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Pihlaja H, Rantala H, Leivo-Korpela S, Lehtimäki L, Lehto JT, Piili RP. Specialist Palliative Care Consultation for Patients with Nonmalignant Pulmonary Diseases: A Retrospective Study. Palliat Med Rep 2023; 4:108-115. [PMID: 37095866 PMCID: PMC10122226 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2022.0068] [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] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Few patients with chronic nonmalignant pulmonary diseases receive specialist palliative care consultation, despite their high symptom burden in end of life. Objectives To study palliative care decision making, survival, and hospital resource usage in patients with nonmalignant pulmonary diseases with or without a specialist palliative care consultation. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients with a chronic nonmalignant pulmonary disease and a palliative care decision (palliative goal of therapy), who were treated in Tampere University Hospital, Finland, between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. Results A total of 107 patients were included in the study, 62 (58%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 43 (40%) interstitial lung disease (ILD). Median survival after palliative care decision was shorter in patients with ILD than in patients with COPD (59 vs. 213 days, p = 0.004). Involvement of a palliative care specialist in the decision making was not associated with the survival. Patients with COPD who received palliative care consultation visited less often emergency room (73% vs. 100%, p = 0.019) and spent fewer days in the hospital (7 vs. 18 days, p = 0.007) during the last year of life. When a palliative care specialist attended the decision making, the presence and opinions of the patients were recorded more often, and the patients were more frequently referred to a palliative care pathway. Conclusions Specialist palliative care consultation seems to enable better end-of-life care and supports shared decision making for patients with nonmalignant pulmonary diseases. Therefore, palliative care consultations should be utilized in nonmalignant pulmonary diseases preferably before the last days of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Pihlaja
- TUNI Palliative Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Palliative Care Centre, Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Address correspondence to: Hanna Pihlaja, MD, TUNI Palliative Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Kauppi Campus, Arvo Building, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere 33520, Finland.
| | - Heidi Rantala
- TUNI Palliative Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sirpa Leivo-Korpela
- TUNI Palliative Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Palliative Care Centre and Department of Geriatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Lauri Lehtimäki
- TUNI Palliative Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Allergy Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juho T. Lehto
- TUNI Palliative Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Palliative Care Centre, Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Reetta P. Piili
- TUNI Palliative Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Palliative Care Centre, Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Ijaopo EO, Zaw KM, Ijaopo RO, Khawand-Azoulai M. A Review of Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Imminent End-of-Life in Individuals With Advanced Illness. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2023; 9:23337214231183243. [PMID: 37426771 PMCID: PMC10327414 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231183243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: World population is not only aging but suffering from serious chronic illnesses, requiring an increasing need for end-of-life care. However, studies show that many healthcare providers involved in the care of dying patients sometimes express challenges in knowing when to stop non-beneficial investigations and futile treatments that tend to prolong undue suffering for the dying person. Objective: To evaluate the clinical signs and symptoms that show end-of-life is imminent in individuals with advanced illness. Design: Narrative review. Methods: Computerized databases, including PubMed, Embase, Medline,CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar were searched from 1992 to 2022 for relevant original papers written in or translated into English language that investigated clinical signs and symptoms of imminent death in individuals with advanced illness. Results: 185 articles identified were carefully reviewed and only those that met the inclusion criteria were included for review. Conclusion: While it is often difficult to predict the timing of death, the ability of healthcare providers to recognize the clinical signs and symptoms of imminent death in terminally-ill individuals may lead to earlier anticipation of care needs and better planning to provide care that is tailored to individual's needs, and ultimately results in better end-of-life care, as well as a better bereavement adjustment experience for the families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khin Maung Zaw
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
- Miami VA Medical Center, FL, USA
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Kaiser U, Vehling-Kaiser U, Hoffmann A, Kaiser F. Inpatient Hospices in Germany: Medical Care Situation and Use of Supportive Oncological Therapies for Symptom Control in Tumor Patients. Palliat Med Rep 2022; 3:169-180. [PMID: 36059908 PMCID: PMC9438444 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2022.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: More than 80% of the residents in German hospices suffer from tumor disease. But the administration of supportive-oncological therapies in hospices for symptom control is controversially discussed. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the care situation of tumor patients in German hospices with regard to medical care and the use of supportive-oncological therapies. Methods: In February 2019, all hospices in Germany were offered the opportunity to participate in an anonymous online survey on medical and drug care for their tumor patients. The survey was conducted using the online platform SoSci Survey and ended in April 2019. The analysis was descriptive. Results: Of 202 hospices, 112 responded to the questionnaire. The hospices were distributed nationwide. Most have 8 to 10 places. More than 80% of hospice residents are tumor patients, and the length of stay is usually three to four weeks. Medical care is primarily provided by primary care physicians. While specialized outpatient palliative care is increasingly involved in care, hematologists/oncologists are rarely represented. Supportive-oncological therapies are rarely prescribed, whereas medication for other chronic conditions is often continued. The percentage of supportive-oncological therapies prescribed is higher in hospices with oncology co-care. Conclusions: Although most hospice residents suffer from malignant disease, co-care by a hematologist/oncologist is rare. Supportive-oncology therapies, particularly for symptom relief, may therefore be rarely used. However, since a small select group of hospice residents may benefit from these therapies, further investigation in this direction should be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Kaiser
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Florian Kaiser
- Oncology/Palliative Care Network Landshut, Landshut, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Nagamatsu Y, Sakyo Y, Barroga E, Koni R, Natori Y, Miyashita M. Bereaved Family Members’ Perspectives of Good Death and Quality of End-of-Life Care for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092541. [PMID: 35566667 PMCID: PMC9099626 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated whether malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients achieved good deaths and good quality of end-of-life care compared with other cancer patients from the perspective of bereaved family members in Japan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was part of a larger study on the achievement of good deaths of MPM patients and the bereavement of their family members. Bereaved family members of MPM patients in Japan (n = 72) were surveyed. The Good Death Inventory (GDI) was used to assess the achievement of good death. The short version of the Care Evaluation Scale (CES) version 2 was used to assess the quality of end-of-life care. The GDI and CES scores of MPM patients were compared with those of a Japanese cancer population from a previous study. Results: MPM patients failed to achieve good deaths. Only 12.5% of the MPM patients were free from physical pain. The GDI scores of most of the MPM patients were significantly lower than those of the Japanese cancer population. The CES scores indicated a significantly poorer quality of end-of-life care for the MPM patients than the Japanese cancer population. The total GDI and CES scores were correlated (r = 0.55). Conclusions: The quality of end-of-life care for MPM patients remains poor. Moreover, MPM patients do not achieve good deaths from the perspective of their bereaved family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Nagamatsu
- Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke’s International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan; (Y.S.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-3-5550-2262
| | - Yumi Sakyo
- Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke’s International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan; (Y.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Edward Barroga
- Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke’s International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan; (Y.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Riwa Koni
- St. Luke’s International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan;
| | - Yuji Natori
- Hirano Kameido Himawari Clinic, 7-10-1 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0071, Japan;
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan;
