. Decedents initial disease course, disease modifying treatment (DMT) use and MS related disability status by using EDSS were achieved from hospital records. RESULTS Data included 113 decedents. Level of disability showed EDSS 6.0 or higher in 54% of the patients. In relapsing onset MS (N 93, 80%) DMTs were used in 11%. Infections, respiratory or other, were the main immediate cause of death (51.3%, n 58) among cases with varying disability. Central or university hospital (42.5%) or community hospital ward (28.3%) were places of death in majority of cases and nursing home (13.3%), home (9.7%) or hospice (3.7%) less often. Place of death did not significantly differ between age-groups (Chi square p = 0.86). Mean age at death was 57 years (range 28-90, SD 13.86). Cardiovascular causes of death were reported mainly in age group 60 years or more and suicide in age group younger than 50 years. CONCLUSION The level of hospitalization was high at end of life in all age-groups. High MS related disability and immobility among decedents likely relates to infections as the most common cause of death. Along with our and earlier surveys in this field, we showed that places of death and level of disability before death share similarities in both younger and older age groups highlighting the need of palliative care and end of life care plans in all MS patients with triggers of poor survival. The recently published consensus definition featuring palliative care guideline in MS is aimed at improving end of life care in MS. Our results point at need for future studies in order to assess the impact of palliative care treatment guidelines in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annukka Murtonen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Finland.
| | - Juho T Lehto
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Finland; Palliative Care Centre and Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Hsu AT, Manuel DG, Spruin S, Bennett C, Taljaard M, Beach S, Sequeira Y, Talarico R, Chalifoux M, Kobewka D, Costa AP, Bronskill SE, Tanuseputro P. Predicting death in home care users: derivation and validation of the Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder-Life in the Community Tool (RESPECT). CMAJ 2021; 193:E997-E1005. [PMID: 34226263 PMCID: PMC8248571 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.200022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prognostication tools that report personalized mortality risk and survival could improve discussions about end-of-life and advance care planning. We sought to develop and validate a mortality risk model for older adults with diverse care needs in home care using self-reportable information — the Risk Evaluation for Support: Predictions for Elder-Life in the Community Tool (RESPECT). METHODS: Using a derivation cohort that comprised adults living in Ontario, Canada, aged 50 years and older with at least 1 Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care (RAI-HC) record between Jan. 1, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2012, we developed a mortality risk model. The primary outcome was mortality 6 months after a RAI-HC assessment. We used proportional hazards regression with robust standard errors to account for clustering by the individual. We validated this algorithm for a second cohort of users of home care who were assessed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2013. We used Kaplan–Meier survival curves to estimate the observed risk of death at 6 months for assessment of calibration and median survival. We constructed 61 risk groups based on incremental increases in the estimated median survival of about 3 weeks among adults at high risk and 3 months among adults at lower risk. RESULTS: The derivation and validation cohorts included 435 009 and 139 388 adults, respectively. We identified a total of 122 823 deaths within 6 months of a RAI-HC assessment in the derivation cohort. The mean predicted 6-month mortality risk was 10.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.7%–10.8%) and ranged from 1.54% (95% CI 1.53%–1.54%) in the lowest to 98.1% (95% CI 98.1%–98.2%) in the highest risk group. Estimated median survival spanned from 28 days (11 to 84 d at the 25th and 75th percentiles) in the highest risk group to over 8 years (1925 to 3420 d) in the lowest risk group. The algorithm had a c-statistic of 0.753 (95% CI 0.750–0.756) in our validation cohort. INTERPRETATION: The RESPECT mortality risk prediction tool that makes use of readily available information can improve the identification of palliative and end-of-life care needs in a diverse older adult population receiving home care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy T Hsu
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Douglas G Manuel
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Sarah Spruin
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Carol Bennett
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Sarah Beach
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Yulric Sequeira
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Robert Talarico
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Mathieu Chalifoux
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Daniel Kobewka
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Andrew P Costa
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Susan E Bronskill
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute (Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Clinical Epidemiology Program (Hsu, Manuel, Bennett, Taljaard, Beach, Sequeira, Kobewka, Tanuseputro), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; ICES uOttawa (Chalifoux, Manuel, Spruin, Talarico, Tanuseputro); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Taljaard, Manuel), Division of Palliative Care (Tanuseputro) and Department of Medicine (Kobewka), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Costa), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; ICES Central (Bronskill); Women's College Research Institute (Bronskill), Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont
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Quinn KL, Stukel T, Huang A, Goldman R, Cram P, Detsky AS, Bell CM. Association Between Attending Physicians' Rates of Referral to Palliative Care and Location of Death in Hospitalized Adults With Serious Illness: A Population-based Cohort Study. Med Care 2021; 59:604-611. [PMID: 34100462 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients who receive palliative care are less likely to die in hospital. OBJECTIVE To measure the association between physician rates of referral to palliative care and location of death in hospitalized adults with serious illness. RESEARCH DESIGN Population-based decedent cohort study using linked health administrative data in Ontario, Canada. SUBJECTS A total of 7866 physicians paired with 130,862 hospitalized adults in their last year of life who died of serious illness between 2010 and 2016. EXPOSURE Physician annual rate of referral to palliative care (high, average, low). MEASURES Odds of death in hospital versus home, adjusted for patient characteristics. RESULTS There was nearly 4-fold variation in the proportion of patients receiving palliative care during follow-up based on attending physician referral rates: high 42.4% (n=24,433), average 24.7% (n=10,772), low 10.7% (n=6721). Referral to palliative care was also associated with being referred by palliative care specialists and in urban teaching hospitals. The proportion of patients who died in hospital according to physician referral rate were 47.7% (high), 50.1% (average), and 52.8% (low). Hospitalized patients cared for by a physician who referred to palliative care at a high rate had lower risk of dying in hospital than at home compared with patients who were referred by a physician with an average rate of referral [adjusted odds ratio 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.95; number needed to treat=57 (interquartile range 41-92)] and by a physician with a low rate of referral [adjusted odds ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.84; number needed to treat =28 patients (interquartile range 23-44)]. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE An attending physicians' rates of referral to palliative care is associated with a lower risk of dying in hospital. Therefore, patients who are cared for by physicians with higher rates of referral to palliative care are less likely to die in hospital and more likely to die at home. Standardizing referral to palliative care may help reduce physician-level variation as a barrier to access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran L Quinn
