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Hurni B, Müller B, Hug BL, Beeler PE. Palliative care inpatients in Switzerland (2012-2021): characteristics, in-hospital mortality and avoidable admissions. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024:spcare-2023-004717. [PMID: 38768984 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Palliative patients generally prefer to be cared for and die at home. Overly aggressive treatments place additional strain on already burdened patients and healthcare services, contributing to decreased quality of life and increased healthcare costs. This study characterises palliative inpatients, quantifies in-hospital mortality and potentially avoidable hospitalisations. METHODS We conducted a multicentre retrospective analysis using the national inpatient cohort. The extracted data encompassed all inpatients for palliative care spanning the years 2012-2021. The dataset comprised information on demographics, diagnoses, comorbidities, treatments and clinical outcomes. Content experts reviewed a list of treatments for which no hospitalisation was required. RESULTS 120 396 hospitalisation records indicated palliative patients. Almost half were women (n=59 297, 49%). Most patients were ≥65 years old. 66% had an oncologic primary diagnosis. The majority were admitted from home (82 443; 69%). The patients stayed a median of 12 days (6-20). All treatments for 25 188 patients (21%) could have been performed at home. In-hospital deaths ended 64 739 stays (54%); of note, 10% (n=6357/64 739) of in-hospital deaths occurred within 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS In this nationwide study of palliative inpatients, two-thirds were 65 years old and older. Regarding the performed treatments alone, a fifth of these hospitalisations can be considered as avoidable. More than half of the patients died during their hospital stay, and 1 in 10 of those within 24 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Hurni
- Center for Primary and Community Care, University of Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Beat Müller
- Department of Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Balthasar L Hug
- Center for Primary and Community Care, University of Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Patrick E Beeler
- Center for Primary and Community Care, University of Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
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2
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Chang J, Medina M, Shin DY, Kim SJ. Racial disparity and regional variance in healthcare utilization among patients with lung cancer in US hospitals during 2016-2019. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:150. [PMID: 37592366 PMCID: PMC10433600 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01166-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer health disparities are related to various patient factors. This study describes regional differences in healthcare utilization and racial characteristics to identify high-risk areas. This study aimed to identify regions and races at greater risk for lung cancer health disparities based on differences in healthcare utilization, measured here by hospital charges and length of stay. METHODS The National Inpatient Sample of the United States was used to identify patients with lung cancer (n = 92,159, weighted n = 460,795) from 2016 to 2019. We examined the characteristics of the patient sample and the association between the racial and regional variables and healthcare utilization, measured by hospital charges and length of stay. The multivariate sample weighted linear regression model estimated how racial and regional variables are associated with healthcare utilization. RESULTS Out of 460,795 patients, 76.4% were white, and 40.2% were from the South. The number of lung cancer patients during the study periods was stable. However, hospital charges were somewhat increased, and the length of stay was decreased during the study period. Sample weighted linear regression results showed that Hispanic & Asian patients were associated with 21.1% and 12.3% higher hospital charges than White patients. Compared with the Northeast, Midwest and South were associated with lower hospital charges, however, the West was associated with higher hospital charges. CONCLUSION Minority groups and regions are at an increased risk for health inequalities because of differences in healthcare utilization. Further differences in utilization by insurance type may exacerbate the situation for some patients with lung cancer. Hospital managers and policymakers working with these patient populations in identified areas should strive to address these disparities through special prevention programs and targeted financial assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongwha Chang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mar Medina
- School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Dong Yeong Shin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health and Social Services, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Sun Jung Kim