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Krajnik M, Hepgul N, Wilcock A, Jassem E, Bandurski T, Tanzi S, Simon ST, Higginson IJ, Jolley CJ. Do guidelines influence breathlessness management in advanced lung diseases? A multinational survey of respiratory medicine and palliative care physicians. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:41. [PMID: 35045847 PMCID: PMC8768441 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-01835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory medicine (RM) and palliative care (PC) physicians' management of chronic breathlessness in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fibrotic interstitial lung disease (fILD) and lung cancer (LC), and the influence of practice guidelines was explored via an online survey. METHODS A voluntary, online survey was distributed to RM and PC physicians via society newsletter mailing lists. RESULTS 450 evaluable questionnaires (348 (77%) RM and 102 (23%) PC) were analysed. Significantly more PC physicians indicated routine use (often/always) of opioids across conditions (COPD: 92% vs. 39%, fILD: 83% vs. 36%, LC: 95% vs. 76%; all p < 0.001) and significantly more PC physicians indicated routine use of benzodiazepines for COPD (33% vs. 10%) and fILD (25% vs. 12%) (both p < 0.001). Significantly more RM physicians reported routine use of a breathlessness score (62% vs. 13%, p < 0.001) and prioritised exercise training/rehabilitation for COPD (49% vs. 7%) and fILD (30% vs. 18%) (both p < 0.001). Overall, 40% of all respondents reported reading non-cancer palliative care guidelines (either carefully or looked at them briefly). Respondents who reported reading these guidelines were more likely to: routinely use a breathlessness score (χ2 = 13.8; p < 0.001), use opioids (χ2 = 12.58, p < 0.001) and refer to pulmonary rehabilitation (χ2 = 6.41, p = 0.011) in COPD; use antidepressants (χ2 = 6.25; p = 0.044) and refer to PC (χ2 = 5.83; p = 0.016) in fILD; and use a handheld fan in COPD (χ2 = 8.75, p = 0.003), fILD (χ2 = 4.85, p = 0.028) and LC (χ2 = 5.63; p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a need for improved dissemination and uptake of jointly developed breathlessness management guidelines in order to encourage appropriate use of existing, evidence-based therapies. The lack of opioid use by RM, and continued benzodiazepine use in PC, suggest that a wider range of acceptable therapies need to be developed and trialled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Krajnik
- Department of Palliative Care, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Skłodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Nilay Hepgul
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Wilcock
- Palliative Medicine, Hayward House Specialist Palliative Care Unit, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ewa Jassem
- Department of Pneumonology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Bandurski
- Department of Radiology, Informatics and Statistics, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Silvia Tanzi
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Steffen T Simon
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline J Jolley
- Centre for Human & Applied Physiological Sciences, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, Shepherd's House, Rm 4.4, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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Huang LH, Lin LS, Wang CL, Chang YC, Lee LC, Hu CC, Hsu PS, Chu WM. Palliative Care Consultation Services on Terminally Ill Cancer Patients and Non-Cancer Patients: Trend Analysis from a 9-Year-Long Observational Study in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189882. [PMID: 34574805 PMCID: PMC8466532 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Early integration of palliative care for terminally ill cancer and non-cancer patients improves quality of life. However, there are sparse data on results of palliative care consultation services (PCCS) between cancer and non-cancer patients. In this 9-year observational study, data were collected from the Hospice-Palliative Clinical Database (HPCD) of Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH). Terminally ill cancer and non-cancer patients who received PCCS during 2011 to 2019 were enrolled. Trend analysis was performed to evaluate differences in outcomes of PCCS, including duration of PCCS, the awareness of disease of patients and families before and after PCCS, status of PCCS termination, and DNR declaration before and after PCCS among cancer and non-cancer patients throughout study period. In total, 5223 cancer patients and 536 non-cancer patients received PCCS from 2011 to 2019. The number of people who received PCCS increased stably over the decade, both for cancer and non-cancer patients. The average duration of PCCS for cancer and non-cancer patients was 21.4 days and 18.4 days, respectively. Compared with non-cancer patients, cancer patients had longer duration of PCCS, less DNR declaration (82% vs. 98%, respectively), and more transfers to the palliative care unit (17% vs. 11%, respectively), or for palliative home care (12% vs.8%, respectively). Determinants of late referral to PCCS includes age (OR 0.992, 95% CI 0.987–0.996), DNR declaration after PCCS (OR 1.967, 95% CI 1.574–2.458), patients’ awareness after PCCS (OR 0.754, 95% CI 0.635–0.895), and status of PCCS termination. This 9-year observational study showed that the trend of PCCS among cancer and non-cancer patients had changed over the duration of the study, and early integration of PCCS to all patients is essential for both cancer and non-cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Hui Huang
- Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan; (L.-H.H.); (L.-S.L.)
| | - Lian-Shin Lin
- Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan; (L.-H.H.); (L.-S.L.)
| | - Chun-Li Wang
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.H.); (P.-S.H.)
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Chang
- Technology Transfer and Incubation Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan;
| | - Lung-Chun Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.H.); (P.-S.H.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chieh Hu
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.H.); (P.-S.H.)
| | - Pi-Shan Hsu
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.H.); (P.-S.H.)
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 40220, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Min Chu
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (L.-C.L.); (C.-C.H.); (P.-S.H.)
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-2359-2525
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Henoch I, Ekberg-Jansson A, Löfdahl CG, Strang P. Benefits, for patients with late stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, of being cared for in specialized palliative care compared to hospital. A nationwide register study. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:130. [PMID: 34429078 PMCID: PMC8386075 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00826-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In early stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dyspnea has been reported as the main symptom; but at the end of life, patients dying from COPD have a heavy symptom burden. Still, specialist palliative care is seldom offered to patients with COPD; they more often receive end of life care in hospitals. Furthermore, symptoms, symptom relief and care activities in the last week of life for COPD patients are rarely studied. The aim of this study was to compare patient and care characteristics in late stage COPD patients treated in specialized palliative care (SPC) versus hospital. METHODS Two nationwide registers were merged, the Swedish National Airway Register (SNAR) and the Swedish Register of Palliative Care (SRPC). Patients with COPD and < 50% of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), who had died in inpatient or outpatient SPC (n = 159) or in hospital (n = 439), were identified. Clinical COPD characteristics were extracted from the SNAR, and end of life (EOL) care characteristics from the SRPC. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample and the registered care and treatments. Independent samples t-test, Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test and Fisher's exact test was used to compare variables. To examine predictors of place of death, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed with a dependent variable with demographic and clinical variables used as independent variables. RESULTS The patients in hospitals were older and more likely to have heart failure or hypertension. Pain was more frequently reported and relieved in SPC than in hospitals (p = 0.001). Rattle, anxiety, delirium and nausea were reported at similar frequencies between the settings; but rattle, anxiety, delirium, and dyspnea were more frequently relieved in SPC (all p < 0.001). Compared to hospital, SPC was more often the preferred place of care (p < 0.001). In SPC, EOL discussions with patients and families were more frequently held than in hospital (p < 0.001). Heart failure increased the probability of dying in hospital while lung cancer increased the probability of dying in SPC. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for referring more COPD patients to SPC, which is more focused on symptom management and psychosocial and existential support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingela Henoch
- Department of Research and Devlopment, Angered Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 457, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Ann Ekberg-Jansson
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claes-Göran Löfdahl
- University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
- COPD Center, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Strang
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Research and Development Unit, Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden
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Gersten RA, Moale AC, Seth B, Vick JB, Brown H, Eakin MN, Mathai SC, Danoff SK. A scoping review of palliative care outcome measures in interstitial lung disease. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/161/210080. [PMID: 34348982 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0080-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) confers a high mortality and symptom burden, substantially impacting quality of life. Studies evaluating palliative care in ILD are rapidly expanding. Uniform outcome measures are crucial to assessing the impact of palliative care in ILD. This scoping review evaluates existing outcome measures in general health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical health, mental health, social health and advance care planning (ACP) domains in patients with ILD. Articles in English with quantitative assessment of at least one measure of general HRQoL, physical health, mental health, social health or ACP in patients with ILD were included. Searches across three databases yielded 3488 non-duplicate articles. 23 met eligibility criteria and included three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or secondary analysis of an RCT (13%), three cross-sectional studies or secondary analysis of cross-sectional study (13%), one prospective study (4%) and 16 retrospective studies (70%). Among eligible articles, 25 distinct instruments were identified. Six studies assessed general HRQoL (26%), 16 assessed physical health (70%), 11 assessed mental health (48%), six assessed social health (26%) and 16 assessed ACP (70%). The ability to compare results across studies remains challenging given the heterogeneity in outcome measures. Future work is needed to develop core palliative care outcome measures in ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Gersten
