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Can we determine burdensome transitions in the last year of life based on time of occurrence and frequency? An explanatory mixed-methods study. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:637-645. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521001395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Burdensome transitions are typically defined as having a transition in the last three days or multiple hospitalizations in the last three months of life, which is seldom verified with qualitative accounts from persons concerned. This study analyses types and frequencies of transitions in the last year of life and indicators of burdensome transitions from the perspective of bereaved relatives.
Method
Cross-sectional explanatory mixed-methods study with 351 surveyed and 41 interviewed bereaved relatives in a German urban area. Frequencies, t-tests, and Spearman correlations were computed for quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis with provisional and descriptive coding/subcoding.
Results
Transitions rise sharply during the last year of life. 8.2% of patients experience a transition in the last three days and 7.8% three or more hospitalizations in the last three months of life. An empathetic way of telling patients about the prospect of death is associated with fewer transitions in the last month of life (r = 0.185, p = 0.046). Professionals being aware of the preferred place of death corresponds to fewer hospitalizations in the last three months of life (1.28 vs. 0.97, p = 0.021). Qualitative data do not confirm that burden in transitions is linked to having transitions in the last three days or multiple hospitalizations in the last three months of life. Burden is associated with (1) late and non-empathetic communication about the prospect of death, (2) not coordinating care across settings, and (3) not considering patients’ preferences.
Significance of results
Time of occurrence and frequency appear to be imperfect proxies for burdensome transitions. The subjective burden seems to be associated rather with insufficient information, preparation, and management of transitions.
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Morey T, Scott M, Saunders S, Varenbut J, Howard M, Tanuseputro P, Webber C, Killackey T, Wentlandt K, Zimmermann C, Bernstein M, Ernecoff N, Hsu A, Isenberg S. Transitioning From Hospital to Palliative Care at Home: Patient and Caregiver Perceptions of Continuity of Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:233-241. [PMID: 33385479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Continuity of care is important at improving the patient experience and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations when transitioning across care settings, especially at the end of life. OBJECTIVE To explore patient and caregiver understanding and valuation of "continuity of care" while transitioning from an in-hospital to a home-based palliative care team. METHODS Longitudinal qualitative design using semistructured interviews conducted with patients and their caregivers before and after transitioning from hospital to palliative care at home. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis within a postpositivist framework. Thirty-nine participants (18 patients, seven caregivers, and seven patient-caregiver dyads) were recruited from two acute care hospitals, wherein they received care from an inpatient palliative care consultation team and transitioned to home-based palliative care. RESULTS Patients had a mean age of 68 years, 60% were female and 60% had a diagnosis of cancer. Caregivers had a mean age of 62 years and 50% were female. Participants perceived continuity of care to occur in three ways, depending on which stage they were at in their hospital-to-home transition. In hospital, continuity of care was experienced, as consistency of information exchanged between providers. During the transition from hospital to home, continuity of care was experienced as consistency of treatments. When receiving home-based palliative care, continuity of care was experienced as having consistent providers. CONCLUSION Patients' and their caregivers' valuation of continuity of care was dependent on their stage of the hospital-to-home transition. Optimizing continuity of care requires an integrated network of providers with reliable information transfer and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Morey
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Mary Scott
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Stephanie Saunders
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jaymie Varenbut
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michelle Howard
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | - Colleen Webber
- Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Tieghan Killackey
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kirsten Wentlandt
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Mark Bernstein
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Natalie Ernecoff
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy Hsu
- Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sarina Isenberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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3
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Scott M, Shaver N, Lapenskie J, Isenberg SR, Saunders S, Hsu AT, Tanuseputro P. Does inpatient palliative care consultation impact outcomes following hospital discharge? A narrative systematic review. Palliat Med 2020; 34:5-15. [PMID: 31581888 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319870649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While most patients desire to die at home or in a community-based hospice, the transition from hospital to community settings often lacks streamlined coordination of care to ensure that adequate support is provided in the preferred care setting. The impact of hospital-based palliative care consultations on post-discharge care and outcomes has not been extensively studied. AIM The aim of this study was to appraise available research on the impact of inpatient palliative care consultations on transitions from hospital to community settings. DESIGN We conducted a narrative systematic review and used the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool to appraise the quality of selected studies. Studies were included if they assessed the transition from hospital to community and examined outcomes after an inpatient palliative care consultation. A protocol for this study was registered and published in PROSPERO, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (ID: CRD42018094924). DATA SOURCES We searched for quantitative studies indexed in PubMED, CINAHL and Cochrane and published between 1 January 1 2000 and 11 March 2018. RESULTS Our search retrieved 2749 articles. From these, 123 articles were full-text screened and 15 studies met our inclusion criteria. Studies reported that inpatient palliative care consultations are associated with high rates of discharge to community settings, greater provision of services post-discharge, improved coordination and lower rates of rehospitalization. CONCLUSION Existing evidence suggest that inpatient palliative care consultations have a positive impact on patient outcomes and transitions to the community, demonstrating the potential to improve patient quality of life and relieve overburdened acute care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Scott
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Saunders
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy T Hsu
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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4
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Use of Nonpalliative Medications Following Burdensome Health Care Transitions in Hospice Patients. Med Care 2019; 57:13-20. [DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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5
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Boisserie-Lacroix L, Marquestaut O, de Stampa M. [Palliative care at home: patient care pathways and clinical characteristics]. SANTE PUBLIQUE 2018; 29:851-859. [PMID: 29473399 DOI: 10.3917/spub.176.0851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The great majority of French people express their desire to receive palliative care at home. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical care pathways and characteristics of patient receiving hospital at home palliative care. METHODS This study compared the care pathways and clinical characteristics of patients receiving palliative care at home in the Ile-de-France region in 2014. Retrospective data were extracted from the French medical information systems programme. RESULTS 817 patients receiving palliative care at home were included in the study. They were older, more often referred to hospital at home by a primary care physician, had shorter lengths of stay and more often died at home compared to patients without palliative care. Palliative care patients mainly presented cancer and received frequent technical nursing care. The oldest patients (≥ 75 years old) more often presented neurodegenerative diseases, were less often transferred to hospital, and more often died at home compared to younger patients. A higher proportion of home deaths was observed in nursing home residents and patients who died at home required less technical nursing care. CONCLUSION This study provides important information concerning admission to hospital at home, the frequent changes of places of care and the complexity of maintaining palliative care at home until the patient's death.
