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Davies H, Safdar NZ, Yi Kwan J, Jain K, Sciberras P, Hurlow A, Po Tam SK, Coughlin P, Mees BME, Scott DJA. End of Life Care for Unplanned Vascular Admissions. Ann Vasc Surg 2024; 99:280-289. [PMID: 37852363 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2023.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unplanned vascular admissions have a high mortality. Previous studies have indicated that end of life care (EoLC) among this group of patients is low but there exist limited data on EoLC in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and predictors of EoLC for unplanned vascular admissions to a tertiary center in the United Kingdom. METHODS This was a retrospective single-center cohort study of unplanned vascular surgery admissions from August 1, 2019 to January 22, 2020. Data on patient demographics, markers of quality of palliative care, mortality, and cause of death of unplanned admission to the vascular surgery department were collected from hospital and general practitioner records and evaluated against EoLC to evaluate predictors and efficacy of EoLC. Quality of palliative care markers included documentation of preferred place of death and care priorities, time spent in hospital and the intensive care unit toward the end of life, and realization of documented care objectives. EoLC input was defined as a dedicated palliative care consultation (PCC) by a palliative care professional, medical doctor, surgeon, or advanced care practitioner. We also conducted a subgroup analysis of patients within this group with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), diabetic foot, and ruptured aortic aneurysms, as all patients in this group should be offered EoLC according to international guidelines. RESULTS One-hundred and fifty patients were included. Median age at presentation was 70.5 years, and the cohort consisted of mostly men (72%). CLTI (31%) was the most common reason for admission. Surgical intervention was carried out in 60% of patients. Two-year mortality was 36%, and pneumonia (22%) was the most common cause of death. Seven percent of patients received PCC, which occurred a median of 10 days before death. Only a minority of patients had preferred place of care/death (14%), care priorities (37%), and family involvement during advance care planning (17%) documented in their notes; 29% of patients had Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment forms in place. A diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, and increasing age predicted Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment form completion. Patients with PCC were more likely to have advance care planning, but this did not translate into improvements in the other markers of quality of palliative and, consequently, EoLC. CONCLUSIONS EoLC was insufficient and of low quality despite a high mortality in this group. Clinical guidelines and pathways are needed to ensure these patients are considered for EoLC and those with CLTI, diabetic foot sepsis or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms are offered it by default. Further research is needed to help identify vascular patients who would benefit from EoLC earlier to improve quality at end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Davies
- Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.
| | | | - Jing Yi Kwan
- Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Kinshuk Jain
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Peter Sciberras
- Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | - Adam Hurlow
- Department of Palliative Care, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Sharon Ka Po Tam
- Department of Anaesthetics, University of Leicester Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Patrick Coughlin
- Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Barend M E Mees
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - D Julian A Scott
- Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Maheta BJ, Singh NK, Lorenz KA, Fereydooni S, Dy SM, Wong HN, Bergman J, Leppert JT, Giannitrapani KF. Interdisciplinary interventions that improve patient-reported outcomes in perioperative cancer care: A systematic review of randomized control trials. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294599. [PMID: 37983229 PMCID: PMC10659207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interdisciplinary teams are often leveraged to improve quality of cancer care in the perioperative period. We aimed to identify the team structures and processes in interdisciplinary interventions that improve perioperative patient-reported outcomes for patients with cancer. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL for randomized control trials published at any time and screened 7,195 articles. To be included in our review, studies needed to report patient-reported outcomes, have interventions that occur in the perioperative period, include surgical cancer treatment, and include at least one non physician intervention clinical team member: advanced practice providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and registered nurses. We narratively synthesized intervention components, specifically roles assumed by intervention clinical team members and interdisciplinary team processes, to compare interventions that improved patient-reported outcomes, based on minimal clinically important difference and statistical significance. RESULTS We included 34 studies with a total of 4,722 participants, of which 31 reported a clinically meaningful improvement in at least one patient-reported outcome. No included studies had an overall high risk of bias. The common clinical team member roles featured patient education regarding diagnosis, treatment, coping, and pain/symptom management as well as postoperative follow up regarding problems after surgery, resource dissemination, and care planning. Other intervention components included six or more months of continuous clinical team member contact with the patient and involvement of the patient's caregiver. CONCLUSIONS Future interventions might prioritize supporting clinical team members roles to include patient education, caregiver engagement, and clinical follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagvat J. Maheta
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States of America
| | - Nainwant K. Singh
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Karl A. Lorenz
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Sydney M. Dy
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Hong-nei Wong
- Lane Medical Library, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Bergman
- VA Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Olive View UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - John T. Leppert
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Karleen F. Giannitrapani
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, CA, United States of America
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
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Zakaria M, Martins RS, Khan MU, Fatimi AS, Maqbool B, Fatimi SH. Operating Ethically: A Review of Surgical Ethics in Pakistan and Recommendations for the Way Forward. Cureus 2023; 15:e46789. [PMID: 37954730 PMCID: PMC10632743 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Medical ethics underpin the moral framework that delineates the professional relationship between physicians and their patients and thereby is an integral part of making patient-centric healthcare decisions. The concept of ethics is deeply embedded in the field of surgery as surgeons confront a myriad of dilemmas as a part of their routine, whether it be in a preoperative or postoperative environment. The current review aims to describe the state of surgical ethics in Pakistan, with the intent of encouraging dialogues about the ethical considerations relevant to the field surgery that will identify actionable areas for improvement. While most surgeons are aware of the traditional principles of ethics and their practice, their surgical and clinical decisions may fall short of these standards because of time constraints and prevailing cultural and religious beliefs and taboos. The rigorous application of ethical principles in areas of patient-related communication, such as consenting, trainee education, palliative and end-of-life care, and surgical innovation and research, will have significant implications for patients, surgeons, and society. Our review has identified the lack of formal bioethics education and insufficient oversight and ethical regulations to be at the core of inadequate ethical practices in Pakistan and has highlighted actionable areas to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheen Zakaria
- Medical College, Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, PAK
| | | | | | | | - Baila Maqbool
- Department of Acute Care Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, USA
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Colley A, Lin J, Pierce L, Johnson C, Bongiovanni T, Finlayson E, Sudore R, Wick EC. Experiences with targeting inpatient advance care planning for emergency general surgery patients: A resident-led quality improvement project. Surgery 2023; 174:844-850. [PMID: 37183132 PMCID: PMC10526751 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For patients who may permanently or temporarily lose their ability to communicate preferences, advance care planning is a critical mechanism to guide medical decision-making but is currently underused among surgical patients. METHODS A resident-led quality improvement project, including education and performance measurement, was conducted on an emergency general surgery service to increase the completion of inpatient advance care planning notes using a specialized template in the electronic health record. Advance care planning documentation was defined as either preadmission advance care planning documentation (eg, advance directive) or inpatient advance care planning (use of the electronic health record template). Data from patients admitted to the emergency general surgery service for 12+ hours were analyzed, and baseline data (July 2020 to June 2021) were compared with data from the intervention period (July 2021 to June 2022). The chart review evaluated the content of the inpatient advance care planning documentation from the intervention period. RESULTS The frequency of inpatient advance care planning documentation increased (9.3%, n = 56 to 16.6%, n = 92, P < .001) with a greater contribution of inpatient advance care planning notes by the surgery team (16.7% to 55.4%) in the intervention period. Content analysis indicated that 79.0% of inpatient advance care planning notes listed preferences for life-sustaining therapy, 78.3% listed surrogacy, 57.3% listed overall health goals, and 50.3% listed treatment goals specific to the surgical encounter. CONCLUSION Although a resident-led quality improvement project contributed to greater adoption of standardized inpatient advance care planning documentation on an emergency general surgery service, progress was slow, and integration into standard work was not achieved. Future efforts are needed to better understand the integration of essential advance care planning elements into workflows and to establish inclusive educational programming to prepare all team members for conducting and documenting advance care planning conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Colley
- Department of Surgery, University of California-San Francisco, CA. http://www.twitter.com/Alexis_ColleyMD
| | - Joseph Lin
- Department of Surgery, University of California-San Francisco, CA
| | - Logan Pierce
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | - Emily Finlayson
- Department of Surgery, University of California-San Francisco, CA
| | - Rebecca Sudore
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, CA
| | - Elizabeth C Wick
- Department of Surgery, University of California-San Francisco, CA.
