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Bayuo J, Abu-Odah H, Koduah AO. Components, Models of Integration, and Outcomes Associated with Palliative/ end-of-Life Care Interventions in the Burn Unit: A Scoping Review. J Palliat Care 2023; 38:239-253. [PMID: 35603876 DOI: 10.1177/08258597221102735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To scope the literature to ascertain the components of palliative care (PC) interventions for burn patients, models of integration, and outcomes. Methods: Arksey and O'Malley scoping review design with narrative synthesis was employed and reported following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Primary studies reporting PC interventions in the burn unit were considered for inclusion. CINAHL via EBSCO, PubMed, EMBASE via OVID, Web of Science, and gray literature sources were searched from inception to June 2021. Results: Fifteen studies emerging from high-income settings were retained. Data were organized around three concepts: components of palliative/ end of life care in the burn unit; models of integration; and outcomes. The components of interventions based on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Critical Care End-of Life Group domains include decision-making, communication, symptom management and comfort care, spiritual support, and emotional and practical support for families. Consultative and integrative models were noted to be the strategies for integrating PC in the burn unit. The outcomes were varied with only few studies reporting healthcare staff related outcomes. Conclusion: PC may have the potential of improving end-of-life care in the burn unit albeit the limited studies and lack of standardized outcomes makes it difficult to draw stronger conclusions regarding what is likely to work best in the burn unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bayuo
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Hammoda Abu-Odah
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
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Reeder S, Cleland HJ, Gold M, Tracy LM. Exploring clinicians' decision-making processes about end-of-life care after burns: A qualitative interview study. Burns 2022; 49:595-606. [PMID: 36709087 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2022.12.001] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about treatment decision-making experiences and how/why particular attitudes exist amongst specialist burn clinicians when faced with patients with potentially non-survivable burn injuries. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to understand clinicians' decision-making processes regarding end-of-life (EoL) care after a severe and potentially non-survivable burn injury. METHODS Eleven clinicians experienced in EoL decision-making were interviewed via telephone or video conferencing in June-August 2021. A thematic analysis was undertaken using a framework approach. RESULTS Decision-making about initiating EoL care was described as complex and multifactorial. On occasions when people presented with 'unsurvivable' injuries, decision-making was clear. Most clinicians used a multidisciplinary team approach to initiate EoL; variations existed on which professions were included in the decision-making process. Many clinicians reported using protocols or guidelines that could be personalised to each patient. The use of pathways/protocols might explain why clinicians did not report routine involvement of palliative care clinicians in EoL discussions. CONCLUSION The process of EoL decision-making for a patient with a potentially non-survivable burn injury was layered, complex, and tailored. Processes and approaches varied, although most used protocols to guide EoL decisions. Despite the reported complexity of EoL decision-making, palliative care teams were rarely involved or consulted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Reeder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Heather J Cleland
- Victorian Adult Burns Service, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Michelle Gold
- Palliative Care Service, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Lincoln M Tracy
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
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What do we know about experiencing end-of-life in burn intensive care units? A scoping review. Palliat Support Care 2022:1-17. [PMID: 36254708 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522001389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this article is to review and synthesize the evidence on end-of-life in burn intensive care units. METHODS Systematic scoping review: Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews was used as a reporting guideline. Searches were performed in 3 databases, with no time restriction and up to September 2021. RESULTS A total of 16,287 documents were identified; 18 were selected for analysis and synthesis. Three key themes emerged: (i) characteristics of the end-of-life in burn intensive care units, including end-of-life decisions, decision-making processes, causes, and trajectories of death; (ii) symptom control at the end-of-life in burn intensive care units focusing on patients' comfort; and (iii) concepts, models, and designs of the care provided to burned patients at the end-of-life, mainly care approaches, provision of care, and palliative care. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS End-of-life care is a major step in the care provided to critically ill burned patients. Dying and death in burn intensive care units are often preceded by end-of-life decisions, namely forgoing treatment and do-not-attempt to resuscitate. Different dying trajectories were described, suggesting the possibility to develop further studies to identify triggers for palliative care referral. Symptom control was not described in detail. Palliative care was rarely involved in end-of-life care for these patients. This review highlights the need for early and high-quality palliative and end-of-life care in the trajectories of critically ill burned patients, leading to an improved perception of end-of-life in burn intensive care units. Further research is needed to study the best way to provide optimal end-of-life care and foster integrated palliative care in burn intensive care units.
