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Schulman-Green D, David D, Moreines LT, Boafo J, Franzosa E, Kim P, McDonald MV, Brody AA, Aldridge MD. Towards a crisis management playbook: Hospice and palliative team members' views amid COVID-19. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)01008-X. [PMID: 39299657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.09.012] [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] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT The critical role of hospice and palliative care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is well recognized, but there is limited evidence to guide healthcare leadership through future crises. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to support future organizational resilience by exploring hospice and palliative team members' perspectives on crisis leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City (NYC). METHODS This qualitative descriptive study used individual, semi-structured interviews of purposively sampled interdisciplinary team members. Enrollment sites were two large NYC metro hospice care organizations and one outpatient palliative care practice. We asked participants to complete a demographic form and a 45-60 minute interview. We used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively, for data analysis. We triangulated the data by presenting preliminary study findings to a group of clinicians (n=21) from one of the referring organizations. RESULTS Participants (n=30) were professionally diverse (e.g., nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, administrators), experienced (mean=17 years; 10 years in hospice), and highly educated (83% ≥ master's degree). About half (n=15) self-identified as white, non-Hispanic, and nearly half (n=13) self-identified as being from a racial/ethnic minoritized group. Two (n=2) did not wish to self-identify. We identified four themes that reflected challenges and adaptive responses to providing care during a crisis: Stay Open and Stay Safe; Act Flexibly; Lead Adaptively; and Create a Culture of Solidarity. CONCLUSION While additional work is indicated, findings offer direction for a crisis management playbook to guide leadership in hospice, palliative care, and other healthcare settings in future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Schulman-Green
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, New York, USA; NYU Hartford Institute of Geriatric Nursing, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Daniel David
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, New York, USA; NYU Hartford Institute of Geriatric Nursing, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura T Moreines
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, New York, USA; NYU Hartford Institute of Geriatric Nursing, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonelle Boafo
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Franzosa
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx New York, USA
| | - Patricia Kim
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Abraham A Brody
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, New York, USA; NYU Hartford Institute of Geriatric Nursing, New York, New York, USA; NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melissa D Aldridge
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx New York, USA
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de Campos AP, Santostefano D, Daniels S. Using Existing Resources to Create a Successful End-of-Life Doula Program. Home Healthc Now 2024; 42:285-294. [PMID: 39250259 DOI: 10.1097/nhh.0000000000001281] [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: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
The end-of-life doula role has emerged as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team caring for patients. The doulas provide an extra layer of support from a non-clinical lens to prevent crises, follow-up with families, and guide them through their journey. This manuscript describes how a hospice agency developed a performance improvement project to train volunteers to become end-of-life doulas through a rigorous training program, based on the Doula Model of Care. The implementation of the program was evaluated based on caregiver and staff satisfaction, and volunteer knowledge competency. The results from the pilot program showed mixed outcomes for patient and staff satisfaction, but created a rigorous training program for hospice volunteers. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted data gathering and implementation of the program, so outcomes were varied. However, the program remains successful with ongoing training of the end-of-life doulas and an increase in new volunteers to support the program.
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Edmonds DM, Zayts-Spence O. "I'm not an anxious person": end-of-life care workers constructing positive psychological states. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:432. [PMID: 39123258 PMCID: PMC11316421 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01885-5] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health is an issue of social and economic importance. Sociocultural and scholarly attention has largely focused on the negative aspects of mental health. That is, on mental disorders and illness and how they adversely impact our lives. In contrast, this paper forms part of a recent alternative empirical perspective in discourse-based research, by focusing on the positive aspects of mental health. In this article, we investigate how end-of-life care workers construct their positive psychological states. METHODS Our data are 38 audio-recorded and transcribed semi-structured interviews with end-of-life care workers from Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. We utilized thematic analysis to identify common categorial strands across the data and discourse analysis to identify the linguistic strategies that these interviewees used to talk about their mental health. RESULTS Our thematic analysis generated a superordinate theme across the interviews-namely, that of end-of-life care workers talking about their positive psychological states. We identify three generic ways that end-of-life care workers talked about these psychological states; by "foregrounding the positive," "reformulating the negative," and "dismissing the negative." Our analysis also explicates how interviewees connected social and organizational support to being a benefit to their psychological states. CONCLUSIONS Our work contributes to existing discourse-based and sociolinguistic research on mental health by turning their focus towards a consideration of its positive dimensions. We also identify recurrent linguistics strategies used by people to construct their mental health. Our analyses point to the importance of investigating mental health as a multidimensional concept that considers participants' own reflections on their mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga Zayts-Spence
