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Hughes MC, Vernon E, Egwuonwu C, Afolabi O. Measuring decision aid effectiveness for end-of-life care: A systematic review. PEC INNOVATION 2024; 4:100273. [PMID: 38525314 PMCID: PMC10957449 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Objective To systematically review research analyzing the effectiveness of decision aids for end-of-life care, including how researchers specifically measure decision aid success. Methods We conducted a systematic review synthesizing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods study results using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Four databases were searched through February 18, 2023. Inclusion criteria required articles to evaluate end-of-life care decision aids. The review is registered under PROSPERO (#CRD42023408449). Results A total of 715 articles were initially identified, with 43 meeting the inclusion criteria. Outcome measures identified included decisional conflict, less aggressive care desired, knowledge improvements, communication improvements, tool satisfaction, patient anxiety and well-being, and less aggressive care action completed. The majority of studies reported positive outcomes especially when the decision aid development included International Patient Decision Aid Standards. Conclusion Research examining end of life care decision aid use consistently reports positive outcomes. Innovation This review presents data that can guide the next generation of decision aids for end-of-life care, namely using the International Patient Decision Aid Standards in developing tools and showing which tools are effective for helping to prevent the unnecessary suffering that can result when patients' dying preferences are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Courtney Hughes
- School of Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, Wirtz Hall 209, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Erin Vernon
- Department of Economics, Seattle University, Pigott 522, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
| | - Chinenye Egwuonwu
- School of Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, Wirtz Hall 209, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Oluwatoyosi Afolabi
- School of Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, Wirtz Hall 209, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
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Auriemma CL, Song A, Walsh L, Han JJ, Yapalater SR, Bain A, Haines L, Scott S, Whitman C, Taylor SP, Halpern SD, Courtright KR. Classification of Documented Goals of Care Among Hospitalized Patients with High Mortality Risk: a Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-024-08773-z. [PMID: 38710861 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08773-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to classify patients' goals of care (GOC) from clinical documentation would facilitate serious illness communication quality improvement efforts and pragmatic measurement of goal-concordant care. Feasibility of this approach remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of classifying patients' GOC from clinical documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), describe the frequency and patterns of changes in patients' goals over time, and identify barriers to reliable goal classification. DESIGN Retrospective, mixed-methods chart review study. PARTICIPANTS Adults with high (50-74%) and very high (≥ 75%) 6-month mortality risk admitted to three urban hospitals. MAIN MEASURES Two physician coders independently reviewed EHR notes from 6 months before through 6 months after admission to identify documented GOC discussions and classify GOC. GOC were classified into one of four prespecified categories: (1) comfort-focused, (2) maintain or improve function, (3) life extension, or (4) unclear. Coder interrater reliability was assessed using kappa statistics. Barriers to classifying GOC were assessed using qualitative content analysis. KEY RESULTS Among 85 of 109 (78%) patients, 338 GOC discussions were documented. Inter-rater reliability was substantial (75% interrater agreement; Cohen's kappa = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.60-0.73). Patients' initial documented goal was most frequently "life extension" (N = 37, 44%), followed by "maintain or improve function" (N = 28, 33%), "unclear" (N = 17, 20%), and "comfort-focused" (N = 3, 4%). Among the 66 patients whose goals' classification changed over time, most changed to "comfort-focused" goals (N = 49, 74%). Primary reasons for unclear goals were the observation of concurrently held or conditional goals, patient and family uncertainty, and limited documentation. CONCLUSIONS Clinical notes in the EHR can be used to reliably classify patients' GOC into discrete, clinically germane categories. This work motivates future research to use natural language models to promote scalability of the approach in clinical care and serious illness research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine L Auriemma
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Anne Song
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lake Walsh
- Division of Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jason J Han
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sophia R Yapalater
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Bain
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, New York University-Langone, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lindsay Haines
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stefania Scott
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Casey Whitman
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie P Taylor
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Scott D Halpern
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine R Courtright
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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van der Klei VMGTH, Drewes YM, van Raaij BFM, van Dalsen MDW, Julien AG, Festen J, Polinder-Bos H, Mooijaart SP, Gussekloo J, van den Bos F. Older people's goals of care in relation to frailty status-the COOP-study. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afae097. [PMID: 38796317 PMCID: PMC11127771 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature relating older people's goals of care to their varying frailty status is scarce. OBJECTIVE To investigate goals of care in case of acute and/or severe disease in relationship to frailty status among the general older population. METHOD Older people aged ≥70 in the Netherlands completed a questionnaire. They were divided into three subgroups based on a self-reported Clinical Frailty Scale: fit (CFS 1-3), mildly frail (CFS 4-5) and severely frail (CFS 6-8). Seven goals were graded as unimportant (1-5), somewhat important (6-7) or very important (8-10): extending life, preserving quality of life (QoL), staying independent, relieving symptoms, supporting others, preventing hospital admission and preventing nursing home admission. RESULTS Of the 1,278 participants (median age 76 years, 63% female), 57% was fit, 32% mildly frail and 12% severely frail. Overall, participants most frequently considered preventing nursing home admission as very important (87%), followed by staying independent (84%) and preserving QoL (83%), and least frequently considered extending life as very important (31%). All frailty subgroups reported similar preferences out of the surveyed goals as the overall study population. However, participants with a higher frailty status attached slightly less importance to each individual goal compared with fit participants (Ptrend-values ≤ 0.037). CONCLUSION Preferred goals of care are not related to frailty status, while the importance ascribed to individual goals is slightly lower with higher frailty status. Future research should prioritise outcomes related to the shared goals of fit, mildly frail and severely frail older people to improve personalised medicine for older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle M G T H van der Klei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- LUMC Center for Medicine for Older People (LCO), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yvonne M Drewes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- LUMC Center for Medicine for Older People (LCO), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bas F M van Raaij
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- LUMC Center for Medicine for Older People (LCO), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike D W van Dalsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- LUMC Center for Medicine for Older People (LCO), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anneke G Julien
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- LUMC Center for Medicine for Older People (LCO), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Harmke Polinder-Bos
- Department of Geriatrics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Simon P Mooijaart
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- LUMC Center for Medicine for Older People (LCO), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jacobijn Gussekloo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- LUMC Center for Medicine for Older People (LCO), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Frederiek van den Bos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- LUMC Center for Medicine for Older People (LCO), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Habib MH, Tiger YKR, Dima D, Schlögl M, McDonald A, Mazzoni S, Khouri J, Williams L, Anwer F, Raza S. Role of Palliative Care in the Supportive Management of AL Amyloidosis-A Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1991. [PMID: 38610755 PMCID: PMC11012321 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071991] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Light chain amyloidosis is a plasma-cell disorder with a poor prognosis. It is a progressive condition, causing worsening pain, disability, and life-limiting complications involving multiple organ systems. The medical regimen can be complex, including chemotherapy or immunotherapy for the disease itself, as well as treatment for pain, gastrointestinal and cardiorespiratory symptoms, and various secondary symptoms. Patients and their families must have a realistic awareness of the illness and of the goals and limitations of treatments in making informed decisions about medical therapy, supportive management, and end-of-life planning. Palliative care services can thus improve patients' quality of life and may even reduce overall treatment costs. Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a clonal plasma cell disorder characterized by the excessive secretion of light chains by an indolent plasma cell clone that gradually accumulates in vital organs as amyloid fibrils and leads to end-organ damage. With progressive disease, most patients develop diverse clinical symptoms and complications that negatively impact quality of life and increase mortality. Complications include cardiac problems including heart failure, hypotension, pleural effusions, renal involvement including nephrotic syndrome with peripheral edema, gastrointestinal symptoms leading to anorexia and cachexia, complex pain syndromes, and mood disorders. The prognosis of patients with advanced AL amyloidosis is dismal. With such a complex presentation, and high morbidity and mortality rates, there is a critical need for the establishment of a palliative care program in clinical management. This paper provides an evidence-based overview of the integration of palliative care in the clinical management of AL amyloidosis as a means of reducing ER visits, rehospitalizations, and in-hospital mortality. We also discuss potential future collaborative directions in various aspects of clinical care related to AL amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hamza Habib
- Department of Palliative Care, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Yun Kyoung Ryu Tiger
- Division of Blood Disorders, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Danai Dima
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (D.D.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (J.K.); (L.W.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Mathias Schlögl
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Clinic Barmelweid, 5017 Barmelweid, Switzerland;
| | - Alexandra McDonald
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (D.D.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (J.K.); (L.W.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Sandra Mazzoni
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (D.D.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (J.K.); (L.W.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Jack Khouri
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (D.D.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (J.K.); (L.W.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Louis Williams
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (D.D.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (J.K.); (L.W.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Faiz Anwer
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (D.D.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (J.K.); (L.W.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Shahzad Raza
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (D.D.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (J.K.); (L.W.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
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Masnoon N, George C, Lo S, Tan E, Bordia A, Hilmer S. The outcomes of considering goals of care in medication reviews for older adults: a systematic review. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:33-56. [PMID: 38145414 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2286321] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This is a systematic review of prescribing, clinical, patient-reported, and health utilization outcomes of goal-directed medication reviews in older adults. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases to identify studies examining outcomes of goal-directed medication reviews in humans, with mean/median age ≥ 60 years and in English. RESULTS Seventeen out of 743 articles identified were included. Whilst there were inconsistent findings regarding changes in the number of medications between groups or post-intervention in one group (n = 6 studies), studies found reductions in drug-related problems (n = 2) and potential to reduce anticholinergics and sedatives (n = 2). Two out of seven studies investigating clinical outcomes found improvements, such as reduced hospital readmissions and improved depression severity. One study found 75% of patients achieved ≥ 1 goals and another found 43% of goals were achieved at six months. Four out of five studies found significant improvements in patient-reported quality of life between groups (n = 2) or post-intervention in one group (n = 2). Both studies investigating cost-effectiveness reported the intervention was cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence of positive impact on medication rationalization, quality of life and cost-effectiveness, supporting goal-directed medication reviews. Larger, longitudinal studies, exploring patient-focused outcomes may provide further insights into the ongoing impact of goal-directed medication reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashwa Masnoon
