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Mercadante S, Bruera E. Acute palliative care units: characteristics, activities and outcomes - scoping review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023; 13:386-392. [PMID: 36653151 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-004088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Acute palliative care units (APCUs) are lacking in most cancer hospitals and even when palliative care units are present, they are predominantly based on a traditional hospice-like model for patients with short life expectancy. This scoping review examined the papers assessing the activities of APCU. Data from literature regarding APCU characteristics, activities and outcomes have shown important differences among different countries.In comparison with existing data on traditional hospices, APCU provided a whole range of palliative care interventions, from an early treatment of pain and symptoms at time diagnosis and during the oncological treatment, up to the advanced stage of disease when they may favour the transition to the best supportive care or palliative care only, also indicating the best palliative care service that may fits the clinical and social condition of individuals. Large differences in the characteristics of such units, including hospital stay and mortality, have been evidenced, in some cases resembling those of a traditional hospice. It likely that in some countries such units supply the lack of other palliative care services.Further studies on APCUs are needed, even on other outcome processes, to provide a more precise identification among the palliative care settings, which should not interchangeable, but complimentary to offer the full range of activities to be activated according to the different needs of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Mercadante
- Main regional center for pain relief and supportive/palliative care, La Maddalena Cancer center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of supportive care, MD Anderson, Houston, Texas, USA
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2
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Murakami N, Kajiura S, Tanabe K, Tsukada K, Shibata K, Minabe Y, Morita T, Hayashi R. Discharge to home from a palliative care unit: impact on survival and factors associated with home death after the discharge: a cohort study. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:191. [PMID: 38031054 PMCID: PMC10688074 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Staying at home during the dying process is important for many patients; and palliative care units (PCUs) can help facilitate home death. This study compared patient survival between those who were discharged to home from a palliative care unit and those who were not, and aimed to identify the factors associated with home death after the discharge. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used a database of patients admitted to a palliative care unit at Kouseiren Takaoka Hospital in Japan. All consecutive patients admitted to the hospital's PCU between October 2016 and March 2020 were enrolled. Patient survival and factors potentially associated with survival and place of death were obtained. A total of 443 patients with cancer were analyzed, and 167 patients were discharged to home and 276 were not. RESULTS Propensity score matching analyses revealed that median survival time was significantly longer in patients who were discharged to home than those who were not (57 vs. 27 days, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified that worse Palliative Prognostic Index (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-1.44, p = 0.025) and family members' desire for home death (OR = 6.30, 95% CI = 2.32-17.1, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with home death after their discharge. CONCLUSIONS Discharge to home from palliative care units might have some positive impacts on patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Murakami
- Department of Palliative Care Center, Kouseiren Takaoka Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Shinya Kajiura
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Toyama University Hospital, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama Prefecture, 930-0194, Japan.
| | - Kouichi Tanabe
- Drug Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Tsukada
- Department of Palliative Care Center, Kouseiren Takaoka Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Shibata
- Department of Palliative Care Center, Kouseiren Takaoka Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshio Minabe
- Department of Palliative Care Center, Kouseiren Takaoka Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hayashi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Toyama University Hospital, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama Prefecture, 930-0194, Japan
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3
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Hsiao WH, Wang CL, Lee LC, Chien SP, Hsu CC, Chu WM. Exploring Risk Factors of Unexpected Death, Using Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) Measures, among Terminal Patients Receiving Palliative Care in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13294. [PMID: 36293875 PMCID: PMC9602686 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Palliative care has the ability to relieve both physical discomfort and psychological distress in terminally ill patients. However, unexpected death may still occur in palliative care settings. This study aimed to utilize Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) data to better determine any associated factors which may surround unexpected death in palliative care settings. Data were extracted from the PCOC database by the palliative care team within Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH). Data of deceased patients were extracted during the period from January 2021 to December 2021 from multiple palliative care settings. The deaths of patients whose last recorded palliative phase was 1-3 were defined as unexpected. A total of 280 deceased patients were included, with mean age at death being 67.73, 61% being male, and 83.2% cancer patients. We discovered that shortness of breath, as assessed by the Symptom Assessment Scale (SAS), decreased risk of unexpected death (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84-0.98), while impending death discharge (OR: 3.93, 95% CI: 1.20-12.94) and a higher Australia-modified Karnofsky performance status (AKPS) score (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.10-1.21) were associated with unexpected death. Thus, medical staff must inform the family of patients early on regarding any risk factors surrounding unexpected death to help everyone involved be prepared in advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsuan Hsiao
