1
|
Algu K, Wales J, Anderson M, Omilabu M, Briggs T, Kurahashi AM. Naming racism as a root cause of inequities in palliative care research: a scoping review. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:143. [PMID: 38858646 PMCID: PMC11163751 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01465-9] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic inequities in palliative care are well-established. The way researchers design and interpret studies investigating race- and ethnicity-based disparities has future implications on the interventions aimed to reduce these inequities. If racism is not discussed when contextualizing findings, it is less likely to be addressed and inequities will persist. OBJECTIVE To summarize the characteristics of 12 years of academic literature that investigates race- or ethnicity-based disparities in palliative care access, outcomes and experiences, and determine the extent to which racism is discussed when interpreting findings. METHODS Following Arksey & O'Malley's methodology for scoping reviews, we searched bibliographic databases for primary, peer reviewed studies globally, in all languages, that collected race or ethnicity variables in a palliative care context (January 1, 2011 to October 17, 2023). We recorded study characteristics and categorized citations based on their research focus-whether race or ethnicity were examined as a major focus (analyzed as a primary independent variable or population of interest) or minor focus (analyzed as a secondary variable) of the research purpose, and the interpretation of findings-whether authors directly or indirectly discussed racism when contextualizing the study results. RESULTS We identified 3000 citations and included 181 in our review. Of these, most were from the United States (88.95%) and examined race or ethnicity as a major focus (71.27%). When interpreting findings, authors directly named racism in 7.18% of publications. They were more likely to use words closely associated with racism (20.44%) or describe systemic or individual factors (41.44%). Racism was directly named in 33.33% of articles published since 2021 versus 3.92% in the 10 years prior, suggesting it is becoming more common. CONCLUSION While the focus on race and ethnicity in palliative care research is increasing, there is room for improvement when acknowledging systemic factors - including racism - during data analysis. Researchers must be purposeful when investigating race and ethnicity, and identify how racism shapes palliative care access, outcomes and experiences of racially and ethnically minoritized patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Algu
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 60 Murray Street, 4th Floor, Box 13, Toronto, ON, M5T3L9, Canada.
| | - Joshua Wales
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 60 Murray Street, 4th Floor, Box 13, Toronto, ON, M5T3L9, Canada
| | - Michael Anderson
- Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 6th floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Mariam Omilabu
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 60 Murray Street, 4th Floor, Box 13, Toronto, ON, M5T3L9, Canada
| | - Thandi Briggs
- Home and Community Care Support Services Toronto Central, 250 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON, M5T 2Z5, Canada
| | - Allison M Kurahashi
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 60 Murray Street, 4th Floor, Box 13, Toronto, ON, M5T3L9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gallo Marin B, Oliva R, Anandarajah G. Exploring the Beliefs, Values, and Understanding of Quality End-of-Life Care in the Latino Community: A Spanish-Language Qualitative Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:508-515. [PMID: 37408485 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231188693] [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: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Context: Hospice services are underutilized by the Latino community in the United States. Previous research has identified that language is a key barrier contributing to disparities. However, very few studies have been conducted in Spanish to specifically explore other barriers to hospice enrollment or values related to end-of-life (EOL) care in this community. Here, we remove the language barrier in order to gain an in-depth understanding of what members of the diverse Latino community in one state in the USA considers high quality EOL and barriers to hospice. Methods: This exploratory semi-structured individual interview study of Latino community members was conducted in Spanish. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Transcripts were analyzed by three researchers, using a grounded-theory approach to identify themes and sub-themes. Main Findings: Six major themes emerged: (1) concept of "a good death"-spiritual peace, family/community connection, no burdens left behind; (2) centrality of family; (3) lack of knowledge about hospice/palliative care; (4) Spanish language as critical; (5) communication style differences; and (6) necessity for cultural understanding. The central theme of "a good death" was closely linked to having the entire family physically and emotionally present. The four other themes represent interrelated, compounding barriers to achieving this "good death." Principal Conclusions: Healthcare providers and the Latino community can work together to decrease hospice utilization disparities by: actively involving family at every step; addressing misconceptions regarding hospice; conducting important conversations in Spanish; and improving provider skills in culturally sensitive care, including communication style.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rocío Oliva
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gowri Anandarajah
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Hope Hospice and Palliative Care Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karanth S, Osazuwa-Peters OL, Wilson LE, Previs RA, Rahman F, Huang B, Pisu M, Liang M, Ward KC, Schymura MJ, Berchuck A, Akinyemiju TF. Health Care Access Dimensions and Racial Disparities in End-of-Life Care Quality among Patients with Ovarian Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:811-821. [PMID: 38441644 PMCID: PMC10946308 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the association between health care access (HCA) dimensions and racial disparities in end-of-life (EOL) care quality among non-Hispanic Black (NHB), non-Hispanic White (NHW), and Hispanic patients with ovarian cancer. This retrospective cohort study used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-linked Medicare data for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer from 2008 to 2015, ages 65 years and older. Health care affordability, accessibility, and availability measures were assessed at the census tract or regional levels, and associations between these measures and quality of EOL care were examined using multivariable-adjusted regression models, as appropriate. The final sample included 4,646 women [mean age (SD), 77.5 (7.0) years]; 87.4% NHW, 6.9% NHB, and 5.7% Hispanic. In the multivariable-adjusted models, affordability was associated with a decreased risk of intensive care unit stay [adjusted relative risk (aRR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83-0.98] and in-hospital death (aRR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84-0.98). After adjustment for HCA dimensions, NHB patients had lower-quality EOL care compared with NHW patients, defined as: increased risk of hospitalization in the last 30 days of life (aRR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03-1.30), no hospice care (aRR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04-1.44), in-hospital death (aRR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03-1.57), and higher counts of poor-quality EOL care outcomes (count ratio:1.19, 95% CI: 1.04-1.36). HCA dimensions were strong predictors of EOL care quality; however, racial disparities persisted, suggesting that additional drivers of these disparities remain to be identified. SIGNIFICANCE Among patients with ovarian cancer, Black patients had lower-quality EOL care, even after adjusting for three structural barriers to HCA, namely affordability, availability, and accessibility. This suggests an important need to investigate the roles of yet unexplored barriers to HCA such as accommodation and acceptability, as drivers of poor-quality EOL care among Black patients with ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shama Karanth
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Lauren E. Wilson
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rebecca A. Previs
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Fariha Rahman
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Biostatistics and Kentucky Cancer Registry, Univ of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine and O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Margaret Liang
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Kevin C. Ward
- Georgia Cancer Registry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Maria J. Schymura
- New York State Cancer Registry, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Andrew Berchuck
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tomi F. Akinyemiju
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shen MJ, Prigerson HG, Maciejewski PK, Daly B, Adelman R, McConnell Trevino KM. A communication intervention to improve prognostic understanding and engagement in advance care planning among diverse advanced cancer patient-caregiver dyads: A pilot study. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:10-18. [PMID: 37526150 PMCID: PMC10901460 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accurate prognostic understanding among patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers is associated with greater engagement in advance care planning (ACP) and receipt of goal-concordant care. Poor prognostic understanding is more prevalent among racial and ethnic minority patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a patient-caregiver communication-based intervention to improve prognostic understanding, engagement in ACP, and completion of advance directives among a racially and ethnically diverse, urban sample of patients and their caregivers. METHODS Patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers (n = 22 dyads) completed assessments of prognostic understanding, engagement in ACP, and completion of advance directives at baseline and post-intervention, Talking About Cancer (TAC). TAC is a 7-session intervention delivered remotely by licensed social workers that includes distress management and communication skills, review of prognosis, and information on ACP. RESULTS TAC met a priori benchmarks for feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity. Prognostic understanding and engagement in ACP did not change over time. However, patients showed increases in completion of advance directives. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS TAC was feasible, acceptable, and delivered with high fidelity. Involvement of caregivers in TAC may provide added layers of support to patients facing advanced cancer diagnoses, especially among racial and ethnic minorities. Trends indicated greater completion of advance directives but not in prognostic understanding or engagement in ACP. Future research is needed to optimize the intervention to improve acceptability, tailor to diverse patient populations, and examine the efficacy of TAC in a randomized controlled trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Shen
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Holly G Prigerson
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul K Maciejewski
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bobby Daly
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald Adelman
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelly M McConnell Trevino
