1
|
Zuccarino S, Gioia A, Quattrone F, Nuti S, Emdin M, Ferrè F. Organisation and management of multi-professional care for cancer patients at end-of-life: state-of-the-art from a survey to community and hospital-based professionals. RESEARCH IN HEALTH SERVICES & REGIONS 2024; 3:15. [PMID: 39379785 PMCID: PMC11461375 DOI: 10.1007/s43999-024-00051-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Providing timely and satisficing End-of-Life care (EOLC) is a priority for healthcare systems since aging population and chronic diseases are boosting the global demand for care at end-of-life (EOL). In OECD countries the access to EOLC is insufficient. In Italy, the average rate of cancer patients assisted by the palliative care (PC) network at EOL was 28% in 2021, with high variability in the country. Among the Italian regions offering the best coverages, Tuscany has a rate of about 40%, but intraregional variation is marked as well. The study aims to explore the delivery of EOLC to adult cancer patients in public facilities in the Tuscany region through survey data collection among professionals. Two online surveys were delivered to Directors of community-based PC Functional-Units (FUs) and Directors of hospital-based medical-oncology units. All FU Directors responded to the survey (n = 14), and a response rate of 96% was achieved from hospital-unit Directors (n = 27). The results highlight the availability of numerous dedicated services, but reveal heterogeneity among and within organisations, including variations in the professionals involved, pathways, and tools adopted. Care continuity is supported by institutionalized collaboration between hospital and community settings, but hindered by fragmented care processes and heterogeneous transition pathways. Late referral to PC is perceived as a major constraint to EOLC. Developing structured pathways for patient transition to end-stage PC is crucial, and practices/processes should be uniformly implemented to ensure equity. Multi-professional care should be facilitated through tailored supporting tools. Both hospital-unit and FU Directors suggest developing shared pathways between organisations/professionals (82% and 80% respectively) and digital information sharing (61% and 80% respectively). Hospital and community-based professionals have similar perceptions about the concerns and challenges to EOLC provision in the region, but community-based professionals are more sensitive to the importance of improving communication on PC to the public and early discussing EOLC with caregivers. This finding suggests the need of enhancing hospital personnel's awareness about these issues. Professional training and the capacity to assess patients' needs and preferences should be improved. The identified needs can inform future research and interventions to improve the quality and outcomes of EOLC for cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Zuccarino
- Management and Healthcare Laboratory, Institute of Management and Department EMbeDS, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Angela Gioia
- Hospice, UF Cure Palliative, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Quattrone
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabina Nuti
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrè
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università Statale Di Milano, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pirzada S, Papineau K, Pankratz L, Gill G, Hensel J, Reynolds K, Bolton JM, Hiebert T, Olafson K, El-Gabalawy R, La Rivière C, Kredentser MS, Chochinov HM. The first casualty of COVID-19 for patients nearing death was human dignity: Understanding the experience of palliative care patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38950572 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2353974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way people lived, but also the way they died. It accentuated the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual vulnerabilities of patients approaching death. This study explored the lived experience of palliative inpatients during the pandemic. We conducted interviews with 22 palliative inpatients registered in a Canadian urban palliative care program, aimed to uncover how the pandemic impacted participants' experiences of approaching end-of-life. The reflexive thematic analysis revealed 6 themes: putting off going into hospital, the influence of the pandemic on hospital experience, maintaining dignity in care, emotional impact of nearing death, making sense of end-of-life circumstances and coping with end-of-life. Findings highlight the vulnerability of patients approaching death, and how that was accentuated during the pandemic. Findings reveal how the pandemic strained, threatened, and undermined human connectedness. These lived experiences of palliative inpatients offer guidance for future pandemic planning and strategies for providing optimal palliative care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salina Pirzada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kelsey Papineau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lily Pankratz
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gagan Gill
- Department of Public Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jennifer Hensel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kristin Reynolds
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - James M Bolton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Tim Hiebert
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kendiss Olafson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Renée El-Gabalawy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Christian La Rivière
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Maia S Kredentser
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Harvey Max Chochinov
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alford H, Anvari N, Lengyel C, Wickson-Griffiths A, Hunter P, Yakiwchuk E, Cammer A. Resources to Support Decision-Making Regarding End-of-Life Nutrition Care in Long-Term Care: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:1163. [PMID: 38674853 PMCID: PMC11054792 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Resources are needed to aid healthcare providers and families in making end-of-life nutrition care decisions for residents living in long-term care settings. This scoping review aimed to explore what is reported in the literature about resources to support decision-making at the end of life in long-term care. Four databases were searched for research published from 2003 to June 2023. Articles included peer-reviewed human studies published in the English language that reported resources to support decision-making about end-of-life nutrition in long-term care settings. In total, 15 articles were included. Thematic analysis of the articles generated five themes: conversations about care, evidence-based decision-making, a need for multidisciplinary perspectives, honouring residents' goals of care, and cultural considerations for adapting resources. Multidisciplinary care teams supporting residents and their families during the end of life can benefit from resources to support discussion and facilitate decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Alford
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada; (H.A.); (N.A.); (E.Y.)
| | - Nadia Anvari
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada; (H.A.); (N.A.); (E.Y.)
| | - Christina Lengyel
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada;
| | | | - Paulette Hunter
- St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W6, Canada;
| | - Erin Yakiwchuk
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada; (H.A.); (N.A.); (E.Y.)
| | - Allison Cammer
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada; (H.A.); (N.A.); (E.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kaasalainen S, Wickson-Griffiths A, Hunter P, Thompson G, Kruizinga J, McCleary L, Sussman T, Venturato L, Shaw S, Boamah SA, Bourgeois-Guérin V, Hadjistavropoulos T, Macdonald M, Martin-Misener R, McClement S, Parker D, Penner J, Ploeg J, Sinclair S, Fisher K. Evaluation of the Strengthening a Palliative Approach in Long Term Care (SPA-LTC) programme: a protocol of a cluster randomised control trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073585. [PMID: 37880170 PMCID: PMC10603462 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the high mortality rates in long-term care (LTC) homes, most do not have a formalised palliative programme. Hence, our research team has developed the Strengthening a Palliative Approach in Long Term Care (SPA-LTC) programme. The goal of the proposed study is to examine the implementation and effectiveness of the SPA-LTC programme. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A cross-jurisdictional, effectiveness-implementation type II hybrid cluster randomised control trial design will be used to assess the SPA-LTC programme for 18 LTC homes (six homes within each of three provinces). Randomisation will occur at the level of the LTC home within each province, using a 1:1 ratio (three homes in the intervention and control groups). Baseline staff surveys will take place over a 3-month period at the beginning for both the intervention and control groups. The intervention group will then receive facilitated training and education for staff, and residents and their family members will participate in the SPA-LTC programme. Postintervention data collection will be conducted in a similar manner as in the baseline period for both groups. The overall target sample size will be 594 (297 per arm, 33 resident/family member participants per home, 18 homes). Data collection and analysis will involve organisational, staff, resident and family measures. The primary outcome will be a binary measure capturing any emergency department use in the last 6 months of life (resident); with secondary outcomes including location of death (resident), satisfaction and decisional conflict (family), knowledge and confidence implementing a palliative approach (staff), along with implementation outcomes (ie, feasibility, reach, fidelity and perceived sustainability of the SPA-LTC programme). The primary outcome will be analysed via multivariable logistic regression using generalised estimating equations. Intention-to-treat principles will be used in the analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has received ethical approval. Results will be disseminated at various presentations and feedback sessions; at provincial, national and international conferences, and in a series of manuscripts that will be submitted to peer-reviewed, open access journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT039359.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Kaasalainen
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Gladys Sharpe Chair in Nursing, School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Julia Kruizinga
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lynn McCleary
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tamara Sussman
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Sally Shaw
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheila A Boamah
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Susan McClement
- College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Deborah Parker
- Aged Care, University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jamie Penner
- College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shane Sinclair
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kathryn Fisher
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yu SY, Schellenberg J, Alleyne A. Dexmedetomidine use for patients in palliative care with intractable pain and delirium: A retrospective study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292016. [PMID: 37756303 PMCID: PMC10530014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients seen by the palliative care team often have difficult and intractable symptoms. The current standard of practice to manage these symptoms is the deeply sedating midazolam continuous subcutaneous infusion for patients who are expected to expire within hours to days. Dexmedetomidine provides sedation but lacks evidence in palliative care use. This study describes continuous subcutaneous infusion of dexmedetomidine's effect on refractory pain and delirium. Retrospective, observational chart review and conducted in accordance with SQUIRE (quality improvement study). Twenty adult patients (18 years of age or older) with metastatic cancer disease admitted to three palliative complex care units of Fraser Health who received continuous subcutaneous infusion of dexmedetomidine between January 2017 to August 31, 2019. Average length of dexmedetomidine use was 9 days (1/3 length of stay). Eight of the 13 patients with pain symptoms exhibited an overall decline in pain. Four of the 6 patients with delirium had an initial decrease in delirium, but it did not last beyond the first day. Despite progressive clinical deterioration, adjunctive medications decreased or remained the same for 53% of as needed medications and 65% for regularly scheduled medications. Forty-five percent of patients had ≥50% days of rousable sedation. Hypotension occurred in 85% of patients. Dexmedetomidine provided benefit in managing intractable pain while allowing patients to remain rousable, but only had a short effect on delirium symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yuan Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Burnaby Hospital, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Schellenberg
- Department of Pharmacy, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alison Alleyne
- Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, Fraser Health, Langley, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fiorentino M, Hwang F, Pentakota SR, Glass NE, Livingston DH, Mosenthal AC. The Geriatric Patient One Year After Trauma: Palliative Performance Scale Predicts Functional Outcomes. Injury 2023; 54:110957. [PMID: 37532666 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.110957] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frailty in trauma has been found to predict poor outcomes after injury including additional in-hospital complications, mortality, and discharge to dependent care. These gross outcome measures are insufficient when discussing long-term recovery as they do not address what is important to patients including functional status and quality of life. The purpose of this study is to determine if the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) predicts mortality and functional status one year after trauma in geriatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Prospective observational study of trauma survivors, age ≥55 years. Patients were stratified by pre-injury PPS high (>70) or low (≤70). Outcomes were functional status at 1 year measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE), Euroqol-5D and SF-36. Adjusted relative risks (aRR) were obtained using modified Poisson regression. RESULTS Follow-up was achieved on 215/301 patients. Mortality was 30% in low PPS group vs 8% in the high PPS group (P<0.001). A greater percentage of patients in the high group had a good functional outcome at one year compared to patients in the low group (78% vs 30% p<0.001). The high PPS patients were more likely to have improvement of GOSE at 1 year from discharge compared to low group (66% vs 27% P<0.001). Low PPS independently predicted poor functional outcome (aRR, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.79-3.89) and death at 1 year (aRR, 3.64; 95% confidence interval 1.68-7.92). An increased percentage of low PPS patients reported difficulty with mobility (91% vs 46% p<0.0001) and usual activities (82% vs 56% p=0.002). Both groups reported pain (65%) and anxiety/depression (47%). CONCLUSION Low pre-Injury PPS predicts mortality and poor functional outcomes one year after trauma. Low PPS patients were more likely to decline, rather than improve. Regardless of PPS, most patients have persistent pain, anxiety, and limitations in performing daily activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fiorentino
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Medical Science Building, Room G 594, Newark, NJ 07101.
