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Forward C, Bayley Z, Walker L, Krygier J, White C, Mwaba K, Elliott-Button H, Taylor P, Johnson MJ. Homecare workers needs and experiences in end of life care: rapid review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024:spcare-2023-004737. [PMID: 38490719 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social homecare workers provide essential care to those living at home at the end of life. In the context of a service experiencing difficulties in attracting and retaining staff, we have limited knowledge about the training, support needs and experiences of this group. AIM To gain a timely understanding from the international literature of the experience, training and support needs of homecare workers providing end-of-life care. METHODS We conducted a rapid review and narrative synthesis using the recommendations of the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. Building on a previous review, social homecare worker and end-of-life search terms were used to identify studies. Quality appraisal was conducted using a multimethods tool. DATA SOURCES CINAHL and Medline databases (2011-2023; English language). RESULTS 19 papers were included representing 2510 participants (91% women) providing new and deeper insights. Four themes were generated: (1) emotional support; homecare workers need to manage complex and distressing situations, navigating their own, their clients' and clients' family, emotions; (2) interaction with other social and healthcare workers; homecare workers are isolated from, and undervalued and poorly understood by the wider healthcare team; (3) training and support; recognising the deteriorating client, symptom management, practicalities around death, communications skills and supervision; (4) recognising good practice; examples of good practice exist but data regarding effectiveness or implementation of interventions are scant. CONCLUSIONS Social homecare workers are essential for end-of-life care at home but are inadequately trained, often isolated and underappreciated. Our findings are important for policy-makers addressing this crucial challenge, and service providers in social and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Forward
- Health and Social Care Workforce Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Liz Walker
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK
| | - Justine Krygier
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK
| | - Caroline White
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK
| | - Kasonde Mwaba
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK
| | - Helene Elliott-Button
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK
| | - Paul Taylor
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK
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Colquhoun-Flannery E, Goodwin D, Walshe C. How clinicians recognise people who are dying: An integrative review. Int J Nurs Stud 2024; 151:104666. [PMID: 38134558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104666] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely recognition of dying is important for high quality end-of-life care however, little is known about how clinicians recognise dying. Late recognition is common and can lead to futile treatment that can prolong or increase suffering and prevent a change in the focus of care. AIM To explore how clinicians caring for dying people recognise that they are in the last days or hours of life, as well as the factors that influence the recognition of dying. DESIGN A systematically constructed integrative review of the literature. METHODS Medline, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycInfo and Allied and Complementary Medicine were searched in July 2022. Papers were included if they were original research, discussed how clinicians recognise dying, available in English language and published in 2012 or later. A constant comparison approach was applied to the analysis and synthesis of the literature. RESULTS 24 papers met the inclusion criteria. There were 3 main categories identified: 'Clues and signals' refers to prompts and signs that lead a clinician to believe a person is dying, incorporating the sub-categories 'knowing the patient over time', and 'intuition and experience'. 'Recognition by others' is where clinicians come to recognise someone is dying through others. This can be through a change in the context of care such as a tool or care plan or by communication with the team. 'Culture, system and practice' refers to the cultural beliefs of a setting that influences awareness of dying and denial of death as a possibility and avoidance of naming death and dying directly. System and practice of the setting also impact on recognition of dying. This involves work pace and intensity, shift systems and timing of senior reviews of patients. Uncertainty and its impact on recognition of dying are evident throughout the findings of this review. The seeking of certainty and the absence of the possibility of dying contributes to late recognition of dying. DISCUSSION Recognition of dying is a complex process that occurs over time, involving a combination of intuition and gathering of information, that is influenced by contextual factors. A culture where dying is not openly acknowledged or even named explicitly contributes to late recognition of dying. A shared language and consistent terminology for explicitly naming dying are needed. Uncertainty is intrinsic to the recognition of dying and therefore a shift to recognising the possibility of dying rather than seeking certainty is needed. REGISTRATION (PROSPERO) CRD42022360900. Registered September 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Colquhoun-Flannery
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
| | - Dawn Goodwin
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
| | - Catherine Walshe
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
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Smit KD, Bolt SR, de Boer B, Verbeek H, Meijers JMM. End-of-life care for people with dementia on a green care farm during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:956. [PMID: 36510157 PMCID: PMC9744593 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03584-5] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Green care farms combine agriculture production with health-related, social and educational services. In the Netherlands, they form an alternative to traditional nursing homes for people with dementia. Green care farms that offer 24-hour care, also offers end-of-life care. To date, little is known about end-of-life care for people with dementia on green care farms. This study aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare workers and family caregivers with end-of-life care for people with dementia who died on a green care farm. DESIGN An explorative, descriptive qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A purposive sample of 15 participants - seven healthcare workers and eight family caregivers - from three green care farms in the Netherlands. METHODS Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to explore participants' experiences with end-of-life care, including topics such as advance care planning, the influence of COVID-19, and bereavement support. Transcripts were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's approach. RESULTS Four main themes were extracted: 1) tailored care and attention for the individual resident, 2) reciprocal care relationships between healthcare workers and family caregivers, 3) compassionate care and support in the dying phase, and 4) the influence of COVID-19 on end-of-life care. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The overall experience of the healthcare workers and family caregivers was that end-of-life care offered on green care farms is person-centred and compassionate and is tailored to the person with dementia and their family caregivers. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers and family caregivers were satisfied with end-of-life care on the green care farms. Green care farms may offer a valuable alternative care setting for people with dementia in their last phase of life. More research is needed to investigate green care farms'benefits compared to other, more traditional settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten D. Smit
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Utrecht University, Nursing Sciences, program in Clinical Health Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha R. Bolt
- grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,grid.12295.3d0000 0001 0943 3265Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Bram de Boer
- grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Verbeek
- grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M. M. Meijers
- grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands ,Zuyderland Care, Zuyderland Medical Center, Dr. H. van der Hoffplein 1, 6162 BG Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands
