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Bae S, Kwon KT, Hwang S, Kim Y, Chang HH, Kim SW, Lee NY, Kim YK, Lee JC. Analysis of microbiological tests in patients withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment at the end stage of life in 2 Korean hospitals. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:201-206. [PMID: 37694735 PMCID: PMC10877534 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated the adequacy of microbiological tests in patients withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment (WLST) at the end stage of life. SETTING The study was conducted at 2 tertiary-care referral hospitals in Daegu, Republic of Korea. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS Demographic findings, clinical and epidemiological characteristics, statistics of microbiological tests, and microbial species isolated from patients within 2 weeks before death were collected in 2 tertiary-care referral hospitals from January to December 2018. We also reviewed the antimicrobial treatment that was given within 3 days of microbiological testing in patients on WLST. RESULTS Of the 1,187 hospitalized patients included, 905 patients (76.2%) had WLST. The number of tests per 1,000 patient days was higher after WLST than before WLST (242.0 vs 202.4). Among the category of microbiological tests, blood cultures were performed most frequently, and their numbers per 1,000 patient days before and after WLST were 95.9 and 99.0, respectively. The positive rates of blood culture before and after WLST were 17.2% and 18.0%, respectively. Candida spp. were the most common microbiological species in sputum (17.4%) and urine (48.2%), and Acinetobacter spp. were the most common in blood culture (17.3%). After WLST determination, 70.5% of microbiological tests did not lead to a change in antibiotic use. CONCLUSIONS Many unnecessary microbiological tests are being performed in patients with WLST within 2 weeks of death. Microbiological testing should be performed carefully and in accordance with the patient's treatment goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyun Bae
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Tae Kwon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoon Hwang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonjung Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ha Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Woo Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Nan Young Lee
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Kyoung Kim
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Chul Lee
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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Kwon MK, Jung KH, Choi S, Kim H, Woo CY, Lee M, Ji JG, Son HJ. Antibiotics use patterns in end-of-life cancer patients and medical staff's perception of antimicrobial stewardship programs. Korean J Intern Med 2023; 38:758-768. [PMID: 37586810 PMCID: PMC10493437 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2023.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS While most cancer patients with end-of-life (EOL) care receive antibiotic treatments, antibiotic use should be decided appropriately considering the benefits, side effects, resistance, and cost effects. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) are important for patients with EOL care, but there is limited study analyzing actual antibiotic use in EOL care and the perceptions of Korean medical staff. METHODS Electronic medical records of 149 deceased cancer patients hospitalized in the medical hospitalist units at Asan Medical Center in Seoul from May 2019 to September 2021 were reviewed. Basic information, antibiotic use, duration, and changes were investigated. We surveyed medical staff's perceptions of antibiotics in cancer patients with EOL. RESULTS Of the 149 cancer patients with EOL care, 146 (98.0%) agreed with physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST). In total, 143 (95.9%) received antibiotics, 110 (76.9%) received combination antibiotic treatment, and 116 (81.1%) were given antibiotics until the day of death. In a survey of 60 medical staff, 42 (70.0%) did not know about ASP, and 24 (40.0%) thought ASP was important in EOL care. Nineteen doctors (31.7%) discussed the use or discontinuation of antibiotics with patients or caregivers when writing POLST, but only 8 patients (5.6%) stopped antibiotics after POLST. CONCLUSION Most cancer patients with EOL care continue to receive antibiotics until just before their death. A careful approach is needed, considering the benefits and side effects of antibiotic use, and the patient's right to self-decision. It is necessary to actively improve awareness of ASP and its importance for medical staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kwan Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Kyung Hwa Jung
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu,
Korea
| | - Sungim Choi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Hyeonjeong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Chang-Yun Woo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Mingee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jeong Geun Ji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyo-Ju Son
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu,
Korea
