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Wittenberg E, Goldsmith JV, Chen C(K, Prince-Paul M. A conceptual model of the nurse's role as primary palliative care provider in goals of care communication. PEC INNOVATION 2024; 4:100254. [PMID: 38298557 PMCID: PMC10828588 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Objective Nurses have opportunities to engage in goals of care conversations that can promote palliative care communication. The purpose of this study was to describe nurses' experiences in goals of care communication as summarized in the literature and to present a conceptual model of communication pathways for nurses. Methods An integrative review of the literature (2016-2022) addressing nurses' experiences in goals of care communication was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychInfo databases. A total of 92 articles were retrieved. A total of 12 articles were included for this review after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Of the 12 articles, the majority were qualitative studies (n = 8). Qualitative analysis of findings from all articles revealed three dominant themes: nurses' ambiguous role responsibilities, goals of care as end-of-life communication, and the need for nurse communication training. Conclusion This article suggests an innovative conceptual model for advancing nurse communication about goals of care to facilitate primary palliative care. Innovation The framework characterizes two communication pathways for Advanced Practice Nurses who direct goals of care discussions and Registered Nurses who support goals of care communication. The model informs future communication training aimed at supporting primary palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Wittenberg
- From California State University Los Angeles, Department of Communication Studies, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joy V. Goldsmith
- From University of Memphis, Department of Communication and Film, Memphis, TN, USA
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2
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Bárrios H, Nunes JPL, Teixeira JPA, Rêgo G. End-of-Life Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Decreased Hospitalization of Nursing Home Residents at the End of Life. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1573. [PMID: 39201132 PMCID: PMC11353357 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161573] [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: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Nursing homes (NHs) face unique challenges in end-of-life care for their residents. High rates of hospitalization at the end of life are frequent, often for preventable conditions. The increased clinical uncertainty during the pandemic, the high symptom burden of the COVID-19 disease, and the challenges in communication with families and between care teams might impact the option to hospitalize NH residents at the end of life. (2) Materials and methods: The study covered a 3-year period and compared the hospitalization rates of the NH residents of a sample of Portuguese NH during the last year of life before and during the pandemic. A total of 387 deceased residents were included in the study. (3) Results: There were fewer hospitalizations in the last year of life during the pandemic period, although the proportion of deaths at hospitals was the same. Hospitalizations occurred closer to death, and with more serious clinical states. The lower rate of hospitalization was due to lower hospitalization due to infection; (4) Conclusions: The data suggest an improvement in end-of-life care practices during the pandemic period, with the decrease in hospitalizations being due to potentially burdensome hospitalizations. The importance of the role of physicians, nurses, and caregivers in this setting may be relatively independent of each other, and each may be targeted in end-of-life care training. Further study is recommended to clarify the implications of the results and if the changes can be sustained in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Bárrios
- Hospital do Mar Cuidados Especializados Lisboa, 2695-458 Bobadela, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.L.N.); (J.P.A.T.)
| | - José Pedro Lopes Nunes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.L.N.); (J.P.A.T.)
| | | | - Guilhermina Rêgo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.L.N.); (J.P.A.T.)