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Sussman T, Tétrault B. "People are more afraid of a dementia diagnosis than of death": The challenges of supporting advance care planning for persons with dementia in community settings. FRONTIERS IN DEMENTIA 2022; 1:1043661. [PMID: 39081479 PMCID: PMC11285647 DOI: 10.3389/frdem.2022.1043661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Improving early uptake of advance care planning (ACP) for persons with dementia and their families requires that staff in community-based settings feel armed and equipped to encourage and support this process. Yet few studies have explored whether staff within non-medical environments feel prepared to support early ACP engagement for persons with early-stage dementia and their families. Our qualitative interpretivist study aimed to fill this gap by facilitating, transcribing and thematically analyzing deliberations from three focus groups with 17 community-based staff. Our findings revealed four key barriers to ACP activation in community settings: (1) the stigma associated with the condition; (2) lack of knowledge about end-of-life concerns for persons with dementia; (3) uncertainties about managing complex family dynamics and (4) worries that opening up conversations about future care may lead to the expression of wishes that could not be actualized (e.g., dying at home). Our findings further revealed that ACP engagement was facilitated when staff expressed confidence in their capacities to gauge readiness, viewed themselves as guides rather than experts and had access to resources to supplement their knowledge. Reflexive training opportunities and access to materials and resources around end-of-life care for persons with dementia, could equip staff in these non-medical settings with the skills to engage in ongoing dialogue about future care issues with persons living with dementia and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Sussman
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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5
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Abstract
Dementia is recognised as the biggest health crisis of our time in terms of high personal and social costs and wider impact on health and social care systems. Increases in people living with dementia and multimorbidities presents critical challenges for homecare worldwide. Healthcare systems struggle to provide adequate home-care services, delivering limited care restricted to a single-condition focus. This study explored the experiences and expectations of homecare from the multiple perspectives of people living with dementia and multimorbidities and homecare workers providing support. Findings draw from qualititative semi-structured interviews with people with dementia (n=2), their partners (n=2), other partners or family carers (n=6) and homecare workers (n=26). Three themes are idenfiifed: (a) the preference for and value of home; (b) inadequate homecare provision and enhanced care-burden; (c) limited training and education. Despite continued calls for homecare investment, the focus on reduction in costs hides key questions and further dialogue required exploring how people with dementia can be supported to live independendently and flourish at-home. This study considers these complex experiences and care requirements through the prism of disability and human rights frameworks. This paper concludes with consideration of more recent human social rights debate. We critically dicuss what this may mean for people living with dementia and consider the implications for corequisite policy development to optimise available homecare support.
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Armstrong MJ, Song S, Kurasz AM, Li Z. Predictors of Mortality in Individuals with Dementia in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 86:1935-1946. [PMID: 35253760 PMCID: PMC9153251 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is one of the top causes of death worldwide, but individuals with dementia and their caregivers report that knowing what to expect, including regarding approaching end of life, is an unmet need. OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of death in individuals with Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia, Lewy body dementia (LBD), vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. METHODS The study used data from National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center participants with dementia and an etiologic diagnosis of AD, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD, with or without motor neuron disease), or vascular dementia. Analyses included median survival across dementia types and predictors of death at 5 years based on baseline demographics and clinical measure performance. Five-year survival probability tables were stratified by predictor values. RESULTS Individuals with AD had the longest survival (median 6 years), followed by FTLD (5 years), and vascular dementia and LBD (each 4 years). The strongest predictors of death for the full cohort were dementia type (higher risk with non-AD dementias), sex (higher risk with male sex), and race and ethnicity (higher risk with white and non-Hispanic participants). Age was associated with higher mortality risk across the non-Alzheimer dementias; other significant associations included worse cognitive status (FTLD, LBD) and more depression (LBD). CONCLUSION Results can help clinicians counsel individuals with dementia and families regarding average dementia trajectories; findings regarding individual risk factors can aid individualizing expectations. Further research is needed to investigate drivers of mortality in the non-AD dementias to improve counseling and help identify potentially modifiable factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Armstrong
- Departments of Neurology and Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Shangchen Song
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida College of Public Health & Health Professions and College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
| | - Andrea M. Kurasz
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida College of Public Health & Health Professions, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Zhigang Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida College of Public Health & Health Professions and College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA
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Chu CK, Saunders A, Parish S, Hetherton N, Cross S, Attoe C. End of Life Care and Advance Care Planning for People with Dementia: A Pilot Simulation Course for Healthcare Professionals. Clin Simul Nurs 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecns.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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David D, Lin SY, Groom LL, Ford A, Brody AA. Aliviado Mobile App for Hospice Providers: A Usability Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e37-e45. [PMID: 34389414 PMCID: PMC8766865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.07.019] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Evaluation of usability and mobile health content is critical for ensuring effective implementation of technology utilizing interventions tailored to the needs of hospice care providers for people living with dementia in community-based settings. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the usability, content, and "readiness to launch" of the Aliviado mobile health app for interdisciplinary team members participating in the Hospice Advanced Dementia Symptom Management and Quality of Life. METHODS Usability of the Aliviado app was assessed in 86 respondents with an adapted IBM Computer Usability Satisfaction Questionnaire following Hospice Advanced Dementia Symptom Management and Quality of Life training and implementation of the mobile app. RESULTS More than half of users receiving training employed the mobile app in practice. Users reported use as: Daily-6.3%, Weekly-39.6%, monthly-54.2%. The highest measured attributes were usefulness, value, and effectiveness. Over 90% deemed the app "ready to launch" with no or minimal problems. CONCLUSION This study shows that a newly-developed mobile app is usable and can be successfully adopted for care of people living with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel David
- Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Shih-Yin Lin
- Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lisa L Groom
- Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ariel Ford
- Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Abraham A Brody
- Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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Yaghmour SM. Impact of settings and culture on nurses' knowledge of and attitudes and perceptions towards people with dementia: An integrative literature review. Nurs Open 2021; 9:66-93. [PMID: 34719132 PMCID: PMC8685848 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Well-trained nurses are required to support dementia patients; however, the quality of the provided dementia nursing care can be impacted by nurses' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards people with dementia. AIM To obtain an overview of the current nursing practice towards people with dementia around the world. DESIGN An integrated literature review was conducted based on Whittemore and Knafl's method. RESULTS A total of 72 articles met the inclusion criteria. Three main themes were identified: (1) nurses' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards dementia; (2) nursing experience of caring for people with dementia in acute and community care settings; and (3) dementia nursing care across health regions. CONCLUSION Nurses play the role of facilitators in the efficient delivery of quality care for dementia patients. A variety of attitudes and perceptions towards people with dementia were found to be triggered by the severity of dementia, religion, ethnicity and gender. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Healthcare organisations and educational settings need to coordinate and function together to improve nurses' knowledge and encourage positive attitudes towards people with dementia.
