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Steindal SA, Hofsø K, Aagaard H, Mariussen KL, Andresen B, Christensen VL, Heggdal K, Wallander Karlsen MM, Kvande ME, Kynø NM, Langerud AK, Ohnstad MO, Sørensen K, Larsen MH. Non-invasive ventilation in the care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with palliative care needs: a scoping review. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:27. [PMID: 38287312 PMCID: PMC10823671 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01365-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could have palliative care (PC) needs because of unmet needs such as dyspnoea. This may lead to anxiety and may have an impact on patients' ability to perform daily activities of living. PC can be started when patients with COPD have unmet needs and can be provided alongside disease-modifying therapies. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) could be an important measure to manage dyspnoea in patients with COPD in need of PC. A scoping review was conducted to gain an overview of the existing research and to identify knowledge gaps. The aim of this scoping review was to systematically map published studies on the use of NIV in patients with COPD with PC needs, including the perspectives and experiences of patients, families, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). METHODS This review was conducted following the framework of Arksey and O'Malley. The reporting of the review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. The review protocol was published. AMED, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PEDro, and PsycInfo were searched from inception to November 14, 2022. The included studies had to report the perspectives and experiences of COPD patients, relatives, and HCPs regarding NIV in the care of patients with COPD with PC needs. In pairs, the authors independently assessed studies' eligibility and extracted data. The data were organised thematically. The results were discussed in a consultation exercise. RESULTS This review included 33 papers from 32 studies. Four thematic groupings were identified: preferences and attitudes towards the use of NIV; patient participation in the decision-making process of NIV treatment; conflicting results on the perceived benefits and burdens of treatment; and heterogenous clinical outcomes in experimental studies. Patients perceived NIV as a 'life buoy' to keep them alive. Many patients wanted to take part in the decision-making process regarding NIV treatment but expressed varying degrees of inclusion by HCPs in such decision-making. Conflicting findings were identified regarding the perceived benefits and burdens of NIV treatment. Diversity in heterogeneous clinical outcomes were reported in experimental studies. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for more studies designed to investigate the effectiveness of NIV as a palliative measure for patients with COPD with PC needs using comprehensive outcomes. It is especially important to gain more knowledge on the experiences of all stakeholders in the use of home-based NIV treatment to these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simen A Steindal
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt 15B, 0456, Oslo, Norway.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, VID Specialized University, Mail Box 184 Vinderen, 0319, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kristin Hofsø
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt 15B, 0456, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Aagaard
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt 15B, 0456, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari L Mariussen
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt 15B, 0456, Oslo, Norway
| | - Brith Andresen
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt 15B, 0456, Oslo, Norway
- The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kristin Heggdal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, VID Specialized University, Mail Box 184 Vinderen, 0319, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Monica E Kvande
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt 15B, 0456, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina M Kynø
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Acute and Critical Illness, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatal Intensive Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Kathrine Langerud
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Acute and Critical Illness, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Post-Operative and Critical Care, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari Oma Ohnstad
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt 15B, 0456, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari Sørensen
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Lovisenberggt 15B, 0456, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pain Management and Research, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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The Association between Medical Utilization and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Severity: A Comparison of the 2007 and 2011 Guideline Staging Systems. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040721. [PMID: 35455899 PMCID: PMC9024555 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040721] [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] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate the associations between the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) staging systems, medical costs, and mortality among patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Predictions of the effectiveness of the two versions of the staging systems were also compared. (2) Purpose: this study investigated the associations between the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) staging systems, medical costs, and mortality among patients with COPD. Predicting effectiveness between the two versions of the staging systems was also compared. (3) Procedure: This study used a secondary clinical database of a medical center in central Taiwan to examine records between 2011 and 2017. A total of 613 patients with COPD were identified. The independent variables comprised the COPD GOLD Guideline staging of the 2007 and 2011 versions, demographic characteristics, health status, and physician seniority. The dependent variables included total medical cost, average length of hospital stay, and mortality. The statistical methods included binomial logistic regression and the general linear model (GLM). (4) Discussion: The total medical cost during the observation period for patients with COPD averaged TWD 292,455.6. The average length of hospital stay was 9.7 days. The mortality rate was 9.6%, compared with that of patients in Grade 1 of the 2007 version; patients in Grade 4 of the 2007 version had significantly higher odds of death (OR = 4.07, p = 0.02). The accuracy of mortality prediction for both the 2007 and 2011 versions of the staging was equal, at 90.4%. The adjusted GLM analysis revealed that patients in Group D of the 2011 version had a significantly longer length of hospital stay than those in Group A of the 2011 version (p = 0.04). No difference between the 2007 and 2011 versions was found regarding the total medical cost. Complications were significantly associated with the total medical cost and average length of hospital stay. (5) Conclusions: The COPD staging 2011 version was associated with an average length of hospital stay, whereas the COPD staging 2007 version was related to mortality risk. Therefore, the 2011 version can estimate the length of hospital stay. However, in predicting prognosis and mortality, the 2007 version is recommended.