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA .,Joint first authors
| | - Amanda C Moale
- Dept of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Joint first authors
| | - Bhavna Seth
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Judith B Vick
- Dept of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hannah Brown
- Dept of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michelle N Eakin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen C Mathai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sonye K Danoff
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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9
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Raphaely RA, Mongiardo MA, Goldstein RL, Robinson SA, Wan ES, Moy ML. Pain in Veterans with COPD: relationship with physical activity and exercise capacity. BMC Pulm Med 2021; 21:238. [PMID: 34266401 PMCID: PMC8280683 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-021-01601-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is a common but underappreciated symptom experienced by people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The relationships between pain and physical activity (PA) and exercise capacity are poorly understood. METHODS This retrospective secondary analysis includes three cohorts of Veterans with COPD who participated in longitudinal studies evaluating PA and exercise capacity with objective measures of daily step counts and 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance, respectively. Pain was assessed using the bodily pain domain of the Veterans RAND-36. In two cohorts, participants were randomly assigned to a web-based, pedometer-mediated PA intervention which has previously been demonstrated to improve PA. RESULTS Three-hundred and seventy-three (373) unique study participants were included in this analysis. Eighty-three percent (n = 311) of the population reported at least mild pain and/or at least a little bit of interference due to pain at baseline. Cross-sectionally, greater bodily pain was associated with lower 6MWT distance (β = 0.51; 95% CI 0.20, 0.82; p = 0.0013). Longitudinally, worsening bodily pain was associated with a decline in 6MWT distance (β = 0.30; 95% CI 0.03, 0.58; p = 0.0312). There was no association between baseline bodily pain and baseline daily step counts, baseline bodily pain and change in PA, or change in bodily pain and change in PA. Compared to usual care, our PA intervention improved bodily pain scores (β = 6.17; 95% CI 1.84, 10.45; p = 0.0054). Bodily pain scores did not affect the impact of the intervention on daily step counts. CONCLUSION Pain is highly prevalent and significantly associated with lower exercise capacity among Veterans with COPD. Worsening pain co-occurred with decline in exercise capacity but not PA. Our intervention reduced pain, although pain did not affect the impact of the intervention on PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Raphaely
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, VA Boston Healthcare System, 1400 VFW Parkway, Mail Code 111P, Boston, MA, 02132, USA
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria A Mongiardo
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, VA Boston Healthcare System, 1400 VFW Parkway, Mail Code 111P, Boston, MA, 02132, USA
| | - Rebekah L Goldstein
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, VA Boston Healthcare System, 1400 VFW Parkway, Mail Code 111P, Boston, MA, 02132, USA
| | - Stephanie A Robinson
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, VA Boston Healthcare System, 1400 VFW Parkway, Mail Code 111P, Boston, MA, 02132, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare Systems, Bldg 70, 200 Springs Rd, Bedford, MA, 01732, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily S Wan
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, VA Boston Healthcare System, 1400 VFW Parkway, Mail Code 111P, Boston, MA, 02132, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marilyn L Moy
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, VA Boston Healthcare System, 1400 VFW Parkway, Mail Code 111P, Boston, MA, 02132, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Ren J, Wang L, Fu J, Wang C, Gong Y, Guo C. Red Raspberry Extracts Inhibit A549 Lung Cancer Cell Migration, Invasion, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Through the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 Signaling Pathway. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2021.2506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of lung cancer ranks first among all malignant tumors in the world. Because it is relatively asymptomatic at early stages, most patients do not become aware of the disease until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Advanced lung cancer metastasis results
in systemic cachexia and effective treatment becomes challenging, leading to poor response and outcome. Therefore, the development of new drugs for the treatment of lung cancer is paramount. In this study, A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of red raspberry extract and the
proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells were evaluated. The results indicated that red raspberry extract reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of the cyclin D1, N-cadherin, vimentin, E-cadherin, EGFR,
and STAT3 proteins. Treatment with red raspberry extract reduced the expression of cyclin D1, N-cadherin, vimentin, EGFR, and STAT3, whereas the expression of E-cadherin increased. Following transfection of an EGFR overexpression vector into A549 cells, we observed a reduced inhibitory effect
of the red raspberry extract on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. In addition, EGFR overexpression abrogated the increased expression of cyclin D1, N-cadherin, vimentin, EGFR, and STAT3 protein expression in A549 cells following extract treatment. In contrast, E-cadherin
protein expression was decreased under these treatment conditions. Overall, this study suggests that red raspberry extract may reduce the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelialmesenchymal transition of A549 lung cancer cells by inhibiting the activation of the EGFR/STAT3 signaling
pathway. These findings may lead to the development of new strategies to treat advanced lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Ren
- Zhuhai College of Jilin University, Zhuhai 519041, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lifang Wang
- Nursing School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jia Fu
- Zhuhai College of Jilin University, Zhuhai 519041, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Chunyang Wang
- Zhuhai College of Jilin University, Zhuhai 519041, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yan Gong
- Harbin 242 Hospital, Harbin 150066, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Chunfeng Guo
- Harbin 242 Hospital, Harbin 150066, Heilongjiang, PR China
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11
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Barnes-Harris M, Allingham S, Morgan D, Ferreira D, Johnson MJ, Eagar K, Currow D. Comparing functional decline and distress from symptoms in people with thoracic life-limiting illnesses: lung cancers and non-malignant end-stage respiratory diseases. Thorax 2021; 76:989-995. [PMID: 33593929 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-216039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant and non-malignant respiratory diseases account for >4.6 million deaths annually worldwide. Despite similar symptom burdens, serious inequities in access to palliative care persists for people with non-malignant respiratory diseases. AIM To compare functional decline and symptom distress in advanced malignant and non-malignant lung diseases using consecutive, routinely collected, point-of-care national data. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS The Australian national Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration collects functional status (Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS)) and symptom distress (patient-reported 0-10 numerical rating scale) in inpatient and community settings. Five years of data used Joinpoint and weighted scatterplot smoothing. RESULTS In lung cancers (89 904 observations; 18 586 patients) and non-malignant end-stage respiratory diseases (14 827 observations; 4279 patients), age at death was significantly lower in people with lung cancer (73 years; IQR 65-81) than non-malignant end-stage respiratory diseases (81 years; IQR 73-87 years; p<0.001). Four months before death, median AKPS was 40 in lung cancers and 30 in non-malignant end-stage respiratory diseases (p<0.001). Functional decline was similar in the two groups and accelerated in the last month of life. People with non-malignant diseases accessed palliative care later.Pain-related distress was greater with cancer and breathing-related distress with non-malignant disease. Breathing-related distress increased towards death in malignant, but decreased in non-malignant disease. Distress from fatigue and poor sleep were similar for both. CONCLUSIONS In this large dataset unlike previous datasets, the pattern of functional decline was similar as was overall symptom burden. Timely access to palliative care should be based on needs not diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel Allingham
- Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deidre Morgan
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Diana Ferreira
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, England.,Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, England
| | - Kathy Eagar
- Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Currow