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Borbasi JAL, Tong A, Ritchie A, Poulos CJ, Clayton JM. "A good death but there was all this tension around"- perspectives of residential managers on the experience of delivering end of life care for people living with dementia. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:306. [PMID: 33980152 PMCID: PMC8117498 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02241-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND End of life care for residents with advanced dementia in the aged care setting is complex. There is prolonged and progressive cognitive decline, uncertain disease trajectory, significant symptom burden and infrequent access to specialist palliative care. Residential aged care managers offer a unique perspective in understanding the experience of providing end of life care for residents with advanced dementia. They bring insight from the coalface to the broader policy context. The aim of this study was to describe the experience and perspectives of residential aged care managers on providing end of life care for residents living with dementia. METHODS Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with residential or care managers from various care homes from one dementia specific aged care organisation in Australia. A comprehensive sampling strategy was used in participating care homes. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS 20 residential or care managers from 11 aged care homes in two states of Australia participated in two focus groups (total 16 participants) or individual interviews (4 participants). Six themes were identified: laying the ground work to establish what families understand about dementia, playing the peacemaker in the face of unrealistic family demands and expectations, chipping away at denial and cultivating a path towards acceptance of death, recruiting general practitioners as allies, supporting and strengthening the front line, and dedication to optimal care is relentless but rewarding. CONCLUSION Aged care manager participants described provision of end of life dementia care as a rewarding but sometimes fraught experience requiring persistent personalisation of care and communication to enable family acceptance of the resident's terminal condition. The findings suggest that continuous front line aged care staff skill development, iterative family discussions, and partnership building between aged care staff and general practitioners, are all required to promote optimal end of life dementia care in residential aged care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A L Borbasi
- Centre for Learning & Research in Palliative Care, HammondCare, Greenwich Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Allison Tong
- The University of Sydney, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison Ritchie
- Centre for Learning & Research in Palliative Care, HammondCare, Greenwich Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christopher J Poulos
- Centre for Positive Ageing, HammondCare, Hammondville, Sydney, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Josephine M Clayton
- Centre for Learning & Research in Palliative Care, HammondCare, Greenwich Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
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van der Steen JT, Heck S, Juffermans CC, Garvelink MM, Achterberg WP, Clayton J, Thompson G, Koopmans RT, van der Linden YM. Practitioners' perceptions of acceptability of a question prompt list about palliative care for advance care planning with people living with dementia and their family caregivers: a mixed-methods evaluation study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044591. [PMID: 33846153 PMCID: PMC8048016 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In oncology and palliative care, patient question prompt lists (QPLs) with sample questions for patient and family increased patients' involvement in decision-making and improved outcomes if physicians actively endorsed asking questions. Therefore, we aim to evaluate practitioners' perceptions of acceptability and possible use of a QPL about palliative and end-of-life care in dementia. DESIGN Mixed-methods evaluation study of a QPL developed with family caregivers and experts comprising a survey and interviews with practitioners. SETTING Two academic medical training centres for primary and long-term care in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Practitioners (n=66; 73% woman; mean of 21 (SD 11) years of experience) who were mostly general practitioners and elderly care physicians. OUTCOMES The main survey outcome was acceptability measured with a 15-75 acceptability scale with ≥45 meaning 'acceptable'. RESULTS The survey response rate was 21% (66 of 320 participated). The QPL was regarded as acceptable (mean 51, SD 10) but 64% felt it was too long. Thirty-five per cent would want training to be able to answer the questions. Those who felt unable to answer (31%) found the QPL less acceptable (mean 46 vs 54 for others; p=0.015). We identified three themes from nine interviews: (1) enhancing conversations through discussing difficult topics, (2) proactively engaging in end-of-life conversations and (3) possible implementation. CONCLUSION Acceptability of the QPL was adequate, but physicians feeling confident to be able to address questions about end-of-life care is crucial when implementing it in practice, and may require training. To facilitate discussions of advance care planning and palliative care, families and persons with dementia should also be empowered to access the QPL themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny T van der Steen
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sten Heck
- Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Cm Juffermans
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Wilco P Achterberg
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine Clayton
- Centre for Learning & Research in Palliative Care, Hammond Care, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney Northern Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Genevieve Thompson
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Raymond Tcm Koopmans
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Somal K, Foley T. General practitioners' views of advance care planning: a questionnaire-based study. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 191:253-262. [PMID: 33624226 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02554-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Planning for end of life (EOL) care has become an important consideration for doctors and patients in the context of longer life expectancy in most high-income countries. Advance care plans (ACPs) allow individuals to make plans for future healthcare practices for when they no longer have the capacity to make such decisions. It has been suggested that general practitioners (GPs) have the ideal relationship with patients to facilitate this process. However, the uptake of ACPs still remains low, prompting the need to understand the views of GPs regarding ACPs. AIM The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of GPs regarding ACPs and to identify barriers in implementing ACPs into practice. DESIGN AND SETTING A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with GPs in county Cork and Kerry. METHODS A questionnaire was adapted from two previously published studies, piloted and posted to GPs. Two hundred thirty-seven questionnaires were posted. RESULTS Seventy-five questionnaires were completed, representing a 31.7% response rate. Findings revealed that GPs have positive attitudes towards ACPS, although there is an inadequate understanding of ACPs. In particular, GPs are challenged by defining the right moment to initiate EOL discussions, their patients' unawareness of ACPs, and lack of time during consultations. CONCLUSION In order to improve their implementation, workshops and courses should be developed to increase GPs' knowledge and confidence. Additionally, the healthcare system should be adapted, supporting GPs to facilitate these important discussions to take place.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tony Foley