- School of English, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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Baker Rogers J, Cagle J. Change in U.S. Hospice Quality Measure Scores During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Correlation With Exposure to State Policies for Protection of Older Adults. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:840-847. [PMID: 37563122 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231194726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To limit spread of COVID-19, many U.S. states adopted policies affecting access to older adults, including those in hospice. This study aimed to assess differences in hospice quality measures from before COVID-19 to during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate for any correlation with these state policies. METHODS Scores (treatment preferences, believes/values, pain screening and assessment, dyspnea screening and treatment, bowel regimen, and a composite score) and Denominators (population being measured) for CMS's Hospice Item Set were compared using a paired t-test between a pre-pandemic period (01/2019-12/2019) and a period early in the pandemic in the U.S (7/2020-6/2021). Correlations between HIS composite scores from 9 months (7/2020-3/2021) and exposure to state policies for older adult protection, and covariates, were assessed by linear regression. RESULTS Data were collected on 3535 hospices. Seven of 8 HIS scores increased during the pandemic period. The remaining score was unchanged. All Denominators decreased. There was negative correlation between composite score (7/2020-3/2021) and exposure to state policies for protecting older adults. There were positive correlations with hospice age, for-profit status, 2019 average daily census, and 2019 composite score. CONCLUSION Most HIS scores increased during this COVID-19 pandemic period; there was a small, significant negative correlation between the composite quality score and exposure to state policies for older adult protection. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospice care in the U.S. and globally, and future additions in quality reporting may facilitate real-time assessment during future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Baker Rogers
- Section of Geriatrics, Palliative Medicine, and Hospice, Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Palliative Care Graduate Program, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John Cagle
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Gaines AG, Cagle JG. Associations Between Certificate of Need Policies and Hospice Quality Outcomes. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:471-478. [PMID: 37256687 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231180613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Certificate of need (CON) laws are state-based regulations requiring approval of new healthcare entities and capital expenditures. Varying by state, these regulations impact hospices in 14 states and DC, with several states re-examining provisions. AIM This cross-sectional study examined the association of CON status on hospice quality outcomes using the hospice item set metric (HIS). DESIGN Data from the February 2022 Medicare Hospice Provider and General Information reports of 4870 US hospices were used to compare group means of the 8 HIS measures across CON status. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict HIS outcomes by CON status while controlling for ownership and size. RESULTS Approximately 86% of hospices are in states without a hospice CON provision. The unadjusted mean HIS scores for all measures were higher in CON states (M range 94.40-99.59) than Non-CON (M range 90.50-99.53) with significant differences in all except treatment preferences. In the adjusted model, linear regression analyses showed hospice CON states had significantly higher HIS ratings than those from Non-CON states for beliefs and values addressed (β = .05, P = .009), pain assessment (β = .05, P = .009), dyspnea treatment (β = .08, P < .001) and the composite measure (β = .09, P < .001). Treatment preferences, pain screening, dyspnea screening, and opioid bowel treatment were not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSION The study suggests that CON regulations may have a modest, but beneficial impact on hospice-reported quality outcomes, particularly for small and medium-sized hospices. Further research is needed to explore other factors that contribute to HIS outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlen G Gaines
- Doctoral Program in Palliative Care, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John G Cagle
- Department of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Baker Rogers JE. Hospices and Emergency Preparedness Planning: A Scoping Review of the Literature. J Palliat Care 2024; 39:161-172. [PMID: 37198908 DOI: 10.1177/08258597231176410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Objective. Palliative and end-of-life care, as provided by hospices, are important elements of a healthcare response to disasters. A scoping review of the literature was conducted to examine and synthesize what is currently known about emergency preparedness planning by hospices. Methods. A literature search of academic and trade publications was conducted through 6 publication databases, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines when applicable. Publications were selected and findings were organized into themes. Results. A total of 26 articles were included in the literature review. Six themes of Policies and Procedures; Testing/Training/Education; Integration and Coordination; Mitigation; Risk Assessment/Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis; and Regulations were identified. Conclusions. This review demonstrates that hospices have begun to individualize emergency preparedness features that support their unique role. The review supports all-hazards planning for hospices, and emerging from this review is a developing vision for expanded roles of hospices to help communities in times of disaster. Continued research in this specialized area is needed to improve hospices' emergency preparedness efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna E Baker Rogers
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Palliative Care Graduate Program, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Robison J, Shugrue N, Dillon E, Migneault D, Charles D, Wakefield D, Richards B. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Hospice Use Among Medicaid-Only and Dual-Eligible Decedents. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2023; 4:e234240. [PMID: 38064239 PMCID: PMC10709774 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.4240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Hospice care enhances quality of life for people with terminal illness and is most beneficial with longer length of stay (LOS). Most hospice research focuses on the Medicare-insured population. Little is known about hospice use for the racially and ethnically diverse, low-income Medicaid population. Objective To compare hospice use and hospice LOS by race and ethnicity among Medicaid-only individuals and those with dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid (duals) in the Connecticut Medicaid program who died over a 4-year period. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective population-based cohort study used Medicaid and traditional Medicare enrollment and claims data for 2015 to 2020. The study included Connecticut Medicaid recipients with at least 1 of 5 most common hospice diagnoses who died from 2017 to 2020. Exposure Race and ethnicity. Main Outcomes and Measures Hospice use (yes/no) and hospice LOS (1-7 days vs ≥8 days.) Covariates included sex, age, and nursing facility stay within 60 days of death. Results Overall, 2407 and 23 857 duals were included. Medicaid-only decedents were younger (13.8% ≥85 vs 52.5%), more likely to be male (50.6% vs 36.4%), more racially and ethnically diverse (48.7% non-Hispanic White vs 79.9%), and less likely to have a nursing facility stay (34.9% vs 56.1%). Race and ethnicity were significantly associated with hospice use and LOS in both populations: non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic decedents had lower odds of using hospice than non-Hispanic White decedents, and Hispanic decedents had higher odds of a short LOS. In both populations, older age and female sex were also associated with more hospice use. For duals only, higher age was associated with lower odds of short LOS. For decedents with nursing facility stays, compared with those without, Medicaid-only decedents had higher odds of using hospice (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% CI, 1.24-1.78); duals had lower odds (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.57-0.63). Compared with decedents without nursing facility stays, duals with a nursing facility stay had higher odds of short LOS (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 2.43-2.85). Conclusions and Relevance Findings raise concerns about equity and timing of access to hospice for Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black individuals in these understudied Medicaid populations. Knowledge about, access to, and acceptance of hospice may be lacking for these low-income individuals. Further research is needed to understand barriers to and facilitators of hospice use for people with nursing facility stays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Robison
- UConn Health, Center on Aging, Farmington, Connecticut
| | | | - Ellis Dillon
- UConn Health, Center on Aging, Farmington, Connecticut
| | | | | | | | - Bradley Richards
- Connecticut Department of Social Services, Hartford, Connecticut
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale School of Management, New Haven, Connecticut
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Bailey C, Guo P, MacArtney J, Finucane A, Meade R, Swan S, Wagstaff E. "Palliative care is so much more than that": a qualitative study exploring experiences of hospice staff and bereaved carers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1139313. [PMID: 38026434 PMCID: PMC10662348 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1139313] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The way in which end-of-life care was provided changed significantly during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The national lockdown restrictions reduced formal care support services and increased the burden on many carers taking on the caring role for the first time. We aimed to explore decision-making about the place of care during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on experience from the perspectives of carers and hospice staff caring for people at the end-of-life. Methods A qualitative study using virtual interviews was conducted between October 2020 and April 2021. Data were analyzed thematically using framework analysis, an analytical framework that enables qualitative research to be organized into defined themes derived from the research question. Findings were presented to stakeholders in policy roundtables between March 2022 and March 2023 and discussed collaboratively with staff, stakeholders, and the public to inform policy and practice change. Findings A total of 37 participants (15 bereaved carers and 22 staff) were recruited via hospice services in England and Scotland. Four key themes were identified: (1) changing preferences relating to decision-making about the place of care and the impact at the time of death and into bereavement; (2) missed opportunities related to not being there, not having others around, and being robbed of memory-making; (3) the lone carer during a period of high intensity and reduced home support; (4) process vs. person-centered care resulting from changing rules and restrictions and prioritization of regulations over essential palliative care. Conclusion The study provides valuable global implications for all involved in end-of-life care. Despite great efforts to provide dignified, quality care, palliative care during the pandemic changed, focusing on essential 'physical care'. The psychological suffering experienced by staff and carers may need longer-term support mechanisms put in place, which will benefit from a public health approach. Policymakers should consider improving carer identification and resources for wider end-of-life care education to support the needs of carers, health and social care staff, and citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Bailey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ping Guo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - John MacArtney
- Unit of Primary Care, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Finucane
- Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Meade
- Clinical Psychology, Carers UK, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Swan
- Maggie's Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Abbott J, Kassner CD, Kassner CT. Palliative Care and Hospice in the Pandemic: A Review of State Planning and Lessons Not Yet Learned. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:87-92.e3. [PMID: 37062368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Written Crisis Standards of Care guidelines have been published federally in the United States for several decades to assisted in planning for a variety of disasters, and planning documents exist in most states. Federal and state crisis planning guidelines, both before and during the early COVID pandemic, focused on saving the most lives. Palliative care (PC) and hospice shortages were exacerbated by the COVID pandemic but recognized late and incompletely. OBJECTIVES 1) Quantify the number of state crisis standard planning documents that include recognition of potential PC and hospice crisis needs in a pandemic. 2) Assess the range of practical plans in existing state Crisis Standards of Care plans. 3) Outline elements of recommendations from existing guidelines and literature. METHODS Internet searches for state-based "crisis standards of care" completed and results categorized regarding PC and hospice planning as: 1) absent, 2) mentioned only in relation to critical care triage, 3) described only in general principles, 4) describing potential concrete plans to address PC and hospice needs. RESULTS Of the 50 states and Washington, DC, 45 states have electronically available "crisis standards of care" or emergency preparedness documents; 35 of these were written or updated since 2020. Only 20 states mention any concrete aspects of planning for potential palliative care or hospice service shortages. Guidelines most often involved alternate care sites, protective equipment, and specialist resources. Visitation policy was rarely mentioned. CONCLUSIONS Concrete planning for PC and hospice needs in state crisis planning occurs in less than half of state documents, even three years after the start of this pandemic. Failure to address these needs will result in avoidable suffering for patients in a wide range of settings. It is important to identify and address gaps before the next disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Abbott
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (J.A.), Aurora, Colorado, USA.