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, England .,IMPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Luckett T, San Martin A, Currow DC, Johnson MJ, Barnes-Harris MM, Phillips JL. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing burden from lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Palliat Med 2020; 34:1291-1304. [PMID: 32720568 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320940153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer are both life-limiting diseases that confer burden in the form of symptoms and affect functioning and quality of life. Comparing burden between these diseases is of interest to determine whether people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease require improved access to Specialist Palliative Care. Access should be based on needs rather than diagnosis or prognosis but is limited for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to lung cancer. AIM The aim of this study was to synthesise research comparing burden from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer to estimate relative need for Specialist Palliative Care. DESIGN A systematic review was conducted of observational quantitative studies published in English peer-reviewed journals comparing burden from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer (PROSPERO CRD42018108819). No limits were placed on disease stage. Meta-analyses were performed where studies used the same measure; otherwise, synthesis used a narrative approach. Risk of bias was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tool. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases were searched in September 2019. RESULTS Of 790 articles returned, 13 were included, reporting 11 studies. Risk of bias was generally moderate. Except for pain, burden tended to be at least as substantial from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as from lung cancer, with breathlessness and impacts on functioning being significantly worse. Longitudinal studies suggest that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease live with burden for longer. CONCLUSION Efforts should be made to ensure that access to Specialist Palliative Care is commensurate with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease's substantial and long-lasting burden. Future research should clarify whether managing burden in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer requires different approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Luckett
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | | | - David C Currow
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.,Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.,Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | | | - Jane L Phillips
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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13
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Politis J, Eastman P, Le B, Furler J, Irving L, Smallwood N. Managing Severe Chronic Breathlessness in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Is Challenging for General Practitioners. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:472-479. [PMID: 32940530 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120959061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can develop increasing breathlessness, which can persist despite optimal medical management-refractory breathlessness. Management can be challenging for all clinicians and requires a broad approach that includes optimization of disease directed therapies, non-pharmacological strategies to manage breathlessness and for some patients opioids. OBJECTIVES To explore the approaches to breathlessness management and palliative care undertaken by Australian General Practitioners (GP) for patients with severe COPD and refractory breathlessness. METHODS A case-vignette based survey was conducted with Australian GPs to determine their approaches to breathlessness management and palliative care in COPD. RESULTS Of the 137 GPs, 66% recommended commencing an additional medication to manage refractory breathlessness. Thirty-eight GPs (28%) recommended opioids and 26 (19%) recommended guideline discordant treatments. Two-thirds of GPs had concerns regarding the use of opioids in COPD. Half (55%) of GPs were comfortable providing general palliative care to patients with COPD and 62 (45%) had referred patients with COPD to specialist palliative care services. Most respondents wanted further training to manage severe COPD and severe chronic breathlessness. CONCLUSION Most GPs recognized and were willing to add specific treatments for severe chronic breathlessness. However, experience prescribing opioids for severe chronic breathlessness was low, with many practitioners holding significant concerns regarding adverse effects. Many GPs are uncomfortable offering a palliative approach to their COPD patients, yet these patients are not routinely referred to specialist palliative care services despite their immense needs. GPs therefore desire education and support to overcome these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Politis
- Monash Lung and Sleep, 2538Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Eastman
- Department of Palliative Care, 90134The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brian Le
- Department of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 90134The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Furler
- Department of General Practice, 2281The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louis Irving
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, 90134The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, 90134The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, 90134Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Butler SJ, Ellerton L, Gershon AS, Goldstein RS, Brooks D. Comparison of end-of-life care in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer: A systematic review. Palliat Med 2020; 34:1030-1043. [PMID: 32484762 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320929556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care has been widely implemented in clinical practice for patients with cancer but is not routinely provided to people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. AIM The study aims were to compare palliative care services, medications, life-sustaining interventions, place of death, symptom burden and health-related quality of life among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer populations. DESIGN Systematic review with meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42019139425). DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched for studies comparing palliative care, symptom burden or health-related quality of life among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer or populations with both conditions. Quality scores were assigned using the QualSyst tool. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included. There was significant heterogeneity in study design and sample size. A random effects meta-analysis (n = 3-7) determined that people with lung cancer had higher odds of receiving hospital (odds ratio: 9.95, 95% confidence interval: 6.37-15.55, p < 0.001) or home-based palliative care (8.79, 6.76-11.43, p < 0.001), opioids (4.76, 1.87-12.11, p = 0.001), sedatives (2.03, 1.78-2.32, p < 0.001) and dying at home (1.47, 1.14-1.89, p = 0.003) compared to people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. People with lung cancer had lower odds of receiving invasive ventilation (0.26, 0.22-0.32, p < 0.001), non-invasive ventilation (0.63, 0.44-0.89, p = 0.009), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (0.29, 0.18-0.47, p < 0.001) or dying at a nursing home/long-term care facility (0.32, 0.16-0.64, p < 0.001) than people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Symptom burden and health-related quality of life were relatively similar between the two populations. CONCLUSION People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receive less palliative measures at the end of life compared to people with lung cancer, despite a relatively similar symptom profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey J Butler
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Ellerton
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea S Gershon
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roger S Goldstein
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dina Brooks
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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15
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Check DK, Kaufman BG, Kamal AH, Casarett DJ. Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Integrating Population Health Principles into Practice. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:568-572. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Devon K. Check
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Arif H. Kamal
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David J. Casarett
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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16
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Iyer AS, Dionne-Odom JN, Khateeb DM, O'Hare L, Tucker RO, Brown CJ, Dransfield MT, Bakitas MA. A Qualitative Study of Pulmonary and Palliative Care Clinician Perspectives on Early Palliative Care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:513-526. [PMID: 31657654 PMCID: PMC7104897 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Guidelines recommend that pulmonary clinicians involve palliative care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, integration before advanced stage, that is, early palliative care, is rare. Objective: To explore and compare pulmonary and palliative care clinician perspectives on barriers, facilitators, and potential referral criteria for early palliative care in COPD. Design: Qualitative descriptive formative evaluation study. Setting/Subjects: Pulmonary and palliative care clinicians at a tertiary academic medical center. Measurements: Transcribed interviews were thematically analyzed by specialty to identify within- and across-specialty perspectives on barriers, facilitators, and referral criteria. Results: Twelve clinicians (n = 6 pulmonary, n = 6 palliative care) participated. Clinicians from both specialties agreed that early palliative care could add value to disease-focused COPD care. Perspectives on many barriers and facilitators were shared between specialties along broad educational, clinical, and operational categories. Pulmonary and palliative care clinicians shared concerns about the misconception that palliative care was synonymous to end-of-life care. Pulmonologists were particularly concerned about the potential risks of opioids and benzodiazepines in COPD. Both specialties stressed the need for clearly defined roles, consensus referral criteria, and novel delivery models. Although no single referral criterion was discussed by all, frequent hospitalizations and emotional symptoms were raised by most across disciplines. Multimorbidity and poor prognosis were discussed only by palliative care clinicians, whereas medication adherence was discussed only by pulmonary clinicians. Conclusions: Pulmonary and palliative care clinicians supported early palliative care in COPD. Continued needs include addressing pulmonologists' misconceptions of palliative care, establishing consensus referral criteria, and implementing novel early palliative care models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand S. Iyer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Medicine, Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Medicine, Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - James Nicholas Dionne-Odom