- Department of Health Administration and Management, College of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Healthcare Management Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Software Convergence, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Workina A, Habtamu A, Zewdie W. Reasons for Emergency Department Visit, Outcomes, and Associated Factors of Oncologic Patients at Emergency Department of Jimma University Medical Centre. Open Access Emerg Med 2022; 14:581-590. [PMID: 36330170 PMCID: PMC9624217 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s381816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of oncologic patients visiting the emergency department (ED) is increasing and represent a challenge for the emergency team owing to they might have acute sign and symptoms of a still undiagnosed malignancy, management of treatment-related side effects, co-morbidities, and palliative care. Thus, this study was aimed to identify reasons for ED visits, management outcomes, and associated factors of oncologic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from March 11, 2021 to August 25, 2021 at the ED of Jimma University Medical Center on a total of 338 oncologic patients. Data were collected from the patient and the patient's medical record using a questionnaire developed from up-to-date similar literatures. The questionnaire was started filled out upon diagnosis of cancer and completed during discharge from the ED. The outcomes of the patients were dichotomized into died and survived then, it was analyzed using frequency and bivariate logistic regression. RESULTS The most common reasons for oncologic patients ED visit were neutropenic fever 79 (23.4%) followed by vomiting 38 (11.2%) and electrolyte abnormality 37 (10.9%) respectively. Among oncologic patients visited ED, 137 (40.5%) of them were admitted to ward and 126 (37.3%) of them were discharged with improvement while 64 (18.9%) of them were died. Based on multivariate logistic regression, those patients who had distant metastasis cancer (AOR 1.85; 95% CI 1.03-7.21), comorbidity (AOR 2.56; 95% CI 1.20, 6.96), and ECOG >3 (AOR 2.40; 95% CI 1.25,13.43) were more likely to die than their counterparts. CONCLUSION Most of the oncologic patients visited ED due to neutropenic fever, nausea and or vomiting, and electrolyte disorder. Amongst oncologic patients who were visited ED, most of them were admitted to ward while around one-fifth of them were died. Having distant metastasis cancer, comorbidity and ECOG >3 were independent predictors of an oncologic patient's outcome at the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdata Workina
- Department of Nursing, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Abdata Workina, Department of Nursing, Jimma University, Jimma University, P.O. Box-378, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia, Tel +251923643857, Email
| | - Asaminew Habtamu
- Department of Nursing, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Wondeson Zewdie
- Department of Emergency, Jimma University Medical Centre, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
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4
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Subtle oncological emergencies: Nature of illness, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Int Emerg Nurs 2022; 61:101127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2021.101127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Kirkland SW, Yang EH, Clua MG, Kruhlak M, Villa-Roel C, Elwi A, O'Neill B, Duggan S, Brisebois A, Stewart DA, Rowe BH. Comparison of the Management and Short-Term Outcomes between Patients with Advanced Cancer and Other End-of-Life Conditions Presenting to Two Canadian Emergency Departments. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:915-924. [PMID: 35119311 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0519] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An increasing number of patients with end-of-life (EOL) conditions, particularly those with advanced cancer, are presenting to the emergency department (ED). Objectives: To assess the characteristics, management and short-term outcomes of ED patients with advanced cancer compared to patients with other EOL conditions. Methodology/Design: A secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Setting/Participants: Volunteer emergency physicians in two Canadian EDs identified presentations for advanced cancer and other EOL conditions with the aid of a modified screening tool March-August 2018. Results: Among the 663 presentations by patients with EOL conditions, 272 (41%) presented with advanced cancer. The majority of presentations for advanced cancer (81%) or other EOL conditions (77%) were by patients with unmet palliative care (PC) needs. Patients with advanced cancer were significantly less likely to have active goals of care (GOC) documented on their charts (53% vs. 75%; p < 0.001). While no significant differences were found between the groups, the majority of presentations involved imaging, investigations, consultations, and hospitalization. Presentations for advanced cancer were more likely to receive a postdischarge referral (38% vs. 23%; p < 0.001). Referrals to PC consultations or postdischarge referrals were infrequent. Regression analysis found that patients with advanced cancer were associated with shorter length of stay (LOS). Conclusions: The majority of presentations for advanced cancer or other EOL conditions involved significant resource use. Patients with cancer experienced shorter LOS; however, had less documentation of GOC and gaps in referrals to PC services were identified. Interventions should be explored to promote early GOC discussions and PC referrals in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W Kirkland
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Esther H Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Miriam Garrido Clua
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maureen Kruhlak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cristina Villa-Roel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Adam Elwi
- Department of Medicine and Palliative Care, Grey Nun Hospital, Covenant Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Barbara O'Neill