| | - Carli D Kassner
- Hospice Analytics (C.D.K., C.T.K.), Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Cordt T Kassner
- Hospice Analytics (C.D.K., C.T.K.), Colorado Springs, CO, USA
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Kozhevnikov D, Loho H, Prestia B. Factors Associated With Inpatient Hospice Utilization Among Hospitalized Decedents With Comfort Measures Only Status. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1048-1055. [PMID: 36716262 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients with serious illness may elect to transition their care to comfort measures only (CMO) while in the hospital. Although studies have shown that routine hospice care is underutilized, the rate of general inpatient hospice (GIP) use among CMO patients during their terminal admission remains unclear. Objectives: We sought to (1) examine the rate of GIP utilization and (2) identify factors associated with its use among hospitalized CMO decedents. Methods: CMO decedents in two academic, tertiary care hospitals in the United States who died between October 1, 2020 and October 31, 2021, were subgrouped based on their primary medical service (GIP vs. non-GIP) at the time of inpatient death. Data abstracted from the electronic health record included demographics, primary diagnosis codes, Rothman Index (RI), time of CMO order, ordering clinician type, time of death, and length of stay (LOS). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for relevant covariates. Results: Of 1475 CMO decedents, only 321 (n = 22%) patients received GIP. On multivariable analysis, CMO patients who died in an ICU were five times less likely (odds ratio [OR] = 0.18, confidence interval [95% CI] 0.11-0.29) to receive GIP. Every 10-point increase in RI raised the likelihood of receiving GIP by 59% (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.39-1.80). Conclusions: Most CMO decedents died in the hospital without GIP. Compared with GIP decedents, non-GIP decedents were less acutely ill. There was no difference in total LOS between the two groups. CMO decedents were much less likely to receive GIP in an ICU. The RI may help clinicians identify CMO patients who would benefit from GIP earlier in their terminal admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Kozhevnikov
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Palliative Care Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Brett Prestia
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Palliative Care Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Dobríková P, Scheitel R, Roulston A. Challenges and Innovations in Hospice Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK IN END-OF-LIFE & PALLIATIVE CARE 2023; 19:252-274. [PMID: 37389898 DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2023.2229036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
In addition to addressing nursing and medical needs, the social needs of patients within hospice care require assessment (i.e., relationships, isolation, loneliness, societal inclusion or exclusion, negotiating adequate formal and informal support, or living with a life-limiting condition). The objectives of this scoping review are to examine the challenges of adult patients in receipt of hospice care during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify innovative changes to care during the pandemic. The methodology of the scoping review follows the Joanna Briggs Institute framework developed in 2015. The context included hospice services (inpatient, outpatient and community). In August 2022, PubMed and SAGE journals were searched from 2020 onwards for studies published in English, which focused on COVID-19, hospice, social, support and challenges. Titles and abstracts were independently screened by two reviewers against agreed criteria. Fourteen studies were included. Data were independently extracted by authors. Emerging themes were loss due to COVID-19 restrictions, challenges for staff, barriers to communication and transition to Telemedicine, and positive effects of the pandemic. Pivoting to Tele-medicine and restricting visitors reduced the risk of spreading coronavirus but resulted in patients being socially isolated from loved ones, and a reliance on technology to have sensitive conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Dobríková
- Faculty of Health Care and Social Work, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Regina Scheitel
- Faculty of Health Care and Social Work, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Audrey Roulston
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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12
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Wang XJ, Thomas KS, Belanger E, Dobbs D, Dosa DM. Hospice Aide Visits among Nursing Home Residents During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:911-916.e6. [PMID: 37146643 PMCID: PMC10067455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.03.028] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hospice aides are vital in delivering care to patients and family members at the end of life. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions in hospice care delivery, especially in long-term care settings. We aim to provide a description of hospice aide visits among nursing home residents enrolled in hospice during the first 9 months of 2020, as compared with the same months in 2019. DESIGN Observational cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 153,109 and 152,077 long-stay nursing home residents enrolled in hospice in 2019 and 2020, respectively. METHODS On a monthly basis, we reported estimated probabilities of not having visits from hospice aides and adjusted visit minutes among those who had hospice aide visits for the 2019 and 2020 cohort, respectively. The regression models accounted for resident sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and nursing home fixed effects. The analyses were conducted at the national and state level, separately. RESULTS More than half of residents did not have any visits from hospice aides in 2020 from April and onward. Among residents who had hospice aide visits, the 2020 cohort had reduced visits in March and onward, with the greatest difference being 155 minutes less in April (95% CI: -163.4, -146.5). State-level analyses suggested that multiple factors besides community spread or state policies might contribute to the reduced presence of hospice aides. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings highlight the toll of the pandemic on hospice care delivery in nursing homes and the need for hospice care to be better incorporated into emergency preparedness planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Joyce Wang