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Medicine, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Dina M. Khateeb
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Lanier O'Hare
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rodney O. Tucker
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Cynthia J. Brown
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Medicine, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mark T. Dransfield
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Medicine, Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Medicine, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Marie A. Bakitas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Medicine, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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17
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Elliott-Button HL, Johnson MJ, Nwulu U, Clark J. Identification and Assessment of Breathlessness in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:724-733.e19. [PMID: 31655187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Breathlessness is common in chronic conditions but often goes unidentified by clinicians. It is important to understand how identification and assessment of breathlessness occurs across health care settings, to promote routine outcome assessment and access to treatment. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to summarize how breathlessness is identified and assessed in adults with chronic conditions across different health care settings. METHODS This is a systematic review and descriptive narrative synthesis (PROSPERO registration: CRD42018089782). Searches were conducted on Medline, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL (2000-2018) and reference lists. Screening was conducted by two independent reviewers, with access to a third, against inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a bespoke proforma. RESULTS Ninety-seven studies were included, conducted in primary care (n = 9), secondary care (n = 53), and specialist palliative care (n = 35). Twenty-five measures of identification and 41 measures of assessment of breathlessness were used. Primary and secondary care used a range of measures to assess breathlessness severity, cause, and impact for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Specialist palliative care used measures assessing broader symptom severity and function with less focus on overall quality of life. Few studies were identified from primary care. CONCLUSION Various measures were identified, reflective of the setting's purpose. However, this highlights missed opportunities for breathlessness management across settings; primary care is particularly well placed to diagnose and support breathlessness. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease approach (where symptoms and quality of life are part of disease management) could apply to other conditions. Better documentation of holistic patient-reported measures may drive service improvement in specialist palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene L Elliott-Button
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom.
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Ugochinyere Nwulu
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Clark
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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18
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Gershon AS, Maclagan LC, Luo J, To T, Kendzerska T, Stanbrook MB, Bourbeau J, Etches J, Aaron SD. End-of-Life Strategies among Patients with Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 198:1389-1396. [PMID: 29889548 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201803-0592oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The burden of advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is high globally; however, little is known about how often end-of-life strategies are used by this population. OBJECTIVES To describe trends in the use of end-of-life care strategies by people with advanced COPD in Ontario, Canada. METHODS A population-based repeated cross-sectional study examining end-of-life care strategies in individuals with advanced COPD was conducted. Annual proportions of individuals who received formal palliative care, long-term oxygen therapy, or opioids from 2004 to 2014 were determined. Results were age and sex standardized and stratified by age, sex, socioeconomic status, urban/rural residence, and immigrant status. Measurement/Main Results: There were 151,912 persons with advanced COPD in Ontario between 2004 and 2014. Use of formal palliative care services increased 1% per year from 5.3% in 2004 to 14.3% in 2014 (P value for trend < 0.001), whereas use of long-term oxygen therapy increased 1.1% per year from 26.4% in 2004 to 35.3% in 2013 (P value for trend < 0.001). The use of opioids was relatively stable (40.0% in 2004 and 41.8% in 2014; P value for trend = 0.08). Younger individuals were less likely to use formal palliative care services and long-term oxygen therapy. Males were less likely than females to receive long-term oxygen therapy and opioids. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of people with advanced COPD using end-of-life strategies, although increasing, remains low. Efforts should focus on increasing access to such strategies and educating patients and providers of their benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Gershon
- 1 Department of Medicine and Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,2 Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,3 Department of Medicine.,5 Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, and.,4 The Hospital for Sick Children, Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura C Maclagan
- 2 Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jin Luo
- 2 Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teresa To
- 2 Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,6 Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,4 The Hospital for Sick Children, Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tetyana Kendzerska
- 7 The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,8 Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,9 Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew B Stanbrook
- 2 Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,3 Department of Medicine.,5 Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, and.,10 University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Jean Bourbeau
- 11 McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacob Etches
- 2 Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn D Aaron
- 7 The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,8 Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Iyer AS, Dionne-Odom JN, Ford SM, Crump Tims SL, Sockwell ED, Ivankova NV, Brown CJ, Tucker RO, Dransfield MT, Bakitas MA. A Formative Evaluation of Patient and Family Caregiver Perspectives on Early Palliative Care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease across Disease Severity. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2019; 16:1024-1033. [PMID: 31039003 PMCID: PMC6774751 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201902-112oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Little direction exists on how to integrate early palliative care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Objectives: We sought to identify patient and family caregiver early palliative care needs across stages of COPD severity.Methods: As part of the Medical Research Council Framework developmental phase for intervention development, we conducted a formative evaluation of patients with moderate to very severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1]/FVC < 70% and FEV1 < 80%-predicted) and their family caregivers. Validated surveys on quality of life, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and social isolation quantified symptom severity. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed for major themes on early palliative care and needs in patients and family caregivers and across COPD severity stages.Results: Patients (n = 10) were a mean (±SD) age of 60.4 (±7.5) years, 50% African American, and 70% male, with 30% having moderate COPD, 30% severe COPD, and 40% very severe COPD. Family caregivers (n = 10) were a mean age of 58.3 (±8.7) years, 40% African American, and 10% male. Overall, 30% (n = 6) of participants had poor quality of life, 45% (n = 9) had moderate-severe anxiety symptoms, 25% (n = 5) had moderate-severe depressive symptoms, and 40% (n = 8) reported social isolation. Only 30% had heard of palliative care, and most participants had misconceptions that palliative care was end-of-life care. All participants responded positively to a standardized description of early palliative care and were receptive to its integration as early as moderate stage. Five broad themes of early palliative care needs emerged: 1) coping with COPD; 2) emotional symptoms; 3) respiratory symptoms; 4) illness understanding; and 5) prognostic awareness. Coping with COPD and emotional symptoms were commonly shared early palliative care needs. Patients with very severe COPD and their family caregivers prioritized illness understanding and prognostic awareness compared with those with moderate-severe COPD.Conclusions: Patients with moderate to very severe COPD and their family caregivers found early palliative care acceptable and felt it should be integrated before end-stage. Of the five broad themes of early palliative care needs, coping with COPD and emotional symptoms were the highest priority, followed by respiratory symptoms, illness understanding, and prognostic awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand S. Iyer
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine
- Health Services, Outcomes, and Effectiveness Research Training Program