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Lefebvre H, Brault I, Roy O, Levert MJ, Lecocq D, Larrivière M, Proulx M. Partnership between patients, nurse leaders and researchers: Outcomes of a web-based KT strategy for hospital discharge planning and care transitions in oncology. Can Oncol Nurs J 2018; 28:110-117. [PMID: 31148819 DOI: 10.5737/23688076282110117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A research project brought together patient partners, nurse leaders from six clinical settings in Quebec and researchers to develop and test a web technology, the Forum for Knowledge Exchange (FKE), in order to improve discharge planning practices and oncological care transitions. The project led to the creation of a FKE accessible to the oncology sector of the Francophonie. It revealed an innovative strategy of knowledge transfer (KT) based on the FKE and was fed by collaborative work among partners, where the patient partners played a vital role. The results highlighted the importance, for health research, of giving a voice to patient partners in close collaboration with clinicians and researchers so that clinical practices are better adapted to the actual needs of patients and of their relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Lefebvre
- Full professor, Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville Montreal, QC H3T 3J7;
| | - Isabelle Brault
- Associate professor, Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, CP. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC H3T 3J7;
| | - Odette Roy
- Founder and researcher at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Center of Excellence in Nursing, a position she held until 2015. Associate professor at the Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, CP. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC H3T 3J7; E-mail:
| | - Marie-Josée Levert
- Associate professor, Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Researcher, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Researcher, Groupe inter-réseaux de recherche sur l'adaptation de la famille et de son environnement (GIRAFE), C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7; Email :
| | - Dan Lecocq
- Maître de conférences & chercheur, option « sciences et clinique infirmières », École de santé publique, Université libre de Bruxelles; Email :
| | - Maryse Larrivière
- Project coordinator, Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7; Email :
| | - Michelle Proulx
- Research professional, Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7; Email :
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Van den Block L, Ko W, Miccinesi G, Moreels S, Donker GA, Onwuteaka-Philipsen B, Alonso TV, Deliens L. Final transitions to place of death: patients and families wishes. J Public Health (Oxf) 2017; 39:e302-e311. [PMID: 27694347 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdw097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This four-country study (Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain) examines prevalence and types of final transitions between care settings of cancer patients and the extent to which patient/family wishes are cited as a reason for the transition. Methods Data were collected from the EUROSENTI-MELC study over a 2-year period. General practitioners within existing Sentinel Networks registered weekly all deaths of patients within practices using a standardized questionnaire. This registration included place of care in the final 3 months and wishes for the final transition to place of death. All non-sudden deaths due to cancer (+18 years) were included in the analyses. Results We included 2048 non-sudden cancer deaths; 63% of patients had at least one transition between care settings in the final 3 months of life. 'Hospital death from home' (25-55%) and 'home death from hospital' (16-30%) were the most frequent types of final transitions in all countries. Patients' or families' wishes were mentioned as a reason for a final transition in 5-27% (P < 0.001) and 10-22% (P = 0.002) across countries. Conclusions 'Hospital deaths from home' is the most prevalent final transition in three of four countries studied, in a significant minority of cases because of patient/family wishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Winne Ko
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guido Miccinesi
- Clinical and Descriptive Epidemiology Unit, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, ISPO, Florence, Italy
| | - Sarah Moreels
- Public Health and Surveillance, Scientific Institute of Public Health , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ge A Donker
- NIVEL Primary Care Database, Sentinel Practices, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research , Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bregje Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Public and Occupational Health, and Palliative Care Expertise Centre, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tomas V Alonso
- Public Health Directorate General, Health Department, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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8
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Casotto V, Rolfini M, Ferroni E, Savioli V, Gennaro N, Avossa F, Cancian M, Figoli F, Mantoan D, Brambilla A, Ghiotto MC, Fedeli U, Saugo M. End-of-Life Place of Care, Health Care Settings, and Health Care Transitions Among Cancer Patients: Impact of an Integrated Cancer Palliative Care Plan. J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 54:167-175. [PMID: 28479411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Frequent end-of-life health care setting transitions can lead to an increased risk of fragmented care and exposure to unnecessary treatments. OBJECTIVES We assessed the relationship between the presence and the intensity of an Integrated Cancer Palliative Care (ICPC) plan and the occurrence of multiple transitions during the last month of life. METHODS Decedents of cancer aged 18-85 years residents in two regions of Italy were investigated accessing their integrated administrative data (death certificates, hospital discharges, hospice, and home care records). The principal outcome was defined as having 3+ health care setting transitions during the last month of life. The ICPC plans instituted 90-31 days before death represented the main exposure of interest. RESULTS Of the 17,604 patients, 6698 included in an ICPC, although spending in hospital a median number of only two days (interquartile range 1-2), experienced 1+ (59.8%), 2+ (21.1%), or 3+ (5.9%) health care transitions. Among the latter group, the most common trajectory of care is home-hospital-home-hospital (36.0%). The intensity of the ICPC plan showed a marked protective effect toward the event of 3+ health care setting transitions; the effect is already evident from an intensity of at least one home visit/week (odds ratio 0.73; 95% confidence interval 0.62-0.87). CONCLUSION A well-integrated palliative care approach can be effective in further reducing the percentage of patients who spent many days in hospital and/or undergo frequent and inopportune changes of their care setting during their last month of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Rolfini
- Direzione Sanità e Politiche Sociali, Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
| | - Eliana Ferroni
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Padova, Italy.
| | - Valentina Savioli
- Servizio Sistema Informativo Sanità e Politiche Sociali, Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
| | - Nicola Gennaro
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Franco Figoli
- Palliative Care Unit, Local Health Unit n. 4, Thiene, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ugo Fedeli
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Saugo
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
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9
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Abraham S, Menec V. Transitions Between Care Settings at the End of Life Among Older Homecare Recipients: A Population-Based Study. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2016; 2:2333721416684400. [PMID: 28680944 PMCID: PMC5490842 DOI: 10.1177/2333721416684400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Objectives were to (a) describe transitions between care settings in older homecare recipients at the end of life, and (b) examine what personal (e.g., age, sex) and health system factors (e.g., hospital bed supply) predict care transitions. Methods: The study involved analysis of administrative health care data and was based on a complete cohort of homecare recipients aged 65 years or older who died in Manitoba, Canada between 2003 and 2006 (N = 7,866). Results: More than half of homecare recipients had at least one care transition in the last 30 days before death and 21% had two or more hospitalizations in the last 90 days. Both personal characteristics and health system factors were related to transitions and hospitalizations. Discussion: The findings suggest that homecare recipients are an important population to focus on in terms of reducing potentially burdensome transitions and enhancing the end-of-life experience for them and their family.