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Kim KM, Muench U, Maki JE, Yefimova M, Oh A, Jopling JK, Rinaldo F, Shah NR, Giannitrapani KF, Williams MY, Lorenz KA. Racial disparities in inpatient palliative care consultation among frail older patients undergoing high-risk elective surgical procedures in the United States: a cross-sectional study of the national inpatient sample. HEALTH AFFAIRS SCHOLAR 2023; 1:qxad026. [PMID: 38756238 PMCID: PMC10986263 DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Surgical interventions are common among seriously ill older patients, with nearly one-third of older Americans facing surgery in their last year of life. Despite the potential benefits of palliative care among older surgical patients undergoing high-risk surgical procedures, palliative care in this population is underutilized and little is known about potential disparities by race/ethnicity and how frailty my affect such disparities. The aim of this study was to examine disparities in palliative care consultations by race/ethnicity and assess whether patients' frailty moderated this association. Drawing on a retrospective cross-sectional study of inpatient surgical episodes using the National Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 2005 to 2019, we found that frail Black patients received palliative care consultations least often, with the largest between-group adjusted difference represented by Black-Asian/Pacific Islander frail patients of 1.6 percentage points, controlling for sociodemographic, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, procedure type, and year. No racial/ethnic difference in the receipt of palliative care consultations was observed among nonfrail patients. These findings suggest that, in order to improve racial/ethnic disparities in frail older patients undergoing high-risk surgical procedures, palliative care consultations should be included as the standard of care in clinical care guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Mi Kim
- Office of Research Patient Care Services, Stanford Health Care,Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
- Clinical Excellence Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University,Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Ulrike Muench
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - John E Maki
- Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
| | - Maria Yefimova
- Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation, UCSF Health,San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Anna Oh
- Office of Research Patient Care Services, Stanford Health Care,Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Jeffrey K Jopling
- Clinical Excellence Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University,Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Francesca Rinaldo
- Clinical Excellence Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University,Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Nirav R Shah
- Clinical Excellence Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University,Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Karleen Frances Giannitrapani
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, US Department of Veterans Affairs,Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
- Quality Improvement Resource Center for Palliative Care, Stanford University,Stanford, CA 94305, United States
- Primary Care and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University,Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Michelle Y Williams
- Office of Research Patient Care Services, Stanford Health Care,Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
- Primary Care and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University,Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Karl A Lorenz
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, US Department of Veterans Affairs,Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
- Quality Improvement Resource Center for Palliative Care, Stanford University,Stanford, CA 94305, United States
- Primary Care and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University,Stanford, CA 94305, United States
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Kwong M, Rajasekar G, Utter GH, Nuno M, Mell MW. Poor utilization of palliative care among Medicare patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. J Vasc Surg 2023; 78:464-472. [PMID: 37088446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.02.023] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) experience high annual mortality and would benefit from timely palliative care intervention. We sought to better characterize use of palliative care among patients with CLTI in the Medicare population. METHODS Using Medicare data from 2017 to 2018, we identified patients with CLTI, defined as two or more encounters with a CLTI diagnosis code. Palliative care evaluations were identified using ICD-10-CM Z51.5 "Encounter for palliative care." Time intervals between CLTI diagnosis, palliative consultation, and death or end of follow-up were calculated. Associations between patient demographics, comorbidities, and palliative care consultation were assessed. RESULTS A total of 12,133 Medicare enrollees with complete data were categorized as having CLTI. Of these, 7.4% (894) underwent a palliative care evaluation at a median of 170 days (interquartile range, 45-352 days) from their CLTI diagnosis. Compared with those who did not undergo evaluation, palliative patients were more likely to be dual eligible for Medicaid (45.2% vs 38.1%; P < .001) and had more comorbid conditions (P < .001). After controlling for gender and race, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.04), dual eligibility (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.22-1.62), solid organ malignancy (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.92-4.14), hematologic malignancy (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.27-3.98), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.15-1.88), complicated diabetes (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.11-1.65), dementia (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.66), and severe renal failure (OR, 1.56; 85% CI. 1.24-1.98) were independently associated with palliative care evaluation. During mean follow up of 410 ± 220 days, 16.9% (2044) of patients died at a mean of 268 (±189) days after their CLTI diagnosis. Among living patients, only 3.2% (325) underwent palliative evaluation. Comparatively, 27.8% (569) of patients who died received palliative care at a median of 196 days (interquartile range, 55-362 days) after their diagnosis and 15 days (interquartile range, 5-63 days) prior to death. CONCLUSIONS Despite high mortality, palliative care services were rarely provided to Medicare patients with CLTI. Age, medical complexity, and income status may play a role in the decision to consult palliative care. When obtained, evaluations occurred closer to time of death than to time of CLTI diagnosis, suggesting misuse of palliative care as end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmie Kwong
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA.
| | - Ganesh Rajasekar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
| | - Garth H Utter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
| | - Miriam Nuno
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
| | - Matthew W Mell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
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Krebs ED, Hoang SC. Informed Consent and Shared Decision Making in the Perioperative Environment. Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2023; 36:223-228. [PMID: 37113280 PMCID: PMC10125277 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1761158] [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: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Informed consent and shared decision making (SDM) are crucial portions of preoperative patient management. Informed consent is a standard for surgery from both a legal and ethical standpoint, involving disclosure of potential risks of a procedure and ensuring patient understanding of these risks. SDM is a process in which a clinician and patients decide between two or more treatment plans, taking into account the patient's goals and values. SDM is a particularly important aspect of patient-centered care when two or more treatment options exist or in situations where an indicated treatment may not align with the patient's long-term goals. This article details aspects of and issues surrounding informed consent and SDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D. Krebs
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville Tennessee
| | - Sook C. Hoang
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Spencer AL, Nunn AM, Miller PR, Russell GB, Carmichael SP, Neri KE, Marterre B. The value of compassion: Healthcare savings of palliative care consults in trauma. Injury 2023; 54:249-255. [PMID: 36307268 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of palliative care (PC) consultation on patient costs and hospitalization metrics in the adult trauma population are unclear. STUDY DESIGN We interrogated our Level I trauma center databases from 1/1/19 to 3/31/21 for patients age ≥18 admitted to the trauma service. Patients undergoing PC consult were matched using propensity scoring to those without PC consultation based on age, admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, Injury Severity Score and Head Abbreviated Injury Scale. Total costs, total cost per day, hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, intubation days, discharge disposition, and rates of nephrology consultation and tracheostomy/feeding tube placements were compared. RESULTS 140 unique patients underwent PC consultation and were matched to a group not receiving PC consult during the same period. Median total costs in the PC cohort were $39,532 compared to $70,330 in the controls (p<0.01). Median costs per day in the PC cohort were $3,495 vs $17,970 in the controls (p<0.01). Median costs per ICU day in the PC cohort were $3,774 vs $17,127 in the controls (p<0.01). Mean hospital LOS (15.7 vs 7 days), ICU LOS (7.9 vs 2.9 days), and ventilator days (5.1 vs 1.5) were significantly higher in the PC cohort (all p<0.01). Rates of nephrology consultation (8.6 vs 2.1%, p = 0.03) and tracheostomy/feeding tube placements (12.1 vs 1.4%, p<0.01) were also higher in the PC group. Patients were more likely to discharge to hospice if they received a PC consult (33.6 vs 2.1%, p<0.01). Mean time to PC consult was 7.2 days (range 1 hour to 45 days). LOS post-consult correlated positively with time to PC consultation (r = 0.27, p<0.01). CONCLUSION Expert PC services are known to alleviate suffering and avert patient goal- and value-incongruent care. While trauma patients demand significant resources, PC consultation offered in concordance with life-sustaining interventions is associated with significant savings to patients and the healthcare system. Given the correlation between LOS following PC consult and time to PC consult, savings may be amplified by earlier PC consultation in appropriate patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey L Spencer
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Room 5411, Tower 4, Tucson, AZ 85724, United States of America.
| | - Andrew M Nunn
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
| | - Preston R Miller
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
| | - Gregory B Russell
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
| | - Samuel P Carmichael
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
| | - Kristina E Neri
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education, 475 Vine Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America.