- Department of Medicine and Palliative Care, Grey Nun Hospital, Covenant Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shelley Duggan
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amanda Brisebois
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Douglas A Stewart
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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6
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Lamba N, Catalano PJ, Whitehouse C, Martin KL, Mendu ML, Haas-Kogan DA, Wen PY, Aizer AA. Emergency department visits and inpatient hospitalizations among older patients with brain metastases: a dual population- and institution-level analysis. Neurooncol Pract 2021; 8:569-580. [PMID: 34691748 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npab029] [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 Older patients with brain metastases (BrM) commonly experience symptoms that prompt acute medical evaluation. We characterized emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient hospitalizations in this population. Methods We identified 17 789 and 361 Medicare enrollees diagnosed with BrM using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database (2010-2016) and an institutional database (2007-2016), respectively. Predictors of ED visits and hospitalizations were assessed using Poisson regression. Results The institutional cohort averaged 3.3 ED visits/1.9 hospitalizations per person-year, with intracranial disease being the most common reason for presentation/admission. SEER-Medicare patients averaged 2.8 ED visits/2.0 hospitalizations per person-year. For patients with synchronous BrM (N = 7834), adjusted risk factors for ED utilization and hospitalization, respectively, included: male sex (rate ratio [RR] = 1.15 [95% CI = 1.09-1.22], P < .001; RR = 1.21 [95% CI = 1.13-1.29], P < .001); African American vs white race (RR = 1.30 [95% CI = 1.18-1.42], P < .001; RR = 1.25 [95% CI = 1.13-1.39], P < .001); unmarried status (RR = 1.07 [95% CI = 1.01-1.14], P = .02; RR = 1.09 [95% CI = 1.02-1.17], P = .01); Charlson comorbidity score >2 (RR = 1.27 [95% CI = 1.17-1.37], P < .001; RR = 1.36 [95% CI = 1.24-1.49], P < .001); and receipt of non-stereotactic vs stereotactic radiation (RR = 1.44 [95% CI = 1.34-1.55, P < .001; RR = 1.49 [95% CI = 1.37-1.62, P < .001). For patients with metachronous BrM (N = 9955), ED visits and hospitalizations were more common after vs before BrM diagnosis (2.6 vs 1.2 ED visits per person-year; 1.8 vs 0.9 hospitalizations per person-year, respectively; RR = 2.24 [95% CI = 2.15-2.33], P < .001; RR = 2.06 [95% CI = 1.98-2.15], P < .001, respectively). Conclusions Older patients with BrM commonly receive hospital-level care secondary to intracranial disease, especially in select subpopulations. Enhanced care coordination, closer outpatient follow-up, and patient navigator programs seem warranted for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayan Lamba
- Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul J Catalano
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Colleen Whitehouse
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kate L Martin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mallika L Mendu
- Partners Healthcare Center for Population Health Management and Department of Quality and Safety, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daphne A Haas-Kogan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patrick Y Wen
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ayal A Aizer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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7
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Alsharawneh A, Maddigan J. The Oncological Emergency of Intestinal Obstruction: ED Recognition and Treatment Outcomes. Semin Oncol Nurs 2021; 37:151207. [PMID: 34462155 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2021.151207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gastrointestinal complications, like blockage, are among the most common oncological emergencies. We investigated whether individuals with cancer presenting at the emergency department (ED) with intestinal obstruction were triaged accurately, and we further evaluated the triage decisions' effect on their ED treatment outcomes. DATA SOURCES A retrospective review was completed on all available records of adult cancer patients who were admitted with intestinal obstruction to a tertiary referral hospital. Over 3 years, 46 cancer patients were admitted from the ED with a provisional diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, confirmed by radiological examination. More than half the patients were undertriaged, which often resulted in these patients experiencing a series of risky time delays in the ED. Patients were significantly delayed in reaching five treatment outcomes: first assessment with a physician, initiation of treatment, decision to admit, length of ED stay, and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION The application of triage in practice was inconsistent, inaccurate, and had a significant negative impact on patient treatment outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE The study results indicated the need to critically analyze current triage training and policies to increase their effectiveness. Improvement strategies are identified in the literature, and several are discussed. Involving triage nurses in this work is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Alsharawneh
- Assistant Professor, Department of Adult Health Nursing / Faculty of Nursing, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.