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10
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Bähler C, Signorell A, Reich O. Health Care Utilisation and Transitions between Health Care Settings in the Last 6 Months of Life in Switzerland. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160932. [PMID: 27598939 PMCID: PMC5012658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many efforts are undertaken in Switzerland to enable older and/or chronically ill patients to stay home longer at the end-of-life. One of the consequences might be an increased need for hospitalisations at the end-of-life, which goes along with burdensome transitions for patients and higher health care costs for the society. AIM We aimed to examine the health care utilisation in the last six months of life, including transitions between health care settings, in a Swiss adult population. METHODS The study population consisted of 11'310 decedents of 2014 who were insured at the Helsana Group, the leading health insurance in Switzerland. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the health care utilisation by age group, taking into account individual and regional factors. Zero-inflated Poisson regression model was used to predict the number of transitions. RESULTS Mean age was 78.1 in men and 83.8 in women. In the last six months of life, 94.7% of the decedents had at least one consultation; 61.6% were hospitalised at least once, with a mean length of stay of 28.3 days; and nursing home stays were seen in 47.4% of the decedents. Over the same time period, 64.5% were transferred at least once, and 12.9% experienced at least one burdensome transition. Main predictors for transitions were age, sex and chronic conditions. A high density of home care nurses was associated with a decrease, whereas a high density of ambulatory care physicians was associated with an increase in the number of transitions. CONCLUSIONS Health care utilisation was high in the last six months of life and a considerable number of decedents were being transferred. Advance care planning might prevent patients from numerous and particularly from burdensome transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bähler
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Insurance Group, P.O. Box, 8081 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andri Signorell
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Insurance Group, P.O. Box, 8081 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Reich
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Insurance Group, P.O. Box, 8081 Zürich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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11
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Nordsveen H, Andershed B. Pasienter med kreft i palliativ fase på vei hjem - Sykepleieres erfaringer av samhandling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.18261/issn1892-2686-2015-03-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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12
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Thoonsen B, Vissers K, Verhagen S, Prins J, Bor H, van Weel C, Groot M, Engels Y. Training general practitioners in early identification and anticipatory palliative care planning: a randomized controlled trial. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2015; 16:126. [PMID: 26395257 PMCID: PMC4578268 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-015-0342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with advanced cancer, debilitating COPD or chronic heart failure (CHF) live at home. General practitioners (GPs) asked for guidance in how to recognize patients in need of palliative care in a timely way and to structure anticipatory care. For that reason, we developed a training for GPs in identifying patients in need of palliative care and in structuring anticipatory palliative care planning and studied its effect on out-of-hours contacts, contacts with their own GP, hospitalizations and place of death. METHODS We performed a cluster randomised controlled trial. GPs in the intervention group were trained in identifying patients in need of palliative care and anticipatory care planning. Next, for each identified patient, they were offered a coaching session with a specialist in palliative care to fine-tune a structured care plan. The GPs in the control group did not receive training or coaching, and were asked to provide care as usual. After one year, characteristics of patients deceased of cancer, COPD or CHF in both study groups were compared with mixed effects models for out-of-hours contacts (primary outcome), contacts with their own GP, place of death and hospitalizations in the last months of their life (secondary outcomes). As a post-hoc analysis, of identified patients (of the intervention GPs) these figures were compared to all other deceased patients, who had not been identified as in need of palliative care. RESULTS We did not find any differences between the intervention and control group. Yet, only half of the trained GPs (28) identified patients (52), which was only 24% of the deceased patients. Those identified patients had significantly more contacts with their own GP (B 4.5218; p <0.0006), were less often hospitalized (OR 0.485; p 0.0437) more often died at home (OR 2.126; p 0.0572) and less often died in the hospital (OR 0.380; p 0.0449). CONCLUSIONS Although we did not find differences between the intervention and control group, we found in a post-hoc analysis that those patients that had been identified as in need of palliative care had more contacts with their GP, less hospitalizations, and more often died at home. We recommend future controlled studies that try to further increase identification of patients eligible for anticipatory palliative care. The Netherlands National Trial Register: NTR2815 date 07-04-2010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bregje Thoonsen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Kris Vissers
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - S Verhagen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - J Prins
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - H Bor
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - C van Weel
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - M Groot
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Y Engels
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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13
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Freeman S, Hirdes JP, Stolee P, Garcia J, Smith TF, Steel K, Morris JN. Care planning needs of palliative home care clients: Development of the interRAI palliative care assessment clinical assessment protocols (CAPs). BMC Palliat Care 2014; 13:58. [PMID: 25550682 PMCID: PMC4279598 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-13-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interRAI Palliative Care (interRAI PC) assessment instrument provides a standardized, comprehensive means to identify person-specific need and supports clinicians to address important factors such as aspects of function, health, and social support. The interRAI Clinical Assessment Protocols (CAPs) inform clinicians of priority issues requiring further investigation where specific intervention may be warranted and equip clinicians with evidence to better inform development of a person-specific plan of care. This is the first study to describe the interRAI PC CAP development process and provide an overview of distributional properties of the eight interRAI PC CAPs among community dwelling adults receiving palliative home care services. METHODS Secondary data analysis used interRAI PC assessments (N = 6,769) collected as part of regular clinical practice at baseline (N = 6,769) and follow-up (N = 1,000). Clients across six regional jurisdictions in Ontario, Canada, assessed to receive palliative homecare services between 2006 and 2011 were included (mean age 70.0 years; ±13.4 years). Descriptive analyses focused on the eight interRAI PC CAPs: Fatigue, Sleep Disturbance, Nutrition, Pressure Ulcers, Pain, Dyspnea, Mood Disturbance and Delirium. RESULTS The majority of clients triggered at least one CAP while two thirds triggered two or more. Triggering rates ranged from 74% for the Fatigue CAP to less than 15% for the Delirium and Pressure Ulcers CAPs. The hierarchical CAP triggering structure suggested Fatigue and Dyspnea CAPs were persistent issues prevalent among the majority of clients while Delirium and Pressure Ulcers CAPs rarely trigger in isolation and most often trigger later in the illness trajectory. CONCLUSION When any of the eight interRAI PC CAPs are triggered, clinicians should take notice. CAPs triggered at high rates such as fatigue, dyspnea, and pain warrant increased attention for the majority of clients. Consideration of triggered CAPs provide evidence to inform a collaborative decision making process on whether or not issues raised by the CAPs should be addressed in the plan of care. Integrating evidence from the interRAI PC CAPs into the clinical decision making process support care planning to address client strengths, preferences and needs with greater acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Freeman
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, British Columbia V2N 4Z9 Canada
| | - John P Hirdes
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON N2L 6P4 Canada
| | - Paul Stolee
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON N2L 6P4 Canada
| | - John Garcia
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON N2L 6P4 Canada
| | - Trevor Frise Smith
- Department of Sociology, Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario Canada
| | - Knight Steel
- Retired Chief Emeritus of Geriatrics, Hackensack University Medical Center, 20 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601 USA
| | - John N Morris