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Kali S Thomas
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Health Services, Policy, & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Belanger
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Health Services, Policy, & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Debra Dobbs
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, FL
| | - David M Dosa
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA; Warren Alpert Medical School, RI, USA
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Zazzara MB, Colloca GF, Maraschini A, Bellieni A, Dispenza S, Meloni E, Ricciotti MA, Penco I, Minelli G, Onder G. Causes of deaths in long-term care and hospice care facilities during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic: a snapshot of Italy during 2020. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:1385-1392. [PMID: 37171537 PMCID: PMC10175910 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02426-7] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCF) have been severely affected by COVID-19. Hospice care (HC) facilities and palliative care are essential in treating patients dying from COVID-19. In Italy, little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on deaths in LTCF and the care provided in HC to COVID-19 patients. AIM To assess overall and case-specific mortality in 2020 in LTC and HC facilities in comparison to the previous five years (2015-2019). METHODS We performed a descriptive study using data derived from the Italian national "Cause of Death" registry-managed by the Italian National Institute of Statistics-on deaths occurred in LTC and HC facilities during 2020 and the period 2015-2019. RESULTS Number of deaths significantly increased in 2020 compared with 2015-2019 in LTCF (83,062 deaths vs. 59,200) and slightly decreased in hospices (38,788 vs. 39,652). COVID-19 caused 12.5% of deaths in LTCF and only 2% in hospices. Other than COVID-19, in 2020, cancer accounted for 77% of all deaths that occurred in HC, while cardiovascular diseases (35.6%) and psychotic and behavioral disorders (10%) were the most common causes of death in LTCF. Overall, 22% of the excess mortality registered in Italy during 2020 is represented by the deaths that occurred in LTCF. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION LTCF were disproportionally affected by COVID-19, while the response to the pandemic in HC was limited. These data can help plan strategies to limit the impact of future epidemics and to better understand residential care response to COVID-19 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Beatrice Zazzara
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Alice Maraschini
- Statistical Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Bellieni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Dispenza
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Meloni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Adelaide Ricciotti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Italo Penco
- Fondazione Sanità e Ricerca, Via Alessandro Poerio, 100, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Minelli
- Statistical Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziano Onder
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
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14
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Coats H, Doyon K, Isaacson MJ, Tay D, Rosa WE, Mayahara M, Kates J, Frechman E, Wright PM, Boyden JY, Broden EG, Hinds PS, James R, Keller S, Thrane SE, Mooney-Doyle K, Sullivan SS, Xu J, Tanner J, Natal M. The 2023-2026 Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Research Agenda. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2023; 25:55-74. [PMID: 36843048 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association established the triannual research agenda to ( a ) provide focus for researchers to conduct meaningful scientific and quality improvement initiatives and inform evidence-based practice, ( b ) guide organizational funding, and ( c ) illustrate to other stakeholders the importance of nursing research foci. HPNA Research Agendas are developed to give direction for future research to continue advancing expert care in serious illness and ensure equitable delivery of hospice and palliative care.
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15
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Frey R, Balmer D. The challenges for health professionals delivering palliative care in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrative review. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-13. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000275] [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
Abstract
Objectives
The growing demand for palliative care has been accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, providing community-based palliative care was also more difficult to do safely and faced several challenges. The goal of this integrative review was to identify, describe, and synthesize previous studies on the challenges for health professionals delivering palliative care in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Searches were carried out on the Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Social Care Online, PubMed, Embase, and Expanded Academic databases. Journals typically reporting palliative care and community health studies were also searched (Palliative Medicine, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, and Health & Social Care in the Community). All articles were peer-reviewed and published in English between December 2019 and September 2022.
