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Lucas B, Friend B, Jarrell JA, Kentor R. "Just let me go"; When suicidal ideation and goals of care collide in adolescent cancer at the end of life. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30893. [PMID: 38265262 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30893] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer in adolescents and young adults is associated with an increased risk for suicidal ideation (SI). There are no reported pediatric oncology cases describing management of SI during end of life. We present the case of a 14-year-old male with relapsed, high-risk, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia who received a haploidentical stem cell transplant and was suicidal at various points in his treatment. We discuss how to manage acute suicidality in this patient population, the importance of giving a voice to the adolescent patient, the impact of discordant goals of care, and potential preventive strategies for similar cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Lucas
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Brian Friend
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jill Ann Jarrell
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Kentor
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Camara C, Rosengarten L, Callum J. Experiences of nursing students providing end of life care for children and young people: A focus group study. Nurse Education Today 2024; 137:106147. [PMID: 38508024 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106147] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND End of life care for Children and Young People (CYP) is known to be an emotive area of practice. Previous studies involving qualified nurses have demonstrated that nurses feel they need more end-of-life care education, as well as a platform for sharing experiences and discussing them with others. Evidence relating to nursing students remains limited despite being widely acknowledged as a difficult aspect of nursing education. AIMS This study aims to help improve understanding of the lived experiences of children's nursing students who have cared for a patient at, during, or immediately following end-of-life. The study describes the emotions experienced by children's nursing students and explores the student nurses' perceptions of education and support needs around caring for CYP during end-of-life care. METHODOLOGY A qualitative inquiry methodology allowed for a pragmatic approach to design this focus group study. Nine undergraduate student children's nurses participated in two focus groups. Ethical approval was granted by the host university. Thematic data analysis using Braun and Clarke's (2019) thematic analysis was conducted. FINDINGS Six themes emerged from the data; Emotional practice (1), the heart of the care (2), a lasting impact (3), hierarchy of grief (4), experience, knowledge and understanding (5), and the value of support (6). End of life care for children and young people is recognised by students as a sad but important part of the job role, which can have a lasting impact and which students required improved education and support for. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Improved education on end-of-life care is required. This should be introduced early, encompassing practical approaches to the varied nature of end-of-life care, normalising a range of emotions and delayed responses. Furthermore, improved support is required for both student nurses and qualified staff, who are supporting students caring for CYP at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Camara
- Children and Young Peoples Nursing Northumbria University, D202 Coach Lane Campus West, Coach Lane, Benton NE7 7TR, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Leah Rosengarten
- Children and Young Peoples Nursing Northumbria University, D202 Coach Lane Campus West, Coach Lane, Benton NE7 7TR, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Jane Callum
- Children and Young Peoples Nursing Northumbria University, D202 Coach Lane Campus West, Coach Lane, Benton NE7 7TR, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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Poláková K, Brýdlová H, Uhlíř M, Peřan D, Vlčková K, Loučka M. Calling emergency medical services for terminally ill patients: a qualitative study exploring reasons why informal caregivers make the call. Eur J Emerg Med 2024; 31:195-200. [PMID: 38215271 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000001119] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although emergency medical service is focused on providing acute prehospital treatment, it is often used by terminally ill patients and their informal caregivers during the last days of patient's life. Little is known about why they decide to use the emergency medical services. STUDY OBJECTIVE The aim was to explore informal caregivers' motivation and decision-making process for calling emergency medical services for their terminally ill loved ones. METHODS This study used a qualitative design. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews with 31 relatives of 30 patients who used the emergency medical services. Data were analyzed with NVivo software by utilizing principles of thematic analysis. RESULTS Through the analysis, four distinct themes emerged: (1) limited availability of support from health care services; (2) insufficient planning of care; (3) decline in the health of the patient and (4) being lost and desperate. CONCLUSION For informal caregivers, emergency medical services represented an important source of support while caring for their terminally ill loved ones due to the limited availability of other sources of help, including a lack of specialist palliative care providers. Additionally, informal caregivers had limited knowledge of the dying process and used emergency medical services for professional advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristýna Poláková
- Centre for Palliative Care
- Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
| | | | - Marek Uhlíř
- Centre for Palliative Care
- Prague Emergency Medical Services, Prague
| | - David Peřan
- Centre for Palliative Care
- Emergency Medical Services of the Karlovy Vary Region, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine and FNKV University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Vlčková
- Centre for Palliative Care
- Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
| | - Martin Loučka
- Centre for Palliative Care
- Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
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Gibbon LM, Buck L, Schmidt L, Bogetz JF, Trowbridge A. "It's a Heavy Thing to Carry:" Internal Medicine and Pediatric Resident Experiences Caring for Dying Patients. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:492-500. [PMID: 37288486 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231181567] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residents often feel unprepared to care for dying patients and may benefit from more training. Little is known about factors in the clinical setting that promote resident learning about end of life (EOL) care. OBJECTIVES This qualitative study aimed to characterize the experiences of residents caring for dying patients and elucidate the impact of emotional, cultural, and logistical factors on learning. METHODS 6 US internal medicine and 8 pediatric residents who had cared for at least 1 dying patient completed a semi-structured one-on-one interview between 2019 and 2020. Residents described an experience caring for a dying patient including their confidence in clinical skills, emotional experience, role within the interdisciplinary team, and perspective on how to improve their education. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and investigators conducted content analysis to generate themes. RESULTS 3 themes (with subthemes) emerged: (1) experiencing strong emotion or tension (loss of patient personhood, emerging professional identity, emotional dissonance); (2) processing the experience (innate resilience, team support); and (3) recognition of a new perspective or skill (bearing witness, meaning making, recognizing biases, emotional work of doctoring). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests a model for the process by which residents learn affective skills critical to EOL care: residents (1) notice strong emotion, (2) reflect on the meaning of the emotion, and (3) crystallize this reflection into a new perspective or skill. Educators can use this model to develop educational methods that emphasize normalization of physician emotions and space for processing and professional identity formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Gibbon
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Laura Buck
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren Schmidt
- Department of Social Work, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jori F Bogetz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy Trowbridge
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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Stokar YN. Sense of failure in end of life care: Perspectives from physicians and nurses. Soc Sci Med 2024; 348:116805. [PMID: 38569282 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116805] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Limited knowledge exists regarding sensed failure resulting provision of end-of-life (EOL) care. Among medical health professionals (MHP), a sense of failure is associated with impaired patientcare and reduced worker wellbeing, including higher rates of burnout and secondary traumatic stress. As part of a larger mixed-methods study on the effects of EOL-care provision on MHP in general hospitals, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 22 physicians and nurses at three tertiary Israeli hospitals, representing a wide range of medical specialties, training, experience, and cultural backgrounds. Qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews led to the identification of the theme 'sense of failure' with the sub-themes 'sources' and 'lived meanings' of the sensed failure. Apart from the source 'losing a patient' all other identified sources were recognized as work-related risk factors, including 'unsupportive environments' and 'shortcomings of the medical practice.' Two of the lived meaning 'sense of personal responsibility' and 'moral injury' were also recognized as work-related risk factors. Surprisingly, albeit the adverse context of EOL-care, the two remaining lived meanings 'learning from failure' and 'sense of purpose' were recognized as protective resilience factors. Changes in workplace norms by focusing on leadership and mentoring programs and implementation of evidence based interventions aimed at reducing the sense of failure and enhancing feelings of purpose are recommended. Finally, the findings described in the study would benefit from continued studies on larger scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaffa Naomi Stokar
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Gallo Marin B, Oliva R, Anandarajah G. Exploring the Beliefs, Values, and Understanding of Quality End-of-Life Care in the Latino Community: A Spanish-Language Qualitative Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:508-515. [PMID: 37408485 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231188693] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Context: Hospice services are underutilized by the Latino community in the United States. Previous research has identified that language is a key barrier contributing to disparities. However, very few studies have been conducted in Spanish to specifically explore other barriers to hospice enrollment or values related to end-of-life (EOL) care in this community. Here, we remove the language barrier in order to gain an in-depth understanding of what members of the diverse Latino community in one state in the USA considers high quality EOL and barriers to hospice. Methods: This exploratory semi-structured individual interview study of Latino community members was conducted in Spanish. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Transcripts were analyzed by three researchers, using a grounded-theory approach to identify themes and sub-themes. Main Findings: Six major themes emerged: (1) concept of "a good death"-spiritual peace, family/community connection, no burdens left behind; (2) centrality of family; (3) lack of knowledge about hospice/palliative care; (4) Spanish language as critical; (5) communication style differences; and (6) necessity for cultural understanding. The central theme of "a good death" was closely linked to having the entire family physically and emotionally present. The four other themes represent interrelated, compounding barriers to achieving this "good death." Principal Conclusions: Healthcare providers and the Latino community can work together to decrease hospice utilization disparities by: actively involving family at every step; addressing misconceptions regarding hospice; conducting important conversations in Spanish; and improving provider skills in culturally sensitive care, including communication style.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rocío Oliva
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gowri Anandarajah
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Hope Hospice and Palliative Care Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
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Hollingshaus M, Smith KR, Meeks H, Ornstein K, Iacob E, Tay D, Stephens C, Utz RL. Mortality risk following end-of-life caregiving: A population-based analysis of hospice users and their families. Soc Sci Med 2024; 348:116781. [PMID: 38547806 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116781] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Experiencing the death of a family member and providing end-of-life caregiving can be stressful on families - this is well-documented in both the caregiving and bereavement literatures. Adopting a linked-lived theoretical perspective, exposure to the death and dying of one family member could be conceptualized as a significant life stressor that produces short and long-term health consequences for surviving family members. This study uses familial-linked administrative records from the Utah Population Database to assess how variations in family hospice experiences affect mortality risk for surviving spouses and children. A cohort of hospice decedents living in Utah between 1998 and 2016 linked to their spouses and adult children (n = 37,271 pairs) provides an ideal study population because 1) hospice typically involves family members in the planning and delivery of end-of-life care, and 2) hospice admission represents a conscious awareness and acknowledgment that the decedent is entering an end-of-life experience. Thus, hospice duration (measured as the time between admission and death) is a precise measure of the family's exposure to an end-of-life stressor. Linking medical records, vital statistics, and other administrative microdata to describe decedent-kin pairs, event-history models assessed how hospice duration and characteristics of the family, including familial network size and coresidence with the decedent, were associated with long-term mortality risk of surviving daughters, sons, wives (widows), and husbands (widowers). Longer hospice duration increased mortality risk for daughters and husbands, but not sons or wives. Having other family members in the state was protective, and living in the same household as the decedent prior to death was a risk factor for sons. We conclude that relationship type and sex likely modify the how of end-of-life stressors (i.e., potential caregiving demands and bereavement experiences) affect health because of normative gender roles. Furthermore, exposure to dementia deaths may be particularly stressful, especially for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Hollingshaus
- Senior Demographer, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah, United States.
| | - Ken R Smith
- Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, United States.
| | - Huong Meeks
- Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, University of Utah, United States.
| | | | - Eli Iacob
- Assistant Research Professor, College of Nursing, University of Utah, United States.
| | - Djin Tay
- Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, University of Utah, United States.
| | - Caroline Stephens
- Associate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Utah, United States.
| | - Rebecca L Utz
- Professor, Sociology Department, University of Utah, United States.
