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Crooms RC, Nnemnbeng JF, Taylor JW, Goldstein NE, Vickrey BG, Gorbenko K. "Life…Gets Turned Upside-Down…" Opportunities to Improve Palliative Care for High-Grade Glioma. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00807-8. [PMID: 38866115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Early palliative care referral is recommended broadly in oncology. Yet, few patients with high-grade gliomas (HGG) - highly aggressive brain tumors - receive specialty palliative care consultation. OBJECTIVES To delineate unique needs of HGG patients relative to other oncology patients according to perceptions of a diverse sample of US palliative medicine physicians and neuro-oncologists in each of the eight domains of palliative care; and to describe contrasts between physician specialties on indications for and timing of specialty palliative care referrals in HGG. METHODS Between September 2021 and May 2023, we conducted semi-structured, 40-minute interviews with ten palliative medicine physicians and ten neuro-oncologists. Participants were recruited via purposive sampling for diversity in geographic setting, years in practice, and practice structure. Interviews were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded by two investigators. Data were analyzed thematically using a qualitative, phenomenological approach. RESULTS The palliative care needs of HGG relative to other cancers across palliative care domains are distinguished by poor prognosis, physical and cognitive deficits, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Themes on indications for palliative care referral differed between neuro-oncologists and palliative physicians. Neuro-oncologists favored selective referral for clinical indications such as high non-neurologic symptom burden requiring time-intensive management. Palliative physicians favored early referral of most HGG patients, to allow for maximal benefit across HGG trajectory. CONCLUSION Patients with HGG have unique palliative care needs that affect palliative care delivery across care domains. Bidirectional education, enhanced collaboration, and consensus guidelines may help overcome barriers to specialty palliative care referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita C Crooms
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, (R.C.C, B.G.V), New York, New York, USA; Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, (R.C.C), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Jeannys F Nnemnbeng
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, (J.F.N), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennie W Taylor
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, (J.W.T), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nathan E Goldstein
- Department of Medicine, (N.E.G), Dartmouth Health and the Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hamisphere
| | - Barbara G Vickrey
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, (R.C.C, B.G.V), New York, New York, USA
| | - Ksenia Gorbenko
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, (K.G), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Ahlberg CD, Richards A, Bettencourt AF, Carhuapoma JR, Mehta AK. Letter to the Editor: A Retrospective Study of Specialty Palliative Care Consultations for Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:442-444. [PMID: 38574333 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn D Ahlberg
- Department of Medicine, Neurosurgery and Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Allie Richards
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Amie F Bettencourt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Neurosurgery and Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - J Ricardo Carhuapoma
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ambereen K Mehta
- Department of Medicine, Neurosurgery and Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Genuis SK, Luth W, Bubela T, Johnston WS. What do people affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis want from health communications? Evidence from the ALS Talk Project. Muscle Nerve 2023; 68:286-295. [PMID: 37462337 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27935] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Health communication is central to effective, supportive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical care. Guidance for ALS communication is limited, focuses on diagnosis disclosure, and frequently relies on expert consensus and/or reviews. Patient-based evidence is needed to guide ALS health communication. We investigated how the experiences of ALS patients and family caregivers can inform effective communication practices from diagnosis to end-of-life. METHODS Data were drawn from the ALS Talk Project, an asynchronous, online focus group study. Seven focus groups and five interviews (105 participants) were conducted. Data were qualitatively analyzed using directed content analysis and the constant-comparative approach. RESULTS We found four primary themes: communication content, communication circumstances, information sufficiency, and communication manner. Data indicate participants relied on clinicians for medical information but also wanted practical information; health communication should attend to the circumstances within which conversations occur; information must be sufficient for individual needs, without overwhelming; and an empathetic, direct, and honest manner facilitated trust. Participants identified communication challenges and strategies to improve communication across major themes, including stepwise approaches and conversations tailored to individuals and their heterogeneous disease experiences. DISCUSSION Healthcare professionals should discuss patient/caregiver communication preferences early in the therapeutic relationship, co-develop a communication agreement, and update the agreement in response to changing needs and disease progression. This will foster regular discussion of information needs and promote timely discussions of challenging topics, including advance care, while giving patients and families a sense of control. Findings may have implications for other neuromuscular disease and/or seriously ill populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelagh K Genuis
- Division of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Westerly Luth
- Division of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tania Bubela
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wendy S Johnston
