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Guité-Verret A, Boivin J, Hanna AMR, Downar J, Bush SH, Marcoux I, Guay D, Tapp D, Lapenskie J, Gagnon B. Continuous palliative sedation until death: a qualitative study of palliative care clinicians' experiences. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:104. [PMID: 38637812 PMCID: PMC11027280 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01426-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The practice of continuous palliative sedation until death is the subject of much medical and ethical debate, which is reflected in the inconsistency that persists in the literature regarding the definition and indications of palliative sedation. AIM This study aims to gain a better understanding of palliative care clinicians' experiences with continuous palliative sedation. DESIGN We conducted a qualitative study based on focus group discussions. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS We conducted six focus groups with a total of 28 palliative care clinicians (i.e., 15 nurses, 12 physicians, and 1 end-of-life doula) from diverse care settings across Canada, where assisted dying has recently been legalized. RESULTS An interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to consolidate the data into six key themes: responding to suffering; grappling with uncertainty; adapting care to ensure ongoing quality; grounding clinical practice in ethics; combining medical expertise, relational tact, and reflexivity; and offering an alternative to assisted death. CONCLUSIONS Interaction with the patient's family, uncertainty about the patient's prognosis, the concurrent practice of assisted dying, and the treatment of existential suffering influence the quality of sedation and indicate a lack of clear palliative care guidelines. Nevertheless, clinicians exhibit a reflective and adaptive capacity that can facilitate good practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Guité-Verret
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada
| | - Jessica Boivin
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- CHU Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Québec, Canada
| | | | - James Downar
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Shirley H Bush
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Isabelle Marcoux
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Diane Guay
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Diane Tapp
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada
- CHU Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Bruno Gagnon
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada.
- CHU Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Québec, Canada.
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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Downar J, Lapenskie J, Anderson K, Edwards J, Watt C, Dionne M, Rice J, Kabir M, Lawlor P, Downar J. Accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation for psychological distress in advanced cancer: A phase 2a feasibility and preliminary efficacy clinical trial. Palliat Med 2024; 38:485-491. [PMID: 38482823 PMCID: PMC11025297 DOI: 10.1177/02692163241234799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological and existential suffering affects many people with advanced illness, and current therapeutic options have limited effectiveness. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a safe and effective therapy for refractory depression, but no previous study has used rTMS to treat psychological or existential distress in the palliative setting. AIM To determine whether a 5-day course of "accelerated" rTMS is feasible and can improve psychological and/or existential distress in a palliative care setting. DESIGN Open-label, single arm, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy study of intermittent theta-burst stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, 600 pulses/session, 8 sessions/day (once per hour) for 5 days. The outcomes were the rates of recruitment, completion of intervention, and follow-up (Feasibility); and the proportion of participants achieving 50% improvement on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) or Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) 2 weeks post-treatment (Preliminary Efficacy). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Adults admitted to our academic Palliative Care Unit with advanced illness, life expectancy >1 month and psychological distress. RESULTS Due to COVID-19 pandemic-related interruptions, a total of nine participants were enrolled between August 2021 and April 2023. Two withdrew before starting rTMS, one stopped due to clinical deterioration unrelated to rTMS, and six completed the rTMS treatment. Five of six participants had a >50% improvement in HDRS, HADS-Anxiety, or both between baseline and the 2 week follow up; the sixth died prior to the 2-week follow-up. In this small sample, mean depression scores decreased from baseline to 2 weeks post-treatment (HDRS 18 vs 7, p = 0.03). Side effects of rTMS included transient mild scalp discomfort. CONCLUSIONS Accelerated rTMS improved symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both in this small feasibility and preliminary efficacy study. A larger, sham-controlled study is warranted to determine whether rTMS could be an effective, acceptable, and scalable treatment in the palliative setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04257227.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Downar
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jodi Edwards
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Christine Watt
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michel Dionne
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jill Rice
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Peter Lawlor
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan Downar
- Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lapenskie J, Anderson K, Lawlor PG, Kabir M, Noel C, Heidinger B, Parsons HA, Cohen L, Gratton V, Besserer E, Adeli S, Murphy R, Warmels G, Bruni A, Bhimji K, Dyason C, Enright P, Desjardins I, Wooller K, Arsenault-Mehta K, Webber C, Bedard D, Iyengar A, Bush SH, Isenberg SR, Tanuseputro P, Vanderspank-Wright B, Downar J. Long-term bereavement outcomes in family members of those who died in acute care hospitals before and during the first wave of COVID-19: A cohort study. Palliat Med 2024; 38:264-271. [PMID: 38229211 PMCID: PMC10865760 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231223394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe grief is highly distressing and prevalent up to 1 year post-death among people bereaved during the first wave of COVID-19, but no study has assessed changes in grief severity beyond this timeframe. AIM Understand the trajectory of grief during the pandemic by reassessing grief symptoms in our original cohort 12-18 months post-death. DESIGN Prospective matched cohort study. SETTINGS/PARTICIPANTS Family members of decedents who died in an acute care hospital between November 1, 2019 and August 31, 2020 in Ottawa, Canada. Family members of patients who died of COVID (COVID +ve) were matched 2:1 with those who died of non-COVID illness (COVID -ve) during pandemic wave 1 or immediately prior to its onset (pre-COVID). Grief was assessed using the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG). RESULTS Follow-up assessment was completed by 92% (111/121) of family members in the initial cohort. Mean ICG score on the 12-18-month assessment was 19.9 (SD = 11.8), and severe grief (ICG > 25) was present in 28.8% of participants. One-third (33.3%) had either a persistently high (>25) or worsening ICG score (⩾4-point increase between assessments). Using a modified Poisson regression analysis, persistently high or worsening ICG scores were associated with endotracheal intubation in the deceased, but not cause of death (COVID +ve, COVID -ve, pre-COVID) or physical presence of the family member in the final 48 h of life. CONCLUSIONS Severe grief is a substantial source of psychological morbidity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, persisting more than a year post-death. Our findings highlight an acute need for effective and scalable means of addressing severe grief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lapenskie
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Koby Anderson
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter G. Lawlor
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monisha Kabir
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chelsea Noel
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brandon Heidinger
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Henrique A. Parsons
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Leila Cohen
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Valérie Gratton
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Samantha Adeli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rebekah Murphy
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Grace Warmels
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Adrianna Bruni
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Khadija Bhimji
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Claire Dyason
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Paula Enright
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Desjardins
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Krista Wooller
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Colleen Webber
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Shirley H Bush
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brandi Vanderspank-Wright
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - James Downar
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology School of Law, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Lawlor P, Cohen L, Adeli SR, Besserer E, Gratton V, Murphy R, Warmels G, Bruni A, Kabir M, Noel C, Heidinger B, Anderson K, Arsenault-Mehta K, Wooller K, Lapenskie J, Webber C, Bedard D, Enright P, Desjardins I, Bhimji K, Dyason C, Iyengar A, Bush SH, Isenberg S, Tanuseputro P, Vanderspank-Wright B, Downar J, Parsons H. Comorbidities, symptoms and end-of-life medication use in hospitalised decedents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective regional cohort study in Ottawa, Canada. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075518. [PMID: 37669840 PMCID: PMC10481717 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare comorbidities, symptoms and end-of-life (EoL) palliative medication (antisecretories, opioids, antipsychotics and sedatives) use among decedents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN In a retrospective cohort study, decedent records in three acute care hospitals were abstracted, generating a prepandemic (November 2019-February 2020) group (pre-COVID) and two intrapandemic (March-August 2020, wave 1) groups, one without (COVID-ve) and one with COVID-19 infection (COVID+ve). Control group decedents were matched 2:1 on age, sex and care service (medicine/intensive care unit (ICU)) with COVID+ve decedents. SETTING Three regional acute care teaching hospitals in Ottawa, Canada PARTICIPANTS: Decedents (N=425): COVID+ve (n=85), COVID-ve (n=170) and pre-COVID (n=170). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Data were abstracted regarding demographics, admission comorbidities and symptoms, and EoL medication use; opioid doses were standardised to parenteral morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD), and the predictors of upper quartile MEDD in the last 24 hours of life were examined in multivariable logistic regression with adjusted ORs (aORs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS The prevalence of dementia (41% vs 28% and 26%, p=0.03), breathlessness (63.5% vs 42% and 47%, p<0.01), cough (40% vs 27% and 19%, p<0.01) and fever (54% vs 9% and 13.5%) was higher in COVID+ve versus pre-COVID and COVID-ve groups, respectively. The median (IQR) of MEDD over the last 72 hours of life was 16.7 (9-36.5) vs 13.5 (5.7-21.8) and 10.5 (5.3-23.8) for COVID+ve versus pre-COVID and COVID-ve groups, respectively, (p=0.007). Male sex, COVID+ve grouping, ICU death and high-flow nasal cannula use predicted upper quartile MEDD dose, aORs (95% CIs): 1.84 (1.05 to 3.22), 2.62 (1.29 to 5.3), 5.14 (2.47 to 10.7) and 1.93 (1.05 to 3.52), respectively. COVID+ve group decedents used highest lorazepam and propofol doses. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 decedents, particularly those in ICU, required higher EoL opioid and sedating medication doses than matched prepandemic or intrapandemic controls. These findings should inform and guide clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lawlor