Results
Database and hand searches identified 1231 articles. After duplicates were removed and the exclusion criteria applied, 27 articles were included in the final review. Themes in the research findings centered on 6 interconnected categories. The challenges imposed by the pandemic (lack of resources, communication difficulties, access to education and training, and interprofessional coordination), as well as the varying levels of success of the health-care responses, impacted the well-being of health professionals and, in turn, the well-being and care of patients and families.
Significance of results
The pandemic has provided the impetus for rethinking flexible and innovative approaches to overcome the challenges of delivering community palliative care. However, existing governmental and organizational policies require revision to improve communication and effective interprofessional collaboration, and additional resources are needed. A blended model of virtual and in-person palliative care delivery may provide the best solution to community palliative care delivery moving forward.
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16
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Panattoni LE, McDermott CL, Li L, Sun Q, Fedorenko CR, Sanchez HA, Kreizenbeck KL, Shankaran V, Ramsey SD. Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Place of Death Among Medicaid and Commercially Insured Patients With Cancer in Washington State. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:1610-1617. [PMID: 36417688 PMCID: PMC10489265 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions in health care delivery might have affected end-of-life care in patients with cancer. We examined changes in place of death and hospice support for Medicaid and commercially insured patients during the pandemic. PATIENTS AND METHODS We linked Washington State cancer registry records with claims from Medicaid and two commercial insurers for patients with solid tumor age 18-64 years. The study included 322 Medicaid and 162 commercial patients who died between March 2017 and June 2019 (pre-COVID-19), along with 90 Medicaid and 47 commercial patients who died between March and June 2020 (COVID-19). Place of death was categorized as hospital, hospice (home or nonhospital facility), and home without hospice. Place of death was compared using adjusted multinomial logistic regressions stratified by payer and time period (pre-COVID-19 v COVID-19). The clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with dying at home without hospice were examined, and adjusted marginal effects (ME) are reported. RESULTS In the adjusted pre-COVID-19 analysis, Medicaid patients were more likely than commercially insured patients to die in hospital (48% v 36%; adjusted ME, 11%; P = .02). In the pre-COVID-19/COVID-19 analysis, Medicaid patients' place of death shifted from hospital (48% v 32%; ME, -16%; P < .01) to home without hospice (19.9% v 38.0%; ME, 16.5%; P < .01). However, there were no statistically significant changes pre-COVID-19/COVID-19 for commercial patients. As a result, during COVID-19, Medicaid patients were more likely than commercial patients to die at home without hospice (38% v 22%; ME, 16%; P = .04) as were male versus female patients (ME, 16%; P < .01). CONCLUSION The pandemic might have disproportionately worsened the end-of-life experience for Medicaid enrollees with cancer. Attention should be paid to societal and health system factors that decrease access to care for Medicaid patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Panattoni
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- PRECISIONheor, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Cara L. McDermott
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Li Li
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Qin Sun
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Catherine R. Fedorenko
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Hayley A. Sanchez
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Karma L. Kreizenbeck
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Veena Shankaran
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Scott D. Ramsey
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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17
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Aldridge MD, Franzosa E, Kim P, Xu E, Reckrey J, Zhang M, Zhao D, Ornstein KA. Disruptions in Home Hospice Care due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:244-247. [PMID: 36394438 PMCID: PMC9894593 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is limited evidence regarding the challenges of providing hospice care to those dying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To describe the challenges of home hospice care and the specific types of disruptions in care processes experienced by patients and families. Design: Qualitative study of the electronic medical record notes of a large New York City (NYC) home-based primary care program. Setting/Subjects: Subjects were 58 patients referred to hospice who died during the initial NYC COVID-19 surge from March to June 2020. Results: We identified six domains of disruptions in home hospice care: delayed hospice enrollment, inability to conduct home visits, lack of needed supplies, communication failures, strained caregivers, and limitations of telehealth. Conclusions: This study provides a critical first analysis of disruptions in home hospice care that can feasibly be addressed and must be prioritized by hospices throughout the ongoing pandemic and in advance of future emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D. Aldridge
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Emily Franzosa
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Patricia Kim
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Xu
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer Reckrey
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Meng Zhang