- Division of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Chen W, Chung JOK, Lam KKW, Molassiotis A. End-of-life communication strategies for healthcare professionals: A scoping review. Palliat Med 2023; 37:61-74. [PMID: 36349371 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221133670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely and effective communication about end-of-life issues, including conversations about prognosis and goals of care, are extremely beneficial to terminally ill patients and their families. However, given the context, healthcare professionals may find it challenging to initiate and facilitate such conversations. Hence, it is critical to improving the available communication strategies to enhance end-of-life communication practices. AIM To summarise the end-of-life communication strategies recommended for healthcare professionals, identify research gaps and inform future research. DESIGN A scoping review performed in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley framework. DATA SOURCES A literature search was conducted between January 1990 and January 2022 using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases and Google, Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. Studies that described recommended end-of-life communication strategies for healthcare professionals were included. RESULTS Fifty-nine documents were included. Seven themes of communication strategies were found: (a) preparation; (b) exploration and assessment; (c) family involvement; (d) provision and tailoring of information; (e) empathic emotional responses; (f) reframing and revisiting the goals of care; and (g) conversation closure. CONCLUSIONS The themes of communication strategies found in this review provide a framework to integrally promote end-of-life communication. Our results will help inform healthcare professionals, thereby promoting the development of specialised training and education on end-of-life communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Chen
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joyce Oi Kwan Chung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Katherine Ka Wai Lam
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alex Molassiotis
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Health and Social Care Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
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Taylor LP, Besbris JM, Graf WD, Rubin MA, Cruz-Flores S, Epstein LG. Clinical Guidance in Neuropalliative Care: An AAN Position Statement. Neurology 2022; 98:409-416. [PMID: 35256519 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lynne P Taylor
- From the Department of Neurology (L.P.T.), University of Washington, Seattle; Department of Supportive Care Medicine and Neurology (J.M.B.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Pediatrics (Division of Neurology) (W.D.G.), Connecticut Children's, University of Connecticut, Farmington; Department of Neurology (M.A.R.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; Department of Neurology (S.C.C.-F.), Texas Tech University Center, El Paso; and Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (L.G.E.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
| | - Jessica M Besbris
- From the Department of Neurology (L.P.T.), University of Washington, Seattle; Department of Supportive Care Medicine and Neurology (J.M.B.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Pediatrics (Division of Neurology) (W.D.G.), Connecticut Children's, University of Connecticut, Farmington; Department of Neurology (M.A.R.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; Department of Neurology (S.C.C.-F.), Texas Tech University Center, El Paso; and Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (L.G.E.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - William D Graf
- From the Department of Neurology (L.P.T.), University of Washington, Seattle; Department of Supportive Care Medicine and Neurology (J.M.B.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Pediatrics (Division of Neurology) (W.D.G.), Connecticut Children's, University of Connecticut, Farmington; Department of Neurology (M.A.R.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; Department of Neurology (S.C.C.-F.), Texas Tech University Center, El Paso; and Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (L.G.E.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Michael A Rubin
- From the Department of Neurology (L.P.T.), University of Washington, Seattle; Department of Supportive Care Medicine and Neurology (J.M.B.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Pediatrics (Division of Neurology) (W.D.G.), Connecticut Children's, University of Connecticut, Farmington; Department of Neurology (M.A.R.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; Department of Neurology (S.C.C.-F.), Texas Tech University Center, El Paso; and Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (L.G.E.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Salvador Cruz-Flores
- From the Department of Neurology (L.P.T.), University of Washington, Seattle; Department of Supportive Care Medicine and Neurology (J.M.B.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Pediatrics (Division of Neurology) (W.D.G.), Connecticut Children's, University of Connecticut, Farmington; Department of Neurology (M.A.R.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; Department of Neurology (S.C.C.-F.), Texas Tech University Center, El Paso; and Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (L.G.E.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Leon G Epstein
- From the Department of Neurology (L.P.T.), University of Washington, Seattle; Department of Supportive Care Medicine and Neurology (J.M.B.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Pediatrics (Division of Neurology) (W.D.G.), Connecticut Children's, University of Connecticut, Farmington; Department of Neurology (M.A.R.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; Department of Neurology (S.C.C.-F.), Texas Tech University Center, El Paso; and Department of Pediatrics and Neurology (L.G.E.), Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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Armstrong MJ, Weisbrod NJ, Bylund CL. Strategies to Improve Clinician-Patient Communication Experiences for Patients With Neurologic Conditions. Neurol Clin Pract 2022; 11:e896-e900. [PMID: 34992974 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000001091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Increasing research supports that effective clinician communication with patients and families leads to improved patient outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and improved clinician experiences. As a result, patient- and family-centered communication is the focus of a 2020 American Academy of Neurology quality measure and part of neurology residency training milestones. Clinicians across training levels can implement strategies for improving patient- and family-centered communication, including optimizing the communication environment, using verbal and nonverbal skills, focusing on the patient's agenda, practicing active listening, demonstrating respect and empathy, individualizing encounters to patient and family needs, and providing clear explanations. These skills can be tailored for specialized encounters (e.g., when wearing masks, telemedicine) and for electronic communication. By purposefully identifying and incorporating key communication skills in everyday practice, clinicians have the opportunity to improve patient care and satisfaction and their own experiences in neurology clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Armstrong
