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Zhu E, McCreedy E, Teno JM. Bereaved Respondent Perceptions of Quality of Care by Inpatient Palliative Care Utilization in the Last Month of Life. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:893-901. [PMID: 38240917 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08588-4] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Under traditional Medicare, accountability measures are specific to each healthcare setting. With the growth of alternative payment models such as Medicare Advantage, the focus of accountability measures can be on the longitudinal episode of care. OBJECTIVE Using the last month of life as the episode of care, examine bereaved family member perceptions of the quality of care by site of death and inpatient palliative/hospice care. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using the National Health Aging Trends Study waves 3-11. SUBJECTS US decedents age 65 and older with family member or close friend survey response. MAIN MEASURES Overall rating of the quality of care, perceptions of symptom management, being treated with respect, emotional/spiritual support, communication, and receipt of care that the decedent did not want. KEY RESULTS Among 2796 interviews (weighted N = 12.6 million), 25.7% died at home with hospice, 10.9% at home without hospice, 10.0% in the ICU, 6.4% at a palliative care unit (PCU), 6.4% at a hospice IPU, 9.1% at hospital without inpatient palliative care, 13.2% at a nursing home without hospice, 9.8% in a nursing home with hospice, 4.1% at a hospice residence, and 4.4% at other locations without hospice. Dying at home with hospice received the highest rating of quality of care (60.2% stated excellent care) while the adjusted marginal differences in sites of death with inpatient palliative care services were rated lower: hospice residence 25.6% points lower (95% CI (-13.7%, -37.5%)) and a freestanding IPU was 16.9% points lower (95% CI (- 4.9%, -29.0%)). CONCLUSION Examining the episode of care as the last month of life, hospice at home is associated with higher rating of the quality of care while inpatient palliative care services in hospital, hospice residence, or hospice IPU settings are rated lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enya Zhu
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- Department of Health Services, Brown University School of Public Health, Policy & Practice121 South Main St, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Rm 421, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Ellen McCreedy
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
- Department of Health Services, Brown University School of Public Health, Policy & Practice121 South Main St, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
- Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main St, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Joan M Teno
- Department of Health Services, Brown University School of Public Health, Policy & Practice121 South Main St, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
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Lou Y. End-of-life care discussions with healthcare providers and dying experiences: A latent class analysis using the health and retirement study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 119:105319. [PMID: 38171033 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105319] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of provider-patient end-of-life care conversations on the dying experience as a multi-dimensional concept among non-White population is understudied. The study examines whether such discussions are effective at improving end-of-life experiences among U.S. older adults with diverse backgrounds. METHODS The analytic sample featured 9,733 older adults who died between 2002 and 2019 in the Health and Retirement Study. Latent class analysis was used with sixteen end-of-life indicators, including service utilization of seven aggressive and supportive care, symptom management, and quality of care. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to estimate the effects of provider-patient end-of-life discussions on the predicted membership. RESULTS Three types of end-of-life experiences were identified. People in "minimum service user with good death" (44.54 %) were least likely to use any type of medical care, either aggressive or comforting, and had best end-of-life symptom management and quality of care. Intensive care users (20.70 %) are characterized by very high use of aggressive treatments and low use of supportive care. "Extensive service user with uncomfortable death" (34.76 %) had high likelihoods of using both aggressive and comforting care and had the worst dying experience. Older adults who discussed their end-of-life wishes with providers were 49 % and 51 % more likely to be an intensive care user and extensive service user with uncomfortable death, respectively, rather than a minimum service user with good death. CONCLUSION Discussing end-of-life care wishes with providers is associated with worse end-of-life experiences. Efforts are needed to facilitate early initiation and effectiveness of the provider-patient end-of-life care conversation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Lou
- School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, 300 George, 7th Floor, New Haven, CT 06511, United States.