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Bayuo J, Bristowe K, Harding R, Agbeko AE, Wong FKY, Agyei FB, Allotey G, Baffour PK, Agbenorku P, Hoyte-Williams PE, Agambire R. "Hanging in a balance": A qualitative study exploring clinicians' experiences of providing care at the end of life in the burn unit. Palliat Med 2021; 35:417-425. [PMID: 33198576 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320972289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the culture in burns/critical care units is gradually evolving to support the delivery of palliative/end of life care, how clinicians experience the end of life phase in the burn unit remains minimally explored with a general lack of guidelines to support them. AIM To explore the end of life care experiences of burn care staff and ascertain how their experiences can facilitate the development of clinical guidelines. DESIGN Interpretive-descriptive qualitative approach with a sequential two phased multiple data collection strategies was employed (face to face semi-structured in-depth interviews and follow-up consultative meeting). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS The study was undertaken in a large teaching hospital in Ghana. Twenty burn care staff who had a minimum of 6 months working experience completed the interviews and 22 practitioners participated in the consultative meeting. RESULTS Experiences of burn care staff are complex with four themes emerging: (1) evaluating injury severity and prognostication, (2) nature of existing system of care, (3) perceived patient needs, and (4) considerations for palliative care in burns. Guidelines in this regard should focus on facilitating communication between the patient and family and staff, holistic symptom management at the end of life, and post-bereavement support for family members and burn care practitioners. CONCLUSIONS The end of life period in the burn unit is poorly defined coupled with prognostic uncertainty. Collaborative model of practice and further training are required to support the integration of palliative care in the burn unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bayuo
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Presbyterian University College, Abetifi, Eastern, Ghana.,School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Katherine Bristowe
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, Kings College, London, UK
| | - Richard Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, Kings College, London, UK
| | | | | | - Frank Bediako Agyei
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Presbyterian University College, Abetifi, Eastern, Ghana
| | - Gabriel Allotey
- Burns Intensive Care Unit, Plastics and Reconstructive Surgical Unit, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Prince Kyei Baffour
- Burns Intensive Care Unit, Plastics and Reconstructive Surgical Unit, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Pius Agbenorku
- Plastics, Burns and Reconstructive Surgical Division, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana.,School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Paa Ekow Hoyte-Williams
- Plastics, Burns and Reconstructive Surgical Division, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Ramatu Agambire
- Department of Nursing, Garden City University College, Kumasi, Ghana
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den Hollander D, Albertyn R, Ambler J. Palliation, end-of-life care and burns; practical issues, spiritual care and care of the family - A narrative review II. Afr J Emerg Med 2020; 10:256-260. [PMID: 33299759 PMCID: PMC7700979 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2020.07.011] [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: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Palliative care is the turn from cure as the priority of care to symptom relief and comfort care. Although very little is published in the burn literature on palliative care, guidelines can be gleaned from the general literature on palliative care, particularly for acute surgical and critical care patients. This second article discusses practical issues around palliative care for burn patients, such as pain and fluid management, withdrawal of ventilator support and wound care, as well as spiritual and family issues. This paper forms part two, of two narrative reviews on the topic of palliation, end-of-life care and burns. The first part considered concepts, decision-making and communication. It was published in volume 10, issue 2, June 2020, pages 95–98. Mortality of burns presented to a burns unit in Africa is about 10%. Resources in Africa to manage burn patients are scarce and patients with massive burns may not be offered curative burn care. There are no guidelines for palliative care in burn patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan den Hollander
- Burns Unit, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
- Corresponding author at: Red Cross Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Rene Albertyn
- Red Cross Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Julia Ambler
- Palliative Care Practitioner, Department of Paediatrics, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
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6
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Zack-Williams SDL, Gurusinghe D, Tridente A, Shokrollahi K. Comfort care for burns patients: The gold standard for assessment and delivery of care remains in a burn center. Burns 2020; 47:733-734. [PMID: 33288328 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2020.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shomari D L Zack-Williams
- Mersey Regional Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Whiston Hospital, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom.