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Chen YY, Li TC, Li CI, Lin SP, Fu PK. Statins Associated with Better Long-Term Outcomes in Aged Hospitalized Patients with COPD: A Real-World Experience from Pay-for-Performance Program. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020299. [PMID: 35207787 PMCID: PMC8877141 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020299] [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] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally. Previous studies have addressed the impact of comorbidity on short-term mortality in patients with COPD. However, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the association of statins prescription with mortality for aged COPD patients remains unclear. We enrolled 296 aged, hospitalized patients who were monitored in the pay-for-performance (P-4-P) program of COPD. Factors associated with long-term mortality were identified by Cox regression analysis. The median age of the study cohort was 80 years old, and the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and statins prescriptions were 16.6% and 31.4%, respectively. The mortality rate of the median 3-year follow-up was 51.4%. Through multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI), statin prescription, and events of respiratory failure were associated with long-term mortality. A Cox analysis showed that statins prescription was associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 0.5, 95% Confident interval, 95% CI: 0.34–0.73, p = 0.0004) and subgroup analysis showed that rosuvastatin prescription had protective effect on long-term mortality (HR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20–0.97; p < 0.05). Statin prescriptions might be associated with better long-term survival in aged COPD patients, especially those who experienced an acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) who require hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Yi Chen
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.C.); (T.-C.L.)
| | - Tsai-Chung Li
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.C.); (T.-C.L.)
- Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 413305, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ing Li
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404332, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Pin Lin
- Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, Feng Chia University, Taichung 407802, Taiwan;
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Kuei Fu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402010, Taiwan
- College of Human Science and Social Innovation, Hungkuang University, Taichung 433304, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-937-701-592
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Mentzelopoulos SD, Couper K, Van de Voorde P, Druwé P, Blom M, Perkins GD, Lulic I, Djakow J, Raffay V, Lilja G, Bossaert L. [Ethics of resuscitation and end of life decisions]. Notf Rett Med 2021; 24:720-749. [PMID: 34093076 PMCID: PMC8170633 DOI: 10.1007/s10049-021-00888-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
These European Resuscitation Council Ethics guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the ethical, routine practice of resuscitation and end-of-life care of adults and children. The guideline primarily focus on major ethical practice interventions (i.e. advance directives, advance care planning, and shared decision making), decision making regarding resuscitation, education, and research. These areas are tightly related to the application of the principles of bioethics in the practice of resuscitation and end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros D. Mentzelopoulos
- Evaggelismos Allgemeines Krankenhaus, Abteilung für Intensivmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät der Nationalen und Kapodistrischen Universität Athen, 45–47 Ipsilandou Street, 10675 Athen, Griechenland
| | - Keith Couper
- Universitätskliniken Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, UK Critical Care Unit, Birmingham, Großbritannien
- Medizinische Fakultät Warwick, Universität Warwick, Coventry, Großbritannien
| | - Patrick Van de Voorde
- Universitätsklinikum und Universität Gent, Gent, Belgien
- staatliches Gesundheitsministerium, Brüssel, Belgien
| | - Patrick Druwé
- Abteilung für Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Gent, Gent, Belgien
| | - Marieke Blom
- Medizinisches Zentrum der Universität Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Niederlande
| | - Gavin D. Perkins
- Medizinische Fakultät Warwick, Universität Warwick, Coventry, Großbritannien
| | | | - Jana Djakow
- Intensivstation für Kinder, NH Hospital, Hořovice, Tschechien
- Abteilung für Kinderanästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum und Medizinische Fakultät der Masaryk-Universität, Brno, Tschechien
| | - Violetta Raffay
- School of Medicine, Europäische Universität Zypern, Nikosia, Zypern
- Serbischer Wiederbelebungsrat, Novi Sad, Serbien
| | - Gisela Lilja
- Universitätsklinikum Skane, Abteilung für klinische Wissenschaften Lund, Neurologie, Universität Lund, Lund, Schweden