- Hebrew Senior Life, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131 USA
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14
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Kötzsch F, Stiel S, Heckel M, Ostgathe C, Klein C. Care trajectories and survival after discharge from specialized inpatient palliative care--results from an observational follow-up study. Support Care Cancer 2014; 23:627-34. [PMID: 25142704 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2393-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the patients' individual care trajectories after discharge or transfer from inpatient palliative care units (PCU) to other care settings. This study aims to survey the further care trajectory and overall survival from the time of discharge of patients in a palliative care situation. Patient groups from either the PCU or the palliative care mobile support team (PCMT) are compared in order to analyze the demographic data, discharge settings, frequency of changes of care settings, overall survival from the time of discharge and place of death. METHODS In a mono-centre prospective observational study, patients discharged or transferred from a German inpatient PCU or from other hospital wards with support of the PCMT were invited to participate in this study. After discharge, the central care provider, such as inpatient hospices, nursing homes or general practitioners, was asked for information on the care trajectory and on readmissions to hospital in four weekly follow-up phone calls until the patients' death. Place of death and overall survival from the time of discharge were noted. RESULTS During the study period, 467 inpatients from the PCU and 554 inpatients from the PCMT were treated. Ultimately, 418 were discharged. Two hundred forty-five patients agreed to participate in the study, and the majority of them were either discharged home (60.8 %), to inpatient hospices (20.0 %) or to nursing homes (11.0 %). More than half of all of them (55.9 %) stayed continuously in their discharge setting. The remaining 44.1 % experienced a mean number of 3.1 ± 4.1 changes of care setting. Most frequently, patients changed their care setting from private home to hospital (N = 110; 32.4 %) and from hospital back to private home (N = 82; 24.4 %). Patients' mean overall survival from the time of discharge was 51.7 days (median 24.0 days, range 1-488 days). Most patients died in their private home (35.9 %), inpatient hospices (23.3 %) or inpatient PCUs (22.4 %). CONCLUSIONS The results show a high percentage of stable care trajectories at the end of life with few or no changes of care setting. To achieve this, well-considered discharge planning and an adequately chosen network of care providers are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Kötzsch
- Department of Palliative Medicine & Comprehensive Cancer Center, CCC Erlangen-EMN, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Krankenhausstraße 12, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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15
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Burge F, Lawson B, Johnston G, Asada Y, McIntyre PF, Grunfeld E, Flowerdew G. Bereaved family member perceptions of patient-focused family-centred care during the last 30 days of life using a mortality follow-back survey: does location matter? BMC Palliat Care 2014; 13:25. [PMID: 24855451 PMCID: PMC4030729 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-13-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving end-of-life care is an important international issue. Recently Nova Scotia researchers conducted a mortality follow-back survey to provide a population-based description of care provided to adults during their last 30 days of life as perceived by knowledgeable bereaved family members. Here we describe the relationship between the location where the decedent received the majority of care during their last 30 days and the informant's perception of the extent of unmet need, as defined by multiple domains of patient-focused, family-centred care. METHOD Death certificate identified informants (next-of-kin) of eligible adults who died between June 2009 and May 2011, in Nova Scotia, Canada were invited to participate in a telephone interview based on the After-Death Bereaved Family Member Interview. Whether or not the informant expressed unmet need or concerns for six patient-focused, family-centred care domains were assessed in relation to the location where the majority of care occurred during the decedent's last 30 days. RESULTS 1358 informants took part (25% response rate). Results of 1316 eligible interviews indicated home (39%) was the most common location of care, followed by long-term care (29%), hospital (23%) and hospital-based palliative-care units (9%). Unmet need ranged from 5.6% for dyspnea help to 66% for the emotional and spiritual needs of the family. Although the mean score for overall satisfaction was high (mean = 8.7 in 1-10 scale; SD 1.8), 57% were not completely satisfied. Compared to home, adjusted results indicated greater dissatisfaction with overall care and greater communication concerns in the hospital. Greater unmet need occurred at home for dyspnea. Less overall dissatisfaction and unmet need were expressed about care provided in long-term care facilities and hospital-based palliative-care units. CONCLUSION Bereaved informants were generally highly satisfied with the decedent's care during their last 30 days but variations were evident. Overall, no one location stood out as exceptionally different in terms of perceived unmet need within each of the patient-focused, family-centred care domains. Communication in various forms and family emotional and spiritual support were consistently viewed as lacking in all locations and identified as targeted areas for impacting quality care at end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Burge
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans Memorial Lane, Abbie J. Lane Building, 8th Floor, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2, Canada
| | - Beverley Lawson
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans Memorial Lane, Abbie J. Lane Building, 8th Floor, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2, Canada
| | - Grace Johnston
- School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, 5161 George St, Suite 700, PO Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Yukiko Asada
- Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Center for Clinical Research (2nd & 4th Floors), 5790 University Avenue, PO Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Paul F McIntyre
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Room 307, Bethune Building, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, 1276 South Park Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y9, Canada
| | - Eva Grunfeld
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Room 352, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Gordon Flowerdew
- Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Center for Clinical Research (2nd & 4th Floors), 5790 University Avenue, PO Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
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16
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Hui D, Nooruddin Z, Didwaniya N, Dev R, De La Cruz M, Kim SH, Kwon JH, Hutchins R, Liem C, Bruera E. Concepts and definitions for "actively dying," "end of life," "terminally ill," "terminal care," and "transition of care": a systematic review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 47:77-89. [PMID: 23796586 PMCID: PMC3870193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The terms "actively dying," "end of life," "terminally ill," "terminal care," and "transition of care" are commonly used but rarely and inconsistently defined. OBJECTIVES We conducted a systematic review to examine the concepts and definitions for these terms. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL for published peer-reviewed articles from 1948 to 2012 that conceptualized, defined, or examined these terms. Two researchers independently reviewed each citation for inclusion and then extracted the concepts/definitions when available. We also searched 10 dictionaries, four palliative care textbooks, and 13 organization Web sites, including the U.S. Federal Code. RESULTS One of 16, three of 134, three of 44, two of 93, and four of 17 articles defined or conceptualized actively dying, end of life, terminally ill, terminal care, and transition of care, respectively. Actively dying was defined as "hours or days of survival." We identified two key defining features for end of life, terminally ill, and terminal care: life-limiting disease with irreversible decline and expected survival in terms of months or less. Transition of care was discussed in relation to changes in 1) place of care (e.g., hospital to home), 2) level of professions providing the care (e.g., acute care to hospice), and 3) goals of care (e.g., curative to palliative). Definitions for these five terms were rarely found in dictionaries, textbooks, and organizational Web sites. However, when available, the definitions were generally consistent with the concepts discussed previously. CONCLUSION We identified unifying concepts for five commonly used terms in palliative care and developed a preliminary conceptual framework toward building standardized definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Zohra Nooruddin
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Neha Didwaniya
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rony Dev
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Maxine De La Cruz
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sun Hyun Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Myong Ji Hospital, Kwandong University, College of Medicine, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hye Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ronald Hutchins
- Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christiana Liem
- Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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17
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Aaltonen M, Forma L, Rissanen P, Raitanen J, Jylhä M. Effects of municipality factors on care transitions. Scand J Public Health 2013; 41:604-15. [DOI: 10.1177/1403494813484396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To analyse whether transitions between care settings differ between municipalities in the last 2 years of life among older people in Finland. Methods: Data were derived from Finnish national registers, and include all those who died in 2002 and 2003 at the age of 70 or older except those living in very small municipalities ( n=67,027). Data include admissions and discharges from health and social care facilities (university hospitals, general hospitals, health centres, residential care facilities) and time spent outside care facilities for 730 days prior to death. Three-level negative binomial regression analyses were performed to study the effect of municipal factors on (1) the total number of all care transitions, (2) the number of transitions between home and different care facilities, and (3) transitions between different care facilities. Results: The municipality of residence had only a minor effect on the total number of care transitions, but greater variation between municipalities was found when different types of care transition were examined separately. Largest differences were found in care transitions involving specialised care. Age structure, urbanity, and economic situation of the municipality had an impact on several different care transitions. Conclusion: The total number of care transitions in 2 final years of life was approximately similar irrespective of the municipality of residence, but the findings imply differences in transitioning specialised care. Potentially, this may suggest inequality between the municipalities, but more detailed studies are needed to confirm the factors underlying these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Aaltonen
- Gerontology Research Center and School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Leena Forma
- Gerontology Research Center and School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pekka Rissanen
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jani Raitanen
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marja Jylhä
- Gerontology Research Center and School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
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18
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D’Angelo D, Vellone E, Alvaro R, Chiara M, Casale G, Stefania L, Latina R, Matarese M, De Marinis MG. Transitions between care settings after enrolment in a palliative care service in Italy: a retrospective analysis. Int J Palliat Nurs 2013; 19:110-5. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2013.19.3.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Latina
- School of Public Health, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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19
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De Korte-Verhoef MC, Pasman HRW, Schweitzer BPM, Francke AL, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Deliens L. End-of-life hospital referrals by out-of-hours general practitioners: a retrospective chart study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2012; 13:89. [PMID: 22913666 PMCID: PMC3515356 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-13-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Many patients are transferred from home to hospital during the final phase of life and the majority die in hospital. The aim of the study is to explore hospital referrals of palliative care patients for whom an out-of-hours general practitioner was called. Methods A retrospective descriptive chart study was conducted covering a one-year period (1/Nov/2005 to 1/Nov/2006) in all eight out-of-hours GP co-operatives in the Amsterdam region (Netherlands). All symptoms, sociodemographic and medical characteristics were recorded in 529 charts for palliative care patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the variables associated with hospital referrals at the end of life. Results In all, 13% of all palliative care patients for whom an out-of-hours general practitioner was called were referred to hospital. Palliative care patients with cancer (OR 5,1), cardiovascular problems (OR 8,3), digestive problems (OR 2,5) and endocrine, metabolic and nutritional (EMN) problems (OR 2,5) had a significantly higher chance of being referred. Patients receiving professional nursing care (OR 0,2) and patients for whom their own general practitioner had transferred information to the out-of-hours cooperative (OR 0,4) had a significantly lower chance of hospital referral. The most frequent reasons for hospital referral, as noted by the out-of-hours general practitioner, were digestive (30%), EMN (19%) and respiratory (17%) problems. Conclusion Whilst acknowledging that an out-of-hours hospital referral can be the most desirable option in some situations, this study provides suggestions for avoiding undesirable hospital referrals by out-of-hours general practitioners at the end of life. These include anticipating digestive, EMN, respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms in palliative care patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C De Korte-Verhoef
- VU University medical center, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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20
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DeMiglio L, Williams A. Shared care: the barriers encountered by community-based palliative care teams in Ontario, Canada. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2012; 20:420-429. [PMID: 22469189 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2524.2012.01060.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
To meet the complex needs of patients requiring palliative care and to deliver holistic end-of-life care to patients and their families, an interprofessional team approach is recommended. Expert palliative care teams work to improve the quality of life of patients and families through pain and symptom management, and psychosocial spiritual and bereavement support. By establishing shared care models in the community setting, teams support primary healthcare providers such as family physicians and community nurses who often have little exposure to palliative care in their training. As a result, palliative care teams strive to improve not only the end-of-life experience of patients and families, but also the palliative care capacity of primary healthcare providers. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the views and experiences of community-based palliative care team members and key-informants about the barriers involved using a shared care model to provide care in the community. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse interviews with five community-based palliative care teams and six key-informants, which took place between December 2010 and March 2011. Using the 3-I framework, this study explores the impacts of Institution-related barriers (i.e. the healthcare system), Interest-related barriers (i.e. motivations of stakeholders) and Idea-related barriers (i.e. values of stakeholders and information/research), on community-based palliative care teams in Ontario, Canada. On the basis of the perspective of team members and key-informants, it is suggested that palliative care teams experience sociopolitical barriers in an effort to establish shared care in the community setting. It is important to examine the barriers encountered by palliative care teams to address how to better develop and sustain them in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily DeMiglio
- School of Geography & Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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21
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Wilson DM, Thomas R, Kovacs Burns KK, Hewitt JA, Osei-Waree J, Robertson S. Canadian rural-urban differences in end-of-life care setting transitions. Glob J Health Sci 2012; 4:1-13. [PMID: 22980372 PMCID: PMC4776943 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v4n5p1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have focused on the care setting transitions that occur in the last year of life. A three part mixed-methods study was conducted to gain an understanding of the number and implications or impact of care setting transitions in the last year of life for rural Canadians. Provincial health services utilization data, national online survey data, and local qualitative interview data were analyzed to gain general and specific information for consideration. Rural Albertans had significantly more healthcare setting transitions than urbanites in the last year of life (M=4.2 vs 3.3). Online family respondents reported 8 moves on average occurred for family members in the last year of life. These moves were most often identified (65%) on a likert-type scale as “very difficult,” with the free text information revealing these trips were often emotionally painful for themselves and physically painful for their ill family member. Eleven informants were then interviewed until data saturation, with constant-comparative data analysis conducted for a more in-depth understanding of rural transitions. Moving from place to place for needed care in the last year of life was identified as common and concerning for rural people and their families, with three data themes developing: (a) needed care in the last year of life is scattered across many places, (b) travelling is very difficult for terminally-ill persons and their caregivers, and (c) local rural services are minimal. These findings indicate planning is needed to avoid unnecessary end-of-life care setting transitions and to make needed moves for essential services in the last year of life less costly, stressful, and socially disruptive for rural people and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna M Wilson
