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Azhar A, Hui D. Management of Physical Symptoms in Patients with Advanced Cancer During the Last Weeks and Days of Life. Cancer Res Treat 2022; 54:661-670. [PMID: 35790195 PMCID: PMC9296923 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2022.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced cancer are faced with many devastating symptoms in the last weeks and days of life, such as pain, delirium, dyspnea, bronchial hypersecretions (death rattle), and intractable seizures. Symptom management in the last weeks of life can be particularly challenging because of the high prevalence of delirium complicating symptom assessment, high symptom expression secondary to psychosocial and spiritual factors, limited life-expectancy requiring special considerations for prognosis-based decision-making, and distressed caregivers. There is a paucity of research involving patients in the last weeks of life, contributing to substantial variations in clinical practice. In this narrative review, we shall review the existing literature and provide a practical approach to in-patient management of several of the most distressing physical symptoms in the last weeks to days of life.
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Bramati P, Bruera E. Delirium in Palliative Care. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235893. [PMID: 34885002 PMCID: PMC8656500 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Delirium is a generalized cerebral dysfunction that occurs frequently near the end of life. In palliative care, delirium is frequently a sign of impending death; it is distressing for patients, families, and caregivers; and the goals of management, assessment, and treatment are controversial. We provide an update on these topics mainly focusing on patients with cancer. Abstract Delirium, a widespread neuropsychiatric disorder in patients with terminal diseases, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, profoundly impacting patients, their families, and caregivers. Although frequently missed, the effective recognition of delirium demands attention and commitment. Reversibility is frequently not achievable. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions are commonly used but largely unproven. Palliative sedation, although controversial, should be considered for refractory delirium. Psychological assistance should be available to patients and their families at all times.
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Maeda S, Kato I, Umeda K, Hiramatsu H, Takita J, Adachi S, Tsuneto S. Continuous deep sedation at the end of life in children with cancer: experience at a single center in Japan. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2020; 37:365-374. [PMID: 32379512 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2020.1744781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Continuous deep sedation (CDS) is used to alleviate unbearable and otherwise refractory symptoms in patients dying of cancer. No data are available concerning CDS in children from Japan to date. This study primarily aimed to describe experience in CDS in child cancer patients at Kyoto University Hospital. The secondary aims were to identify the characteristics of patients who received CDS, and to assess ability in daily living at the end of life. A retrospective chart review was performed for child cancer patients who died at the institute between 2008 and 2017. The data of 35 patients were analyzed. Nine (26%) patients had received CDS. Indications for CDS were dyspnea (56%), agitation (22%), seizures (22%), and pain (11%). Midazolam was used in all nine cases. In eight (89%) patients, opioids were also prescribed. In seven (78%) patients, CDS was performed for < 48 hours. In all nine cases, consent was obtained from the parent(s) but not from the children. CDS was more likely in patients with solid tumors (p = 0.018) and those who had received no respite sedation (p = 0.002). Patients without central nervous system symptoms tended to maintain their capacity for oral intake and verbal communication until a few days prior to death. This is the first report on CDS in child cancer patients from Japan. In the CDS literature, cross-study differences are evident for incidence, target symptoms, duration, and the decision-making process. Further international discussion is warranted concerning indications for CDS and the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Maeda
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Itaru Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Katsutsugu Umeda
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Hiramatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junko Takita
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Souichi Adachi
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Viola
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, 34 Barrie Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3J7
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Maeda S, Morita T, Ikenaga M, Abo H, Kizawa Y, Tsuneto S. Changes in opinions on palliative sedation of palliative care specialists over 16 years and their effects on clinical practice. Support Care Cancer 2018; 27:2211-2219. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4497-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Palliative sedation challenging the professional competency of health care providers and staff: a qualitative focus group and personal written narrative study. BMC Palliat Care 2017; 16:25. [PMID: 28399846 PMCID: PMC5387333 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-017-0198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite recent advances in palliative medicine, sedating a terminally ill patient is regarded as an indispensable treatment to manage unbearable suffering. With the prospect of widespread use of palliative sedation, the feelings and representations of health care providers and staff (carers) regarding sedation must be carefully explored if we are to gain a better understanding of its impact and potential pitfalls. The objective of the study was to provide a comprehensive description of the opinions of carers about the use of sedation practices in palliative care units (PCU), which have become a focus of public attention following changes in legislation. Methods Data were collected using a qualitative study involving multi-professional focus groups with health care providers and staff as well as personal narratives written by physicians and paramedical staff. A total of 35 medical and paramedical providers volunteered to participate in focus group discussions in three Palliative Care Units in two French hospitals and to write personal narratives. Results Health care provider and staff opinions had to do with their professional stance and competencies when using midazolam and practicing sedation in palliative care. They expressed uncertainty regarding three aspects of the comprehensive care: biomedical rigour of diagnosis and therapeutics, quality of the patient/provider relationship and care to be provided. Focusing on the sedative effect of midazolam and continuous sedation until death, the interviewed health care providers examined the basics of their professional competency as well as the key role played by the health care team in terms of providing support and minimizing workplace suffering. Nurses were subject to the greatest misgivings about their work when they were called upon to sedate patients. Conclusions The uncertainty experienced by the carers with regard to the medical, psychosocial and ethical justification for sedation is a source of psychological burden and moral distress, and it has proved to be a major source of suffering in the workplace. Lastly, the study shows the uncertainty can have the positive effect of prompting the care team to devise ways to deal with it.