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Duzhi Zhao
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Katherine A. Ornstein
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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18
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Starr LT, Washington KT, McPhillips MV, Pitzer K, Demiris G, Oliver DP. "It was terrible, I didn't sleep for two years": A mixed methods exploration of sleep and its effects among family caregivers of in-home hospice patients at end-of-life. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1504-1521. [PMID: 36151698 PMCID: PMC10168118 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221122956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to overnight caregiving demands; exacerbation of high rates of anxiety, depression, and distress; and inadequate support, millions of family caregivers of patients receiving in-home hospice are at risk of poor sleep and negative health effects. AIM To describe sleep experiences of family caregivers of in-home hospice patients and perceptions of these experiences on caregivers' wellbeing in the context of caregiver health and live-in status. DESIGN Developed using the Symptom Management Model, this mixed methods study featured a concurrent nested design prioritizing qualitative reflexive thematic analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS About 47 family caregivers of in-home hospice patients from two randomized clinical trials (NCT03712410, NCT02929108) were interviewed (United States, 2021). Anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), quality-of-life (QOL) (CQLI-R), and self-rated health and energy were reported prior to interviews. RESULTS Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: compromised sleep quality, factors influencing sleep, effects of sleep. 72.5% of hospice family caregivers described "fair" or "poor" sleep quality, with "interrupted" sleep and frequent night-waking due to "on-call" "vigilance" and anxiety. Negative effects included exhaustion, mental and physical health decline, and reduced caregiver function. Live-in caregivers reported higher mean depression scores (8.4 vs 4.3, p = 0.08), higher mean anxiety scores (7.7 vs 3.3, p = 0.06), and lower mean QOL scores (24.8 vs 33.6, p < 0.001) than live-out caregivers. Anxiety, depression, and QOL worsened as self-reported caregiver sleep quality decreased. Few caregivers had adequate support. CONCLUSION End-of-life family caregivers experience disrupted sleep with negative effects and inadequate support. Clinicians must assess sleep, offer sleep interventions, and provide more supports to hospice family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T Starr
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karla T Washington
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Miranda V McPhillips
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kyle Pitzer
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - George Demiris
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes Jewish College, St. Louis, MO, USA
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19
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Supporting dementia family care partners during COVID-19: Perspectives from hospice staff. Geriatr Nurs 2022; 47:265-272. [PMID: 36030641 PMCID: PMC9359485 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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20
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Hasson F, Slater P, Fee A, McConnell T, Payne S, Finlay DA, McIlfatrick S. The impact of covid-19 on out-of-hours adult hospice care: an online survey. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:94. [PMID: 35642052 PMCID: PMC9155980 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00985-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the provision of healthcare, including palliative care. However, there is little evidence about the impact of COVID-19 on delivery of out-of-hours specialist palliative care services in the United Kingdom. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of out-of-hours community-based palliative care services. Methods A national online census survey of managers of adult hospices in the United Kingdom was undertaken. Survey were emailed to managers of adult hospices (n = 150) who provided out-of-hours community palliative care services. Fifteen questions related specifically to the impact of COVID-19. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed using descriptive content analysis. Results Eighty-one responses to the survey were returned (54% response rate); 59 were complete of which 47 contained COVID-19 data. Findings indicated that COVID-19 impacted on out-of-hours community-based palliative care. To meet increased patient need, hospices reconfigured services; redeployed staff; and introduced new policies and procedures to minimize virus transmission. Lack of integration between charitably and state funded palliative care providers was reported. The interconnected issues of the use and availability of Personal Protective Equipment (n = 21) and infection control screening (n = 12) resulted in changes in nursing practices due to fear of contagion for patients, carers and staff. Conclusions Survey findings suggest that due to increased demand for community palliative care services, hospices had to rapidly adapt and reconfigure services. Even though this response to the pandemic led to some service improvements, in the main, out-of-hours service reconfiguration resulted in challenges for hospices, including workforce issues, and availability of resources such as Personal Protective Equipment. These challenges were exacerbated by lack of integration with wider healthcare services. More research is required to fully understand the implications of such changes on the quality of care provided. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00985-6.