- Department of Medical Education, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Li Wang
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Lung-Chun Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407, Taiwan
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Pei Chien
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chu Hsu
- Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Min Chu
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Education and Innovation Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu 474-8511, Japan
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4
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Jung EH, Lee SW, Kim YJ, Kang B, Suh KJ, Lee JH, Jeon E, Kim D, Hur SS, Lee JY, Kim JW, Kim SH, Kim JW, Lee JO, Lee KW, Kim JH, Bang SM, Lee JS, Bruera E. Clinical Outcomes of Operating an Acute Palliative Care Unit at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e1661-e1671. [DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE: Acute palliative care units (APCUs) are inpatient services in tertiary hospitals that provide intensive symptom management and assist in hospital discharge for transitions to hospice care. We aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of operating an APCU at a comprehensive cancer center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,440 consecutive patients admitted to the APCU and analyzed demographic and clinical information, discharge outcomes, symptom assessments using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, spiritual distress, and financial distress. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 67.0 (range, 23-97) years, and 41% were female. The most common primary cancer types were lung (21.9%), hepatopancreatobiliary (14.1%), and colorectal cancers (12.9%). The median length of stay was 8.0 days (range, 1-60 days), and 31.0% of patients died in the APCU. Death in the APCU showed a significant decrease over time, and overall inpatient death in oncology wards did not increase after APCU opening. In total, 44.7% of patients were discharged to government-certified hospice centers. The proportion of patients discharged to certified hospice centers increased from 32.2% in 2015 to 62.4% in 2018. Among 715 patients with a follow-up evaluation 1 week after admission, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System symptom scores, spiritual distress, and financial distress showed statistically significant improvements compared with the baseline symptom scores ( P < .001). This improvement was limited to patients who did not die in the APCU. CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced cancer admitted to the APCU may experience significant improvements in distressing symptoms. The majority of patients requiring transition to hospice were successfully transferred to certified hospice centers. The percentage discharged alive improved over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Hee Jung
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Won Lee
- Palliative Care Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Beodeul Kang
- Division of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Koung Jin Suh
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Esther Jeon
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahee Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Soun Hur
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yun Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Won Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Hyun Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Won Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ok Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Wook Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Mee Bang
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seok Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Sekimoto G, Aso S, Hayashi N, Tamura K, Yamamoto C, Aoyama M, Morita T, Kizawa Y, Tsuneto S, Shima Y, Miyashita M. Experience of the temporary discharge from the inpatient palliative care unit: A nationwide post-bereavement survey for end-of-life cancer patients. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2022; 9:100058. [PMID: 35619653 PMCID: PMC9126778 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Inpatient palliative care units (PCUs) have two roles: place of death and symptom control. In case of symptom control, most patients whose distressing symptoms could be relieved would be temporarily discharged back home. However, the experience of the patient and their family during temporary discharge is unclear. Methods This study is a part of the Japan HOspice and Palliative Care Evaluation Study 3, a nationwide cross-sectional post-bereavement survey. We sent questionnaires to bereaved relatives of cancer patients who died in PCUs in 2018. Results Among 968 questionnaires sent, 571 questionnaires were analyzed (59%). Sixteen percent of patients experienced temporary discharge from PCUs. Seventy-two percent of bereaved family members reported that patients said "I am happy to be discharged home." Overall, 22%-37% of participants reported improvement in the patient's condition after discharge. The caregiver's recognition of better patient's quality of life at home and the doctor's assurance of re-hospitalization, if necessary, were significantly associated with positive experience. Conclusions Bereaved family members recognized temporal discharge as positive experiences for patients and families. Appropriate home palliative care and discharge planning would contribute to positive experience after discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sakiko Aso
- Department of Nursing, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Oncology Nursing and Palliative Care, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Hayashi