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leila Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Ella Besserer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valérie Gratton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Hopital Monfort, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebekah Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Grace Warmels
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrianna Bruni
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monisha Kabir
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chelsea Noel
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brandon Heidinger
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Koby Anderson
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Krista Wooller
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen Webber
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Bedard
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula Enright
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabelle Desjardins
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Khadija Bhimji
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claire Dyason
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Akshai Iyengar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Critical Care, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shirley H Bush
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarina Isenberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brandi Vanderspank-Wright
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa Faculty of Health Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Downar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Critical Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Henrique Parsons
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Downar J, Parsons HA, Cohen L, Besserer E, Adeli S, Gratton V, Murphy R, Warmels G, Bruni A, Bhimji K, Dyason C, Enright P, Desjardins I, Wooller K, Kabir M, Noel C, Heidinger B, Anderson K, Arsenault-Mehta K, Lapenskie J, Webber C, Bedard D, Iyengar A, Bush SH, Isenberg SR, Tanuseputro P, Vanderspank-Wright B, Lawlor P. Bereavement outcomes in family members of those who died in acute care hospitals before and during the first wave of COVID-19: A cohort study. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1305-1312. [PMID: 35786109 PMCID: PMC9446458 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221109711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has caused millions of deaths worldwide, leading to symptoms of grief among the bereaved. Neither the burden of severe grief nor its predictors are fully known within the context of the pandemic. AIM To determine the prevalence and predictors of severe grief in family members who were bereaved early in the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Prospective, matched cohort study. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Family members of people who died in an acute hospital in Ottawa, Canada between November 1, 2019 and August 31, 2020. We matched relatives of patients who died of COVID (COVID +ve) with those who died of non-COVID illness either during wave 1 of the pandemic (COVID -ve) or immediately prior to its onset (pre-COVID). We abstracted decedents' medical records, contacted family members >6 months post loss, and assessed grief symptoms using the Inventory of Complicated Grief-revised. RESULTS We abstracted data for 425 decedents (85 COVID +ve, 170 COVID -ve, and 170 pre-COVID), and 110 of 165 contacted family members (67%) consented to participate. Pre-COVID family members were physically present more in the last 48 h of life; the COVID +ve cohort were more present virtually. Overall, 35 family members (28.9%) had severe grief symptoms, and the prevalence was similar among the cohorts (p = 0.91). Grief severity was not correlated with demographic factors, physical presence in the final 48 h of life, intubation, or relationship with the deceased. CONCLUSION Severe grief is common among family members bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of the cause or circumstances of death, and even if their loss took place before the onset of the pandemic. This suggests that aspects of the pandemic itself contribute to severe grief, and factors that normally mitigate grief may not be as effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Downar
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology School of Law, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Henrique A Parsons
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Leila Cohen
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Samantha Adeli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Valérie Gratton
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rebekah Murphy
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Grace Warmels
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Adrianna Bruni
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Khadija Bhimji
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Claire Dyason
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Paula Enright
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Desjardins
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Krista Wooller
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monisha Kabir
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chelsea Noel
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brandon Heidinger
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Koby Anderson
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Julie Lapenskie
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Colleen Webber
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Shirley H Bush
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Peter Lawlor