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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22
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Duursma F, Schers HJ, Vissers KC, Hasselaar J. Study protocol: optimization of complex palliative care at home via telemedicine. A cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Palliat Care 2011; 10:13. [PMID: 21827696 PMCID: PMC3176474 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-10-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the growing number of elderly with advanced chronic conditions, healthcare services will come under increasing pressure. Teleconsultation is an innovative approach to deliver quality of care for palliative patients at home. Quantitative studies assessing the effect of teleconsultation on clinical outcomes are scarce. The aim of this present study is to investigate the effectiveness of teleconsultation in complex palliative homecare. METHODS/DESIGN During a 2-year recruitment period, GPs are invited to participate in this cluster randomized controlled trial. When a GP refers an eligible patient for the study, the GP is randomized to the intervention group or the control group. Patients in the intervention group have a weekly teleconsultation with a nurse practitioner and/or a physician of the palliative consultation team. The nurse practitioner, in cooperation with the palliative care specialist of the palliative consultation team, advises the GP on treatment policy of the patient. The primary outcome of patient symptom burden is assessed at baseline and weekly using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and at baseline and every four weeks using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Secondary outcomes are self-perceived burden from informal care (EDIZ), patient experienced continuity of medical care (NCQ), patient and caregiver satisfaction with the teleconsultation (PSQ), the experienced problems and needs in palliative care (PNPC-sv) and the number of hospital admissions. DISCUSSION This is one of the first randomized controlled trials in palliative telecare. Our data will verify whether telemedicine positively affects palliative homecare. TRIAL REGISTRATION The Netherlands National Trial Register NTR2817.
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Affiliation(s)
- Froukje Duursma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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23
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Age-Based Differences in Care Setting Transitions over the Last Year of Life. Curr Gerontol Geriatr Res 2011; 2011:101276. [PMID: 21837238 PMCID: PMC3152954 DOI: 10.1155/2011/101276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Context. Little is known about the number and types of moves made in the last year of life to obtain healthcare and end-of-life support, with older adults more vulnerable to care setting transition issues. Research Objective. Compare care setting transitions across older (65+ years) and younger individuals. Design. Secondary analyses of provincial hospital and ambulatory database data. Every individual who lived in the province for one year prior to death from April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2007 was retained (N = 19, 397). Results. Transitions averaged 3.5, with 3.9 and 3.4 for younger and older persons, respectively. Older persons also had fewer ER and ambulatory visits, fewer procedures performed in the last year of life, but longer inpatient stays (42.7 days versus 36.2 for younger persons). Conclusion. Younger and older persons differ somewhat in the number and type of end-of-life care setting transitions, a matter for continuing research and healthcare policy.
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24
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Lawson BJ, Burge FI, McIntyre P, Field S, Maxwell D. Can the introduction of an integrated service model to an existing comprehensive palliative care service impact emergency department visits among enrolled patients? J Palliat Med 2010; 12:245-52. [PMID: 19231926 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2008.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Fewer emergency department (ED) visits may be a potential indicator of quality of care during the end of life. Receipt of palliative care, such as that offered by the adult Palliative Care Service (PCS) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is associated with reduced ED visits. In June 2004, an integrated service model was introduced into the Halifax PCS with the objective of improving outcomes and enhancing care provider coordination and communication. The purpose of this study was to explore temporal trends in ED visits among PCS patients before and after integrated service model implementation. METHODS PCS and ED visit data were utilized in this secondary data analysis. Subjects included all adult patients enrolled in the Halifax PCS between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2005, who had died during this period (N = 3221). Temporal trends in ED utilization were evaluated dichotomously as preintegration or postintegration of the new service model and across 6-month time blocks. Adjustments for patient characteristics were performed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Fewer patients (29%) made at least one ED visit postintegration compared to the preintegration time period (36%, p < 0.001). Following adjustments, PCS patients enrolled postintegration were 20% less likely to have made at least one ED visit than those enrolled preintegration (adjusted OR 0.8; 95% confidence interval 0.6-1.0). CONCLUSION There is some evidence to suggest the introduction of the integrated service model has resulted in a decline in ED visits among PCS patients. Further research is needed to evaluate whether the observed reduction persists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley J Lawson
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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25
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Aaltonen M, Forma L, Rissanen P, Raitanen J, Jylhä M. Transitions in health and social service system at the end of life. Eur J Ageing 2010; 7:91-100. [PMID: 28798621 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-010-0155-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2009] [Accepted: 04/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on the amount and types of transitions in health and social service system during the last 2 years of life and the places of death and among Finnish people aged 70-79, 80-89 and 90 or older. The data set, derived from multiple national registers, consists of 75,578 people who died between 1998 and 2001. The services included university hospitals, general hospitals, health centres and residential care facilities. The most common place of death was the municipal health centre: half of the whole research population died in a health centre. The place of death varied by age and gender: men and people in younger age groups died more often in general or in university hospital or at home, while dying in health centres or in residential care homes was more common among women or the very old. Number of transitions varied from zero to over a hundred transitions during the last 2 years. Number of transitions increased as death approached. Men and younger age groups had more transitions than women and older age groups. Among men and younger age groups transitions between home and general or university hospital were common while transitions between home and health centre or residential care were more common to women and older people. The results indicate that municipal health centres have a major role as care providers as death approaches. Differences between gender and age in numbers and types of transitions were clear. Future research is needed to clarify the causes to these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Aaltonen
- Tampere School of Public Health, University of Tampere, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Leena Forma
- Tampere School of Public Health, University of Tampere, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Pekka Rissanen
- Tampere School of Public Health, University of Tampere, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Jani Raitanen
- Tampere School of Public Health, University of Tampere, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Marja Jylhä
- Tampere School of Public Health, University of Tampere, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
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26