- Lung Health Center
| | - J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine
- School of Nursing, and
| | - Stephanie M. Ford
- Lung Health Center
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine
| | - Sheri L. Crump Tims
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine
- School of Nursing, and
| | - Elizabeth D. Sockwell
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine
- School of Nursing, and
| | - Nataliya V. Ivankova
- School of Nursing, and
- School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; and
| | - Cynthia J. Brown
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rodney O. Tucker
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine
| | - Mark T. Dransfield
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine
- Lung Health Center
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Marie A. Bakitas
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine
- School of Nursing, and
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20
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Internal medicine and palliative care: Science and humanism. Rev Clin Esp 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2019.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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21
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Kraskovsky V, Schneider J, Mador MJ, Provost KA. Longer Duration of Palliative Care in Patients With COPD Is Associated With Death Outside the Hospital. J Palliat Care 2019; 37:125-133. [PMID: 31262230 DOI: 10.1177/0825859719851486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a significant symptom burden despite maximal medical therapy, yet few are referred for concomitant palliative care. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the utilization and impact of palliative care on the location of death and to identify clinical variables associated with palliative care contact. DESIGN Retrospective chart review from 2010 to 2016 at the VA Western New York Healthcare System using ICD-9/10 diagnosis of COPD. Palliative care contact was identified by Z51.5 or stop code 353. RESULTS Only 0.5% to 2% of living patients received palliative care, increasing abruptly at death (6%). Lower diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (greater emphysema) was associated with palliative care contact, independent of comorbid disease burden or age. Initial outpatient contact was associated with a longer duration of palliative care (P = .003) and death in a home-like setting. Outpatient palliative care was associated with more severe airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 second, percent predicted [FEV1%]), whereas greater disease exacerbation frequency was associated with inpatient contact. COPD patients not referred to palliative care had a greater comorbid disease burden, similar FEV1%, fewer disease exacerbations, and a greater DLCO. CONCLUSION Few patients with COPD received palliative care, similar to national trends. Initial outpatient palliative contact had the longest duration of care and death in the preferred home environment. The extent of emphysema (DLCO reduction) and more frequent disease exacerbations identified in patients were more likely to receive palliative care. Our study begins to define the benefits of palliative care in advanced COPD and confirms underutilization in the years before death, where a prolonged impact on the quality of life may be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeri Kraskovsky
- 1 Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jaclyn Schneider
- 2 Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Veterans Health Administration, VA Western New York Healthcare System at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.,3 Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - M Jeffery Mador
- 4 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Veterans Health Administration, VA Western New York Healthcare System at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.,5 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Karin A Provost
- 4 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Veterans Health Administration, VA Western New York Healthcare System at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.,5 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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22
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Galindo Ocaña J, Aguilera González C. Internal medicine and palliative care: Science and humanism. Rev Clin Esp 2019; 219:324-326. [PMID: 31128855 DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Galindo Ocaña
- Medicina Interna, UHD/ESCP, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España.
| | - C Aguilera González
- Unidad de Hospitalización Domiciliaria/Equipo de Soporte de Cuidados Paliativos, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España
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23
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Mc Veigh C, Reid J, Larkin P, Porter S, Hudson P. Palliative care for people with non-malignant respiratory disease and their carers: a review of the current evidence. J Res Nurs 2019; 24:420-430. [PMID: 34394556 DOI: 10.1177/1744987119840066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Internationally, non-malignant respiratory disease is on the increase. However, although palliative care is recommended as an appropriate healthcare option for this client group, evidence suggests that these patients and their carers do not receive the same standards of palliative care as patients with a malignant lung condition. Aim The aim of this review was to provide a critical overview of the current evidence base in relation to the palliative service provision for people with non-malignant respiratory disease and their carers. Methods A review of the literature was conducted in July 2015 and updated in October 2017 and focused on the palliative care service provision for patients with interstitial lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis. Results In total, 71 empirical studies were included in the review and grouped into two main themes: patient and carer's bio-psychosocial symptom needs and management, and palliative care service provision for patients with non-malignant respiratory disease and their carers. Conclusion The majority of palliative research focuses on patients with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A deeper insight is required into the palliative service provision experienced by those with other forms of non-malignant respiratory disease such as bronchiectasis and interstitial lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanne Reid
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | - Philip Larkin
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sam Porter
- Department of Social Sciences and Social Work, Bournemouth University, UK
| | - Peter Hudson
- Centre for Palliative Care, Vincent's University Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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24
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Janssens JP, Weber C, Herrmann FR, Cantero C, Pessina A, Matis C, Merlet Viollet R, Boiche-Brouillard L, Stirnemann J, Pautex S. Can Early Introduction of Palliative Care Limit Intensive Care, Emergency and Hospital Admissions in Patients with Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease? A Pilot Randomized Study. Respiration 2019; 97:406-415. [PMID: 30650418 DOI: 10.1159/000495312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their poor prognosis, patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have little access to palliative care and tend to have a high rate of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions during their last year of life. OBJECTIVES To determine the feasibility of a home palliative care intervention during 1 year versus usual care, and the possible impact of this intervention on emergency, hospital and ICU admissions, survival, mood, and health-related quality of life (HRQL). METHODS Prospective controlled study of patients with severe COPD (GOLD stage III or IV) and long-term oxygen therapy and/or home noninvasive ventilation and/or one or more hospital admissions in the previous year for acute exacerbation, randomized to usual care versus usual care with add-on monthly intervention by palliative care specialists at home for 12 months. RESULTS Of 315 patients screened, 49 (15.5%) were randomized (26 to early palliative care; 23 to the control group); aged (mean ± SD) 71 ± 8 years; FEV1 was 37 ± 14% predicted; 88% with a COPD assessment test score > 10; 69% on long-term oxygen therapy or home noninvasive ventilation. The patients accepted the intervention and completed the assessment scales. After 1 year, there was no difference between groups in symptoms, HRQL and mood, and there was a nonsignificant trend for higher admission rates to hospital and emergency wards in the intervention group. CONCLUSION Although this pilot study was underpowered to formally exclude a benefit from palliative care in severe COPD, it raises several questions as to patient selection, reluctance to palliative care in this group, and modalities of future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Janssens
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Medical Specialties, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland,
| | - Catherine Weber
- Department of Community Medicine, Primary Care, and Emergency, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François R Herrmann
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Cantero
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aline Pessina
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Matis
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Roselyne Merlet Viollet
- Center for Clinical Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Jerôme Stirnemann
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Pautex
- Department of Community Medicine, Primary Care, and Emergency, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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25