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Huang HL, Chen PJ, Mori M, Suh SY, Wu CY, Peng JK, Shih CY, Yao CA, Tsai JS, Chiu TY, Hiratsuka Y, Kim SH, Morita T, Yamaguchi T, Tsuneto S, Hui D, Cheng SY. Improved Symptom Change Enhances Quality of Dying in Patients With Advanced Cancer: An East Asian Cross-Cultural Study. Oncologist 2024; 29:e553-e560. [PMID: 37758042 PMCID: PMC10994251 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad269] [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: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptom burdens tend to increase for patients with cancer and their families over the disease trajectory. There is still a lack of evidence on the associations between symptom changes and the quality of dying and death. In this context, this research investigated how symptom changes influence the quality of dying and death. METHODS This international prospective cohort study (the East Asian Collaborative Cross-Cultural Study to Elucidate the Dying Process (EASED), 2017-2019) included 22, 11, and 4 palliative care units across Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Eligible participants were adults (Japan and Korea, ≥18 years; Taiwan, ≥20 years) with locally advanced or metastatic cancer. Physical and psychological symptoms were assessed by physicians upon admission and within 3 days before death. Death quality was assessed using the Good Death Scale (GDS), developed in Taiwan. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify correlations between symptom severity changes and GDS scores. RESULTS Among 998 patients (542 [54.3%] men and 456 [45.7%] women; mean [SD] age = 70.1 [± 12.5] years), persistent dyspnea was associated with lower GDS scores when compared to stable dyspnea (β = -0.427, 95% CI = -0.783 to -0.071). Worsened (-1.381, -1.932 to -0.831) and persistent (-1.680, -2.701 to -0.659) delirium were also significantly associated with lower GDS scores. CONCLUSIONS Better quality of dying and death was associated with improved symptom control, especially for dyspnea and delirium. Integrating an outcome measurement for the quality of dying and death is important in the management of symptoms across the disease trajectory in a goal-concordant manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Liang Huang
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Ping-Jen Chen
- Department of Family Medicine and Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Republic of China
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Republic of China
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Sang-Yeon Suh
- Department of Family Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chien-Yi Wu
- Department of Family Medicine and Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Republic of China
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Republic of China
| | - Jen-Kuei Peng
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Chih-Yuan Shih
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Chien-An Yao
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Jaw-Shiun Tsai
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Tai-Yuan Chiu
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Yusuke Hiratsuka
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
| | - Sun-Hyun Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA
| | - Shao-Yi Cheng
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China
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Schultz M, Baziliansky S, Mitnik I, Ulitzur N, Campisi-Pinto S, Givoli S, Bar-Sela G, Zalman D. Some differences between social work, spiritual care, and psychology: Content variance in end-of-life conversations. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:306-313. [PMID: 37605972 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000652] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Within the multidisciplinary team, there can sometimes be lack of clarity as to the specific different contributions of each of the psycho-social-spiritual professionals: social workers, psychologist, and spiritual caregivers. This study examined the content of their end-of-life conversations with patients. METHODS A total of 180 patients with terminal cancer received standard multidisciplinary care, including conversations with a social worker, psychologist, and spiritual caregiver. After each patient's death, these professionals reported using a structured tool which content areas had arisen in their conversations with that patient. RESULTS Across all content areas, there were significant differences between social work and spiritual care. The difference between social work and psychology was slightly smaller but still quite large. Psychology and spiritual care were the most similar, though they still significantly differed in half the content areas. The differences persisted even among patients who spoke with more than 1 kind of professional. The 6 content areas examined proved to subdivide into 2 linked groups, where patients speaking about 1 were more likely to speak about the others. One group, "reflective" topics (inner and transpersonal resources, interpersonal relationships, one's past, and end of life), included all those topics which arose more often with spiritual caregivers or psychologists. The second group, "decision-making" topics (medical coping and life changes), was comprised of those topics which arose most commonly with social workers, bridging between the medical and personal aspects of care and helping patients navigate their new physical, psychological, and social worlds. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS These findings help shed light on the differences, in practice, between patients' conversations with social workers, psychologists, and spiritual caregivers and the roles these professionals are playing; can aid in formulating individualized care plans; and strengthen the working assumption that all 3 professions contribute in unique, complementary ways to improving patients' and families' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schultz
- Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Inbal Mitnik
- Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nirit Ulitzur
- Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Simon Givoli
- Statistical Department, Midot Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gil Bar-Sela
- Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Daniela Zalman
- Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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10
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Abe A, Takeuchi M, Kobayashi M, Kohno T, Mimura M, Fujisawa D. Qualitative analysis of expressions used in the end-of-life discussions and their associated factors. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:374-380. [PMID: 37818655 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001396] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Discussing end-of-life (EOL) issues with patients remains challenging for health professionals. Physicians may use various expressions, including euphemistic ones, when disclosing the prognosis to their patients to reduce their psychological impact. However, the actual expressions of EOL disclosure in clinical practice are unclear. This study aims to investigate the expressions used in EOL disclosures and explore their associated factors. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted enrolling all the patients who died in a university-affiliated hospital. Expressions used in the EOL disclosure were qualitatively analyzed. The patients' participation rate and length from the discussion to death were investigated. RESULTS EOL disclosures were observed in 341 of 358 patients. The expressions used by the physicians were categorized into 4 groups; Group 1: Clear presentation of life expectancy (n = 106; 31.1%), Group 2: Euphemistic presentation of life expectancy (n = 24; 7.0%), Group 3: Presentation of risk of sudden death (n = 147; 43.1%), Group 4: No mention on life expectancy (n = 64; 18.8%). The proportion of male patients was higher in Group 2 (79%) and lower in Group 4 (56%). Patients with cancer accounted for approximately 70% of Groups 1 and 4, but only approximately 30% of Group 3. The patient participation rate was highest in Group4 (84.4%), followed by Group 2 (50.0%). The median time from EOL disclosure to death was longer in Groups 1 and 4 (26 and 29.5 days, respectively), compared to Groups 2 and 3 (18.5 and 16 days, respectively). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS A variety of expressions are used in EOL disclosure. Patterns of communication are influenced by patients' gender and type of illness (cancer or noncancer). Euphemisms do not seem to facilitate timely disclosure of life expectancy or patient participation. For health professionals, not only devising the expressions to alleviate their patients' distress when breaking bad news but also considering the communication process and patient background are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Abe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Palliative Care Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Takeuchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Palliative Care Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Kohno
- Department of Cardiology, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Fujisawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Palliative Care Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Patient Safety, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Karlin D, Pham C, Furukawa D, Kaur I, Martin E, Kates O, Vijayan T. State-of-the-Art Review: Use of Antimicrobials at the End of Life. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:e27-e36. [PMID: 38301076 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad735] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Navigating antibiotics at the end of life is a challenge for infectious disease (ID) physicians who remain deeply committed to providing patient-centered care and engaging in shared decision making. ID physicians, who often see patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings and maintain continuity of care for patients with refractory or recurrent infections, are ideally situated to provide guidance that aligns with patients' goals and values. Complex communication skills, including navigating difficult emotions around end-of-life care, can be used to better direct shared decision making and assist with antibiotic stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Karlin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christine Pham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daisuke Furukawa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Ishminder Kaur
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Emily Martin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Olivia Kates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tara Vijayan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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12
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Gershater MA, Brenner J, Nordberg M, Hommel A. Nurse assistants' perception of caring for older persons who are dying in their own home : An interview study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:70. [PMID: 38468298 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01399-2] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the proportion of older persons in society increases, there is a growing trend towards providing end-of-life care in their homes. Palliative care is a complex and knowledge-demanding form of care, and nurse assistants are those who work closest to the older person at the end-of-life in their own homes. However, nurse assistants sometimes have low educational and insufficient levels of knowledge in palliative care, which can affect the quality of care they provide. Moreover, nurse assistants' experiences are relatively unexplored in this context. The purpose of the study was to illuminate nurse assistants' experiences in caring for dying older persons at home. METHOD An empirical, qualitative interview study was conducted with 14 nurse assistants with experience of palliative care in homecare. The material was analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS From the nurse assistant's experiences, one main theme emerged: doing everything possible for the dying older person despite challenges. Moreover, three sub-themes emerged: making a difference at a crucial time, death awakens emotions, and balancing personal and professional relationships. The nurse assistants' saw their role primarily as relieving symptoms but also focusing on next of kin. The following are described as essential parts of their role: carrying out practical nursing tasks, focusing on the physical environment, working alone and seeking help from colleagues due to a physical distance to the other members of the multidisciplinary team. The nurse assistants experienced a lack of support as there was no structured guidance or debriefing available in difficult emotional situations. Furthermore, they disclosed that they were left alone to deal with their feelings. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that nurse assistants strive to provide comprehensive care for dying older persons despite facing obstacles from their working conditions and work organization. They lack supervision and education in palliative care, but they rely on their experience-based knowledge to a large extent and provide care according to the four cornerstones of palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Annersten Gershater
- Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Jan Waldenströms gata 25, Malmö, 206 05, Sweden.
| | - Josefin Brenner
- Department of Health and Social Care, Home Care Kungsparken, Malmö Municipality, Västra Kanalgatan 4, Malmö, 211 41, Sweden
| | - Malin Nordberg
- Department of Health and Social Care, Malmö Municipality, Villa Vikhem, Vikhems bygata 100, Staffanstorp, 245 46, Sweden
| | - Ami Hommel
- Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Jan Waldenströms gata 25, Malmö, 206 05, Sweden
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Schwartz-Attias I, Ash S, Ofir R, Ben Gal Y, Broitman M, Saeb M, Hornik-Lurie T. Gaps in pediatric oncologic end of life care as recounted by the bereaved parents in Isarel. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 75:187-195. [PMID: 38163422 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.12.025] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated parents' perception of their needs and those of their children with cancer at the end-of-life period, including unmet needs and their expectations regarding providers. DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study involved 26 parents recruited from three pediatric hematology-oncology wards in Israel who completed demographic and medical questionnaires of the child, and a parental needs questionnaire based on The Needs Assessment of Family Caregivers-Cancer questionnaire, following the death of their child. FINDINGS Parents expressed needs related to medical care, including pain management, decision-making, and finding optimal treatment options for their children. The most prominent unmet needs were financial and psychological factors, of which, paying for medical expenses and helping their child adjust to the end of their life received the highest mean scores. There were notable gaps between desired and actual support from service providers, particularly in relation to emotional aspects. While over half of the parents believed the psychosocial team should assist with their child's emotional distress, this need was not adequately fulfilled. Some parents also expressed a desire for better emotional support during the end-of-life period. CONCLUSIONS The study emphasizes the importance of understanding parents' needs and perspectives during this challenging time. The identified gaps in support can be attributed to parental roles, the struggle with losing hope, communication barriers between care teams and parents, among others. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS By gaining insight into these needs and perceptions, care teams can enhance the provision of palliative care and optimize the distribution of responsibilities within the team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irit Schwartz-Attias
- Meir Academic Nursing School, Meir Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Israel.
| | - Shifra Ash
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Haifa, Israel; Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel..
| | - Ruti Ofir
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Yael Ben Gal
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva, Israel.
| | - Marcela Broitman
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Mona Saeb
- Rambam Health Care Campus, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Haifa, Israel.