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Schur S, Weixler D, Gabl C, Kreye G, Likar R, Masel EK, Mayrhofer M, Reiner F, Schmidmayr B, Kirchheiner K, Watzke HH. Sedation at the end of life - a nation-wide study in palliative care units in Austria. BMC Palliat Care 2016; 15:50. [PMID: 27180238 PMCID: PMC4868021 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-016-0121-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sedation is used to an increasing extent in end-of-life care. Definitions and indications in this field are based on expert opinions and case series. Little is known about this practice at palliative care units in Austria. METHODS Patients who died in Austrian palliative care units between June 2012 and June 2013 were identified. A predefined set of baseline characteristics and information on sedation during the last two weeks before death were obtained by reviewing the patients' charts. RESULTS The data of 2414 patients from 23 palliative care units were available for analysis. Five hundred two (21 %) patients received sedation in the last two weeks preceding their death, 356 (71 %) received continuous sedation until death, and 119 (24 %) received intermittent sedation. The median duration of sedation was 48 h (IQR 10-72 h); 168 patients (34 %) were sedated for less than 24 h. Indications for sedation were delirium (51 %), existential distress (32 %), dyspnea (30 %), and pain (20 %). Midazolam was the most frequently used drug (79 %), followed by lorazepam (13 %), and haloperidol (10 %). Sedated patients were significantly younger (median age 67 years vs. 74 years, p ≤ 0.001, r = 0.22), suffered more often from an oncological disease (92 % vs. 82 %, p ≤ 0.001, φ = 0.107), and were hospitalized more frequently (94 % vs. 76 %, p ≤ 0.001, φ = 0.175). The median number of days between admission to a palliative care ward/mobile palliative care team and death did not differ significantly in sedated versus non-sedated patients (10 vs. 9 days; p = 0.491). CONCLUSION This study provides insights into the practice of end-of-life sedation in Austria. Critical appraisal of these data will serve as a starting point for the development of nation-wide guidelines for palliative sedation in Austria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Schur
- Clinical Division of Palliative Care, Department for Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Christoph Gabl
- Mobile Hospice and Palliative Care Team, Tiroler Hospizgemeinschaft, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gudrun Kreye
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Rudolf Likar
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center of Pain Therapy and Palliative Medicine, General Hospital Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Eva Katharina Masel
- Clinical Division of Palliative Care, Department for Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Mayrhofer
- Clinical Division of Palliative Care, Department for Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Reiner
- Department for Palliative Care, Salzkammergut-Klinikum, Vöcklabruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Schmidmayr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus der Elisabethinen, Graz, Austria
| | - Kathrin Kirchheiner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Hans Watzke
- Clinical Division of Palliative Care, Department for Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Song HN, Lee US, Lee GW, Hwang IG, Kang JH, Eduardo B. Long-Term Intermittent Palliative Sedation for Refractory Symptoms at the End of Life in Two Cancer Patients. J Palliat Med 2015; 18:807-10. [PMID: 26244836 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2014.0357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative sedation (PS) can be classified as either continuous or intermittent. Continuous PS is most commonly used in end-of-life care, while no specific indication for intermittent PS exists. CASE PRESENTATION Here we describe two cases of refractory severe cancer pain with psychological anguish that were controlled successfully by intermittent IPS for the long time. One patient complained of refractory severe cancer pain and insomnia. The other patient had uncontrollable pain and delirium, whose sufferings were relieved by intermittent PS. Case Management and Outcome: Intermittent PS was offered to the cases every night-time with family member/patient's consent. After providing intermittent PS, cancer pain decreased to mild intensity and psychological symptoms were significant improved simultaneously with patients awake during day time. CONCLUSIONS Palliative PS may stop vicious cycle of physical and psychological distress in terminal cancer patients. Furthermore, intermittent type of PS could keep patients consciousness alert during day time and may be performed repeatedly for the long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haa-Na Song
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University , Jinju, Korea.,4 Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul, South Korea
| | - Un Seok Lee
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University , Jinju, Korea
| | - Gyeong-Won Lee
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University , Jinju, Korea
| | - In Gyu Hwang