- Department of General Practice, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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13
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Bolt SR, van der Steen JT, Khemai C, Schols JMGA, Zwakhalen SMG, Meijers JMM. The perspectives of people with dementia on their future, end of life and on being cared for by others: A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2021; 31:1738-1752. [PMID: 33432696 PMCID: PMC9290953 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore the perspectives of people with dementia on being cared for by others, on the future and on the end of life, and to evaluate the capability and willingness of participants to have these conversations. BACKGROUND Awareness about perspectives of people with dementia should decrease stigmatisation and improve their quality of life. Applying palliative care principles from an early stage is important to address diverse needs and to anticipate the future. Few studies investigate perspectives of people with dementia regarding palliative care, including advance care planning. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive design. METHODS We performed in-depth interviews with 18 community-dwelling persons with dementia in South-Limburg, the Netherlands. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive content analysis. Two authors coded the data and regularly compared coding. All authors discussed abstraction into categories and themes. We followed the COREQ reporting guidelines. RESULTS Five overarching themes derived from the interviews were as follows: (a) My life still has value and meaning, (b) I am my own unique individual, (c) I place my trust in other people, (d) The future worries me, and (e) I accept and embrace what life brings. CONCLUSIONS Participants' thoughts about the future and the end of life involved feelings of ambiguity and anxiety, but also of contentment and resignation. Despite worrying thoughts of decline, participants primarily demonstrated resilience and acceptance. They expressed appreciation and trust towards those who care for them. They wished to be recognised as unique and worthy humans, until the end of life. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This study demonstrates capability and willingness of people with dementia to discuss the future and end-of-life topics. Public and professional awareness may facilitate opportunities for informal end-of-life discussions. Healthcare professionals should promote belongingness of persons with dementia and strive to build equal, trustful care relationships with them and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha R Bolt
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jenny T van der Steen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chandni Khemai
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos M G A Schols
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra M G Zwakhalen
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M M Meijers
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Zuyderland Care, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands
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14
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De Sabbata K. Dementia, Treatment Decisions, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities. A New Framework for Old Problems. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:571722. [PMID: 33240127 PMCID: PMC7680726 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.571722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been at the center of considerable debate in the field of mental health. The discussion has caught up in particular after the publication of General Comment No. 1 in which the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities proposes a particularly radical interpretation of Article 12 of the Convention. Such a document has triggered skeptic and at times hostile reactions especially by psychiatrists, together with some positive comments. In this context, there is sometimes the tendency to focus only on the problematic aspects of the rights and support based model proposed by the CRPD and its Committee, forgetting that also "pre-CRPD" legislations on legal capacity present significant shortcomings. In this contribution I focus on the paradigmatic case of treatment decisions of people living with dementia with the aim to show how a number of provisions emerging from the CRPD and General Comment No. 1 can contribute to overcome the issues characterizing the traditional model of legal capacity and consent to treatment. First, I provide a brief overview of the provisions contained in the CRPD and General Comment No.1, summarizing the debate in this area. Then, I move to the case of treatment decisions of people living with dementia, analysing the main issues posed by the traditional model of capacity still characterizing European legislations. I will show how such problems and the solutions previously advanced by academics and practitioners resound in many ways with those identified by the CRPD and its Committee. In the second part, I analyse one by one the main provisions proposed by the CRPD and the Committee, studying how they can be applied in the area of treatment decisions of people living with dementia. In this context I point out the possible interpretations of the various provisions and their pros and cons, also referring to ongoing initiatives providing an insight on how such norms might work in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin De Sabbata
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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15
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Impact of Dementia on Health Service Use in the Last 2 Years of Life for Women with Other Chronic Conditions. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 21:1651-1657.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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16
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Sutherland N. Structures, tensions, and processes shaping long-term care home staff's role in end of life decision-making for residents with dementia. J Aging Stud 2020; 54:100874. [PMID: 32972618 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2020.100874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although long-term care (LTC) home staff of nurses and personal support workers spend the most time providing direct care, their role in end of life decision-making for residents with dementia has largely been unacknowledged. Staff's perceptions of their role play a significant part in how they support people with dementia and family care partners. The purpose of this study was to examine LTC home staff's perspectives of their role in end of life decision-making for LTC home residents with dementia. For this interpretive descriptive study, 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted in two urban LTC homes with nine personal support worker (PSWs), eight registered practical nurses (RPNs), and four registered nurses (RNs). Additionally, a focus group was conducted, consisting of each a PSW, RPN, and RN. A voice-centred relational analysis was used to situate LTC home staff's perspectives within broader social contexts. Findings suggest that little has changed in LTC homes in the last 50 years. Rooted in dichotomies between medical and social care paradigms, ideologies of rationality and professionalism created tensions, hierarchical roles, and staff's minimal involvement in decision-making. A relational approach is needed to account for the interdependency of care and the relationships that LTC home staff have with residents, family care partners, and the sociopolitical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Sutherland
- Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada.