| | - Franchesca Hwang
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Medical Science Building, Room G 594, Newark, NJ 07101
| | - Sri Ram Pentakota
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Medical Science Building, Room G 594, Newark, NJ 07101
| | - Nina E Glass
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Medical Science Building, Room G 594, Newark, NJ 07101
| | - David H Livingston
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Medical Science Building, Room G 594, Newark, NJ 07101
| | - Anne C Mosenthal
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Medical Science Building, Room G 594, Newark, NJ 07101
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rafaqat W, Syed AR, Ahmed IM, Hashmi S, Jabeen I, Rajwani S, Qamar U, Waqar MA. Impact of an outpatient palliative care consultation and symptom clusters in terminal patients at a tertiary care center in Pakistan. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:75. [PMID: 37344868 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01195-4] [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: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with terminal diseases may benefit physically and psychosocially from an outpatient palliative care visit. Palliative care services are limited in Pakistan. An improved understanding of the symptom clusters present in our population is needed. The first outpatient palliative care center in Karachi, Pakistan, was established at our tertiary care institution. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a palliative care outpatient consultation on symptom burden in patients with a terminal diagnosis. The secondary aim was to analyze the symptom clusters present in our population. METHODS Patients with a terminal diagnosis referred to our outpatient palliative department between August 2020-August 2022 were enrolled. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) questionnaire was administered at the initial visit and the first follow-up visit at one month. Change in symptom burden was assessed using a Wilcoxon signed ranks test. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation was performed on the symptoms reported at the initial visit to evaluate symptom clusters. The palliative performance scale (PPS) was used to measure the performance status of palliative care patients. RESULTS Among the 78 patients included in this study, the average age was 59 ± 16.6 years, 52.6% were males, 99% patients had an oncological diagnosis, and the median duration between two visits was 14 (Q1-Q3: (7.0, 21.0) days. The median PPS level was 60% (Q1-Q3: 50-70). Overall, ESAS scores decreased between the two visits (6.0 (2.8, 11.0), p < 0.001) with statistically significant improvement in pain (5.0 vs. 2.5, p < 0.001), loss of appetite (5.0 vs. 4.0, p = 0.004), depression (2.0 vs. 0.0, p < 0.001), and anxiety (1.5 vs. 0.0, p = 0.032). Based on symptoms at the initial visit, 3 clusters were present in our population. Cluster 1 included anxiety, depression, and wellbeing; cluster 2 included nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, and shortness of breath; and cluster 3 included drowsiness. CONCLUSION An outpatient palliative care visit significantly improved symptom burden in patients with a terminal diagnosis. Patients may benefit from further development of outpatient palliative care facilities to improve the quality of life in terminally ill patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wardah Rafaqat
- Medical College, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Raza Syed
- Medical College, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | | | - Shiraz Hashmi
- Senior Instructor, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ismat Jabeen
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Samina Rajwani
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Uqba Qamar
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Atif Waqar
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bews HJ, Pilkey JL, Malik AA, Tam JW. Alternatives to Hospitalization: Adding the Patient Voice to Advanced Heart Failure Management. CJC Open 2023; 5:454-462. [PMID: 37397619 PMCID: PMC10314144 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced heart failure (HF) is associated with the extensive use of acute care services, especially at the end of life, often in stark contrast to the wishes of most HF patients to remain at home for as long as possible. The current Canadian model of hospital-centric care is not only inconsistent with patient goals, but also unsustainable in the setting of the current hospital-bed availability crisis across the country. Given this context, we present a narrative to discuss factors necessary for the avoidance of hospitalization in advanced HF patients. First, patients eligible for alternatives to hospitalization should be identified through comprehensive, values-based, goals-of-care discussions, including involvement of both patients and caregivers, and assessment of caregiver burnout. Second, we present pharmaceutical interventions that have shown promise in reducing HF hospitalizations. Such interventions include strategies to combat diuretic resistance, as well as nondiuretic treatments of dyspnea, and the continuation of guideline-directed medical therapies. Finally, to successfully care for advanced HF patients at home, care models, such as transitional care, telehealth, collaborative home-based palliative care programs, and home hospitals, must be robust. Care must be individualized and coordinated through an integrated care model, such as the spoke-hub-and-node model. Although barriers exist to the implementation of these models and strategies, they should not prevent clinicians from striving to provide individualized person-centred care. Doing so will not only alleviate strain on the healthcare system, but also prioritize patient goals, which is of the utmost importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilary J. Bews
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jana L. Pilkey
- Section of Palliative Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Amrit A. Malik
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - James W. Tam
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Baptista Peixoto Befecadu F, Stirnemann J, Guerreiro I, Fusi-Schmidhauser T, Jaksic C, Larkin PJ, da Rocha Rodrigues G, Pautex S. PANDORA dyadic project: hope, spiritual well-being and quality of life of dyads of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Switzerland - a multicentre longitudinal mixed-methods protocol study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068340. [PMID: 37173103 PMCID: PMC10186441 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is responsible for 2.9 million deaths annually in Europe. Symptom burden and functional decline rise as patients reach advanced stages of the disease enhancing risk of vulnerability and dependency on informal caregivers (ICs).Evidence shows that hope is an important psycho-social-spiritual construct that humans use to cope with symptom burden and adversity. Hope is associated with increased quality of life (QoL) comfort and well-being for patients and ICs. A better understanding of the meaning and experience of hope over time as patients transition through chronic illness may help healthcare professionals to plan and deliver care more appropriately. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a longitudinal multicentre mixed-methods study with a convergent design. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected from dyads of advanced COPD patients and their ICs in two university hospitals at two points in time. The Herth Hope Index, WHO Quality of Life BREF, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being and the French version of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale will be used to collect data. Dyadic interviews will be conducted using a semi-structured interview guide with five questions about hope and their relationship with QoL.Statistical analysis of data will be carried out using R V.4.1.0. To test whether our theoretical model as a whole is supported by the data, structural equation modelling will be used. The comparison between T1 and T2 for level of hope, symptom burden, QoL and spiritual well-being, will be carried out using paired t-tests. The association between symptom burden, QoL, spiritual well-being and hope will be tested using Pearson correlation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study protocol received ethical approval on 24 May 2022 from the Commission cantonale d'éthique de la recherche sur l'être humain-Canton of Vaud. The identification number is 2021-02477.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Baptista Peixoto Befecadu
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Chair of Palliative Care Nursing, Palliative and supportive care service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Ivan Guerreiro
- Division of Pneumology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Fusi-Schmidhauser
- Palliative and Supportive Care Clinic and Department of Internal Medicine, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
- University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Jaksic
- Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philip J Larkin
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Chair of Palliative Care Nursing, Palliative and supportive care service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gora da Rocha Rodrigues
- HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, HESAV School of Health Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Pautex
- Dpt of Readaptation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Adumala A, Palat G, Vajjala A, Brun E, Segerlantz M. Oral Methadone versus Morphine IR for Patients with Cervical Cancer and Neuropathic Pain: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial. Indian J Palliat Care 2023; 29:200-206. [PMID: 37325268 PMCID: PMC10261940 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_58_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives In India, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women and makes up for up to 29% of all registered cancer in females. Cancer-related pain is one of the major distressing symptoms for all cancer patients. Pain is characterised as somatic or neuropathic, and the total pain experience is often mixed. Conventional opioids are the backbone of analgesic treatment but are most often not sufficient in alleviating neuropathic pain, common in cervical cancer. Accumulating evidence of the advantage of methadone compared to conventional opioids, due to agonist action at both μ and q opioid receptors, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist activity and the ability to inhibit the reuptake of monoamines has been demonstrated. We hypothesised that, with these properties', methadone might be a good option for the treatment of neuropathic pain in patients with cervical cancer. Material and Methods Patients with cervical cancer stages ll-lll were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. A comparison was made between methadone versus immediate release morphine (IR morphine), with increasing doses until pain was controlled. Inclusion-period was from October 3rd to December 31st 2020, and the total patient-study period was 12 weeks. Pain intensity was assessed according to the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Douleur Neuropathique (DN4). The primary objective was to determine whether methadone was clinically superior versus noninferior to morphine as an analgesic for the treatment of cancer related neuropathic pain in women with cervical cancer. Results A total of 85 women were included; five withdrew and six died during the study period, leaving 74 patients completing the study. All participants showed a reduction in mean values of NRS and DN4 from the time of inclusion and to the end of the study period, for IR morphine and methadone 8.4-2.7 and 8.6-1.5, respectively (P < 0.001). The DN4 score mean reduction for Morphine and Methadone were 6.12-1.37 and 6.05-0, respectively (P < 0.001). Side effects were more common in the group of patients receiving IR morphine compared to the patients treated with methadone. Conclusion We found that Methadone had a superior analgesic effect with good overall tolerability compared with morphine as a first-line strong opioid for the management of cancer-related neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Adumala
- Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, MNJ Institute of Oncology and RCC, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Gayatri Palat
- Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, MNJ Institute of Oncology and RCC, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Archana Vajjala
- Pain Relief and Palliative Care Society, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Eva Brun
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology, Lund University and Skånes University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mikael Segerlantz