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14
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Tantardini C, Pelizzari C. [Advanced Care Planning (ACP) and Hemodialysis: a Pilot Project for the Application of Italian Law 219/2017 in Dialysis Units]. G Ital Nefrol 2024; 41:2024-vol1. [PMID: 38426684] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The law 219/2017 is the first Italian law about advanced care planning (ACP). ACP is an important part of the therapeutic relationship between patients and doctors: thanks to ACP patients can think and discuss about end of life decisions, considering clinical aspects, but also psychological, cultural, social and ethical issues. Patients prepare themselves in advance because of the possibility of future cognitive impairment, can identify a surrogate decision maker and make end-life decisions according to their goals and values. End-stage kidney disease (ESRD) is often characterized by important symptoms, psychological suffering and social disadvantage, and patients affected by ESRD often have slow physical and cognitive decline. Despite this, access to palliative care is reduced for these patients as compared to patients affected by other end-stage organ failures. This is the reason why we want to explore the possibility of applying APC to ESRD patients. This pilot study, regarding three patients from the Dialysis Unit of ASST Crema in Italy, has been conducted to verify the applicability of the law 219/2017 in Dialysis Units. It shows that we have to deeply investigate this issue from both sanitary workers' and patients' and families' points of view. We need more studies with a larger number of patients and a longer period of follow-up, but we also need to teach sanitary workers how to approach APC and to teach people what APC is and why it's so important for everyone.
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15
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Cuervo-Suarez MI, Cleves D, Duque-Nieto N, Claros-Hulbert A, Molina-Gómez K, Bolaños-Lopez JE, Tello-Cajiao ME, Baker JN, McNeil MJ, García-Quintero X. Children with cancer at the end of life in a middle-income country: integrated pediatric palliative care improves outcomes. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:31. [PMID: 38302931 PMCID: PMC10836057 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01354-1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, the Global Cancer Observatory reported 280,000 cases of childhood cancer worldwide, with a higher burden of disease and mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries. In 2022, the National Institute of Health reported 1708 new cases of childhood cancer in Colombia and an overall survival rate of approximately 55%. The aim of this study is to compare outcomes in children with cancer in the hospital setting during the last 72 h of life who received concurrent Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) versus oncology care alone. METHODS An observational descriptive study was conducted between January 2013 and June 2022 in a center for pediatric patients with oncological diagnoses. In 2017, the PPC team was created. Patients between 28 days and 17 years of age who were hospitalized at least 72 h before death were included. A retrospective review of the medical records of patients in the last 72 h of life was performed. Two cohorts were established: oncology-alone group received exclusive management by oncology, and oncology and PPC received concurrent oncology and PPC management since the diagnosis. RESULTS We evaluated 257 medical records of deceased pediatric patients with cancer diagnoses. For the first cohort (2013-2017), 136 patients were included; for the second cohort (2018 and 2022), 121 patients were evaluated. The most frequent diagnosis was leukemia [47.1% (n = 121)]. No significant difference was found in either group between dyspnea, pain, and seizures. Dyspnea was the most frequent symptom in both groups. Agitation and anxiety were reported more frequently in children from the oncology-alone group (22.1% and 13.2%, respectively). The oncology and PPC group received more psychology and social work consultation (94.2% and 70.2% vs. 84.6 and 54.4% in the oncology alone group) and had a higher percentage of advance care planning (79.3% vs. 62.5% in the oncology alone group). CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study highlights that PPC at the end of life (EoL) offers a holistic approach to the physical and psychosocial symptoms experienced by children with cancer; these patients received more comfort through symptom management and less aggressive treatment at the EoL. The availability of a PPC team may contribute to improvements in the quality of end-of-life care. TRIAL REGISTRATION retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Cuervo-Suarez
- Palliative Care Department, Fundación Valle del Lili, Avenida Simón Bolívar. Cra. 98 No.18-49, Cali, 760032, Colombia.
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Icesi, Cali, 760031, Colombia.
| | - Daniela Cleves
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Natalia Duque-Nieto
- Department of Pain and Palliative Care, Grupo Keralty, Clinica Sebastian de Belalcazar, Cali, 760044, Colombia
| | | | - Karen Molina-Gómez
- Palliative Care Department, Fundación Valle del Lili, Avenida Simón Bolívar. Cra. 98 No.18-49, Cali, 760032, Colombia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Icesi, Cali, 760031, Colombia
| | | | | | - Justin N Baker
- Division Chief, Quality of Life and Pediatric Palliative, Stanford University School of Medicine, Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Michael J McNeil
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Ximena García-Quintero
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
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16
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Sadler K, Khan S, AlGhamdi K, Alyami HH, Nancarrow L. Addressing 10 Myths About Pediatric Palliative Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:193-202. [PMID: 37144635 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231174202] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With advances in biomedical sciences, a growing number of conditions affecting children have evolved from being considered life-limiting to almost chronic diseases. However, improvements in survival rates often come at a cost of increased medical complexity and lengthy hospitalizations, which can be associated with a poorer quality of life. This is where pediatric palliative care (PPC) can play a significant role. PPC is a specialty of healthcare that focuses on the prevention and relief of suffering in children with serious conditions. Unfortunately, despite the well-identified need for PPC services across pediatric specialties, multiple misconceptions persist. Common myths about palliative care are identified and deconstructed in light of the most recent evidenced-based references in the field to provide guidance to healthcare providers to address these. PPC is often associated with end-of-life care, loss of hope, and cancer. Some healthcare providers and parents also believe that information like diagnosis should be withheld from children for their emotional protection. These examples of misconceptions hinder the integration of pediatric palliative care and its additional layer of support and clinical expertise. PPC providers have advanced communication skills, are able to instill hope in the face of uncertainty, are trained to initiate and implement individualized pain and symptom management plans, and understand how to improve the quality of life in children with serious illnesses. Improved awareness about the scope of PPC is needed to ensure that children benefit from the maximum expertise and support throughout their complex health trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Sadler
- Oncology and Liver Diseases Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saadiya Khan
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled AlGhamdi
- General Pediatrics Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad Hussain Alyami
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lori Nancarrow
- Children's Palliative Care Department, Whittington Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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17
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Shack AR, Fried I, Siedner-Weintraub Y. Palliative team involvement in end-of-life care for Jewish and Muslim children in Jerusalem: A unique clinical and cultural context. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:163-168. [PMID: 36872568 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000159] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pediatric palliative care services improve the quality of life for children with life-limiting and life-threatening diseases, although little has been published about variation based on cultural and religious factors. This article sets out to describe clinical and cultural characteristics of pediatric end-of-life patients in a majority Jewish and Muslim country with religious and legal constraints around end-of-life care. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of 78 pediatric patients who died during a 5-year period and could potentially have utilized pediatric palliative care services. RESULTS Patients reflected a range of primary diagnoses, most commonly oncologic diseases and multisystem genetic disorders. Patients followed by the pediatric palliative care team had less invasive therapies, more pain management and advance directives, and more psychosocial support. Patients from different cultural and religious backgrounds had similar levels of pediatric palliative care team follow-up but certain differences in end-of-life care. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS In a culturally and religiously conservative context that poses constraints on decision-making around end-of-life care, pediatric palliative care services are a feasible and important means of maximizing symptom relief, as well as emotional and spiritual support, for children at the end of life and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avram R Shack
- Pediatric Palliative Care Unit, Wilf Children's Hospital, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Departmet of Pediatrics, Wilf Children's Hospital, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Iris Fried
- Pediatric Palliative Care Unit, Wilf Children's Hospital, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit, Wilf Children's Hospital, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Siedner-Weintraub
- Pediatric Palliative Care Unit, Wilf Children's Hospital, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Wilf Children's Hospital, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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18
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Kidholm ML, Hvidt NC, Dieperink KB. Supportive care for elderly patients with cancer. Ugeskr Laeger 2024; 186:V06230429. [PMID: 38305319 DOI: 10.61409/v06230429] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
This review highlights the significance of supportive care for elderly patients with cancer and their caregivers. Supportive care for older patients with cancer focuses on improving their quality of life by addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects related to the treatment and care of the patient. Patient-reported outcomes and family involvement may play significant roles in providing holistic support. Interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals ensures effective treatment and enhances the patient's journey throughout the disease trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiken Langhoff Kidholm
- Forskningsenheden for Almen Praksis, Institut for Sundhedstjenesteforskning, Syddansk Universitet
| | - Niels Christian Hvidt
- Forskningsenheden for Almen Praksis, Institut for Sundhedstjenesteforskning, Syddansk Universitet
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19
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Hjorth NE, Hufthammer KO, Sigurdardottir K, Tripodoro VA, Goldraij G, Kvikstad A, Haugen DF. Hospital care for the dying patient with cancer: does an advance care planning invitation influence bereaved relatives' experiences? A two country survey. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e1038-e1047. [PMID: 34848559 PMCID: PMC10850660 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Advance care planning (ACP) is not systematically performed in Argentina or Norway. We used the post-bereavement survey of the ERANet-LAC International Care Of the Dying Evaluation (CODE) project (2017-2020) to examine the proportion of relatives who were offered an ACP conversation, the proportion of those not offered it who would have wanted it and whether the outcomes differed between those offered a conversation and those not. METHODS Relatives after cancer deaths in hospitals answered the CODE questionnaire 6-8 weeks post bereavement, by post (Norway) or interview (Argentina). Two additional questions asked if the relative and patient had been invited to a conversation about wishes for the patient's remaining lifetime, and, if not invited, whether they would have wanted such a conversation. The data were analysed using mixed-effects ordinal regression models. RESULTS 276 participants (Argentina 98 and Norway 178) responded (56% spouses, 31% children, 68% women, age 18-80+). Fifty-six per cent had been invited, and they had significantly more positive perceptions about care and support than those not invited. Sixty-eight per cent of the participants not invited would have wanted an invitation, and they had less favourable perceptions about the care, especially concerning emotional and spiritual support. CONCLUSIONS Relatives who had been invited to a conversation about wishes for the patient's remaining lifetime had more positive perceptions about patient care and support for the relatives in the patient's final days of life. A majority of the relatives who had not been invited to an ACP conversation would have wanted it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Elisabeth Hjorth