- Department of Oncology Nursing and Palliative Care, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Tamura
- Department of Geriatric and Palliative Nursing, Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Maho Aoyama
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kizawa
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuo Shima
- Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Department of Palliative Medicine, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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6
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Satheeshkumar PS, El-Dallal M, Raita Y, Mohan MP, Boakye EA. Association between palliative care referral and burden of illness among cancers of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:7737-7745. [PMID: 34159429 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06370-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the burden of illness--length of stay (LOS), total charges, and discharge disposition--among cancers of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx (CLOP) patients with and without palliative care (PC) referral. METHODS This cross-sectional study utilized the 2017 National inpatient sample database to identify hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of CLOP. Generalized linear models were used to assess the association between PC referral status and the outcomes-LOS, total charges, and discharge disposition while controlling for patients' characteristics. RESULTS There were 4165 PC referral among 52, 524 CLOP patients. The geometric mean of LOS for non-PC referral patients was 3.7 days, and for PC referral was 5.02 days, P < 0.001. In the adjusted analysis, CLOP patients with PC referral were more likely to have a higher LOS (Coefficient: 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.25) compared to those without PC referral. The geometric mean of total charge among non-PC referral group was 48,308 USD, and CLOP-PC referral was 48,983 USD, P = 0.72. After adjusting for covariates, there was still no significant difference between the PC and non-PC referral groups. Discharge disposition were considerably different across the non-PC vs. PC referral groups. Compared to non-PC referral patients, PC referral patients were more likely to be discharge to skilled nursing facility, intermediate care, and another type of facility (aOR = 7.10; CIs, 5.51-9.12), or home health care (aOR = 4.13; CIs, 3.31-5.15). CONCLUSION During primary hospitalization, total charges was not different between patient non-PC and PC referral groups; however, the LOS and discharge dispositions were significantly different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poolakkad S Satheeshkumar
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Now with the Department of Oral Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Mohammed El-Dallal
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Y Raita
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Minu P Mohan
- Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - E Adjei Boakye
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
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7
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Thronæs M, Løhre ET, Kvikstad A, Brenne E, Norvaag R, Aalberg KO, Moen MK, Jakobsen G, Klepstad P, Solberg A, Solheim TS. Interventions and symptom relief in hospital palliative cancer care: results from a prospective longitudinal study. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:6595-6603. [PMID: 33942192 PMCID: PMC8464577 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the use of interventions and symptom relief for adult patients with incurable cancer admitted to an acute palliative care unit providing integrated oncology and palliative care services. METHODS All admissions during 1 year were assessed. The use of interventions was evaluated for all hospitalizations. Patients with assessments for worst and average pain intensity, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, appetite, dyspnea, depression, anxiety, well-being, constipation, and sleep were evaluated for symptom development during hospitalization. Descriptive statistics was applied for the use of interventions and the paired sample t-test to compare symptom intensities (SIs). RESULTS For 451 admissions, mean hospital length of stay was 7.0 days and mean patient age 69 years. More than one-third received systemic cancer therapy. Diagnostic imaging was performed in 66% of the hospitalizations, intravenous rehydration in 45%, 37% received antibiotics, and 39% were attended by the multidisciplinary team. At admission and at discharge, respectively, 55% and 44% received oral opioids and 27% and 45% subcutaneous opioids. For the majority, opioid dose was adjusted during hospitalization. Symptom registrations were available for 180 patients. Tiredness yielded the highest mean SI score (5.6, NRS 0-10) at admission and nausea the lowest (2.2). Significant reductions during hospitalization were reported for all assessed SIs (p ≤ 0.01). Patients receiving systemic cancer therapy reported symptom relief similar to those not on systemic cancer therapy. CONCLUSION Clinical practice and symptom relief during hospitalization were described. Symptom improvements were similar for oncological and palliative care patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Thronæs
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. .,Cancer Clinic, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Erik Torbjørn Løhre
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Cancer Clinic, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne Kvikstad
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Cancer Clinic, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Brenne
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Cancer Clinic, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Robin Norvaag
- Cancer Clinic, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kathrine Otelie Aalberg
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martine Kjølberg Moen
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gunnhild Jakobsen
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Cancer Clinic, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pål Klepstad
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arne Solberg