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Palliative Medicine, Institute for Palliative Care, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Johnson AM, Wolf S, Xuan M, Samsa G, Kamal A, Fisher DA. Index Symptoms and Prognosis Awareness of Patients With Pancreatic Cancer: A Multi-Site Palliative Care Collaborative. J Palliat Care 2023; 38:152-156. [PMID: 33730892 DOI: 10.1177/08258597211001596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer has a poor 5-year survival and carries significant morbidity. Pain is a commonly studied symptom in pancreatic cancer; however, few studies examine the frequency of multiple patient-reported symptoms. Our aim is to ascertain patient-reported symptom burden at initial consultation with a palliative care provider and compare patient prognostic awareness to provider estimation of prognosis. METHODS Data were extracted from the standardized Quality Data Collection Tool (QDACT). Adults with pancreatic cancer seen by a palliative care provider were included. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic features, symptom prevalence and burden, as well as assess patient prognosis awareness defined by congruence or incongruence with provider estimated prognosis. RESULTS 285 patients were included in our analysis. The average age was 68 years (SD: 12.4), 87.2% were white, 50% male. The mean number of moderate/severe symptoms was 2.6 (SD: 2) out of 9 symptoms. Tiredness (66.7%), appetite (64.5%) and pain (46.2%) had the highest rates of moderate/severe symptom burden. Patients with a prognosis of 1-6 months had the lowest proportion of congruence with provider estimation (56.5%). CONCLUSION Our study suggests targets to improve patient-centered care of pancreatic cancer. Patients commonly have multiple symptoms that are moderate/severe at time of palliative care referral. While pain has been well-reported, tiredness and decreased appetite are more prevalent at initial visit. This emphasizes the importance of assessing multiple symptoms and working closely with palliative care for early referral. Overall, one third of patient prognosis estimates differed from the provider assessment of prognosis. Our data support the importance of early referral to palliative care to manage symptoms and better prepare patients for end-of-life care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyson M Johnson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Steven Wolf
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mengdi Xuan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Greg Samsa
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Arif Kamal
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Deborah A Fisher
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Soliman AA, Akgün KM, Coffee J, Kapo J, Morrison LJ, Hopkinson E, Schulman-Green D, Feder SL. Quality of Telehealth-Delivered Inpatient Palliative Care During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:6-15. [PMID: 36206949 PMCID: PMC9532267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Consequent to increasing COVID-19 infection rates, the Palliative Care (PC) service at a large New England hospital shifted from in-person to telehealth-delivered PC (TPC). OBJECTIVES We compared the quality of TPC to in-person PC during the early COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted an electronic health record review of PC consultations of patients hospitalized during three periods: pre-COVID January, 2020-February, 2020 (in-person); peak-COVID March, 2020-June, 2020 (majority TPC); and post-peak September, 2020-October, 2020 (majority in-person). We examined the relationship between these periods and PC delivery characteristics and quality measures using descriptive and bivariate statistics. RESULTS Of 377 patients, 50 were pre-COVID (TPC=0%), 271 peak-COVID (TPC=79.3%), and 56 post-peak (TPC<2%) (representation of PC consult: pre- and post-peak=samples; peak-COVID=all consults). Mean age was 69.3 years (standard deviation=15.5), with 54.9% male, 68.7% White, and 22.8% Black. Age and sex did not differ by period. PC consultations were more likely for goals of care (pre=30.0% vs. peak=53.9% vs. post=57.1%; P = 0.005) or hospice (4.0% vs. 14.4% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.031) during peak-COVID compared to pre-COVID. Rates of assessment of physical (98.0% vs. 63.5% vs. 94.6%, P < 0.001) and psychological symptoms (90.0% vs. 33.1% vs. 67.9%, P < 0.001) were lower during peak relative to pre-COVID and post-peak periods. There were no differences in assessment of patients' social needs, family burden, or goals of care across periods. CONCLUSION The PC service provided high-quality inpatient PC using TPC despite significant strain during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Developing and testing strategies to promote comprehensive symptom control using TPC remains a priority to adjust to potential unmet PC needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathleen M Akgün
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System (K.M.A., S.L.F.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jane Coffee
- Yale School of Nursing (J.C.), West Haven, CT
| | | | | | | | | | - Shelli L Feder
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System (K.M.A., S.L.F.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Warmels G, Roberts A, Haddad J, Chomienne MH, Bush SH, Gratton V. Comparing Adherence with Best Practices in End-of-Life Care After Implementing the End-of-Life Order Set: A Quality Improvement Project in an Ottawa Academic Hospital. Palliat Med Rep 2023; 4:100-107. [PMID: 37095865 PMCID: PMC10122227 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2022.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physicians in acute care require tools to assist them in transitioning patients from a "life prolonging" approach to "end-of-life care," and standardized order sets can be a useful strategy. The end-of-life order set (EOLOS) was developed and implemented in the medical wards of a community academic hospital. Objective To compare adherence with best practices in end-of-life care after implementing the EOLOS. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of admitted patients with expected deaths in the year preceding EOLOS implementation ("before EOLOS" group), and in the 12 to 24 months following EOLOS implementation ("after EOLOS" group). Results A total of 295 charts were included: 139 (47%) in the "before EOLOS" group and 156 (53%) in the "after EOLOS" group, of which 117/156 charts (75%) had a completed EOLOS. The "after EOLOS" group demonstrated more "do not resuscitate" orders and more written communication to team members about comfort goals of care. There was a decrease in nonbeneficial interventions in the last 24 hours of life in the "after EOLOS" group: high-flow oxygen, intravenous antibiotics, and deep vein thrombosis/venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. The "after EOLOS" group demonstrated increased prescription of all common end-of-life medications, except for opioids, which had a high preexisting rate of prescription. Patients in the "after EOLOS" group showed a higher rate of spiritual care and palliative care consult team consultation. Conclusion Findings support standardized order sets as a good framework allowing generalist hospital staff to improve adherence to established palliative care principles and improve end-of-life care of hospital inpatients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Warmels
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Roberts
- Department of Palliative Care, Montfort Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Haddad
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marie-Hélène Chomienne
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shirley H. Bush
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie Gratton
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Montfort Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Address correspondence to: Valerie Gratton, MD, CCFP-PC, Department of Family Medicine, Montfort Hospital, 713 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1K 0T2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hiratsuka Y, Suh SY, Hui D, Morita T, Mori M, Oyamada S, Amano K, Imai K, Baba M, Kohara H, Hisanaga T, Maeda I, Hamano J, Inoue A. Are Prognostic Scores Better Than Clinician Judgment? A Prospective Study Using Three Models. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:391-399. [PMID: 35724924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Several prognostic models such as the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI), Palliative Prognostic Score (PaP) have been developed to complement clinician's prediction of survival (CPS). However, few studies with large scales have been conducted to show which prognostic tool had better performance than CPS in patients with weeks of survival. OBJECTIVES We aimed to compare the prognostic performance of the PPS, PPI, PaP, and CPS in inpatients admitted to palliative care units (PCUs). METHODS This study was part of a multi-center prospective observational study involving patients admitted to PCUs in Japan. We computed their prognostic performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) and calibration plots for seven, 14-, 30- and 60-day survival. RESULTS We included 1896 patients with a median overall survival of 19 days. The AUROC was 73% to 84% for 60-day and 30-day survival, 75% to 84% for 14-day survival, and 80% to 87% for seven-day survival. The calibration plot demonstrated satisfactory agreement between the observational and predictive probability for the four indices in all timeframes. Therefore, all four prognostic indices showed good performance. CPS and PaP consistently had significantly better performance than the PPS and PPI from one-week to two-month timeframes. CONCLUSION The PPS, PPI, PaP, and CPS had relatively good performance in patients admitted to PCUs with weeks of survival. CPS and PaP had significantly better performance than the PPS and PPI. CPS may be sufficient for experienced clinicians while PPS may help to improve prognostic confidence for inexperienced clinicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Hiratsuka
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Sang-Yeon Suh
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Oyamada
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Koji Amano
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Mika Baba
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kohara
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takayuki Hisanaga
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Jun Hamano
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akira Inoue
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H.), Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.H., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea; Department of Medicine (S.Y.S.), Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Biostatistics (S.O.), JORTC Data Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (K.A.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Seirei Hospice (K.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (M.B.), Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (H.K.), Hatsukaichi Memorial Hospital, Hatsukaichi, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine (T.H.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Senri Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan; Division of Clinical Medicine (J.H.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Palliative Care for Patients with End-Stage, Non-Oncologic Diseases-A Retrospective Study in Three Public Palliative Care Departments in Northern Italy. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061031. [PMID: 35742082 PMCID: PMC9222892 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with irreversible malignant and non-malignant diseases have comparable mortality rates, symptom burdens, and quality of life issues; however, non-cancer patients seldom receive palliative care (PC) or receive it late in their disease trajectory. To explore the characteristics of non-cancer patients receiving PC in northern Italy, as well as the features and outcomes of their care, we retrospectively analyzed the charts of all non-cancer patients initiating PC regimens during 2019 in three publicly funded PC departments in Italy’s populous Lombardy region. We recorded the baseline variables (including data collected with the NECPAL CCOMS-ICO-derived questionnaire used since 2018 to evaluate all admissions to the region’s PC network), as well as treatment features (setting and duration) and outcomes (including time and setting of death). Of the 2043 patients admitted in 2019, only 12% (243 patients—131 females; mean age 83.5 years) had non-oncological primary diagnoses (mainly dementia [n = 78], heart disease [n = 55], and lung disease [n = 30]). All 243 had Karnofsky performance statuses ≤ 40% (10−20% in 64%); most (82%) were malnourished, 92% had ≥2 comorbidities, and 61% reported 2−3 severe symptoms (pain, dyspnea, and fatigue). Fifteen withdrew or were discharged from the study PCN; the other 228 remained in the PCN and died in hospice (n = 133), at home (n = 9), or after family-requested transfer to an emergency department (n = 1). Most deaths (172/228, 75%) occurred <3 weeks after PC initiation. These findings indicate that the PCN network we studied cares for few patients with life-limiting non-malignant diseases. Those admitted have advanced-stage illness, heavy symptom burdens, low performance statuses, and poor survival. Additional efforts are needed to improve PCN accessibility for non-cancer patients.