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine K1, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Specialist Palliative Care Team, Department of Anaesthesia and Surgical Services, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Katrin Sigurdardottir
- Specialist Palliative Care Team, Department of Anaesthesia and Surgical Services, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Vilma Adriana Tripodoro
- Pallium Latinoamérica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Medicas Alfredo Lanari, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriel Goldraij
- Internal Medicine/Palliative Care Program, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Anne Kvikstad
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Palliative Medicine Unit, Cancer Clinic, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dagny Faksvåg Haugen
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine K1, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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20
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Kustanti CY, Chu H, Kang XL, Pien LC, Chen R, Tsai HT, Chou KR. Anticipatory grief prevalence among caregivers of persons with a life-threatening illness: A meta-analysis. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e1074-e1083. [PMID: 35149523 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caring for a family member with a life-threatening illness may lead to increased levels of psychological morbidity. Given the lack of recognition of caregivers' grief, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anticipatory grief disorders in caregivers of persons with a life-threatening illness for better intervention and management. METHODS CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched up to 21 March 2021 without language and time restrictions. The quality of the included studies was assessed with Hoy's criteria. A random-effects model was applied to calculate pooled prevalence rates, and multi-regression was performed to examine heterogeneity among studies. RESULTS A total of 3278 citations were retrieved, and 18 studies met the eligibility criteria involving 5470 caregivers. The pooled prevalence of anticipatory grief was 24.78% (95% CI 19.04% to 30.99%). The prevalence rates were significantly higher in female caregivers (16.64%; 95% CI 12.24% to 21.53%) compared with male caregivers (6.11%; 95% CI 4.55% to 7.87%). The married group also had a higher risk (14.66%; 95% CI 10.66% to 19.16%) than single group (5.47%; 95% CI 4.31% to 6.76%). CONCLUSIONS The overall pooled prevalence is substantially higher compared with after-loss grief in the general population and supported the presumptions that preloss grief has a greater magnitude compared with after-loss grief. Bereavement support, educational programmes and relevant resources should be delivered even before the actual loss to address the burden of caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Yeni Kustanti
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bethesda Yakkum, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Hsin Chu
- Institute of Aerospace and Undersea Medicine, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Xiao Linda Kang
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, PA, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Li-Chung Pien
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ruey Chen
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ting Tsai
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Ru Chou
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Nursing and Healthcare Research in Clinical Practice Application, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Younis WY, Hamdan-Mansour AM. Status and predictors of medical students' knowledge and attitude towards palliative care in Jordan: a cross-sectional study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:9. [PMID: 38172779 PMCID: PMC10763167 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01338-7] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care focuses on the ability of medical students to use their expanded experiences and knowledge; however, basic medical education does not provide adequate knowledge and skills regarding palliative and end-of-life care. This study designed to examine knowledge related to palliative care and attitudes toward dying people among medical students in Jordan. METHODS Cross-sectional, descriptive design was used in this study. A total of 404 medical students were recruited using convenience sampling techniques from six medical programs. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire in relation to knowledge and attitudes regarding palliative care and dying persons using Palliative Care Assessment Knowledge (PCAK) and Frommelt Attitudes toward Care of the Dying Scale Form B (FATCOD-B). RESULTS Medical students have a moderate level of knowledge related to palliative care in (PCAK) part1 subscale about; pain managing (n = 156, 38.6 %), managing other palliative care symptoms (n = 164, 40.6 %), and in witnesses' family counseling and breaking bad news discussion (n = 178, 44.1 %). However, medical students have inadequate knowledge concerning the palliative care in part-2of the scale. Furthermore, students have positive attitudes towards caring for dying patients with mean score of 108.76 (SD = 8.05). The highest ranked attitude subscales were; Fairs/Malaise (M = 29.03, SD = 4.28), Communication (M = 21.39, SD = 2.51) and Relationship (M = 18.31, SD = 1.55). There was a significant difference in attitudes in relation to gender (t = -5.14, p < 0.001) with higher female mean score (M = 109.97) than males (M = 105.47). Also significant difference found among those who are exposed to Palliative Care and those who are not (t = -6.33, p < 0.001) with higher mean score of those exposed to palliative acre courses (M=298) than those who did not (M=106). CONCLUSION Improving knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding palliative and end of life care should be highlighted to medical educators and medical schools need to incorporate palliative and end-of-life care into medical curricula across all levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wejdan Y Younis
- Clinical Nursing Department, School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
- School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
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22
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Hirani R, Khuram H, Elahi A, Maddox PA, Pandit M, Issani A, Etienne M. The Need for Improved End-of-Life Care Medical Education: Causes, Consequences, and Strategies for Enhancement and Integration. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:5-7. [PMID: 36854581 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231161605] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
End-of-life (EOL) care is a unique area of medicine that emphasizes holistic patient-centered care. It requires clinicians to consider a patients' mental, emotional, spiritual, social and physical comforts and engage patients and their families in complex discussions and decisions. It is an area of medicine that requires sensitivity in communication in order to respond to a wide range of emotions from patients and their families. Given these intricacies, it is essential that healthcare professional trainees are exposed early in their careers so they can be better equipped to address EOL situations effectively. While many medical schools have integrated this important element in pre-clinical education, a formalized and standardized curriculum could allow for students to better engage in EOLcare scenarios that they will face as future physicians. In this editorial, we discuss potential strategies to incorporate EOL care didactics and experiential learning earlier in medical education as well as the consequences of inadequate EOL care education, particularly in medical schools, in its current state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Hirani
- New York Medical College School of Medicine, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Hassan Khuram
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Aria Elahi
- The Robert Larner, MD College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Parker Alan Maddox
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Maya Pandit
- New York Medical College School of Medicine, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Ali Issani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mill Etienne
- New York Medical College School of Medicine, Valhalla, NY, United States
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Wachterman MW, Smith D, Carpenter JG, Griffin HL, Thorpe J, Feder SL, Hoelter J, Ersek M, Shreve S, Kutney-Lee A. A comparison of end-of-life care quality for Veterans receiving hospice in VA nursing homes and community nursing homes. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:59-68. [PMID: 37947240 PMCID: PMC10842969 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18606] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the Veterans Health Administration (VA) has long provided hospice care within VA community living centers (CLCs, i.e., VA nursing homes), an increasing number of Veterans are receiving hospice in VA-contracted community nursing homes (CNHs). However, little data exist about the quality of end-of-life (EOL) care provided in CNHs. The aim of this study was to compare family ratings of the quality of EOL care provided to Veterans receiving hospice in VA CLCs and VA-contracted CNHs. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of national data from VA's electronic medical record and Bereaved Family Survey (BFS) for Veterans who received hospice in VA CLCs or VA-contracted CNHs between October 2021 and March 2022. The final sample included 1238 Veterans who died in either a CLC (n = 1012) or a CNH (n = 226) and whose next-of-kin completed the BFS. Our primary outcome was the BFS global rating of care received in the last 30 days of life. Secondary outcomes included BFS items related to symptom management, communication, emotional and spiritual support, and information about burial and survivor benefits. We compared unadjusted and adjusted proportions for all BFS outcomes between those who received hospice in CLCs and CNHs. RESULTS The adjusted proportion of family members who gave the best possible rating (a score of 9 or 10 out of a possible 10) for the overall care received near EOL was more than 13 percentage points higher for Veterans who received hospice in VA CLCs compared to VA-contracted CNHs. Our findings also revealed quality gaps of even greater magnitude in specific EOL care-focused domains. CONCLUSIONS Our findings document inadequacies in the quality of multiple aspects of EOL care provided to Veterans in CNH-based hospice and illuminate the urgent need for policy and practice interventions to improve this care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa W Wachterman
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Veterans Affairs Boston Health Care System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dawn Smith
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joan G Carpenter
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hillary L Griffin
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua Thorpe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shelli L Feder
- Yale University School of Nursing, Orange, Connecticut, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-Morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jillian Hoelter
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Ersek
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott Shreve
- US Department of Veteran Affairs, Hospice and Palliative Care Program, Washington, DC, USA
- Lebanon VA Medical Center, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ann Kutney-Lee
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Zhang S, Hu RR, Zhu WB, Xia JH, Chen LM, Qin Y, Ning XH. [Palliative Care for End-Stage Renal Disease:A Case Report and Literature Review]. Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao 2023; 45:961-965. [PMID: 38173108 DOI: 10.3881/j.issn.1000-503x.15680] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Since end-stage renal disease leads to a variety of problems such as disability,reduced quality of life,and mental and psychological disorders,it has become a serious public health problem around the globe.Renal palliative care integrates palliative care philosophy in the care for patients with end-stage renal disease.As a planned,comprehensive,patient-centered care,renal palliative care focuses on the patient's symptoms and needs,aiming to reduce the suffering throughout the course of the disease,including but not limited to end-of-life care.This study reports the palliative care practice for a patient on maintenance dialysis in the Blood Purification Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital and reviews the present situation of palliative care in end-stage renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100730,China
| | - Rong-Rong Hu
- Department of Nephrology, PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100730,China
| | - Wen-Bo Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100730,China
| | - Jing-Hua Xia
- Department of Nephrology, PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100730,China
| | - Li-Meng Chen
- Department of Nephrology, PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100730,China
| | - Yan Qin
- Department of Nephrology, PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100730,China
| | - Xiao-Hong Ning
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100730,China
- Palliative Medicine Center, PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100730,China
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25