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Duggleby WD, Penz KL, Goodridge DM, Wilson DM, Leipert BD, Berry PH, Keall SR, Justice CJ. The transition experience of rural older persons with advanced cancer and their families: a grounded theory study. BMC Palliat Care 2010; 9:5. [PMID: 20420698 PMCID: PMC2876144 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-9-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transitions often occur suddenly and can be traumatic to both patients with advanced disease and their families. The purpose of this study was to explore the transition experience of older rural persons with advanced cancer and their families from the perspective of palliative home care patients, bereaved family caregivers, and health care professionals. The specific aims were to: (1) describe the experience of significant transitions experienced by older rural persons who were receiving palliative home care and their families and (2) develop a substantive theory of transitions in this population. METHODS Using a grounded theory approach, 27 open-ended individual audio-taped interviews were conducted with six older rural persons with advanced cancer and 10 bereaved family caregivers. Four focus group interviews were conducted with 12 palliative care health care professionals. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory approach. RESULTS Within a rural context of isolation, lack of information and limited accessibility to services, and values of individuality and community connectedness, older rural palliative patients and their families experienced multiple complex transitions in environment, roles/relationships, activities of daily living, and physical and mental health. Transitions disrupted the lives of palliative patients and their caregivers, resulting in distress and uncertainty. Rural palliative patients and their families adapted to transitions through the processes of "Navigating Unknown Waters". This tentative theory includes processes of coming to terms with their situation, connecting, and redefining normal. Timely communication, provision of information and support networks facilitated the processes. CONCLUSION The emerging theory provides a foundation for future research. Significant transitions identified in this study may serve as a focus for improving delivery of palliative and end of life care in rural areas. Improved understanding of the transitions experienced by advanced cancer palliative care patients and their families, as well as the psychological processes involved in adapting to the transitions, will help health care providers address the unique needs of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy D Duggleby
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 3rd floor Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Kelly L Penz
- Nursing Division, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, 4500 Wascana Parkway, Regina Saskatchewan, S4P 3A3, Canada
| | - Donna M Goodridge
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Donna M Wilson
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 3rd floor Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Beverly D Leipert
- School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, Health Sciences Addition, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Patricia H Berry
- Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, College of Nursing, University of Utah, 10 South 2000 East Front, Salt Lake City, 84112-5880, USA
| | - Sylvia R Keall
- Five Hills Health Region, 1000 Albert Street, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, S6H 2Y2, Canada
| | - Christopher J Justice
- Department of Anthropology University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road Victoria British Columbia V8W 3P5, Canada
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27
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Abarshi E, Echteld M, Van den Block L, Donker G, Deliens L, Onwuteaka-Philipsen B. Transitions between care settings at the end of life in the Netherlands: results from a nationwide study. Palliat Med 2010; 24:166-74. [PMID: 20007818 DOI: 10.1177/0269216309351381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Multiple transitions between care settings in the last phase of life could jeopardize continuity of care and overall end-of-life patient care. Using a mortality follow-back study, we examined the nature and prevalence of transitions between Dutch care settings in the last 3 months of life, and identified potential characteristics associated with them. During the 2-year study period, 690 registered patients died 'totally expectedly and non-suddenly'. These made 709 transitions in the last 3 months, which involved a hospital two times out of three, and covered 43 distinct care trajectories. The most frequent trajectory was home-to-hospital (48%). Forty-six percent experienced one or more transitions in their last month of life. Male gender, multi-morbidities, and absence of GP awareness of a patient's wish for place of death were associated with having a transition in the last 30 days of life; age of < or = 85 years, having an infection and the absence of a palliative-centred treatment goal were associated with terminal hospitalization for > or = 7 days. Although the majority of the 'totally expected and non-sudden' deaths occurred at home, transitions to hospitals were relatively frequent. To minimize abrupt or frequent transitions just before death, timely recognition of the palliative phase of dying is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebun Abarshi
- Department of Public and Occupational Care, The EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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28
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Abarshi E, Onwuteaka-Philipsen B, Donker G, Echteld M, Van den Block L, Deliens L. General practitioner awareness of preferred place of death and correlates of dying in a preferred place: a nationwide mortality follow-back study in the Netherlands. J Pain Symptom Manage 2009; 38:568-77. [PMID: 19692201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2008.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Revised: 11/24/2008] [Accepted: 01/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To improve the quality of end-of-life care, general practitioner (GP) awareness of where their patients prefer to die is important. To examine GP awareness of patients' preferred place of death (POD), associated patient- and care-related characteristics, and the congruence between preferred and actual POD in The Netherlands, a mortality follow-back study was conducted between January 2005 and December 2006. Standardized registration forms were used to collect data on all nonsudden deaths (n=637) by means of the Dutch Sentinel Network, a nationally representative network of general practices. Forty-six percent of patients had GPs who were not aware of their preferred POD. Of those whose GPs were aware, 88% had preferred to die in a private or care home, 10% in a hospice or palliative care unit, and 2% in a hospital. GPs were informed by the patients themselves in 84% of cases. Having financial status "above average," a life-prolongation or palliative care goal, and using specialist palliative care services were associated with higher GP-awareness odds. Four-fifth of patients with known preferred POD died there. There is a potential for improving GP awareness of patients' preferred POD. Such awareness is enhanced when palliation is an active part of end-of-life care. The hospital is the POD least preferred by dying patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebun Abarshi
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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29
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Walshe C, Todd C, Caress A, Chew-Graham C. Patterns of access to community palliative care services: a literature review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2009; 37:884-912. [PMID: 19097748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2008.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2008] [Revised: 04/28/2008] [Accepted: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Policies state that access to palliative care should be provided according to principles of equity. Such principles would include the absence of disparities in access to health care that are systematically associated with social advantage. A review of the literature a decade ago identified that patients with different characteristics used community palliative care services in variable ways that appeared inequitable. The objective of this literature review was to review recent literature to identify whether such variability remains. Searching included the use of electronic databases, scrutinizing bibliographies, and hand searching journals. Articles were included if they were published after 1997 (the date of the previous review) up to the beginning of 2008, and if they reported any data that investigated the characteristics of adult patients in relation to their relative utilization of community palliative care services, with reference to a comparator population. Forty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Patients still access community palliative care services in variable ways. Those who are older, male, from ethnic minority populations, not married, without a home carer, are socioeconomically disadvantaged, and who do not have cancer are all less likely to access community palliative care services. These studies do not identify the reasons for such variable access, or whether such variability is warranted with reference to clinical need or other factors. Studies tend to focus on access to specialist palliative care services without looking at the complexities of service use. Studies need to move beyond description of utilization patterns, and examine whether such patterns are inequitable, and what is happening in the referral or other processes that may result in such patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Walshe
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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30