| | - Dilnath Gurusinghe
- Mersey Regional Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Whiston Hospital, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - Ascanio Tridente
- Critical Care Unit, Whiston Hospital, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - Kayvan Shokrollahi
- Mersey Regional Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Whiston Hospital, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
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den Hollander D, Albertyn R, Amber J. Palliation, end-of-life care and burns; concepts, decision-making and communication - A narrative review. Afr J Emerg Med 2020; 10:95-98. [PMID: 32612916 PMCID: PMC7320205 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Palliative care is the turn from cure as the priority of care to symptom relief and comfort care. Although very little is published in the burn literature on palliative care, guidelines can be gleaned from the general literature on palliative care, particularly for acute surgical and critical care patients. Palliative care may be started because of futility, on request of the patient, or because of limited resources. The SPIKES acronym is a useful guide to avoid errors in communication with terminal patients and their relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan den Hollander
- Burns Unit Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Rene Albertyn
- Red Cross Memorial Children's Hospital, South Africa
| | - Julia Amber
- Palliative Care Practitioner, Department of Pediatrics, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
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8
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Bayuo J, Bristowe K, Harding R, Agyei FB, Agbeko AE, Agbenorku P, Baffour PK, Allotey G, Hoyte-Williams PE. The Role of Palliative Care in Burns: A Scoping Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:1089-1108. [PMID: 31733355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients with severe burns may face distressing symptoms with a high risk of mortality as a result of their injury. The role of palliative care in burns management remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To appraise the literature on the role of palliative care in burns management. METHODS We used scoping review with searches in 12 databases from their inception to August 2019. The citation retrieval and retention are reported in a PRISMA statement. FINDINGS 39 papers comprising of 30 primary studies (26 from high-income and four from middle-income countries), four reviews, two editorials, two guidelines, and one expert board review document were retained in the review. Palliative care is used synonymously with comfort and end-of-life care in burns literature. Comfort care is mostly initiated when active treatment is withheld (early deaths) or withdrawn (late deaths), limiting its overall benefits to burn patients, their families, and health care professionals. Futility decisions are usually complex and challenging, particularly for patients in the late death category, and it is unclear if these decisions result in timely commencement of comfort care measures. Three comfort care pathways were identified, but it remained unclear how these pathways evaluated "good death" or supported the family which creates the need for the development of other evidence-based guidelines. CONCLUSION Palliative care is applicable in burns management, but its current role is mostly confined to the end-of-life period, suggesting that it is not been fully integrated in the management process. Evidence-based guidelines are needed to support the integration and delivery of palliative care in the burn patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bayuo
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Presbyterian University College, Agogo, Ghana; School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
| | - Katherine Bristowe
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, Kings College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, Kings College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Bediako Agyei
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Presbyterian University College, Agogo, Ghana
| | | | - Pius Agbenorku
- School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Plastics, Burns and Reconstructive Surgical Division, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Prince Kyei Baffour
- Burns Intensive Care Unit, Plastics and Reconstructive Surgical Unit, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Gabriel Allotey
- Burns Intensive Care Unit, Plastics and Reconstructive Surgical Unit, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Paa Ekow Hoyte-Williams
- Plastics, Burns and Reconstructive Surgical Division, Directorate of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
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Cook AC, Langston JA, Jaramillo JD, Edwards KE, Wong HN, Aslakson RA. Opportunities for Palliative Care in Patients With Burn Injury-A Systematic Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:916-931.e1. [PMID: 31775021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients with significant burn injuries likely have palliative care needs. OBJECTIVES We performed a systematic review of existing evidence concerning the palliative care needs of burn patients. METHODS Through November 26, 2018, we systematically searched PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, using terms representing burn injuries and the eight domains of quality palliative care as outlined by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care. Eligible articles involved burn-injured patients treated with an intervention targeting at least one of the eight domains. RESULTS Our searches yielded 7532 unique records, which led to 238 articles for full review and 88 studies that met inclusion criteria. Seventy-five studies addressed the domain physical aspects of care and merit a separate systematic review; 13 studies were included in our final review. Four of the seven domains-processes of care, psychologic symptoms, social aspects, and end of life-were addressed by studies but three domains-spiritual, cultural, or ethics-were unaddressed. Included studies highlight potential benefits from peridischarge self-care education programs, peer support, and group therapy in improving quality of life. In patients with severe injuries, end-of-life decision-making protocols were associated with increased utilization of comfort-focused treatments. CONCLUSION Most existing palliative care-related research in burn patients addresses interventions for physical symptoms with minimal literature concerning other domains. Opportunities exist for further research of palliative care in burn populations with emphasis on addressing interventions for all domains and better standardizing the language and outcomes for the palliative care interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson C Cook