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Hirsh CD, Grossoehme DH, Tsirambidis H, Richner G, Friebert S. End of Life Therapeutic Videography in Pediatrics: Feasibility and Acceptability. Omega (Westport) 2023; 88:465-476. [PMID: 35105195 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211046793] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of using videography to alleviate the stress of anticipatory mourning in pediatric palliative care patients. A secondary aim was to expand palliative/end of life care research by performing a more comprehensive examination of children's experiences with life-shortening illness. Methods: Eligible patients ages eight and older made a legacy video with the assistance of investigative staff and completed a questionnaire to evaluate their emotional states before and after making the video. Bereaved parents also received a questionnaire to assess the impact of the legacy. Results: Nine patients enrolled and eight completed the study through the therapeutic exit interview. Most reported decreased anxiety and a positive experience. Conclusion: Therapeutic videography is feasible and acceptable to accomplish and can improve the emotional state of participants. Conducting research requiring active participation of patients very near the end of life proved to be challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra D Hirsh
- Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Daniel H Grossoehme
- Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Haralambos Tsirambidis
- Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Richner
- Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Sarah Friebert
- Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
- Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA
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Ali HJ, Sahay S. End-of-Life and Palliative Care Issues for Patients Living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Barriers and Opportunities. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 44:866-876. [PMID: 37459883 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770124] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, incurable disease that results in significant symptom burden, health care utilization, and eventually premature death. Despite the advancements made in treatment and management strategies, survival has remained poor. End-of-life care is a challenging issue in management of PAH, especially when patients are in younger age group. End-of-life care revolves around symptom palliation and reducing psychosocial disease burden for a dying patient and entails advanced care planning that are often challenging. Thus, support from palliative care specialist becomes extremely important in these patients. Early introduction to palliative care in patients with high symptom burden and psychosocial suffering is suggested. Despite of the benefits of an early intervention, palliative care remains underutilized in patients with PAH, and this significantly raises issues around end-of-life care in PAH. In this review, we will discuss the opportunities offered and the existing barriers in addressing high symptom burden and end-of-life care issues. We will focus on the current evidence, identify areas for future research, and provide a call-to-action for better guidance to PAH specialists in making timely, appropriate interventions that can help mitigate end-of-life care issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon-Ju Ali
- Department of Cardiology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Sandeep Sahay
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Houston Methodist Lung Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
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Chang WP, Lin YK. Influence of basic attributes and attitudes of nurses toward death on nurse turnover: A prospective study. Int Nurs Rev 2023; 70:476-484. [PMID: 35768904 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facing patient death is an unavoidable aspect of work for nurses working in healthcare settings. The attitudes of nurses toward death, however, can exert a negative psychological impact on themselves that can even cause them to quit this occupation. AIM The objective of this study was to explore the attitudes of nurses toward death, the factors influencing said attitudes, and whether nurses basic attributes and attitudes toward death were associated with their future turnover behavior. METHOD A prospective study design was adopted. The recruitment period ran from October 2017 to March 2018. A total of 323 nurses completed a basic attributes survey as well as the Death Attitude Profile-Revised questionnaire and were followed until May 30, 2021. The factors influencing turnover were then analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard model. The STROBE checklist was used for reporting in this study. RESULTS Age was found to be significantly associated with fear of death and death avoidance. Compared with nurses with no religion, nurses who were Buddhists/Taoists were more inclined toward neutral acceptance in their attitude toward death, whereas those who were Christians/Catholics were more inclined toward escape acceptance. Nurses with less than three years of work experience were more likely to resign earlier than those with more than 3 years of work experience. Fear of death and approach acceptance could be used to predict turnover. CONCLUSIONS Younger nurses were more likely to exhibit fear of death and escape behavior, and those with less work experience or a greater fear of death were more likely to resign. Nurses with religious beliefs could accept patient death more positively, whereas those who faced death with positive approach acceptance displayed reductions in turnover. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY Younger nurses should receive more education regarding death early in their training. Hospitals should also offer more education from a religious aspect in order to reduce turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Pei Chang
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Kuang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Todt K. Caring for Appalachians With Intravenous Drug Use-Associated Infective Endocarditis at End of Life: A Phenomenological Secondary Data Analysis. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2023; 25:330-335. [PMID: 37697471 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000976] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of nurses caring for patients with intravenous drug use-associated infective endocarditis at the end of life in Appalachia. This study was a secondary analysis of 9 phenomenological unstructured interviews conducted by the author with nurses as part of a study exploring their lived experiences caring for this population. Data were analyzed using van Manen's 6-step approach. The analysis revealed 5 themes: (1) care at the end of life as a resolve to care for lost causes, (2) care at the end of life as an act of courageous communication, (3) care at the end of life as a resolve to endure chaos, (4) care at the end of life as a resolve to protect self and others, and (5) care at the end of life as a resolve to carry on and let go. Nurses perceived patients who use injection drugs as being at the end of life with eventual death. Patients with recurrent infective endocarditis from drug use are viewed as lost causes. To empower nurses, they need to be at the table of surgical decision making. Communication being one of a nurse's greatest tools, end-of-life communication education is needed. Administrative support should be a standard to safeguard nurses when dealing with emotionally challenging situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendrea Todt
- Kendrea Todt, PhD, RN, CNE, is assistant professor and honors coordinator, College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
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29
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Tong-Hui S, Qi L, Xiao-Li R, Guo-Qin Y, Li-Ping W, Lin W. Chinese Neonatal Nurses' Lived Experiences of Providing End-of-Life Care in the NICU: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study. Adv Neonatal Care 2023; 23:532-540. [PMID: 38038670 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000001113] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although end-of-life care (EOLC) has been well-studied, the experience of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses in China, where little EOLC training is provided, requires further investigation. PURPOSE To explore the lived experience of EOLC delivery among NICU nurses, to provide evidence to enhance nurses' EOLC skills and improve their overall quality. METHODS This qualitative study adopted a phenomenological approach. A total of 11 NICU nurses participated in semistructured in-depth interviews between June and July 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Colaizzi's 7-step method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Five main themes were identified: (a) multiple emotions are experienced during EOLC delivery; (b) EOLC delivery is stressful from various sources for nurses; (c) expressing empathy and compassion is important; (d) ethical and clinical decision-making are key components of EOLC delivery; and (e) there are challenges in improving neonatal EOLC understanding and delivery. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH The experience of EOLC among Chinese NICU nurses is multidimensional and intensive. Institutions or units must establish and implement related protocols and guidelines to address differences between clinical practice and ideal protocols for neonatal EOLC. Educational programs that consider nurses' personal and interpersonal factors, including local culture, must be developed. Neonatal nurses in Western countries encountering Chinese-born parents who have lost their infants can gain an understanding of parents' perceptions from this study. Future research should focus on developing and testing interventions to train and support NICU nurses working with end-of-life neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suo Tong-Hui
- Department of Nursing & NICU, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui
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de Graeff A, Ausems MJE. [More focus on palliative care]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2023; 167:D7809. [PMID: 37994722] [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: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Palliative care: •is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness or frailty; •is not restricted to terminal care; •is started early in the trajectory of all life-threatening illnesses (oncological and non-oncological); •requires specific knowledge, communication skills and attitude, and an interdisciplinary approach; •requires a systematic approach for complaints and problems in all domains; •addresses all domains: physical, psychological, social and spiritual; •looks for a balance between disease-oriented and symptom-oriented treatment; •includes advance care planning and a careful exploration of a death wish. In this paper all these aspects are explored. Sources of information and possibilities for advice in complex situations are provided.
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Chen X, Su M, Arber A, Qiao C, Wu J, Sun C, Wang D, Zhou H, Zhu Z. Exploring the variations in death anxiety among oncology nurses in China: a latent class analysis. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:176. [PMID: 37946173 PMCID: PMC10634125 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01282-6] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various factors have been found to be associated with high levels of death anxiety experienced by oncology nurses. The aim of this study was to use a person-oriented approach to examine the death anxiety patterns of Chinese oncology nurses and to analyze the differences in anxiety characteristics and their associated influencing factors. METHODS A cross-sectional survey regarding palliative care among registered oncology nurses was conducted in Jiangsu Province, China.Latent class analyses was applied to identify their patterns of death anxiety. The score of PCQN-C (The Chinese version of the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing) and FATCOD-B-C (The Chinese version of the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying scale), the demographic and working characteristics were further analyzed through covariance analysis (ANCOVA) and multivariate (or logistic) regression across the subgroups. RESULTS A two-potential-category model was selected based on the fit index. The results showed that 79% of oncology nurses belonged to the high pressure and pain group and 21% belonged to the low death anxiety group. The high pressure and pain group had significantly higher scores in the dimensions of emotion, stress and pain, time awareness, and cognition compared to the low death anxiety group. Factors influencing the high pressure and pain group included shorter working years, non-national or provincial oncology nursing specialists, non-national palliative care specialists, never discussing the topic of death with patients or family members, no palliative care related training, and PCQN and FATCOD scores. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that oncology nurses' death anxiety can be divided into two categories: low death anxiety and high stress pain, and certain factors, such as being female, having a short work experience, and lacking palliative care-related training, increase the likelihood of death anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Chen
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Mengyu Su
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Anne Arber
- School of Health and Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Chengping Qiao
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Jinfeng Wu
- Geriatrics Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Cuihua Sun
- Jiangsu Nursing Association, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Oncology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, Nanjing, 210004, China.