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Lastrucci V, D’Arienzo S, Collini F, Lorini C, Zuppiroli A, Forni S, Bonaccorsi G, Gemmi F, Vannucci A. Diagnosis-related differences in the quality of end-of-life care: A comparison between cancer and non-cancer patients. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204458. [PMID: 30252912 PMCID: PMC6155541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer, chronic heart failure (CHF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the advanced stages have similar symptom burdens and survival rates. Despite these similarities, the majority of the attention directed to improving the quality of end-of-life (EOL) care has focused on cancer. Aim To assess the extent to which the quality of EOL care received by cancer, CHF, and COPD patients in the last month of life is diagnosis-sensitive. Methods This is a retrospective observational study based on administrative data. The study population includes all Tuscany region residents aged 18 years or older who died with a clinical history of cancer, CHF, or COPD. Decedents were categorized into two mutually exclusive diagnosis categories: cancer (CA) and cardiopulmonary failure (CPF). Several EOL care quality outcome measures were adopted. Multivariable generalized linear model for each outcome were performed. Results The sample included 30,217 decedents. CPF patients were about 1.5 times more likely than cancer patients to die in an acute care hospital (RR 1.59, 95% C.I.: 1.54–1.63). CPF patients were more likely to be hospitalized or admitted to the emergency department (RR 1.09, 95% C.I.: 1.07–1.10; RR 1.15, 95% C.I.: 1.13–1.18, respectively) and less likely to use hospice services (RR 0.08, 95% C.I.: 0.07–0.09) than cancer patients in the last month of life. CPF patients had a four- and two-fold higher risk of intensive care unit admission or of undergoing life-sustaining treatments, respectively, than cancer patients (RR 3.71, 95% C.I.: 3.40–4.04; RR 2.43, 95% C.I.: 2.27–2.60, respectively). Conclusion The study has highlighted the presence of significant differences in the quality of EOL care received in the last month of life by COPD and CHF compared with cancer patients. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the extent and the avoidability of these diagnosis-related differences in the quality of EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vieri Lastrucci
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Chiara Lorini
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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26
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Bentsen SB, Miaskowski C, Cooper BA, Christensen VL, Henriksen AH, Holm AM, Rustøen T. Distinct pain profiles in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2018; 13:801-811. [PMID: 29563780 PMCID: PMC5846750 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s150114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have examined changes in the pain experience of patients with COPD and predictors of pain in these patients. Objectives The objectives of the study were to examine whether distinct groups of COPD patients could be identified based on changes in the occurrence and severity of pain over 12 months and to evaluate whether these groups differed on demographic, clinical, and pain characteristics, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patients and methods A longitudinal study of 267 COPD patients with very severe COPD was conducted. Their mean age was 63 years, and 53% were females. The patients completed questionnaires including demographic and clinical variables, the Brief Pain Inventory, and the St Georges Respiratory Questionnaire at enrollment, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up. In addition, spirometry and the 6 Minute Walk Test were performed. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct pain profiles based on pain occurrence and worst pain severity. Results Most of the patients (77%) reported pain occurrence over 12 months. Of these, 48% were in the "high probability of pain" group, while 29% were in the "moderate probability of pain" group. For the worst pain severity, 37% were in the "moderate pain" and 39% were in the "mild pain" groups. Females and those with higher body mass index, higher number of comorbidities, and less education were in the pain groups. Patients in the higher pain groups reported higher pain interference scores, higher number of pain locations, and more respiratory symptoms. Few differences in HRQoL were found between the groups except for the symptom subscale. Conclusion Patients with COPD warrant comprehensive pain management. Clinicians may use this information to identify those who are at higher risk for persistent pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe B Bentsen
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Christine Miaskowski
- Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce A Cooper
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vivi L Christensen
- Department of Master and Postgraduate Studies, Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne H Henriksen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Are M Holm
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tone Rustøen
- Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Nursing Science, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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27
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Rush B, Walley KR, Celi LA, Rajoriya N, Brahmania M. Palliative care access for hospitalized patients with end-stage liver disease across the United States. Hepatology 2017; 66:1585-1591. [PMID: 28660622 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) often have a high symptom burden. Historically, palliative care (PC) services have been underused in this population. We investigated the use of PC services in patients with ESLD hospitalized across the United States. We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to conduct a retrospective nationwide cohort analysis. All patients >18 years of age admitted with ESLD, defined as those with at least two liver decompensation events, were included in the analysis. A multivariate logistic regression model predicting referral to PC was created. We analyzed 55,208,382 hospitalizations from the 2006-2012 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, with 39,349 (0.07%) patients meeting study inclusion. PC consultation was performed in 1,789 (4.5%) ESLD patients. The rate of PC referral in ESLD increased from 0.97% in 2006 to 7.1% in 2012 (P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, factors associated with lower referral to PC were Hispanic race (odds ratio [OR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.89; P < 0.01) and insurance coverage (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65-0.84; P < 0.01). Factors associated with increased referral to PC were age (per 5-year increase, OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.08; P < 0.01), do-not-resuscitate status (OR, 16.24; 95% CI, 14.20-18.56; P < 0.01), treatment in a teaching hospital (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.12-1.39; P < 0.01), presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.71-2.33; P < 0.01), and presence of metastatic cancer (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.80-3.18; P < 0.01). PC referral was most common in west coast hospitals (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.53-2.14; P < 0.01) as well as large-sized hospitals (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.22-1.82; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION From 2006 to 2012 the use of PC in ESLD patients increased substantially; socioeconomic, geographical, and ethnic barriers to accessing PC were observed. (Hepatology 2017;66:1585-1591).
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Affiliation(s)
- Barret Rush
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA.,Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Keith R Walley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Leo A Celi
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Neil Rajoriya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mayur Brahmania
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is expected to increase as the population ages. Patients have a high symptom burden, low healthcare quality of life, and unmet needs at the end of life. This review highlights specific palliative care needs of patients with advanced COPD and opportunities to integrate palliative care into standard practice. RECENT FINDINGS There are many barriers to providing integrated palliative care in COPD, including difficulty with prognostication, communication barriers surrounding advance care planning, and lack of access to specialty palliative care. Because of the unique disease trajectory, emphases on early and primary palliative care are being studied in this patient population. SUMMARY Palliative care is appropriate for patients with COPD and should be integrated with disease-specific therapies. The line between life prolonging and palliative care undoubtedly overlaps and maximizing quality of life throughout the continuum of care should be prioritized for patients with this progressive illness.
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29
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Maddocks M, Lovell N, Booth S, Man WDC, Higginson IJ. Palliative care and management of troublesome symptoms for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lancet 2017; 390:988-1002. [PMID: 28872031 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)32127-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
People with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have distressing physical and psychological symptoms, often have limited understanding of their disease, and infrequently discuss end-of-life issues in routine clinical care. These are strong indicators for expert multidisciplinary palliative care, which incorporates assessment and management of symptoms and concerns, patient and caregiver education, and sensitive communication to elicit preferences for care towards the end of life. The unpredictable course of COPD and the difficulty of predicting survival are barriers to timely referral and receipt of palliative care. Early integration of palliative care with respiratory, primary care, and rehabilitation services, with referral on the basis of the complexity of symptoms and concerns, rather than prognosis, can improve patient and caregiver outcomes. Models of integrated working in COPD could include: services triggered by troublesome symptoms such as refractory breathlessness; short-term palliative care; and, in settings with limited access to palliative care, consultation only in specific circumstances or for the most complex patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Maddocks
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Natasha Lovell
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sara Booth
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - William D-C Man
- Harefield Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Muscle Research Laboratory, Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK.