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21
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Cross SH, Ramkalawan JR, Ring JF, Boucher NA. “That little bit of time”: Transition-to-Hospice Perspectives from Hospice Staff and Bereaved Family. Innov Aging 2022; 6:igab057. [PMID: 35155835 PMCID: PMC8827325 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Many patients lack understanding of hospice services and their preparation for the transition to hospice at home may be insufficient. This study explored how hospice admissions staff and caregivers of hospice patients perceive the hospice admission process and the transition to hospice at home. Research Design and Methods We conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews with 2 subgroups: hospice admissions staff (n = 15) and bereaved caregivers of former hospice patients (n = 20). We performed a 3-coder descriptive content analysis. Results There were 4 overall themes: (a) issues relating to the referring/prehospice provider, (b) issues relating to hospital discharge/care transition home, (c) issues relating to the first touch of hospice, and (d) the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on hospice admissions. Patients are often referred to hospice without clear prognostic understanding, at times placing staff in the uncomfortable position of breaking difficult news. Stigma may make patients and families fearful of enrolling in hospice, and misconceptions about hospice are common. Caregivers emphasize the need for increased attention to their emotional needs. Staff revealed the emotional challenges they experience conducting admissions. Both staff and caregivers indicate that the transition to hospice is often emotionally and logistically burdensome, especially when discharging home from the hospital. Both subgroups report insufficient caregiver preparation for taking care of a dying patient at home, particularly regarding medication management. COVID-19 created challenges yet prompted innovative changes to hospice admission processes. Discussion and Implications Findings demonstrate a need to improve the hospice admissions process, better supporting terminally ill patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Cross
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Janel R Ramkalawan
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Nathan A Boucher
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health System HSR&D, Durham, NC, USA
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22
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Jansky M, Schade F, Rieder N, Lohrmann D, Gebel C, Kloppenburg L, Wedding U, Simon ST, Bausewein C, Nauck F. 'It felt like a black hole, great uncertainty, but we have to take care for our patients'-Qualitative findings on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on specialist palliative home care. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260767. [PMID: 34910741 PMCID: PMC8673648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health care systems worldwide. Multidisciplinary teams provide specialist palliative home care (SPHC) for patients with incurable, severe, progressive diseases. These patients are at the same time at high risk, if infected, highly constricted by containment measures, and dependent on support. AIM To explore i) how German SPHC teams were affected by the pandemic during the first wave, ii) which challenges they faced, and iii) which strategies helped to handle the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for providing good SPHC. METHOD Four focus groups (with representatives of 18 SPHC teams) and five guided interviews with stakeholders were conducted and analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Seven key categories emerged from the data. A category in the background describes dependence on organizational characteristics (e.g. sponsorship), which varied by regional factors. Information management was a challenge to SPHC teams, as they had to collect, interpret and adapt, and disseminate information. They reported a shift in patient care because of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to restricted home visits, visitation ban in nursing homes, and difficulties for hospital, hospice and nursing home admissions. Measures to reduce risk of infection impeded teamwork. Teams relied upon their local networks in crisis management, but felt often overlooked by local health authorities. Their respective SPHC state associations supported them in information management and exchange. DISCUSSION The pandemic has severely impacted home care for especially vulnerable seriously ill and dying people. A good network with local health providers and authorities could help to harmonize local regulations and ensure quality care for all patient groups. SPHC teams could play an important role in caring for palliative patients with COVID-19 who are not admitted to a hospital due to preferences or resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliane Jansky
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Franziska Schade
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicola Rieder
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Danica Lohrmann
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cordula Gebel
- Department of Palliative Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Lars Kloppenburg
- Department of Palliative Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wedding
- Department of Palliative Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Steffen T. Simon
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Friedemann Nauck
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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23
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Beltran-Aroca CM, Ruiz-Montero R, Llergo-Muñoz A, Rubio L, Girela-López E. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Palliative Care in Cancer Patients in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11992. [PMID: 34831747 PMCID: PMC8618945 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has severely affected healthcare organizations worldwide, and the provision of palliative care (PC) to cancer patients has been no exception. The aim of this paper was to analyse the levels of health care provided by the Clinical Management Unit for PC in Córdoba (Spain) for cancer patients. METHOD a retrospective cohort study was conducted. It analyzed the PC internal management database including all cancer patients treated in the period of 2018-2021. RESULTS 1967 cases were studied. There was a drop in cancer cases (p = 0.008), deaths at the PC hospital (p < 0.001), and referrals from primary care (p < 0.001). However, there was a rise in highly complex clinical situations (p = 0.020) and in ECOG performance status scores of 3-4 (p < 0.001). The pandemic was not shown to be a risk factor for survival in the PC program (0.99 [0.82-1.20]; p = 0.931). However, being female (p = 0.005), being older and having a high Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score (p < 0.001) could be indicators of a longer stay. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a challenge in the management of patients requiring PC and has highlighted the urgent needs of the healthcare system if it is to continue providing a level of care which meets the needs of patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M. Beltran-Aroca
- Section of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (C.M.B.-A.); (E.G.-L.)
| | - Rafael Ruiz-Montero
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Avenida Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Antonio Llergo-Muñoz
- UGC Cuidados Paliativos, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Avenida Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Leticia Rubio
- Department of Human Anatomy and Legal Medicine, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Eloy Girela-López
- Section of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; (C.M.B.-A.); (E.G.-L.)
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24
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Abstract
This discussion article highlights the challenges of providing hospice care in nursing homes since the start of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and illuminates practice changes needed in nursing homes. The article provides an overview of the expectations of hospice care, explains the differences in delivering hospice care during the COVID-19 pandemic, examines social isolation and emotional loneliness and the role of familial caregivers, and describes policy changes related to the COVID-19 affecting hospice care delivery in nursing homes. This article answers the following questions: (1) How did residents receiving hospice care have their needs met during the COVID-19 pandemic? (2) What areas of nursing home care need to be improved through governmental policy and restructuring? This article also summarized the lessons learned as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and provided practical implications for nursing, specific to changes in hospice care deliveries for nursing home residents.
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