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Carmona-Bayonas A, Rodriguez-Gonzalez A, García-García T, Velasco-Durantez V, Hernández-San Gil R, Cruz-Castellanos P, Fernandez-Montes A, Castillo-Trujillo A, Ballester I, Rogado J, Calderon C, Jimenez-Fonseca P. Can Oncologists Prompt Patient Prognostic Awareness to Enhance Decision-Making? Data From the NEOetic Study. Oncologist 2023; 28:986-995. [PMID: 37185783 PMCID: PMC10628594 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad100] [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: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anti-neoplastic therapy improves the prognosis for advanced cancer, albeit it is not curative. An ethical dilemma that often arises during patients' first appointment with the oncologist is to give them only the prognostic information they can tolerate, even at the cost of compromising preference-based decision-making, versus giving them full information to force prompt prognostic awareness, at the risk of causing psychological harm. METHODS We recruited 550 participants with advanced cancer. After the appointment, patients and clinicians completed several questionnaires about preferences, expectations, prognostic awareness, hope, psychological symptoms, and other treatment-related aspects. The aim was to characterize the prevalence, explanatory factors, and consequences of inaccurate prognostic awareness and interest in therapy. RESULTS Inaccurate prognostic awareness affected 74%, conditioned by the administration of vague information without alluding to death (odds ratio [OR] 2.54; 95% CI, 1.47-4.37, adjusted P = .006). A full 68% agreed to low-efficacy therapies. Ethical and psychological factors oriented first-line decision-making, in a trade-off in which some lose quality of life and mood, for others to gain autonomy. Imprecise prognostic awareness was associated with greater interest in low-efficacy treatments (OR 2.27; 95% CI, 1.31-3.84; adjusted P = .017), whereas realistic understanding increased anxiety (OR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.01-2.65; adjusted P = 0.038), depression (OR 1.96; 95% CI, 1.23-3.11; adjusted P = .020), and diminished quality of life (OR 0.47; 95% CI, 0.29-0.75; adjusted P = .011). CONCLUSION In the age of immunotherapy and targeted therapies, many appear not to understand that antineoplastic therapy is not curative. Within the mix of inputs that comprise inaccurate prognostic awareness, many psychosocial factors are as relevant as the physicians' disclosure of information. Thus, the desire for better decision-making can actually harm the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Carmona-Bayonas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, University of Murcia, UMU, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Adán Rodriguez-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Teresa García-García
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario Santa Lucia, Cartagena, Spain
| | - Verónica Velasco-Durantez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | | | - Ana Fernandez-Montes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Orense, Spain
| | - Alfredo Castillo-Trujillo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Ballester
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, University of Murcia, UMU, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jacobo Rogado
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
| | - Caterina Calderon
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology. University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Jimenez-Fonseca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, ISPA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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Gotanda H, Zhang JJ, Reuben DB, Walling AM, Xu H, Jena AB, Gross N, Tsugawa Y. Association between physicians' geriatric training and patterns of end-of-life care delivered to persons with dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:3457-3466. [PMID: 37470082 PMCID: PMC10799178 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18510] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geriatric training is designed to prepare physicians to meet the complex needs of older adults, including persons with dementia at the end-of-life (EOL) stage. We sought to compare patterns of EOL care delivered to persons with dementia between physicians with versus without geriatric training. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of a 20% random sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with dementia who died in 2016-2018 (n = 99,631). We attributed beneficiaries to a physician who had the largest number of primary care visits during the last 6 months of life and determined whether the physician was trained in geriatrics. Our outcome measures included: (i) advance care planning (ACP) and palliative care (e.g., ACP, hospice enrollment in the last 90 days of life), and (ii) high-intensity EOL care (e.g., emergency department visits or hospital admissions in the last 30 days of life). RESULTS Beneficiaries with dementia under the care of physicians with geriatric training had a higher proportion of ACP (adjusted proportion, 15.8% vs. 13.0%; p < 0.001 after accounting for multiple comparisons), palliative care counseling (22.4% vs. 20.9%; p = 0.01), and hospice enrollment (63.7% vs. 60.6%; p < 0.001). Geriatric training was also associated with a lower proportion of emergency department visits (55.1% vs. 59.1%; p < 0.001), hospital admissions (48.8% vs. 52.3%; p < 0.001), ICU admissions (24.9% vs. 27.4%; p < 0.001), use of mechanical ventilation (11.2% vs. 13.0%; p < 0.001), and use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (2.1% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.03) in the last 30 days of life. There was no evidence that the placement of feeding tubes differed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Physicians' geriatric training was associated with the receipt of more ACP and palliative care and less intensive EOL care among persons with dementia. Provision of geriatric training for physicians may have the potential to improve the quality of EOL care delivered to persons with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Gotanda
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jessica J. Zhang
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - David B Reuben
- Multicampus Program in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Anne M Walling
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Haiyong Xu
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Anupam B. Jena
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Yusuke Tsugawa
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA
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Abstract
Hastened death practices are legal in several countries. Psychologists are increasingly taking a more active role in end-of-life issues, but the role of psychologists in requests to hasten death is not established. This study aims to contribute guidance for psychological practice in the context of requests to hasten death. We conducted a cross-sectional and cross-cultural study with Psychologists from Portugal and Luxembourg who answer closed and open questions to provide views about their role in hastened death. Psychological assessment, psychological support to patient and family, the exploration of patient decision-making and reorientation of patients were viewed as roles for psychologists. However, these roles may differ depending whether the patient has a terminal or non-terminal illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Marina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tony Wainwright
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Miguel Ricou
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
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Alshammari F, Sim J, Lapkin S, McErlean G. Registered Nurses' attitudes towards end-of-life care: A sequential explanatory mixed method study. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:7162-7174. [PMID: 37300363 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16787] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To examine registered nurses' attitudes about end-of-life care and explore the barriers and facilitators that influence the provision of high-quality end-of-life care. DESIGN A sequential explanatory mixed methods research design was used. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to 1293 registered nurses working in five different hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Frommelt Attitudes Towards Care of the Dying Scale was used to assess nurses' attitudes towards end-of-life care. Following the survey, a subset of registered nurses were interviewed using individual semi-structured interviews. RESULTS Four hundred and thirty-one registered nurses completed the online survey, and 16 of them participated in individual interviews. Although nurses reported positive attitudes towards caring for dying patients and their families in most items, they identified negative attitudes towards talking with patients about death, their relationship with patients' families and controlling their emotions. The individual interview data identified the barriers and facilitators that registered nurses experience when providing end-of-life care. Barriers included a lack of communication skills and family and cultural and religious resistance to end-of-life care. The facilitators included gaining support from colleagues and patients' families. CONCLUSION This study has identified that while registered nurses hold generally favourable attitudes towards end-of-life care, they have negative attitudes towards talking with patients and families about death and managing their emotional feelings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Education providers and leaders in healthcare settings should consider developing programmes for undergraduate nurses and nurses in clinical practice to raise awareness about the concept of death in a cross-section of cultures. Nurses' attitudes towards dying patients will be enhanced with culture-specific knowledge which will also enhance communication and coping methods. REPORTING METHOD This study used the Mixed Methods Article Reporting Standards (MMARS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares Alshammari
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jenny Sim
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery & Health Development, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samuel Lapkin
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gemma McErlean
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Colburn B, Johnston B. Palliative sedation: autonomy, suffering, and euthanasia. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2023; 17:214-218. [PMID: 37428181 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000665] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This contemporary and novel review of palliative sedation explores some of the distinctive ethical problems associated with that intervention. It is timely in light of recent reviews of palliative care guidelines on the topic and given the current public debates around the related but distinct practice of euthanasia. RECENT FINDINGS The main themes discussed are patient autonomy, the nature of suffering and how to alleviate it, and the relationship between palliative sedation and euthanasia. SUMMARY First, palliative sedation poses a significant problem for patient autonomy, both in terms of securing informed consent and in terms of the ongoing effect on individual well-being. Second, as an intervention to alleviate suffering, it is appropriate only in limited cases and counterproductive in others, for example, where an individual values their ongoing psychological or social agency more than the relief of pain or negative experience. Third, people's ethical views about palliative sedation are often coloured by their understanding of the legal and moral status of assisted dying and euthanasia; this is unhelpful and occludes the interesting and urgent ethical questions raised by palliative sedation as a distinct end-of-life intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bridget Johnston
- School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Piette V, Deliens L, Debulpaep S, Cohen J, Beernaert K. Appropriateness of end-of-life care for children with genetic and congenital conditions: a cohort study using routinely collected linked data. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:3857-3869. [PMID: 37328636 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05030-z] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the appropriateness of end-of-life care for children with genetic and congenital conditions. This is a decedent cohort study. We used 6 linked, Belgian, routinely collected, population-level databases containing children (1-17) who died with genetic and congenital conditions in Belgium between 2010 and 2017. We measured 22 quality indicators, face-validated using a previously published RAND/UCLA methodology. Appropriateness of care was defined as the overall "expected health benefit" of given healthcare interventions within a healthcare system exceeding expected negative outcomes. In the 8-year study period, 200 children were identified to have died with genetic and congenital conditions. Concerning appropriateness of care, in the last month before death, 79% of children had contact with specialist physicians, 17% had contact with a family physician, and 5% received multidisciplinary care. Palliative care was used by 17% of the children. Concerning inappropriateness of care, 51% of the children received blood drawings in the last week before death, and 29% received diagnostics and monitoring (2 or more magnetic resonance imaging scans, computed tomography scans, or X-rays) in the last month. Conclusion: Findings suggest end-of-life care could be improved in terms of palliative care, contact with a family physician and paramedics, and diagnostics and monitoring in the form of imaging. What is Known: • Previous studies suggest that end-of life care for children with genetic and congenital conditions may be subject to issues with bereavement, psychological concerns for child and family, financial cost at the end of life, decision-making when using technological interventions, availability and coordination of services, and palliative care provision. Bereaved parents of children with genetic and congenital conditions have previously evaluated end-of-life care as poor or fair, and some have reported that their children suffered a lot to a great deal at the end of life. • However, no peer-reviewed population-level quality evaluation of end-of-life care for this population is currently present. What is New: • This study provides an evaluation of the appropriateness of end-of-life care for children who died in Belgium with genetic and congenital conditions between 2010 and 2017, using administrative healthcare data and validated quality indicators. The concept of appropriateness is denoted as relative and indicative within the study, not as a definitive judgement. • Our study suggests improvements in end-of-life care may be possible, for instance, in terms of the provision of palliative care, contact with care providers next to the specialist physician, and diagnostics and monitoring in terms of imaging (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scans). Further empirical research is necessary, for instance, into unforeseen and foreseen end-of-life trajectories, to make definitive conclusions about appropriateness of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle Piette
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sara Debulpaep
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Kissane DW, Bobevski I, Appleton J, Michael N, King T, Moss G, Eng D, White A, Carboon D, Eade R, Keighley L. Real World Experience of Change in Psycho-Existential Symptoms in Palliative Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:212-220.e2. [PMID: 37290732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Psycho-existential symptoms in palliative care are addressed insufficiently. Routine screening, ongoing monitoring and meaningful treatment of psycho-existential symptoms may contribute to the relief of suffering in palliative care. OBJECTIVES We sought to explore longitudinal change in psycho-existential symptoms following the routine implementation of the Psycho-existential Symptom Assessment Scale (PeSAS) in Australian palliative care services. METHODS Using a multisite rolling design, we implemented the PeSAS to longitudinally monitor symptoms in a cohort of 319 patients. We assessed change scores for each symptom in groups with mild (≤3), moderate (4-7) and severe (≥8) symptomatology at baseline. We tested significance between these groups and used regression analyses to identify predictors. RESULTS While one half of patients denied clinically important psycho-existential symptoms, for the remainder, overall, more patients improved than deteriorated. Between 20% and 60% of patients with moderate and severe symptoms improved, while another 5%-25% developed new symptom distress. Patients with severe baseline scores improved significantly more than those with moderate baseline scores. CONCLUSION As we better recognize through screening patients carrying psycho-existential distress in palliative care programs, there is considerable room for improvement in ameliorating this suffering. Inadequate clinical skills, poor psychosocial staffing or a biomedical program culture may all contribute to inadequate symptom control. Person-centered care necessitates greater attention to authentic multidisciplinary care that ameliorates psycho-spiritual and existential distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Kissane