| | - Buddy Marterre
- Departments of Surgery & Internal Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
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Bassette E, Salyer C, McCammon S, Brooks JV, Spoozak L. Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship after Surgical Training: A Roadmap to the Future of Surgical Palliative Care. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2022; 79:1177-1187. [PMID: 35662536 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Surgeons comprise only 2% of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) board-certified physicians. Little is known about the motivations of individuals who pursue this combined training or the perceived benefits of this pathway. This study aimed to capture the pathways and experiences of HPM fellowship trained surgeons and to establish recommendations for surgical trainees who may benefit from HPM fellowship training. DESIGN A qualitative study was designed using semi-structured zoom interviews that elicited experiences of HPM trained surgeons. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. SETTING Researchers were from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Participants were trained and worked across the United States in a variety of settings. PARTICIPANTS Eligibility included completion of a 1-year HPM fellowship and training in general surgery, general obstetrics and gynecology, or affiliated subspecialties. RESULTS Seventeen interviews were conducted. All participants expressed satisfaction with their HPM fellowship training. Four themes emerged as recommendations for surgeons to pursue HPM fellowship training: 1) a commitment to joining the HPM workforce, 2) becoming ambassadors for HPM and surgical culture change, 3) desire for advanced communication and symptom management skills at the specialist level, and 4) specialist level HPM skills may enhance surgical career. CONCLUSIONS HPM fellowship training is achievable through multiple pathways for surgeons from a variety of training backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Bassette
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Chelsea Salyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Susan McCammon
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Joanna Veazey Brooks
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas; Department of Internal Medicine, Palliative Medicine Division, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Lori Spoozak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas; Department of Internal Medicine, Palliative Medicine Division, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas.
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Erel M, Marcus EL, Dekeyser-Ganz F. Practice of end-of-life care for patients with advanced dementia by hospital physicians and nurses: Comparison between medical and surgical wards. DEMENTIA 2022; 21:1328-1342. [PMID: 35344387 PMCID: PMC9109210 DOI: 10.1177/14713012221077533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced dementia are commonly hospitalized in acute care wards, yet there is limited data regarding the end-of-life (EOL) care delivered to this population. The aim of the study was to examine EOL care delivered to patients with advanced dementia hospitalized on acute wards as reported by physicians and nurses. METHODS Participants were physicians and nurses from medical and surgical wards of two tertiary hospitals in Israel. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire evaluating EOL care experiences, knowledge, performance, assessment, communication, and perceived futile care regarding patients with dementia. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 315 providers. There were 190 medical ward respondents and 125 from general surgical wards. Of them, 48.6% recognized dementia as a terminal disease, while 26.0% of the participants reported that they knew the end-of-life preferences for less than 10% of their patients. Among the providers, 53.3% reported that end-of-life ward discussions took place only when there was a life-threatening situation and 11.1%-16.5% never engaged in end-of-life communication regarding EOL patient's preferences, appointing an attorney for the patient, disease trajectory or the essence of palliative care, with patients or their representatives. Only 17.1% reported "never" performing care they considered to be futile for patients with advanced dementia. Controlling for gender, age, role, position (senior/junior), and exposure to patients with advanced dementia, surgical ward respondents reported performing less EOL care than medical ward respondents in almost all aspects of palliative care. CONCLUSIONS Despite growing attention, a significant portion of staff in acute care wards do not report applying EOL care to patients with advanced dementia in clinical practice, especially surgical ward staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meira Erel
- 108369Henrietta Szold Hadassah University School of Nursing, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Esther-Lee Marcus
- Faculty of Medicine, 54621Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Geriatrics, 26733Herzog Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Freda Dekeyser-Ganz
- 108369Henrietta Szold Hadassah University School of Nursing, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Jerusalem College of Technology, Jerusalem, Israel
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11
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Lee KC, Walling AM, Senglaub SS, Bernacki R, Fleisher LA, Russell MM, Wenger NS, Cooper Z. Improving Serious Illness Care for Surgical Patients: Quality Indicators for Surgical Palliative Care. Ann Surg 2022; 275:196-202. [PMID: 32502076 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000003894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Develop quality indicators that measure access to and the quality of primary PC delivered to seriously ill surgical patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA PC for seriously ill surgical patients, including aligning treatments with patients' goals and managing symptoms, is associated with improved patient-oriented outcomes and decreased healthcare utilization. However, efforts to integrate PC alongside restorative surgical care are limited by a lack of surgical quality indicators to evaluate primary PC delivery. METHODS We developed a set of 27 preliminary indicators that measured palliative processes of care across the surgical episode, including goals of care, decision-making, symptom assessment, and issues related to palliative surgery. Then using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness method, a 12-member expert advisory panel rated the validity (primary outcome) and feasibility of each indicator twice: (1) remotely and (2) after an in-person moderated discussion. RESULTS After 2 rounds of rating, 24 indicators were rated as valid, covering the preoperative evaluation (9 indicators), immediate preoperative readiness (2 indicators), intraoperative (1 indicator), postoperative (8 indicators), and end of life (4 indicators) phases of surgical care. CONCLUSIONS This set of quality indicators provides a comprehensive set of process measures that possess the potential to measure high quality PC for seriously ill surgical patients throughout the surgical episode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- The Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Anne M Walling
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
- Affiliated Adjunct Staff, RAND Health, Santa Monica, CA
| | - Steven S Senglaub
- The Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Rachelle Bernacki
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Lee A Fleisher
- Department of Anesthesiology and Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Marcia M Russell
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Surgery, Dave Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Neil S Wenger
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
- Affiliated Adjunct Staff, RAND Health, Santa Monica, CA
| | - Zara Cooper
- The Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Hebrew SeniorLife Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Boston, MA
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12
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Patel HV, Kim S, Srivastava A, Shinder BM, Sterling J, Saraiya B, Mayer TM, Ghodoussipour S, Jang TL, Singer EA. Factors associated with palliative intervention utilization for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2022; 20:296-296.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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13
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Ivey GD, Johnston FM. Barriers to Equitable Palliative Care Utilization Among Patients with Cancer. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2021; 31:9-20. [PMID: 34776067 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2021.07.003] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Over the past half century, palliative care has grown to become a pillar of clinical oncology. Its practice revolves around relieving suffering and optimizing quality of life, not just dealing with end-of-life decisions. Despite evidence that palliative care has the potential to reduce health care utilization and improve advance care planning without affecting mortality, palliative care remains inequitably accessible and underutilized. Furthermore, it is still too often introduced late in the care of patients receiving surgical intervention. This article summarizes the numerous and complex barriers to equitable palliative care utilization among patients with cancer. Potential strategies for dismantling these barriers are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel D Ivey
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, 600 North Wolfe Street, Blalock 611, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Fabian M Johnston
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, 600 North Wolfe Street, Blalock 606, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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14
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Runacres F, Poon P, King S, Lustig J, Ugalde A. Examining the role of specialist palliative care in geriatric care to inform collaborations: a survey on the knowledge, practice and attitudes of geriatricians in providing palliative care. Age Ageing 2021; 50:1792-1801. [PMID: 33837769 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global population is ageing, and rates of multimorbidity and chronic illness are rapidly rising. Given specialist palliative care has been shown to improve overall care and reduce health care costs, how best to provide this care to older people is internationally significant. AIM To examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of geriatricians in providing palliative care and working with specialist palliative care services. We also aimed to capture self-reported barriers, confidence and satisfaction in providing palliative care. DESIGN A prospective cross-sectional study surveying Australasian geriatricians was conducted. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS This was a voluntary anonymous online survey, distributed to all full members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Geriatric Medicine. RESULTS A total of 168 completed responses were received; 58.3% were female and 36.6% had over 20 years of clinical experience. Most geriatricians (85%) reported caring for patients in their last 12 months of life represented a substantial aspect or most of their practice. Geriatricians overwhelmingly believed they should coordinate care (84%) and derived satisfaction from providing palliative care (95%). The majority (69%) believed all patients with advanced illness should receive concurrent specialist palliative care. Regarding knowledge, participants scored an average of 13.5 correct answers out of 18 in a Modified Palliative Care Knowledge Test. CONCLUSIONS Geriatricians find reward in providing generalist palliative care to their patients; however, potential exists for improved collaborations with specialist palliative care services. An evidence base for geriatric patients who benefit most from specialist palliative care services is needed to improve resourcing, collaborative practice and ultimately palliative care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Runacres
- Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, Monash Health, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Parkdale, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Poon
- Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, Monash Health, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott King
- Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, Monash Health, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Palliative Medicine, Healthecare, Noble Park, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie Lustig
- Rehabilitation and Aged Care Service, Monash Health, Clayton 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Ugalde
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Underutilization of Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease. Ann Vasc Surg 2021; 76:211-217. [PMID: 34403753 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced peripheral arterial disease is associated with an overall annual mortality between 20-40%. Amputees are at particularly high risk for perioperative and long-term mortality and may benefit from palliative care programs to improve quality of life and to align medical treatments with their goals of care. As studies of palliative care in vascular patients are scarce, we sought to examine palliative care utilization using below knee amputation (BKA) as a surrogate for advanced peripheral arterial disease. METHODS All patients who underwent below knee amputation over a 5-year period at a single large academic medical center were identified through chart review. Demographics, preoperative conditions, intraoperative factors, and perioperative outcomes were recorded. The primary outcome was palliative care consultation at the time of the amputation. The secondary outcomes included one-year mortality and palliative care consultation prior to death. RESULTS The cohort comprised 111 patients (76 men, 35 women) who received BKA for chronic limb threatening ischemia. Three patients (2.7%) received palliative care consultations at the time of their amputation. Of these, one had been obtained remotely for an oncologic condition and the others for surgical decision-making. Follow-up was available for 73 patients. One-year mortality was 21.9% (n = 16) at a mean of 102 ± 86 days after BKA. Among patients who died within 1 year of their amputation, 37.5% (n = 6) received palliative care consultations prior to their death. The median interval between amputation and palliative consultation was 26 (IQR 14-81) days. The median interval between palliative consultation and death was 9 (IQR 4-39) days. CONCLUSION Palliative care services were rarely provided to patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease. When obtained, consultations occurred closer to death than to amputation suggesting a missed opportunity to receive the benefits of early evaluation. Future studies can be aimed at identifying a cohort of vascular patients who would most benefit from early palliative evaluation and determining if palliative consultations alter health care utilization patterns and outcomes for vascular patients.