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shen L, Chen L, Zhou Y, Chen T, Han H, Xia Q, Liu Z. Temporal trends and barriers for inpatient palliative care referral in metastatic gynecologic cancer patients receiving specific critical care therapies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1173438. [PMID: 37927460 PMCID: PMC10620795 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1173438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Existing evidence suggests that palliative care (PC) is highly underutilized in metastatic gynecologic cancer (mGCa). This study aims to explore temporal trends and predictors for inpatient PC referral in mGCa patients who received specific critical care therapies (CCT). Methods The National Inpatient Sample from 2003 to 2015 was used to identify mGCa patients receiving CCT. Basic characteristics were compared between patients with and without PC. Annual percentage change (APC) was estimated to reflect the temporal trend in the entire cohort and subgroups. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to explore potential predictors of inpatient PC referral. Results In total, 122,981 mGCa patients were identified, of whom 10,380 received CCT. Among these, 1,208 (11.64%) received inpatient PC. Overall, the rate of PC referral increased from 1.81% in 2003 to 26.30% in 2015 (APC: 29.08%). A higher increase in PC usage was found in white patients (APC: 30.81%), medium-sized hospitals (APC: 31.43%), the Midwest region (APC: 33.84%), and among patients with ovarian cancer (APC: 31.35%). Multivariable analysis suggested that medium bedsize, large bedsize, Midwest region, West region, uterine cancer and cervical cancer were related to increased PC use, while metastatic sites from lymph nodes and genital organs were related to lower PC referral. Conclusion Further studies are warranted to better illustrate the barriers for PC and finally improve the delivery of optimal end-of-life care for mGCa patients who receive inpatient CCT, especially for those diagnosed with ovarian cancer or admitted to small scale and Northeast hospitals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Shen
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Longpei Chen
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Tianran Chen
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hedong Han
- Department of Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuyan Xia
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Zhanguo Liu
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Prater L, Takagi-Stewart J, Hogan TH, Moss KO, Anjum P, Lockwood B, Bose-Brill S. Hospice Transitions From the Perspective of the Caregiver: A Qualitative Study and Development of a Preliminary Hospice Transition Checklist. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:431-439. [PMID: 35666474 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221106108] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Relative to curative and traditional care delivery, hospice care has been associated with superior end of life (EOL) outcomes for both patient and caregiver. Still, comprehensive orientation and caregiver preparation for the transition to hospice is variable and often inadequate. From the perspective of the caregiver, it is unclear what information would better prepare them to support the transition of their loved one to hospice. Objectives: Our two sequential objectives were: 1) Explore caregivers' experiences and perceptions on the transition of their loved one to hospice; and 2) Develop a preliminary checklist of considerations for a successful transition. Design: We conducted semi-structured interviews and used a descriptive inductive/deductive thematic analysis to identify themes. Subjects: 19 adult caregivers of patients across the United States who had enrolled in hospice and died in the year prior (January - December 2019). Measurements: An interview guide was iteratively developed based on prior literature and expanded through collaborative coding and group discussion. Results: Four key themes for inclusion in our framework emerged: hospice intake, preparedness, burden of care and hospice resources. Conclusions: Focusing on elements of our preliminary checklist, such as educating families on goals of hospice or offering opportunities for respite care, into the orientation procedures may be opportunities to improve satisfaction with the transition and the entirety of the hospice experience. Future directions include testing the effectiveness of the checklist and adapting for expanded poputlations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Prater
- The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, 7284University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, 12305The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, 7284University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julian Takagi-Stewart
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, 7284University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tory H Hogan
- The Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, 51113The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Karen O Moss
- Center for Healthy Aging, Self-Management and Complex Care, College of Nursing, 15953The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Phillip Anjum
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, 12305The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Bethany Lockwood
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 12305The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Seuli Bose-Brill
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, 12305The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tal O, Ben Shem E, Peled O, Elyashiv O, Levy T. Age Disparities in End of Life Symptom Management Among Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. J Palliat Care 2023; 38:184-191. [PMID: 35225068 DOI: 10.1177/08258597221083418] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the symptoms of women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) during their last admission before death and analyze invasive palliative management administered in relation to symptom control and survival. MATERIALS & METHODS A retrospective review of Israeli patients with EOC, primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) and tubal cancer, admitted to our department prior to death between 2008-2018. Basic palliative treatment was defined as administration of IV fluids, analgesics, oxygen, antiemetics, antibiotics and/or blood transfusions. Procedures regarded as invasive included: peritoneal or pleural fluid drainage; placement of an indwelling catheter, administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), chemotherapy and ventilation. RESULTS 82 patients were included. Most suffered from weakness and fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints, pain and shortness of breath. 34 patients (41.5%) required only basic palliative treatment to alleviate their symptoms; however, in 48 patients (58.5%) invasive interventions were needed. Patients treated with invasive procedures were younger at death by almost 9 years (mean age of 65.73 ± 9.5 vs. 74.78 ± 9.8; p = 0.001). There were significantly more women with platinum sensitive disease in the invasive interventions group compared to the basic palliative care (60.42% vs. 32.35%; p = 0.012). No survival difference was found between the groups from diagnosis to death, relapse to death, last chemotherapy to death and last admission to death. CONCLUSIONS EOC patients suffer from high disease burden and multiple symptoms before death. We found that physicians tend to use more invasive care in dying younger patients. However, this aggressive treatment does not prolong survival. Futile treatments influencing quality of life should be avoided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ori Tal
- E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Sackler Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Holon, Israel
| | - Erez Ben Shem
- E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Sackler Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Holon, Israel
| | - Ofri Peled
- E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Sackler Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Holon, Israel
| | - Osnat Elyashiv
- E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Sackler Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Holon, Israel
| | - Tally Levy
- E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Sackler Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Holon, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tabuyo-Martin A, Torres-Morales A, Pitteloud MJ, Kshetry A, Oltmann C, Pearson JM, Khawand M, Schlumbrecht MP, Sanchez JC. Palliative Medicine Referral and End-of-Life Interventions Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Patients With Advanced or Recurrent Gynecologic Cancer. Cancer Control 2023; 30:10732748231157191. [PMID: 36762494 PMCID: PMC9943963 DOI: 10.1177/10732748231157191] [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] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Referral to palliative medicine (PM) has been shown to improve quality of life, reduce hospitalizations, and improve survival. Limited data exist about PM utilization among racial minorities with gynecologic malignancies. Our objective was to assess differences in palliative medicine referrals and end of life interventions (within the last 30 days of life) by race and ethnicity in a diverse population of gynecologic oncology patients. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of patients receiving gynecologic oncologic care at a tertiary referral center between 2017 - 2019 was conducted. Patients had either metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis or recurrence. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted. Exploratory analyses were done using chi-square and rank sum tests. Tests were two-sided with significance set at P < .05. RESULTS A total of 186 patients were included. Of those, 82 (44.1%) were referred to palliative medicine. Underrepresented minorities accounted for 47.3% of patients. English was identified as the primary language for 69.9% of the patients and Spanish in 24.2%. Over 90% of patients had insurance coverage. Ovarian cancer (37.6%) and uterine cancer (32.8%) were the most common sites of origin. Most patients (75%) had advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Race and language spoken were not associated with referral to PM. Black patients were more likely to have been prescribed appetite stimulants compared to White patients (41% vs 24%, P = .038). Black patients also had a higher number of emergency department visits compared to White patients during the study timeframe. Chemotherapy in the last 30 days of life was also more likely to be given to Black patients compared to White (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS Race was associated with variation in interventions and healthcare utilization near end-of-life. Understanding the etiologies of these differences is crucial to inform interventions for care optimization as it relates specifically to the health of minority patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Tabuyo-Martin
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology,
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and
Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, Miami, FL, USA,Angel Tabuyo-Martin, Gynecology Oncology,
University of Miami, 1121 NW 14th St, Suite 345C, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Angelica Torres-Morales
- Division of Geriatrics and
Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marie J. Pitteloud
- Division of Geriatrics and
Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alisha Kshetry
- Division of Geriatrics and
Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Carina Oltmann
- Division of Geriatrics and
Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joseph Matthew Pearson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology,
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and
Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mariana Khawand
- Division of Geriatrics and
Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Matthew P. Schlumbrecht
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology,
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and
Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Julia C. Sanchez
- Division of Geriatrics and
Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Harris HR, Guertin KA, Camacho TF, Johnson CE, Wu AH, Moorman PG, Myers E, Bethea TN, Bandera EV, Joslin CE, Ochs-Balcom HM, Peres LC, Rosenow WT, Setiawan VW, Beeghly-Fadiel A, Dempsey LF, Rosenberg L, Schildkraut JM. Racial disparities in epithelial ovarian cancer survival: An examination of contributing factors in the Ovarian Cancer in Women of African Ancestry consortium. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:1228-1239. [PMID: 35633315 PMCID: PMC9420829 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Black women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer have poorer survival compared to white women. Factors that contribute to this disparity, aside from socioeconomic status and guideline-adherent treatment, have not yet been clearly identified. We examined data from the Ovarian Cancer in Women of African Ancestry (OCWAA) consortium which harmonized data on 1074 Black women and 3263 white women with ovarian cancer from seven US studies. We selected potential mediators and confounders by examining associations between each variable with race and survival. We then conducted a sequential mediation analysis using an imputation method to estimate total, direct, and indirect effects of race on ovarian cancer survival. Black women had worse survival than white women (HR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.16-1.47) during study follow-up; 67.9% of Black women and 69.8% of white women died. In our final model, mediators of this disparity include college education, nulliparity, smoking status, body mass index, diabetes, diabetes/race interaction, postmenopausal hormone (PMH) therapy duration, PMH duration/race interaction, PMH duration/age interaction, histotype, and stage. These mediators explained 48.8% (SE = 12.1%) of the overall disparity; histotype/stage and PMH duration accounted for the largest fraction. In summary, nearly half of the disparity in ovarian cancer survival between Black and white women in the OCWAA consortium is explained by education, lifestyle factors, diabetes, PMH use, and tumor characteristics. Our findings suggest that several potentially modifiable factors play a role. Further research to uncover additional mediators, incorporate data on social determinants of health, and identify potential avenues of intervention to reduce this disparity is urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly R. Harris
- Program in Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristin A. Guertin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Tareq F Camacho
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Courtney E. Johnson
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anna H. Wu
- University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Patricia G. Moorman
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Evan Myers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Traci N. Bethea
- Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Campus, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Elisa V. Bandera
- Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Charlotte E. Joslin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Heather M. Ochs-Balcom
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Lauren C. Peres
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Will T. Rosenow
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Veronica W. Setiawan
- University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alicia Beeghly-Fadiel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lauren F. Dempsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lynn Rosenberg
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joellen M. Schildkraut
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Scarinci IC, Hansen B, Green BL, Sodeke SO, Price-Haywood EG, Kim YI. Willingness to participate in various nontherapeutic cancer research activities among urban and rural African American and Latinx healthy volunteers. Cancer Causes Control 2022; 33:1059-1069. [PMID: 35404020 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01576-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inclusion of racial/ethnic minorities in cancer research can reduce disparities in health outcomes; however, data regarding barriers and motivators to participation are sparse. This study assessed African American (AA) and Latinx healthy volunteers' perspectives regarding willingness to participate in noninvasive and invasive research activities. METHODS Using a 38-item questionnaire adapted from the Tuskegee Legacy Project Questionnaire, we assessed willingness to participate in 12 research activities, offering 27 possible barriers and 14 motivators. The sample was segmented into four subgroups by AA/Latinx and rural/urban. RESULTS Across five states and Puerto Rico, 533 participants completed questionnaires. Overall, participants were more willing to participate in noninvasive versus invasive procedures, although, all subgroups were willing to participate in research if asked. Rural AA were most willing to complete a survey or saliva sample, while rural Latinx were least willing. Urban AA were least willing to provide cheek swab, while rural counterparts were most willing. Self-benefit and benefit to others were among the top three motivators for all subgroups. Curiosity was a primary motivator for urban AA while obtaining health information motivated rural Latinx. Primary barriers included fears of side effects and being experimented on, lack of information, and lack of confidentiality. CONCLUSIONS Latinx and AAs are willing to participate in the continuum of nontherapeutic research activities suggesting their lack of participation may be related to not being asked. Inclusive enrollment may be achieved by assessing needs of participants during the design phase of a study in order to reduce barriers to participation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel C Scarinci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, 10360F, Birmingham, Albama, 35249, USA.
| | - Barbara Hansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, 10360F, Birmingham, Albama, 35249, USA
| | | | | | | | - Young-Il Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, 10360F, Birmingham, Albama, 35249, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cardenas V, Fennell G, Enguidanos S. Hispanics and Hospice: A Systematic Literature Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2022; 40:552-573. [PMID: 35848308 PMCID: PMC9845431 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221116068] [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: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Hospice has been shown to improve patient and family satisfaction with care, reduce hospitalizations and hospital costs, and reduce pain and symptoms. Despite more than 40 years of hospice care and related research in the U.S., few studies examining hospice experiences have included Hispanics. Thus, little is known about hospice barriers, facilitators, and outcomes among Hispanics.Aim. This systematic literature review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of studies assessing knowledge of and attitudes toward hospice, barriers and facilitators to hospice use, utilization patterns, and hospice-related outcomes among Hispanics.Design. Between March 2019 and March 2020 we searched Ovid Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, and CINAHL, using search terms for hospice care, end-of-life care, Hispanics, and Latinos. All steps were guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. U.S. studies that examined Hispanics' knowledge and attitudes towards hospice, facilitators or barriers to hospice use, hospice use, and hospice-related outcomes were included. Qualitative studies and non-empirical work were excluded. Study quality was assessed using Hawker's quality criteria.Results. Of the 4,841 abstracts reviewed, 41 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. These studies largely report lower hospice knowledge and awareness among Hispanics and mixed results around hospice use and outcomes in comparison to Whites.Conclusion. There has been relatively little research focused specifically on Hispanics' experience with hospice. Future research should focus on testing interventions for overcoming hospice-related disparities among Hispanics and on improving access to quality hospice care among terminally ill Hispanics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Cardenas
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gillian Fennell
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susan Enguidanos
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chuang E, Yu S, Georgia A, Nymeyer J, Williams J. A Decade of Studying Drivers of Disparities in End-of-Life Care for Black Americans: Using the NIMHD Framework for Health Disparities Research to Map the Path Ahead. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:e43-e52. [PMID: 35381316 PMCID: PMC9189009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the existing literature on racial disparities in quality of palliative and end-of-life care and to demonstrate gaps in the exploration of underlying mechanisms that produce these disparities. BACKGROUND Countless studies over several decades have revealed that our healthcare system in the United States consistently produces poorer quality end-of-life care for Black compared with White patients. Effective interventions to reduce these disparities are sparse and hindered by a limited understanding of the root causes of these disparities. METHODS We searched PubMed, CINAHL and PsychInfo for research manuscripts that tested hypotheses about causal mechanisms for disparities in end-of-life care for Black patients. These studies were categorized by domains outlined in the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) framework, which are biological, behavioral, physical/built environment, sociocultural and health care systems domains. Within these domains, studies were further categorized as focusing on the individual, interpersonal, community or societal level of influence. RESULTS The majority of the studies focused on the Healthcare System and Sociocultural domains. Within the Health Care System domain, studies were evenly distributed among the individual, interpersonal, and community level of influence, but less attention was paid to the societal level of influence. In the Sociocultural domain, most studies focused on the individual level of influence. Those focusing on the individual level of influence tended to be of poorer quality. CONCLUSIONS The sociocultural environment, physical/built environment, behavioral and biological domains remain understudied areas of potential causal mechanisms for racial disparities in end-of-life care. In the Healthcare System domain, social influences including healthcare policy and law are understudied. In the sociocultural domain, the majority of the studies still focused on the individual level of influence, missing key areas of research in interpersonal discrimination and local and societal structural discrimination. Studies that focus on individual factors should be better screened to ensure that they are of high quality and avoid stigmatizing Black communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Chuang
- Department of Family and Social Medicine (E.C.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
| | - Sandra Yu
- Columbia Mailman School of Public Health (S.Y.), New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Disparities in place of death for patients with primary brain tumors and brain metastases in the USA. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:6795-6805. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07120-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
14
|
Mullins MA, Uppal S, Ruterbusch JJ, Cote ML, Clarke P, Wallner LP. Physician Influence on Variation in Receipt of Aggressive End-of-Life Care Among Women Dying of Ovarian Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e293-e303. [PMID: 34582262 PMCID: PMC8932499 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE End-of-life care for women with ovarian cancer is persistently aggressive, but factors associated with overuse are not well understood. We evaluated physician-level variation in receipt of aggressive end-of-life care and examined physician-level factors contributing to this variation in the SEER-Medicare data set. METHODS Medicare beneficiaries with ovarian cancer who died between 2000 and 2016 were included if they were diagnosed after age 66 years, had complete Medicare coverage between diagnosis and death, and had outpatient physician evaluation and management for their ovarian cancer. Using multilevel logistic regression, we examined physician variation in no hospice enrollment, late hospice enrollment (≤ 3 days), > 1 emergency department visit, an intensive care unit stay, terminal hospitalization, > 1 hospitalization, receiving a life-extending or invasive procedure, and chemotherapy (in the last 2 weeks). RESULTS In this sample of 6,288 women, 51% of women received at least one form of aggressive end-of-life care. Most common were no hospice enrollment (28.9%), an intensive care unit stay (18.6%), and receipt of an invasive procedure (20.7%). For not enrolling in hospice, 9.9% of variation was accounted for by physician clustering (P < .01). Chemotherapy had the highest physician variation (12.4%), with no meaningful portion of the variation explained by physician specialty, volume, region, or patient characteristics. CONCLUSION In this study, a meaningful amount of variation in aggressive end-of-life care among women dying of ovarian cancer was at the physician level, suggesting that efforts to improve the quality of this care should include interventions aimed at physician practices and decision making in end-of-life care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. Mullins