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Chen L, Sleeman KE, Bradshaw A, Sakharang W, Mo Y, Ellis-Smith C. The Use of Person-Centered Outcome Measures to Support Integrated Palliative Care for Older People: A Systematic Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:105036. [PMID: 38796168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to synthesize evidence on the use of person-centered outcome measures to facilitate integrated palliative care for older people and build a logic model depicting the mechanisms through which person-centered outcome measures support integrated care. DESIGN Mixed methods systematic review using a data-based convergent synthesis design. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Older people aged ≥60 years who are approaching the end of their lives in multiple settings. METHODS The study was underpinned by a conceptual framework of integrated palliative care, which informed the search strategy, data extraction, analysis, and synthesis. A hybrid search strategy was implemented, with database searches (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ASSIA) complemented by snowball searches. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed by narrative synthesis to summarize and explain the findings. The findings informed a logic model depicting the mechanisms of using person-centered outcome measures to support integrated palliative care. RESULTS Twenty-six studies were included. Three mixed methods studies, 2 qualitative studies, and 21 quantitative studies were included. There was evidence that person-centered outcome measures could support integrated palliative care through informing palliative care policy development (n = 4), facilitating joint working across settings (n = 5), enabling close collaboration of multidisciplinary teams (n = 14), promoting joint education (n = 1), facilitating timing and specialist referral (n = 6), and enhancing patient-centered care (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This review makes an important, novel, and theoretically informed contribution to the delivery of scalable and sustainable integrated palliative care into the care of older people using person-centered outcome measures. The constructed logic model provides a conceptual framework and practical approach to how person-centered outcome measures support multilevel integration. A future area of research is the development of person-centered outcome measure interventions informed by the logic model to meet clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghui Chen
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Katherine E Sleeman
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Bradshaw
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wilailak Sakharang
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yihan Mo
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Ellis-Smith
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Dowd S, Salama R. Sitting with you in uncertainty: a reflective essay on the contribution of social work to end-of-life care. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2024; 18:26323524241254838. [PMID: 38855565 PMCID: PMC11159529 DOI: 10.1177/26323524241254838] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Death may be the only certainty in life, but for palliative care patients and their carers, it is anything but. How long is there left? Will a hospice bed be available? What new loss (big or small), will tomorrow bring? Research suggests that the poor management of uncertainty in palliative care can significantly impact patient outcomes as well as the experience of bereaved families. Social workers cannot mitigate this uncertainty, but they can support individuals to recognise and engage with it. Often, this can create tensions with their personal instinct to remove distress, as well as their professional drive to 'fix things'. By overcoming these challenges and embracing their ability to find ways forward 'in the midst of the messy stuff', they model a constructive mode of behaviour that patients and other multidisciplinary professionals can then mirror.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dowd
- In-Patient Unit, Princess Alice Hospice, West End Lane, Esher KT10 8NA, UK
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Etkind SN, Barclay S, Spathis A, Hopkins SA, Bowers B, Koffman J. Uncertainty in serious illness: A national interdisciplinary consensus exercise to identify clinical research priorities. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289522. [PMID: 38422036 PMCID: PMC10903860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serious illness is characterised by uncertainty, particularly in older age groups. Uncertainty may be experienced by patients, family carers, and health professionals about a broad variety of issues. There are many evidence gaps regarding the experience and management of uncertainty. AIM We aimed to identify priority research areas concerning uncertainty in serious illness, to ensure that future research better meets the needs of those affected by uncertainty and reduce research inefficiencies. METHODS Rapid prioritisation workshop comprising five focus groups to identify research areas, followed by a ranking exercise to prioritise them. Participants were healthcare professionals caring for those with serious illnesses including geriatrics, palliative care, intensive care; researchers; patient/carer representatives, and policymakers. Descriptive analysis of ranking data and qualitative framework analysis of focus group transcripts was undertaken. RESULTS Thirty-four participants took part; 67% female, mean age 47 (range 33-67). The highest priority was communication of uncertainty, ranked first by 15 participants (overall ranking score 1.59/3). Subsequent priorities were: 2) How to cope with uncertainty; 3) healthcare professional education/training; 4) Optimising clinical approaches to uncertainty; and 5) exploring in-depth experiences of uncertainty. Research questions regarding optimal management of uncertainty were given higher priority than questions about experiences of uncertainty and its impact. CONCLUSIONS These co-produced, clinically-focused research priorities map out key evidence gaps concerning uncertainty in serious illness. Managing uncertainty is the most pressing issue, and researchers should prioritise how to optimally manage uncertainty in order to reduce distress, unlock decision paralysis and improve illness and care experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N. Etkind
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Barclay
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Spathis
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah A. Hopkins
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Bowers
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Koffman