Collapse
|
16
|
Lucey M, O'Reilly M, Coffey S, Sheridan J, Moran S, Twomey F, Conroy M, Eager K, Currow D. The association between phase of illness and resource utilisation-a potential model for demonstrating clinical efficiency? Int J Palliat Nurs 2022; 28:254-260. [PMID: 35727831 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2022.28.6.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: Healthcare efficiency involves demonstrating flexible inter-relationships between resource utilisation and patient need. In palliative care, five phases of patient illness have been identified: stable, unstable, deteriorating, terminal and bereaved. Evaluating the association between phase of illness and nursing activities could demonstrate clinical efficiency. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the phase of illness and the intensity of nursing care in a specialist palliative care unit. Methods: This was a prospective, observational cohort study of consecutive admissions (n=400) to a specialist palliative care unit. Patient phase of illness was documented on admission and daily thereafter. A nursing activity tool was developed, which scored daily nursing interventions (physical, psychological, family care and symptom control). This score was called the nursing total score (NTS) and reflected the intensity of nursing activities. Data were entered into SPSS and descriptive statistics weregenerated. Results: A total of 342 (85%) patients had full data recorded on admission. Stable, unstable, deteriorating and terminal phases were associated with progressively increasing median NTSs on days 1, 2, 3 and 4 (all P<0.01). Phase stabilisation from the unstable to the stable phase during this timeframe resulted in reductions in physical care (p=0.038), symptom management (p=0.007) and near-significant reductions in family support (p=0.06). Conclusion: A significant association was demonstrated between phase of illness and intensity of nursing activities, which were sensitive to phase changes, from unstable to stable. This demonstrates technically efficient resource utilisation and identifies a potential efficiency model for future evaluations of inpatient palliative care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lucey
- Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Milford Hospice, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Sue Moran
- Clinical Nurse Manager, Milford Hospice, Ireland
| | - Feargal Twomey
- Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Milford Hospice, Ireland
| | - Marian Conroy
- Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Milford Hospice, Ireland
| | - Kathy Eager
- Professor of Health Services Research; Director of the Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI), University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - David Currow
- Chief Cancer Officer of New South Wales; Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Institute New South Wales, University of Wollongong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
A Retrospective Record Review Examining Barriers to Discharge at the End of Life. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
18
|
Soltani M, Farahmand M, Pourghaderi AR. Machine learning-based demand forecasting in cancer palliative care home hospitalization. J Biomed Inform 2022; 130:104075. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2022.104075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
19
|
End of life care pathways in the Emergency Department and their effects on patient and health service outcomes: An integrative review. Int Emerg Nurs 2022; 61:101153. [PMID: 35240435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2022.101153] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION End of life (EOL) care in the Emergency Department (ED) requires focused, person-centred care to meet the needs of this vulnerable cohort of patients. METHODS An integrative review of the literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was conducted. Studies were included if they were primary research relating to patients in the ED at the EOL, and/or evaluated EOL care pathways in the ED. Databases OVID Emcare, OVID Medline, and Scopus were searched from 1966-September 2021; followed by screening and appraisal. Articles were compared and data grouped into categories. RESULTS Eleven research articles were included generating three categories for EOL care in ED. 1) tools/criteria to identify patients who may require EOL care in ED; 2) processes for providing EOL care, and 3) implementation methods/frameworks to support the uptake of EOL care processes. CONCLUSION There were some commonalities in the criteria used to identify patients who may be at their EOL and the interventions implemented thereafter. There was no standardised process for screening for or treating EOL care needs in the ED. Further research is required to determine the impact that EOL care pathways have on patient and health service outcomes to inform strategies for future policy development.
Collapse
|
20
|
Steinberg L, Isenberg SR, Mak S, Meaney C, Lokuge B, Arvanitis J, Goldman R, Wegier P, Husain AF. HeartFull: Feasibility of an Integrated Program of Care for Patients with Advanced Stage of Heart Failure. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2022; 39:1194-1202. [PMID: 35128951 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211069626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients at an advanced stage of heart failure (AHF), specifically chronic severe symptomatic heart failure defined as New York Heart Association III/IV with hospitalization in the year prior, have high mortality, healthcare utilization, and low palliative care involvement. OBJECTIVES The primary objectives were to determine the feasibility of recruiting patients and engaging cardiology and palliative healthcare providers in a program of integrated care for AHF (HeartFull); the proportion of patients who died in non-acute care settings. Secondary objectives were to describe patient-reported outcomes and pre-post comparison of healthcare utilization. METHODS Patients were recruited from an urban academic hospital with expert heart failure care and a 24/7 inpatient and home palliative service. Utilization, disposition, and surveys were collected monthly for up to 20 months. RESULTS Of 46 patients referred, 30 (65%) agreed to participate, 27 died during the study period, 19 (70%) died in non-acute care settings, while 8 (30%) died in hospital. We found no significant difference in pre- and post-intervention rates of hospitalization (RR .715; CI .360, 1.388; P = .3180), nor emergency visits (RR .678; CI .333, 1.338; P = .2590), but both trended downward. No significant changes were observed in patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION In an urban academic hospital with palliative care, it was feasible to implement an integrated program for AHF. Patients died at home or in a palliative care unit at rates similar to palliative oncology patients and at higher rates than the general AHF population. HeartFull is now part of clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah Steinberg
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 518775Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family & Community Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 518775Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family & Community Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,90755Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susanna Mak
- Anna Prosserman Health Function Clinic, 518775Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, 12366University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Meaney
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bhadra Lokuge
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 518775Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Arvanitis
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 518775Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family & Community Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Russell Goldman
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 518775Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family & Community Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pete Wegier
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 518775Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family & Community Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,90755Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amna F Husain
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 518775Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family & Community Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,90755Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Predictors of the final place of care of patients with advanced cancer receiving integrated home-based palliative care: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:164. [PMID: 34663303 PMCID: PMC8522009 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00865-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meeting patients’ preferences for place of care at the end-of-life is an indicator of quality palliative care. Understanding the key elements required for terminal care within an integrated model may inform policy and practice, and consequently increase the likelihood of meeting patients’ preferences. Hence, this study aimed to identify factors associated with the final place of care in patients with advanced cancer receiving integrated, home-based palliative care. Methods This retrospective cohort study included deceased adult patients with advanced cancer who were enrolled in the home-based palliative care service between January 2016 and December 2018. Patients with < 2 weeks’ enrollment in the home-based service, or ≤ 1-week duration at the final place of care, were excluded. The following information were retrieved from patients’ electronic medical records: patients’ and their families’ characteristics, care preferences, healthcare utilization, functional status (measured by the Palliative Performance Scale (PPSv2)), and symptom severity (measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System). Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of the final place of care. Kappa value was calculated to estimate the concordance between actual and preferred place of death. Results A total of 359 patients were included in the study. Home was the most common (58.2%) final place of care, followed by inpatient hospice (23.7%), and hospital (16.7%). Patients who were single or divorced (OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 1.1–27.8), or had older family caregivers (OR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.1–8.8), PPSv2 score ≥ 40% (OR: 9.1; 95% CI: 3.3–24.8), pain score ≥ 2 (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.3–9.8), and non-home death preference (OR: 23.8; 95% CI: 5.4–105.1), were more likely to receive terminal care in the inpatient hospice. Patients who were male (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.0–9.9), or had PPSv2 score ≥ 40% (OR: 8.6; 95% CI: 2.9–26.0), pain score ≥ 2 (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.2–10.3), and non-home death preference (OR: 9.8; 95% CI: 2.1–46.3), were more likely to be hospitalized. Goal-concordance was fair (72.6%, kappa = 0.39). Conclusions Higher functional status, greater pain intensity, and non-home death preference predicted institutionalization as the final place of care. Additionally, single or divorced patients with older family caregivers were more likely to receive terminal care in the inpatient hospice, while males were more likely to be hospitalized. Despite being part of an integrated care model, goal-concordance was sub-optimal. More comprehensive community networks and resources, enhanced pain control, and personalized care planning discussions, are recommended to better meet patients’ preferences for their final place of care. Future research could similarly examine factors associated with the final place of care in patients with advanced non-cancer conditions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-021-00865-5.
Collapse
|
22
|
Mori M, Yamaguchi T, Maeda I, Hatano Y, Yamaguchi T, Imai K, Kikuchi A, Matsuda Y, Suzuki K, Tsuneto S, Hui D, Morita T. Diagnostic models for impending death in terminally ill cancer patients: A multicenter cohort study. Cancer Med 2021; 10:7988-7995. [PMID: 34586714 PMCID: PMC8607266 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accurately predicting impending death is essential for clinicians to clarify goals of care. We aimed to develop diagnostic models to predict death ≤3 days in cancer patients. Methods In this multicenter cohort study, we consecutively enrolled advanced cancer patients admitted to 23 inpatient hospices in 2017. Fifteen clinical signs related to impending death were documented daily from the day when the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) declined to ≤20–14 days later. We conducted recursive partitioning analysis using the entire data set and performed cross‐validation to develop the model (prediction of 3‐day impending death‐decision tree [P3did‐DT]). Then, we summed the number of systems (nervous/cardiovascular/respiratory/musculoskeletal), where any sign was present to underpin P3did score (range = 0–4). Results Data following PPS ≤20 were obtained from 1396 of 1896 inpatients (74%). The mean age was 73 ± 12 years, and 399 (29%) had gastrointestinal tract cancer. The P3did‐DT was based on three variables and had four terminal leaves: urine output (u/o) ≤200 ml/day and decreased response to verbal stimuli, u/o ≤200 ml/day and no decreased response to verbal stimuli, u/o >200 ml/day and Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale (RASS) ≤−2, and u/o >200 ml/day and RASS ≥−1. The 3‐day mortality rates were 80.3%, 53.3%, 39.9%, and 20.6%, respectively (accuracy = 68.3%). In addition, 79.6%, 62.9%, 47.2%, 32.8%, and 17.4% of patients with P3did scores of 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0, respectively, died ≤3 days. Conclusion We successfully developed diagnostic models for death ≤3 days. These may further help clinicians predict impending death and help patients/families prepare for their final days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Mikatahara Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | | | - Kozue Suzuki
- Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - David Hui
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Schmitt S, Ebby C, Doshi A, Bower K, Marc-Aurele K. Retrospective Pediatric Telepalliative Care Experience. J Palliat Med 2021; 25:274-281. [PMID: 34550796 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rady Children's Hospital (RCH) offers an outpatient pediatric palliative clinic that began offering telepalliative care in 2016. Objectives: This study describes demographics of parents receiving pediatric telepalliative care, patient/family satisfaction with telepalliative care, and patient/family perspectives. Design: Retrospective electronic medical record chart review (2016-2020) of telepalliative patients at RCH (San Diego, USA), including satisfaction surveys. Documented quotes from telepalliative care consultations were analyzed thematically. Results: Fifty-six patients were seen through 181 telepalliative visits. Demographics: Forty-three percent were female and 32% were Hispanic/Latino. Ages ranged from 3 months to 25 years. Average Palliative Performance Scale was 47%. Seventy-nine percent used gastrostomy tubes for nutrition, but only 29% used home ventilation. Eighty-two percent completed a Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment. Goals for 84% of patients were for life prolongation and attempt resuscitation. Visits averaged 86 minutes. Twenty-five surveys were returned: 92% felt very satisfied and 96% said the video visit was the same, better, or much better than an in-person visit. Sixty-four percent said the video visit was more convenient and 68% felt the video visit was safer. Identified themes from telepalliative consultations included advocacy for their child, challenges surrounding care for children with complex medical needs, medical team communication, caregiver support, facing uncertainty, and decision making. Conclusions and Implications: Pediatric patients receiving telepalliative care varied in demographics, functional status, and goals of care. Telepalliative care can provide good quality of care and patient satisfaction. In a telepalliative setting, parents were able to communicate challenging aspects of care including navigating uncertainty, finding support, and decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Schmitt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Cris Ebby
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Ami Doshi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of California San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.,Division of Pediatric Palliative Medicine, University of California San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kimberly Bower