- Center for Improving Patient and Population Health and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Shitanshu Uppal
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Julie J. Ruterbusch
- Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI
| | - Michele L. Cote
- Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI
| | - Philippa Clarke
- Department of Epidemiology and Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lauren P. Wallner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Herrel LA, Zhu Z, Ryan AM, Hollenbeck BK, Miller DC. Intensity of end-of-life care for dual-eligible beneficiaries with cancer and the impact of delivery system affiliation. Cancer 2021; 127:4628-4635. [PMID: 34428311 PMCID: PMC9199351 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dual-eligible beneficiaries, who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, are a vulnerable population with much to gain from efforts to improve quality. Integrated delivery networks and cancer centers, with their emphasis on care coordination and communication, may improve quality of care for dual-eligible patients with cancer at the end of life. METHODS This study used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry data linked with Medicare claims to evaluate quality for beneficiaries who died of cancer and were diagnosed from 2009 to 2014. High-intensity care was evaluated with 7 end-of-life quality measures according to dual-eligible status with multivariable logistic regression models. Regression-based techniques were used to assess the effect of delivery system affiliation (ie, cancer center or integrated delivery network vs no affiliation). RESULTS Among 100,549 beneficiaries who died during the study interval, 22% were dually eligible. Inferior outcomes were identified for dual-eligible beneficiaries in comparison with nondual beneficiaries across nearly every quality measure assessed, including >1 hospitalization in the last 30 days (12.6% vs 11.3%; P < .001) and a greater proportion of deaths occurring in a hospital setting (30.2% vs 26.2%; P < .001). Receipt of care in an affiliated delivery system was associated with reduced deaths in a hospital setting and increased hospice utilization for dual-eligible beneficiaries. CONCLUSIONS Dual-eligible status is associated with higher intensity care at the end of life. Delivery system affiliation has a modest impact on quality at the end of life, and this suggests that targeted efforts may be needed to optimize quality for this group of vulnerable patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Herrel
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ziwei Zhu
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrew M Ryan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brent K Hollenbeck
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David C Miller
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Luo D, Zhao D, Zhang M, Hu C, Li H, Zhang S, Chen X, Huttad L, Li B, Jin C, Lin C, Han B. Alternative Splicing-Based Differences Between Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Genes, Immune Microenvironment, and Survival Prognosis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:731993. [PMID: 34760694 PMCID: PMC8574058 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.731993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) event is a novel biomarker of tumor tumorigenesis and progression. However, the comprehensive analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is lacking. Differentially expressed analysis was used to identify the differentially expressed alternative splicing (DEAS) events between HCC or ICC tissues and their normal tissues. The correlation between DEAS events and functional analyses or immune features was evaluated. The cluster analysis based on DEAS can accurately reflect the differences in the immune microenvironment between HCC and ICC. Forty-five immune checkpoints and 23 immune features were considered statistically significant in HCC, while only seven immune checkpoints and one immune feature in ICC. Then, the prognostic value of DEAS events was studied, and two transcripts with different basic cell functions (proliferation, cell cycle, invasion, and migration) were produced by ADHFE1 through alternative splicing. Moreover, four nomograms were established in conjunction with relevant clinicopathological factors. Finally, we found two most significant splicing factors and further showed their protein crystal structure. The joint analysis of the AS events in HCC and ICC revealed novel insights into immune features and clinical prognosis, which might provide positive implications in HCC and ICC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dingan Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Deze Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuan Hu
- Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaowu Chen
- Asian Liver Center, Department of Surgery, Medical School of Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Lakshmi Huttad
- Asian Liver Center, Department of Surgery, Medical School of Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Bailiang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical School of Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Cheng Jin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical School of Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Changwei Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ortiz-Ortiz KJ, Tortolero-Luna G, Torres-Cintrón CR, Zavala-Zegarra DE, Gierbolini-Bermúdez A, Ramos-Fernández MR. High-Intensity End-of-Life Care Among Patients With GI Cancer in Puerto Rico: A Population-Based Study. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e168-e177. [PMID: 33567240 PMCID: PMC8202061 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
High-intensity care with undue suffering among patients with cancer at the end of life (EoL) is associated with poor quality of life. We examined the pattern and predictors of high-intensity care among patients with GI cancer in Puerto Rico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Ortiz-Ortiz
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico.,Department of Health Services Administration, Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Guillermo Tortolero-Luna
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Carlos R Torres-Cintrón
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, University of Puerto Rico, Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Diego E Zavala-Zegarra
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, University of Puerto Rico, Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Axel Gierbolini-Bermúdez
- Department of Social Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - María R Ramos-Fernández
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mullins MA, Ruterbusch JJ, Clarke P, Uppal S, Cote ML, Wallner LP. Continuity of care and receipt of aggressive end of life care among women dying of ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2021; 162:148-153. [PMID: 33931242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2021.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between post-diagnosis continuity of care and receipt of aggressive end of life care among women dying of ovarian cancer. METHODS This retrospective claims analysis included 6680 Medicare beneficiaries over age 66 with ovarian cancer who survived at least one year after diagnosis, had at least 4 outpatient evaluation and management visits and died between 2000 and 2016. We calculated the Bice-Boxerman Continuity of Care Index (COC) for each woman, and split COC into tertiles (high, medium, low). We compared late or no hospice use, >1 emergency department (ED) visit, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, >1 hospitalization, terminal hospitalization, chemotherapy, and invasive and/or life extending procedures among women with high or medium vs. low COC using multivariable adjusted logistic regression. RESULTS In this sample, 49.8% of women received aggressive care in the last month of life. Compared to women with low COC, women with high COC had 66% higher odds of chemotherapy (adjusted OR 1.66 CI 1.23-2.24) in the last two weeks of life. Women with high COC also had 16% greater odds of not enrolling in hospice compared to women with low COC (adjusted OR 1.16 CI 1.01-1.33). COC was not associated with late enrollment in hospice, hospital utilization, or aggressive procedures. CONCLUSIONS COC at the end of life is complicated and may pose unique challenges in providing quality end of life care. Future work exploring the specific facets of continuity associated with quality end of life care is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Mullins
- Center for Improving Patient and Population Health and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Julie J Ruterbusch
- Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Philippa Clarke
- Department of Epidemiology and Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Shitanshu Uppal
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Michele L Cote
- Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Lauren P Wallner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Oselin K, Pisarev H, Ilau K, Kiivet RA. Intensity of end-of-life health care and mortality after systemic anti-cancer treatment in patients with advanced lung cancer. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:274. [PMID: 33722202 PMCID: PMC7958422 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-07992-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to study the mortality and intensity of health care in patients with advanced lung cancer who received systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) compared with patients who were not eligible for SACT (no-SACT). METHODS A retrospective cohort of patients with lung cancer, who were treated at the North Estonia Medical Centre from 2015 to 2017, was linked to population-based health care data from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund. We calculated 14- and 30-day mortality after SACT and used a composite measure of intensity of care, comprised from the following: emergency department visit, admission to hospital, admission to intensive care unit, receipt of radiotherapy or systemic treatment. RESULTS The median overall survival (OS) of patients who received at least one cycle of SACT (n = 489) was 9.1 months and in patients with no-SACT (n = 289) 1.3 months (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.23, 95% CI = 3.60-5.00). During the final 30 days of life, intensive EOL care was received by 69.9% of the SACT patients and 43.7% of the no-SACT patients. Intensive EOL care in the last 30 days of life is more probable among patients in the SACT group (odds ratio [OR] = 3.58, 95% CI = 2.54-5.04, p < 0.001), especially in those with a stage IV disease (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.31-2.71, p = 0.001). In the SACT group 6.7 and 14.7% of patients died within 14 days and 30 days after the last cycle, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Significant proportion of patients with advanced lung cancer continue to receive intensive care near death. Our results reflect current patterns of EOL care for patients with lung cancer in Estonia. Availability of palliative care and hospice services must be increased to improve resource use and patient-oriented care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kersti Oselin
- Department of Chemotherapy, Clinic of Haematology and Oncology, North Estonia Medical Centre, J. Sütiste tee 19, 13419, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Heti Pisarev