| | - Joy Maddigan
- Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
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8
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Alsharawneh A, Hasan AAH. Cancer related emergencies with the chief complaint of pain: Incidence, ED recognition, and quality of care. Int Emerg Nurs 2021; 56:100981. [PMID: 33706045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2021.100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is the most common reason for cancer-related emergency department (ED) visits and a precursor of the urgency of oncological emergencies. PURPOSE To identify the incidence of oncological emergencies with the chief complaint of pain and evaluate ED recognition and quality of care in managing the associated emergency. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study of cancer patients presented to three EDs during the four-year study period. RESULTS The study's sample consisted of 252 patients admitted with oncological emergencies with a chief complaint of pain. Some oncological emergencies were more likely to be prioritized appropriately, such as febrile neutropenia and increased intracranial pressure. However, most patients with spinal cord compression and cardiac tamponade were more likely to be triaged to less urgent triage categories. Timeliness of ED care was suboptimal for most patients, particularly among those assigned to less urgent triage categories. Indicators for the low quality of care extended beyond ED with multiple adverse events in the hospital. CONCLUSION Triage nurses are expected to use the oncological emergencies' prevalent symptoms to allocate the patients to high triage urgency accurately. Patient waiting to be seen expected to be reassessed periodically to ensure waiting remain safe. Hospitals can adopt or establish pathways, protocols, or standardized order sets to fast-track patients with oncological emergencies. The health information system should be available to monitor and improve the delivered care continuously.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abd Al-Hadi Hasan
- Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, P.O. box 2537, Jeddah 21461, Saudi Arabia
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9
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He Y, Guo X, May BH, Zhang AL, Liu Y, Lu C, Mao JJ, Xue CC, Zhang H. Clinical Evidence for Association of Acupuncture and Acupressure With Improved Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Oncol 2020; 6:271-278. [PMID: 31855257 PMCID: PMC6990758 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.5233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Question Is the use of acupuncture and acupressure associated with improved cancer pain management compared with sham intervention and/or analgesic therapy alone? Findings In this systematic review of 17 randomized clinical trials and meta-analysis of 14 trials in the current English-language and Chinese-language literature, a significant association was found between real (compared with sham) acupuncture and reduced pain, and acupuncture combined with analgesic therapy was associated with decreased analgesic use. However, heterogeneity lowered the level of certainty of the evidence. Meaning This study found a moderate level of evidence that acupuncture and/or acupressure was significantly associated with lower pain intensity in patients with cancer compared with a sham control, which suggests a potential for a combination of acupuncture and acupressure to help reduce opioid doses in patients with cancer. Importance Research into acupuncture and acupressure and their application for cancer pain has been growing, but the findings have been inconsistent. Objective To evaluate the existing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for evidence of the association of acupuncture and acupressure with reduction in cancer pain. Data Sources Three English-language databases (PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL) and 4 Chinese-language biomedical databases (Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang) were searched for RCTs published from database inception through March 31, 2019. Study Selection Randomized clinical trials that compared acupuncture and acupressure with a sham control, analgesic therapy, or usual care for managing cancer pain were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data were screened and extracted independently using predesigned forms. The quality of RCTs was appraised with the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Random-effects modeling was used to calculate the effect sizes of included RCTs. The quality of evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was pain intensity measured by the Brief Pain Inventory, Numerical Rating Scale, Visual Analog Scale, or Verbal Rating Scale. Results A total of 17 RCTs (with 1111 patients) were included in the systematic review, and data from 14 RCTs (with 920 patients) were used in the meta-analysis. Seven sham-controlled RCTs (35%) were notable for their high quality, being judged to have a low risk of bias for all of their domains, and showed that real (compared with sham) acupuncture was associated with reduced pain intensity (mean difference [MD], −1.38 points; 95% CI, −2.13 to −0.64 points; I2 = 81%). A favorable association was also seen when acupuncture and acupressure were combined with analgesic therapy in 6 RCTs for reducing pain intensity (MD, −1.44 points; 95% CI, −1.98 to −0.89; I2 = 92%) and in 2 RCTs for reducing opioid dose (MD, −30.00 mg morphine equivalent daily dose; 95% CI, −37.5 mg to −22.5 mg). The evidence grade was moderate because of the substantial heterogeneity among studies. Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture and/or acupressure was significantly associated with reduced cancer pain and decreased use of analgesics, although the evidence level was moderate. This finding suggests that more rigorous trials are needed to identify the association of acupuncture and acupressure with specific types of cancer pain and to integrate such evidence into clinical care to reduce opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan He