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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Stevenson-Baker S. Promoting person-centred care at the end of life. Nurs Stand 2023; 38:76-82. [PMID: 37743829 DOI: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Providing person-centred care that takes into account each patient's individual needs and priorities is crucial at the end of life. Nurses need to be aware of the main aspects of person-centred care, such as supporting shared decision-making, developing therapeutic nurse-patient relationships, and considering the patient's physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. This article discusses the concept of person-centred care in the context of providing end of life care to patients and their families. It explains the benefits and barriers to providing person-centred end of life care, and outlines some of the areas that nurses and other healthcare professionals need to consider to promote effective care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Stevenson-Baker
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, England
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Etkind SN. Uncertainty in multimorbidity: a shared experience we should recognise, acknowledge and communicate. Br J Community Nurs 2022; 27:540-544. [PMID: 36327210 DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2022.27.11.540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Multimorbidity is increasingly common and inevitably results in uncertainties about health, care and the future. Such uncertainties may be experienced by patients, carers and health professionals. Given the ubiquitous presence of uncertainty, all professionals should be prepared to approach and address it in clinical practice. Uncertainty in multimorbidity can rarely be eliminated, and so, must be carefully addressed and communicated; however, there is little evidence on how to approach it. Key areas are: recognising the existence of uncertainty, acknowledging it, and communicating to achieve a shared understanding. Evaluation of what has been discussed, and preparedness to repeat such conversations are also important. Future research should explore optimal communication of uncertainty in multimorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Noah Etkind
- Academic Clinical Lecturer, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge
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Nicholson CJ, Combes S, Mold F, King H, Green R. Addressing inequity in palliative care provision for older people living with multimorbidity. Perspectives of community-dwelling older people on their palliative care needs: A scoping review. Palliat Med 2022; 37:475-497. [PMID: 36002975 PMCID: PMC10074761 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221118230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older people living with multimorbidity are projected to become the main recipients of palliative care in the coming decades, yet there is limited evidence regarding their expressed palliative care needs to inform person-centred care. AIM To understand the palliative care needs of community-dwelling people aged ⩾60 living with multimorbidity in the last 2 years of life. DESIGN A scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley. DATA SOURCES Three international electronic databases (CINAHL, Ovid Medline, PsycINFO) were searched from March 2018 to December 2021. Reference lists were hand searched. Eligible papers were those reporting empirical data on older people's needs. RESULTS From 985 potential papers, 28 studies were included, published between 2002 and 2020; sixteen quantitative, nine qualitative and three mixed methods. Data were extracted and presented under the holistic palliative care domains of need: physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and additionally practical needs. Different measurement tools (n = 29) were used, of which 20 were multidimensional. Primacy in reporting was given to physical needs, most commonly pain and function. Social and practical needs were often prioritised by older people themselves, including maintaining social connections and accessing and receiving individualised care. CONCLUSION Identifying the palliative care needs that matter most to older people with multimorbidity requires the recognition of their concerns, as well as their symptoms, across a continuum of living and dying. Available evidence is superficial. Supporting end of life provision for this growing and underserved population necessitates a shift to tailored multidimensional tools and community focussed integrated care services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Combes
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- St Christopher's Hospice, London, UK
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Etkind SN, Li J, Louca J, Hopkins SA, Kuhn I, Spathis A, Barclay SIG. Total uncertainty: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of experiences of uncertainty in older people with advanced multimorbidity, their informal carers and health professionals. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6670562. [PMID: 35977149 PMCID: PMC9385183 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES uncertainty pervades the complex illness trajectories experienced by older adults with multimorbidity. Uncertainty is experienced by older people, their informal carers and professionals providing care, yet is incompletely understood. We aimed to identify and synthesise systematically the experience of uncertainty in advanced multimorbidity from patient, carer and professional perspectives. DESIGN systematic literature review of published and grey qualitative literature from 9 databases (Prospero CRD 42021227480). PARTICIPANTS older people with advanced multimorbidity, and informal carers/professionals providing care to this group. Exclusion criteria: early multimorbidity, insufficient focus on uncertainty. ANALYSIS weight-of-evidence assessment was used to appraise included articles. We undertook thematic synthesis of multi-perspective experiences and response to uncertainty. RESULTS from 4,738 unique search results, we included 44 articles relating to 40 studies. 22 focused on patient experiences of uncertainty (n = 460), 15 on carer experiences (n = 197), and 19 on health professional experiences (n = 490), with 10 exploring multiple perspectives. We identified a shared experience of 'Total Uncertainty' across five domains: 'appraising and managing multiple illnesses'; 'fragmented care and communication'; 'feeling overwhelmed'; 'uncertainty of others' and 'continual change'. Participants responded to uncertainty by either active (addressing, avoiding) or passive (accepting) means. CONCLUSIONS the novel concept of 'Total Uncertainty' represents a step change in our understanding of illness experience in advanced multimorbidity. Patients, carers and health professionals experienced uncertainty in similar domains, suggesting a shared understanding is feasible. The domains of total uncertainty form a useful organising framework for health professionals caring for older adults with multimorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiaqi Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John Louca
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah A Hopkins
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Medical Library, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Isla Kuhn
- Medical Library, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna Spathis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephen I G Barclay
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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