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16
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Yeguez AC, Yeguez CE, Smith AL. Lost in Translation: Misconceptions and Miscommunications Among Spanish-Speaking Latinas with Pelvic Floor Disorders. Urology 2021; 163:34-43. [PMID: 34015394 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This review sought to identify impediments to disease understanding among Spanish-speaking Latinas with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Five databases were queried and reference lists were searched for relevant articles, 14 were included. Thematic analysis identified 10 themes composed of 52 findings. Three synthesized findings were established: patient-related, provider-related, and system-related barriers to care. We identified that Spanish-speaking Latinas with PFDs face multiple, interacting healthcare barriers related to language and culture at the level of the patient, provider, and healthcare system. Emerging themes identified in this review provide insights for clinical practice as well as hypotheses and directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Yeguez
- Perelman School of Medicine, University Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Carlos E Yeguez
- Department of Psychology and Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, FL.
| | - Ariana L Smith
- Perelman School of Medicine, University Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
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17
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Vitous CA, Dinh DQ, Jafri SM, Bennett OM, MacEachern M, Suwanabol PA. Optimizing Surgeon Well-Being: A Review and Synthesis of Best Practices. ANNALS OF SURGERY OPEN 2021; 2:e029. [PMID: 36714393 PMCID: PMC9872854 DOI: 10.1097/as9.0000000000000029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Through a systematic review and mixed-methods meta-synthesis of the existing literature on surgeon well-being, we sought to identify the specific elements of surgeon well-being, examine factors associated with suboptimal well-being, and highlight opportunities to promote well-being. Background Suboptimal surgeon well-being has lasting and substantial impacts to the individual surgeon, patients, and to society as a whole. However, most of the existing literature focuses on only 1 aspect of well-being-burnout. While undoubtedly a crucial component of overall well-being, the mere absence of burnout does not fully consider the complexities of being a surgeon. Methods We performed a literature search within Ovid Medline, Elsevier Excerpta Medica dataBASE, EBSCOhost Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Clarivate Web of Science from inception to May 7, 2020, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies with primary data examining surgeon well-being were included. Using a predetermined instrument, data were abstracted from each study and compared using thematic analysis. Results A total of 5369 abstracts were identified and screened, with 184 full articles (172 quantitative, 3 qualitative, 9 mixed methods) selected for analysis. Among these, 91 articles measured burnout, 82 examined career satisfaction, 95 examined work-related stressors, 44 explored relationships and families, and 85 assessed emotional and physical health. Thematic analysis revealed 4 themes: professional components, personal components, work-life balance, and impacts to well-being. Conclusions Surgeon well-being is complex and multifaceted. This nuanced examination of surgeon well-being highlights the critical need to develop and provide more long-term support to surgeons-with interventions being tailored based on individual, institutional, and systemic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Ann Vitous
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Sara M. Jafri
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Mark MacEachern
- Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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18
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Hugar LA, Wulff-Burchfield EM, Winzelberg GS, Jacobs BL, Davies BJ. Incorporating palliative care principles to improve patient care and quality of life in urologic oncology. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 18:623-635. [PMID: 34312530 PMCID: PMC8312356 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00491-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Palliative care - specialized healthcare focused on improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses - can help urologists to care for patients with unmet symptom, coping and communication needs. Society guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend incorporating palliative care into standard oncological care, based on multiple randomized trials demonstrating that it significantly improves physical well-being, patient satisfaction and goal concordant care. Misconceptions regarding the objective and ideal timing of palliative care are common; a key concept is that palliative care and treatments seeking to cure or prolong life are not mutually exclusive. Urologists are well positioned to champion the integration of palliative care into surgical urologic oncology and should be aware of palliative care guidelines, indications for palliative care use and how the field of urologic oncology can adopt best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee A. Hugar
- grid.468198.a0000 0000 9891 5233Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Wulff-Burchfield
- grid.412016.00000 0001 2177 6375Medical Oncology Division and Palliative Care Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Westwood, KS USA
| | - Gary S. Winzelberg
- grid.10698.360000000122483208UNC Palliative Care Program, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Bruce L. Jacobs
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Benjamin J. Davies
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Cook M, Zonies D, Brasel K. Prioritizing Communication in the Provision of Palliative Care for the Trauma Patient. CURRENT TRAUMA REPORTS 2020; 6:183-193. [PMID: 33145148 PMCID: PMC7595000 DOI: 10.1007/s40719-020-00201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Communication skills in the ICU are an essential part of the care of trauma patients. The goal of this review is to summarize key aspects of our understanding of communication with injured patients in the ICU. Recent Findings The need to communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and identify primary goals of care is an essential part of trauma care in the ICU. The optimal design to support complex communication in the ICU will be dependent on institutional experience and resources. The best/worst/most likely model provides a structural model for communication. Summary We have an imperative to improve the communication for all patients, not just those at the end of their life. A structured approach is important as is involving family at all stages of care. Communication skills can and should be taught to trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie Cook
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Mail Code L611, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97230 USA
| | - David Zonies
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Mail Code L611, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97230 USA
| | - Karen Brasel
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Mail Code L611, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97230 USA
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20
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Hollenbeck BK, Oerline M, Kaufman SR, Caram MEV, Dusetzina SB, Ryan AM, Shahinian VB. Promotional Payments Made to Urologists by the Pharmaceutical Industry and Prescribing Patterns for Targeted Therapies. Urology 2020; 148:134-140. [PMID: 33075381 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.08.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the association between market-level promotional payments to urologists by the manufacturers of abiraterone and enzalutamide and national prescribing patterns. METHODS A 20% national sample of the 2015 Part D event file was used to identify patients filling their first prescription for abiraterone and enzalutamide and their prescribing physicians. The 2015 Open Payments data were used to characterize promotional payments made to physicians at the market level. Generalized linear models were then used to measure the relationship between market-level payments to urologists and the physician specialty prescribing abiraterone or enzalutamide for the first time RESULTS: In 2015, 2318 men filled a prescription for abiraterone or enzalutamide by a urologist or medical oncologist. Increasing market-level promotional payments to urologists for abiraterone or enzalutamide was strongly associated with a urologist prescribing either drug-24.3% versus 5.8% of those residing in the markets with highest and lowest level of promotional payments to urologists, respectively (P <.01). Neither the number of urologists residing in a market nor other promotional payment measures (ie, to medical oncologists for these drugs, or to all physicians for all other drugs) were associated with a urologist prescribing either drug. CONCLUSION Promotional payments to urologists at the market level are strongly associated with the specialty of the physician prescribing abiraterone or enzalutamide for the first time. Future work should elucidate the effects of the shift in prescribing patterns on quality of care and financial hardship for men with advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Oerline
- Departments of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | | | - Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Andy M Ryan
- Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Vahakn B Shahinian
- Departments of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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21
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Suwanabol PA, Vitous CA, Perumalswami CR, Li SH, Raja N, Dillon BR, Lee CW, Forman J, Silveira MJ. Surgery Residents' Experiences With Seriously-Ill and Dying Patients: An Opportunity to Improve Palliative and End-of-Life Care. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2020; 77:582-597. [PMID: 32063510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2019.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe how and when surgery residents provided primary palliative care and engaged specialty palliative care services. DESIGN Phase I consisted of a previously validated survey instrument supplemented with additional questions. We then conducted semistructured interviews with a subset of the survey respondents (Phase II). Using thematic analysis, we characterized surgery residents' perceptions of palliative care delivery among surgical patients. SETTING General surgery residency programs across the state of Michigan. PARTICIPANTS General surgery residents across the state of Michigan. All residents in participating programs were invited to complete the survey in Phase I. Phase II consisted of a subset of the survey respondents who underwent semistructured interviews. Interview respondents were sampled to reflect the overall surveyed group. RESULTS Among 119 survey respondents (response rate 70%), all had encountered a palliative care specialist but only 58.8% had been taught when to consult or to refer to palliative care. Survey respondents reported on a multitude of barriers within the clinician, patient and family, and systemic domains. Interviews expanded on survey findings and 4 influential factors of palliative care delivery emerged: (1) Resident Education and Training; (2) Resident Attitudes Toward Palliative Care; (3) Knowledge of Palliative Care; and (4) Training within a Surgical Culture. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals how surgery resident training and experiences impact palliative and end-of-life care for surgical patients at teaching institutions. Knowledge of how and when residents are providing primary palliative care and engaging with palliative care services will inform future knowledge and behavioral interventions for trainees who often provide care for patients nearing the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasithorn A Suwanabol