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xinfeng Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Brian H May
- China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Lin Zhang
- China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yihong Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chuanjian Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jun J Mao
- Integrative Medicine Department, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Charlie Changli Xue
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Al-Ansari A, Suroor S, AboSerea S, Abd-El-Gawad WM. Harmonising palliative care: a national survey to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of emergency physicians towards palliative care in Kuwait. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2020:bmjspcare-2019-002141. [PMID: 33168669 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-002141] [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: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Although the challenges of integrating palliative care practices across care settings are real and well recognised, to date little is known about palliative care practices of emergency physicians (EPs) in Kuwait. Therefore, this study aims to explore the attitude and knowledge of EPs in providing palliative care in all general hospitals in Kuwait. METHOD A cross-sectional survey was performed in the emergency rooms of all general hospitals in Kuwait using the Palliative Care Attitude and Knowledge Questionnaire. RESULTS Of the total number of physicians working in emergency rooms (n=156), 104 (66.67%) had completed the survey. 76.9% (n=80) of the EPs had an uncertain attitude towards palliative care. Most of the EPs (n=73, 70.28%) did not discuss the patients' need for palliative care either with the patients or with their families. Only 16 (15.4%) of the EPs responded correctly to most of the questions while nearly half of the EPs (n=51, 49%) had poor knowledge. Experience ≥11 years and better knowledge scores were independent predictors of positive attitude after adjustment of age, sex, qualifications, specialty, position and nationality (OR: 5.747 (CI 1.031 to 25.00), 1.458(CI 1.148 to 1.851); p values: 0.021, 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Despite recognising palliative care as an important competence, the majority of the EPs in Kuwait had uncertain attitude and poor knowledge towards palliative care. Efforts should be made to enhance physician training and provide palliative care resources to improve the quality of care given to patients visiting emergency departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameena Al-Ansari
- Palliative Care Center, Kuwait Ministry of Health, Al Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait
| | - Saleem Suroor
- Palliative Care Center, Kuwait Ministry of Health, Al Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait
| | - Sobhi AboSerea
- Palliative Care Center, Kuwait Ministry of Health, Al Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait
| | - Wafaa Mostafa Abd-El-Gawad
- Palliative Care Center, Kuwait Ministry of Health, Al Sabah Medical Area, Kuwait
- Geriatrics and Gerontology Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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11
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Chua WLT, Chan SEJ, Lai G, Yong LYT, Kanesvaran R, Anantharaman V. Management of oncology-related emergencies at the emergency department: A long-term undertaking. HONG KONG J EMERG ME 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1024907920953675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The emergency department at the Singapore General Hospital is an emergency department with an annual census of 140,000 and oncology-related attendances of about 4000 (2.8%). These patients are often admitted for further care. Palliative care in the emergency department for these patients is often minimal. The aim of this study was to determine the state of current management of oncology-related emergencies at the Singapore General Hospital’s emergency department, hence identifying specific areas for intervention. Methods: We carried out a retrospective data review of all Singapore General Hospital’s emergency department patients who had either cancer-related diagnoses or were admitted to the Medical Oncology Department in October 2018. Simple statistical analysis was then performed using IBM SPSS version 21. Results: Of 308 identified patients, there was approximately equal distribution by sex. The women were generally younger than the men (61.33 ± 13.63 years vs 67.36 ± 12.02 years, p = 0.063, confidence interval −8.94 to −3.13). Seventy-two (23.4%) of the patients arrived at emergency department by ambulance. The mean emergency department length of stay was 4.25 h. About half of the patients had either lung, colorectal, or breast as their primary site of cancer. There was no correlation between clinical severity according to the National Early Warning Scores and triage complaint-type or emergency clinical diagnosis. More than 90% were admitted, with about 32.6% dying during their inpatient stay. High National Early Warning Scores were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: There is large potential for interventions to improve patient well-being in the pre-hospital setting and emergency department. Given the sizable number of patients with poor outcomes, palliative care is also of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gillianne Lai