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Sultan H, Mansour R, Shamieh O, Al-Tabba' A, Al-Hussaini M. DNR and COVID-19: The Ethical Dilemma and Suggested Solutions. Front Public Health 2021; 9:560405. [PMID: 34055703 PMCID: PMC8149588 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.560405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethics are considered a basic aptitude in healthcare, and the capacity to handle ethical dilemmas in tough times calls for an adequate, responsible, and blame-free environment. While do-not-resuscitate (DNR) decisions are made in advance in certain medical situations, in particular in the setting of poor prognosis like in advanced oncology, the discussion of DNR in relation to acute medical conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic in this example, might impose ethical dilemmas to the patient and family, healthcare providers (HCPs) including physicians and nurses, and to the institution. The literature on DNR decisions in the more recent pandemics and outbreaks is scarce. DNR was only discussed amid the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, with clear global recommendations. The unprecedented condition of the COVID-19 pandemic leaves healthcare systems worldwide confronting tough decisions. DNR has been implemented in some countries where the healthcare system is limited in capacity to admit, and thus intubating and resuscitating patients when needed is jeopardized. Some countries were forced to adopt a unilateral DNR policy for certain patient groups. Younger age was used as a discriminator in some, while general medical condition with anticipated good outcome was used in others. The ethical challenge of how to balance patient autonomy vs. beneficence, equality vs. equity, is a pressing concern. In the current difficult situation, when cases top 100 million globally and the death toll surges past 2.7 million, difficult decisions are to be made. Societal rather than individual benefits might prevail. Pre-hospital triaging of cases, engagement of other sectors including mental health specialists and religious scholars to support patients, families, and HCPs in the frontline might help in addressing the psychological stress these groups might encounter in addressing DNR in the current situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Sultan
- School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Razan Mansour
- Outcomes and Implementation Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Omar Shamieh
- Department of Palliative Care, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Human Research Protection Program, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
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Mentzelopoulos SD, Couper K, Voorde PVD, Druwé P, Blom M, Perkins GD, Lulic I, Djakow J, Raffay V, Lilja G, Bossaert L. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Ethics of resuscitation and end of life decisions. Resuscitation 2021; 161:408-432. [PMID: 33773832 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
These European Resuscitation Council Ethics guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the ethical, routine practice of resuscitation and end-of-life care of adults and children. The guideline primarily focus on major ethical practice interventions (i.e. advance directives, advance care planning, and shared decision making), decision making regarding resuscitation, education, and research. These areas are tightly related to the application of the principles of bioethics in the practice of resuscitation and end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith Couper
- UK Critical Care Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK; Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Patrick Van de Voorde
- University Hospital and University Ghent, Belgium; Federal Department Health, Belgium
| | - Patrick Druwé
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marieke Blom
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gavin D Perkins
- UK Critical Care Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Jana Djakow
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, NH Hospital, Hořovice, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatric Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Violetta Raffay
- European University Cyprus, School of Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus; Serbian Resuscitation Council, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gisela Lilja
- Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Lund, Sweden
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Allen B, Aboussouan LS. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elderly. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2021; 27:113-119. [PMID: 33332880 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) imposes a large burden on the global population and even more so for the elderly who face significant obstacles in the diagnosis, management, and psychosocial effects of the disease. This review describes the current challenges and key points in the management of COPD in the elderly. RECENT FINDINGS Lower limit rather than fixed cut off of the FEV1/FVC ratio can improve the diagnosis and better predict COPD mortality. High relative to standard dose influenza vaccination reduces confirmed cases of influenza overall and reduces hospitalizations in older nursing home residents. Simple interventions that include electronic health record tracking can significantly improve vaccination rates. Although many inhaler and nebulized medications are available for the elderly, the final regimen is usually determined by a combination of expense, issues with proper device use (from difficulty with coordination, hand grip, inspiratory flows or cognitive function) and the side effect profile. Fortunately, the switch to cheaper or better covered alternatives can be well tolerated with improvement in adherence and exacerbations of COPD. Finally, caution should be made against ageism, which may be a factor in the recommendation of rehabilitation or palliative care in the elderly COPD patient, as both are underused despite evidence of benefit. SUMMARY Although care for the elderly COPD patient can be difficult, we summarize key points that the physician should be cognizant of to provide comprehensive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Allen
- Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Fu PK, Yang MC, Wang CY, Lin SP, Kuo CT, Hsu CY, Tung YC. Early Do-Not-Resuscitate Directives Decrease Invasive Procedures and Health Care Expenses During the Final Hospitalization of Life of COPD Patients. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 58:968-976. [PMID: 31404645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nearly 70% of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) directives for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are established during their terminal hospitalization. Whether patient use of end-of-life resources differs between early and late establishment of a DNR is unknown. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare end-of-life resource use between patients according to DNR directive status: no DNR, early DNR (EDNR) (established before terminal hospitalization), and late DNR (LDNR) (established during terminal hospitalization). METHODS Electronic health records from all COPD decedents in a teaching hospital in Taiwan were analyzed retrospectively with respect to medical resource use during the last year of life and medical expenditures during the last hospitalization. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of cost. RESULTS Of the 361 COPD patients enrolled, 318 (88.1%) died with a DNR directive, 31.4% of which were EDNR. COPD decedents with EDNR were less likely to be admitted to intensive care units (12.0%, 55.5%, and 60.5% for EDNR, LDNR, and no DNR, respectively), had lower total medical expenditures, and were less likely to undergo invasive mechanical ventilator support during their terminal hospitalization. The average total medical cost during the last hospitalization was nearly twofold greater for LDNR than for EDNR decedents. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that nearly 60% of medical expenses incurred were significantly attributable to no EDNR, younger age, longer length of hospital stay, and more comorbidities. CONCLUSION Although 88% of COPD decedents died with a DNR directive, 70% of these directives were established late. LDNR results in lower quality of care and greater intensive care resource use in end-of-life COPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Kuei Fu
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; College of Human Science and Social Innovation, Hungkuang University, Taichung, Taiwan; Science College, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chin Yang
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Hungkuang University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Pin Lin
- Computer & Communications Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Tsung Kuo
- Computer & Communications Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chiann-Yi Hsu
- Biostatistics Task Force, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Tung
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Chang HT, Jerng JS, Chen DR. Reduction of healthcare costs by implementing palliative family conference with the decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatments. J Formos Med Assoc 2019; 119:34-41. [PMID: 30876787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence regarding the impact of early palliative family conferences (PFCs) and decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment (DTW) on healthcare costs in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting is inconsistent. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients who died in an ICU from 2013 to 2016. PFCs held within 7 days after ICU admission and DTWs were verified by reviewing medical records and claims data. Comparisons were first made between patients with and without DTWs, and secondly, between DTW patients with and without PFCs within 7 days. Propensity score matching methods were used to examine the difference in costs between patients with and without DTWs and PFCs within 7 days. RESULTS Of the 579 patients included, those with DTWs (n = 73) had a longer ICU stay than those without (n = 506) (12.9 ± 7.1 vs. 8.4 ± 9.6 days, p < 0.001). The DTW patients were more likely to have a "do-not-resuscitate" order (p < 0.001) and PFCs within 7 days (p < 0.001) and had lower healthcare costs (USD 7358 ± 4116 vs. 8669 ± 9,535, p = 0.038). After matching, healthcare cost reduction for patients with DTWs, compared with those without DTWs, was USD 3467 [95% CI, 915-6019] (p < 0.001). Compared with DTW patients without PFCs within 7 days, the costs for DTW patients with PFCs within 7 days further reduced to USD 3042 [95%CI, 1358-4725] (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Palliative family conferences held within 7 days after ICU admission with decisions to withdraw life-sustaining treatments significantly lowered healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Tai Chang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 21, Section 2, Nanya South Road, Banciao District, New Taipei City, 220, Taiwan; Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Yuan-Ze University, 135 Yuan-Tung Road, Chung-Li, Taoyuan, 32003, Taiwan; Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Shuin Jerng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Zhongshan South Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Duan-Rung Chen
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan; Institute of Health Behavior and Community Sciences, National Taiwan University, College of Public Health, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
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