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - C Ann Vitous
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Chithra R Perumalswami
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sylvia H Li
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nicholas Raja
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Christina W Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jane Forman
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Center for Clinical Management, Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maria J Silveira
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Cunningham HB, Scielzo SA, Nakonezny PA, Bruns BR, Brasel KJ, Inaba K, Brakenridge SC, Kerby JD, Joseph BA, Mohler MJ, Cuschieri J, Paulk ME, Ekeh AP, Madni TD, Taveras LR, Imran JB, Wolf SE, Phelan HA. Burn Surgeon and Palliative Care Physician Attitudes Regarding Goals of Care Delineation for Burned Geriatric Patients. J Burn Care Res 2020; 39:1000-1005. [PMID: 29771351 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/iry027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Palliative care specialists (PCS) and burn surgeons (BS) were surveyed regarding: 1) importance of goals of care (GoC) conversations for burned seniors; 2) confidence in their own specialty's ability to conduct these conversations; and 3) confidence in the ability of the other specialty to do so. A 13-item survey was developed by the steering committee of a multicenter consortium dedicated to palliative care in the injured geriatric patient and beta-tested by BS and PCS unaffiliated with the consortium. The finalized instrument was electronically circulated to active physician members of the American Burn Association and American Academy for Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Forty-five BS (7.3%) and 244 PCS (5.7%) responded. Palliative physicians rated being more familiar with GoC, were more comfortable having a discussion with laypeople, were more likely to have reported high-quality training in performing conversations, believed more palliative specialists were needed in intensive care units, and had more interest in conducting conversations relative to BS. Both groups believed themselves to perform GoC discussions better than the other specialty perceived them to do so. BS favored leading team discussions, whereas palliative specialists preferred jointly led discussions. Both groups agreed that discussions should occur within 72 hours of admission. Both groups believe themselves to conduct GoC discussions for burned seniors better than the other specialty perceived them to do so, which led to disparate views on perceptions for the optimal leadership of these discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly B Cunningham
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Shannon A Scielzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Paul A Nakonezny
- Department of Clinical Science and Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Brandon R Bruns
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Karen J Brasel
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kenji Inaba
- Division of Acute Care Surgery and Critical Care, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey D Kerby
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Bellal A Joseph
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - M J Mohler
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joseph Cuschieri
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mary E Paulk
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Akpofure P Ekeh
- Department of Surgery, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Tarik D Madni
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Luis R Taveras
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan B Imran
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Steven E Wolf
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Herb A Phelan
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
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Coym A, Oechsle K, Kanitz A, Puls N, Blum D, Bokemeyer C, Ullrich A. Impact, challenges and limits of inpatient palliative care consultations - perspectives of requesting and conducting physicians. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:86. [PMID: 32019562 PMCID: PMC7001248 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-4936-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inpatient palliative care consultation (IPCC) teams have been established to improve care for patients with specialist palliative care (PC) needs throughout all hospital departments. The objective is to explore physicians’ perceptions on the impact of IPCC, its triggers, challenges and limits, and their suggestions for future service improvements. Methods A Qualitative study drawing on semi-structured interviews with 10 PC specialists of an IPCC team and nine IPCC requesting physicians from oncology and non-oncological departments of a university hospital. Analysis was performed using qualitative content analysis. Results PC specialists and IPCC requesting physicians likewise considered organization of further care and symptom-burden as main reasons for IPCC requests. The main impact however was identified from both as improvement of patients’ (and their caregivers’) coping strategies and relief of the treating team. Mostly, PC specialists emphasized a reduction of symptom burden, and improvement of further care. Challenges in implementing IPCC were lack of time for both. PC specialists addressed requesting physicians’ skepticism towards PC. Barriers for realization of IPCC included structural aspects for both: limited time, staff capacities and setting. PC specialists saw problems in implementing recommendations like disagreement towards their suggestions. All interviewees considered education in PC a sensible approach for improvement. Conclusions IPCC show various positive effects in supporting physicians and patients, but are also limited due to structural problems, lack of knowledge, insecurity, and skepticism by the requesting physicians. To overcome some of these challenges implementation of PC education programs for all physicians would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Coym
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Karin Oechsle
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alena Kanitz
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nora Puls
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Blum
- Competence Center Palliative Care, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anneke Ullrich
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Zens TJ, Kopecky KE, Schwarze ML, Suwanabol PA. Surgery Hurts: Characterizing the Experience of Pain in Surgical Patients as Witnessed by Medical Students. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2019; 76:1506-1515. [PMID: 31060970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The patient experience around surgical care is poorly characterized. Medical students have a unique position on the surgical team, which allows them to observe patient experiences that may otherwise be overlooked. The objective of this study was to characterize surgical patients' experience with pain as witnessed by medical students. STUDY DESIGN At the end of an 8-week surgical clerkship, we asked all third-year medical students to write a reflective essay describing one surgical patient in pain. We collected 341 essays over a 4-year period and used qualitative content analysis to explore the students' reports of pain experienced by surgical patients. RESULTS When asked to tell a story about a surgical patient in pain, medical students report vivid descriptions of physical agony, emotional distress, and patient regret. For example, "Throughout the procedure our patient cried out and writhed in agony from the searing pain in his chest," and "The patient was practically shedding tears, complaining of pain, as [we] changed her dressing." The students' accounts reveal wide-ranging physical and emotional suffering among surgical patients, including alterations in self-image and feelings of vulnerability. Pain and suffering were intensified when patients felt they had lost control, in settings of uncertain prognosis and with unexpected outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Students' descriptions of the surgical patient's experience are disturbingly graphic. They expose suffering ranging from generalized discomfort to anguish and excruciating pain. These data suggest that surgical patients have substantial unmet needs with respect to symptom management and emotional support that, if better addressed, could improve the patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany J Zens
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kimberly E Kopecky
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Margaret L Schwarze
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; Department of Medical History and Bioethics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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Caram MEV, Kaufman SR, Modi PK, Herrel L, Oerline M, Ross R, Skolarus TA, Hollenbeck BK, Shahinian V. Adoption of Abiraterone and Enzalutamide by Urologists. Urology 2019; 131:176-183. [PMID: 31136769 PMCID: PMC6711811 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the adoption of abiraterone and enzalutamide by urologists. Abiraterone and enzalutamide are oral therapies approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, a disease most commonly treated by medical oncologists. METHODS Using the Medicare Part D Public Use Files from 2013 to 2016, we identified total abiraterone and enzalutamide prescriptions 2013-2016 and urologists who prescribed moderate to high volumes of these drugs. We then characterized the urologist practices of those urologists according to practice context (eg, single-specialty group) using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the geographic distribution of those providers. RESULTS We found abiraterone prescriptions increased from 71,423 in 2013 to a peak of 100,371 in 2015 and enzalutamide prescriptions continued to increase from 29,572 in 2013 to 100,980 in 2016. Prescriptions by urologists increased between 2013 and 2016 while prescriptions by other specialties plateaued. The number of moderate-high prescribing urologists increased from 98 (abiraterone) and 22 (enzalutamide) in 2013, to 301 (abiraterone) and 671 (enzalutamide) by 2016 with 1063 unique urologists prescribing moderate-high volumes of either drug between 2013 and 2016. Among urologists who prescribe androgen deprivation therapy, 5% were moderate-high prescribers of abiraterone and 12% of enzalutamide in 2016. The majority of moderate-high prescribing urologists were in single-specialty groups (70%). CONCLUSION Urologists are increasingly prescribing oral therapies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Understanding the distribution of urologists specializing in castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics will help guide future interventions to optimize the care for this important patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E V Caram