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cristen George
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarita Lo
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Edwin Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aagam Bordia
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Hilmer
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Gong X, Pei Y, Zhang M, Wu B. Quality of death among older adults in China: The role of medical expenditure and timely medical treatment. J Aging Soc Policy 2023; 35:667-682. [PMID: 35608353 DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2022.2079907] [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: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Medical expenses in the last year of life consume a large portion of healthcare expenditures, yet little is known about the relationship between medical expenditures in the last year of life and quality of death. Few empirical studies have investigated the association between timely medical treatment before dying and quality of death. This study aimed to examine the associations between medical expenditures in the last year of life, timely medical treatment before dying, and quality of death. Data derived from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), the largest national representative study of the oldest-old in China. Results from multinomial logistic regression suggested that higher medical expenses in the last year of life and lack of timely medical treatment before dying are associated with lower quality of death. These findings highlight an urgent need for strengthening education on death and dying, developing hospice and palliative care services, and improving pain management at the end of life in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuquan Gong
- Professor, Social Science and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaolin Pei
- Research Scientist. Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, NY, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Master student, Social Science and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Wu
- Dean's Professor in Global Health, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, NY, USA
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Sheber M, McKnight M, Liebzeit D, Seaman A, Husser EK, Buck H, Reisinger HS, Lee S. Older adults' goals of care in the emergency department setting: A qualitative study guided by the 4Ms framework. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2023; 4:e13012. [PMID: 37520079 PMCID: PMC10375261 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We sought to identify what matters to older adults (60 years and older) presenting to the emergency department (ED) and the challenges or concerns they identify related to medication, mobility, and mentation to inform how the 4Ms framework could improve care of older adults in the ED setting. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using the 4Ms to identify what matters to older adults (≥60 years old) presenting to the ED and what challenges or concerns they identify related to medication, mobility, and mentation. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of patients in a single ED. Interview guide responses and interviewer field notes were entered into REDCap. Interviews were reviewed by the research team (2 coders per interview) who inductively assigned codes. A codebook was created through an iterative process and was used to group codes into themes and sub-themes within the 4Ms framework. Results A total of 20 ED patients participated in the interviews lasting 30-60 minutes. Codes identified for "what matters" included problem-oriented expectation, coordination and continuity, staying engaged, being with family, and getting back home. Codes related to the other 4Ms (medication, mobility, and mentation) described challenges. Medication challenges included: non-adherence, side effects, polypharmacy, and knowledge. Mobility challenges included physical activity and independence. Last, mentation challenges included memory concerns, depressed mood, and stress and worry. Conclusions Our study used the 4Ms to identify "what matters" to older adults presenting to the ED and the challenges they face regarding medication, mobility, and mentation. Understanding what matters to patients and the specific challenges they face can help shape and individualize a patient-centered approach to care to facilitate the goals of care discussion and handoff to the next care team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Sheber
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Iowa Carver College of MedicineIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Mackenzie McKnight
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Iowa Carver College of MedicineIowa CityIowaUSA
| | | | - Aaron Seaman
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Iowa Carver College of MedicineIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Erica K. Husser
- Ross and Carol Nese College of NursingPennsylvania State University, University ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Harleah Buck
- University of Iowa College of NursingIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Heather S. Reisinger
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Iowa Carver College of MedicineIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Sangil Lee
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Iowa Carver College of MedicineDepartment of EpidemiologyUniversity of Iowa College of Public HealthIowa CityIowaUSA
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Cherny NI, Ziff-Werman B. Ethical considerations in the relief of cancer pain. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:414. [PMID: 37351702 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07868-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The management of pain for patients with cancer and cancer survivors is a critical clinical task that involves a multitude of ethical issues at almost every phase of the cancer experience. This review is divided into three sections: In the first, we address rights and duties in the relief of pain from the perspective of patients, clinicians, health care institutions and organizations, and public policy. This section includes a detailed description of issues and duties in relation to opioid misuse and addiction. In the second section, we discuss the ethical consideration of therapeutic planning. The final section addresses ethical considerations in the management of pain at the end of life including a detailed discussion regarding ethical issues relating to the use of palliative sedation as a clinical intervention of last resort.
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Yerramilli D, Johnstone CA. Radiation Therapy at the End of-Life: Quality of Life and Financial Toxicity Considerations. Semin Radiat Oncol 2023; 33:203-210. [PMID: 36990637 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
In patients with advanced cancer, radiation therapy is considered at various time points in the patient's clinical course from diagnosis to death. As some patients are living longer with metastatic cancer on novel therapeutics, radiation oncologists are increasingly using radiation therapy as an ablative therapy in appropriately selected patients. However, most patients with metastatic cancer still eventually die of their disease. For those without effective targeted therapy options or those who are not candidates for immunotherapy, the time frame from diagnosis to death is still relatively short. Given this evolving landscape, prognostication has become increasingly challenging. Thus, radiation oncologists must be diligent about defining the goals of therapy and considering all treatment options from ablative radiation to medical management and hospice care. The risks and benefits of radiation therapy vary based on an individual patient's prognosis, goals of care, and the ability of radiation to help with their cancer symptoms without undue toxicity over the course of their expected lifetime. When considering recommending a course of radiation, physicians must broaden their understanding of risks and benefits to include not only physical symptoms, but also various psychosocial burdens. These include financial burdens to the patient, to their caregiver and to the healthcare system. The burden of time spent at the end-of-life receiving radiation therapy must also be considered. Thus, the consideration of radiation therapy at the end-of-life can be complex and requires careful attention to the whole patient and their goals of care.
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Harmon A, Jordan M, Platt A, Wilson J, Keith K, Chandrashekaran S, Schlichte L, Pendergast J, Ming D. Goal-Concordance in Children with Complex Chronic Conditions. J Pediatr 2023; 253:278-285.e4. [PMID: 36257348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize delivery of goal-concordant end-of-life (EOL) care among children with complex chronic conditions and to determine factors associated with goal-concordance. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective review of goals of care discussions for 272 children with at least 1 complex chronic condition who died at a tertiary care hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017. Goals of care and code status were assessed before and within the last 72 hours of life. Goals of care discussions were coded as full interventions; considering withdrawal of interventions (palliation); planned transition to palliation; or actively transitioning/transitioned to palliation. RESULTS In total, 158 children had documented goals of care discussions before and within the last 72 hours of life, 18 had goals of care discussions only >72 hours before death, 54 only in the last 72 hours of life, and 42 had no documented goals of care. For children with goals of care, EOL care was goal-concordant for 82.2%, discordant in 7%, and unclear in 10.8%. Black children had a greater than 8-fold greater odds of discordant care compared with White children (OR 8.34, P = .007). Comparison of goals of care and code status before and within the last 72 hours of life revealed trends toward nonescalation of care. Specifically, rates of active palliation increased from 11.7% to 63.0%, and code status shifted from 32.6% do not resuscitate to 65.2% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, a majority of children had documented goals of care discussions and received goal-concordant EOL care. However, Black children had greater odds of receiving goal-discordant care. Goals of care and code status shifted toward palliation during the last 72 hours of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Harmon
- Department of Pediatrics, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Megan Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Alyssa Platt
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jonathon Wilson
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Kevin Keith
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | | | | | - Jane Pendergast
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - David Ming
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC.
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Solar S, Wieditz J, Lordick F, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Oechsle K, van Oorschot B, Thomas M, Asendorf T, Nauck F, Alt-Epping B. Screening versus multidimensional assessment of symptoms and psychosocial distress in cancer patients from the time of incurability. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1002499. [PMID: 36776341 PMCID: PMC9908949 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1002499] [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: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Previous symptom prevalence studies show a diverse spectrum of symptoms and a large diversity in symptom intensities in patients being just diagnosed as having incurable cancer. It is unclear, how physical symptoms and psychosocial burden should be recorded in order to determine the variable need for palliative care and further support. Therefore, we compared two different strategies for detecting physical symptoms and psychosocial burden of patients with newly diagnosed incurable cancer and their effects on the further course of the disease. Methods SCREBEL is a controlled, randomized, non-blinded, longitudinal study of the research network of the Palliative Medicine Working Group (APM) of the German Cancer Society (DKG). We compared: a less complex repeated brief screening for symptoms and burden in patients using the NCCN Distress Thermometer and IPOS questionnaire versus a multidimensional comprehensive assessment using the FACT-G and their entity-specific questionnaires, the PHQ4 scales, SCNS-34-SF, IPOS and NCCN Distress Thermometer. The primary study endpoint was quality of life (QoL), measured using FACT-G, after six months. Secondary study endpoints were QoL by using evaluation of secondary scores (NCCN DT, IPOS, PHQ4, SCNS-SF-34G) at time 6 months, the number of hospital days, the utilization of palliative care, emergency services, and psychosocial care structures. To assess effects and differences, multiple linear regression models were fitted and survival analyses were conducted. Results 504 patients were included in the study. 262 patients were lost to follow-up, including 155 fatalities. There were no significant differences between the low-threshold screening approach and a comprehensive assessment with respect to symptoms and other aspects of QoL. Using the IPOS, we were able to measure an improvement in the quality of life in the low-threshold screening arm by a decrease of 0.67 points (95%-CI: 0.34 to 0.99) every 30 days. (p<0.001). Data on the involvement of emergency facilities and on supportive services were insufficient for analysis. Conclusion A comprehensive, multidimensional assessment did not significantly differ from brief screening in preserving several dimensions of quality of life. These findings may positively influence the implementation of structured low-threshold screening programs for supportive and palliative needs in DKG certified cancer centers.DRKS -No. DRKS00017774 https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00017774.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Solar
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Wieditz
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany,*Correspondence: Johannes Wieditz,
| | - Florian Lordick
- University Cancer Center Leipzig, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karin Oechsle
- Palliative Care Unit, Center of Oncology, University Hospital of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgitt van Oorschot
- Interdisciplinary Center for Palliative Medicine, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Thomas
- Thoraxklinik and National Center for Tumor Diseases at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC-H), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Asendorf
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Friedemann Nauck
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Alt-Epping