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NJW), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville; Department of Medicine (NJW), Division of Palliative Care, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville; College of Journalism and Communications (CLB), University of Florida, Gainesville; and Department of Medicine (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Neal J Weisbrod
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NJW), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville; Department of Medicine (NJW), Division of Palliative Care, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville; College of Journalism and Communications (CLB), University of Florida, Gainesville; and Department of Medicine (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Carma L Bylund
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NJW), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville; Department of Medicine (NJW), Division of Palliative Care, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville; College of Journalism and Communications (CLB), University of Florida, Gainesville; and Department of Medicine (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
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Hauser J. What palliative care physicians wish neurologists knew. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 190:85-92. [PMID: 36055722 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-85029-2.00013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This chapter describes several features of palliative care that we believe can assist neurologists in caring for patients with serious illness. These features include the importance of recognizing suffering, the central of total pain (including physical, emotional, spiritual, and existential aspects), structural features of palliative care such as the distinction been palliative care and hospice, and the concept of primary and specialty palliative care. Structural features of palliative care such as interdisciplinary teamwork, approaches to self-care, and a perspective on prognostic uncertainty are also considered. Throughout this chapter, the focus is on ways in which neurologists can integrate these approaches in caring for patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Hauser
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.
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8
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Kluger BM, Miyasaki JM. Key concepts and opportunities. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 190:3-15. [PMID: 36055718 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-85029-2.00014-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Neuropalliative care is an emerging field dedicated to applying palliative care approaches to meet the needs of persons living with neurologic illness and their families. The development of this field acknowledges the unique needs of this population, including in terms of neuropsychiatric symptoms, the impact of neurologic illness on personhood, and the logistics of managing neurologic disability. In defining the goals of this field, it is important to distinguish between neuropalliative care as an approach to care, as a skillset, as a medical subspecialty, and as a public health goal as each of these constructs offers their own contributions and opportunities. As a newly emerging field, there are nearly unlimited opportunities to improve care through research, clinical care, education, and advocacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benzi M Kluger
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Janis M Miyasaki
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Macchi ZA, Lum HD. Advance care planning in neurologic illness. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 190:129-148. [PMID: 36055711 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-85029-2.00004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Advance care planning (ACP) is an essential element of neuropalliative care for persons living acquired brain injuries or progressive, neurodegenerative conditions like dementia. This includes early recognition of these conditions as needing timely ACP conversations to maximize patient autonomy and capacity in early disease, leading to discussions and documentation of patients' values and preferences for future care. ACP involves assessing patient readiness, evaluating decision-making capacity, initiating discussions early and iteratively in the disease course, identifying and preparing surrogate decision makers, and documenting patients' goals-of-care. However, this process presents unique challenges for clinicians and patients' families as individuals lose the ability to meaningfully engage in conversations due to multiple factors related to brain dysfunction. This includes evaluations of capacity for medical decision-making which consider the context in which discussions are held across multiple timepoints with repeated conversations. Research has shown that engaging in early ACP leads to greater goal-concordant care in advanced neurologic illness and affects end-of-life medical decision-making. Clinicians should be familiar with the significance of ACP in this context, understand ways for approaching these difficult discussions with patients and their families, and be aware of evidence-based tools which prepare and aid patients for these discussions. Here, we review ACP in the context of serious neurologic illness and discuss how clinicians can approach conversations with patients and families, ensure patients' values and preferences are documented and available, and explore tools which may enhance the ACP process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Macchi
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States; Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Hillary D Lum
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.