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI; VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management and Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Samuel R Kaufman
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Parth K Modi
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lindsey Herrel
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Mary Oerline
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Ryan Ross
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Ted A Skolarus
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management and Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Brent K Hollenbeck
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Vahakn Shahinian
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
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Rhee C, McHugh M, Tun S, Gerhart J, O'Mahony S. Advantages and Challenges of an Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Team Approach to Surgical Care. Surg Clin North Am 2019; 99:815-821. [PMID: 31446910 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Palliative care is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on optimizing quality of life for patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses and includes aggressive management of pain and symptoms; psychological, social, and spiritual support; and discussions of advance care planning, including treatment decision making and complex care coordination. Early palliative care is associated with increased quality of life, decreased symptom burden, decreased health care expenditures, and improved caregiver outcomes. This article discusses integrating interdisciplinary palliative care into surgical practice, and some current models of using and expanding palliative care skill sets in surgery, including training initiatives for both physicians and nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Rhee
- Section of Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, University of Chicago, The University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 6098, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Marlene McHugh
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sandy Tun
- Section of Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - James Gerhart
- Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Sean O'Mahony
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
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Abstract
A common fallacy prevalent in surgical culture is for surgical intervention and palliation to be regarded as mutually exclusive or sequential strategies in the trajectory of surgical illness. Modern surgeons play a complex role as both providers and gatekeepers in meeting the palliative needs of their patients. Surgical palliative care is ideally delivered by surgical teams as a component of routine surgical care, and includes management of physical and psychosocial symptoms, basic communication about prognosis and treatment options, and identification of patient goals and values. Specialty palliative care services may be accessed through a through a variety of models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Berlin
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 5-562, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Adult Palliative Medicine Service, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Teresa Johelen Carleton
- Tucson Medical Center Palliative Care, Tucson Medical Center, 5301 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA; University of Arizona Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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The effect of patient code status on surgical resident decision making: A national survey of general surgery residents. Surgery 2019; 167:292-297. [PMID: 31427072 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple studies have demonstrated that, compared with their full code counterparts, patients with do-not-resuscitate or do-not-intubate status have higher in-hospital and postdischarge mortality than predicted by clinical characteristics alone. We sought to determine whether patient code status affects surgical resident decision making. METHODS We created an online survey that consisted of 4 vignettes, followed by 10 questions regarding decisions on possible diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. All program directors of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited general surgery residencies were randomized to receive 1 of 2 survey versions that differed only in the code status of the patients described, with requests to distribute the survey to their residents. Responses to each question were based on a Likert scale. RESULTS A total of 194 residents completed the survey, 51% of whom were women, and all years of surgical residency were represented. In all vignettes, patient code status influenced perioperative medical decisions, ranging from initiation of dialysis to intensive care unit transfer. In 2 vignettes, it affected decisions to proceed with indicated emergency operations. CONCLUSION When presented with patient scenarios pertaining to clinical decision making, surgical residents tend to assume that patients with a do-not-resuscitate or do-not-intubate code status would prefer to receive less aggressive care overall. As a result, the delivery of appropriate surgical care may be improperly limited unless a patient's goals of care are explicitly stated. It is important for surgical residents to understand that a do-not-resuscitate or do-not-intubate code status should not be interpreted as a "do-not-treat" status.
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Nguyen MT, Feeney T, Kim C, Drake FT, Mitchell SE, Bednarczyk M, Sanchez SE. Differential Utilization of Palliative Care Consultation Between Medical and Surgical Services. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 37:250-257. [PMID: 31387366 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119867904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a paucity of data regarding the utilization of palliative care consultation (PCC) in surgical specialties. We conducted a retrospective review of 2321 adult patients (age ≥18) who died within 6 months of admission to Boston Medical Center from 2012 to 2017. Patients were included for analysis if their length of stay was more than 48 hours and if, based on their diagnoses as determined by literature review and expert consensus, they would have benefited from PCC. Bayesian regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 99% credible intervals (CrI) of receiving PCC adjusted for age, sex, race, insurance status, median income, and comorbidity status. Among the 739 patients who fit the inclusion criteria, only 30% (n = 222) received PCC even though 664 (90%) and 75 (10%) of these patients were identified as warranting PCC on medical and surgical services, respectively. Of the 222 patients who received PCC, 214 (96%) were cared for by medical services and 8 (4%) were cared for by surgical services. Patients cared for primarily by surgical were significantly less likely to receive PCC than primary patients of medical service providers (OR, 0.19, 99% CrI, 0.056-0.48). At our institution, many surgical patients appropriate for PCC are unable to benefit from this service due to low consultation numbers. Further investigation is warranted to examine if this phenomenon is observed at other institutions, elucidate the reasons for this disparity, and develop interventions to increase the appropriate use of PCC throughout all medical specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy Feeney
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chanmin Kim
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - F Thurston Drake
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne E Mitchell
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sabrina E Sanchez
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Lee CW, Vitous CA, Silveira MJ, Forman J, Dossett LA, Mody L, Dimick JB, Suwanabol PA. Delays in Palliative Care Referral Among Surgical Patients: Perspectives of Surgical Residents Across the State of Michigan. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:1080-1088.e1. [PMID: 30742891 PMCID: PMC9077765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care services (PCS) are underutilized and frequently delayed among surgical patients. Surgical residents often serve at the forefront for patient issues, including conducting conversations regarding prognosis and goals of care. OBJECTIVES This qualitative study identifies critical barriers to palliative care referral among seriously ill surgical patients from the perspective of surgical residents. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with surgical residents (n = 18) across the state of Michigan, which focused on experiences with seriously ill surgical patients and PCS. Inductive thematic analysis was used to establish themes based on the research objectives and data collected. RESULTS Four dominant themes of resident-perceived barriers to palliative care referral were identified: 1) challenges with prognostication, 2) communication barriers, 3) respect for the surgical hierarchy, and 4) surgeon mentality. Residents consistently expressed challenges in predicting patient outcomes, and verbalizing this to both attendings and families augmented this uncertainty in seeking PCS. Communicative challenges included managing discordant provider opinions and the stigma associated with PCS. Finally, residents perceived that an attending surgeon's decisive authority and mentality negatively influenced the delivery of PCS. CONCLUSIONS Among resident trainees, unpredictable patient outcomes led to uncertainty in the timing and appropriateness of palliative care referral and further complicated communicating plans of care. Residents perceived and relied on the attending surgeon as the ultimate decision maker, wherein the surgeon's sense of responsibility to the patient was identified as a significant barrier to PCS referral. Further studies are needed to test surgeon-specific interventions to improve access to and delivery of PCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina W Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - C Ann Vitous
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Maria J Silveira
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Health Affairs, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jane Forman
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Health Services Research & Development, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lesly A Dossett
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lona Mody
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Health Affairs, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Justin B Dimick
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Pasithorn A Suwanabol
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