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Lawlor P, Parsons H, Adeli SR, Besserer E, Cohen L, Gratton V, Murphy R, Warmels G, Bruni A, Kabir M, Noel C, Heidinger B, Anderson K, Arsenault-Mehta K, Wooller K, Lapenskie J, Webber C, Bedard D, Enright P, Desjardins I, Bhimji K, Dyason C, Iyengar A, Bush SH, Isenberg S, Tanuseputro P, Vanderspank-Wright B, Downar J. Comparative end-of-life communication and support in hospitalised decedents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective regional cohort study in Ottawa, Canada. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062937. [PMID: 35760548 PMCID: PMC9237652 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare end-of-life in-person family presence, patient-family communication and healthcare team-family communication encounters in hospitalised decedents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN In a regional multicentre retrospective cohort study, electronic health record data were abstracted for a prepandemic group (pre-COVID) and two intrapandemic (March-August 2020, wave 1) groups, one COVID-19 free (COVID-ve) and one with COVID-19 infection (COVID+ve). Pre-COVID and COVID-ve groups were matched 2:1 (age, sex and care service) with the COVID+ve group. SETTING One quaternary and two tertiary adult, acute care hospitals in Ottawa, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Decedents (n=425): COVID+ve (n=85), COVID-ve (n=170) and pre-COVID (n=170). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES End-of-life (last 48 hours) in-person family presence and virtual (video) patient-family communication, and end-of-life (last 5 days) virtual team-family communication encounter occurrences were examined using logistic regression with ORs and 95% CIs. End-of-life (last 5 days) rates of in-person and telephone team-family communication encounters were examined using mixed-effects negative binomial models with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS End-of-life in-person family presence decreased progressively across pre-COVID (90.6%), COVID-ve (79.4%) and COVID+ve (47.1%) groups: adjusted ORs=0.38 (0.2-0.73) and 0.09 (0.04-0.17) for COVID-ve and COVID+ve groups, respectively. COVID-ve and COVID+ve groups had reduced in-person but increased telephone team-family communication encounters: IRRs=0.76 (0.64-0.9) and 0.61 (0.47-0.79) for in-person, and IRRs=2.6 (2.1-3.3) and 4.8 (3.7-6.1) for telephone communications, respectively. Virtual team-family communication encounters occurred in 17/85 (20%) and 10/170 (5.9%) of the COVID+ve and COVID-ve groups, respectively: adjusted OR=3.68 (1.51-8.95). CONCLUSIONS In hospitalised COVID-19 pandemic wave 1 decedents, in-person family presence and in-person team-family communication encounters decreased at end of life, particularly in the COVID+ve group; virtual modalities were adopted for communication, and telephone use increased in team-family communication encounters. The implications of these communication changes for the patient, family and healthcare team warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lawlor
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Henrique Parsons
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Ella Besserer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leila Cohen
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valérie Gratton
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebekah Murphy
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Grace Warmels
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrianna Bruni
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monisha Kabir
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chelsea Noel
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brandon Heidinger
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Koby Anderson
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Krista Wooller
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen Webber
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Bedard
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula Enright
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabelle Desjardins
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Khadija Bhimji
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claire Dyason
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Akshai Iyengar
- Department of Medicine, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shirley H Bush
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarina Isenberg
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brandi Vanderspank-Wright
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa Faculty of Health Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Downar
- Department of Palliative Care, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Divisions of Palliative Care and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Watt CL, Lapenskie J, Kabir M, Lalumiere G, Dionne M, Rice J, Noël C, Downar J, Downar J. Accelerated rTMS for existential distress in palliative care: A report of two cases. Brain Stimul 2021; 15:197-200. [PMID: 34954083 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Watt
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N5C8; University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N 6N5; The Ottawa Hospital, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1H 8L6; Bruyère Continuing Care, 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N5C8
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N5C8; The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1Y 4E9
| | - Monisha Kabir
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N5C8
| | | | - Michel Dionne
- University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada; Bruyère Continuing Care, 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N5C8, Canada
| | - Jill Rice
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N5C8, Canada; University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada; Bruyère Continuing Care, 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N5C8, Canada
| | - Chelsea Noël
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N5C8, Canada
| | - Jonathan Downar
- University of Toronto, 250 College Street 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - James Downar
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N5C8, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4E9, Canada; University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada; Bruyère Continuing Care, 43 Bruyere St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N5C8, Canada.