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany,Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Solar S, Wieditz J, Lordick F, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Oechsle K, van Oorschot B, Thomas M, Asendorf T, Nauck F, Alt-Epping B. Screening versus multidimensional assessment of symptoms and psychosocial distress in cancer patients from the time of incurability. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1002499. [PMID: 36776341 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1002499.pmid:36776341;pmcid:pmc9908949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous symptom prevalence studies show a diverse spectrum of symptoms and a large diversity in symptom intensities in patients being just diagnosed as having incurable cancer. It is unclear, how physical symptoms and psychosocial burden should be recorded in order to determine the variable need for palliative care and further support. Therefore, we compared two different strategies for detecting physical symptoms and psychosocial burden of patients with newly diagnosed incurable cancer and their effects on the further course of the disease. METHODS SCREBEL is a controlled, randomized, non-blinded, longitudinal study of the research network of the Palliative Medicine Working Group (APM) of the German Cancer Society (DKG). We compared: a less complex repeated brief screening for symptoms and burden in patients using the NCCN Distress Thermometer and IPOS questionnaire versus a multidimensional comprehensive assessment using the FACT-G and their entity-specific questionnaires, the PHQ4 scales, SCNS-34-SF, IPOS and NCCN Distress Thermometer. The primary study endpoint was quality of life (QoL), measured using FACT-G, after six months. Secondary study endpoints were QoL by using evaluation of secondary scores (NCCN DT, IPOS, PHQ4, SCNS-SF-34G) at time 6 months, the number of hospital days, the utilization of palliative care, emergency services, and psychosocial care structures. To assess effects and differences, multiple linear regression models were fitted and survival analyses were conducted. RESULTS 504 patients were included in the study. 262 patients were lost to follow-up, including 155 fatalities. There were no significant differences between the low-threshold screening approach and a comprehensive assessment with respect to symptoms and other aspects of QoL. Using the IPOS, we were able to measure an improvement in the quality of life in the low-threshold screening arm by a decrease of 0.67 points (95%-CI: 0.34 to 0.99) every 30 days. (p<0.001). Data on the involvement of emergency facilities and on supportive services were insufficient for analysis. CONCLUSION A comprehensive, multidimensional assessment did not significantly differ from brief screening in preserving several dimensions of quality of life. These findings may positively influence the implementation of structured low-threshold screening programs for supportive and palliative needs in DKG certified cancer centers.DRKS -No. DRKS00017774 https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00017774.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Solar
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Wieditz
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Lordick
- University Cancer Center Leipzig, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karin Oechsle
- Palliative Care Unit, Center of Oncology, University Hospital of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgitt van Oorschot
- Interdisciplinary Center for Palliative Medicine, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Thomas
- Thoraxklinik and National Center for Tumor Diseases at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC-H), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Asendorf
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Friedemann Nauck
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Alt-Epping
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Marsaa K, Mendahl J, Nielsen S, Mørk L, Sjøgren P, Kurita GP. Development of a systematic multidisciplinary clinical and teaching model for the palliative approaches in patients with severe lung failure. Eur Clin Respir J 2022; 9:2108195. [PMID: 35979343 PMCID: PMC9377267 DOI: 10.1080/20018525.2022.2108195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Palliative medicine has traditionally focused on people affected by cancer with rapidly advancing disease progression. However, as more people live longer time with serious illnesses, including lung diseases, the need of palliative care for these patients if also increasing. There is a lack of research and clinical knowledge about what palliative care is for people affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease. The aim of this paper is to describe the development process of an easy to use and clinically relevant model for the palliative care approach in people affected by severe illnesses. The developed model consists of four components, which originated the title” 4,2,4,2 model”. Each number has a specific meaning: the first 4 = the four disease trajectories that patients may experience; 2 = the two forms of knowledge, objective, and intuitive that must be achieved by the health professionals to gain an understanding of the situation; 4 = the four dimensions of suffering physically, mentally, socially and existentially/spiritually; and 2 = the two roles that health-care professionals must be able to take in when treating patients with serious illnesses. The 4-2-4-2 model proposes an easy-to-use and clinically relevant model for palliative approach and integration of PC and pulmonary medicine. Another important purpose of this model is to provide HPs with different educational backgrounds and from different medical fields with a ‘golden standard approach’ to enhance the focus of the palliative approach in both the clinic and teaching. The effect and consequences of the use of the 4-2-4-2 model should be explored in future clinical trials. Furthermore, it should be investigated whether teaching the model creates a change in clinical approach to patients with serious illnesses as well as whether these changes are long-lasting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janni Mendahl
- Palliative Unit, Department of Urology, Herlev and Gentofte hospital Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Steen Nielsen
- The Danish Cancer Society, Denmark
- Sankt Lukas hospice, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Lotte Mørk
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Rigshospitalet - Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Per Sjøgren
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Rigshospitalet - Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Geana Paula Kurita
- Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Respiratory Support, Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospitalet - Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Campos E, Isenberg SR, Lovblom LE, Mak S, Steinberg L, Bush SH, Goldman R, Graham C, Kavalieratos D, Stukel T, Tanuseputro P, Quinn KL. Supporting the Heterogeneous and Evolving Treatment Preferences of Patients With Heart Failure Through Collaborative Home-Based Palliative Care. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e026319. [PMID: 36172958 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background We characterized the treatment preferences, care setting, and end-of-life outcomes among patients with advanced heart failure supported by a collaborative home-based model of palliative care. Methods and results This decedent cohort study included 250 patients with advanced heart failure who received collaborative home-based palliative care for a median duration of 1.9 months of follow-up in Ontario, Canada, from April 2013 to July 2019. Patients were categorized into 1 of 4 groups according to their initial treatment preferences. Outcomes included location of death (out of hospital versus in hospital), changes in treatment preferences, and health service use. Among patients who initially prioritized quantity of life, 21 of 43 (48.8%) changed their treatment preferences during follow-up (mean 0.28 changes per month). The majority of these patients changed their preferences to avoid hospitalization and focus on comfort at home (19 of 24 changes, 79%). A total of 207 of 250 (82.8%) patients experienced an out-of-hospital death. Patients who initially prioritized quantity of life had decreased odds of out-of-hospital death (versus in-hospital death; adjusted odds ratio, 0.259 [95% CI, 0.097-0.693]) and more frequent hospitalizations (mean 0.45 hospitalizations per person-month) compared with patients who initially prioritized quality of life at home. Conclusions Our results yield a more detailed understanding of the interaction of advanced care planning and patient preferences. Shared decision making for personalized treatment is dynamic and can be enacted earlier than at the very end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Campos
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Bruyère Research Institute Ottawa Ontario.,Department of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario.,Department of Family and Community Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario
| | | | - Susanna Mak
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario.,Department of Medicine Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario.,Division of Cardiology Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario
| | - Leah Steinberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario.,Department of Medicine Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario.,Interdepartmental Division of Palliative Care Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario
| | - Shirley H Bush
- Bruyère Research Institute Ottawa Ontario.,Department of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario
| | - Russell Goldman
- Interdepartmental Division of Palliative Care Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario.,Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care Toronto Ontario
| | | | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Division of Palliative Medicine Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia
| | | | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute Ottawa Ontario.,Department of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario.,ICES Toronto Ontario.,ICES Ottawa Ontario
| | - Kieran L Quinn
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario.,Department of Medicine Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario.,Interdepartmental Division of Palliative Care Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario.,Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care Toronto Ontario.,ICES Toronto Ontario.,ICES Ottawa Ontario
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15
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A comparison of end-of-life care patterns between older patients with both cancer and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias versus those with only cancer. J Geriatr Oncol 2022; 13:1111-1121. [PMID: 36041992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.08.011] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aggressive end-of-life (EOL) care that is not aligned with the preferences of persons with cancer has negative impacts on their quality of life. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) could potentially complicate EOL care planning among persons with cancer. Little is known about the aggressive EOL care patterns among Medicare beneficiaries with both cancer and ADRD. MATERIALS AND METHODS A matched retrospective cohort was created using the 2004 to 2016 Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results-Medicare (SEER-Medicare) data differentiated by beneficiaries' ADRD status. Beneficiaries with breast, lung, colorectal, or prostate cancer who died between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2016, were included. Six existing domains of aggressive EOL care and one overall indicator were derived. The major predictor was having ADRD comorbidity; other covariates included sex, marital status, census tract poverty indicator, race/ethnicity, metro status, geographic location, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), survival time, cancer site, and histology stage. Multivariable logistic regression models were deployed to estimate the odds of receiving aggressive EOL care. RESULTS The study sample was 135,380 people after the one-to-one propensity score matching. The prevalence of aggressive EOL care utilization was slightly lower in beneficiaries with both cancer and ADRD when compared to beneficiaries with cancer only (54% vs. 58%, p < 0.0001). Beneficiaries with both cancer and ADRD were less likely to receive aggressive EOL care (AOR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.86, 0.90) versus beneficiaries with cancer only. From the multivariable logistic regression model, certain beneficiaries' characteristics were associated with higher odds of receiving aggressive EOL care, such as: beneficiaries belonging to a racial/ethnic minority, a shorter survival time, and a higher CCI score. DISCUSSION The combined presence of ADRD and cancer was associated with lower odds of receiving aggressive EOL care compared to the presence of only cancer; however, the prevalence difference between the cohorts was not huge. Future studies could conduct in-depth evaluations of the ADRD's influence on the EOL care utilization.
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Driller B, Talseth-Palmer B, Hole T, Strømskag KE, Brenne AT. Cancer patients spend more time at home and more often die at home with advance care planning conversations in primary health care: a retrospective observational cohort study. Palliat Care 2022; 21:61. [PMID: 35501797 PMCID: PMC9063101 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00952-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spending time at home and dying at home is advocated to be a desirable outcome in palliative care (PC). In Norway, home deaths among cancer patients are rare compared to other European countries. Advance care planning (ACP) conversations enable patients to define goals and preferences, reflecting a person’s wishes and current medical condition. Method The study included 250 cancer patients in the Romsdal region with or without an ACP conversation in primary health care who died between September 2018 and August 2020. The patients were identified through their contact with the local hospital, cancer outpatient clinic or hospital-based PC team. Results During the last 90 days of life, patients who had an ACP conversation in primary health care (N=125) were mean 9.8 more days at home, 4.5 less days in nursing home and 5.3 less days in hospital. Having an ACP conversation in primary health care, being male or having a lower age significantly predicted more days at home at the end of life (p< .001). Patients with an ACP conversation in primary health care where significantly more likely to die at home (p< .001) with a four times higher probability (RR=4.5). Contact with the hospital-based PC team was not associated with more days at home or death at home. Patients with contact with the hospital-based PC team were more likely to have an ACP conversation in primary health care. Conclusion Palliative cancer patients with an ACP conversation in primary health care spent more days at home and more frequently died at home. Data suggest it is important that ACP conversations are conducted in primary health care setting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00952-1.