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Keit Ilau
- Pharmacy, North Estonia Medical Centre, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Raul-Allan Kiivet
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dressler G, Cicolello K, Anandarajah G. "Are They Saying It How I'm Saying It?" A Qualitative Study of Language Barriers and Disparities in Hospice Enrollment. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:504-512. [PMID: 32828932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Language barriers contribute significantly to disparities in end-of-life (EOL) care. However, the mechanisms by which these barriers impact hospice care remains underexamined. OBJECTIVES To gain a nuanced understanding of how language barriers and interpretation contribute to disparities in hospice enrollment and hospice care for patients with limited English proficiency. METHODS Qualitative, individual interviews were conducted with a variety of stakeholders regarding barriers to quality EOL care in diverse patient populations. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded using NVivo 11 (QSR International Pty Ltd., Melbourne, Australia). Three researchers analyzed all data related to language barriers, first individually, then in group meetings, using a grounded theory approach, until they reached consensus regarding themes. Institutional review board approval was obtained. RESULTS Twenty-two participants included six nurses/certified nursing assistants, five physicians, three administrators, three social workers, three patient caregivers, and two chaplains, self-identifying from a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds. Three themes emerged regarding language barriers: 1) structural barriers inhibit access to interpreters; 2) variability in accuracy of translation of EOL concepts exacerbates language barriers; and 3) interpreters' style and manner influence communication efficacy during complex conversations about prognosis, goals of care, and hospice. Our theoretical model derived from the data suggests that Theme 1 is foundational and common to other medical settings. However, Theme 2 and particularly Theme 3 appear especially critical for hospice enrollment and care. CONCLUSION Language barriers present unique challenges in hospice care because of the nuance and compassion required for delicate goals of care and EOL conversations. Reducing disparities requires addressing each level of this multilayered barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Dressler
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Katherine Cicolello
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gowri Anandarajah
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Hope Hospice and Palliative Care Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mullins MA, Ruterbusch JJ, Clarke P, Uppal S, Wallner LP, Cote ML. Trends and racial disparities in aggressive end-of-life care for a national sample of women with ovarian cancer. Cancer 2021; 127:2229-2237. [PMID: 33631053 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical landscape has moved toward less aggressive end-of-life care for women with ovarian cancer. However, whether there has been a decline in the use of aggressive end-of-life services is unknown. The authors evaluated current national trends and racial disparities in end-of-life care among women with ovarian cancer using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare-linked data set. METHODS In total, 7756 Medicare beneficiaries aged >66 years with ovarian cancer who died between 2007 and 2016 were identified. The authors examined trends and racial disparities in late hospice or no hospice use, >1 emergency department (ED) visit, intensive care unit admission, >1 hospitalization, terminal hospitalization, chemotherapy, and invasive and/or life-extending procedures using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS The median hospice length of stay did not change over time; however, women were increasingly admitted to the intensive care unit and had multiple ED visits in the last month of life (P < .001). Not enrolling in hospice at the end of life and terminal hospitalizations decreased over time (P < .001). Non-White women were more likely to receive aggressive end-of-life care, particularly for hospital-related utilization and life-extending procedures, whereas non-Hispanic Black women were more likely to have >1 ED visit (odds ratio, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.57-2.64) or life-extending procedures (odds ratio, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.45-2.48) compared with non-Hispanic White women. CONCLUSIONS Despite clinical guidelines and increasing emphasis on reducing aggressive end-of-life care, the use of aggressive end-of-life care for women with ovarian cancer persists, and care is most aggressive for non-White women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Mullins
- Center for Improving Patient and Population Health and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Julie J Ruterbusch
- Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Philippa Clarke
- Department of Epidemiology and Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shitanshu Uppal
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lauren P Wallner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Michele L Cote
- Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kashyap M, Harris JP, Chang DT, Pollom EL. Impact of mental illness on end-of-life emergency department use in elderly patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Cancer Med 2021; 10:2035-2044. [PMID: 33621438 PMCID: PMC7957203 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elderly patients with gastrointestinal cancer and mental illness have significant comorbidities that can impact the quality of their care. We investigated the relationship between mental illness and frequent emergency department (ED) use in the last month of life, an indicator for poor end‐of‐life care quality, among elderly patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Methods We used SEER‐Medicare data to identify decedents with gastrointestinal cancers who were diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 and were at least 66 years old at time of diagnosis (median age: 80 years, range: 66–117 years). We evaluated the association between having a diagnosis of depression, bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety, dementia, and/or substance use disorders and ED use in the last 30 days of life using logistic regression models. Results Of 160,367 patients included, 54,661 (34.1%) had a mental illness diagnosis between one year prior to cancer diagnosis and death. Patients with mental illness were more likely to have > 1 ED visit in the last 30 days of life (15.6% vs. 13.3%, p < 0.01). ED use was highest among patients with substance use (17.7%), bipolar (16.5%), and anxiety disorders (16.4%). Patients with mental illness who were male, younger, non‐white, residing in lower income areas, and with higher comorbidity were more likely to have multiple end‐of‐life ED visits. Patients who received outpatient treatment from a mental health professional were less likely to have multiple end‐of‐life ED visits (adjusted odds ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.78–0.87). Conclusions In elderly patients with gastrointestinal cancers, mental illness is associated with having multiple end‐of‐life ED visits. Increasing access to mental health services may improve quality of end‐of‐life care in this vulnerable population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehr Kashyap
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jeremy P Harris
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Daniel T Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Erqi L Pollom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Paredes AZ, Hyer JM, Palmer E, Lustberg MB, Pawlik TM. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Hospice Utilization Among Medicare Beneficiaries Dying from Pancreatic Cancer. J Gastrointest Surg 2021; 25:155-161. [PMID: 32193849 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-020-04568-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to define the incidence and characterize the timing of hospice utilization among racial/ethnic minority patients following pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. METHODS The Medicare Standard Analytic Files from 2013 to 2017 were used to identify patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent a pancreatectomy. Logistic regression was utilized to identify the association between race and patterns of hospice utilization among deceased individuals. RESULTS Among the 14,495 individuals (median age 73; 52.3% female; 6.8% racial/ethnic minority) who underwent a pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer, 47% (n = 6859) died by the end of the follow-period. Among deceased individuals, three-fourths of patients (n = 4978, 72.6%) used hospice leading up to the time of death. Racial/ethnic minority patients were less likely, however, to have used hospice services compared with white patients (racial/ethnic minorities n = 301, 67% vs. whites: n = 4677, 73%; p = 0.024). On multivariable analysis, after controlling for clinical factors, racial/ethnic minority patients remained 22% less likely than whites to initiate hospice services prior to death (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63-0.96). Despite overall lower use of hospice, racial/ethnic minority patients had comparable odds of late hospice utilization (i.e., within 3 days of death) versus white patients (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.73-1.50). DISCUSSION While most patients undergoing pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer utilized hospice services prior to death, racial/ethnic minorities were less likely to use hospice services than whites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anghela Z Paredes
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - J Madison Hyer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Elizabeth Palmer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Maryam B Lustberg
- Division of Medical Oncology, Medical Director, Supportive Care Services, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1250 Lincoln Tower, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Racial and ethnic disparities in palliative care utilization among gynecological cancer patients. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 160:469-476. [PMID: 33276985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care (PC) is recommended for gynecological cancer patients to improve survival and quality-of-life. Our objective was to evaluate racial/ethnic disparities in PC utilization among patients with metastatic gynecologic cancer. METHODS We used data from the 2016 National Cancer Database (NCDB) and included patients between ages 18-90 years with metastatic (stage III-IV) gynecologic cancers including, ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer who were deceased at last contact or follow-up (n = 124,729). PC was defined by NCDB as non-curative treatment, and could include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and pain management or any combination. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate racial disparities in PC use. RESULTS The study population was primarily NH-White (74%), ovarian cancer patients (74%), insured by Medicare (47%) or privately insured (36%), and had a Charlson-Deyo score of zero (77%). Over one-third of patients were treated at a comprehensive community cancer program. Overall, 7% of metastatic gynecologic deceased cancer patients based on last follow-up utilized palliative care: more specifically, 5% of ovarian, 11% of cervical, and 12% of uterine metastatic cancer patients. Palliative care utilization increased over time starting at 4% in 2004 to as high as 13% in 2015, although palliative care use decreased to 7% in 2016. Among metastatic ovarian cancer patients, NH-Black (aOR:0.87, 95% CI:0.78-0.97) and Hispanic patients (aOR:0.77, 95% CI:0.66-0.91) were less likely to utilize PC when compared to NH-White patients. Similarly, Hispanic cervical cancer patients were less likely (aOR:0.75, 95% CI:0.63-0.88) to utilize PC when compared to NH-White patients. CONCLUSIONS PC is highly underutilized among metastatic gynecological cancer patients. Racial disparities exist in palliative care utilization among patients with metastatic gynecological cancer.