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Myers J, Howe M, Jia Z, Quinn K, Meaney C, Lokuge B, Parry N, Vaz D, Zeng J, Berman H. The Impact of a Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Program to Diagnose and Manage Ascites in Home-based Palliative Care. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:375-380. [PMID: 38000441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.10.014] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) program among people with ascites receiving home-based palliative care by measuring the association of POCUS with ascites-related days spent out of the home, compared with outcomes before POCUS implementation. DESIGN Open cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Adults who had an ascites-related procedure (ARP) between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015 (ie, pre-POCUS) and January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020 (ie, POCUS). An ARP was defined as using ultrasound to diagnose suspected ascites or a paracentesis with or without ultrasound guidance to manage ascites. METHODS The main outcome was the rate of ascites-related days spent out of the home, defined as days out of the home for either ARPs or because of ascites-related hospital admissions, relative to the time patients were at risk for spending ascites-related days out of the home. RESULTS Among the 103 pre-POCUS patients (mean age 68.0; 50.4% female), there were 161 ARPs with 12.4% occurring at home. Among the 127 POCUS patients (mean age 74.0; 52.0% female) there were 193 ARPs with 82.4% occurring at home. POCUS was associated with a significantly lower rate of ascites-related days spent outside the home (pre-POCUS rate of 33 days per 1000 patient days vs POCUS rate of 9 days; unadjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR), 3.86; 95% CI, 2.95-5.12; P < .001; adjusted IRR, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.27-11.54; P = .02). POCUS was also associated with a higher likelihood of ARPs occurring in the home [unadjusted odds ratio (OR), 32.44; 95% CI, 18.15-59.90; P < .001; adjusted OR, 48.99; 95% CI, 21.04-114.10; P < .001]. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The use of POCUS may contribute to maximizing time spent at home for palliative care patients with ascites. These findings support the use of POCUS for home-based palliative care programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Myers
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Marnie Howe
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhimeng Jia
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kieran Quinn
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Meaney
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bhadra Lokuge
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie Parry
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Desiree Vaz
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joy Zeng
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hershl Berman
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Belanger E, Rosendaal N, Wang X(J, Teno JM, Gozalo PL, Dosa D, Thomas KS. Characteristics and End-of-Life Care Pathways of Decedents From a National Cohort of Assisted Living Residents. Med Care 2024; 62:125-130. [PMID: 38054851 PMCID: PMC10964181 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted living (AL) is an increasingly common, place of care for dying persons. However, it remains unclear to what extent residents are able to age in place or if AL represents an additional transition before death. OBJECTIVES Examine the sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, health care utilization, and end-of-life care pathways of AL residents before death. RESEARCH DESIGN A national cohort study of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries residing in large AL communities (25+ beds) during the month of January 2017 with 3 years of follow-up, using administrative claims data. SUBJECTS 268,812 AL residents. MEASURES Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and health care utilization at the end of life. RESULTS Between 2017 and 2019, 35.1% of the study cohort died. Decedents were more likely than the overall AL population to be 85 years old or older (76.5% vs. 59.5%), and diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (70.3% vs. 51.6%). Most decedents (96.2%) had some presence in AL during the last year of life, but over 1 in 5 left AL before the last month of life. Among those in AL on day 30 before death, nearly half (46.4%) died in place without any health care transition, while 13.2% had 3 or more transfers before dying. CONCLUSIONS AL is an important place of care for dying persons, especially for those with dementia. These findings indicate a need to assess existing policies and processes guiding the care of the frail and vulnerable population of dying AL residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Belanger
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Nicole Rosendaal
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Xiao (Joyce) Wang
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Joan M. Teno
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Pedro L. Gozalo
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
- Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, RI
| | - David Dosa
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
- Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, RI
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Kali S. Thomas
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
- Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, RI