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8
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Omar A, Cumal A, Vellani S, Krassikova A, Lapenskie J, Bayly M, Welch VA, Ghogomu E, Iaboni A, McGilton KS. Health and social interventions to restore physical function of older adults post-hip fracture: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e053992. [PMID: 34697124 PMCID: PMC8547508 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite inpatient rehabilitation, many older adults post-hip fracture have difficulty returning to their prefracture levels of function and activity. This scoping review aims to identify interventions for community-dwelling older adults discharged from inpatient rehabilitation and examine the function and activity outcomes associated with these interventions. DESIGN This scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework. DATA SOURCES We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Ageline electronic databases for English-language articles published between January 1946 and January 2020. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included studies with health and social interventions involving community-dwelling older adults and their caregivers after hip fracture and inpatient rehabilitation. The interventions were selected if initiated within 60 days post-hip fracture surgery. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts and extracted the data based on the inclusion criteria. A third reviewer adjudicated any disagreement and collated the extracted data. RESULTS Of the 24 studies included in the review, most studies (79%) used exercise-based interventions, over half (63%) included activities of daily living training and/or home assessment and environment modification as intervention components, and three studies used social intervention components. Over half of the interventions (58%) were initiated in the inpatient setting and physiotherapists provided 83% of the interventions. Only seven studies (29%) involved tailored interventions based on the older adults' unique needs and progress in exercise training. Six studies (25%) enrolled patients with cognitive impairment, and only one study examined caregiver-related outcomes. Exercise-based interventions led to improved function and activity outcomes. 29 different outcome measures were reported. CONCLUSION While exercise-based multicomponent interventions have evidence for improving outcomes in this population, there is a paucity of studies, including social interventions. Further, studies with standardised outcome measures are needed, particularly focusing on supporting caregivers and the recovery of older adults with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Omar
- Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexia Cumal
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shirin Vellani
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Nursing, University of Toronto Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra Krassikova
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melanie Bayly
- Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Vivian A Welch
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Andrea Iaboni
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine S McGilton
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Wolfe A, Zhang J, Lapenskie J, Downar J, Kanji S. Stability of Dexmedetomidine in Polyvinyl Chloride Bags Containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Intended for Subcutaneous Infusions. Int J Pharm Compd 2021; 25:330-335. [PMID: 34297695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Dexmedetomidine is a sedative medication with co-analgesic effects that has been used primarily in critical care and anesthesia as a continuous intravenous infusion. Its utility in the treatment of refractory agitated delirium is being investigated in other settings including palliative care, but continuous intravenous infusions are not always feasible during end-of-life care. Subcutaneous infusions are more commonly used in this setting, but smaller volumes and higher concentrations are typically required. Investigations into stability at these higher concentrations are required to address preparation and administration feasibility issues. The objective of this research was to study the chemical stability of high-concentration dexmedetomidine 20 mcg/mL prepared in polyvinyl chloride bags with 0.9% sodium chloride and storage up to 9 days under refrigeration and room temperature conditions. A total of four solutions of dexmedetomidine 20 mcg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride were prepared in polyvinyl chloride bags under sterile conditions. Two bags were stored under refrigeration and two bags at room temperature. Duplicate samples were withdrawn from each bag at hours 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, 192, and 216 and frozen at -20°C (total of 4 samples per time point at each storage condition). These samples were thawed and transferred to glass vials prior to their analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry and pH testing. All samples of dexmedetomidine 20 mcg/mL met stability criteria by retaining more than 90% of the initial concentration after 9 days under refrigeration and room temperature. There was no evidence of precipitation or color change during the study period. The pH reduced slightly over time under both refrigerated (5.7 to 4.5) and room temperature conditions (5.7 to 4.6). Dexmedetomidine solutions of 20 mcg/mL intended for subcutaneous use were stable in polyvinyl chloride bags containing 0.9% sodium chloride for 9 days under refrigeration and room temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Wolfe
- Department of Pharmacy, Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jeremy Zhang
- Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, Clinical Investigation Unit, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - James Downar
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Bruyere Research Institute
| | - Salmaan Kanji
- Department of Pharmacy, The Ottawa Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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10