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17
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Robinson L, Poole M, McLellan E, Lee R, Amador S, Bhattarai N, Bryant A, Coe D, Corbett A, Exley C, Goodman C, Gotts Z, Harrison-Dening K, Hill S, Howel D, Hrisos S, Hughes J, Kernohan A, Macdonald A, Mason H, Massey C, Neves S, Paes P, Rennie K, Rice S, Robinson T, Sampson E, Tucker S, Tzelis D, Vale L, Bamford C. Supporting good quality, community-based end-of-life care for people living with dementia: the SEED research programme including feasibility RCT. PROGRAMME GRANTS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/pgfar08080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background
In the UK, most people with dementia die in the community and they often receive poorer end-of-life care than people with cancer.
Objective
The overall aim of this programme was to support professionals to deliver good-quality, community-based care towards, and at, the end of life for people living with dementia and their families.
Design
The Supporting Excellence in End-of-life care in Dementia (SEED) programme comprised six interlinked workstreams. Workstream 1 examined existing guidance and outcome measures using systematic reviews, identified good practice through a national e-survey and explored outcomes of end-of-life care valued by people with dementia and family carers (n = 57) using a Q-sort study. Workstream 2 explored good-quality end-of-life care in dementia from the perspectives of a range of stakeholders using qualitative methods (119 interviews, 12 focus groups and 256 observation hours). Using data from workstreams 1 and 2, workstream 3 used co-design methods with key stakeholders to develop the SEED intervention. Worksteam 4 was a pilot study of the SEED intervention with an embedded process evaluation. Using a cluster design, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of recruitment and retention, outcome measures and our intervention. Four general practices were recruited in North East England: two were allocated to the intervention and two provided usual care. Patient recruitment was via general practitioner dementia registers. Outcome data were collected at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 months. Workstream 5 involved economic modelling studies that assessed the potential value of the SEED intervention using a contingent valuation survey of the general public (n = 1002). These data informed an economic decision model to explore how the SEED intervention might influence care. Results of the model were presented in terms of the costs and consequences (e.g. hospitalisations) and, using the contingent valuation data, a cost–benefit analysis. Workstream 6 examined commissioning of end-of-life care in dementia through a narrative review of policy and practice literature, combined with indepth interviews with a national sample of service commissioners (n = 20).
Setting
The workstream 1 survey and workstream 2 included services throughout England. The workstream 1 Q-sort study and workstream 4 pilot trial took place in North East England. For workstream 4, four general practices were recruited; two received the intervention and two provided usual care.
Results
Currently, dementia care and end-of-life care are commissioned separately, with commissioners receiving little formal guidance and training. Examples of good practice rely on non-recurrent funding and leadership from an interested clinician. Seven key components are required for good end-of-life care in dementia: timely planning discussions, recognising end of life and providing supportive care, co-ordinating care, effective working with primary care, managing hospitalisation, continuing care after death, and valuing staff and ongoing learning. Using co-design methods and the theory of change, the seven components were operationalised as a primary care-based, dementia nurse specialist intervention, with a care resource kit to help the dementia nurse specialist improve the knowledge of family and professional carers. The SEED intervention proved feasible and acceptable to all stakeholders, and being located in the general practice was considered beneficial. None of the outcome measures was suitable as the primary outcome for a future trial. The contingent valuation showed that the SEED intervention was valued, with a wider package of care valued more than selected features in isolation. The SEED intervention is unlikely to reduce costs, but this may be offset by the value placed on the SEED intervention by the general public.
Limitations
The biggest challenge to the successful delivery and completion of this research programme was translating the ‘theoretical’ complex intervention into practice in an ever-changing policy and service landscape at national and local levels. A major limitation for a future trial is the lack of a valid and relevant primary outcome measure to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention that influences outcomes for both individuals and systems.
Conclusions
Although the dementia nurse specialist intervention was acceptable, feasible and integrated well with existing care, it is unlikely to reduce costs of care; however, it was highly valued by all stakeholders (professionals, people with dementia and their families) and has the potential to influence outcomes at both an individual and a systems level.
Future work
There is no plan to progress to a full randomised controlled trial of the SEED intervention in its current form. In view of new National Institute for Health and Care Excellence dementia guidance, which now recommends a care co-ordinator for all people with dementia, the feasibility of providing the SEED intervention throughout the illness trajectory should be explored. Appropriate outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of such a complex intervention are needed urgently.
Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN21390601.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full in Programme Grants for Applied Research, Vol. 8, No. 8. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Robinson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marie Poole
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emma McLellan
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Lee
- Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Amador
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nawaraj Bhattarai
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew Bryant
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dorothy Coe
- North East and North Cumbria Local Clinical Research Network, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anne Corbett
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Catherine Exley
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire Goodman
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Zoe Gotts
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Sarah Hill
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Denise Howel
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Susan Hrisos
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ashleigh Kernohan
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Helen Mason
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christopher Massey
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Paul Paes
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Katherine Rennie
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Professional Services, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stephen Rice
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tomos Robinson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Elizabeth Sampson
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Dimitrios Tzelis
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Luke Vale
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire Bamford
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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18
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Armstrong MJ, Alliance S, Corsentino P, Maixner SM, Paulson HL, Taylor A. Caregiver-Reported Barriers to Quality End-of-Life Care in Dementia With Lewy Bodies: A Qualitative Analysis. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 37:728-737. [PMID: 31902223 PMCID: PMC7335680 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119897241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated barriers to quality end-of-life (EOL) care in the context of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), one of the most common degenerative dementias in the United States. METHODS The study consisted of telephone interviews with caregivers and family members of individuals who died with DLB in the last 5 years. Interviews used a semi-structured questionnaire. Investigators employed a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze interview transcripts and identify common barriers to quality EOL care. RESULTS Thirty participants completed interviews. Reported barriers to quality EOL experiences in DLB pertained to the DLB diagnosis itself and factors relating to the US health-care system, facilities, hospice, and health-care providers (physicians and staff). Commonly reported barriers included lack of recognition and knowledge of DLB, lack of education regarding what to expect, poor coordination of care and communication across health-care teams and circumstances, and difficulty accessing health-care resources including skilled nursing facility placement and hospice. CONCLUSION Many identified themes were consistent with published barriers to quality EOL care in dementia. However, DLB-specific EOL considerations included diagnostic challenges, lack of knowledge regarding DLB and resultant prescribing errors, difficulty accessing resources due to behavioral changes in DLB, and waiting to meet Medicare dementia hospice guidelines. Improving EOL experiences in DLB will require a multifaceted approach, starting with improving DLB recognition and provider knowledge. More research is needed to improve recognition of EOL in DLB and factors that drive quality EOL experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Armstrong
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Slande Alliance
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
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19
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Trinh E, Lee A, Kim KY. End-of-Life Care of Persons With Alzheimer Disease: An Update for Clinicians. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 37:314-317. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909119885881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While end-of-life (EOL) care has been a relatively common option for patients with terminal cancer, the utilization of EOL care in Alzheimer disease and other dementias has become available more recently. By the time end-stage dementia is present, the clinicians and caregivers become faced with multiple clinical issues—their inability to provide subjective complaints of pain and discomfort, behavioral symptoms, delirium, food refusal, and so on. In addition to providing quality EOL care to the patients, clinicians need to work with their families in an open and empathic manner, assuring that their loved ones will receive supportive measures to keep them comfortable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Trinh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Andrew Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Kye Y. Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Carilion Clinic Center for Healthy Aging, Roanoke, VA, USA
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20
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Visser R, Borgstrom E, Holti R. The Overlap Between Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care: A Scoping Literature Review. J Appl Gerontol 2020; 40:355-364. [PMID: 32008412 PMCID: PMC7961659 DOI: 10.1177/0733464820902303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With an increasing aging population worldwide, there is a growing need for both palliative care and geriatric medicine. It is presumed in medical literature that both specialties share similar goals about patient care and could collaborate. To inform future service development, the objective of this review was to identify what is currently empirically known about overlapping working practices. This article provides a scoping literature review on the relationship between geriatric medicine and palliative care within the United Kingdom. The review encompassed literature written between 1997 and 2019 accessed via Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Three themes were identified: (a) unclear boundaries between specialties, (b) communication within and between specialisms, and (c) ambiguity of how older people fit in the current health care system. We suggest that more empirical research is conducted about the overlap between palliative care and geriatric medicine to understand how interprofessional working and patient care can be improved.
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21
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Gonella S, Basso I, De Marinis MG, Campagna S, Di Giulio P. Good end-of-life care in nursing home according to the family carers' perspective: A systematic review of qualitative findings. Palliat Med 2019; 33:589-606. [PMID: 30969160 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319840275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing homes are becoming a common site where delivering end-of-life care for older adults. They often represent the junction between the curative and the palliative phase. AIM To identify the elements that nursing home residents' family carers perceive as good end-of-life care and develop a conceptual model of good end-of-life care according to the family perspective. DESIGN Systematic review (PROSPERO no. 95581) with meta-aggregation method. DATA SOURCES Five electronic databases were searched from inception between April and May 2018. Published qualitative studies (and mixed-method designs) of end-of-life care experience of nursing home family carers whose relative was dead or at the end-of-life were included. No language or temporal limits were applied. RESULTS In all, 18 studies met inclusion criteria. A 'life crisis' often resulted in a changed need of care, and the transition towards palliative care was sustained by a 'patient-centered environment'. Family carers described good end-of-life care as providing resident basic care and spiritual support; recognizing and treating symptoms; assuring continuity in care; respecting resident's end-of-life wishes; offering environmental, emotional and psychosocial support; keeping family informed; promoting family understanding; and establishing a partnership with family carers by involving and guiding them in a shared decision-making. These elements improved the quality of end-of-life of both residents and their family, thus suggesting a common ground between good end-of-life care and palliative care. CONCLUSION The findings provide a family-driven framework to guide a sensitive and compassionate transition towards palliative care in nursing home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- 1 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.,2 Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Ines Basso
- 3 Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia De Marinis