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.,Division of Pediatric Palliative Medicine, University of California San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Krishelle Marc-Aurele
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.,Division of Pediatric Palliative Medicine, University of California San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Oğuz G, Şenel G, Koçak N, Karaca Ş. The Turkish Validity and Reliability Study of Palliative Performance Scale. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2021; 8:413-418. [PMID: 34159234 PMCID: PMC8186388 DOI: 10.4103/apjon.apjon-2111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Palliative Performance Scale version 2 (PPSv2) is a useful tool designed to assess the performance status of palliative care patients. The aim of this study was to translate the PPSv2 into Turkish and to test the validity and reliability of Turkish PPSv2 (PPS-TR) in cancer patients receiving palliative care. METHODS The translation of PPSv2 into Turkish was implemented using a forward-back forward procedure. The patients were allocated from inpatient palliative care unit, consultations from oncology services, palliative care polyclinic, and consultations from emergency unit. The inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities were tested in a pilot study with 51 patients. The cross-sectional study consisted of 280 patients. The relationship between PPS-TR, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADL), and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) was also measured. Construct validity was assessed by observing the test capacity across patient groups based on the place of care. RESULTS Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) at Time 1 and Time 2 were 0.982 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.972-0.989) and 0.991 (95% CI: 0.986-0.995). ICCs of intra-rater agreements were at least 0.956 (95% CI: 0.909-0.977) for three raters. KPS, Katz ADL, and PPS-TR scores of outpatients were significantly higher than those of inpatients and emergency. There was a perfect correlation between PPS-TR and KPS, while the correlation of PPS-TR with Katz ADL was almost perfect. CONCLUSIONS The PPS-TR is a reliable and valid tool for assessment of performance status of cancer patients receiving palliative care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Oğuz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Palliative Care Unit,University of Health Sciences, Dr AY Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gülçin Şenel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Palliative Care Unit,University of Health Sciences, Dr AY Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nesteren Koçak
- Department of Anesthesiology, Palliative Care Unit,University of Health Sciences, Dr AY Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Şerife Karaca
- Department of Anesthesiology, Palliative Care Unit,University of Health Sciences, Dr AY Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yoon SL, Scarton L, Duckworth L, Yao Y, Ezenwa MO, Suarez ML, Molokie RE, Wilkie DJ. Pain, symptom distress, and pain barriers by age among patients with cancer receiving hospice care: Comparison of baseline data. J Geriatr Oncol 2021; 12:1068-1075. [PMID: 33967022 PMCID: PMC8429256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Age group differences have been reported for pain and symptom presentations in outpatient and inpatient oncology settings, but it is unknown if these differences occur in hospice. We examined whether there were differences in pain, symptom distress, pain barriers, and comorbidities among three age groups (20-64 years, 65-84 years, and 85+) of hospice patients with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants were recruited from two hospices. Half were women; 49% White and 34% Black. 42% were 20-64 y, 43% 65-84 y, and 15% 85+ y. We analyzed baseline data for 230 hospice patients with cancer (enrolled 2014-2016, mean age 68.2 ± 14.0, 20-100 years) from a stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial. Measures were the Average pain intensity (API, 0-10: current, least and worst pain intensity during the past 24 h), Symptom Distress Scale (SDS, 13-65), Barriers Questionnaire-13 (BQ-13, 0-5), and comorbid conditions. Descriptive, bivariate association, and multiple regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Mean API scores differed (p < .001) among the three age groups (5.6 ± 2.0 [20-64 years], 4.7 ± 2.0 [65-84 years], and 4.4 ± 1.8 [85+], as did the mean SDS scores (36.1 ± 7.3, 33.5 ± 8.1, and 31.6 ± 6.6, p = .004). BQ-13 mean scores (2.6 ± 0.9, 2.7 ± 0.8, and 2.5 ± 0.7) and comorbidities were not significantly different across age groups. In multiple regression analyses, age-related differences in API and SDS remained significant after adjusting for gender, race, cancer, palliative performance score, and comorbidities. Comorbidities were positively associated with SDS (p = .046) but not with API (p = .64) in the regression model. CONCLUSION Older hospice patients with cancer reported less pain and symptoms than younger patients, but all groups reported similar barriers to pain management. These findings suggest the need for age- and race-sensitive interventions to reduce pain and symptom distress levels at life's end.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saunjoo L Yoon
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science and Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Lisa Scarton
- Department of Family, Community and Health System Science and Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Laurie Duckworth
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science and Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Yingwei Yao
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science and Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Miriam O Ezenwa
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science and Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Marie L Suarez
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Robert E Molokie
- College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; College of Pharmacy, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Diana J Wilkie
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science and Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Reipas KM, Grossman DL, Lock K, Caraiscos VB. Examining the Characteristics of Patients With Non-Malignant Lung Disease at the Time of Referral to An Inter-Professional Supportive Care Clinic. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 38:1329-1335. [PMID: 33823617 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211005698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients with non-malignant, advanced lung diseases (NMALD), such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD), experience a high symptom burden over a prolonged period. Involvement of palliative care has been shown to improve symptom management, reduce hospital visits and enhance psychosocial support; however, optimal timing of referral is unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify the stage in the illness trajectory that patients with NMALD are referred to an ambulatory palliative care clinic. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients with NMALD who attended a Supportive Care Clinic (SCC) between March 1, 2017 and March 31, 2019. RESULTS Thirty patients attended the SCC during the study period. The most common diagnoses included COPD (36.7%), ILD (36.7%), and bronchiectasis (3.3%). At the time of initial consultation, the majority (89.4%) had Medical Research Council (MRC) class 4-5 dyspnea, however, only 1 patient had been prescribed opioids for management of breathlessness. Twenty-six patients had advance care planning discussions in the SCC. Phone appointments were a highly utilized feature of the program as patients had difficulty attending in-person appointments due to frailty and dyspnea. One-half of patients had at least 1 disease-related hospital admission in the previous year. Six patients were referred directly to home palliative care at their initial consultation. CONCLUSIONS Referral to palliative care often occurs at late stages in non-malignant lung disease. Further, opioids for the management of dyspnea are significantly underutilized by non-palliative providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Reipas
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daphna L Grossman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, 8613North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Lock
- Department of Medicine, 8613North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie B Caraiscos
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, 8613North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Enhancing meaning in the face of advanced cancer and pain: Qualitative evaluation of a meaning-centered psychosocial pain management intervention. Palliat Support Care 2021; 18:263-270. [PMID: 32115006 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951520000115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to obtain patient evaluations of the content, structure, and delivery modality of Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training (MCPC), a novel psychosocial intervention for patients with advanced cancer and pain. MCPC aims to help patients connect with valued sources of meaning in their lives (e.g., family relationships), while providing training in evidence-based cognitive and behavioral skills (e.g., guided imagery) to reduce pain. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 patients with stage IV solid tumor cancers and persistent pain. Transcripts were analyzed using methods from applied thematic analysis. RESULTS When evaluating MCPC's educational information and skills training descriptions, participants described ways in which this content resonated with their experience. Many coped with their pain and poor prognosis by relying on frameworks that provided them with a sense of meaning, often involving their personally held religious or spiritual beliefs. They also expressed a need for learning ways to cope with pain in addition to taking medication. A few participants offered helpful suggestions for refining MCPC's content, such as addressing common co-occurring symptoms of sleep disturbance and fatigue. Concerning MCPC's structure and delivery modality, most participants preferred that sessions include their family caregiver and described remote delivery (i.e., telephone or videoconference) as being more feasible than attending in-person sessions. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Participants were interested in an intervention that concurrently focuses on learning pain coping skills and enhancing a sense of meaning. Using remote delivery modalities may reduce access barriers (e.g., travel) that would otherwise prevent many patients from utilizing psychosocial services.
Collapse
|
28
|
Cusimano MC, Sajewycz K, Harle I, Giroux J, Hanna T, Willing S, Martin V, Francis JA. Acceptability and Feasibility of Early Palliative Care Among Women with Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2021; 43:707-715. [PMID: 33731311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the acceptability of early palliative care (EPC) among patients with advanced ovarian cancer and to determine the feasibility of larger-scale phase III trials. METHODS We performed a randomized controlled pilot study of adult women (>18 years) with pathologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer that had recurred or progressed on first-line therapy and had no immediate need for palliative care. We randomly assigned patients to either EPC or standard oncologic care (SOC), and collected patient-reported outcomes (PRO) at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months; end-of-life care quality indicators were collected at study completion. Study endpoints were rates of enrollment, EPC adherence, and PRO completion. RESULTS Of 32 eligible patients approached, 23 enrolled (72%; 95% CI 53-86) and were randomly assigned to either EPC (n = 12) or SOC (n = 11). At baseline, participants had poor physical and emotional wellbeing, high rates of depression (65%), and understood that their disease was not curable (87%). Eleven patients (92%; 95% CI 62-100) attended their EPC consultation, and all visits took place within 4 weeks of enrollment. However, PRO completion was low due to deaths by 3 (5/23) and 6 months (9/23). CONCLUSION Patients had accurate perceptions of their disease status, were willing to be randomly assigned to EPC, and attended scheduled appointments. However, a definitive trial in this group is not feasible without major adjustments to eligibility criteria and a multicentre, international effort. We propose that EPC be considered routinely at progression or recurrence given patients' symptom burden and clear acceptance of the intervention, as well as evidence of benefit from adequately powered trials in other malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Cusimano
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Katrina Sajewycz
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON
| | - Ingrid Harle
- Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON; Department of Oncology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON
| | - Janet Giroux
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON; School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, ON
| | - Tracie Hanna
- Cancer Clinic Research Team, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON
| | - Stephanie Willing
- Cancer Clinic Research Team, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON
| | - Vickie Martin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON; Division of Gynaecologic Oncology, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Kingston, ON
| | - Julie-Ann Francis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Lakeridge Health Oshawa, Oshawa, ON.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cai J, Zhang L, Guerriere D, Coyte PC. The determinants of the intensity of home-based informal care among cancer patients in receipt of home-based palliative care. Palliat Med 2021; 35:574-583. [PMID: 33334251 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320979277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the determinants of the intensity of informal care may assist policy makers in the identification of supports for informal caregivers. Little is known about the utilization of informal care throughout the palliative care trajectory. AIM The purpose of this study was to analyze the intensity and determinants of the use of informal care among cancer patients over the palliative care trajectory. DESIGN This was a longitudinal, prospective cohort design conducted in Canada. Regression analysis using instrumental variables was applied. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS From November 2013 to August 2017, a total of 273 caregivers of cancer patients were interviewed biweekly over the course of the care recipient's palliative care trajectory. The outcome was the number of hours of informal care provided by unpaid caregivers, that is, hours of informal care. RESULTS The number of hours of informal care increased as patients approached death. Home-based nursing care complemented, and hence, increased the provision of informal care. Patients living alone and caregivers who were employed were associated with the provision of fewer hours of informal care. Spousal caregivers provided more hours of informal care. Patient's age, sex, and marital status, and caregiver's age, sex, marital status, and education were associated with the number of hours of informal care. CONCLUSIONS The intensity of informal care was determined by predisposing, enabling, and needs-based factors. This study provides a reference for the planning and targeting of supports for the provision of informal care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoli Cai
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, Haidian District, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, Haidian District, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Denise Guerriere
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter C Coyte
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Warraich HJ, Wolf SP, Troy J, Swetz KM, Goldstein NE, Mentz RJ, Jain N, Desai AS, Kamal AH. Differences between patients with cardiovascular disease and cancer referred for palliative care. Am Heart J 2021; 233:5-9. [PMID: 33306993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2020.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Our analysis from a national registry shows that compared to cancer, cardiovascular disease patients referred to palliative care are a decade older, have worse functional status and clinician-estimated prognosis. Both groups have very high symptom burden, with cardiovascular disease patients experiencing more dyspnea while pain, nausea, and fatigue are more common in cancer.