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Kunkel E, Tanuseputro P, Hsu A, Talarico R, Lapenskie J, Calder-Sprackman S, Kobewka D. Diagnostic Testing in Long-Term Care and Resident Emergency Department Visits: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:901-906.e4. [PMID: 33281039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between rapid access to radiographs, blood tests, urine cultures, and intravenous (IV) therapy in a long-term care (LTC) home with resident transfers to the emergency department (ED). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 21,811 residents living in 162 LTC homes in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We administered a survey to LTC homes to collect wait times for radiographs, basic blood tests, urine culture, and IV therapy. Rapid availability was defined as typically receiving test results within 1 or 2 days, or same-day IV therapy. We linked the survey results to administrative data and defined a cohort of residents living in survey-respondent homes between January and May 2017. We followed residents in the linked administrative databases for 6 months, until discharge, or death. Two physicians identified diagnostic codes for ED visits that were potentially preventable with rapid availability of each of the 4 resources. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated associations between potentially preventable ED visits and rapid diagnostic tests and intravenous access while controlling for demographic characteristics, illness severity, LTC home size, chain status, and physician availability. RESULTS Rapid blood tests, radiographs, urine culture, and IV therapy were available in 55%, 47%, 34%, and 45% of LTC homes, respectively. LTC homes that were part of multihome chains were less likely to have rapid access to the 4 resources. Of the 4736 residents (27%) who visited an ED during follow-up, individuals from homes with rapid access to radiographs (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.66-0.97), urine culture (0.88, 0.72-1.08), blood tests (0.83, 0.69-1.00), and IV therapy (0.93, 0.70-1.23) tended to have fewer potentially preventable ED visits. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Rapid access to diagnostic testing and IV therapy in LTC reduced ED visits. Improving access to these resources may prevent ED visits and allow residents to stay home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kunkel
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; ICES uOttawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; ICES uOttawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy Hsu
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Talarico
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; ICES uOttawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Daniel Kobewka
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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11
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Hagarty AM, Bush SH, Talarico R, Lapenskie J, Tanuseputro P. Severe pain at the end of life: a population-level observational study. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:60. [PMID: 32354364 PMCID: PMC7193354 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00569-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is a prevalent symptom at the end of life and negatively impacts quality of life. Despite this, little population level data exist that describe pain frequency and associated factors at the end of life. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of clinically significant pain at the end of life and identify predictors of increased pain. METHODS Retrospective population-level cohort study of all decedents in Ontario, Canada, from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2015 who received a home care assessment in the last 30 days of life (n = 20,349). Severe daily pain in the last 30 days of life using linked Ontario health administrative databases. Severe pain is defined using a validated pain scale combining pain frequency and intensity: daily pain of severe intensity. RESULTS Severe daily pain was reported in 17.2% of 20,349 decedents. Increased risk of severe daily pain was observed in decedents who were female, younger and functionally impaired. Those who were cognitively impaired had a lower risk of reporting pain. Disease trajectory impacted pain; those who died of a terminal illness (i.e. cancer) were more likely to experience pain than those with frailty (odds ratio 1.66). CONCLUSION Pain is a common fear of those contemplating end of life, but severe pain is reported in less than 1 in 5 of our population in the last month of life. Certain subpopulations may be more likely to report severe pain at the end of life and may benefit from earlier palliative care referral and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Meaghen Hagarty
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shirley H Bush
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4E9, Canada
| | - Robert Talarico
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4E9, Canada.,ICES, Population Health and Primary Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4E9, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. .,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. .,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Y4E9, Canada. .,ICES, Population Health and Primary Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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12
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Shaver NS, Lapenskie J, Smith GA, Hsu AT, Liddy C, Tanuseputro P. How Often, Where, and by Which Specialty Do Long-Term Care Home Residents Receive Specialist Physician Care? A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Appl Gerontol 2020; 40:837-846. [PMID: 32028821 DOI: 10.1177/0733464819901255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This retrospective cohort study describes the rates, location, and determinants of specialist physician visits among 257,216 long-term care (LTC) residents across 648 LTC homes in Ontario, Canada, between 2007 and 2016. Visit rates in the last year of life were calculated for a sub-cohort of residents who died in LTC between 2013 and 2016. Visits were measured per resident-year using physician billings. Over 10 years, the rate of visits to specialists outside the LTC home was consistently higher than within LTC (2.99 vs. 1.55 visits/resident-year). Residents were less likely to receive specialist care if they were older, had dementia, or lived in urban LTC homes. From 12 months before death to the last week of life, rates of specialist visits increased by 246% and 56% inside and outside of LTC, respectively. Improving access to physician specialist care in LTC homes may reduce burdensome transitions and improve resident quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S Shaver
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Canada