- 4 Nursing Research Unit. University Campus Bio Medico of Rome, via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Campagna
- 3 Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- 3 Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
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22
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Armstrong MJ, Alliance S, Taylor A, Corsentino P, Galvin JE. End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies: Qualitative interviews with former caregivers. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217039. [PMID: 31145749 PMCID: PMC6542529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia caregivers describe knowing what to expect as an unmet need and many are unaware that dementia can be a terminal condition. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a common neurodegenerative dementia with unique features which may affect the end of life (EOL). Given the paucity of data on EOL experiences in dementia and unique aspects of DLB affecting EOL, we investigated EOL experiences as reported by caregivers of individuals with DLB. METHOD We conducted telephone interviews with caregivers and family members of individuals who died with DLB in the last 5 years using a semi-structured questionnaire to identify and describe EOL experiences. We used a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze interview transcripts and identify common themes. RESULTS Thirty individuals participated in interviews. Key themes included lack of knowledge regarding what to expect, end-of-life time course (including end-of-life symptoms, declines after hospitalization and falls, and varied EOL trajectories), advance care planning, lack of family understanding, hospice, views regarding right-to-die, medications at the end of life, approaching end of life, the death experience, and activities that enhanced end of life. Lack of communication between health care teams and families and difficulty predicting death timing were two frequently expressed challenges. CONCLUSIONS Study results emphasize the need for improved EOL counseling in DLB, recognition of EOL symptoms, earlier hospice involvement, tailoring EOL care to DLB-specific needs, and clinician-family communication. Suggestions for patient and family education are provided. Further research should confirm predictors of approaching EOL in DLB, identify strategies to improve physician recognition of EOL, and develop tools to aid communication and quality EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Armstrong
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Slande Alliance
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Angela Taylor
- Lewy Body Dementia Association, Lilburn, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Pamela Corsentino
- Lewy Body Dementia Association, Lilburn, Georgia, United States of America
| | - James E. Galvin
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
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Yumoto Y, Kernohan WG, Morioka N, Ogata Y. International reflections on caring for people with advanced dementia. Public Health Nurs 2019; 36:192-198. [PMID: 30565293 PMCID: PMC7379584 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is causing global concern with its massive impacts on affected individuals, families, society, and national economies. As the disease progresses, patients' needs increase in number, depth, and breadth, covering physical, psychological, social, and spiritual domains. Care varies from place to place, from country to country and from east to west. To learn from some of these variations, we explored advanced dementia care in United Kingdom and Japan. Informed by an overview of literature on care of people with advanced dementia, we reflected on direct nonparticipant observations of care in urban areas of Northern Ireland and Japan. While we identified a common purpose to address the complex needs of people living with dementia, there were differences in the approach to care. Broadly, dementia care in United Kingdom tends toward person-centered care with a strong interest in Advance Care Planning as part of a palliative care approach. In Japan, we found less evidence of early stage palliative care and more of family-based decision making to inform care of older people. In both countries, dementia care varies regionally, being more available in some areas than others. International knowledge exchange and further comparative studies will help to improve care for people with advanced dementia, everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Yumoto
- Graduate School of Health Care SciencesTokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)TokyoJapan
| | - W. George Kernohan
- Faculty of Life and Health SciencesInstitute of Nursing and Health Research, University of UlsterAntrimUK
| | - Noriko Morioka
- Graduate School of Health Care SciencesTokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)TokyoJapan
| | - Yasuko Ogata
- Graduate School of Health Care SciencesTokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)TokyoJapan
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Yeh IL, Samsi K, Vandrevala T, Manthorpe J. Constituents of effective support for homecare workers providing care to people with dementia at end of life. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 34:352-359. [PMID: 30430628 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to enhance understanding about homecare workers providing care to people with dementia at end of life by exploring homecare workers' perceptions of challenges and the support they needed and sometimes received. METHODS Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 homecare workers and 13 homecare managers in England. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data. FINDINGS Four overarching challenges were identified: working with clients with dementia, including clients' sometimes unpredictable responses, communication difficulties, and mood changes; caring for the dying; conflict with family members; and working alone, which often left homecare workers at risk of exhaustion, fatigue, and a sense of isolation. When their work entailed high levels of emotion, such as a client's death or getting embroiled in a client's family conflict, they felt emotionally drained, under-prepared, and overwhelmed. Supportive elements include receiving encouragement and learning from experienced peers and their feelings being acknowledged by managers at their employing homecare agency. Some workers were offered time off or encouraged to attend the client's funeral as a means of supporting the process of bereavement. CONCLUSIONS Peer and manager support are essential and effective in coping with work pressures. There is a need to develop models of effective support to alleviate staff's practical, emotional, and interpersonal pressures. However, due to the isolating nature of homecare work, managers may not recognise early signs of their staff finding stress unmanageable and miss the opportunity to mitigate these negative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kritika Samsi
- Social Care Workforce Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Jill Manthorpe
- Social Care Workforce Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
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Ortega-Galán ÁM, Ruiz-Fernández MD, Carmona-Rega MI, Cabrera-Troya J, Ortíz-Amo R, Ibáñez-Masero O. Competence and Compassion: Key Elements of Professional Care at the End of Life From Caregiver's Perspective. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2018; 36:485-491. [PMID: 30518225 DOI: 10.1177/1049909118816662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the act of caring for and helping people in the end-of-life process, the professional who provides care and assistance must know how to maintain a relationship of closeness, empathy, and compassion for the pain and suffering of the person who is going to die. The objective was to understand, elaborate on, and characterize the key elements of end-of-life care of patients from a caregiver's perspective through a qualitative phenomenological multicenter study. Participants were caregivers who had lost a family member at least 2 months but less than 2 years in the past. The techniques used were 5 discussion groups and 41 in-depth interviews, which included a total of 81 participants. To analyze the information, a protocol developed by Giorgi was followed. Two dimensions or units of meaning, with subdimensions, emerged: (1) Technical competence, with the subdimensions "Control of symptoms" and "Continuity of care," and (2) Compassion, with the subdimensions "Effective/affective communication," "Attitudes of kindness and closeness toward the patient and the family," and "Generosity and personalized flexibility of care." Assistance at the end of life requires the proper preparation of professionals who care for these patients, in addition to a compassionate attitude on the part of professionals and the people accompanying the dying person, that fosters a more humanized and dignified treatment in the dying process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rocío Ortíz-Amo
- 2 Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Olivia Ibáñez-Masero
- 5 University of Huelva Hospital Complex, Andalusian Health Service, Huelva, Spain
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26