Collapse
|
31
|
Bužgová R, Kozáková R, Bar M. Satisfaction of Patients With Severe Multiple Sclerosis and Their Family Members With Palliative Care: Interventional Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 38:1348-1355. [PMID: 33380155 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120985422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with MS should be provided palliative care, which could help them manage symptoms more efficiently and could solve some psychosocial problems. Evaluating the satisfaction with provided care may be one of the factors of the quality of care evaluation. AIM The aim of this controlled intervention study was to determine the factors affecting one's satisfaction with care in patients in advanced stages of MS and their caregivers. Furthermore, the aim was to study the difference in the satisfaction of patients and family members with the provided specialized palliative care, as opposed to the standard care. METHODS The sample consisted of 103 patients with MS who were randomized to either a palliative care intervention or the control group. Family members of each patient were invited in the study, and 97 caregivers agreed to participe. The patients in the intervention group were provided with neuropalliative care in the form of consultations with a multidisciplinary palliative team. A modified questionnaire, CANHELP Lite, was used to collect data. Patients and family members completed the questionnaire 3 months after the intervention. RESULTS The patients and caregivers in the intervention group expressed significantly greater satisfaction in all analyzed areas (p = 0.000-0.002). The provided intervention predicted the satisfaction in the domains of a relationship with the doctor, disease management, and decision-making/communication. Another important predictor of the satisfaction in all domains was the functional state of the patient. CONCLUSION Targeted consultations resulted in the greater satisfaction of patients with MS and their caregivers with the provided care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radka Bužgová
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, 48300University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Kozáková
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, 48300University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Bar
- Neurology Clinic, The University Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cai J, Zhang L, Guerriere D, Fan H, Coyte PC. Where Do Cancer Patients in Receipt of Home-Based Palliative Care Prefer to Die and What Are the Determinants of a Preference for a Home Death? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010235. [PMID: 33396880 PMCID: PMC7796022 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the preferred place of death may assist to organize and deliver palliative health care services. The study aims to assess preference for place of death among cancer patients in receipt of home-based palliative care, and to determine the variables that affect their preference for a home death. A prospective cohort design was carried out from July 2010 to August 2012. Over the course of their palliative care trajectory, a total of 303 family caregivers of cancer patients were interviewed. Multivariate regression analysis was employed to assess the determinants of a preferred home death. The majority (65%) of patients had a preference of home death. The intensity of home-based physician visits and home-based personal support worker (PSW) care promotes a preference for a home death. Married patients, patients receiving post-graduate education and patients with higher Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) scores were more likely to have a preference of home death. Patients reduced the likelihood of preferring a home death when their family caregiver had high burden. This study suggests that the majority of cancer patients have a preference of home death. Health mangers and policy makers have the potential to develop policies that facilitate those preferences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoli Cai
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, No. 3 Shangyuancun, Haidian District, Beijing 100044, China; (J.C.); (L.Z.)
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, No. 3 Shangyuancun, Haidian District, Beijing 100044, China; (J.C.); (L.Z.)
| | - Denise Guerriere
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Health Sciences Building, 155 College Street, Suite 425, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada; (D.G.); (P.C.C.)
| | - Hongli Fan
- School of Insurance, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, No. 40 Shungeng Road, Shizhong District, Jinan 250000, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Peter C. Coyte
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Health Sciences Building, 155 College Street, Suite 425, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada; (D.G.); (P.C.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dzierżanowski T, Larkin P. Proposed Criteria for Constipation in Palliative Care Patients. A Multicenter Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2020; 10:E40. [PMID: 33375545 PMCID: PMC7795465 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although constipation is one of the most frequently reported symptoms in palliative care, there is no widely accepted definition of constipation and none suitable for patients unable to self-report or express symptoms. This study aimed to verify the objective and subjective symptoms of constipation to develop a diagnostic algorithm for constipation, which is also feasible in unconscious patients. In a pooled analysis of two observational studies, 369 out of 547 adult end-stage cancer patients met the inclusion criteria. The patient-reported difficulty of defecation correlated with observable measures, such as days since last bowel movement, and frequency of bowel movements. Difficulty became at least moderate when there were no bowel movements for ≥2 days, or the frequency of bowel movements was ≤3 per week. The diagnostic algorithm, comprising these three symptoms offers a simple, rapid, and comprehensive tool for palliative care, independent of the patient's state of consciousness. A clinical trial is necessary to confirm its validity and usefulness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Dzierżanowski
- Laboratory of Palliative Medicine, Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Philip Larkin
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, CH-1010 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang M, Jing X, Cao W, Zeng Y, Wu C, Zeng W, Chen W, Hu X, Zhou Y, Cai X. A non-lab nomogram of survival prediction in home hospice care patients with gastrointestinal cancer. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:185. [PMID: 33287827 PMCID: PMC7722330 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00690-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients suffering from gastrointestinal cancer comprise a large group receiving home hospice care in China, however, little is known about the prediction of their survival time. This study aimed to develop a gastrointestinal cancer-specific non-lab nomogram predicting survival time in home-based hospice. METHODS We retrospectively studied the patients with gastrointestinal cancer from a home-based hospice between 2008 and 2018. General baseline characteristics, disease-related characteristics, and related assessment scale scores were collected from the case records. The data were randomly split into a training set (75%) for developing a predictive nomogram and a testing set (25%) for validation. A non-lab nomogram predicting the 30-day and 60-day survival probability was created using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression. We evaluated the performance of our predictive model by means of the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration curve. RESULTS A total of 1618 patients were included and divided into two sets: 1214 patients (110 censored) as training dataset and 404 patients (33 censored) as testing dataset. The median survival time for overall included patients was 35 days (IQR, 17-66). The 5 most significant prognostic variables were identified to construct the nomogram among all 28 initial variables, including Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), abdominal distention, edema, quality of life (QOL), and duration of pain. In training dataset validation, the AUC at 30 days and 60 days were 0.723 (95% CI, 0.694-0.753) and 0.733 (95% CI, 0.702-0.763), respectively. Similarly, the AUC value was 0.724 (0.673-0.774) at 30 days and 0.725 (0.672-0.778) at 60 days in the testing dataset validation. Further, the calibration curves revealed good agreement between the nomogram predictions and actual observations in both the training and testing dataset. CONCLUSION This non-lab nomogram may be a useful clinical tool. It needs prospective multicenter validation as well as testing with Chinese clinicians in charge of hospice patients with gastrointestinal cancer to assess acceptability and usability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muqing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xubin Jing
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihua Cao
- Department of Hospice, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yicheng Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofen Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilong Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxia Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanna Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbin Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 57 Changping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Foti G, Giannini A, Bottino N, Castelli GP, Cecconi M, Grasselli G, Guatteri L, Latronico N, Langer T, Monti G, Muttini S, Pesenti A, Radrizzani D, Ranucci M, Russotto V, Fumagalli R. Management of critically ill patients with COVID-19: suggestions and instructions from the coordination of intensive care units of Lombardy. Minerva Anestesiol 2020; 86:1234-1245. [PMID: 33228329 DOI: 10.23736/s0375-9393.20.14762-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
With 63,098 confirmed cases on 17 April 2020 and 11,384 deaths, Lombardy has been the most affected region in Italy by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To cope with this emergency, the COVID-19 Lombardy intensive care units (ICU) network was created. The network identified the need of defining a list of clinical recommendations to standardize treatment of patients with COVID-19 admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Three core topics were identified: 1) rational use of intensive care resources; 2) ventilation strategies; 3) non-ventilatory interventions. Identification of patients who may benefit from ICU treatment is challenging. Clinicians should consider baseline performance and frailty status and they should adopt disease-specific staging tools. Continuous positive airway pressure, mainly delivered through a helmet as elective method, should be considered as initial treatment for all patients with respiratory failure associated with COVID-19. In case of persisting dyspnea and/or desaturation despite 4-6 hours of noninvasive ventilation, endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation should be considered. In the early phase, muscle relaxant use and volume-controlled ventilation is recommended. Prone position should be performed in patients with PaO<inf>2</inf>/FiO<inf>2</inf>≤100 mmHg. For patients admitted to ICU with COVID-19 interstitial pneumonia, we do not recommend empiric antibiotic therapy for community-acquired pneumonia. Consultation of an infectious disease specialist is suggested before start of any antiviral therapy. In conclusion, the COVID-19 Lombardy ICU Network identified a list of best practice statements supported by the available evidence and clinical experience or identified as panel members expert opinions for the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Foti
- Department of Emergency and Intensive Care, San Gerardo University Hospital, Monza, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Giannini
- Unit of Pediatric Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Children's Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicola Bottino
- Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimation and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Castelli
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, ASST Mantua, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantua, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cecconi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, IRCCS Humanitas Clinic, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Grasselli
- Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimation and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Guatteri
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sacra Famiglia Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Erba, Como, Italy
| | - Nicola Latronico
- Unit of Pediatric Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Children's Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Emergency, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Thomas Langer