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
- ICES
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
- Department of Medicine
| | - Thérèse Stukel
- ICES
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
| | | | - Russell Goldman
- Interdepartmental Division of Palliative Care, Sinai Health System
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Cram
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
- ICES
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
- Department of Medicine
| | - Allan S Detsky
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
- Department of Medicine
| | - Chaim M Bell
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
- ICES
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
- Department of Medicine
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Hubbard G, Broadfoot K, Carolan C, van Woerden HC. An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Computer Screening to Support Decision-Making about Use of Palliative Care Registers in Primary Care: GP Think Aloud and Patient and Carer Interviews. J Prim Care Community Health 2021; 12:21501327211024402. [PMID: 34120501 PMCID: PMC8202315 DOI: 10.1177/21501327211024402] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to understand factors that influence general practitioner (GP) use of automated computer screening to identify patients for the palliative care register (PCR) and the experiences of palliative care and this emerging technology from patients’ and carers’ perspectives. Methods: A computer screening program electronically searches primary care records in routine clinical practice to identify patients with advanced illness who are not already on a PCR. Five GPs were asked to “think aloud” about adding patients identified by computer screening to the PCR. Key informant interviews with 6 patients on the PCR and 4 carers about their experiences of palliative care while on the PCR and their views of this technology. Data were analyzed thematically. Results and Conclusions: Using computer screening, 29% additional patients were added by GPs to the PCR. GP decision-making for the PCR was informed by clinical factors such as: if being treated with curative intent; having stable or unstable disease; end-stage disease, frailty; the likelihood of dying within the next 12 months; and psychosocial factors such as, age, personality, patient preference and social support. Six (60%) patients/carers did not know that they/their relative was on the PCR. From a patient/carer perspective, having a non-curative illness was not in and of itself sufficient reason for being on the PCR; other factors such as, unstable disease and avoiding pain and suffering were equally if not more, important. Patients and carers considered that computer screening should support but not replace, GP decision-making about the PCR. Computer screening merits ongoing development as a tool to aid clinical decision-making around entry to a PCR, but should not be used as a sole criterion. Care need, irrespective of diagnosis, disease trajectory or prognosis, should determine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gill Hubbard
- University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK
| | | | - Clare Carolan
- University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK
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What should be measured to assess the quality of community-based palliative care? Results from a collaborative expert workshop. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:226-232. [PMID: 34154690 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521000791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The need for palliative care (PC) will continue to increase in Canada with population aging. Many older adults prefer to "age in place" and receive care in their own homes. Currently, there is a lack of standardized quality indicators (QIs) for PC delivered in the community in Canada. METHODS A one-day workshop collected expert opinions on what should be measured to capture quality PC. Three brainstorming sessions were focused on addressing the following questions: (1) what is important to measure to support quality PC, regardless of setting? (2) Of the identified measures, are any of special importance to care provided in the home? (3) What are the challenges, barriers, and opportunities for creating these measures? The National Consensus Project (NCP) for Quality Palliative Care framework was used as a guide to group together important comments into key themes. RESULTS The experts identified four themes that are important for measuring quality, regardless of care setting, including access to care in the community by a multidisciplinary team, care for the individual with PC needs, support for the informal caregiver (e.g., family, friends), and symptom management for individuals with PC needs. Two additional themes were of special importance to measuring quality PC in the home, including spiritual care for individuals with PC needs and home as the preferred place of death. The challenges, barriers, and potential opportunities to these quality issues were also discussed. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS PC experts, through this collaborative process, made a substantial contribution to the creation of a standardized set of QIs for community-based PC. Having a standardized set of QIs will enable health care professionals and decision makers to target areas for improvement, implement interventions to improve the quality of care, and ultimately, optimize the health and well-being of individuals with a serious illness.
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Emergency Department Referral for Hospice and Palliative Care Differs among Patients with Different End-of-Life Trajectories: A Retrospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126286. [PMID: 34200689 PMCID: PMC8296068 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Emergency units have been gradually recognized as important settings for palliative care initiation, but require precise palliative care assessments. Patients with different illness trajectories are found to differ in palliative care referrals outside emergency unit settings. Understanding how illness trajectories associate with patient traits in the emergency department may aid assessment of palliative care needs. This study aims to investigate the timing and acceptance of palliative referral in the emergency department among patients with different end-of-life trajectories. Participants were classified into three end-of-life trajectories (terminal, frailty, organ failure). Timing of referral was determined by the interval between the date of referral and the date of death, and acceptance of palliative care was recorded among participants eligible for palliative care. Terminal patients had the highest acceptance of palliative care (61.4%), followed by those with organ failure (53.4%) and patients with frailty (50.1%) (p = 0.003). Terminal patients were more susceptible to late and very late referrals (47.4% and 27.1%, respectively) than those with frailty (34.0%, 21.2%) and with organ failure (30.1%, 18.8%) (p < 0.001, p = 0.022). In summary, patients with different end-of-life trajectories display different palliative care referral and acceptance patterns. Acknowledgement of these characteristics may improve palliative care practice in the emergency department.
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