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Cancer Clinic, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tora Skeidsvoll Solheim
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Cancer Clinic, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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8
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Hausner D, Tricou C, Mathews J, Wadhwa D, Pope A, Swami N, Hannon B, Rodin G, Krzyzanowska MK, Le LW, Zimmermann C. Timing of Palliative Care Referral Before and After Evidence from Trials Supporting Early Palliative Care. Oncologist 2021; 26:332-340. [PMID: 33284483 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from randomized controlled trials has demonstrated benefits in quality of life outcomes from early palliative care concurrent with standard oncology care in patients with advanced cancer. We hypothesized that there would be earlier referral to outpatient palliative care at a comprehensive cancer center following this evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Administrative databases were reviewed for two cohorts of patients: the pre-evidence cohort was seen in outpatient palliative care between June and November 2006, and the post-evidence cohort was seen between June and November 2015. Timing of referral was categorized, according to time from referral to death, as early (>12 months), intermediate (>6 months to 12 months), and late (≤6 months from referral to death). Univariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to determine demographic and medical factors associated with timing of referral. RESULTS Late referrals decreased from 68.8% pre-evidence to 44.8% post-evidence; early referrals increased from 13.4% to 31.1% (p < .0001). The median time from palliative care referral to death increased from 3.5 to 7.0 months (p < .0001); time from diagnosis to referral was also reduced (p < .05). On multivariable regression analysis, earlier referral to palliative care was associated with post-evidence group (p < .0001), adjusting for shorter time since diagnosis (p < .0001), referral for pain and symptom management (p = .002), and patient sex (p = .04). Late referrals were reduced to <50% in the breast, gynecological, genitourinary, lung, and gastrointestinal tumor sites. CONCLUSIONS Following robust evidence from trials supporting early palliative care for patients with advanced cancer, patients were referred substantially earlier to outpatient palliative care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Following published evidence demonstrating the benefit of early referral to palliative care for patients with advanced cancer, there was a substantial increase in early referrals to outpatient palliative care at a comprehensive cancer center. The increase in early referrals occurred mainly in tumor sites that have been included in trials of early palliative care. These results indicate that oncologists' referral practices can change if positive consequences of earlier referral are demonstrated. Future research should focus on demonstrating benefits of early palliative care for tumor sites that have tended to be omitted from early palliative care trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hausner
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Palliative Care Service, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Colombe Tricou
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Palliative Care, Centre Hospitalier de Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Jean Mathews
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Deepa Wadhwa
- BC Cancer - Kelowna, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ashley Pope
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nadia Swami
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Breffni Hannon
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Monika K Krzyzanowska
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lisa W Le
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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9
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Jordan RI, Allsop MJ, ElMokhallalati Y, Jackson CE, Edwards HL, Chapman EJ, Deliens L, Bennett MI. Duration of palliative care before death in international routine practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Med 2020; 18:368. [PMID: 33239021 PMCID: PMC7690105 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01829-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early provision of palliative care, at least 3-4 months before death, can improve patient quality of life and reduce burdensome treatments and financial costs. However, there is wide variation in the duration of palliative care received before death reported across the research literature. This study aims to determine the duration of time from initiation of palliative care to death for adults receiving palliative care across the international literature. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018094718). Six databases were searched for articles published between Jan 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2018: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library, as well undertaking citation list searches. Following PRISMA guidelines, articles were screened using inclusion (any study design reporting duration from initiation to death in adults palliative care services) and exclusion (paediatric/non-English language studies, trials influencing the timing of palliative care) criteria. Quality appraisal was completed using Hawker's criteria and the main outcome was the duration of palliative care (median/mean days from initiation to death). RESULTS One hundred sixty-nine studies from 23 countries were included, involving 11,996,479 patients. Prior to death, the median duration from initiation of palliative care to death was 18.9 days (IQR 0.1), weighted by the number of participants. Significant differences between duration were found by disease type (15 days for cancer vs 6 days for non-cancer conditions), service type (19 days for specialist palliative care unit, 20 days for community/home care, and 6 days for general hospital ward) and development index of countries (18.91 days for very high development vs 34 days for all other levels of development). Forty-three per cent of studies were rated as 'good' quality. Limitations include a preponderance of data from high-income countries, with unclear implications for low- and middle-income countries. CONCLUSIONS Duration of palliative care is much shorter than the 3-4 months of input by a multidisciplinary team necessary in order for the full benefits of palliative care to be realised. Furthermore, the findings highlight inequity in access across patient, service and country characteristics. We welcome more consistent terminology and methodology in the assessment of duration of palliative care from all countries, alongside increased reporting from less-developed settings, to inform benchmarking, service evaluation and quality improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta I Jordan