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17
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Ullrich A, Hollburg W, Schulz H, Goldbach S, Rommel A, Müller M, Kirsch D, Kopplin-Foertsch K, Messerer J, König L, Schulz-Kindermann F, Bokemeyer C, Oechsle K. What are the personal last wishes of people with a life-limiting illness? Findings from a longitudinal observational study in specialist palliative care. Palliat Care 2022; 21:38. [PMID: 35317813 PMCID: PMC8939163 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00928-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Personal last wishes of people facing a life-limiting illness may change closer to death and may vary across different forms of specialist palliative care (SPC). Aims To explore the presence and common themes of last wishes over time and according to the SPC settings (inpatient vs. home-based SPC), and to identify factors associated to having a last wish. Methods Patients enrolled in a longitudinal study completed questionnaires at the onset (baseline, t0) and within the first 6 weeks (follow-up, t1) of SPC including an open-ended question on their personal last wishes. Last wishes were content analyzed, and all wishes were coded for presence or absence of each of the identified themes. Changes of last wishes (t0-t1) were analyzed by a McNemar test. The chi-square-test was used to compare the two SPC settings. Predictors for the presence of a last wish were identified by logistic regression analysis. Results Three hundred sixty-one patients (mean age, 69.5 years; 49% female) answered at t0, and 130 at t1. In cross-sectional analyses, the presence of last wishes was higher at t0 (67%) than at t1 (59%). Comparisons revealed a higher presence of last wishes among inpatients than those in home-based SPC at t0 (78% vs. 62%; p = .002), but not at t1. Inpatient SPC (OR = 1.987, p = .011) and greater physical symptom burden over the past week (OR = 1.168, p < .001) predicted presence of a last wish at t0. Common themes of last wishes were Travel, Activities, Regaining health, Quality of life, Being with family and friends, Dying comfortably, Turn back time, and Taking care of final matters. The most frequent theme was Travel, at both t0 (31%) and t1 (39%). Themes did not differ between SPC settings, neither at t0 nor at t1. Longitudinal analyses (t0-t1) showed no significant intra-personal changes in the presence or any themes of last wishes over time. Conclusions In this late phase of their illness, many patients voiced last wishes. Our study suggests working with such wishes as a framework for person-centered care. Comparisons of SPC settings indicate that individualized approaches to patients’ last wishes, rather than setting-specific approaches, may be important.
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Morgan DD, Taylor RR, Ivy M, George S, Farrow C, Lee V. Contemporary occupational priorities at the end of life mapped against Model of Human Occupation constructs: A scoping review. Aust Occup Ther J 2022; 69:341-373. [PMID: 35199343 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12792] [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: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with end-of-life care needs are seen in an increasingly diverse range of health and community settings. Opportunity for continued occupational participation is highly valued by people at the end of life. This scoping review sought to identify the priorities and preferences for participation at the end of life and to map findings using the model of human occupation. METHODS A search strategy informed by the research question was developed in collaboration with a research librarian. Data sources used were Ovid Medline(R), CINAHL, Ovid Emcare, Scopus, Web of Science and PsychInfo. Studies that focused on clinician perspectives, clinical care, grief and loss, did not clearly identify end-stage diseases, <18 years and written in languages other than English were excluded. FINDINGS Forty-four studies were included with a total of 1,070 study participants. Inductively developed themes were mapped against the model of human occupation constructs of volition (personal causation, values, interests), habituation (habits of occupational performance and routine), performance capacity and the lived body within the physical, social and occupational environment. The majority of findings sat within the construct of volition, particularly around sense of personal capacity, self-efficacy and values. At the end of life, people prioritise ongoing engagement in valued occupations even if participation is effortful. As disease progresses, opportunity to exert influence and control over this participation and engagement increases in importance. Personal causation plays an important role in the experience of occupational participation at this time. CONCLUSION This review provides important insights into the occupational priorities of people at the end of life and the importance of supporting agency and volition at this time. The model of human occupation and its client-centred focus offer a framework for a more robust examination of ways to enhance volitional capacity and enable occupational participation for people at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidre D Morgan
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying (RePaDD), College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Renée R Taylor
- Director, Model of Human Occupation Clearinghouse, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mack Ivy
- Rehabilitation Services, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Manvel, Texas, USA
| | - Stacey George
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Caroline Farrow
- SA Health, Northern Adelaide Palliative Care Service, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Vincci Lee
- Eastern Health, Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
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Dillon EC, Chopra V, Mesghina E, Milki A, Chan A, Reddy R, Kapp DS, Silver BA, Chan JK. The Healthcare Journey of Women With Advanced Gynecological Cancer From Diagnosis Through Terminal Illness: Qualitative Analysis of Progress Note Data. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:1090-1097. [PMID: 34951820 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211064242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine women's journeys with gynecologic cancer from before diagnosis through death and identify elements of their healthcare experience that warrant improvement. METHODS This exploratory study used longitudinal progress notes data from a multispecialty practice in Northern California. The sample included women with stage IV gynecological cancer diagnosed after 2011 and who died before 2018. Available progress notes from prior to diagnosis to death were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS We identified 32 women, (median age 61 years) with mostly uterine (n=17) and ovarian (n=9) cancers and median survival of 9.2 months (min:2.9 and max:47.5). Sixteen (50%) received outpatient palliative care and 18 (56%) received hospice care. The analysis found wide variation in documentation about communication about diagnosis, prognosis, goals of care, stopping treatment, and starting hospice care. Challenges included escalating/severe symptoms, repeated urgent care/emergency department/hospital encounters, and lack of or late access to palliative and hospice care. Notes also illustrated how patient background and goals influenced care trajectory and communication. Documentation styles varied substantially, with palliative care notes more consistently documenting conversations about goals of care and psychosocial needs. CONCLUSION This analysis of longitudinal illness experience of women with advanced gynecological cancer suggests that clinicians may want to (1) prioritize earlier discussion about goals of care; (2) provide supplemental support to patients with higher needs, possibly through palliative care or navigation; and (3) write notes to enhance patient understanding now that patients may access all notes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis C Dillon
- Center for Health Systems Research, 33314Sutter Health and Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Vidita Chopra
- Center for Health Systems Research, 33314Sutter Health and Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mesghina
- Center for Health Systems Research, 7024Sutter Health, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Anthony Milki
- 43989The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ava Chan
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sutter Research Institute, 204799California Pacific-Palo Alto Medical Foundation, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ravali Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10624Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Daniel S Kapp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, 10624Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Barbara A Silver
- The Ovarian and Reproductive Cancer Recovery Program at The Women's Health Resource Center, 7153California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John K Chan
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sutter Research Institute, 204799California Pacific-Palo Alto Medical Foundation, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Curtis CA, Nguyen MU, Rathnasekara GK, Manderson RJ, Chong MY, Malawaraarachchi JK, Song Z, Kanumuri P, Potenzi BJ, Lim AKH. Impact of electronic medical records and COVID-19 on adult Goals-of-Care document completion and revision in hospitalised general medicine patients. Intern Med J 2021; 52:755-762. [PMID: 34580964 PMCID: PMC8653102 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15543] [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: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conversion from paper-based to electronic medical records (EMR) may affect the quality and timeliness of the completion of Goals-Of-Care (GOC) documents during hospital admissions, and the COVID-19 pandemic may have further impacted this. AIMS Determine the impact of EMR and COVID-19 on the proper completion of GOC forms, and the factors associated with inpatient changes in GOC. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult general medicine admissions (Aug 2018-Sep 2020) at Dandenong Hospital (Victoria, Australia). We used interrupted time series to model the changes in the rates of proper GOC completion (adequate documented discussion, completed ≤2 days) after the introduction of EMR and arrival of COVID-19. RESULTS We included a total of 5147 patients. The pre-EMR GOC proper completion rate was 27.7% (overall completion, 86.5%). There was a decrease in the proper completion rate by 2.21% per month (95% CI: -2.83%, -1.58%) after EMR implementation despite an increase in overall completion rates (91.2%). The main reason for the negative trend was a decline in adequate documentation despite improvements in timeliness. COVID-19 arrival saw a reversal of this negative trend, with proper completion rates increasing by 2.25% per month (95% CI: 1.35%, 3.15%) compared to the EMR period, but also resulted in a higher proportion GOC changes within 2 days of admission. CONCLUSION EMR improved the timeliness and overall completion rates of GOC at the cost of a lower quality of documented discussion. COVID-19 reversed the negative trend in proper GOC completion but increased the number of early revisions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Curtis
- General Medicine, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Maria U Nguyen
- General Medicine, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | | | | | - Mae Y Chong
- General Medicine, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | | | - Zheng Song
- General Medicine, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | | | | | - Andy K H Lim
- General Medicine, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.,Monash University Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
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21
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van Munster BC, Boot GG, Festen SF, de Rooij SE. Goals and outcomes of hospitalised older people: does the current hospital care match the needs of older people? Intern Med J 2021; 52:770-775. [PMID: 34490694 PMCID: PMC9314846 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Due to the rising number of acutely hospitalised older people in the coming years, there is increased interest in tailoring care to the individual goals and preferences of patients in order to reach patient‐centred care. Aims To investigate the goals of older hospitalised patients and the extent to which these goals were reached during hospitalisation. Methods A single‐centre prospective cohort study was performed in The Netherlands between December 2017 and January 2018. Participants aged 70 years or older were included. In the first 3 days of hospitalisation, a semi‐structured interview was conducted to assess the patient goals regarding the hospital admission. At 1−2 weeks after discharge, patients were asked to what extent the recent hospitalisation had contributed to reaching their goals. Results One hundred and four patients were included and follow up was completed for 86 patients. The main goals reported at hospital admission were ‘remaining alive’ (72.1%), ‘feeling better’ (71.2%) and ‘improving condition’ (65.4%). Hospitalisation seemed to have a positive contribution to reaching the goals ‘remaining alive’, ‘knowing what is wrong’, ‘feeling better’, ‘reducing pain’ and ‘controlling disease’. Hospitalisation seemed to contribute little to reaching the goals in the categories ‘enjoying life’, ‘independency and freedom’, ‘improving daily functioning’, ‘hobbies and work’ and ‘social functioning’. Conclusions It is important for healthcare professionals to know the goals of their patients. The majority of these goals were not achieved at hospital discharge. It is important to be aware of this, so sufficient aftercare can be arranged and patients can be prepared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara C van Munster
- Department of Geriatrics, Gelre Hospitals, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicin, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerdine G Boot
- Department of Geriatrics, Gelre Hospitals, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne F Festen
- Department of Internal Medicin, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E de Rooij
- Department of Internal Medicin, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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22
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Saeed F, Shah AY, Allen RJ, Epstein RM, Fiscella KA. Communication principles and practices for making shared decisions about renal replacement therapy: a review of the literature. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2021; 30:507-515. [PMID: 34148978 PMCID: PMC8373782 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an overview of the skill set required for communication and person-centered decision making for renal replacement therapy (RRT) choices, especially conservative kidney management (CKM). RECENT FINDINGS Research on communication and decision-making skills for shared RRT decision making is still in infancy. We adapt literature from other fields such as primary care and oncology for effective RRT decision making. SUMMARY We review seven key skills: (1) Announcing the need for decision making (2) Agenda Setting (3) Educating patients about RRT options (4) Discussing prognoses (5) Eliciting patient preferences (6) Responding to emotions and showing empathy, and (7) Investing in the end. We also provide example sentences to frame the conversations around RRT choices including CKM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Saeed
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health, Division of Nephrology
- Division of Palliative Care
- University of Rochester School of Medicine, National University of Medical Sciences
| | - Amna Yousaf Shah
- Rawalpindi, Pakistan; CITE Center, Department of Behavioral and Natural Sciences
| | | | - Ronald M Epstein
- Division of Palliative Care
- Department of Family Medicine and Center for Center for Communication and Disparities Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Kevin A Fiscella
- Department of Family Medicine and Center for Center for Communication and Disparities Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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23
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Prabhu RA, Salins N, Bharathi, Abraham G. End of Life Care in End-Stage Kidney Disease. Indian J Palliat Care 2021; 27:S37-S42. [PMID: 34188377 PMCID: PMC8191743 DOI: 10.4103/ijpc.ijpc_64_21] [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: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a rise in burden of end-stage renal disease globally and in India. The symptom burden, prognosis, and mortality in chronic kidney disease closely mimics that of cancer. However, the palliative and end of life care needs of these patients are seldom addressed. A consensus opinion statement was developed outlining the provision of end of life care in end-stage kidney disease. Recognition of medical futility, consensus on medical futility, and cessation of potentially inappropriate therapies and medications are the initial steps in providing end of life care. Conducting a family meeting, communicating prognosis, discussing various treatment modalities, negotiating goals of care, shared decision-making, and discussion and documentation of life sustaining treatment are essential aspects of end of life care provision. The provision of end of life care entails assessment and the management of end-stage kidney disease symptoms and the care extends beyond the death of the patient to their families in the bereavement period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra Attur Prabhu
- Department of Nephrology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Naveen Salins
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Bharathi
- Department of Renal Replacement Therapy and Dialysis Technology, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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24
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Sanders JJ, Miller K, Desai M, Geerse OP, Paladino J, Kavanagh J, Lakin JR, Neville BA, Block SD, Fromme EK, Bernacki R. Measuring Goal-Concordant Care: Results and Reflections From Secondary Analysis of a Trial to Improve Serious Illness Communication. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:889-897.e2. [PMID: 32599148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Many consider goal-concordant care (GCC) to be the most important of advance care planning and palliative care. Researchers face significant challenges in attempting to measure this outcome. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of a system-level intervention to improve serious illness communication on GCC and other outcomes. OBJECTIVES To describe our measurement approach to GCC, present findings from a post-hoc analysis of trial data, and discuss lessons learned about measuring GCC. METHODS Using trial data collected to measure GCC, we analyzed ratings and rankings from a nonvalidated survey of patient priorities in the setting of advanced cancer, the Life Priorities Scale, and compared outcomes with correlative measures. RESULTS Participants commonly rated several predetermined and literature-derived priorities as important but did so in ways that were commonly incongruent with rankings. Ratings were frequently stable over time; rankings less so. Rankings are more likely to help assess the degree to which care is goal concordant but may be best augmented by corollary measures that signal achievement of a given priority. CONCLUSION Measuring GCC remains a fundamental challenge to palliative care researchers. Ratings attest to the fact that many things matter to patients; however, rankings can better determine what matters most. Insights gained from our experience may guide future research aiming to use this outcome to assess the effect of intervention to improve serious illness care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J Sanders
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kate Miller
- Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meghna Desai
- Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olaf P Geerse
- Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna Paladino
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jane Kavanagh
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua R Lakin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bridget A Neville
- Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan D Block
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erik K Fromme
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachelle Bernacki
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Dillon EC, Meehan A, Nasrallah C, Lai S, Colocci N, Luft H. Evolving Goals of Care Discussions as Described in Interviews With Individuals With Advanced Cancer and Oncology and Palliative Care Teams. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:785-793. [PMID: 33111553 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120969202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with advanced cancer and their families have negative end-of-life experiences when the care they receive is not aligned with their values and preferences. OBJECTIVE To obtain in-depth information on how patients with advanced cancer and the oncology and palliative care (PC) clinicians who care for them discuss goals of care (GoC). DESIGN The research team conducted in-depth interviews and qualitative data analysis using open coding to identify how perspectives on GoC discussions vary by stage of illness, and experience with PC teams. SETTING/SUBJECTS Twenty-five patients and 25 oncology and PC team members in a large multi-specialty group in Northern California. RESULTS At the time of diagnosis participants described having establishing GoC conversations about understanding the goal of treatment (e.g. to extend life), and prognosis ("How much time do I have?"). Patients whose disease progressed or pain/symptoms increased reported changing GoC conversations about stopping treatment, introducing hospice care, prognostic awareness, quality of life, advance care planning, and end-of-life planning. Participants believed in the fluidity of prognosis and preferences for prognostic communication varied. Patients appreciated how PC teams facilitated changing GoC conversations. Timing was challenging; some patients desired earlier conversations and PC involvement, others wanted to wait until things were "going downhill." CONCLUSION Patients and clinical teams acknowledged the complexity and importance of GoC conversations, and that PC teams enhanced conversations. The frequency, quality, and content of GoC conversations were shaped by patient receptivity, stage of illness, clinician attitudes and predispositions toward PC, and early integration of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis C Dillon
- Center for Health Systems Research, Sutter Health, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,33314Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Amy Meehan
- Center for Health Systems Research, Sutter Health, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,33314Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Nasrallah
- Center for Health Systems Research, Sutter Health, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,33314Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Steve Lai
- 33314Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Hal Luft
- Center for Health Systems Research, Sutter Health, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,33314Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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26
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Etkind SN, Lovell N, Bone AE, Guo P, Nicholson C, Murtagh FEM, Higginson IJ. The stability of care preferences following acute illness: a mixed methods prospective cohort study of frail older people. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:370. [PMID: 32993526 PMCID: PMC7523327 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01725-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient preferences are integral to person-centred care, but preference stability is poorly understood in older people, who may experience fluctuant illness trajectories with episodes of acute illness. We aimed to describe, and explore influences on the stability of care preferences in frail older people following recent acute illness. Methods Mixed-methods prospective cohort study with dominant qualitative component, parallel data collection and six-month follow up. Study population: age ≥ 65, Rockwood Clinical Frailty score ≥ 5, recent acute illness requiring acute assessment/hospitalisation. Participants rated the importance of six preferences (to extend life, improve quality of life, remain independent, be comfortable, support ‘those close to me’, and stay out of hospital) at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks using a 0–4 scale, and ranked the most important. A maximum-variation sub-sample additionally contributed serial in-depth qualitative interviews. We described preference stability using frequencies and proportions, and undertook thematic analysis to explore influences on preference stability. Results 90/192 (45%) of potential participants consented. 82/90 (91%) answered the baseline questionnaire; median age 84, 63% female. Seventeen undertook qualitative interviews. Most participants consistently rated five of the six preferences as important (range 68–89%). ‘Extend life’ was rated important by fewer participants (32–43%). Importance ratings were stable in 61–86% of cases. The preference ranked most important was unstable in 82% of participants. Preference stability was supported by five influences: the presence of family support; both positive or negative care experiences; preferences being concordant with underlying values; where there was slowness of recovery from illness; and when preferences linked to long term goals. Preference change was related to changes in health awareness, or life events; if preferences were specific to a particular context, or multiple concurrent preferences existed, these were also more liable to change. Conclusions Preferences were largely stable following acute illness. Stability was reinforced by care experiences and the presence of family support. Where preferences were unstable, this usually related to changing health awareness. Consideration of these influences during preference elicitation or advance care planning will support delivery of responsive care to meet preferences. Obtaining longer-term data across diverse ethnic groups is needed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Etkind
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE59PJ, UK. .,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - N Lovell
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE59PJ, UK
| | - A E Bone
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE59PJ, UK
| | - P Guo
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE59PJ, UK.,School of Nursing, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - C Nicholson
- St Christopher's Hospice, London, UK.,University of Surrey, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Guildford, UK
| | - F E M Murtagh
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE59PJ, UK.,Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - I J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE59PJ, UK.,King's College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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27
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Abstract
Goals of care conversations are important but complex for clinicians caring for older adults. Although clinicians tend to focus on specific medical interventions, these conversations are more successful if they begin with gaining a shared understanding of the medical conditions and possible outcomes, followed by discussion of values and goals. Although training in the medical setting is incomplete, there are many published and online resources that can help clinicians gain these valuable skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Comer
- School of Health and Human Sciences, Indiana University, 1050 Wishard Boulevard, RG 3034, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Lyle Fettig
- Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Palliative Care, Indiana University School of Medicine, Eskenazi Health, 640 Eskenazi Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Alexia M Torke
- Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute, Incorporated, 1101 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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28
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Pintova S, Leibrandt R, Smith CB, Adelson KB, Gonsky J, Egorova N, Franco R, Bickell NA. Conducting Goals-of-Care Discussions Takes Less Time Than Imagined. JCO Oncol Pract 2020; 16:e1499-e1506. [PMID: 32749930 DOI: 10.1200/jop.19.00743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the length of encounter during visits where goals-of-care (GoC) discussions were expected to take place. METHODS Oncologists from community, academic, municipal, and rural hospitals were randomly assigned to receive a coaching model of communication skills to facilitate GoC discussions with patients with newly diagnosed advanced solid-tumor cancer with a prognosis of < 2 years. Patients were surveyed after the first restaging visit regarding the quality of the GoC discussion on a scale of 0-10 (0 = worst; 10 = best), with ≥ 8 indicating a high-quality GoC discussion. Visits were audiotaped, and total encounter time was measured. RESULTS The median face-to-face time oncologists spent during a GoC discussion was 15 minutes (range, 10-20 minutes). Among the different hospital types, there was no significant difference in encounter time. There was no difference in the length of the encounter whether a high-quality GoC discussion took place or not (15 v 14 minutes; P = .9). If there was imaging evidence of cancer progression, the median encounter time was 18 minutes compared with 13 minutes for no progression (P = .03). In a multivariate model, oncologist productivity, patient age, and Medicare coverage affected duration of the encounter. CONCLUSION Oncologists can complete high-quality GoC discussions in 15 minutes. These data refute the common misperception that discussing such matters with patients with advanced cancer requires significant time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofya Pintova
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Ryan Leibrandt
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Cardinale B Smith
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Jason Gonsky
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, NYC Health and Hospitals/Kings County; and State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Natalia Egorova
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Rebeca Franco
- Departments of Medicine and Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Nina A Bickell
- Departments of Medicine and Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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29
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van Klinken M, de Graaf E, Bressers R, Koorn R, van der Baan F, Teunissen S. What do Future Hospice Patients Expect of Hospice Care: Expectations of Patients in the Palliative Phase Who Might be in Need of Hospice Care in the Future: A Qualitative Exploration. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 37:439-447. [PMID: 31818118 PMCID: PMC7168802 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119893358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hospice care (HC) in the Netherlands is available for patients with life expectancies <3 months. Little is known about expectations of patients who might be in need of HC. This study aims to gain insight into expectations of patients regarding HC in order to ameliorate HC to become driven by patient needs. DESIGN A generic qualitative study, using semistructured interviews and thematic analysis, is performed in the Netherlands from January to June 2018. A purposeful sample of 13 participants was drawn. RESULTS Participants expected hospice admission only when the burden became unbearable and a home death cannot be reached. Participants expected a homely atmosphere, where one can continue the life lived at home as much as possible. Participants supposed empathic professional caregivers, capable of providing appropriate care. The general practitioner is expected to stay involved in the care process due to the mutual trust. Medical and daily care are required to be provided by competent professionals, where volunteers are expected to provide supportive care. All caregivers are supposed to provide a listening ear and "being there" for participants. Social care and spiritual care are generally projected to be private matters, unless it is requested. CONCLUSIONS Patients in the palliative phase who might be in need of HC have specific expectations. Perceptions of HC in the public domain should be nuanced in response to these expectations, and information provision on HC should be improved. Then, expectations could be met to make HC more driven by patient needs and future oriented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel van Klinken
- Center of Expertise Palliative Care Utrecht, General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Everlien de Graaf
- Center of Expertise Palliative Care Utrecht, General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rick Bressers
- Center of Expertise Palliative Care Utrecht, General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Remco Koorn
- Center of Expertise Palliative Care Utrecht, General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Frederieke van der Baan
- Center of Expertise Palliative Care Utrecht, General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia Teunissen
- Center of Expertise Palliative Care Utrecht, General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
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30
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Secunda K, Wirpsa MJ, Neely KJ, Szmuilowicz E, Wood GJ, Panozzo E, McGrath J, Levenson A, Peterson J, Gordon EJ, Kruser JM. Use and Meaning of "Goals of Care" in the Healthcare Literature: a Systematic Review and Qualitative Discourse Analysis. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:1559-1566. [PMID: 31637653 PMCID: PMC7210326 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The specific phrase "goals of care" (GOC) is pervasive in the discourse about serious illness care. Yet, the meaning of this phrase is ambiguous. We sought to characterize the use and meaning of the phrase GOC within the healthcare literature to improve communication among patients, families, clinicians, and researchers. METHODS A systematic review of the English language healthcare literature indexed in MEDLINE/PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Scopus was performed in October of 2018. We searched for all publications with the exact phrase "goals of care" within the title or abstract; no limitations on publication date or format were applied; conference abstracts were excluded. We used qualitative, discourse analysis to identify key themes and generate an operational definition and conceptual model of GOC. RESULTS A total of 214 texts were included in the final analysis. Use of GOC increased over time with 87% of included texts published in the last decade (2009-2018). An operational definition emerged from consensus within the published literature: the overarching aims of medical care for a patient that are informed by patients' underlying values and priorities, established within the existing clinical context, and used to guide decisions about the use of or limitation(s) on specific medical interventions. Application of the GOC concept was described as important to the care of patients with serious illness, in order to (1) promote patient autonomy and patient-centered care, (2) avoid unwanted care and identify valued care, and (3) provide psychological and emotional support for patients and their families. DISCUSSION The use of the phrase "goals of care" within the healthcare literature is increasingly common. We identified a consensus, operational definition that can facilitate communication about serious illness among patients, families, and clinicians and provide a framework for researchers developing interventions to improve goal-concordant care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Secunda
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. St. Clair Street, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Kathy J Neely
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. St. Clair Street, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Eytan Szmuilowicz
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. St. Clair Street, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Gordon J Wood
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. St. Clair Street, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Joan McGrath
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anne Levenson
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. St. Clair Street, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Jonna Peterson
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. St. Clair Street, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Galter Health Sciences Library and Learning Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Elisa J Gordon
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. St. Clair Street, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.,Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.,Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Kruser
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. St. Clair Street, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA. .,Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.
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Kaldjian LC. Clarifying Core Content of Goals of Care Discussions. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:913-915. [PMID: 31713035 PMCID: PMC7080909 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauris C Kaldjian
- Department of Internal Medicine, and Program in Bioethics and Humanities, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Strautmann A, Allers K, Fassmer AM, Hoffmann F. Nursing home staff's perspective on end-of-life care of German nursing home residents: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:2. [PMID: 31900141 PMCID: PMC6942381 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0512-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing homes are becoming more important for end-of-life care. Within the industrialised world, Germany is among the countries with the most end-of-life hospitalizations in nursing home residents. To improve end-of-life care, investigation in the status quo is required. The objective was to gain a better understanding of the perspectives of nursing home staff on the current situation of end-of-life care in Germany. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted as a postal survey among a random sample of 1069 German nursing homes in 2019. The survey was primarily addressed to nursing staff management. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Staff was asked to rate different items regarding common practices and potential deficits of end-of-life care on a 5-point-Likert-scale. Estimations of the proportions of in-hospital deaths, residents with advance directives (AD), cases in which documented ADs were ignored, and most important measures for improvement of end-of-life care were requested. RESULTS 486 (45.5%) questionnaires were returned, mostly by nursing staff managers (64.7%) and nursing home directors (29.9%). 64.4% of the respondents rated end-of-life care rather good, the remainder rated it as rather bad. The prevalence of in-hospital death was estimated by the respondents at 31.5% (SD: 19.9). Approximately a third suggested that residents receive hospital treatments too frequently. Respondents estimated that 45.9% (SD: 21.6) of the residents held ADs and that 28.4% (SD: 26.8) of available ADs are not being considered. Increased staffing, better qualification, closer involvement of general practitioners and better availability of palliative care concepts were the most important measures for improvement. CONCLUSIONS Together with higher staffing, better availability and integration of palliative care concepts may well improve end-of-life care. Prerequisite for stronger ties between nursing home and palliative care is high-quality education of those involved in end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Strautmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
- Department of Health Services Research, School VI - Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, D-26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Katharina Allers
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | | | - Falk Hoffmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Wu DS, Kern DE, Dy SM, Wright SM. Narrative Approach to Goals of Care Discussions: A Novel Curriculum. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 58:1033-1039.e1. [PMID: 31472275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Innovative patient-centered approaches to goals of care (GOC) communication training are needed. Teaching a narrative approach, centered on the patient's unique story, is conceptually sound but has not been evaluated with respect to objective skills attainment. We developed a curriculum based on a novel, easily-remembered narrative approach to GOC, the 3-Act Model, and piloted it with a cohort of internal medicine (IM) interns. OBJECTIVES To describe the development of the 3-Act Model curriculum and to assess its impact on the GOC communication skills of IM interns. METHODS The curriculum was developed with input from multidisciplinary experts, IM residents, and patient/family representative. Notable elements included instrument development with validity evidence established, determination of proficiency standards, and creation of role-play scenarios. In two three-hour workshops, interns participated in role-plays as both providers and patients, before and after teaching (which included narrative reflection, didactics, and video demonstration). RESULTS 22 interns played the role of provider in five unique scenarios; 106 proficiency ratings were analyzable. Interns objectively rated as proficient increased from 30% (pretest) to 100% (final role-play). By the end of the training, 96% of interns strongly agreed or agreed that they felt ready to independently lead basic GOC discussions and the percentage who strongly agreed increased with successive role-plays. All interns indicated they would recommend the training. CONCLUSION This pilot demonstrates that the 3-Act Model is teachable and appreciated by learners. This GOC curriculum is the first based on a narrative approach to demonstrate objective skills improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Shih Wu
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - David E Kern
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sydney Morss Dy
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Scott M Wright
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Hsu KY, Slightam C, Shaw JG, Tierney A, Hummel DL, Goldstein MK, Chang ET, Boothroyd D, Zulman DM. High-Need Patients' Goals and Goal Progress in a Veterans Affairs Intensive Outpatient Care Program. J Gen Intern Med 2019; 34:1564-1570. [PMID: 31140094 PMCID: PMC6667543 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05010-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare systems nationwide are implementing intensive outpatient care programs to optimize care for high-need patients; however, little is known about these patients' personal goals and factors associated with goal progress. OBJECTIVE To describe high-need patients' goals, and to identify factors associated with their goal progress DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study PARTICIPANTS: A total of 113 high-need patients participated in a single-site Veterans Affairs intensive outpatient care program. MAIN MEASURES Two independent reviewers examined patients' goals recorded in the electronic health record, categorized each goal into one of three domains (medical, behavioral, or social), and determined whether patients attained goal progress during program participation. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with goal progress. RESULTS The majority (n = 72, 64%) of the 113 patients attained goal progress. Among the 100 (88%) patients with at least one identified goal, 58 set goal(s) in the medical domain; 60 in the behavioral domain; and 52 in the social domain. Within each respective domain, 41 (71%) attained medical goal progress; 34 (57%) attained behavioral goal progress; and 32 (62%) attained social goal progress. Patients with mental health condition(s) (aOR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.9; p = 0.03) and those living alone (aOR 0.4; 95% CI 0.1-1.0; p = 0.05) were less likely to attain goal progress. Those with mental health condition(s) and those who were living alone were least likely to attain goal progress (interaction aOR 0.1 compared to those with neither characteristic; 95% CI 0.0-0.7; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Among high-need patients participating in an intensive outpatient care program, patient goals were fairly evenly distributed across medical, behavioral, and social domains. Notably, individuals living alone with mental health conditions were least likely to attain progress. Future care coordination interventions might incorporate strategies to address this gap, e.g., broader integration of behavioral and social service components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Y Hsu
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cindie Slightam
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan G Shaw
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aaron Tierney
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Debra L Hummel
- Division of Primary Care, Stanford Health Care, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - Mary K Goldstein
- Medical Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Evelyn T Chang
- VA Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Derek Boothroyd
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Donna M Zulman
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA.
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Deutsch GB, Deneve JL, Al-Kasspooles MF, Nfonsam VN, Gunderson CC, Secord AA, Rodgers P, Hendren S, Silberfein EJ, Grant M, Sloan J, Sun V, Arnold KB, Anderson GL, Krouse RS. Intellectual Equipoise and Challenges: Accruing Patients With Advanced Cancer to a Trial Randomizing to Surgical or Nonsurgical Management (SWOG S1316). Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 37:12-18. [PMID: 31122027 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119851471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prospective, randomized trials are needed to determine optimal treatment approaches for palliative care problems such as malignant bowel obstruction (MBO). Randomization poses unique issues for such studies, especially with divergent treatment approaches and varying levels of equipoise. We report our experience accruing randomized patients to the Prospective Comparative Effectiveness Trial for Malignant Bowel Obstruction (SWOG S1316) study, comparing surgical and nonsurgical management of MBO. METHODS Patients with MBO who were surgical candidates and had treatment equipoise were accrued and offered randomization to surgical or nonsurgical management. Patients choosing nonrandomization were offered prospective observation. Trial details are listed on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT #02270450). An accrual algorithm was developed to enhance enrollment. RESULTS Accrual is ongoing with 176 patients enrolled. Most (89%) patients chose nonrandomization, opting for nonsurgical management. Of 25 sites that have accrued to this study, 6 enrolled patients on the randomization arm. Approximately 59% (20/34) of the randomization accrual goal has been achieved. Patient-related factors and clinician bias have been the most prevalent reasons for lack of randomization. An algorithm was developed from clinician experience to aid randomization. Using principles in this tool, repeated physician conversations discussing treatment options and goals of care, and a supportive team-approach has helped increase accrual. CONCLUSIONS Experience gained from the S1316 study can aid future palliative care trials. Although difficult, it is possible to randomize patients to palliative studies by giving clinicians clear recommendations utilizing an algorithm of conversation, allotment of necessary time to discuss the trial, and encouragement to overcome internal bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary B Deutsch
- Department of Surgery, Northwell Health, Lake Success, NY, USA
| | - Jeremiah L Deneve
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Camille C Gunderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Angeles Alvarez Secord
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Phillip Rodgers
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha Hendren
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Marcia Grant
- Division of Nursing Research and Education, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jeff Sloan
- Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Virginia Sun
- Division of Nursing Research and Education, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn B Arnold
- SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Garnet L Anderson
- SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robert S Krouse
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Policy, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Goals of Care: Development and Use of the Serious Veterinary Illness Conversation Guide. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2019; 49:399-415. [PMID: 30853241 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Goals of care (GOC) conversations and resulting goal-concordant treatment are the heart of palliative medicine. Despite repeated evidence that GOC conversations offer significant benefit and minimal harm, barriers to widespread and high-quality implementation persist in human medicine. One strategy to overcoming these barriers has been utilization of a structured checklist format for serious illness conversations. The Serious Illness Conversation Guide was developed for human patients and has been modified for use in the veterinary profession. The guide promotes individualized, goal-concordant care planning even when conflict and emotional demands are high.
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Etkind SN, Lovell N, Nicholson CJ, Higginson IJ, Murtagh FE. Finding a 'new normal' following acute illness: A qualitative study of influences on frail older people's care preferences. Palliat Med 2019; 33:301-311. [PMID: 30526371 PMCID: PMC6376597 DOI: 10.1177/0269216318817706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The frail older population is growing, and many frail older people have episodes of acute illness. Patient preferences are increasingly considered important in the delivery of person-centred care and may change following acute illness. AIM: To explore influences on the care preferences of frail older people with recent acute illness. DESIGN: Qualitative in-depth individual interviews, with thematic analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Maximum variation sample of 18 patients and 7 nominated family carers from a prospective cohort study of people aged over 65, scoring ⩾5 on the Clinical Frailty Scale, and with recent acute illness, who were not receiving specialist palliative care. Median patient age was 84 (inter-quartile range 81–87), 53% female. Median frailty score 6 (inter-quartile range 5–7). RESULTS: Key influences on preferences were illness and care context, particularly hospital care; adaptation to changing health; achieving normality and social context. Participants focused on the outcomes of their care; hence, whether care was likely to help them ‘get back to normal’, or alternatively ‘find a new normal’ influenced preferences. For some, acute illness inhibited preference formation. Participants’ social context and the people available to provide support influenced place of care preferences. We combined these findings to model influences on preferences. CONCLUSION: ‘Getting back to normal’ or ‘finding a new normal’ are key focuses for frail older people when considering their preferences. Following acute illness, clinicians should discuss preferences and care planning in terms of an achievable normal, and carefully consider the social context. Longitudinal research is needed to explore the influences on preferences over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Noah Etkind
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Natasha Lovell
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline Jane Nicholson
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK.,2 St Christopher's Hospice, London, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK.,3 King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Fliss Em Murtagh
- 1 Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK.,4 Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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Turnbull AE, Chessare CM, Coffin RK, Needham DM. More than one in three proxies do not know their loved one's current code status: An observational study in a Maryland ICU. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211531. [PMID: 30699212 PMCID: PMC6353188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale The majority of ICU patients lack decision-making capacity at some point during their ICU stay. However the extent to which proxy decision-makers are engaged in decisions about their patient’s care is challenging to quantify. Objectives To assess 1)whether proxies know their patient’s actual code status as recorded in the electronic medical record (EMR), and 2)whether code status orders reflect ICU patient preferences as reported by proxy decision-makers. Methods We enrolled proxy decision-makers for 96 days starting January 4, 2016. Proxies were asked about the patient’s goals of care, preferred code status, and actual code status. Responses were compared to code status orders in the EMR at the time of interview. Characteristics of patients and proxies who correctly vs incorrectly identified actual code status were compared, as were characteristics of proxies who reported a preferred code status that did vs did not match actual code status. Measurements and main results Among 111 proxies, 42 (38%) were incorrect or unsure about the patient’s actual code status and those who were correct vs. incorrect or unsure were similar in age, race, and years of education (P>0.20 for all comparisons). Twenty-nine percent reported a preferred code status that did not match the patient’s code status in the EMR. Matching preferred and actual code status was not associated with a patient’s age, gender, income, admission diagnosis, or subsequent in-hospital mortality or with proxy age, gender, race, education level, or relation to the patient (P>0.20 for all comparisons). Conclusions More than 1 in 3 proxies is incorrect or unsure about their patient’s actual code status and more than 1 in 4 proxies reported that a preferred code status that did not match orders in the EMR. Proxy age, race, gender and education level were not associated with correctly identifying code status or code status concordance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison E. Turnbull
- Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery (OACIS) Group, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Caroline M. Chessare
- Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery (OACIS) Group, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rachel K. Coffin
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dale M. Needham
- Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery (OACIS) Group, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Thaete L, Hebert RS. Using business/law negotiation techniques in response to a ‘difficult’ family. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2019.1591740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Thaete
- Department of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Randy S. Hebert
- Department of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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DeMartini J, Fenton JJ, Epstein R, Duberstein P, Cipri C, Tancredi D, Xing G, Kaesberg P, Kravitz RL. Patients' Hopes for Advanced Cancer Treatment. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:57-63.e2. [PMID: 30261227 PMCID: PMC6310622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Little is known about the hopes patients with advanced (incurable) cancer have for their treatment. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to describe the treatment hopes of advanced cancer patients, factors associated with expressing specific hopes, and the persons with whom hopes are discussed. METHODS We surveyed 265 advanced cancer patients in the U.S. about their hopes for treatment at the baseline and after three months. We developed a taxonomy of hopes for treatment, which two investigators used to independently code patient responses. We explored associations between hopes for cure and patient covariates. RESULTS We developed eight categories of hopes. We were able to apply these codes reliably, and 95% of the patient's responses fit at least one hope category. The hope categories in order of descending baseline prevalence were as follows: quality of life, life extension, tumor stabilization, remission, milestone, unqualified cure, control not otherwise specified, and cure tempered by realism. Most patients reported discussing hopes with partners, family/friends, and oncologists; a minority reported discussing hopes with nurses, primary care physicians, clergy, or support groups. In logistic regression analysis, unqualified hopes for cure were more likely in younger patients and in those who did not endorse discussing their hopes with primary care physicians. CONCLUSION Advanced cancer patients harbor a range of treatment hopes. These hopes often are not discussed with key members of the health care team. Younger age and lack of discussion of hopes with primary care physicians may lead to less realistic hopes for cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy DeMartini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
| | - Joshua J Fenton
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA; Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ronald Epstein
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA; Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Paul Duberstein
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Camille Cipri
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Daniel Tancredi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Guibo Xing
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Paul Kaesberg
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Richard L Kravitz
- Division of General Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA; Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
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Heywood R, McCarthy AL, Skinner TL. Efficacy of Exercise Interventions in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Systematic Review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 99:2595-2620. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Khera R, Pandey A, Link MS, Sulistio MS. Managing Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators at End-of-Life: Practical Challenges and Care Considerations. Am J Med Sci 2018; 357:143-150. [PMID: 30665495 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) monitor for and terminate malignant arrhythmias. Given their potential as a life-saving therapy, an increasing number of people receive an ICD every year, and a growing number are currently living with ICDs. However, cardiopulmonary arrest serves as the final common pathway of natural death, and the appropriate management of an ICD near the end-of-life is crucial to ensure that a patient's death is not marked by further suffering due to ICD shocks. The tenets of palliative care at the end-of-life include addressing any medical intervention that may preclude dying with dignity; thus, management of ICDs during this phase is necessary. Internists are at the forefront of discussions about end-of-life care, and are likely to find discussions about ICD care at the end-of-life particularly challenging. The present review addresses issues pertaining to ICDs near the end of a patient's life and their potential impact on dying patients and their families. A multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach can ensure that patients receive the maximum benefit from ICDs, without any unintended pain or suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Khera
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ambarish Pandey
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Mark S Link
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Melanie S Sulistio
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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Turnbull AE, Sahetya SK, Colantuoni E, Kweku J, Nikooie R, Curtis JR. Inter-Rater Agreement of Intensivists Evaluating the Goal Concordance of Preference-Sensitive ICU Interventions. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 56:406-413.e3. [PMID: 29902555 PMCID: PMC6456035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Goal-concordant care has been identified as an important outcome of advance care planning and shared decision-making initiatives. However, validated methods for measuring goal concordance are needed. OBJECTIVES To estimate the inter-rater reliability of senior critical care fellows rating the goal concordance of preference-sensitive interventions performed in intensive care units (ICUs) while considering patient-specific circumstances as described in a previously proposed methodology. METHODS We identified ICU patients receiving preference-sensitive interventions in three adult ICUs at Johns Hopkins Hospital. A simulated cohort was created by randomly assigning each patient one of 10 sets of goals and preferences about limiting life support. Critical care fellows then independently reviewed patient charts and answered two questions: 1) Is this patient's goal achievable? and 2) Will performing this intervention help achieve the patient's goal? When the answer to both questions was yes, the intervention was rated as goal concordant. Inter-rater agreement was summarized by estimating intraclass correlation coefficient using mixed-effects models. RESULTS Six raters reviewed the charts of 201 patients. Interventions were rated as goal concordant 22%-92% of the time depending on the patient's goal-limitation combination. Percent agreement between pairs of raters ranged from 59% to 86%. The intraclass correlation coefficient for ratings of goal concordance was 0.50 (95% CI 0.31-0.69) and was robust to patient age, gender, ICU, severity of illness, and lengths of stay. CONCLUSION Inter-rater agreement between intensivists using a standardized methodology to evaluate the goal concordance of preference-sensitive ICU interventions was moderate. Further testing is needed before this methodology can be recommended as a clinical research outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison E Turnbull
- Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery Group, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Sarina K Sahetya
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth Colantuoni
- Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery Group, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Josephine Kweku
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, Maryland, USA
| | - Roozbeh Nikooie
- Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery Group, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - J Randall Curtis
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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44
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Toles M, Song MK, Lin FC, Hanson LC. Perceptions of Family Decision-makers of Nursing Home Residents With Advanced Dementia Regarding the Quality of Communication Around End-of-Life Care. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2018; 19:879-883. [PMID: 30032997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES (1) Compare family decision-makers' perceptions of quality of communication with nursing home (NH) staff (nurses and social workers) and clinicians (physicians and other advanced practitioners) for persons with advanced dementia; (2) determine the extent to which characteristics of NH residents and family decision-makers are associated with those perceptions. DESIGN Secondary analysis of baseline data from a cluster randomized trial of the Goals of Care intervention. SETTING Twenty-two NHs in North Carolina. PARTICIPANTS Family decision-makers of NH residents with advanced dementia (n = 302). MEASUREMENTS During the baseline interviews, family decision-makers rated the quality of general communication and communication specific to end-of-life care using the Quality of Communication Questionnaire (QoC). QoC item scores ranged from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating better quality of communication. Linear models were used to compare QoC by NH provider type, and to test for associations of QoC with resident and family characteristics. RESULTS Family decision-makers rated the QoC with NH staff higher than NH clinicians, including average overall QoC scores (5.5 [1.7] vs 3.7 [3.0], P < .001), general communication subscale scores (8.4 [1.7] vs 5.6 [4.3], P < .001), and end-of-life communication subscale scores (3.0 [2.3] vs 2.0 [2.5], P < .001). Low scores reflected failure to communicate about many aspects of care, particularly end-of-life care. QoC scores were higher with later-stage dementia, but were not associated with the age, gender, race, relationship to the resident, or educational attainment of family decision-makers. CONCLUSION Although family decision-makers for persons with advanced dementia rated quality communication with NH staff higher than that with clinicians, they reported poor quality end-of-life communication for both staff and clinicians. Clinicians simply did not perform many communication behaviors that contribute to high-quality end-of-life communication. These omissions suggest opportunities to clarify and improve interdisciplinary roles in end-of-life communication for residents with advanced dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Toles
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.
| | - Mi-Kyung Song
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Feng-Chang Lin
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Laura C Hanson
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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45
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Etkind SN, Bone AE, Lovell N, Higginson IJ, Murtagh FEM. Influences on Care Preferences of Older People with Advanced Illness: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis. J Am Geriatr Soc 2018; 66:1031-1039. [PMID: 29512147 PMCID: PMC6001783 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To determine and explore the influences on care preferences of older people with advanced illness and integrate our results into a model to guide practice and research. Design Systematic review using Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and OpenGrey databases from inception to February 2017 and reference and citation list searching. Included articles investigated influences on care preference using qualitative or quantitative methodology. Thematic synthesis of qualitative articles and narrative synthesis of quantitative articles were undertaken. Setting Hospital and community care settings. Participants Older adults with advanced illness, including people with specific illnesses and markers of advanced disease, populations identified as in the last year of life, or individuals receiving palliative care (N = 15,164). Measurements The QualSys criteria were used to assess study quality. Results Of 12,142 search results, 57 articles were included. Family and care context, illness, and individual factors interact to influence care preferences. Support from and burden on family and loved ones were prominent influences on care preferences. Mechanisms by which preferences are influenced include the process of trading‐off between competing priorities, making choices based on expected outcome, level of engagement, and individual ability to form and express preferences. Conclusion Family is particularly important as an influence on care preferences, which are influenced by complex interaction of family, individual, and illness factors. To support preferences, clinicians should consider older people with illnesses and their families together as a unit of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N Etkind
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care Policy and Rehabilitation, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Anna E Bone
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care Policy and Rehabilitation, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Natasha Lovell
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care Policy and Rehabilitation, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care Policy and Rehabilitation, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Fliss E M Murtagh
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care Policy and Rehabilitation, Kings College London, London, UK.,Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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46
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Eiser AR, Kirkpatrick JN, Patton KK, McLain E, Dougherty CM, Beattie JM. Putting the “Informed” in the informed consent process for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: Addressing the needs of the elderly patient. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2018; 41:312-320. [DOI: 10.1111/pace.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arnold R. Eiser
- Department of Medicine; Drexel University College of Medicine; Philadelphia PA USA
- Leonard Davis Institute; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA USA
| | - James N. Kirkpatrick
- Division of Cardiology; University of Washington School of Medicine; Seattle WA USA
| | - Kristen K. Patton
- Division of Cardiology; University of Washington School of Medicine; Seattle WA USA
| | - Emily McLain
- Summit Cardiology; Northwest Hospital; Seattle WA USA
| | - Cynthia M. Dougherty
- Research Biobehavioral and Health Systems; University of Washington School of Nursing; Seattle WA USA
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47
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Bern-Klug M, Byram EA. Older Adults More Likely to Discuss Advance Care Plans With an Attorney Than With a Physician. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2017; 3:2333721417741978. [PMID: 29201947 PMCID: PMC5697586 DOI: 10.1177/2333721417741978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adults are encouraged to discuss their end-of-life health care preferences so that their wishes will be known and hopefully honored. The purpose of this study was to determine with whom older adults had communicated their future health care wishes and the extent to which respondents themselves were serving as a surrogate decision maker. Results from the cross-sectional online survey with 294 persons aged 50 and older reveal that among the married, over 80% had a discussion with their spouse and among those with an adult child, close to two thirds (64%) had. Over a third had discussed preferences with an attorney and 23% with a physician. Close to half were currently serving as a surrogate decision maker or had been asked to and had signed papers to formalize their role. 18% did not think that they were a surrogate but were not sure. More education is needed to emphasize the importance of advance care planning with a medical professional, especially for patients with advanced chronic illness. More education and research about the role of surrogate medical decision makers is called for.
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48
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Stuart RB, Thielke S. Standardizing Protection of Patients' Rights From POLST to MOELI (Medical Orders for End-of-Life Intervention). J Am Med Dir Assoc 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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49
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Bekelman DB, Johnson-Koenke R, Ahluwalia SC, Walling AM, Peterson J, Sudore RL. Development and Feasibility of a Structured Goals of Care Communication Guide. J Palliat Med 2017; 20:1004-1012. [PMID: 28422561 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2016.0383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discussing goals of care and advance care planning is beneficial, yet how to best integrate goals of care communication into clinical care remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To develop and determine the feasibility of a structured goals of care communication guide for nurses and social workers. DESIGN/SETTING/SUBJECTS Developmental study with providers in an academic and Veterans Affairs (VA) health system (n = 42) and subsequent pilot testing with patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure (n = 15) and informal caregivers (n = 4) in a VA health system. During pilot testing, the communication guide was administered, followed by semistructured, open-ended questions about the content and process of communication. Changes to the guide were made iteratively, and subsequent piloting occurred until no additional changes emerged. MEASUREMENTS Provider and patient feedback to the communication guide. RESULTS Iterative input resulted in the goals of care communication guide. The guide included questions to elicit patient understanding of and attitudes toward the future of illness, clarify values and goals, identify end-of-life preferences, and agree on a follow-up plan. Revisions to guide content and phrasing continued during development and pilot testing. In pilot testing, patients validated the importance of the topic; none said the goals of care discussion should not be conducted. Patients and informal caregivers liked the final guide length (∼30 minutes), felt it flowed well, and was clear. CONCLUSIONS In this developmental and pilot study, a structured goals of care communication guide was iteratively designed, implemented by nurses and social workers, and was feasible based on administration time and acceptability by patients and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Bekelman
- 1 Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System , Denver, Colorado.,2 Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Sangeeta C Ahluwalia
- 3 RAND Corporation , Santa Monica, California.,4 Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health , Los Angeles, California
| | - Anne M Walling
- 3 RAND Corporation , Santa Monica, California.,5 Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System , Los Angeles, California.,6 Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California
| | - Jamie Peterson
- 1 Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System , Denver, Colorado
| | - Rebecca L Sudore
- 7 Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California , San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,8 San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center , San Francisco, California
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50
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Rosemond C, Hanson LC, Zimmerman S. Goals of Care or Goals of Trust? How Family Members Perceive Goals for Dying Nursing Home Residents. J Palliat Med 2017; 20:360-365. [PMID: 27898281 PMCID: PMC5385445 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2016.0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF STUDY Dementia affects more than 5 million Americans, and is a leading cause of death. Family members of nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia report difficulty making decisions about care toward the end of life. As part of a randomized trial testing an intervention to improve decision making, this qualitative study aimed to understand how family decision makers experienced goal-based decision making in advance of the death of their relative. DESIGN AND METHODS This qualitative study was conducted as part of the goals of care clinical trial. Study participants (n = 16) were family decision makers in North Carolina whose relative with advanced dementia died after participating in the goals of care intervention. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using a qualitative description approach. RESULTS Family members' experience of decision making and death differed based on the presence or absence of trusting relationships with NH staff. Family members who reported trust described a positive end-of-life experience and less need for prescribed goals of care discussions. In the absence of trust, family members reported that goals of care discussions were ignored by staff or created confusion. IMPLICATIONS Among family members of persons who recently died from dementia in NHs, expressions of trust in staff were strongly related to perceptions of decision making about goals of care. Although goals of care discussions may potentially promote communication to earn trust, the presence of pre-existing trust ultimately influenced the decision making and end-of-life experiences of residents and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie Rosemond
- Partnerships in Aging Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Laura C. Hanson
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sheryl Zimmerman
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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