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Hugar LA, Lopa SH, Yabes JG, Yu JA, Turner RM, Fam MM, MacLeod LC, Davies BJ, Smith AB, Jacobs BL. Palliative care use amongst patients with bladder cancer. BJU Int 2019; 123:968-975. [PMID: 30758125 DOI: 10.1111/bju.14708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the rate and determinants of palliative care use amongst Medicare beneficiaries with bladder cancer and encourage a national dialogue on improving coordinated urological, oncological, and palliative care in patients with genitourinary malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data, we identified patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) between 2008 and 2013. Our primary outcome was receipt of palliative care, defined as the presence of a claim submitted by a Hospice and Palliative Medicine subspecialist. We examined determinants of palliative care use using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Over the study period, 7303 patients were diagnosed with MIBC and 262 (3.6%) received palliative care. Of 2185 patients with advanced bladder cancer, defined as either T4, N+ , or M+ disease, 90 (4.1%) received palliative care. Most patients that received palliative care (>80%, >210/262) did so within 24 months of diagnosis. On multivariable analysis, patients receiving palliative care were more likely to be younger, female, have greater comorbidity, live in the central USA, and have undergone radical cystectomy as opposed to a bladder-sparing approach. The adjusted probability of receiving palliative care did not significantly change over time. CONCLUSIONS Palliative care provides a host of benefits for patients with cancer, including improved spirituality, decrease in disease-specific symptoms, and better functional status. However, despite strong evidence for incorporating palliative care into standard oncological care, use in patients with bladder cancer is low at 4%. This study provides a conservative baseline estimate of current palliative care use and should serve as a foundation to further investigate physician-, patient-, and system-level barriers to this care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee A Hugar
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Samia H Lopa
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan G Yabes
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Justin A Yu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert M Turner
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mina M Fam
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Liam C MacLeod
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Davies
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Angela B Smith
- Department of Urology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bruce L Jacobs
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Rohde G, Söderhamn U, Vistad I. Reflections on communication of disease prognosis and life expectancy by patients with colorectal cancer undergoing palliative care: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023463. [PMID: 30850402 PMCID: PMC6429716 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with colorectal cancer undergoing palliative treatment receive extensive treatment-related information throughout their disease trajectory. We aimed to explore the experiences of patients with incurable colorectal cancer while in palliative care and their reflections on the information provided by physicians and nurses. Our main focus was the patients' thoughts about how information about disease status and life expectancy was communicated, from the first time that they were informed about the incurable nature of their disease through to postsurgery palliative treatment. SETTINGS Patients with colorectal cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy. RESEARCH DESIGN We used a qualitative approach, and the data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. PARTICIPANTS 20 patients (34-75 years of age) were included in the study; 12 received first-line chemotherapy and 8 received second-line chemotherapy. Eleven patients were treated by oncologists, and nine were treated by junior physicians. RESULTS Data-driven empirical analysis identified three themes: (1) inadequate information during the initial phase of the disease trajectory; (2) hope and information further into the disease trajectory and (3) personal, professional and organisational factors that influenced information and communication throughout the disease trajectory. CONCLUSION The participants' experience of being told for the first time that they had an incurable disease was perceived as inadequate, while postsurgery palliative chemotherapy, physicians and nurses offered hope. The participants preferred customised information about their treatment and likely future prospects and physicians and nurses who took a holistic and compassionate approach focusing on their lifeworld. To be a sensitive, holistic and compassionate physician or nurse requires knowledge and confidence. To achieve this requires training and guidance at universities and in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun Rohde
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Clinical Research, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Ulrika Söderhamn
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Centre for Caring Research–Southern Norway, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Ingvild Vistad
- Department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, Sorlandet Hospital Kristiansand, Kristiansand, Norway
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Dillon BR, Healy MA, Lee CW, Reichstein AC, Silveira MJ, Morris AM, Suwanabol PA. Surgeon Perspectives Regarding Death and Dying. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:132-137. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark A. Healy
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Christina W. Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ari C. Reichstein
- Department of Surgery, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Maria J. Silveira
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Arden M. Morris
- S-SPIRE Center, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Cunningham HB, Scielzo SA, Nakonezny PA, Bruns BR, Brasel KJ, Inaba K, Brakenridge SC, Kerby JD, Joseph BA, Mohler MJ, Cuschieri J, Paulk ME, Ekeh AP, Madni TD, Taveras LR, Imran JB, Wolf SE, Phelan HA. Trauma Surgeon and Palliative Care Physician Attitudes Regarding Goals-of-Care Delineation for Injured Geriatric Patients. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 36:669-674. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909118823182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The value of defining goals of care (GoC) for geriatric patients is well known to the palliative care community but is a newer concept for many trauma surgeons. Palliative care specialists and trauma surgeons were surveyed to elicit the specialties’ attitudes regarding (1) importance of GoC conversations for injured seniors; (2) confidence in their own specialty’s ability to conduct these conversations; and (3) confidence in the ability of the other specialty to do so. Methods: A 13-item survey was developed by the steering committee of a multicenter, palliative care-focused consortium and beta-tested by trauma surgeons and palliative care specialists unaffiliated with the consortium. The finalized instrument was electronically circulated to active physician members of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and American Academy for Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Results: Respondents included 118 trauma surgeons (8.8%) and 244 palliative care specialists (5.7%). Palliative physicians rated being more familiar with GoC, were more likely to report high-quality training in performing conversations, believed more palliative specialists were needed in intensive care units, and had more interest in conducting conversations relative to trauma surgeons. Both groups believed themselves to perform GoC discussions better than the other specialty perceived them to do so and favored their own specialty leading team discussions. Conclusions: Both groups believe themselves to conduct GoC discussions for injured seniors better than the other specialty perceived them to do so, which led to disparate views on the optimal leadership of these discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shannon A. Scielzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Paul A. Nakonezny
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Brandon R. Bruns
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Karen J. Brasel
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kenji Inaba
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey D. Kerby
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Bellal A. Joseph
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - M. J. Mohler
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joseph Cuschieri
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mary E. Paulk
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Tarik D. Madni
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Luis R. Taveras
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan B. Imran
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Steven E. Wolf
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Herb A. Phelan
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
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Heller DR, Jean RA, Chiu AS, Feder SI, Kurbatov V, Cha C, Khan SA. Regional Differences in Palliative Care Utilization Among Geriatric Colorectal Cancer Patients Needing Emergent Surgery. J Gastrointest Surg 2019; 23:153-162. [PMID: 30328071 PMCID: PMC6751557 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-018-3929-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The benefits of palliative care (PC) in critical illness are validated across a range of diseases, yet it remains underutilized in surgical patients. This study analyzed patient and hospital factors predictive of PC utilization for elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) requiring emergent surgery. METHODS The National Inpatient Sample was queried for patients aged ≥ 65 years admitted emergently with CRC from 2009 to 2014. Patients undergoing colectomy, enterectomy, or ostomy formation were included and stratified according to documentation of PC consultation during admission. Chi-squared testing identified unadjusted group differences, and multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of PC. RESULTS Of 86,573 discharges meeting inclusion criteria, only 3598 (4.2%) had PC consultation. Colectomy (86.6%) and ostomy formation (30.4%) accounted for the operative majority. PC frequency increased over time (2.9% in 2009 to 6.2% in 2014, P < 0.001) and was nearly twice as likely to occur in the West compared with the Northeast (5.7 vs. 3.3%, P < 0.001) and in not-for-profit compared with proprietary hospitals (4.5 vs. 2.3%, P < 0.001). PC patients were more likely to have metastases (60.1 vs. 39.9%, P < 0.001) and die during admission (41.5 vs. 6.4%, P < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression, PC predictors (P < 0.05) included region outside the Northeast, increasing age, more recent year, and metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS In the USA, PC consultation for geriatric patients with surgically managed complicated CRC is low. Regional variation appears to play an important role. With mounting evidence that PC improves quality of life and outcomes, understanding the barriers associated with its provision to surgical patients is paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Heller
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208062, New Haven, CT, 06520-8062, USA
| | - Raymond A Jean
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208062, New Haven, CT, 06520-8062, USA
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208088, New Haven, CT, 06520-8088, USA
| | - Alexander S Chiu
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208062, New Haven, CT, 06520-8062, USA
| | - Shelli I Feder
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208088, New Haven, CT, 06520-8088, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Vadim Kurbatov
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208062, New Haven, CT, 06520-8062, USA
| | - Charles Cha
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT, 06520-8062, USA
| | - Sajid A Khan
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT, 06520-8062, USA.