| | - Glenys A Smith
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Canada.,ICES uOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Amy T Hsu
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Canada.,ICES uOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,ICES uOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Canada.,ICES uOttawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
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13
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Scott M, Shaver N, Lapenskie J, Isenberg SR, Saunders S, Hsu AT, Tanuseputro P. Does inpatient palliative care consultation impact outcomes following hospital discharge? A narrative systematic review. Palliat Med 2020; 34:5-15. [PMID: 31581888 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319870649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While most patients desire to die at home or in a community-based hospice, the transition from hospital to community settings often lacks streamlined coordination of care to ensure that adequate support is provided in the preferred care setting. The impact of hospital-based palliative care consultations on post-discharge care and outcomes has not been extensively studied. AIM The aim of this study was to appraise available research on the impact of inpatient palliative care consultations on transitions from hospital to community settings. DESIGN We conducted a narrative systematic review and used the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool to appraise the quality of selected studies. Studies were included if they assessed the transition from hospital to community and examined outcomes after an inpatient palliative care consultation. A protocol for this study was registered and published in PROSPERO, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (ID: CRD42018094924). DATA SOURCES We searched for quantitative studies indexed in PubMED, CINAHL and Cochrane and published between 1 January 1 2000 and 11 March 2018. RESULTS Our search retrieved 2749 articles. From these, 123 articles were full-text screened and 15 studies met our inclusion criteria. Studies reported that inpatient palliative care consultations are associated with high rates of discharge to community settings, greater provision of services post-discharge, improved coordination and lower rates of rehospitalization. CONCLUSION Existing evidence suggest that inpatient palliative care consultations have a positive impact on patient outcomes and transitions to the community, demonstrating the potential to improve patient quality of life and relieve overburdened acute care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Scott
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Saunders
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy T Hsu
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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14
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McGilton K, Vellani S, Bayly M, Tanjong-Ghogomu E, Iaboni A, Lapenskie J, Welch V, Omar A. INFLUENCE OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SUPPORTS ON OUTCOMES POST-REHABILITATION FOR HIP FRACTURE SURGERY: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. Innov Aging 2019. [PMCID: PMC6841137 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igz038.2702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Older adults who sustain hip fractures encounter physical and functional decline after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Currently, a synthesis of literature is lacking on health and social supports that may impact outcomes in the community-dwelling older adults, post-discharge from rehabilitation. Methodology: We conducted a systematic review to a) evaluate how health and social supports influence outcomes for older adults and their caregivers following inpatient rehabilitation post-hip fracture surgery, and b) identify the factors that affect their impact on outcomes. We searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Psychinfo, and Ageline for publications between 2000 and 2018. We followed Cochrane Handbook methods to screen titles and abstracts, appraise quality, collect data and synthesize results. Results: A total of 3364 articles were retrieved, and 34 studies were included for final synthesis, including 24 randomized control trials and 10 observational studies. Most studies excluded persons with moderate or severe cognitive impairment. Interventions can be broadly categorized as either comprehensive care delivered by interdisciplinary teams focusing on exercise, nutrition and fracture prevention; or exercise sessions delivered by health professionals, trained instructors or volunteers. Interventions involving interdisciplinary teams demonstrated moderate improvement of mobility and functional ability in the first 3 months. However, the longitudinal effects of interventions were not realized for all. Conclusion: This review provides evidence of the effectiveness of health and social supports provided to older adults post-hip fracture. We are uncertain of the applicability to people with cognitive decline due to exclusion from most studies. Implications for practice and research will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine McGilton
- KITE, Toronto Rehab, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shirin Vellani
- KITE, Toronto Rehab, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melanie Bayly
- Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | | | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyere Research Institute
- Institut de recherche Bruyere Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
- Institut de recherche de l’Hôpital d'Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vivian Welch
- Centre for Global Health, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abeer Omar
- KITE, Toronto Rehab, University Health network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry-Anne Hogan
- , RN, PhD, is Chief Research Officer with the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Winchester, Ontario. She is also a part-time professor with the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Mohamed Gazarin
- , DPharm, is a Clinical Pharmacist with the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Winchester, Ontario
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- , HBHSc, is a Research Assistant with the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Winchester, Ontario
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