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Sullivan MD, Ballantyne JC. The Right to Pain Relief: Its Origins in End-of-life Care and Extension to Chronic Pain Care. Clin J Pain 2021; 38:58-63. [PMID: 34699404 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The claim of a right to pain relief was made in recent decades by pain professionals, courts, and patient advocacy groups and likely contributed to increased opioid prescribing, overdose deaths, and addictions, but the origins and nature of this right have not been investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relevant clinical, ethical, and legal literature concerning patient rights to pain care was reviewed. RESULTS The record describes the effort to improve end-of-life and cancer pain care in the 1980s and 1990s, which simultaneously legitimated pain relief as an independent goal of medical care and opioids as a safe and effective means to achieve this relief. In 1997, the US Supreme Court denied the right to assisted suicide but affirmed a right to palliative care to prevent dying in overwhelming pain. Other guidelines and regulations extended this right to pain relief from end-of-life care to chronic pain care, along with the titrate-to-effect principle, which specified that the correct opioid dose was the dose that relieved pain. DISCUSSION The most important consequence of combining the right to pain relief with the titrate-to-effect principle was the idea that a high pain score must not be ignored. This extension of the right to pain relief neglected important differences between end-of-life care and chronic pain care including: time frame, clinical setting and context, target of titration, and nature of iatrogenic harms. To help end our current opioid epidemic and prevent a future epidemic, we need to demedicalize pain and reintegrate it with the rest of human suffering as an experience connected to other personal behaviors and meanings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane C Ballantyne
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Genuis SK, Luth W, Campbell S, Bubela T, Johnston WS. Communication About End of Life for Patients Living With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Scoping Review of the Empirical Evidence. Front Neurol 2021; 12:683197. [PMID: 34421792 PMCID: PMC8371472 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.683197] [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: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Communication about end of life, including advance care planning, life-sustaining therapies, palliative care, and end-of-life options, is critical for the clinical management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. The empirical evidence base for this communication has not been systematically examined. Objective: To support evidence-based communication guidance by (1) analyzing the scope and nature of research on health communication about end of life for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and (2) summarizing resultant recommendations. Methods: A scoping review of empirical literature was conducted following recommended practices. Fifteen health-related and three legal databases were searched; 296 articles were screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria; and quantitative data extraction and analysis was conducted on 211 articles with qualitative analysis on a subset of 110 articles that focused primarily on health communication. Analyses summarized article characteristics, themes, and recommendations. Results: Analysis indicated a multidisciplinary but limited evidence base. Most reviewed articles addressed end-of-life communication as a peripheral focus of investigation. Generic communication skills are important; however, substantive and sufficient disease-related information, including symptom management and assistive devices, is critical to discussions about end of life. Few articles discussed communication about specific end-of-life options. Communication recommendations in analyzed articles draw attention to communication processes, style and content but lack the systematized guidance needed for clinical practice. Conclusions: This review of primary research articles highlights the limited evidence-base and consequent need for systematic, empirical investigation to inform effective communication about end of life for those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This will provide a foundation for actionable, evidence-based communication guidelines about end of life. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelagh K. Genuis
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Westerly Luth
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sandra Campbell
- John W. Scott Health Sciences Library, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tania Bubela
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Wendy S. Johnston
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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