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Wi YM, Kwon KT, Hwang S, Bae S, Kim Y, Chang HH, Kim SW, Cheong HS, Lee S, Jung DS, Sohn KM, Moon C, Heo ST, Kim B, Lee MS, Hur J, Kim J, Yoon YK. Use of Antibiotics Within the Last 14 Days of Life in Korean Patients: A Nationwide Study. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e66. [PMID: 36880107 PMCID: PMC9988432 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial prescriptions for serious chronic or acute illness nearing its end stages raise concerns about the potential for futile use, adverse events, increased multidrug-resistant organisms, and significant patient and social cost burdens. This study investigated the nationwide situation of how antibiotics are prescribed to patients during the last 14 days of life to guide future actions. METHODS This nationwide multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at 13 hospitals in South Korea from November 1 to December 31, 2018. All decedents were included in the study. Antibiotic use during the last two weeks of their lives was investigated. RESULTS A total of 1,201 (88.9%) patients received a median of two antimicrobial agents during the last two weeks of their lives. Carbapenems were prescribed to approximately half of the patients (44.4%) in the highest amount (301.2 days of therapy per 1,000 patient-days). Among the patients receiving antimicrobial agents, 63.6% were inappropriate and only 327 patients (27.2%) were referred by infectious disease specialists. The use of carbapenem (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.03; P = 0.006), underlying cancer (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.20-2.01, P = 0.047), underlying cerebrovascular disease (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.23-2.89, P = 0.004), and no microbiological testing (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.15-2.73; P = 0.010) were independent predictors for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. CONCLUSION A considerable number of antimicrobial agents are administered to patients with chronic or acute illnesses nearing their end-of-life, a high proportion of which are prescribed inappropriately. Consultation with an infectious disease specialist, in addition to an antimicrobial stewardship program, may be necessary to induce the optimal use of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mi Wi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Kwon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
| | - Soyoon Hwang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sohyun Bae
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Yoonjung Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyun-Ha Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Shin-Woo Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hae Suk Cheong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shinwon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Dong Sik Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Kyung Mok Sohn
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Chisook Moon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Sang Taek Heo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea
| | - Bongyoung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Suk Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jian Hur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Kyung Yoon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Cruz-Vargas SA, García-Muñoz L, Cuervo-Maldonado SI, Álvarez-Moreno CA, Saavedra-Trujillo CH, Álvarez-Rodríguez JC, Arango-Gutiérrez A, Gómez-Rincón JC, García-Guzman K, Leal AL, Garzón-Herazo J, Martínez-Vernaza S, Guevara FO, Jiménez-Cetina LP, Mora LM, Saavedra SY, Cortés JA. Molecular and Clinical Data of Antimicrobial Resistance in Microorganisms Producing Bacteremia in a Multicentric Cohort of Patients with Cancer in a Latin American Country. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020359. [PMID: 36838324 PMCID: PMC9960769 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with cancer have a higher risk of severe bacterial infections. This study aims to determine the frequency, susceptibility profiles, and resistance genes of bacterial species involved in bacteremia, as well as risk factors associated with mortality in cancer patients in Colombia. In this prospective multicenter cohort study of adult patients with cancer and bacteremia, susceptibility testing was performed and selected resistance genes were identified. A multivariate regression analysis was carried out for the identification of risk factors for mortality. In 195 patients, 206 microorganisms were isolated. Gram-negative bacteria were more frequently found, in 142 cases (68.9%): 67 Escherichia coli (32.5%), 36 Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.4%), and 21 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.1%), and 18 other Gram-negative isolates (8.7%). Staphylococcus aureus represented 12.4% (n = 25). Among the isolates, resistance to at least one antibiotic was identified in 63% of them. Genes coding for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases, blaCTX-M and blaKPC, respectively, were commonly found. Mortality rate was 25.6% and it was lower in those with adequate empirical antibiotic treatment (22.0% vs. 45.2%, OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.1-0.63, in the multivariate model). In Colombia, in patients with cancer and bacteremia, bacteria have a high resistance profile to beta-lactams, with a high incidence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases. Adequate empirical treatment diminishes mortality, and empirical selection of treatment in this environment of high resistance is of key importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Andrés Cruz-Vargas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Laura García-Muñoz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Sonia Isabel Cuervo-Maldonado
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Infectious Diseases Group, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-ESE, Bogotá 111511, Colombia
- Research Group in Cancer Infectious Diseases and Hematological Alterations (GREICAH), Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Carlos Arturo Álvarez-Moreno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Clínica Universitaria Colombia, Bogota 111321, Colombia
| | | | - José Camilo Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Infectious Diseases Group, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-ESE, Bogotá 111511, Colombia
- Research Group in Cancer Infectious Diseases and Hematological Alterations (GREICAH), Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael, Bogotá 110111, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Aura Lucía Leal