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
| | - Jessica A Langston
- Department of Medicine, VA NorCal Health Care System, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | - Kristin E Edwards
- Department of Medicine-Palliative Care, Bridgeport Hospital, Yale New Haven Health, Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hong-Nei Wong
- Lane Medical Library & Knowledge Management Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Rebecca A Aslakson
- Departments of Medicine & Anesthesiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Husebø BS, Flo E, Engedal K. The Liverpool Care Pathway: discarded in cancer patients but good enough for dying nursing home patients? A systematic review. BMC Med Ethics 2017; 18:48. [PMID: 28793905 PMCID: PMC5551006 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-017-0205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is an interdisciplinary protocol, aiming to ensure that dying patients receive dignified and individualized treatment and care at the end-of-life. LCP was originally developed in 1997 in the United Kingdom from a model of cancer care successfully established in hospices. It has since been introduced in many countries, including Norway. The method was withdrawn in the UK in 2013. This review investigates whether LCP has been adapted and validated for use in nursing homes and for dying people with dementia. Methods This systematic review is based on a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Results The search identified 12 studies, but none describing an evidence-based adaption of LCP to nursing home patients and people with dementia. No studies described the LCP implementation procedure, including strategies for discontinuation of medications, procedures for nutrition and hydration, or the testing of such procedures in nursing homes. No effect studies addressing the assessment and treatment of pain and symptoms that include dying nursing home patients and people with dementia are available. Conclusion LCP has not been adapted to nursing home patients and people with dementia. Current evidence, i.e. studies investigating the validity and reliability in clinically relevant settings, is too limited for the LCP procedure to be recommended for the population at hand. There is a need to develop good practice in palliative medicine, Advance Care Planning, and disease-specific recommendations for people with dementia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12910-017-0205-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina S Husebø
- Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Bergen Municipality, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Flo
- Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Knut Engedal
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health (Ageing and Health), Vestfold hospital and Oslo universitet hospital, Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Explain the epidemiology of severe burn injury in the context of socioeconomic status, gender, age, and burn cause. 2. Describe challenges with burn depth evaluation and novel methods of adjunctive assessment. 3. Summarize the survival and functional outcomes of severe burn injury. 4. State strategies of fluid resuscitation, endpoints to guide fluid titration, and sequelae of overresuscitation. 5. Recognize preventative measures of sepsis. 6. Explain intraoperative strategies to improve patient outcomes, including hemostasis, restrictive transfusion, temperature regulation, skin substitutes, and Meek skin grafting. 7. Translate updates in the pathophysiology of hypertrophic scarring into novel methods of clinical management. 8. Discuss the potential role of free tissue transfer in primary and secondary burn reconstruction. SUMMARY Management of burn-injured patients is a challenging and unique field for plastic surgeons. Significant advances over the past decade have occurred in resuscitation, burn wound management, sepsis, and reconstruction that have improved outcomes and quality of life after thermal injury. However, as patients with larger burns are resuscitated, an increased risk of nosocomial infections, sepsis, compartment syndromes, and venous thromboembolic phenomena have required adjustments in care to maintain quality of life after injury. This article outlines a number of recent developments in burn care that illustrate the evolution of the field to assist plastic surgeons involved in burn care.
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12
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Deghayli L, Moufarrij S, Norberg M, Sheridan R, Raffoul W, de Buys Roessingh A, Hirt-Burri N, Applegate LA. Insurance coverage of pediatric burns: Switzerland versus USA. Burns 2014; 40:814-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2013.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Metaxa V, Lavrentieva A. End-of-life decisions in Burn Intensive Care Units - An International Survey. Burns 2014; 41:53-7. [PMID: 25017109 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2014.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Burn victims and their families are faced with an unexpected, life changing injury, and they don't have the necessary time to adjust to the trauma. Even though there is extensive literature exploring the attitudes of intensive care physicians on forgoing life-sustaining treatment, little is known about end-of-life practices in specialised burn intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to evaluate physician beliefs, values, considerations and difficulties in end-of-life decisions in burn ICUs. METHODS Two hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed via electronic mail to burn specialists, randomly selected from the directories of the 45(th) annual meeting of American Burn Association and the 15(th) European Burns Association Congresses. RESULTS A moral difference between withdrawing and withholding was stated by 73% of physicians, with withholding being viewed as more preferable (42% vs 37%). Primary reasons given by physicians for the decision to withhold/withdraw the treatment were the patient's medical condition/high probability of death (68%), unresponsiveness to therapy (68%), severity of burn (78%) and poor outcome in terms of quality of life (44%). Vasopressors (85%), blood products (68%) and renal replacement therapy (85%) were the common modalities withheld/withdrawn. Almost 50% involved the patients in the end-of-life decisions and 66% involved the family. CONCLUSIONS In this first international study on end-of-life attitudes, burn ICU physicians clearly distinguish between withhold and withdrawal decisions, with the majority preferring the former. In contrast to general ICUs, treatment limitation accounts only for the minority of the deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Metaxa
- Consultant in Critical Care and Major Trauma, Critical Care Units, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK.