Collapse
|
25
|
Jordan RI, Allsop MJ, ElMokhallalati Y, Jackson CE, Edwards HL, Chapman EJ, Deliens L, Bennett MI. Duration of palliative care before death in international routine practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Med 2020; 18:368. [PMID: 33239021 PMCID: PMC7690105 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01829-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early provision of palliative care, at least 3-4 months before death, can improve patient quality of life and reduce burdensome treatments and financial costs. However, there is wide variation in the duration of palliative care received before death reported across the research literature. This study aims to determine the duration of time from initiation of palliative care to death for adults receiving palliative care across the international literature. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018094718). Six databases were searched for articles published between Jan 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2018: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library, as well undertaking citation list searches. Following PRISMA guidelines, articles were screened using inclusion (any study design reporting duration from initiation to death in adults palliative care services) and exclusion (paediatric/non-English language studies, trials influencing the timing of palliative care) criteria. Quality appraisal was completed using Hawker's criteria and the main outcome was the duration of palliative care (median/mean days from initiation to death). RESULTS One hundred sixty-nine studies from 23 countries were included, involving 11,996,479 patients. Prior to death, the median duration from initiation of palliative care to death was 18.9 days (IQR 0.1), weighted by the number of participants. Significant differences between duration were found by disease type (15 days for cancer vs 6 days for non-cancer conditions), service type (19 days for specialist palliative care unit, 20 days for community/home care, and 6 days for general hospital ward) and development index of countries (18.91 days for very high development vs 34 days for all other levels of development). Forty-three per cent of studies were rated as 'good' quality. Limitations include a preponderance of data from high-income countries, with unclear implications for low- and middle-income countries. CONCLUSIONS Duration of palliative care is much shorter than the 3-4 months of input by a multidisciplinary team necessary in order for the full benefits of palliative care to be realised. Furthermore, the findings highlight inequity in access across patient, service and country characteristics. We welcome more consistent terminology and methodology in the assessment of duration of palliative care from all countries, alongside increased reporting from less-developed settings, to inform benchmarking, service evaluation and quality improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta I Jordan
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Matthew J Allsop
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Yousuf ElMokhallalati
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Catriona E Jackson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Helen L Edwards
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Emma J Chapman
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michael I Bennett
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yang A, Goldin D, Nova J, Malhotra J, Cantor JC, Tsui J. Racial Disparities in Health Care Utilization at the End of Life Among New Jersey Medicaid Beneficiaries With Advanced Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2020; 16:e538-e548. [PMID: 32298223 DOI: 10.1200/jop.19.00767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Racial and ethnic disparities in cancer care near the end of life (EOL) have been recognized, but EOL care experienced by Medicaid beneficiaries is not well understood. We assessed the prevalence of aggressive EOL care and hospice enrollment for Medicaid beneficiaries and determined whether racial and ethnic disparities exist. PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified Medicaid beneficiaries (age 21-64 years) who were diagnosed from 2011 to 2015 with stage IV breast and colorectal cancer and who died by January 2016 through a New Jersey State Cancer Registry-Medicaid claims linked data set. We measured aggressive EOL care (> 1 hospitalization, > 1 emergency department [ED] visit, any intensive care unit [ICU] admission in the last 30 days of life, and receipt of chemotherapy in the last 14 days of life) and hospice enrollment. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with aggressive EOL care and hospice enrollment. RESULTS Of the 349 patients, 217 (62%) received at least one of the following measures of aggressive EOL care: > 1 hospitalization (27%), > 1 ED visit (31%), ICU admission (30%), and chemotherapy (34%). The adjusted odds of receiving any aggressive care were 1.87 times higher (95% CI, 1.08 to 3.26) for non-Hispanic (NH) Black patients compared with NH White patients. Only 39% of patients enrolled in hospice. No significant differences in hospice enrollment were observed by race or ethnicity. CONCLUSION The majority of Medicaid patients with advanced cancer received aggressive EOL care and were not enrolled in hospice. NH Black patients were more likely to receive aggressive EOL care. Further work to understand processes leading to suboptimal EOL care within Medicaid populations and among racial and ethnic minority groups is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annie Yang
- New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - David Goldin
- Center for State Health Policy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Jose Nova
- Center for State Health Policy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Jyoti Malhotra
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Joel C Cantor
- Center for State Health Policy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Jennifer Tsui
- Center for State Health Policy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ.,Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ.,School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Age, knowledge, preferences, and risk tolerance for invasive cardiac care. Am Heart J 2020; 219:99-108. [PMID: 31733450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The extent to which individual knowledge, preferences, and priorities explain lower use of invasive cardiac care among older vs. younger adults presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unknown. We directly surveyed a group of patients to ascertain their preferences and priorities for invasive cardiovascular care. DESIGN We performed a prospective cohort study of adults hospitalized with ACS. We surveyed participants regarding their knowledge, preferences, goals, and concerns for cardiac care, as well as their risk tolerance for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). SETTING Single academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Six hundred twenty-eight participants (373 <75 years old; 255 ≥75 years old). MEASUREMENTS We compared baseline characteristics, knowledge, priorities, and risk tolerance for care across age strata. We also assessed pairwise differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) between age groups for key variables of interest. RESULTS Compared with younger patients, older participants had less knowledge of invasive care; were less willing to consider cardiac catheterization (difference between 75-84 and< 65 years old: -7.8%, 95% CI: -14.4%,-1.3%; for ≥85 vs. <65: -15.7%, 95% CI: -29.8%,-1.6%), percutaneous coronary intervention (difference between 75-84 and< 65 years old: -12.8%, 95% CI: -20.8%,-4.8%; for ≥85 vs. <65: -24.8%, 95% CI: -41.2%,-8.5%), and CABG (difference between 75-84 and< 65 years old: -19.0%, 95% CI: -28.2%,-9.9%; for ≥85 vs. <65: -39.1%, 95% CI: -56.0%,-22.2%); and were more risk averse for CABG surgery (p < .001), albeit with substantial inter-individual variability and individual outliers. Many patients who stated they were not initially willing to undergo an invasive cardiovascular procedure actually ended up undergoing the procedure (49% for cardiac catheterization and 22% for PCI or CABG). CONCLUSION Age influences treatment goals and willingness to consider invasive cardiac care, as well as risk tolerance for CABG. Individuals' willingness to undergo invasive cardiovascular procedures loosely corresponds with whether that procedure is performed after discussion with the care team.