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Gandesbery B, Dobbie K, Joyce E, Hoeksema L, Perez Protto S, Gorodeski EZ. Surgical Versus Medical Team Assignment and Secondary Palliative Care Services for Patients Dying in a Cardiac Hospital. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2018; 36:316-320. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909118819462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Secondary palliative care (SPC) provides several benefits for patients with cardiovascular disease, but historically, it has been underutilized in this population. Prior research suggests a low rate of SPC consultation by surgical teams in general, but little is known about how surgical teams utilize SPC in the setting of severe cardiovascular disease. Aim: To determine if surgical team assignment affects the probability of SPC for inpatients dying of cardiovascular disease. Design: Retrospective, cohort study. Methods: We identified all inpatients at a large cardiac hospital who had anticipated death under the care of a cardiology, cardiac surgery, or vascular surgery team in 2016. Our primary outcome was referral to SPC, including palliative medicine consultation or inpatient hospice care. Informed by univariate analysis, we created a multivariable logistic regression model, the significance of which was assessed with the Wald test. Results: Two hundred thirty-seven patients were included in our analysis: 93 (39%) received SPC and 144 (61%) were “missed opportunities.” Secondary palliative care was less frequent in patients assigned to a surgical, versus medical, team (11% vs 47%, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, surgical versus medical team assignment was the strongest risk-adjusted predictor of SPC (odds ratio [OR]: 0.10, P < .001). Other predictors of SPC included do not resuscitate status on admission (OR: 14, P < .001), length of stay (OR = 1.05/day, P < .001), and having Medicare (OR = 3.9, P = .002). Conclusions: Primary inpatient care by a surgical team had a strong inverse relationship with SPC. This suggests a possible cultural barrier within surgical disciplines to SPC.
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Nakagawa S, Berlin A, Blinderman CD. End-of-Life Preferences Should Be Discussed Routinely before High-Risk Surgery. J Palliat Med 2018; 22:9. [PMID: 30457435 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shunichi Nakagawa
- 1 Adult Palliative Care Service, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center , New York, New York
| | - Ana Berlin
- 2 Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center , New York, New York
| | - Craig D Blinderman
- 1 Adult Palliative Care Service, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center , New York, New York
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Bluck S, Mroz EL, Baron-Lee J. Providers' Perspectives on Palliative Care in a Neuromedicine-Intensive Care Unit: End-of-Life Expertise and Barriers to Referral. J Palliat Med 2018; 22:364-369. [PMID: 30403556 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study identifies health care providers' perspectives on palliative care at end of life (EOL) in a neuromedicine-intensive care unit (Neuro-ICU) and barriers to providing palliative care. BACKGROUND Provider's EOL expertise is crucial in making timely referrals to palliative care as expectation of patient death can be high. Barriers to referral need to be clearly identified so as to engage quality initiatives that improve EOL care delivery. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS The study is a survey design using a mixed-methods approach. Providers at a large academic medical center, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, completed a quality improvement survey. MEASUREMENTS Forty-one providers responded to Likert-type scales assessing their perspectives on palliative care. Their EOL expertise was independently assessed. In addition, barriers to palliative care referral were collected using a checklist and open-ended responses. The latter were reliably content analyzed through a card-sort technique. RESULTS Three palliative care perspectives were identified: foundational perspective, comfort-care perspective, and holistic perspective. Regression analysis shows that providers' perspectives are differentially related to their EOL expertise. Frequencies of provider-reported barriers to referring patients to palliative care (e.g., lack of care coordination) were determined. CONCLUSIONS Health care providers hold multiple perspectives on what they consider palliative care. Their perspectives are related systematically to different aspects of their EOL expertise. In-house training and quality initiatives could focus on unifying providers' perspectives to create a common language for understanding palliative care. Eliminating individual, intergroup, and organizational barriers is necessary for creating an optimal environment for patients and their families who find themselves, often suddenly, in a Neuro-ICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Bluck
- 1 Department of Psychology, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Emily L Mroz
- 1 Department of Psychology, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jacqueline Baron-Lee
- 2 Neuromedicine Interdisciplinary Clinical and Academic Program (NICAP), University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
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Sayma M, Nowell G, O’Connor A, Clark G, Gaukroger A, Proctor D, Walsh J, Rigney B, Norman S, Adedeji A, Wilson D, O’hagan D, Cook V, Carrington R, Sekaran P, Wehbe M, Paterson D, Welchman S, Over J, Payne S. Improving the use of treatment escalation plans: a quality-improvement study. Postgrad Med J 2018; 94:404-410. [DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2018-135699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesTreatment escalation plans (TEPs) are vital in communicating a ceiling of care. However, many patients still deteriorate and die without a pre-established ceiling of care for attending clinicians to rely on. We aimed to increase the proportion of suitable patients that have TEPs in place in a rural district general hospital.MethodsWe undertook three ‘Plan-Do-Study-Act’ (PDSA) cycles between 1 December 2016 and 9 June 2017. These cycles aimed to assess the problem, implement a solution and monitor its sustainability. We sampled all acute medical admissions at different time points, focusing on the acute medical unit. We identified patients requiring TEP forms using SupportiveandPalliative Care Indicators Tool. Stakeholders were surveyed during the project, and a process communication map was developed to understand the human interfaces that occur when producing a TEP.ResultsWe sampled a total of 323 patients (PDSA 1, n=128; PDSA 2, n=95; PDSA 3, n=100). Following implementation of a ‘talking to your doctor about treatment’ leaflet, the proportion of patients who did not have a TEP but required one fell from 43% (n=38, PDSA 1) to 27% (n=20, PDSA 3) then to 23% (n=77, PDSA 3) (CI 0.6631 to 39.917, p=0.028).ConclusionsThis study highlights the challenges of TEP form completion. The impact of our intervention appeared to raise awareness of advanced care planning. The information contained in our leaflet could be distributed in more innovative ways to ensure patients unable to access textual information are able to receive this message.
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Suwanabol PA, Reichstein AC, Suzer-Gurtekin ZT, Forman J, Silveira MJ, Mody L, Morris AM. Surgeons' Perceived Barriers to Palliative and End-of-Life Care: A Mixed Methods Study of a Surgical Society. J Palliat Med 2018; 21:780-788. [PMID: 29649396 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly 20% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients present with potentially incurable (Stage IV) disease, yet their physicians do not integrate cancer treatment with palliative care. Compared with patients treated by primary providers, surgical patients with terminal diseases are significantly less likely to receive palliative or end-of-life care. OBJECTIVE To describe surgeon perspectives on palliative and end-of-life care for patients with Stage IV CRCs. DESIGN This is a convergent mixed methods study using a validated survey instrument from the Critical Care Peer Workgroup of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Promoting Excellence in End-of-Life Care Project with additional qualitative questions. SETTINGS Participants were all current, nonretired members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Surgeon-perceived barriers to palliative and end-of-life care for patients with Stage IV CRCs were identified. RESULTS Among 131 Internet survey respondents (response rate 16.5%), 76.1% reported no formal education in palliative care, and specifically noted inadequate training in techniques to forgo life-sustaining measures (37.9%) and communication (42.7%). Over half (61.8%) of surgeons cited unrealistic expectations among patients and families as a barrier to care, which also limited discussion of palliation. At the system level, absence of documentation, appropriate processes, and culture hindered the initiation of palliative care. Thematic analysis of open-ended questions confirmed and extended these findings through the following major barriers to palliative and end-of-life care: (1) surgeon knowledge and training; (2) communication challenges; (3) difficulty with prognostication; (4) patient and family factors encompassing unrealistic expectations and discordant preferences; and (5) systemic issues including culture and lack of documentation and appropriate resources. LIMITATIONS Generalizability is limited by the small sample size inherent to Internet surveys, which may contribute to selection bias. CONCLUSIONS Surgeons valued palliative and end-of-life care but reported multilevel barriers to its provision. These data will inform strategies to reduce these perceived barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasithorn A Suwanabol
- 1 Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ari C Reichstein
- 2 Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Allegheny Health Network , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Jane Forman
- 4 Center for Clinical Management Research , Veterans Affairs Health Services Research & Development, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maria J Silveira
- 5 Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan.,6 Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) , Veterans Affairs Health Affairs, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lona Mody
- 5 Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan.,6 Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) , Veterans Affairs Health Affairs, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Arden M Morris
- 7 Department of Surgery, S-SPIRE Center, Stanford University , Stanford, California
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