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Hanratty B, Goldacre M, Griffith M, Whitehead M, Capewell S. Making the most of routine data in palliative care research--a case study analysis of linked hospital and mortality data on cancer and heart failure patients in Scotland and Oxford. Palliat Med 2008; 22:744-9. [PMID: 18715974 DOI: 10.1177/0269216308095021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The research base of palliative care is growing rapidly, but despite methodological advances, some of the practical challenges of working with people at the end of life will persist. This means that analysis of routine data is arguably more important in studying palliative care than it is in other aspects of health services research. End-of-life researchers have been using the high-quality linked data from cancer registries for many years. This paper explores the value of a less well-known resource for palliative care research: linked mortality and hospital activity data. Two case studies are presented using information from Scotland (population 5.1 million) and the former Oxford region of England (population 2.5 million). The advantages and limitations of linked hospital and mortality data for research and service planning in palliative care are drawn out through analyses investigating hospital bed utilisation by people with cancer and heart failure and the influence of social deprivation on the use of hospital services in the last year of life. The use of such data deserves a higher profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Hanratty
- Division of Public Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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31
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Steele R, Derman S, Cadell S, Davies B, Siden H, Straatman L. Families’ transition to a Canadian paediatric hospice. Part one: planning a pilot study. Int J Palliat Nurs 2008; 14:248-56. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2008.14.5.29492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Steele
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sarah Derman
- Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Susan Cadell
- Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Betty Davies
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hal Siden
- Department of Paediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lynn Straatman
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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32
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Lawson BJ, Burge FI, Mcintyre P, Field S, Maxwell D. Palliative care patients in the emergency department. J Palliat Care 2008; 24:247-255. [PMID: 19227016 PMCID: PMC4894814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Although end-of-life care is not a primary function of the emergency department (ED), in reality, many access this department in the later stages of illness. In this study, ED use by patients registered with the Capital Health Integrated Palliative Care Service (CHIPCS) is examined and CHIPCS patient characteristics associated with ED use identified. Overall, 27% of patients made at least one ED visit while registered with CHIPCS; 54% of these resulted in a hospital admission. ED visiting was not associated with time of day or day of the week. Multivariate logistic regression results suggest older patients were significantly less likely to make an ED visit. Making an ED visit was associated with hospital death, rural residence (particularly for women), and having a parent or relative other than a spouse or child as the primary caregiver. Further research may suggest strategies to reduce unnecessary ED visits during the end of life.
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Abstract
As options for systemic therapy for cancer continue to expand and median survival for many solid tumors lengthens, the divisions between active oncologic and palliative care continue to blur. Despite the well-recognized need to integrate palliative support for those with metastatic cancer, data on best practices facilitating the transition from active oncologic to active palliative care are lacking. Recent evidence outlining evolving issues surrounding this transition in care is reviewed, emphasizing the need for rigorous research efforts to define best practices and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rayson
- Division of Medical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 2Y9.
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34
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Van den Block L, Van Casteren V, Deschepper R, Bossuyt N, Drieskens K, Bauwens S, Bilsen J, Deliens L. Nationwide monitoring of end-of-life care via the Sentinel Network of General Practitioners in Belgium: the research protocol of the SENTI-MELC study. BMC Palliat Care 2007; 6:6. [PMID: 17922893 PMCID: PMC2222051 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-6-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2007] [Accepted: 10/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background End-of-life care has become an issue of great clinical and public health concern. From analyses of official death certificates, we have societal knowledge on how many people die, at what age, where and from what causes. However, we know little about how people are dying. There is a lack of population-based and nationwide data that evaluate and monitor the circumstances of death and the care received in the final months of life. The present study was designed to describe the places of end-of-life care and care transitions, the caregivers involved in patient care and the actual treatments and care provided to dying patients in Belgium. The patient, residence and healthcare characteristics associated with these aspects of end-of-life care provision will also be studied. In this report, the protocol of the study is outlined. Methods/Design We designed a nationwide mortality follow-back study with data collection in 2005 and 2006, via the nationwide Belgian Sentinel Network of General Practitioners (GPs) i.e. an existing epidemiological surveillance system representative of all GPs in Belgium, covering 1.75% of the total Belgian population. All GPs were asked to report weekly, on a standardized registration form, every patient (>1 year) in their practice who had died, and to identify patients who had died "non-suddenly." The last three months of these patients' lives were surveyed retrospectively. Several quality control measures were used to ensure data of high scientific quality. Discussion In 2005 and 2006, respectively 1385 and 1305 deaths were identified of which 66% and 63% died non-suddenly. The first results are expected in 2007. Via this study, we will build a descriptive epidemiological database on end-of-life care provision in Belgium, which might serve as baseline measurement to monitor end-of-life care over time. The study will inform medical practice as well as healthcare authorities in setting up an end-of-life care policy. We publish the protocol here to inform others, in particular countries with analogue GP surveillance networks, on the possibilities of performing end-of-life care research. A preliminary analysis of the possible strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of our research is outlined.
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35
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Lawson B, Burge FI, Critchley P, McIntyre P. Factors associated with multiple transitions in care during the end of life following enrollment in a comprehensive palliative care program. BMC Palliat Care 2006; 5:4. [PMID: 16734892 PMCID: PMC1557663 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-5-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2006] [Accepted: 05/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients often experience changes or transitions in where and by whom they are cared for at the end of life. These cause stress for both patients and families. Although not all transitions during the end of life can be avoided, advance identification of those who could potentially experience numerous transitions may allow providers and caregivers to anticipate the problem and consider strategies to minimize their occurrence. This study examines the relationship between patient characteristics and the total number of transitions experienced by the patient from the date of admission to a palliative care program (PCP) to death and during final weeks of life. Methods Subjects included all adults registered with the PCP in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada between 1998 and 2002 and who had died during that period. Data was extracted from the regional PCP database and linked to census information. Transitions were defined as either: 1) a change in location of where the patient was cared for; or 2) a change in which service (specialist groupings, primary care, etc) provided care. Descriptive statistics were calculated plus rate ratios for the association between patient characteristics and total number of transitions. Results In total, 3972 patients made 5903 transitions during the study period. Although 28% experienced no transitions, over 40% experienced one and 6.3% five or more. At least one transition was made by 47% during the last four weeks of life. Adjusted results suggest women, the elderly and more recent death are associated with experiencing fewer transitions. Multiple transitions were associated with a hospital death and a cancer diagnosis. During the last month of life, age was no longer associated with the total number of transitions, cancer patients were found to experience a similar number or fewer transitions than patients with a non-cancer diagnosis and pain and symptom control become a significant factor associated with a greater number of transitions. Conclusion Our data suggest there is some variation in the number of transitions associated with the demographics and diagnoses of patients. Associations with gender and age require further exploration as does the contribution of caregiver supports and symptom issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Lawson
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Frederick I Burge
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Paul McIntyre
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Dalhousie University/Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
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