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University , Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Hun Kang
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University , Jinju, Korea
| | - Bruera Eduardo
- 3 Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, Texas
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Ruijs CD, van der Wal G, Kerkhof AJ, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD. Unbearable suffering and requests for euthanasia prospectively studied in end-of-life cancer patients in primary care. BMC Palliat Care 2014; 13:62. [PMID: 25587240 PMCID: PMC4292985 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-13-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An international discussion about whether or not to legally permit euthanasia and (or) physician assisted suicide (EAS) is ongoing. Unbearable suffering in patients may result in a request for EAS. In the Netherlands EAS is legally permitted, and unbearable suffering is one of the central compulsory criteria. The majority of EAS is performed in cancer patients in the primary care practice. In around one in every seven end-of-life cancer patients dying in the primary care setting EAS is performed. The prevalence of unbearable symptoms and overall unbearable suffering in relationship to explicit requests for EAS was studied in a cohort of end-of-life cancer patients in primary care. Methods A prospective study in primary care cancer patients estimated to die within six months was performed. Every two months suffering was assessed with the State-of-Suffering V (SOS-V). The SOS-V is a comprehensive instrument for quantitative and qualitative assessment of unbearable suffering related to 69 physical, psychological and social symptoms in five domains. Results Out of 148 patients who were asked to participate 76 (51%) entered the study. The studied population were 64 patients who were followed up until death; 27% explicitly requested EAS, which was performed in 8% of the patients. The final interview per patient was analyzed; in four patients the SOS-V was missing. Unbearable symptoms were present in 94% of patients with an explicit request for EAS and in 87% of patients without an explicit request. No differences were found in the prevalence of unbearable suffering for physical, psychological, social and existential symptoms, nor for overall unbearable suffering, between patients who did or who did not explicitly request EAS. Conclusions In a population of end-of-life cancer patients cared for in primary care no differences in unbearable suffering were found between patients with and without explicit requests for EAS. The study raises the question whether unbearable suffering is the dominant motive to request for EAS. Most patients suffered from unbearable symptoms, indicating that the compulsory criterion of unbearable suffering may be met a priori in most end-of-life cancer patients dying at home, whether they request EAS or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cees Dm Ruijs
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Center, EMGO+ Institute, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands ; Primary Care Center De Greev, Grevelingenstraat 10, 3522 PR Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit van der Wal
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Center, EMGO+ Institute, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ad Jfm Kerkhof
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, EMGO+ Institute, van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Center, EMGO+ Institute, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Cancelli F, Dubra A, Zulian GB. Palliative Sedation for Status Epilepticus in a Patient with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2014; 28:382-3. [DOI: 10.3109/15360288.2014.969873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Dean A, Miller B, Woodwark C. Sedation at the end of life: a hospice's decision-making practices in the UK. Int J Palliat Nurs 2014; 20:474-81. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2014.20.10.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Dean
- Lecturer Practitioner, at Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Barbara Miller
- Clinical Audit Specialist Nurse, at Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Catherine Woodwark
- Associate Specialist in Palliative Care, at Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, UK
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Palliative sedation for cancer patients included in a home care program: A retrospective study. Palliat Support Care 2014; 13:619-24. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951514000200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AbstractObjective:Palliative sedation is a common treatment in palliative care. The home is a difficult environment for research, and there are few studies about sedation at home. Our aim was to analyze this practice in a home setting.Method:We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study in a home cohort during 2011. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 18 years or older and enrolled in the Palliative Home Care Program (PHCP) with advanced cancer. The variables employed were: sex, age, primary tumor location, and place of death. We also registered indication, type, drug and dose, awareness of diagnosis and prognosis, consent, survival, presence or absence of rales, painful mouth, and ulcers in patients sedated at home. We also collected the opinions of family members and professionals about the suffering of sedated patients.Results:A total of 446 patients (56% at home) of the 617 admitted to the PHCP between January and December of 2011 passed away. The typical patient in our population was a 70-year-old man with a lung tumor. Some 35 (14%) home patients required sedation, compared to 93 (49%) at the hospital. The most frequent indication was delirium (70%), with midazolam the most common drug (mean dose, 40 mg). Survival was around three days. Rales were frequent (57%) as well as awareness of diagnosis and prognosis (77 and 71%, respectively). Perception of suffering after sedation was rare among relatives (17%) and professionals (8%). In most cases, the decision was made jointly by professionals and family members.Significance of Results:Our study confirmed the role of palliative sedation as an appropriate therapeutic tool in the home environment.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last 25 years, palliative care has made major progress as an interdisciplinary specialty that addresses quality-of-life issues for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Research by numerous investigators has contributed to our increasing body of knowledge to support an evidence-based practice. AIM We highlight some lessons learned by our group in the process of conducting palliative care research, focusing in particular on symptom assessment; the management of pain, fatigue, cachexia, dyspnea, delirium, and opioid-induced neurotoxicity; and outcomes of our palliative care program. DESIGN Narrative review of selected literature, focusing on studies conducted by our group. DATA SOURCES This article is based on the Second Vittorio Ventafridda Memorial Lecture by Dr Eduardo Bruera, delivered at the European Association for Palliative Care, Trondheim, Norway on 8 June 2012. RESULTS For each topic, we review some of the pivotal studies in palliative care, discuss the challenges in research design, and outline possible directions for future research. CONCLUSIONS We conclude by sharing some of what we learned about the processes, pearls, and pitfalls of palliative care research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Effectiveness of multidisciplinary team conference on decision-making surrounding the application of continuous deep sedation for terminally ill cancer patients. Palliat Support Care 2013; 13:157-64. [PMID: 24182761 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951513000837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Continuous deep sedation (CDS) is a way to reduce conscious experience of symptoms of severe suffering in terminally ill cancer patients. However, there is wide variation in the frequency of its reported. So we conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the prevalence and features of CDS in our palliative care unit (PCU). METHODS We performed a systemic retrospective analysis of the medical and nursing records of all 1581 cancer patients who died at the PCU at Higashi Sapporo Hospital between April 2005 and August 2011. Continuous deep sedation can only be administered safely and appropriately when a multidisciplinary team is involved in the decision-making process. Prior to administration of CDS, a multidisciplinary team conference (MDTC) was held with respect to all the patients considered for CDS by an attending physician. The main outcome measures were the frequency and characteristics of CDS (patient background, all target symptoms, medications used for sedation, duration, family's satisfaction, and distress). We mailed anonymous questionnaires to bereaved families in August 2011. RESULTS Of 1581 deceased patients, 22 (1.39%) had received CDS. Physical exhaustion 8 (36.4%), dyspnea 7 (31.8%), and pain 5 (22.7%) were the most frequently mentioned indications. Continuous deep sedation had a duration of less than 1 week in 17 (77.3%). Six patients (0.38%) did not meet the appropriate criteria for CDS according to the MDTC and so did not receive it. Although bereaved families were generally comfortable with the practice of CDS, some expressed a high level of emotional distress. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Our results indicate that the prevalence of CDS will be decreased when it is carried out solely for appropriate indications. Continuity of teamwork, good coordination, exchange of information, and communication between the various care providers are essential. A lack of any of these may lead to inadequate assessment, information discrepancies, and unrest.
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Schildmann E, Vollmann J, Schildmann J. Palliative Sedation: Further Evidence Needs to Be Accompanied by Ethical Guidance to Ensure Professional Practice at the End of Life. J Clin Oncol 2012; 30:4176; author reply 4177-8. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.44.2368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jochen Vollmann
- Institute for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan Schildmann
- Institute for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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