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Oh H, White EM, Muench U, Santostefano C, Thapa B, Kosar C, Gadbois EA, Osakwe ZT, Gozalo P, Rahman M. Advanced practice clinician care and end-of-life outcomes for community- and nursing home-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries with dementia. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:3946-3964. [PMID: 37070972 PMCID: PMC10523969 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) often face burdensome end-of-life care transfers. Advanced practice clinicians (APCs)-which include nurse practitioners and physician assistants-increasingly provide primary care to this population. To fill current gaps in the literature, we measured the association between APC involvement in end-of-life care versus hospice utilization and hospitalization for older adults with ADRD. METHODS Using Medicare data, we identified nursing home- (N=517,490) and community-dwelling (N=322,461) beneficiaries with ADRD who died between 2016 and 2018. We employed propensity score-weighted regression methods to examine the association between different levels of APC care during their final 9 months of life versus hospice utilization and hospitalization during their final month. RESULTS For both nursing home- and community-dwelling beneficiaries, higher APC care involvement associated with lower hospitalization rates and higher hospice rates. DISCUSSION APCs are an important group of providers delivering end-of-life primary care to individuals with ADRD. HIGHLIGHTS For both nursing home- and community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries with ADRD, adjusted hospitalization rates were lower and hospice rates were higher for individuals with higher proportions of APC care involvement during their final 9 months of life. Associations between APC care involvement and both adjusted hospitalization rates and adjusted hospice rates persisted when accounting for primary care visit volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyesung Oh
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Elizabeth M White
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Ulrike Muench
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco School of Nursing, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christopher Santostefano
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Bishnu Thapa
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Cyrus Kosar
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Emily A Gadbois
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Zainab Toteh Osakwe
- College of Nursing and Public Health, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, USA
| | - Pedro Gozalo
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Momotazur Rahman
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Gerlach LB, Turnwald M, Geczi K, O'Neil T, Watkins D, Bynum JPW, Maust DT. Factors Associated With Benzodiazepine and Antipsychotic Prescribing in Hospice: A Qualitative Study of Hospice Prescribers. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:1297-1302.e1. [PMID: 37230152 PMCID: PMC10615326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Benzodiazepine and antipsychotic medications are common components of the hospice toolkit and are routinely prescribed for behavioral symptom management at end of life. These medications have significant associated risks but, despite their frequent use, little is known about how clinicians weigh prescribing decisions for individuals in hospice. In this qualitative study, we examined the key factors that influence the decision to initiate a benzodiazepine and antipsychotic medication for management of behavioral symptoms at end of life. DESIGN A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and descriptive qualitative analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We conducted semi-structured interviews with prescribing hospice physicians and nurse practitioners working in hospice settings across the United States. METHODS Hospice clinicians were asked to describe factors that influence prescribing decisions to initiate benzodiazepine and antipsychotic medications for the management of behavioral symptoms. Data from audio-recorded sessions were transcribed, coded to identify relevant concepts, and reduced to determine major themes. RESULTS We completed 23 interviews with hospice physicians and nurse practitioners. On average, participants had worked in a hospice setting for a mean of 14.3 years (SD: 10.9); 39% had geriatrics training. Major themes related to benzodiazepine and antipsychotic prescribing were (1) caregiving factors strongly influence the use of medications, (2) patient and caregiver stigma and concerns regarding medication use limit prescribing, (3) medications are initiated to avoid hospitalization or transition to a higher level of care, and (4) nursing home hospice care brings unique challenges. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Caregiver factors and the setting of hospice care strongly influence clinician decisions to initiate benzodiazepines and antipsychotics in hospice. Caregiver education about medication use at end of life and support in managing challenging behaviors may help promote optimal prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren B Gerlach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Molly Turnwald
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kristin Geczi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Daphne Watkins
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julie P W Bynum
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Donovan T Maust