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Matthew J Allsop
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Yousuf ElMokhallalati
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Catriona E Jackson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Helen L Edwards
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Emma J Chapman
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michael I Bennett
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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10
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Acute palliative care unit-initiated interventions for advanced cancer patients at the end of life: prediction of impending death based on Glasgow Prognostic Score. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:1557-1564. [PMID: 32734391 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05638-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Unexpected death occurred in an unexpectedly high proportion of advanced cancer patients in the acute palliative care unit (APCU) setting and associated with fewer signs of impending death. Recognition of patients at high risk of approaching death, especially immediately after admitting APCU among clinicians, can improve the end-of-life trajectory. Our objective was accurate prognostication within a few days of admission. METHODS Patients admitted to an APCU of the NTT Medical Center Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, between April 2009 and December 2016 were retrospectively examined. The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) was optimized with concomitant neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and monocytosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were estimated, and independent predictors for 3-day mortality were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs) associated with imminent death were also assessed. RESULTS Nine hundred ninety-one patients were included; 52.9% was male. The median age was 72 years. The median survival was 13 days (IQ range 6 to 26), and 11.7% died within 3 days of admission. Significant difference in survival with a GPS of 2 was observed in GPS optimized with concomitant thrombocytopenia, and it was the only significant predictor associated with 3-day mortality (p = 0.004), which had high specificity (> 95%) and high positive LR (> 5). CONCLUSION The prognostic value of the GPS was enhanced by adding thrombocytopenia. The concurrent use of the GPS and platelet count improved the prognostication of limited time of survival and could assist in the personal and clinical decisions for advanced cancer patients.
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11
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Coym A, Ullrich A, Hackspiel LK, Ahrenholz M, Bokemeyer C, Oechsle K. Systematic symptom and problem assessment at admission to the palliative care ward - perspectives and prognostic impacts. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:75. [PMID: 32466759 PMCID: PMC7257199 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00576-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptom assessment is essential in palliative care, but holds challenges concerning implementation and relevance. This study aims to evaluate patients' main symptoms and problems at admission to a specialist inpatient palliative care (SIPC) ward using physician proxy- and patient self-assessment, and aims to identify their prognostic impact as well as the agreement between both assessments. METHODS Within 12 h after admission, palliative care specialists completed the Symptom and Problem Checklist of the German Hospice and Palliative Care Evaluation (HOPE-SP-CL). Patients either used the new version of the minimal documentation system for patients in palliative care (MIDOS) or the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) plus the Distress Thermometer (DT). RESULTS Between 01.01.2016-30.09.2018, 1206 patients were included (HOPE-SP-CL 98%; MIDOS 21%, IPOS 34%, DT 27%) whereof 59% died on the ward. Proxy-assessment showed a mean HOPE-SP-CL Total Score of 24.6 ± 5.9 of 45. Most frequent symptoms/problems of at least moderate intensity were weakness (95%), needs of assistance with activities of daily living (88%), overburdening of family caregivers (83%), and tiredness (75%). Factor analysis identified four symptom clusters (SCs): (1) Deteriorated Physical Condition/Decompensation of Home Care, (2) Emotional Problems, (3) Gastrointestinal Symptoms and (4) Other Symptoms. Self-assessment showed a mean MIDOS Total Score of 11.3 ± 5.3 of 30, a mean IPOS Total Score of 32.0 ± 9.0 of 68, and a mean distress of 6.6 ± 2.5 of 10. Agreement of self- and proxy-assessment was moderate for pain (ƙ = 0.438) and dyspnea (ƙ = 0.503), fair for other physical (ƙ = 0.297 to 0.394) and poor for psychological symptoms (ƙ = 0.101 to 0.202). Multivariate regression analyses for single symptoms and SCs revealed that predictors for dying on the SIPC ward included impaired ECOG performance status, moderate/severe dyspnea, appetite loss, tiredness, disorientation/confusion, and the SC Deteriorated Physical Condition/Decompensation of Home Care. CONCLUSION Admissions to a SIPC ward are mainly caused by problems impairing mobility and autonomy. Results demonstrate that implementation of self- and reliability of proxy- and self-assessment is challenging, especially concerning non-physical symptoms/problems. We identified, specific symptoms and problems that might provide information needed for treatment discussions regarding the medical prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Coym