Collapse
|
28
|
Trends in Place of Death Among Patients With Gynecologic Cancer in the United States. Obstet Gynecol 2019; 131:1111-1120. [PMID: 29742673 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000002614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the change over time in place of death (hospital, home, hospice) among all women in the United States who died of gynecologic malignancies and compare them with other leading causes of female cancer deaths. METHODS This is a retrospective cross-sectional study using national death certificate data from the Mortality Multiple Cause-of-Death Public Use Record Data. All women who died from gynecologic, breast, lung, and colorectal cancers were identified according to International Classification of Diseases, 10 Revision, cause of death from 2003 to 2015. Regression analyses with ordinary least-squares linear probability modeling were used to test for differences in location of death over time, and differences in trends by cancer type, while controlling for age, race, ethnicity, marital status, and education status. RESULTS From 2003 to 2015, 2,133,056 women died from gynecologic, lung, breast, and colorectal malignancies in the United States. A total of 359,340 died from gynecologic malignancies, including ovarian cancer (n=188,366 [52.4%]), uterine cancer (n=106,454 [29.6%]), cervical cancer (n=52,320 [14.6%]), and vulvar cancer (n=12,200 [3.4%]). Overall, 49.2% (n=176,657) of gynecologic cancer deaths occurred at home or in hospice. The relative increase from 2003 to 2015 in the rate of deaths at home or in hospice was 47.2% for gynecologic cancer deaths (40.5% in 2003 to 59.5% in 2015). In adjusted analyses, the trend in the percentage of deaths at home or in hospice increased at a rate of 1.6 percentage points per year for gynecologic cancer deaths (95% CI 1.5-1.6) vs 1.5 (95% CI 1.4-1.5, P<.001), 1.4 (95% CI 1.4-1.5, P<.001), and 1.5 (95% CI 1.4-1.5, P=.09) percentage points per year for lung, breast, and colorectal cancer deaths, respectively. CONCLUSION Between 2003 and 2015, there was a 47.2% increase (40.5-59.5%) in the rates of gynecologic cancer deaths occurring at home or in hospice. This trend may represent an increase in advance care planning and value-based treatment decisions.
Collapse
|
29
|
Ingersoll LT, Alexander SC, Priest J, Ladwig S, Anderson W, Fiscella K, Epstein RM, Norton SA, Gramling R. Racial/ethnic differences in prognosis communication during initial inpatient palliative care consultations among people with advanced cancer. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:1098-1103. [PMID: 30642715 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined whether conversations involving Black or Latino patients with advanced cancer differ in the presence or characteristics of prognosis communication. METHODS We audio-recorded initial consultations between 54 palliative care clinicians and 231 hospitalized people with advanced cancer. We coded for the presence and characteristics of prognosis communication. We examined whether the presence or characteristics of prognosis communication differed by patients' self-reported race/ethnicity. RESULTS In 231 consultations, 75.7% contained prognosis communication. Prognosis communication was less than half as likely to occur during conversations with Black or Latino patients (N = 48) compared to others. Among consultations in which prognosis was addressed, those involving Black or Latino patients were more than 8 times less likely to contain optimistically cued prognoses compared to others. CONCLUSION Prognosis communication occurred less frequently for Black and Latino patients and included fewer optimistic cues than conversations with other patients. More work is needed to better understand these observed patterns of prognosis communication that vary by race and ethnicity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Growing evidence supports prognosis communication being important for end-of-life decision-making and disproportionately rare among non-White populations. Therefore, our findings identify a potentially salient target for clinical interventions that are focused on ameliorating disparities in end-of-life care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke T Ingersoll
- Department of Consumer Science, Purdue University, 812W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America.
| | - Stewart C Alexander
- Department of Consumer Science, Purdue University, 812W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Jeff Priest
- Department of Consumer Science, Purdue University, 812W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Susan Ladwig
- Department of Consumer Science, Purdue University, 812W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Wendy Anderson
- Department of Consumer Science, Purdue University, 812W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Kevin Fiscella
- Department of Consumer Science, Purdue University, 812W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Ronald M Epstein
- Department of Consumer Science, Purdue University, 812W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Sally A Norton
- Department of Consumer Science, Purdue University, 812W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Robert Gramling
- Department of Consumer Science, Purdue University, 812W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cicolello K, Anandarajah G. Multiple Stakeholders' Perspectives Regarding Barriers to Hospice Enrollment in Diverse Patient Populations: A Qualitative Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:869-879. [PMID: 30790720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although studies show disparities in hospice care utilization, many questions remain regarding the causes of these disparities. Most studies focus on a single ethnic/racial group, and most use physician informants. None compare and contrast views of multiple stakeholders or use a systems approach within a single geographic region. OBJECTIVES To gain an in-depth understanding of causes of hospice enrollment disparities in diverse patient populations within one state in the U.S. METHODS We conducted in-depth, individual interviews with multiple stakeholders in hospice care for diverse communities in Rhode Island. We identified participants through purposeful and snowball sampling strategies, aiming for a maximum variation sample. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a multistep grounded theory approach. RESULTS Participants, self-identifying from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, included physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, nursing assistants, administrators, and caregivers. Five themes emerged regarding patient- and provider-level barriers to hospice enrollment: 1) universal challenges of goals of care (GOC) conversations; 2) cultural norms and beliefs; 3) language barriers; 4) provider-specific challenges; and 5) trust. In minority populations, the central theme of GOC conversation challenges was intensified by the other four themes. Suggested solutions included 1) increased palliative care training; 2) "cultural interpreters" from local communities; 3) specially trained "GOC language interpreters"; 4) improved workforce diversity; and 5) community-level advocacy. CONCLUSION The disparity in hospice enrollment among diverse patient populations is a complex and nuanced problem, involving numerous interrelated barriers. Addressing this disparity will require innovative solutions at multiple levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Cicolello
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Gowri Anandarajah
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Hope Hospice and Palliative Care Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kaye EC, Gushue CA, DeMarsh S, Jerkins J, Li C, Lu Z, Snaman JM, Blazin L, Johnson LM, Levine DR, Morrison RR, Baker JN. Impact of Race and Ethnicity on End-of-Life Experiences for Children With Cancer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 36:767-774. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909119836939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in the provision of end-of-life care are well described in the adult oncology literature. However, the impact of racial and ethnic disparities at end of life in the context of pediatric oncology remains poorly understood. Objective: To investigate associations between end-of-life experiences and race/ethnicity for pediatric patients with cancer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 321 children with cancer enrolled on a palliative care service at an urban pediatric cancer who died between 2011 and 2015. Results: Compared to white patients, black patients were more likely to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR; odds ratio [OR]: 4.109, confidence interval [CI]: 1.432-11.790, P = .009) and underwent 3.136 (CI: 1.433-6.869, P = .004) CPR events for every 1 white patient CPR event. The remainder of variables related to treatment and end-of-life care were not significantly correlated with race. Hispanic patients were less likely to receive cancer-directed therapy within 28 days prior to death (OR: 0.493, CI: 0.247-0.982, P = .044) as compared to non-Hispanic patients, yet they were more likely to report a goal of cure over comfort as compared to non-Hispanic patients (OR: 3.094, CI: 1.043-9.174, P = .042). The remainder of variables were not found to be significantly correlated with ethnicity. Conclusions: Race and ethnicity influenced select end-of-life variables for pediatric palliative oncology patients treated at a large urban pediatric cancer center. Further multicenter investigation is needed to ascertain the impact of racial/ethnic disparities on end-of-life experiences of children with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica C. Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Courtney A. Gushue
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samantha DeMarsh
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Chen Li
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lindsay Blazin
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Liza-Marie Johnson
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Deena R. Levine
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - R. Ray Morrison
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Justin N. Baker
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Taylor JS, Zhang N, Rajan SS, Chavez-MacGregor M, Zhao H, Niu J, Meyer LA, Ramondetta LM, Bodurka DC, Lairson DR, Giordano SH. How we use hospice: Hospice enrollment patterns and costs in elderly ovarian cancer patients. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 152:452-458. [PMID: 30876488 PMCID: PMC7152986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe disparities in patterns of hospice use and end-of-life costs among ovarian cancer patients. METHODS Using Texas Cancer Registry-Medicare data, ovarian cancer patients deceased 2005-2012 with >12 months of continuous Medicare coverage before death were included. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regressions were used to evaluate patterns of hospice use. Cost and resource utilization was obtained from Medicare claims and analyzed using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS 2331 patients were assessed: 1788 (77%) white, 359 (15%) Hispanic, 158 (7%) black and 26 (1%) other. 1756 (75%) enrolled in hospice prior to death but only 1580 (68%) died with hospice. 176 (10%) of 1756 patients unenrolled and died without hospice. 346 (20%) unenrolled from hospice multiple times. From 2008 to 2012, patients were less likely to unenroll from hospice prior to death. Black patients were more likely to unenroll from hospice prior to death (OR 2.07 [1.15-3.73]; p = 0.02) compared to white patients. The median amount paid by Medicare during the last six months of life was $38,530 for those in hospice compared to $49,942 if never enrolled in hospice (p < 0.0001) and was higher for black and Hispanic patients compared to white patients. 30% hospice unenrolled patients and 40% multiply enrolled hospice patients received at least one life extending or invasive care procedure following unenrollment from hospice. CONCLUSION Recently, more patients remain enrolled in hospice, but black patients have a higher risk of unenrollment. Hospice enrollment was associated with lower costs as long as a patient did not unenroll from hospice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolyn S Taylor