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30
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Waran E, O'Connor N, Zubair MY. Palliative care in the Top End: The continuing cancer bias. Aust J Rural Health 2017; 26:136-137. [PMID: 28800208 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eswaran Waran
- Territory Palliative Care, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Niamh O'Connor
- Territory Palliative Care, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia
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Bostwick D, Wolf S, Samsa G, Bull J, Taylor DH, Johnson KS, Kamal AH. Comparing the Palliative Care Needs of Those With Cancer to Those With Common Non-Cancer Serious Illness. J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 53:1079-1084.e1. [PMID: 28457746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historically, palliative care has been focused on those with cancer. Although these ties persist, palliative care is rapidly integrating into the care of patients with common, non-cancer serious illnesses. Despite this, the bulk of literature informing palliative care practices stems from the care of cancer patients. OBJECTIVES We compared functionality, advanced care planning, hospital admissions, prognosis, quality of life, pain, dyspnea, fatigue, and depression between patients with cancer and three non-cancer diagnoses-end-stage renal disease (ESRD), heart failure (HF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of the characteristics and symptoms of patient's with ESRD, HF, COPD, and cancer at time of first specialty palliative care referral. Using a web-based point of care quality assessment and reporting tool, Quality Data and Collection Tool-Palliative care, this analysis evaluated all eligible patients who received a palliative care consultation between October 1, 2012 and November 25, 2014. Data were obtained from 13 participating sites. The primary outcome for the study was functionality using the palliative performance scale. Hospital admission in the last 30 days, prognosis, patient's understanding of prognosis, advanced care planning including code status and appointed decision maker, pain, fatigue, depression, and dyspnea were also evaluated as secondary outcomes. We tested for an association between our outcomes with disease type (cancer vs. non-cancer) fitting multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS We found that the patients with primary diagnoses other than cancer were less functional at time of referral (odds ratio: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.3; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Patients with COPD, ESRD, and HF were less functional and more likely to be hospitalized at time of referral to palliative care than cancer patients. These findings may be reflective of the slower and more varied trajectory of non-cancer serious illness. One aim of palliative care for those with non-cancer severe illness should be directed toward improving and assisting with functionality and decreasing frequency of hospital admissions. These interventions could take place in the palliative care office, but could also be integrated into hospital discharge plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doran Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven Wolf
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Greg Samsa
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Janet Bull
- Four Seasons, Hendersonville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Donald H Taylor
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kimberly S Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arif H Kamal
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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32
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Wysham NG, Hochman MJ, Wolf SP, Cox CE, Kamal AH. Performance of Consultative Palliative Care Model in Achieving Quality Metrics in the ICU. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016; 52:873-877. [PMID: 27697569 PMCID: PMC5944339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Quality metrics for intensive care unit (ICU)-based palliative care have been proposed, but it is unknown how consultative palliative care can contribute to performance on these measures. OBJECTIVES Assess adherence to proposed quality metrics of ICU-based palliative care by palliative care specialists. METHODS Surrogates for 9/14 patient-level quality metrics were assessed in all patients who received an initial palliative care specialist consult while in an ICU from 10/26/2012 to 1/16/2015 in the Global Palliative Care Quality Alliance, a nationwide palliative care quality registry. RESULTS Two hundred fifty-four patients received an initial palliative care consultation in an ICU setting. Mean (SD) age was 67.5 (17.3) years, 52% were female. The most common reasons for consultation were symptom management (33%) and end-of-life transition (24%). Adherence to ICU quality metrics for palliative care was variable: clinicians documented presence or absence of advance directives in 36% of encounters, assessed pain in 52.0%, dyspnea in 50.8%, spiritual support in 62%, and reported an intervention for pain in 100% of patients with documented moderate to severe intensity pain. CONCLUSION Palliative care consultations in an ICU setting are characterized by variable adherence to candidate ICU palliative care quality metrics. Although symptom management was the most common reason for palliative care consultation, consultants infrequently documented symptom assessments. Palliative care consultants performed better in offering spiritual support and managing documented symptoms. These results highlight specific competencies of consultative palliative care that should be complimented by ICU teams to ensure high-quality comprehensive care for the critically ill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G Wysham
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| | | | - Steven P Wolf
- Duke Biostatistics Core, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher E Cox
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arif H Kamal
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Division of Medical Oncology, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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33
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Wentlandt K, Dall'Osto A, Freeman N, Le LW, Kaya E, Ross H, Singer LG, Abbey S, Clarke H, Zimmermann C. The Transplant Palliative Care Clinic: An early palliative care model for patients in a transplant program. Clin Transplant 2016; 30:1591-1596. [PMID: 27910190 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although patients within a transplant program are awaiting or have received disease modifying or curative treatment, they are also facing advanced illness and the possibility of death. The involvement of specialized palliative care services for these patients may improve symptom management and facilitate advance care planning. However, patients in organ transplantation programs have difficulty accessing palliative care resources and often do so only sporadically in the inpatient setting. Currently, there is little access to ambulatory palliative care for these patients and there have been no descriptions of programs delivering such care in the medical literature. We outline the development and structure of a Transplant Palliative Care Clinic within the University Health Network's Multi-Organ Transplant Program, in Toronto, Canada. This information may be helpful for others aiming to provide early, integrated palliative care to patients awaiting and receiving organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Wentlandt
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Angela Dall'Osto
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Freeman
- Department of Family Medicine [Windsor Program], Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa W Le
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ebru Kaya
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Ross
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lianne G Singer
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Abbey
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hance Clarke
- Pain Research Unit and the Transitional Pain Service, Department of Anaesthesia, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Anaesthesia, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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34
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Kamal AH, Bull J, Wolf SP, Portman D, Strand J, Johnson KS. Unmet Needs of African Americans and Whites at the Time of Palliative Care Consultation. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2016; 34:461-465. [PMID: 26888883 DOI: 10.1177/1049909116632508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Differences among patient populations that present to consultative palliative care are not known. Such an appreciation would inform health-care delivery tailored to unique populations. OBJECTIVES We aimed to compare characteristics and palliative care needs of African Americans (AAs) and whites during initial palliative care consultation. METHODS We analyzed patient-reported, clinician-entered clinical encounter data from a large, multisite community-based, nonhospice palliative care collaborative. We included first specialty palliative care consultations from January 1, 2014, to July 2, 2015, across 15 sites within the Global Palliative Care Quality Alliance registry. Demographics, disease, performance status, advance care planning, and symptom prevalence/severity were compared. RESULTS Of 775 patients, 12.9% (N = 100) were AA. African Americans were younger (63 vs 75.4 years, P < .0001). A larger proportion of AAs had a diagnosis of cancer (45.0% vs 36.3%, P = .09) and in the hospital (71% vs 61.8%, P = .07). African Americans were more likely to have a Palliative Performance Score of 0 to 30 (35.6% vs 23.7%, P = .049). Around 50% in both racial groups were full code; slightly more than 40% had an advance directive. Nearly two-thirds in both racial groups reported 3 or more symptoms of any severity; one-third reported 3 or more moderate or severe symptoms. A larger proportion of Africans than whites reported pain of any severity (66.0% vs 56.1%, P = .06). CONCLUSION All patients present to palliative care consultations with significant symptom and advance care planning needs. Further research is needed to identify how to deliver palliative care: earlier, in noncancer conditions, and improve pain management in AA populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven P Wolf
- 3 Duke Department of Biostatistics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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