- Department of Microbiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Javier Garzón-Herazo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Samuel Martínez-Vernaza
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
- Research Group in Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | | | | | - Liliana Marcela Mora
- Microbiology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-ESE, Bogotá 111511, Colombia
| | | | - Jorge Alberto Cortés
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Nacional, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Correspondence:
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5
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Cao W, Li C, Zhang Q, Tong H. Perceptions on the current content and pedagogical approaches used in end-of-life care education among undergraduate nursing students: a qualitative, descriptive study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:553. [PMID: 35842629 PMCID: PMC9288025 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03625-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the aging of the population, high rates of cancer and comorbidity complexity, the end-of-life care for patients will be ever more important. Nurses have always played an essential role in end-of-life care. Insufficient education and training in end-of-life care has been regarded as a major reason of inadequate symptom recognition, symptom management, and communication which results in mental trauma for both the patient's family and attending health care providers. Undergraduate nurses do end-of-life care as part of their clinical learning. However, undergraduate nurses' perceptions of the education they received about end-of-life care are not documented. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to critically explore the current state of education regarding end-of-life care from the perspectives of undergraduate nurses. METHODS We used a descriptive qualitative design. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted from May to August 2020, with a purposive sample of 15 fourth-year undergraduate nurses who finished the internship. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. FINDINGS Three main themes relating to undergraduate nurses' experiences of end-of-life care education emerged from the thematic analysis: 1) Universities provide foundational knowledge about end-of-life care, but it still needs improvement; 2) Clinical practice consolidates and drives undergraduate nurses' knowledge, skills and confidence about end-of-life care; and 3) cultural attitudes of patients' family toward disease and death sometimes impedes learning and knowledge translation about end-of-life care. CONCLUSION Undergraduate nursing students benefit from not only theoretical content delivered in the university setting but also practice happened on clinical placement. The current undergraduate curriculum, related to end-of-life care, is disjointed. Meanwhile, undergraduate nurses' learning and knowledge translation of end-of-life care are impeded by cultural attitudes toward disease and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Cao
- Nursing School, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Nursing School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Nursing School, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Huiru Tong
- Foreign Language Department, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Lantz TL, Noble BN, McPherson ML, Tjia J, Colangeli HN, Ferris RE, Bearden DT, Furuno JP. Frequency and Characteristics of Patients Prescribed Antibiotics on Admission to Hospice Care. J Palliat Med 2021; 25:584-590. [PMID: 34818067 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Little is known about antibiotic prescribing on hospice admission despite known risks and limited evidence for potential benefits. Objective: To describe the frequency and characteristics of patients prescribed antibiotics on hospice admission. Design: Cross-sectional study. Subjects: Adult (age ≥18 years) decedents of a national, for-profit hospice chain across 19 U.S. states who died between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019. Measures: The primary outcome was having an antibiotic prescription on hospice admission. Patient characteristics of interest were demographics, hospice referral location, hospice care location, census region, primary diagnosis, and infectious diagnoses on admission. We used multivariable logistic regression to quantify associations between study variables. Results: Among 66,006 hospice decedents, 6080 (9.2%) had an antibiotic prescription on hospice admission. Fluoroquinolones (22%) were the most frequently prescribed antibiotic class. Patients more likely to have an antibiotic prescription on hospice admission included those referred to hospice care from the hospital (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.29) compared with an assisted living facility, those receiving hospice care in a private home (aOR 3.85, 95% CI 3.50-4.24), nursing home (aOR 3.65, 95% CI 3.24-4.11), assisted living facility (aOR 4.04, 95% CI 3.51-4.64), or hospital (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 2.18-2.71) compared with inpatient hospice, and those with a primary diagnosis of liver disease (aOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.82-2.74) or human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) (aOR 3.89, 95% CI 2.27-6.66) compared with those without these diagnoses. Conclusions: Approximately 9% of hospice patients had an antibiotic prescription on hospice admission. Patients referred to hospice from a hospital, those receiving care in a noninpatient hospice facility, and those with liver disease or HIV/AIDS were more likely to have an antibiotic prescription. These results may inform future antimicrobial stewardship interventions among patients transitioning to hospice care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler L Lantz
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Brie N Noble
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Mary Lynn McPherson
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer Tjia
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hailey N Colangeli
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Ryan E Ferris
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David T Bearden
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Department of Pharmacy Services, Oregon Health and Science University Hospitals and Clinics, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jon P Furuno
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Portland, Oregon, USA
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7
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Lopez S, Vyas P, Malhotra P, Finuf K, Magalee C, Nouryan C, Hirsch B. A Retrospective Study Analyzing the Lack of Symptom Benefit With Antimicrobials at the End of Life. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:391-395. [PMID: 32830525 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120951748] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections are common in terminally ill patients (pts), and although antibiotics are frequently prescribed, their benefit for symptom relief is not clear. Antimicrobials at the end of life (EOL) may increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance and Clostrioides difficile infection. Our aim was to determine the frequency of symptom occurrence at the EOL when comparing pts who did or did not receive antibiotics (AB+ or AB-). METHODS We reviewed electronic medical records of pts admitted to a palliative care unit of a quarternary care hospital between 01/09/2017 and 07/16/2017 and assessed antimicrobial use in the last 14 days of life. Differences in demographics and symptom control between AB+ and AB- pts were analyzed using chi-square analyses; p-values were computed using Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS Of a total of 133 pts included, 90 (68%) received antimicrobials (AB+). The indication for antibiotics was documented in only 12% of pts. The AB+ and AB- groups were similar with respect to demographics, including sex, and Charleston Comorbidity Index except for age (p = 0.01) and race (p = 0.03). Documented infections were similar between AB+ and AB- groups, except urinary tract infections. No statistically significant differences were noted in documented symptoms including pain, dyspnea, fever, lethargy, and alteration of mental state or length of stay. CONCLUSION Our study did not show differences in frequencies of documented symptoms with use of antimicrobials at EOL. Antimicrobial stewardship programs and further research can help with developing EOL care antimicrobial guidelines supporting patients and providers through shared decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Lopez
- Department of Medicine, 24945Northwell Heath, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pooja Vyas
- Department of Medicine, 24945Northwell Heath, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Kayla Finuf
- Department of Medicine, 24945Northwell Heath, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Bruce Hirsch
- Department of Medicine, 24945Northwell Heath, New York, NY, USA
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8
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Kim JS, Lee MJ, Park MH, Park JY, Kim AJ. Role of the Rapid Response System in End-of-Life Care Decisions. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 37:943-949. [PMID: 32452209 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120927372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE An important role of the rapid response system (RRS) is to provide opportunities for end-of-life care (EOLC) decisions to be appropriately operationalized. We investigated whether EOLC decisions were made after the RRS-recommended EOLC decision to the primary physician. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied whether patients made EOLC decisions consistent with the rapid response team's (RRT) recommendations, between January 1, 2017, and February 28, 2019. The primary outcome was the EOLC decision after the RRT's recommendation to the primary physician. The secondary outcome was the mechanism of EOLC decision-making: through institutional do-not-resuscitate forms or the Korean legal forms of Life-Sustaining Treatment Plan (LSTP). RESULTS Korean LSTPs were used in 26 of the 58 patients who selected EOLC, from among the 75 patients for whom the RRS made an EOLC recommendation. Approximately 7.2% of EOLC decisions for inpatients were related to the RRT's interventions in EOLC decisions. Patients who made EOLC decisions did not receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, or dialysis. CONCLUSION The timely intervention of the RRS in EOLC facilitates an objective assessment of the patient's medical conditions, the limitation of treatments that may be minimally beneficial to the patient, and the choice of a higher quality of care. The EOLC decision using the legal process defined in the relevant Korean Act has advantages, wherein patients can clarify their preference, the family can prioritize the patient's preference for EOLC decisions, and physicians can make transparent EOLC decisions based on medical evidence and informed patient consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Soo Kim
- Inha University Hospital Rapid Response Team (INHART), Incheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Jong Lee
- Inha University Hospital Rapid Response Team (INHART), Incheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Hospital Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Hwa Park
- Inha University Hospital Rapid Response Team (INHART), Incheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yoen Park
- Inha University Hospital Rapid Response Team (INHART), Incheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Hospital Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah Jin Kim
- Inha University Hospital Rapid Response Team (INHART), Incheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Hospital Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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