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Monti
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Muttini
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Carlo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Pesenti
- Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimation and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Danilo Radrizzani
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, ASST Ovest Milanese, Hospital of Legnano, Legnano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Ranucci
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Donato Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Russotto
- Department of Emergency and Intensive Care, San Gerardo University Hospital, Monza, Italy - .,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Fumagalli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lovadini GB, Fukushima FB, Schoueri JFL, Reis RD, Fonseca CGF, Rodriguez JJC, Coelho CS, Neves AF, Rodrigues AM, Marques MA, Bassett R, Steinberg KE, Moss AH, Vidal EIO. To What Extent Do Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Reflect Patients' Preferences for Care at the End of Life? J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:334-339.e2. [PMID: 33246840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether medical orders within Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms reflect patients' preferences for care at the end of life. DESIGN This cross-sectional study assessed the agreement between medical orders in POLST forms and the free-form text documentation of an advance care planning conversation performed by an independent researcher during a single episode of hospitalization. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Inpatients at a single public university hospital, aged 21 years or older, and for whom one of their attending physicians provided a negative answer to the following question: "Would I be surprised if this patient died in the next year?" Data collection occurred between October 2016 and September 2017. MEASURES Agreement between medical orders in POLST forms and the free-form text documentation of an advance care planning conversation was measured by kappa statistics. RESULTS Sixty-two patients were interviewed. Patients' median (interquartile range) age was 62 (56-70) years, and 21 patients (34%) were women. Overall, in 7 (11%) cases, disagreement in at least 1 medical order for life-sustaining treatment was found between POLST forms and the content of the independent advance care planning conversation. The kappa statistic for cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82-1.00]; for level of medical intervention, 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81-0.99); and for artificially administered nutrition, 0.87 (95% CI: 0.75-0.98). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The high level of agreement between medical orders in POLST forms and the documentation in an independent advance care planning conversation offers further support for the POLST paradigm. In addition, the finding that the agreement was not 100% underscores the need to confirm frequently that POLST medical orders accurately reflect patients' current values and preferences of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo B Lovadini
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda B Fukushima
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joao F L Schoueri
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto Dos Reis
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cecilia G F Fonseca
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jahaira J C Rodriguez
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cauana S Coelho
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriele F Neves
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aniela M Rodrigues
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina A Marques
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rick Bassett
- Center for Nursing Excellence, St Luke's Health System, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Karl E Steinberg
- California State University, Institute for Palliative Care, Oceanside, CA, USA
| | - Alvin H Moss
- Center for Health Ethics and Law, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Edison I O Vidal
- Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lawlor PG, McNamara-Kilian MT, MacDonald AR, Momoli F, Tierney S, Lacaze-Masmonteil N, Dasgupta M, Agar M, Pereira JL, Currow DC, Bush SH. Melatonin to prevent delirium in patients with advanced cancer: a double blind, parallel, randomized, controlled, feasibility trial. Palliat Care 2020; 19:163. [PMID: 33087111 PMCID: PMC7579814 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delirium is highly problematic in palliative care (PC). Preliminary data indicate a potential role for melatonin to prevent delirium, but no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are reported in PC. METHODS Patients aged ≥18 years, with advanced cancer, admitted to an inpatient Palliative Care Unit (PCU), having a Palliative Performance Scale rating ≥ 30%, and for whom consent was obtained, were included in the study. Patients with delirium on admission were excluded. The main study objectives were to assess the feasibility issues of conducting a double-blind RCT of exogenous melatonin to prevent delirium in PC: recruitment, retention, procedural acceptability, appropriateness of outcome measures, and preliminary efficacy and safety data. Study participants were randomized in a double-blind, parallel designed study to receive daily melatonin 3 mg or placebo orally at 21:00 over 28 days or less if incident delirium, death, discharge or withdrawal occurred earlier. Delirium was diagnosed using the Confusion Assessment Method. Efficacy endpoints in the melatonin and placebo groups were compared using time-to-event analysis: days from study entry to onset of incident delirium. RESULTS Over 16 months, 60/616 (9.7%; 95% CI: 7.5-12.4%) screened subjects were enrolled. The respective melatonin (n = 30) vs placebo (n = 30) outcomes were: incident delirium in 11/30 (36.7%; 95%CI: 19.9-56.1%) vs 10/30 (33%; 95% CI: 17.3-52.8%); early discharge (6 vs 5); withdrawal (6 vs 3); death (0 vs 1); and 7 (23%) vs 11 (37%) reached the 28-day end point. The 25th percentile time-to-event were 9 and 18 days (log rank, χ2 = 0.62, p = 0.43) in melatonin and placebo groups, respectively. No serious trial medication-related adverse effects occurred and the core study procedures were acceptable. Compared to those who remained delirium-free during their study participation, those who developed delirium (n = 21) had poorer functional (p = 0.036) and cognitive performance (p = 0.013), and in particular, poorer attentional capacity (p = 0.003) at study entry. CONCLUSIONS A larger double-blind RCT is feasible, but both subject accrual and withdrawal rates signal a need for multisite collaboration. The apparent trend for shorter time to incident delirium in the melatonin group bodes for careful monitoring in a larger trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on July 21st 2014 with ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT02200172 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter G. Lawlor
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 43 Bruyère Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5C8 Canada ,grid.418792.10000 0000 9064 3333Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada ,grid.412687.e0000 0000 9606 5108Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada ,grid.418792.10000 0000 9064 3333Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | | | - Franco Momoli
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, London, Canada
| | - Sallyanne Tierney
- grid.418792.10000 0000 9064 3333Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Monidipa Dasgupta
- grid.39381.300000 0004 1936 8884Department of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Meera Agar
- Centre of Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jose L. Pereira
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - David C. Currow
- Centre of Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Shirley H. Bush
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 43 Bruyère Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5C8 Canada ,grid.418792.10000 0000 9064 3333Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada ,grid.412687.e0000 0000 9606 5108Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada ,grid.418792.10000 0000 9064 3333Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hawley P, Fyles G, Jefferys SG. Subcutaneous Lidocaine for Cancer-Related Pain. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:1357-1364. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Philippa Hawley
- Pain and Symptom Management/Palliative Care Department, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Interdepartmental Division of Departments of Medicine, Family Practice, and Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gillian Fyles
- Division of Palliative Care, Interdepartmental Division of Departments of Medicine, Family Practice, and Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Pain and Symptom Management/Palliative Care Program, BC Cancer, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephen G. Jefferys
- Pain and Symptom Management/Palliative Care Program, BC Cancer, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fiorentino M, Pentakota SR, Mosenthal AC, Glass NE. The Palliative Performance Scale predicts mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Palliat Med 2020; 34:1228-1234. [PMID: 32677509 PMCID: PMC7378312 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320940566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a substantial mortality risk with increased rates in the elderly. We hypothesized that age is not sufficient, and that frailty measured by preadmission Palliative Performance Scale would be a predictor of outcomes. Improved ability to identify high-risk patients will improve clinicians' ability to provide appropriate palliative care, including engaging in shared decision-making about life-sustaining therapies. AIM To evaluate whether preadmission Palliative Performance Scale predicts mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. DESIGN Retrospective observational cohort study of patients admitted with COVID-19. Palliative Performance Scale was calculated from the chart. Using logistic regression, Palliative Performance Scale was assessed as a predictor of mortality controlling for demographics, comorbidities, palliative care measures and socioeconomic status. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Patients older than 18 years of age admitted with COVID-19 to a single urban public hospital in New Jersey, USA. RESULTS Of 443 admitted patients, we determined the Palliative Performance Scale score for 374. Overall mortality was 31% and 81% in intubated patients. In all, 36% (134) of patients had a low Palliative Performance Scale score. Compared with patients with a high score, patients with a low score were more likely to die, have do not intubate orders and be discharged to a facility. Palliative Performance Scale independently predicts mortality (odds ratio 2.89; 95% confidence interval 1.42-5.85). CONCLUSIONS Preadmission Palliative Performance Scale independently predicts mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Improved predictors of mortality can help clinicians caring for patients with COVID-19 to discuss prognosis and provide appropriate palliative care including decisions about life-sustaining therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nina E Glass
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Dealing with prognostic uncertainty: the role of prognostic models and websites for patients with advanced cancer. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2020; 13:360-368. [PMID: 31689273 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an updated overview of prognostic models in advanced cancer and highlight the role of prognostic calculators. RECENT FINDINGS In the advanced cancer setting, many important healthcare decisions are driven by a patient's prognosis. However, there is much uncertainty in formulating prognosis, particularly in the era of novel cancer therapeutics. Multiple prognostic models have been validated for patients seen by palliative care and have a life expectancy of a few months or less, such as the Palliative Performance Scale, Palliative Prognostic Score, Palliative Prognostic Index, Objective Prognostic Score, and Prognosis in Palliative Care Study Predictor. However, these models are seldom used in clinical practice because of challenges related to limited accuracy when applied individually and difficulties with model selection, computation, and interpretation. Online prognostic calculators emerge as tools to facilitate knowledge translation by overcoming the above challenges. For example, www.predictsurvival.com provides the output for seven prognostic indexes simultaneously based on 11 variables. SUMMARY Prognostic models and prognostic websites are currently available to augment prognostication in the advanced cancer setting. Further studies are needed to examine their impact on prognostic accuracy, confidence, and clinical outcomes.