- School of Medicine (D.W.K., I.B., J.A., N.M.), University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia; St. Vincent's Hospital (D.W.K., J.A.), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Cabrini Health (D.W.K., I.B., N.M., L.K.), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Clinical Sciences (D.W.K., I.B., N.M., D.C.), Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Irene Bobevski
- School of Medicine (D.W.K., I.B., J.A., N.M.), University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia; Cabrini Health (D.W.K., I.B., N.M., L.K.), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Clinical Sciences (D.W.K., I.B., N.M., D.C.), Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Appleton
- School of Medicine (D.W.K., I.B., J.A., N.M.), University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia; St. Vincent's Hospital (D.W.K., J.A.), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Michael
- School of Medicine (D.W.K., I.B., J.A., N.M.), University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia; Cabrini Health (D.W.K., I.B., N.M., L.K.), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Clinical Sciences (D.W.K., I.B., N.M., D.C.), Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tania King
- Eastern Palliative Care (T.K.), Victoria, Australia
| | - Graham Moss
- Clare Holland House (G.M.), Canberra, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Derek Eng
- Royal Perth Hospital (D.E., A.W.), Perth, Australia
| | - Alison White
- Royal Perth Hospital (D.E., A.W.), Perth, Australia; St. John of God Murdoch Community Hospice (A.W.), Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Danielle Carboon
- School of Clinical Sciences (D.W.K., I.B., N.M., D.C.), Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Eade
- Eastern Health (R.E.), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luka Keighley
- Cabrini Health (D.W.K., I.B., N.M., L.K.), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Heradstveit SH, Larsen MH, Solberg MT, Steindal SA. Critical care nurses' role in the decision-making process of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment: A qualitative systematic review. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:6012-6027. [PMID: 37082871 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16728] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
AIM To synthesise the qualitative evidence regarding the role of critical care nurses in the decision-making process of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment in critically ill adults. DESIGN Qualitative systematic review. REVIEW METHODS This qualitative systematic review employed the guidelines of Bettany-Saltikov and McSherry. The review was reported according to the ENTREQ checklist. Pairs of authors independently assessed eligibility, appraised methodological quality and extracted data. Data were synthesised using thematic synthesis. DATA SOURCES CINAHL, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for studies published between January 2001 and November 2021. RESULTS Twenty-three studies were included. Three analytical themes were synthesised: performing ethical decision-making to safeguard patients' needs rights, and wishes; tailoring a supporting role to guide the family's decision-making process; and taking on the role of the middleman by performing coordination. CONCLUSION The role of the critical care nurses in the decision-making process in withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment requires experience and the development of the clinical perspective of critical care nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE Enhanced knowledge of the decision-making process of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment can prepare critical care nurses to be more equipped to master this role and enhance their ability to handle the emotional and moral stress associated with this part of the critical care unit. IMPACT The literature reveals the complex and challenging role of critical care nurses during the decision-making process of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. Critical care nurses perform ethical decision-making to safeguard patients' concerns, guide the family's decision-making process and take on the role of the middleman. The findings have implications for critical nurses working in critical care units in hospitals and for educators and students in training in critical care nursing. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution was included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Hammersland Heradstveit
- Department for Postgraduate Studies, Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Pediatric Intensive Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Hamilton Larsen
- Department for Postgraduate Studies, Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Trygg Solberg
- Department for Postgraduate Studies, Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Simen A Steindal
- Department for Postgraduate Studies, Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
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Viitala A, Åstedt-Kurki P, Lehto JT, Palonen M. 'I am still valuable' - A qualitative study of incurable cancer patients coping in hospice care. Scand J Caring Sci 2023; 37:720-731. [PMID: 36852620 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13160] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of the experiences of coping in patients with incurable cancer is essential for high-quality palliative and end-of-life care. AIM AND OBJECTIVE To describe the coping experiences of patients with incurable cancer in hospice care to better develop patient-centred care. METHODS The data for this qualitative study were collected through semi structured interviews, with patients with incurable cancer in hospice care (N = 20) and analysed with inductive content analysis. Ethical and organisational approvals were obtained, and the participants received both verbal and written information before consenting to participate. RESULTS The patients' coping was enhanced with their involvement in treatment-related decisions. Valuing day-to-day living and coping with emotional stressors helped them accept their own life situations. Accepting their increasing fragility was enhanced by their self-reappraisal. The patients found security in the possibility of receiving support when they needed it. Although the ordinariness of dying in hospice care settings was sometimes too much to bear, they understood dying to be a part of the natural cycle of life. They questioned the responsiveness of healthcare services because they felt that they were not always heard. STUDY LIMITATIONS Because this study was limited to a specific population of cancer patients in hospice care, the results might not be generalised to other patient groups with chronic diseases or other palliative care settings. CONCLUSIONS The experiences of patients in hospice care of coping with incurable cancer were reminiscent of the common coping process descriptions. Surprisingly, even though participants voiced that they had accepted their situation, dying itself was something they did not find crucial to discuss. The crucial aspects - without being in denial - dealt more with focusing on positive thinking and facing life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Viitala
- Nursing Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Päivi Åstedt-Kurki
- Nursing Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juho T Lehto
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Palliative Care Centre and Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mira Palonen
- Nursing Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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Chow JK, Pickens ND, Fletcher T, Bowyer P, Thompson M. Missed Opportunities to Ease Suffering: An Explanatory Model of Occupational Therapy Utilization in End-of-Life Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:1004-1012. [PMID: 36469746 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221143917] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: With disease progression, a terminally ill person may experience loss of physical and cognitive skills required to perform everyday activities. Such functional loss can erode autonomy and cause existential suffering. Supported engagement in everyday activities may help terminally ill people stay involved in living and cope with dying. Occupational therapy enables people to engage in valued activities at the end of life, yet remains under-utilized. Objectives: To address the perceived under-utilization of end-of-life care occupational therapy, the authors investigated how utilization of occupational therapy in end-of-life care is determined from the perspective of decision-makers and occupational therapists and then developed a model of the process. Methods: Using a grounded theory method, authors conducted two semi-structured interviews with 20 decision-makers and 21 occupational therapists. Theoretical sampling followed by paradigm analysis, yielded a data-grounded model. Results: The authors developed The Model of Occupational Therapy Utilization in End-of-Life Care. Service utilization was primarily contingent upon the decision-makers' awareness of occupational therapy's role in end-of-life care and further influenced by place of care cost constraints and participants' ability to adjust focus of the occupational therapy to accommodate the patient's dying process. Conclusion: Limited awareness of occupational therapy's role in end-of-life care warrants research on whether modification of model constructs may increase awareness and utilization. Education is indicated to teach providers about suffering due to functional loss and how to adjust focus of occupational therapy to sustain occupational participation through decline, across different care settings, and along a range between rehabilitation-focused to participation-focused outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noralyn D Pickens
- School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tina Fletcher
- School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Patricia Bowyer
- School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mary Thompson
- School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Dallas, TX, USA
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Abstract
In this narrative medicine essay, a palliative medicine physician learns firsthand how to listen to her mother’s end-of-life wishes amid the waves of loss and the noise of the treatment options being offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Bridges
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine, INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Kramar MJF, García-Caro MP, Ternero AM, Martí-García C. Migrant women caregivers' experiences in end-of-life formal care. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2023; 57:e20230031. [PMID: 37552833 PMCID: PMC10414973 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2023-0031en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe and understand the experience of Latin American migrant women as caregivers of elderly people in situations of advanced illness and end of life. METHOD Qualitative study using Gadamer's hermeneutic phenomenology. Data were collected in 2019 through 9 semi-structured interviews with Latin American women caregivers, who had cared for people at the end of life, in the Province of Granada (Spain). RESULTS Two themes emerged: "Migrant caregiver at the end of life" and "And now, what should I do?": the impact of the loss at the economic, emotional and labor level. CONCLUSION Care during the end of life of the cared person generates an additional overload to the situation of migrant women. The experience of this stage is related to the bond with the persons cared and their families, which may affect the development of complicated grief and personal problems related to the loss of employment and the absence of economic support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Paz García-Caro
- Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Enfermería, Granada, España
| | | | - Celia Martí-García
- Universidad de Málaga, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Enfermería, Málaga, España
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Peeler A, Doran A, Winter-Dean L, Ijaz M, Brittain M, Hansford L, Wyatt K, Sallnow L, Harding R. Public health palliative care interventions that enable communities to support people who are dying and their carers: a scoping review of studies that assess person-centered outcomes. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1180571. [PMID: 37564426 PMCID: PMC10410270 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1180571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Public health palliative care views communities as an integral part of care delivery at the end of life. This community-provider partnership approach has the potential to improve end-of-life care for people who are dying and their carers. Objective To identify and appraise the current literature related to public health interventions that enable communities to support people who are dying and their carers. Methods A scoping review was conducted, applying Arksey and O'Malley's methods. Data was extracted and synthesized using narrative techniques, and results are reported using PRISMA guidelines. Results The search yielded 2,902 results. Eighteen met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Interventions were categorized according to their target population: people with life-limiting illness (ex. facilitated social interaction, helplines and guided discussions about death and dying); carers (ex. social support mapping, psychoeducation, and community resource identification and facilitation); or dyads (ex. reminiscence activities, practical and emotional support from volunteers, online modules to bolster coping mechanisms). Public health palliative care approaches were delivered by key community stakeholders such as community health workers, volunteers, peer mentors, and pre-established support groups. Despite reported challenges in identifying appropriate tools to measure effectiveness, studies report improvement in quality of life, loneliness, social support, stress and self-efficacy. Conclusion We found that community-engaged palliative care interventions can lead to appreciable changes in various outcomes, though it was difficult to determine in which contexts this approach works best because of the dearth of contextual information reported. Based on the varied design and implementation strategies, it is clear that no one method for enhancing end of life care will benefit all communities and it is crucial to engage community members at all stages of the design and implementation process. Future research should be grounded in appropriate theory, describe contextual differences in these communities, and should specifically examine how demographics, resource availability, and social capital might impact the design, implementation, and results of public health palliative care interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Peeler
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy, and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Doran
- GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Winter-Dean
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy, and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mueed Ijaz
- GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Molly Brittain
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy, and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine Hansford
- Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Katrina Wyatt
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Libby Sallnow
- St Christopher's Hospice, London, United Kingdom
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Harding
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy, and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Breheny CG, Halim N, Naeem H, Reynolds H, Foell J. One death doesn't fit all: how should we approach end-of-life care in very frail adults? Br J Gen Pract 2023; 73:bjgp23X733593. [PMID: 37479320 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp23x733593] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Death is inevitable. When, however, is bound by uncertainty in frailty. A purely proactive approach to dying - exemplified by the DNACPR (do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation) form - is unrealistic. What does a good death look like - and who decides? AIM To understand the experiences of primary care clinicians and bereaved relatives in end-of-life (EOL) care and inform future service provision for frail and dying people. METHOD We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with 12 GPs and 9 relatives of recently deceased patients and completed an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified four themes: 1) relationships and duty of care: many participants identified the responsibility - medical and familial - associated with EOL care. Discussions and decision-making around death, while crucial, create a significant emotional burden; 2) power and authority: the decision-making process involves multilayered power dynamics between families, patients, and clinicians in attempts to manage uncertainty. Medical judgements' authority can be simultaneously welcomed and challenged. Advanced care planning can become symbolic of hidden tensions around acceptance of death; 3) conflicting ideologies: conflicting binary ideas around a 'good death' recurred, with no universal preferences. Understanding where families, the dying, and the doctor sit on these spectra is crucial and rarely communicated; 4) resource limitations (for example, lack of social care support) constrain the decision-making process. CONCLUSION You only get one chance to die well. Thoughtful and empathetic decision-making in a reactive and complex environment is crucial to supporting patients, loved ones, and clinicians. A one-size-fits-all proactive 'death conveyor belt' is unrealistic.