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, United States of America
| | - Ning Zhang
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Health Services Research, United States of America
| | - Suja S Rajan
- The University of Texas School of Public Health, Department of Management, Policy Sciences & Community Health, United States of America
| | - Mariana Chavez-MacGregor
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Health Services Research, United States of America
| | - Hui Zhao
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Health Services Research, United States of America
| | - Jiangong Niu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Health Services Research, United States of America
| | - Larissa A Meyer
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, United States of America
| | - Lois M Ramondetta
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, United States of America
| | - Diane C Bodurka
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, United States of America
| | - David R Lairson
- The University of Texas School of Public Health, Department of Management, Policy Sciences & Community Health, United States of America
| | - Sharon H Giordano
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Health Services Research, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gramling R, Gajary-Coots E, Cimino J, Fiscella K, Epstein R, Ladwig S, Anderson W, Alexander SC, Han PK, Gramling D, Norton SA. Palliative Care Clinician Overestimation of Survival in Advanced Cancer: Disparities and Association With End-of-Life Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:233-240. [PMID: 30391655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.10.510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Clinicians frequently overestimate survival time in serious illness. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to understand the frequency of overestimation in palliative care (PC) and the relation with end-of-life (EOL) treatment. METHODS This is a multisite cohort study of 230 hospitalized patients with advanced cancer who consulted with PC between 2013 and 2016. We asked the consulting PC clinician to make their "best guess" about the patients' "most likely survival time, assuming that their illnesses are allowed to take their natural course" (<24 hours; 24 hours to less than two weeks; two weeks to less than three months; three months to less than six months; six months or longer). We followed patients for up to six month for mortality and EOL treatment utilization. Patients completed a brief interviewer-facilitated questionnaire at study enrollment. RESULTS Median survival was 37 days (interquartile range: 12 days, 97 days) and 186/230 (81%) died during the follow-up period. Forty-one percent of clinicians' predictions were accurate. Among inaccurate prognoses, 85% were overestimates. Among those who died, overestimates were substantially associated with less hospice use (ORadj: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.16-0.99) and later hospice enrollment (within 72 hours of death ORadj: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15-0.74). PC clinicians were substantially more likely to overestimate survival for patients who identified as Black or Latino compared to others (ORadj: 3.89; 95% CI: 1.64-9.22). EOL treatment preferences did not explain either of these findings. CONCLUSION Overestimation is common in PC, associated with lower hospice use and a potentially mutable source of racial/ethnic disparity in EOL care.
Collapse
|
34
|
Sheu J, Palileo A, Chen MY, Hoepner L, Abulafia O, Kanis MJ, Lee YC. Hospice utilization in advanced cervical malignancies: An analysis of the National Inpatient Sample. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 152:594-598. [PMID: 30587442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hospice services improve quality of life and outcomes for patients and caretakers, compared to inpatient mortality. This study identifies factors that exert the strongest influence on end-of-life care modalities in patients with cervical cancer. METHODS Admissions with a diagnosis of cervical cancer that were discharged to hospice or died in-hospital were identified in the National Inpatient Sample years 2007-2011, excluding admissions coded for hysterectomy. Logistic regression models were used to examine differences in age, race, length of stay, primary payer, hospital region, admission type, hospital bedsize, hospital teaching status, income quartile, and Elixhauser comorbidity index score between the groups. RESULTS 2073 admissions with a diagnosis of cervical cancer resulting in hospice discharge (n = 1290) or inpatient death (n = 783) were identified. Age (P = 0.01), hospital region (P = 0.01), length of hospitalization (P < 0.01), Elixhauser comorbidity index score (P = 0.03), and urban vs. rural location (P = 0.01) had a significant impact on disposition in univariate analysis. Admissions of patients categorized as Asian/Pacific Islander (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.11-4.49), hospitalizations lasting 0-3 days (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.21-2.03), and admissions in rural areas (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.12-2.36) had higher rates of in-hospital death compared to the reference groups. Patients aged 18-45 years (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.52-0.90) and those treated in the South (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.45-0.77) and West (OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.81) had lower odds ratios of inpatient mortality. CONCLUSION Modalities of care in terminal cervical cancer vary among sociodemographic and clinical factors. This data underscores the continued push for improved end-of-life care among cervical cancer patients and can guide clinicians in appropriate targeted counseling to increase utilization of hospice resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Sheu
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, United States of America.
| | - Albert Palileo
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Michael Y Chen
- College of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Lori Hoepner
- School of Public Health, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Ovadia Abulafia
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Margaux J Kanis
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Yi-Chun Lee
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Moreno AC, Zhang N, Verma V, Giordano SH, Lin SH. Treatment disparities affect outcomes for patients with stage I esophageal cancer: a national cancer data base analysis. J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 10:74-84. [PMID: 30788162 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2018.10.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To examine patterns of care and outcomes for patients with stage I esophageal cancer (EC) in the United States. Methods We identified patients in the National Cancer Data Base diagnosed with stage I EC from 2004 to 2012 and grouped them by primary treatment: esophagectomy (Eso), local excision (LE), concurrent chemoradiation (CRT), or observation (Obs). Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict receipt of treatments. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods adjusted for inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and Cox proportional hazard regressions. Results Of 5,480 patients, 2,312 (42%) underwent Eso, 1,250 (23%) LE, 758 (14%) CRT, and 1,160 (21%) Obs. LE use increased over time from 17% to 29% while Obs declined from 26% to 19%. Patients least likely to undergo surgery were older, had greater comorbidity, were uninsured, were treated at non-academic centers, and were Black. The rate of surgery for Black patients was half of that for White patients (33% vs. 67%). Postoperative mortality rates were higher after Eso vs. LE at 30 days (2.9% vs. 0.5%; P<0.001) and at 90 days (5.5% vs. 1.4%, P<0.001). Five-year OS was 59% with Eso, 63% LE, 29% CRT, and 31% Obs (P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, outcomes were best after LE [vs. Eso: hazard ratio (HR) =1.15, 95% CI: 1.01-1.30, P=0.037; CRT: HR =2.41, 95% CI: 2.09-2.78, P<0.001; Obs: HR =3.79, 95% CI: 3.33-4.32, P<0.001). Conclusions Disparities are evident in the care of patients with stage I EC throughout the United States. LE was associated with favorable outcomes compared to Eso, CRT, and Obs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Moreno
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivek Verma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sharon H Giordano
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steven H Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Davidson BA, Moss HA, Kamal AH. Top 10 Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know When Caring for Patients with Ovarian Cancer. J Palliat Med 2018; 21:250-254. [PMID: 29319389 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer present with advanced-stage disease with a five-year survival rate less than 50%. Studies have shown that in the past, gynecologic oncologists were not routinely collaborating with palliative care physicians resulting in goals of care planning often not occurring until the last 30 days before death. In recent years, professional societies have been increasingly more vocal about the importance of incorporating palliative care early in a patient's disease course. As these calls increase, palliative care clinicians will be likely to comanage patients with ovarian cancer and may benefit from additional targeted education on this unique population. We brought together a team of gynecologic oncology and palliative care experts to collate practical pearls for the care of women with epithelial ovarian cancer. In this article, we use a "Top 10" format to highlight issues that may help palliative care physicians understand a patient's prognosis, address common misconceptions about ovarian cancer, and improve the quality of shared decision making and goals-of-care discussions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Davidson
- 1 Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Haley A Moss
- 1 Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Arif H Kamal
- 2 Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke Fuqua School of Business, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|