Collapse
|
41
|
Sun Z, Guerriere DN, de Oliveira C, Coyte PC. Temporal trends in place of death for end-of-life patients: Evidence from Toronto, Canada. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:1807-1816. [PMID: 32364288 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the temporal trends in the place of death among patients in receipt of home-based palliative care can help direct health policies and planning of health resources. This paper aims to assess the temporal trends in place of death and its determinants over the past decade for patients receiving home-based palliative care. This paper also examines the impact of early referral to home-based palliative care services on patient's place of death. Survey data collected in a home-based end-of-life care program in Toronto, Canada from 2005 to 2015 were analysed using a multivariate logistic model. The results suggest that the place of death for patients in receipt of home-based palliative care has changed over time, with more patients dying at home over 2006-2015 when compared to 2005. Also, early referral to home-based palliative care services may not increase a patient's likelihood of home death. Understanding the temporal shifts of place of death and the associated factors is essential for effective improvements in home-based palliative care programs and the development of end-of-life care policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuolu Sun
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Denise N Guerriere
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Canadian Center for Health Economics, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Claire de Oliveira
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter C Coyte
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Canadian Center for Health Economics, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Prognostic Tools in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT CLINICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpha.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
43
|
Dzierżanowski T, Gradalski T, Kozlowski M. Palliative Performance Scale: cross cultural adaptation and psychometric validation for Polish hospice setting. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:52. [PMID: 32321494 PMCID: PMC7178730 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measuring functional status in palliative care may help clinicians to assess a patient's prognosis, recommend adequate therapy, avoid futile or aggressive medical care, consider hospice referral, and evaluate provided rehabilitation outcomes. An optimized, widely used, and validated tool is preferable. The Palliative Performance Scale Version 2 (PPSv2) is currently one of the most commonly used performance scales in palliative settings. The aim of this study is the psychometric validation process of a Polish translation of this tool (PPSv2-Polish). METHODS Two hundred patients admitted to a free-standing hospice were evaluated twice, on the first and third day, for test-retest reliability. In the first evaluation, two different care providers independently evaluated the same patient to establish inter-rater reliability values. PPSv2-Polish was evaluated simultaneously with the Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (ECOG PS), and Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Index, to determine its construct validity. RESULTS A high level of full agreement between test and retest was seen (63%), and a good intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.85 (P < 0.0001) was achieved. Excellent agreement between raters was observed when using PPSv2-Polish (Cohen's kappa 0.91; P < 0.0001). Satisfactory correlations with the KPS and good correlations with ECOG PS and Barthel ADL were noticed. Persons who had shorter prognoses and were predominantly bedridden also had lower scores measured by the PPSv2-Polish, KPS and Barthel ADL. A strong correlation of 0.77 between PPSv2-Polish scores and survival time was noted (P < 0.0001). Moderate survival correlations were seen between KPS, ECOG PS, and Barthel ADL of 0.41; - 0.62; and 0.58, respectively (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION PPSv2-Polish is a valid and reliable tool measuring performance status in a hospice population and can be used in daily clinical practice in palliative care and research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Dzierżanowski
- Laboratory of Palliative Medicine, Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Gradalski
- St Lazarus Hospice, 31-831 Krakow, Fatimska, 17, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Michael Kozlowski
- Clinic of Pain Treatment and Palliative Care, Chair of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cai J, Zhang L, Guerriere D, Coyte PC. Congruence between Preferred and Actual Place of Death for Those in Receipt of Home-Based Palliative Care. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:1460-1467. [PMID: 32286904 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Understanding the factors that affect the congruence between preferred and actual place of death may help providers offer clients customized end-of-life care settings. Little is known about this congruence for cancer patients in receipt of home-based palliative care. Objectives: This study aims to determine the congruence between preferred and actual place of death among cancer patients in home-based palliative care programs. Design: A longitudinal prospective cohort study was conducted. Congruence between preferred and actual place of death was measured. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the determinants of achieving a preferred place of death. From July 2010 to August 2012, a total of 290 caregivers were interviewed biweekly over the course of their palliative care trajectory from entry to the program and death. Results: The overall congruence between preferred and actual place of death was 71.72%. Home was the most preferred place of death. The intensity of home-based nursing visits and hours of care from personal support workers (PSWs) increased the likelihood of achieving death in a preferred setting. Conclusions: The provision of care by home-based nurse visits and PSWs contributed to achieving a greater congruence between preferred and actual place of death. This finding highlights the importance of formal care providers in signaling and executing the preferences of clients in receipt of home-based palliative care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoli Cai
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Denise Guerriere
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter C Coyte
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Harrison KL, Bull JH, Garrett SB, Bonsignore L, Bice T, Hanson LC, Ritchie CS. Community-Based Palliative Care Consultations: Comparing Dementia to Nondementia Serious Illnesses. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:1021-1029. [PMID: 31971857 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Little is known about the provision of palliative care to people with dementia (PWD). Objective: To examine demographic and clinical characteristics of PWD versus nondementia serious illnesses receiving community-based palliative care. Design: Retrospective study of people 65+ receiving an initial consultation from a community-based palliative care practice between September 2014 and February 2018 using registry data entered by clinicians into the Quality Data Collection Tool for Palliative Care. Setting: Large not-for-profit organization that provides community-based hospice and palliative care services. Measurements: Demographics, consult characteristics, advance care planning, and caregiver support. Results: Of 3883 older adults receiving a first palliative care consultation from this organization, 22% (855) had a dementia diagnosis. Compared to those with nondementia serious illnesses, PWD were older with more impaired function; 36% had a prognosis of less than six months. More PWD than those without dementia had a proxy decision maker and documented advance directive. A quarter of PWD were full code before consultation; nearly half changed to some limitation afterward. Symptom characteristics were missing for 67% of PWD due to collection through self-report. Caregivers of PWD were responsible for significantly more activities of daily living than caregivers of people with nondementia serious illnesses. Conclusions: This is the first comparison of a large cohort of people with and without dementia receiving a community-based palliative care consult in the United States. Alternative measures of symptom burden should be used in registries to capture data for PWD. Understanding the unique characteristics of PWD will guide future services for this growing population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista L Harrison
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Janet H Bull
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Four Seasons Compassion for Life Hospice, Flat Rock, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah B Garrett
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lindsay Bonsignore
- Four Seasons Compassion for Life Hospice, Flat Rock, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tyler Bice
- Four Seasons Compassion for Life Hospice, Flat Rock, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura C Hanson
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christine S Ritchie
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hui D, Ross J, Park M, Dev R, Vidal M, Liu D, Paiva CE, Bruera E. Predicting survival in patients with advanced cancer in the last weeks of life: How accurate are prognostic models compared to clinicians' estimates? Palliat Med 2020; 34:126-133. [PMID: 31564218 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319873261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear if validated prognostic scores such as the Palliative Performance Scale, Palliative Prognostic Index, and Palliative Prognostic Score are more accurate than clinician prediction of survival in patients admitted to an acute palliative care unit with only days of survival. AIM We compared the prognostic accuracy of Palliative Performance Scale, Palliative Prognostic Index, Palliative Prognostic Score, and clinician prediction of survival in this setting. DESIGN This is a pre-planned secondary analysis of a prospective study. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS We assessed Palliative Performance Scale, Palliative Prognostic Index, Palliative Prognostic Score, and clinician prediction of survival at baseline. We computed their prognostic accuracy using the Concordance index and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for 7-, 14-, and 30-day survival. RESULTS A total of 204 patients were included with a median overall survival of 10 days (95% confidence interval: 8-11 days). The Concordance index for Palliative Performance Scale, Palliative Prognostic Index, Palliative Prognostic Score, and clinician prediction of survival were 0.74, 0.71, 0.70, and 0.75, respectively. The areas under the curve for these approaches were 0.82-0.87 for 30-day survival, 0.75-0.80 for 14-day survival, and 0.74-0.81 for 7-day survival. The four prognostic approaches had similar accuracies, with the exception of 7-day survival in which clinician prediction of survival was significantly more accurate than Palliative Prognostic Score (difference: 7%) and Palliative Prognostic Index (difference: 8%). CONCLUSION In patients with advanced cancer with days of survival, clinician prediction of survival and Palliative Performance Scale alone were as accurate as Palliative Prognostic Score and Palliative Prognostic Index. These four approaches may be useful for prognostication in acute palliative care units. Our findings highlight how patient population may impact the accuracy of prognostic scores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of General Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeremy Ross
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Minjeong Park
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rony Dev
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marieberta Vidal
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Diane Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abernethy ER, Campbell GP, Pentz RD. Why many oncologists fail to share accurate prognoses: They care deeply for their patients. Cancer 2019; 126:1163-1165. [PMID: 31774548 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca D Pentz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Aslakson RA, Chandrashekaran SV, Rickerson E, Fahy BN, Johnston FM, Miller JA, Conca-Cheng A, Wang S, Morris AM, Lorenz K, Temel JS, Smith TJ. A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial of Perioperative Palliative Care Surrounding Cancer Surgery for Patients and Their Family Members (PERIOP-PC). J Palliat Med 2019; 22:44-57. [PMID: 31486730 PMCID: PMC7366274 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite positive outcomes associated with specialist palliative care (PC) in diverse medical populations, little research has investigated specialist PC in surgical ones. Although cancer surgery is predominantly safe, operations can be extensive and unpredictable perioperative morbidity and mortality persist, particularly for patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Objectives and Hypotheses: Our objective is to complete a multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing surgeon-PC co-management with surgeon-alone management among patients pursuing curative-intent surgery for upper GI cancers. We hypothesize that perioperative PC will improve patient postsurgical quality of life. This study and design are based on >8 years of engagement and research with patients, family members, and clinicians surrounding major cancer surgery and advance care planning/PC for surgical patients. Methods: Randomized controlled superiority trial with two study arms (surgeon-PC team co-management and surgeon-alone management) and five data collection points over six months. The principal investigator and analysts are blinded to randomization. Setting: Four, geographically diverse, academic tertiary care hospitals. Data collection began December 20, 2018 and continues to December 2020. Participants: Patients recruited from surgical oncology clinics who are undergoing curative-intent surgery for an upper GI cancer. Interventions: In the intervention arm, patients receive care from both their surgical team and a specialist PC team; the PC is provided before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at least monthly until three months postsurgery. Patients randomized to the usual care arm receive care from only the surgical team. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome: patient quality of life. Secondary outcomes: patient: symptom experience, spiritual distress, prognostic awareness, health care utilization, and mortality. Caregiver: quality of life, caregiver burden, spiritual distress, and prognostic awareness. Intent-to-treat analysis will be used. Ethics and Dissemination: This study has been approved by the institutional review boards of all study sites and is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03611309, First received: August 2, 2018).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Aslakson
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Shivani V. Chandrashekaran
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Elizabeth Rickerson
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bridget N. Fahy
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Fabian M. Johnston
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Alison Conca-Cheng
- The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Suwei Wang
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Arden M. Morris
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research and Education Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Karl Lorenz
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Jennifer S. Temel
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas J. Smith
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Allen JY, Haley WE, Small BJ. Bereavement outcomes among spousal hospice caregivers: Relief, rumination, and perceived patient suffering. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 45:371-379. [PMID: 31402770 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1648331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Witnessing end-of-life suffering of loved ones is an underappreciated stressor that may affect caregiver bereavement. We interviewed 61 spousal caregivers of hospice patients who died within the past 6-18 months. Higher rumination about suffering and lower feelings of relief was related to poorer well-being. Rumination by caregivers about end-of-life suffering was an important predictor of depression and complicated grief. Most caregivers viewed the death as at least in part a relief. One important focus of grief support may be to help caregivers find productive ways to avoid rumination and use other forms of coping and to acknowledge feelings of relief.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y Allen
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Psychology, Now at Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - William E Haley
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Brent J Small
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Sancho Zamora M, Plaza Canteli S, Pita Carranza A, González García N. Estimating the short-term prognosis to adjust the transfer of patients with terminal cancer to medium-stay palliative care units. Rev Clin Esp 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|