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Landstad BJ, Kvangarsnes M. Physicians' narratives of communication with patients and their relatives in different phases of the palliative pathway. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065681. [PMID: 37328175 PMCID: PMC10277073 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065681] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore physicians' experiences of the communication with patients and their relatives in the different phases of the palliative pathway. METHODS Purposeful sampling was employed to recruit a total of 13 oncologists and general practitioners who engaged in palliative care. A qualitative study with a narrative approach was conducted. Interviews with physicians working in primary and specialist healthcare were conducted via Skype Business in the spring of 2020. The interview guide had open-ended questions with each interview lasting between 35 and 60 min. RESULTS Communication between the physicians, their patients and their relatives was contextual and changed depending on the phase in the palliative pathway. In the first phase, physicians told us that patients and their relatives experienced an emotional shock. Transitioning from the curative to palliative phase was difficult, which emphasised the need for trust through communication. In the middle phase, they revealed that communication about the death process became the priority: what was probably going to happen, the family's role in what was going to happen and perhaps, depending on the illness, any medical decisions that needed to be made. It was important for the physicians to communicate information about the palliative pathway while providing the relatives with knowledge that facilitated any decision making. In the terminal phase, physicians employed a compassionate approach, as bereaved family members needed to process their feelings of guilt and grief. CONCLUSIONS The study gives new insight into communication with patients and their relatives during different phases of the palliative pathway, from the physician's perspective. The findings may help physicians improve the quality of communication with patients and their relatives over these vulnerable pathways. The findings also have practical implications in training contexts. The study reveals ethical dilemmas in physicians' communication with patients and their relatives during a palliative pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodil J Landstad
- Faculty of Human Science, Mid Sweden University, Ostersund, Sweden
- Unit of Research, Education and Development, Östersund Hospital, Ostersund, Sweden
| | - Marit Kvangarsnes
- Department of Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Ålesund, Norway
- Unit of Research, Møre og Romsdal Hospital Trust, Alesund, Norway
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Doi M, Maruyama Y, Kaneda A, Minamizaki M, Fukada M, Kanoya Y. Comprehensive end-of-life care practices for older patients with heart failure provided by specialized nurses: a qualitative study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:350. [PMID: 37277709 PMCID: PMC10240706 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04050-6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The context of end-of-life care for older heart failure patients with a complex clinical course provided by certified nurse specialists in gerontology (GCNSs) and Certified nurses in chronic heart failure (CNCHFs) is unclear; therefore, this study aims to describe comprehensive nursing practice for older patients with heart failure at their end of life. METHODS This study adopts a qualitative descriptive design using content analysis. Five GCNSs, and five CNCHFs were interviewed using a web app from January to March 2022. RESULTS Thirteen categories of nursing practices for older patients with heart failure were generated: (1) Provide thorough acute care by a multidisciplinary team to alleviate dyspnea, (2) Assess psychiatric symptoms and use a suitable environment to perform treatment, (3) Explain the progression of heart failure with the doctor, (4) Build a trusting relationship with the patient and family and implement advance care planning (ACP) early during the patient's recovery, (5) Involve multiple professions to help patients to achieve their desired life, (6) Perform ACP always in collaboration with multiple professionals, (7) Provide lifestyle guidance according to patients' feelings so that they can continue living at home after discharge from the hospital, (8) Provide palliative and acute care in parallel with multiple professions, (9) Achieve end-of-life care at home through multidisciplinary cooperation, (10) Provide basic nursing care to the patient and family until the moment of death, (11) Provide concurrent acute and palliative care as well as psychological support to alleviate physical and mental symptoms, (12) Share the patient's prognosis and future wishes with multiple professionals, and (13) Engage in ACP from early stages, through several conversations with patients and their families. CONCLUSIONS Specialized nurses provide acute care, palliative care, and psychological support to alleviate physical and mental symptoms throughout the different stages of chronic heart failure. In addition to nursing care by specialized nurses at each stage shown in this study, it is important to initiate ACP early in the end-of-life stage and to provide care for patients with multiple professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Doi
- Department of Gerontological Nursing, Nursing Course, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan.
- Tokyo Healthcare University, Chiba Faculty of Nursing, 1-1042-2 Kaijincho-Nishi, Funabashi, Chiba, 273-8710, Japan.
| | - Yukie Maruyama
- Department of Gerontological Nursing, Nursing Course, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Akiko Kaneda
- Department of Gerontological Nursing, Nursing Course, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Maya Minamizaki
- Department of Gerontological Nursing, Nursing Course, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Masami Fukada
- Department of Gerontological Nursing, Nursing Course, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yuka Kanoya
- Department of Gerontological Nursing, Nursing Course, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
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Di Risio M, Thompson A. Current practices in managing end-of-life existential suffering. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2023; 17:119-124. [PMID: 37039587 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000646] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Within the context of palliative care, existential suffering (ES) can be an exclusive source of suffering or intertwined with physical pain and/or psychological and spiritual suffering. With newly emerging modalities for addressing this phenomenon and its increasing salience given that many patients cite ES as a significant contributing factor to requests for hastened death, a review of recent interventions for addressing ES at the end of life is timely. RECENT FINDINGS This review of newer approaches to dealing with ES in the palliative context suggests some promising new modalities and pharmacological interventions, such as brain stimulation and the use of psychedelics. The use of other pharmacological interventions, such as palliative sedation and lethal injections, solely for the alleviation of existential distress remains ethically controversial and difficult to disentangle from other forms of suffering, not least because a clear clinical definition of ES has yet to emerge in the literature. SUMMARY The evaluation of end-of-life (EOL) ES mitigating tools should also consider how broader contexts, such as institutional arrangements and barriers, and cultural factors may influence the optimal management of dying persons' ES in the palliative care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Di Risio
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ananth P, Lindsay M, Mun S, McCollum S, Shabanova V, de Oliveira S, Pitafi S, Kirch R, Ma X, Gross CP, Boyden JY, Feudtner C, Wolfe J. Parent Priorities in End-of-Life Care for Children With Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2313503. [PMID: 37184834 PMCID: PMC10878399 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.13503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Robust quality measures to benchmark end-of-life care for children with cancer do not currently exist; 28 candidate patient-centered quality measures were previously developed. Objective To prioritize quality measures among parents who lost a child to cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study was conducted using an electronic, cross-sectional discrete choice experiment (DCE) with maximum difference scaling from January to June 2021 in the US. In each of 21 questions in the DCE, participants were presented with a set of 4 quality measures and were asked to select the most and least important measures within each set. All 28 quality measures were presented an equal number of times in different permutations. In the volunteer sample, 69 eligible bereaved parents enrolled in the study; 61 parents completed the DCE (participation rate, 88.4%). Main Outcomes and Measures Using choices participants made, a hierarchical bayesian multinomial logistic regression was fit to derive mean importance scores with 95% credible intervals (95% Crs) for each quality measure, representing the overall probability of a quality measure being selected as most important. Importance scores were rescaled proportionally from 0 to 100, with the sum of scores for all quality measures adding up to 100. This enabled interpretation of scores as the relative importance of quality measures. Results Participants included 61 bereaved parents (median [range] age, 48 [24-74] years; 55 individuals self-identified as women [90.2%]; 1 American Indian or Alaska Native [1.6%], 1 Asian [1.6%], 2 Black or African American [3.3%], 1 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 58 White [91.8%]; 58 not Hispanic or Latinx [95.1%]). Highest-priority quality measures by mean importance score included having a child's symptoms treated well (9.25 [95% Cr, 9.06-9.45]), feeling that a child's needs were heard by the health care team (8.39 [95% Cr, 8.05-8.73]), and having a goal-concordant end-of-life experience (7.45 [95% Cr, 6.84-8.05]). Lowest-priority quality measures included avoiding chemotherapy (0.33 [95% Cr, 0.21-0.45]), provision of psychosocial support for parents (1.01 [95% Cr, 0.57-1.45]), and avoiding the intensive care unit (1.09 [95% Cr, 0.74-1.43]). Rank-ordering measures by mean importance revealed that symptom management was 9 times more important to parents than psychosocial support for themselves. Conclusions and Relevance This study found that bereaved parents prioritized end-of-life quality measures focused on symptom management and goal-concordant care while characterizing quality measures assessing their own psychosocial support and their child's hospital resource use as substantially less important. These findings suggest that future research should explore innovative strategies to measure care attributes that matter most to families of children with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Ananth
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Meghan Lindsay
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sophia Mun
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle
| | - Sarah McCollum
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Veronika Shabanova
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Sarah Pitafi
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Kirch
- National Patient Advocate Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Cary P Gross
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia
- Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medical Ethics, and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
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Salameh B, Ayed A, Fashafsheh I, Alrazeeni DM, Batran A, Ahmed F. Nursing Students' Understanding of Palliative Care in Palestine. Crit Care Nurs Q 2023; 46:203-216. [PMID: 36823747 DOI: 10.1097/cnq.0000000000000453] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Palliative care is a method of preventing and alleviating suffering for patients who have been diagnosed with terminal diseases by early detection, accurate assessments, and pain and symptom management. Patients and their families can then mitigate related physical, psychological, and spiritual challenges and thus will have a better quality of life. This article reports a study that evaluated undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of and attitude and self-efficacy toward palliative and end-of-life care in Palestine. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used among a convenience sample of 449 undergraduate nursing students at the end of their second, third, and fourth years. The results of this research revealed that nursing students had low levels of knowledge about palliative care and low self-efficacy toward end-of-life care. The majority of students reported a positive disposition toward the provision of end-of-life care. The most important predictors of knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy were age, having attended a seminar/lecture on the issue, experiencing death while providing care, and having experienced a death in the family or close friends. Furthermore, elevated levels of knowledge were significantly associated with higher level of attitude (P < .001) about palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Salameh
- Faculty of Nursing, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine (Drs Salameh, Ayed, and Fashafsheh); King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Dr Alrazeeni); Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine (Dr Batran); and Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia, and Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt (Dr Ahmed)
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