| | - Athina Lavrentieva
- Consultant in Critical Care Papanikolaou Hospital, Burn ICU, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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15
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Stocker R, Close H. Assessing the uptake of the Liverpool Care Pathway for dying patients: a systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2013; 3:399-404. [PMID: 24950519 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2012-000406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Improving the care of the dying is regarded as a national priority and current guidelines stipulate the need to provide holistic palliative care. Despite this, many dying patients and carers report low levels of comfort and satisfaction with care. Reasons include poor coordination of care, variability in communication and crisis-driven interventions. Integrated care pathways aim to support care coordination and open communication with patients and carers. One example is the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP). Using the LCP entails assessment of eligibility criteria which requires skills, knowledge and clinical judgement about its timing. This can be problematic, and little is known about actual uptake, characteristics of assessed patients and reasons for inclusion/exclusion. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted for papers published between January 1990 and July 2012 providing information on LCP uptake. 17 papers met inclusion criteria. A total of 18 052 patients were placed on the LCP, in a variety of inpatient and primary care settings, and cancer and non-cancer diagnoses. 47.4% of dying patients identified were placed on the LCP. Although the LCP is widely recommended, it is only used for around half of dying patients. Reasons may include lack of knowledge, high staff turnover and concerns about applicability particularly for unpredictable dying trajectories. The proportion of patients who meet the eligibility criteria and the reasons surrounding low uptake remain unclear. Research is urgently required to further quantify the variable use of the LCP, and to investigate whether alternative approaches should be developed for non-cancer groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Stocker
- School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, Wolfson Research Institute, Durham University, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
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16
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Al-Benna S. Burn care and the Liverpool Care Pathway. Burns 2013; 39:1028. [PMID: 23465794 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Al-Benna
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery, City Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, United Kingdom.
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Engrav LH, Heimbach DM, Rivara FP, Kerr KF, Osler T, Pham TN, Sharar SR, Esselman PC, Bulger EM, Carrougher GJ, Honari S, Gibran NS. Harborview burns--1974 to 2009. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40086. [PMID: 22792216 PMCID: PMC3390332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burn demographics, prevention and care have changed considerably since the 1970s. The objectives were to 1) identify new and confirm previously described changes, 2) make comparisons to the American Burn Association National Burn Repository, 3) determine when the administration of fluids in excess of the Baxter formula began and to identify potential causes, and 4) model mortality over time, during a 36-year period (1974-2009) at the Harborview Burn Center in Seattle, WA, USA. METHODS AND FINDINGS 14,266 consecutive admissions were analyzed in five-year periods and many parameters compared to the National Burn Repository. Fluid resuscitation was compared in five-year periods from 1974 to 2009. Mortality was modeled with the rBaux model. Many changes are highlighted at the end of the manuscript including 1) the large increase in numbers of total and short-stay admissions, 2) the decline in numbers of large burn injuries, 3) that unadjusted case fatality declined to the mid-1980s but has changed little during the past two decades, 4) that race/ethnicity and payer status disparity exists, and 5) that the trajectory to death changed with fewer deaths occurring after seven days post-injury. Administration of fluids in excess of the Baxter formula during resuscitation of uncomplicated injuries was evident at least by the early 1990s and has continued to the present; the cause is likely multifactorial but pre-hospital fluids, prophylactic tracheal intubation and opioids may be involved. CONCLUSIONS 1) The dramatic changes include the rise in short-stay admissions; as a result, the model of burn care practiced since the 1970s is still required but is no longer sufficient. 2) Fluid administration in excess of the Baxter formula with uncomplicated injuries began at least two decades ago. 3) Unadjusted case fatality declined to ∼6% in the mid-1980s and changed little since then. The rBaux mortality model is quite accurate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren H Engrav
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
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Abstract
AIMS To discuss the intricacies of the decision-making process about initiating end-of-life care pathways. BACKGROUND Internationally, enhancing the quality of end-of-life care has become a central concern in governments' health policies. Despite limited empirical evaluation, end-of- life care pathways have been championed and widely adopted as complex interventions to enhance end-of-life care worldwide. DATA SOURCES A literature search of established electronic databases was conducted for published articles in English addressing decision-making and end-of-life care pathways between 1997-2010. Manual searches of relevant journals and internet sites were also undertaken. DISCUSSION The initiation of an end-of-life care pathway marks the transition to the terminal phase of care. Although guidance for commencing these pathways exists, this may not overcome the complexities of the decision-making process, which must be viewed in context, namely: marking the transition to terminal care, dealing with ambiguity, reaching professional consensus and engaging patients and families. Implications for nursing. Nurses in all care settings have an important role in easing the transition to end-of- life care. Accordingly, nurses need not only an appreciation of end-of-life care pathways, but the complexities surrounding the decision to commence a pathway and their role within. CONCLUSION The initiation of an end-of-life care pathway is contingent on the outcome of a complex decision-making process which is rarely explored and poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Watts
- Department of Nursing, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
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