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Bamford C, Lee R, McLellan E, Poole M, Harrison-Dening K, Hughes J, Robinson L, Exley C. What enables good end of life care for people with dementia? A multi-method qualitative study with key stakeholders. BMC Geriatr 2018; 18:302. [PMID: 30514221 PMCID: PMC6280541 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-018-0983-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with advanced dementia often experience suboptimal end of life care (EoLC) with inadequate pain control, increased hospitalisation, and fewer palliative care interventions compared to those with cancer. Existing policy, guidance and recommendations are based largely on expert opinion because of a shortage of high quality, empirical research. Previous studies have tended to consider the views and experience of particular groups. Whilst providing important evidence, they do not take into account the diversity of perspectives of different stakeholders. The Supporting Excellence in End of life care in Dementia (SEED) programme involved multiple stakeholder groups and an integrative analysis to identify key components of good EoLC for people with dementia and to inform a new intervention. METHODS The views of national experts, service managers, frontline staff, people with dementia and family carers were explored using a range of qualitative methods (semi-structured interviews, focus groups, discussions and observations of routine care). The large dataset comprises 116 interviews, 12 focus groups and 256 h of observation. Each dataset was initially analysed thematically prior to an integrative analysis, which drew out key themes across stakeholder groups. RESULTS Through the integrative analysis seven key factors required for the delivery of good EoLC for people with dementia were identified: timely planning discussions; recognition of end of life and provision of supportive care; co-ordination of care; effective working relationships with primary care; managing hospitalisation; continuing care after death; and valuing staff and ongoing learning. These factors span the entire illness trajectory from planning at a relatively early stage in the illness to continuing care after death. CONCLUSIONS This unique study has confirmed the relevance of much of the content of existing end of life frameworks to dementia. It has highlighted seven key areas that are particularly important in dementia care. The data are being used to develop an evidence-based intervention to support professionals to deliver better EoLC in dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Bamford
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, 2nd Floor, Newcastle Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL UK
| | - Richard Lee
- Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Emma McLellan
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, 2nd Floor, Newcastle Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL UK
| | - Marie Poole
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, 2nd Floor, Newcastle Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL UK
| | | | - Julian Hughes
- Bristol Medical School, Population and Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - Louise Robinson
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, 2nd Floor, Newcastle Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL UK
| | - Catherine Exley
- Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Room NB266, Northumberland Building, College Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST UK
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27
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Morrison JM, Wu S, Keller HH. Beyond Tube-Feeding: Relationship-Centered, Comfort Care for Individuals with Eating Challenges in Dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2018; 67:185-186. [PMID: 30303243 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Morrison
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Wu
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather H Keller
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.,Research Institute for Aging, Schlegel-University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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28
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Armstrong MJ, Alliance S, Corsentino P, DeKosky ST, Taylor A. Cause of Death and End-of-Life Experiences in Individuals with Dementia with Lewy Bodies. J Am Geriatr Soc 2018; 67:67-73. [DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Armstrong
- Department of Neurology; College of Medicine, University of Florida; Gainesville Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida; Gainesville Florida
| | - Slande Alliance
- Department of Neurology; College of Medicine, University of Florida; Gainesville Florida
| | | | - Steven T. DeKosky
- Department of Neurology; College of Medicine, University of Florida; Gainesville Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida; Gainesville Florida
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29
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Martinsson L, Lundström S, Sundelöf J. Quality of end-of-life care in patients with dementia compared to patients with cancer: A population-based register study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201051. [PMID: 30059515 PMCID: PMC6066197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Globally, dementia is one of the leading causes of death. Given the growing elderly population in the world, the yearly number of deaths by dementia is expected to increase. Patients dying from dementia are reported to suffer from a burden of symptoms similar to that of patients with cancer, but receive less medication against symptoms, have a lower probability of palliative care planning and seldom have access to specialised palliative care. Studies investigating the quality of palliative care in dementia are scarce. The aim of this Swedish national study was to compare the quality of end-of-life care between patients with dementia and patients with cancer regardless of place of care. Methods Thirteen end-of-life care quality indicators collected by the Swedish Register of Palliative Care (SRPC) were compared between patients dying from dementia and patients dying from cancer. Data were collected from deaths occurring in nursing homes, hospitals, specialised and general palliative home care, and palliative in-patient units during a three-year period (during March 2012 to February 2015). Analyses were performed using a multivariable logistic regression model, adjusted for age and gender. A subgroup of patients with Alzheimer’s disease was identified and compared to patients with other and unspecified types of dementia. Results A total of 4624 deaths from Alzheimer’s disease, 11 804deaths from other dementia diagnoses and 51 609 deaths from cancer were included. For six of the 13 quality indicators examined (prescription of PRN drugs against nausea and anxiety, information and bereavement support offered to next of kin, pain assessment and specialised palliative care consultations), poorer outcomes were shown for the dementia group in comparison to the cancer group. Two outcomes (prevalence of pressure ulcers and fluid therapy during the last 24 hours in life) showed better outcomes for the dementia group. The outcomes for the 13 quality indicators were similar for patients with Alzheimer’s disease compared to patients with other and unspecified types of dementia. Conclusions The findings in this study indicates that patients dying from Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia receive a poorer quality of end-of-life care concerning several important end-of-life care areas when compared to patients dying from cancer. Guidelines for end-of-life care in Sweden cannot explain or justify these differences. Further studies are needed to find possible ways to improve end-of-life care in the large and growing group of patients dying from dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Martinsson
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Staffan Lundström
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Sundelöf
- Betaniastiftelsen (non-profit organisation), Stockholm, Sweden
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30
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Bartley MM, Suarez L, Shafi RMA, Baruth JM, Benarroch AJM, Lapid MI. Dementia Care at End of Life: Current Approaches. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2018; 20:50. [PMID: 29936639 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-018-0915-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Dementia is a progressive and life-limiting condition that can be described in three stages: early, middle, and late. This article reviews current literature on late-stage dementia. RECENT FINDINGS Survival times may vary across dementia subtypes. Yet, the overall trajectory is characterized by progressive decline until death. Ideally, as people with dementia approach the end of life, care should focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. However, barriers prevent optimal end-of-life care in the final stages of dementia. Improved and earlier advanced care planning for persons with dementia and their caregivers can help delineate goals of care and prepare for the inevitable complications of end-stage dementia. This allows for timely access to palliative and hospice care, which ultimately improves dementia end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Suarez
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Reem M A Shafi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Joshua M Baruth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Amanda J M Benarroch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Maria I Lapid
- Center for Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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