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Lou Y, Liu J, Carr D. To Tell or Not: Chinese Older Adults' Preferences for Disclosing or Concealing Serious Illness Diagnoses. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:1049-1059. [PMID: 36370424 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Knowledge of one's medical diagnosis is critical for end-of-life decision making. However, a patient's right to know their diagnosis is neither guaranteed nor protected by law in China. Doctors typically inform family members of the patient's illness diagnosis and prognosis and let the family decide whether to disclose this information to the patient. This study examines midlife and older Chinese adults' preferences for disclosure of their own and significant others' diagnoses, and the sociodemographic, economic, and cultural factors associated with these preferences. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We surveyed 571 adults ages 50+ in Shanghai from 2021 to 2022. Our outcome measures are preferences for diagnosis disclosures, including whether and to whom diagnoses should be disclosed. We characterize preference types using latent class analysis, and estimate multinomial logistic regression to identify the covariates associated with each preference type. RESULTS Three latent classes were identified. The transparent group (34%) believed patients, whether self or a significant other, should be informed of their own diagnoses. The contradictory group (50%) held conflicting attitudes; they preferred to know their own diagnosis but preferred that significant others not be informed of their diagnoses. The avoidant group (16%) preferred not to know their own diagnosis and similarly preferred not to disclose significant others' diagnoses to them. Familism attitudes were positively associated with holding contradictory views. Experiences with hospitalization and medical decision making for family members were associated with holding transparent views. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS We discuss the importance of illness disclosure for honoring patients' autonomous decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Lou
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jinyu Liu
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Deborah Carr
- Department of Sociology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Wang X(J, Teno JM, Rosendaal N, Smith L, Thomas KS, Dosa D, Gozalo PL, Carder P, Belanger E. State Regulations and Assisted Living Residents' Potentially Burdensome Transitions at the End of Life. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:757-767. [PMID: 36580545 PMCID: PMC10278021 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Potentially burdensome transitions at the end of life (e.g., repeated hospitalizations toward the end of life and/or health care transitions in the last three days of life) are common among residential care/assisted living (RC/AL) residents, and are associated with lower quality of end-of-life care reported by bereaved family members. We examined the association between state RC/AL regulations relevant to end-of-life care delivery and the likelihood of residents experiencing potentially burdensome transitions. Methods: Retrospective cohort study combining RC/AL registries of states' regulations with Medicare claims data for residents in large RC/ALs (i.e., 25+ beds) in the United States on the 120th day before death (N = 129,153), 2017-2019. Independent variables were state RC/AL regulations relevant to end-of-life care, including third-party services, staffing, and medication management. Analyses included: (1) separate logistic regression models for each RC/AL regulation, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates; (2) separate logistic regression models with a Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) subgroup to control for comorbidities, and (3) multivariable regression analysis, including all regulations in both the overall sample and the Medicare FFS subgroup. Results: We found a lack of associations between potentially burdensome transitions and regulations regarding third-party services and staffing. There were small associations found between regulations related to medication management (i.e., requiring regular medication reviews, permitting direct care workers for injections, requiring/not requiring licensed nursing staff for injections) and potentially burdensome transitions. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, the associations of RC/AL regulations with potentially burdensome transitions were either small or not statistically significant, calling for more studies to explain the wide variation observed in end-of-life outcomes among RC/AL residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao (Joyce) Wang
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Joan M. Teno
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Nicole Rosendaal
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lindsey Smith
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kali S. Thomas
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - David Dosa
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Pedro L. Gozalo
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Paula Carder
- Institute on Aging, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University - Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Belanger
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Coats H, Doyon K, Isaacson MJ, Tay D, Rosa WE, Mayahara M, Kates J, Frechman E, Wright PM, Boyden JY, Broden EG, Hinds PS, James R, Keller S, Thrane SE, Mooney-Doyle K, Sullivan SS, Xu J, Tanner J, Natal M. The 2023-2026 Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Research Agenda. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2023; 25:55-74. [PMID: 36843048 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000935] [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] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association established the triannual research agenda to ( a ) provide focus for researchers to conduct meaningful scientific and quality improvement initiatives and inform evidence-based practice, ( b ) guide organizational funding, and ( c ) illustrate to other stakeholders the importance of nursing research foci. HPNA Research Agendas are developed to give direction for future research to continue advancing expert care in serious illness and ensure equitable delivery of hospice and palliative care.
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Harrison KL, Cenzer I, Smith AK, Hunt LJ, