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Dassel K, Utz RL, Sanchez-Birkhead A, Carbajal-Salisbury S, Villalta J, Cajavilca M, Solkowski L, Aruscavage N, Supiano K, Iacob E. Health Disparities in Advance Care Planning: Development of a Spanish-Language LEAD Guide (Life-Planning in Early Alzheimer's and Other Dementias). Health Equity 2023; 7:430-438. [PMID: 37638115 PMCID: PMC10457623 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2022.0143] [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] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The LEAD (Life-Planning in Early Alzheimer's and Other Dementias) Guide is an advance care planning (ACP) tool for use within the context of dementia. To meet the needs of diverse communities, we sought to create a culturally sensitive and translated Latin American Spanish version of the guide. Methods First, the guide was translated into Spanish. Second, we conducted forward and backward translations. Third, focus groups with Spanish-speaking Latino adults were held (healthy adults and current or previous dementia caregivers). Results Descriptive analysis revealed three domains regarding the Latin American Spanish version of the LEAD Guide (LA LEAD Guide): (1) Family Dynamics (e.g., preventing family conflict), (2) Cultural Expectations (e.g., familial caregiving responsibility), and (3) Health Literacy (e.g., lack of knowledge about ACP). Discussion This process created the Latin American LEAD Guide as a culturally and linguistically appropriate and acceptable ACP tool for older Latino adults. Health Equity Implications The availability of culturally sensitive and Spanish ACP resources could facilitate greater health care access and research participation among Latino Americans by diminishing the linguistic and health literacy barriers for those not comfortably proficient in English.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Dassel
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Utz
- Department of Sociology, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | | | | | - Moroni Cajavilca
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Lauren Solkowski
- Department of Sociology, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Nancy Aruscavage
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kathie Supiano
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Eli Iacob
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Sopcheck J, Tappen RM. Nursing Home Resident, Family, and Staff Perspectives on Hospital Transfers for End-of-Life Care. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023; 86:1046-1068. [PMID: 33632028 DOI: 10.1177/0030222821997708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Residents who are terminally ill often experience transfers to the emergency department resulting in hospitalizations, which may be potentially avoidable with treatment in the nursing home. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of 15 residents, 10 family members, and 20 nursing home staff regarding end-of-life care and the circumstances prompting resident transfers. Data analysis of participant interviews conducted January to May 2019 in a South Florida nursing home identified four themes related to transfer to the hospital: time left to live, when aggressive treatments would be unavailing, not knowing what the nursing home can do, and transfer decisions are situation-dependent. Study findings underscore the importance of increasing resident and family awareness of treatments available in the nursing home and person-centered advance care planning discussions. Further research should explore the reasons for residents' and family members' choice of aggressive therapies and their goals for care at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Sopcheck
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, United States
| | - Ruth M Tappen
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, United States
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Funk LM, Mackenzie CS, Cherba M, Del Rosario N, Krawczyk M, Rounce A, Stajduhar K, Cohen SR. Where would Canadians prefer to die? Variation by situational severity, support for family obligations, and age in a national study. Palliat Care 2022; 21:139. [PMID: 35909120 PMCID: PMC9340714 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01023-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Death at home has been identified as a key quality indicator for Canadian health care systems and is often assumed to reflect the wishes of the entire Canadian public. Although research in other countries has begun to question this assumption, there is a dearth of rigorous evidence of a national scope in Canada. This study addresses this gap and extends it by exploring three factors that moderate preferences for setting of death: situational severity (entailing both symptoms and supports), perceptions of family obligation, and respondent age.
Methods
Two thousand five hundred adult respondents from the general population were recruited using online panels between August 2019 and January 2020. The online survey included three vignettes, representing distinct dying scenarios which increased in severity based on symptom management alongside availability of formal and informal support. Following each vignette respondents rated their preference for each setting of death (home, acute/intensive care, palliative care unit, nursing home) for that scenario. They also provided sociodemographic information and completed a measure of beliefs about family obligations for end-of-life care.
Results
Home was the clearly preferred setting only for respondents in the mild severity scenario. As the dying scenario worsened, preferences fell for home death and increased for the other options, such that in the severe scenario, most respondents preferred a palliative care or hospice setting. This pattern was particularly distinct among respondents who also were less supportive of family obligation norms, and for adults 65 years of age and older.
Conclusions
Home is not universally the preferred setting for dying. The public, especially older persons and those expressing lower expectations of families in general, express greater preference for palliative care settings in situations where they might have less family or formal supports accompanied by more severe and uncontrolled symptoms. Findings suggest a) the need for public policy and health system quality indicators to reflect the nuances of public preferences, b) the need for adequate investment in hospices and palliative care settings, and c) continuing efforts to ensure that home-based formal services are available to help people manage symptoms and meet their preferences for setting of death.
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Dassel KB, Edelman LS, Moye J, Catlin C, Farrell TW. "I worry about this patient EVERY day": Geriatrics Clinicians' Challenges in Caring for Unrepresented Older Adults. J Appl Gerontol 2021; 41:1167-1174. [PMID: 34463148 DOI: 10.1177/07334648211041261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Unrepresented older adults are at risk for adverse outcomes, and clinicians who care for them may face ethical dilemmas and unique challenges when making person-centered care recommendations. However, little is known about their perspectives on clinical challenges in caring for this population. An online survey was used to assess issues around providing care for unrepresented patients. Ninety-two American Geriatrics Society members working with older adults in inpatient and/or outpatient settings completed the survey. Descriptive qualitative analysis of narrative survey responses identified five broad themes: (a) health risk characteristics of patients, (b) care decisions facing the team, (c) psychosocial considerations by the team, (d) patient outcomes, and (e) burden of the provider and/or health system. These findings demonstrate that geriatrics clinicians face challenges in working with unrepresented adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. We interpret these results in light of existing literature and propose collaborative approaches that may improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer Moye
- Boston VA Research Institute, Inc., MA, USA
- VA New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Timothy W Farrell
- University of UT, Salt Lake City, USA
- VA Salt Lake City Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center
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Mann CM, Sullivan SS. Promoting Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Education at a Hospice Designated Education Unit. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2021; 23:354-359. [PMID: 33797453 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Integration of palliative care principles into undergraduate nursing curriculum is essential to prepare students to provide supportive care services across the continuum of care for individuals with serious illness. Baccalaureate nursing curricula emphasize development and application of evidence-based practice (EBP); however, development of nursing skills often overshadows teaching students how to deliver care or facilitate practice changes based on evidence in clinical education. Problems revealed in clinical practice are a valuable tool for improving student use and appreciation of EBP in clinical settings. The EBP project presented in this article provides a process to promote palliative and end-of-life EBP in clinical education. This project highlights the proposed American Association of Colleges of Nursing hospice/palliative/supportive care sphere of care in a hospice dedicated education unit following The Seven Steps of EBP. Students participating in the project developed core skills to search, appraise, and translate evidence and the ability to lead EBP projects guided by the dedicated education unit model. Dedicated education units serve as ideal clinical education sites to develop student EBP competencies and support transition to practice through collaboration with practice partner stakeholders.
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Cohen-Mansfield J, Brill S. After providing end of life care to relatives, what care options do family caregivers prefer for themselves? PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239423. [PMID: 32977327 PMCID: PMC7518928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We examined how caregivers who had cared for a relative at end of life (EoL) wished to be cared for in the event that they experienced advanced dementia or physical disability in the future, and what factors influenced their preferences for EoL care. Methods In this mixed-methods study, 83 participants, recruited from multiple sources in Israel, were interviewed concerning socio-demographic factors, health status, past experience with EoL, preference for extension of life vs. quality of life (QoL), willingness to be dependent on others, and preferences for EoL care. Results In case of advanced dementia, 58% preferred euthanasia or suicide; around a third chose those for physical disability. Care by family members was the least desired form of care in the advanced dementia scenario, although more desirable than institutional care in the physical disability scenario. QoL was rated as the highest factor impacting preferences for EoL care. Men demonstrated a higher preference than women for extension of life over QoL. Conclusion Our study points to the need for society to consider solutions to the request of participants to reject the type of EoL experienced by their relatives. Those solutions include investing in improving the quality of life at the end of life, and offering alternatives such as euthanasia, which a large proportion of our participants found ethically and medically appropriate within the current system of care in the event of severe physical disability, and more so in the event of advanced dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiska Cohen-Mansfield
- Minerva Center for Interdisciplinary Study of End of Life, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Herczeg Institute on Aging, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Shai Brill
- Minerva Center for Interdisciplinary Study of End of Life, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Beit Rivka Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Jung MY, Matthews AK. A Systematic Review of Clinical Interventions Facilitating End-of-Life Communication Between Patients and Family Caregivers. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:180-190. [PMID: 32462895 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120929323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication between patients and family caregivers plays a key role in successful end-of-life (EOL) care. In the majority of cases, health-care providers (HCP) are responsible for leading this communication in clinical settings. This systematic review aimed to examine the evidence for the efficacy of HCP-led interventions in enhancing communication between patients and family caregivers. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and involved a search of MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, and PsycINFO as well as a manual search for additional articles on Google Scholar without date restrictions. Of 2955 articles retrieved, 8 meeting the eligibility criteria were included in the review. A quality appraisal of the selected studies was performed using the van Tulder Scale, with 5 of 8 studies rated as high quality. All 8 studies employed psychoeducational interventions involving both patients and surrogate/family caregivers. Common elements of the interventions reviewed included encouraging participant dyads to share their concerns about the patient's medical condition, clarify their goals and values for EOL care, and discuss their EOL care preferences. Of 8 interventions reviewed, 6 measured EOL care preference congruence within dyads as a primary outcome, and all 6 interventions were effective in increasing congruence. Secondary outcomes measured included decisional conflict and relationship quality, with mixed outcomes reported. This review suggests that HCP-led EOL communication interventions show promise for improving EOL care preference congruence. However, further studies with improved methodological rigor are needed to establish the optimal timing, intensity, and duration of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Young Jung
- Department of Health Systems Science, 14681College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alicia K Matthews
- Department of Health Systems Science, 14681College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
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Dassel K, Utz R, Supiano K, Bybee S, Iacob E. Development of a Dementia-Focused End-of-Life Planning Tool: The LEAD Guide ( Life-Planning in Early Alzheimer's and Dementia). Innov Aging 2019; 3:igz024. [PMID: 31392286 PMCID: PMC6677548 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To address the unique characteristics of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) that complicate end-of-life (EOL), we created, refined, and validated a dementia-focused EOL planning instrument for use by healthy adults, those with early-stage dementia, family caregivers, and clinicians to document EOL care preferences and values within the current or future context of cognitive impairment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A mixed-method design with four phases guided the development and refinement of the instrument: (1) focus groups with early-stage ADRD and family caregivers developed and confirmed the tool content and comprehensiveness; (2) evaluation by content experts verified its utility in clinical practice; (3) a sample of healthy older adults (n = 153) and adults with early-stage ADRD (n = 38) completed the tool, whose quantitative data were used to describe the psychometrics of the instrument; and (4) focus groups with healthy older adults, family caregivers, and adults with early-stage ADRD informed how the guide should be used by families and in clinical practice. RESULTS Qualitative data supported the utility and feasibility of a dementia-focused EOL planning tool; the six scales have high internal consistency (α = 0.66-0.89) and high test-rest reliability (r = .60-.90). On average, both participant groups reported relatively high concern for being a burden to their families, a greater preference for quality over length of life, a desire for collaborative decision-making process, limited interest in pursuing life-prolonging measures, and were mixed in their preference to control the timing of their death. Across disease progression, preferences for location of care changed, whereas preferences for prolonging life remained stable. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The LEAD Guide (Life-Planning in Early Alzheimer's and Dementia) has the potential to facilitate discussion and documentation of EOL values and care preferences prior to loss of decisional capacity, and has utility for healthy adults, patients, families, providers, and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Dassel
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Rebecca Utz
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | | | - Sara Bybee
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Eli Iacob
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
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Supiano KP, McGee N, Dassel KB, Utz R. A Comparison of the Influence of Anticipated Death Trajectory and Personal Values on End-of-Life Care Preferences: A Qualitative Analysis. Clin Gerontol 2019; 42:247-258. [PMID: 28990872 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2017.1365796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined anticipated preferences for end-of-life (EOL) care in healthy older adults in the context of various terminal disease scenarios to explore the relationship between personal values and diseases and conditions that would influence EOL care choices. METHODS Qualitative Descriptive Analysis was used to derive themes and the relationship between EOL preference themes and personal value themes in 365 respondents in a national sample of healthy older adults who completed a survey on their anticipated preferences for end-of-life (EOL) care. RESULTS Reluctance to burden close others was the most frequently voiced personal value across all conditions affecting EOL preferences, followed by the personal value of quality of life. Concern about whether one's wishes would be honored was more commonly voiced in the context of hypothetical, prospective terminal cancer than in neurological conditions. Respondents who voiced desire for autonomy in how they would die clearly attributed extreme pain as the primary influence on EOL preferences. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive assessment of patient personal values should include consideration of particular chronic disease scenarios and death trajectories to fully inform EoL preferences. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Because personal values do influence EOL preferences, care should be taken to ascertain patient values when presenting diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment options. In particular, patients and families of patients with progressive neurological diseases will likely face a time when the patient cannot self-represent EOL wishes. Early discussion of values and preferences, particularly in the context of cognitive disease is vital to assure patient-directed care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nancy McGee
- a College of Nursing , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA.,b University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Kara B Dassel
- a College of Nursing , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
| | - Rebecca Utz
- a College of Nursing , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA.,c Department of Sociology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA
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