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, Palliative Care Unit, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Anneke Ullrich
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, Palliative Care Unit, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Kathrin Hackspiel
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, Palliative Care Unit, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mareike Ahrenholz
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, Palliative Care Unit, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, Palliative Care Unit, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karin Oechsle
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, Palliative Care Unit, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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12
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Lau J, Flamer D, Murphy-Kane P. Interventional anesthesia and palliative care collaboration to manage cancer pain: a narrative review. Can J Anaesth 2020; 67:235-246. [PMID: 31571119 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-019-01482-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom associated with advanced cancer. An estimated 66.4% of people with advanced cancer experience pain from their disease or treatment. Pain management is an essential component of palliative care. Opioids and adjuvant therapies are the mainstay of cancer pain management. Nevertheless, a proportion of patients may experience complex pain that is not responsive to conventional analgesia. Interventional analgesia procedures may be appropriate and necessary to manage complex, cancer-related pain. This narrative review uses a theoretical case to highlight core principles of palliative care and interventional anesthesia, and the importance of collaborative, interdisciplinary care. An overview and discussion of pragmatic considerations of peripheral nervous system interventional analgesic procedures and neuraxial analgesia infusions are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Lau
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Acute Palliative Care Unit, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - David Flamer
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Murphy-Kane
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Acute Palliative Care Unit, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Nursing, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, ON, Canada
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13
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Watt CL, Momoli F, Ansari MT, Sikora L, Bush SH, Hosie A, Kabir M, Rosenberg E, Kanji S, Lawlor PG. The incidence and prevalence of delirium across palliative care settings: A systematic review. Palliat Med 2019; 33:865-877. [PMID: 31184538 PMCID: PMC6691600 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319854944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delirium is a common and distressing neurocognitive condition that frequently affects patients in palliative care settings and is often underdiagnosed. AIM Expanding on a 2013 review, this systematic review examines the incidence and prevalence of delirium across all palliative care settings. DESIGN This systematic review and meta-analyses were prospectively registered with PROSPERO and included a risk of bias assessment. DATA SOURCES Five electronic databases were examined for primary research studies published between 1980 and 2018. Studies on adult, non-intensive care and non-postoperative populations, either receiving or eligible to receive palliative care, underwent dual reviewer screening and data extraction. Studies using standardized delirium diagnostic criteria or valid assessment tools were included. RESULTS Following initial screening of 2596 records, and full-text screening of 153 papers, 42 studies were included. Patient populations diagnosed with predominantly cancer (n = 34) and mixed diagnoses (n = 8) were represented. Delirium point prevalence estimates were 4%-12% in the community, 9%-57% across hospital palliative care consultative services, and 6%-74% in inpatient palliative care units. The prevalence of delirium prior to death across all palliative care settings (n = 8) was 42%-88%. Pooled point prevalence on admission to inpatient palliative care units was 35% (confidence interval = 0.29-0.40, n = 14). Only one study had an overall low risk of bias. Varying delirium screening and diagnostic practices were used. CONCLUSION Delirium is prevalent across all palliative care settings, with one-third of patients delirious at the time of admission to inpatient palliative care. Study heterogeneity limits meta-analyses and highlights the future need for rigorous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Watt
- 1 Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,2 Division of Palliative Care, Bruyère Continuing Care, Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Franco Momoli
- 3 Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,4 Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,5 School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammed T Ansari
- 5 School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsey Sikora
- 6 Health Sciences Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shirley H Bush
- 1 Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,2 Division of Palliative Care, Bruyère Continuing Care, Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,3 Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,7 Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Annmarie Hosie
- 8 IMPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Erin Rosenberg
- 9 Division of Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,10 Department of Critical Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Salmaan Kanji
- 3 Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,11 Department of Pharmacy, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,12 Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter G Lawlor
- 1 Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,2 Division of Palliative Care, Bruyère Continuing Care, Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,3 Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,7 Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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