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
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Pavic M, Klaas V, Theile G, Kraft J, Tröster G, Blum D, Guckenberger M. Mobile Health Technologies for Continuous Monitoring of Cancer Patients in Palliative Care Aiming to Predict Health Status Deterioration: A Feasibility Study. J Palliat Med 2019; 23:678-685. [PMID: 31873052 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0342] [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: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Unplanned readmissions or emergency visits (EVs) after discharge from hospital are frequent in patients in palliative care. Strategies to anticipate and prevent rapid deterioration of health are needed. Objective: Assessing feasibility and predictive ability of remote monitoring using wearables. Design: Prospective observational feasibility study in a single center. Setting/Subjects: Thirty cancer patients with an estimated life expectancy of >8 weeks to <12 months, aged >18 years and being discharged from inpatient to outpatient care were included. Measurements: Patients were provided with a smartphone, including the preinstalled "Activity Monitoring" application and a sensor-equipped bracelet. Follow-up was 12 weeks. Both devices recorded several features (e.g., vital signs). Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and distress was reported once daily and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) once weekly. Statistical methods were applied to explore relationship between sensor data, self-reports, and EVs or readmissions or death. Results: Between February 2017 and May 2018, 30 patients were included. Twenty-five of 30 participants (83%) completed 12 weeks of follow-up. On average, bracelet was worn on 53% and smartphone on 85% of study days. Completion rate of daily digital questionnaires for subjective ratings was 73%. Eight unplanned hospital readmissions occurred. Ratings of pain, distress, and QLQ-C30 scores were not associated with readmission, whereas resting heart rate, resting heart rate variability, as well as speed of steps differed significantly in patients with and without readmission. Conclusions: Monitoring of palliative cancer patients using wearables is feasible. First results indicate that mobile health features might be promising biomarkers to predict unplanned readmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Pavic
- Department of Radiation Oncology/Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital of Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa Klaas
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gudrun Theile
- Department of Radiation Oncology/Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital of Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kraft
- Department of Radiation Oncology/Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital of Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Tröster
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Blum
- Department of Radiation Oncology/Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital of Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Guckenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology/Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital of Zurich, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Pavic M, Klaas V, Theile G, Kraft J, Tröster G, Guckenberger M. Feasibility and Usability Aspects of Continuous Remote Monitoring of Health Status in Palliative Cancer Patients Using Wearables. Oncology 2019; 98:386-395. [PMID: 31336377 DOI: 10.1159/000501433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health is a promising strategy aiming to anticipate and prevent the deterioration of health status in palliative cancer patients. A prerequisite for successful implementation of this technology into clinical routine is a high level of usability and acceptance of devices. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate feasibility as well as patients' acceptance of remote monitoring using wearables in palliative cancer patients. METHODS In this prospective single-center observational feasibility study, 30 cancer patients treated with palliative intent in an inpatient setting with an estimated life expectancy of >8 weeks and <12 months were provided with a smartphone including a pre-installed "Activity Monitoring" app and a sensor-equipped bracelet and monitored over a period of 12 weeks starting at discharge from hospital. We report detailed feasibility and usability aspects and comment on patients' acceptance of the wearables. RESULTS Between February 2017 and May 2018 a total of 30 patients were included in the study. From these, 25 participants (83%) completed the whole study period. On average, the bracelet was worn on 53% and smartphone used on 85% of the study days. The completion rate of daily digital questionnaires for subjective ratings (pain and distress scale) was 73%, and 28 patients were able to handle the wearables and to operate the app without major problems. Use of the bracelet was low during the night hours, with a wearing time of 1.7% of all night hours (8 p.m. to 8 a.m.). CONCLUSIONS Remote monitoring of health care status in palliative cancer patients with a limited life expectancy is feasible and patients are able to handle the smartphone and the sensor-equipped bracelet. Feedback towards use of this monitoring system was mostly positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Pavic
- Department of Radiation Oncology/Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,
| | - Vanessa Klaas
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Wearable Computing Laboratory, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gudrun Theile
- Department of Radiation Oncology/Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kraft
- Department of Radiation Oncology/Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Tröster
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Wearable Computing Laboratory, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Guckenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology/Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Tiernan E, Ryan J, Casey M, Hale A, O’Reilly V, Devenish M, Whyte B, Hollingsworth S, Price O, Callanan I, Walsh D, Normand C, May P. A quasi-experimental evaluation of an intervention to increase palliative medicine referral in the emergency department. J Health Serv Res Policy 2019; 24:155-163. [DOI: 10.1177/1355819619839087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate a new intervention intended to increase referral rates from the emergency department (ED) to the palliative medicine service (PMS) in acute hospitals. Methods We conducted a quasi-experimental evaluation in an urban teaching hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Data were collected over two eight-week periods in November/December 2013 and May/June 2015, with the PALliative Medicine in the Emergency Department (PAL.M.ED.™) intervention implemented in the intervening period. All adults who were admitted to the hospital via the ED during the two time periods and who received a palliative care consultation during their hospital stay were included in the study. Our primary analysis evaluated the impact of PAL.M.ED.™ on PMS referral in the ED. Our secondary analysis evaluated the impact of PMS referral in the ED on length of stay (LOS) and utilization, compared to PMS referral later in the admission. We controlled for observed confounding between groups using propensity scores. Results PAL.M.ED.™ was associated with an increase in PMS referral in the ED ( p < 0.005; odds ratio: 10.5 (95%CI: 3.8 to 28.7)). PMS referral in the ED was associated with shorter hospital LOS ( p < 0.005; −10.9 days (95%CI: −17.7 to −4.1)). Conclusions Low PMS referral rates in the ED, and the poor outcomes for patients and hospitals that arise from admissions of those with serious illness, may be mitigated by a proactive intervention to identify appropriate patients at admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin Tiernan
- Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Department of Palliative Medicine, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Ireland
| | - John Ryan
- Consultant in Emergency Medicine, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Mary Casey
- Research Assistant, SHO in Palliative Medicine, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Aine Hale
- Registrar in Palliative Medicine, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Valerie O’Reilly
- Locum Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Milford Hospice, Ireland
| | - Millie Devenish
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Barbara Whyte
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Hollingsworth
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Olga Price
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Ian Callanan
- Clinical Audit Coordinator, St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group, Ireland
| | - Declan Walsh
- Chair, Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System
- Professor of Medicine, Carolinas HealthCare System, Director, Center for Supportive Care and Survivorship, USA
| | - Charles Normand
- Edward Kennedy Professor of Health Policy & Management, Centre for Health Policy & Management, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Professor in Health Economics, Cicely Saunders Institute Of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, UK
| | - Peter May
- Research Assistant Professor, Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
- Visiting Research Fellow, The Irish Longitudinal study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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Whitney RL, Bell JF, Tancredi DJ, Romano PS, Bold RJ, Wun T, Joseph JG. Unplanned Hospitalization Among Individuals With Cancer in the Year After Diagnosis. J Oncol Pract 2019; 15:e20-e29. [PMID: 30523749 PMCID: PMC7010432 DOI: 10.1200/jop.18.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Reducing acute care use is an important strategy for improving value in cancer care. However, little information is available to describe and compare population-level hospital use across cancer types. Our aim was to estimate unplanned hospitalization rates and to describe the reasons for hospitalization in a population-based cohort recently diagnosed with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS California Cancer Registry data linked with administrative inpatient data were used to examine unplanned hospitalization among individuals diagnosed with cancer between 2009 and 2012 (n = 412,850). Hospitalizations for maintenance chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or planned surgery were excluded. Multistate models were used to estimate age-adjusted unplanned hospitalization rates, accounting for survival. RESULTS Approximately 67% of hospitalizations in the year after diagnosis were unplanned, 35% of newly diagnosed individuals experienced an unplanned hospitalization, and 67% of unplanned hospitalizations originated in the emergency department (ED). Nonmalignancy principal diagnoses most frequently associated with unplanned hospitalization included infection (15.8%) and complications of a medical device or care (6.5%). Unplanned hospitalization rates were highest for individuals with hepatobiliary or pancreatic cancer (2.08 unplanned hospitalizations per person-year at risk), lung cancer (1.58 unplanned hospitalizations), and brain or CNS cancer (1.47 unplanned hospitalizations), and were lowest among individuals with prostate cancer (0.18 unplanned hospitalizations) and melanoma (0.25 unplanned hospitalizations). CONCLUSION The population burden of unplanned hospitalization among individuals newly diagnosed with cancer is substantial. Many unplanned hospitalizations originate in the ED and are associated with potentially preventable admission diagnoses. Efforts to reduce unplanned hospitalization might target subgroups at higher risk and focus on the ED as a source of admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L. Whitney
- University of California, San Francisco, Fresno, CA
- University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ted Wun
- University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA
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Improving cancer patient emergency room utilization: A New Jersey state assessment. Cancer Epidemiol 2017; 51:15-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Theile G, Klaas V, Tröster G, Guckenberger M. mHealth Technologies for Palliative Care Patients at the Interface of In-Patient to Outpatient Care: Protocol of Feasibility Study Aiming to Early Predict Deterioration of Patient's Health Status. JMIR Res Protoc 2017; 6:e142. [PMID: 28814378 PMCID: PMC5577455 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.7676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative care patients are a particularly vulnerable population and one of the critical phases in patients’ trajectories is discharge from specialized in-patient palliative care into outpatient care, where availability of a palliative care infrastructure is highly variable. A relevant number of potentially avoidable readmissions and emergency visits of palliative patients is observed due to rapid exacerbation of symptoms indicating the need for a closer patient monitoring. In the last years, different mHealth technology applications have been evaluated in many different patient groups. Objective The aim of our study is to test feasibility of a remote physical and social tracking system in palliative care patients. Methods A feasibility study with explorative, descriptive study design, comprised of 3 work packages. From the wards of the Clinic of Radiation-Oncology at the University Hospital Zurich, including the specialized palliative care ward, 30 patients will be recruited and will receive a mobile phone and a tracking bracelet before discharge. The aim of work package A is to evaluate if severely ill patients accept to be equipped with a tracking bracelet and a mobile phone (by semiquantitative questionnaires and guideline interviews). Work package B evaluates the technical feasibility and quality of the acquired electronic health data. Work package C will demonstrate whether physical activity parameters, such as step count, sleep duration, social activity patterns like making calls, and vital signs (eg, heart rate) do correlate with subjective health data and can serve as indicator to early detect and predict changes in patients’ health status. Activity parameters will be extracted from the mobile phone’s and wristband’s sensor data using signal processing methods. Subjective health data is captured via electronic version of visual analog scale and Distress Thermometer as well as the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer – Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 in paper version. Results Enrollment began in February 2017. First study results will be reported in the middle of 2018. Conclusions Our project will deliver relevant data on patients’ acceptance of activity and social tracking and test the correlation between subjective symptom assessment and objective activity in the vulnerable population of palliative care patients. The proposed study is meant to be preparatory work for an intervention study to test the effect of wireless monitoring of palliative care patients on symptom control and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun Theile
- Clinic of Radiation-Oncology, Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa Klaas
- Wearable Computing Laboratory, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Tröster
- Wearable Computing Laboratory, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Guckenberger
- Clinic of Radiation-Oncology, Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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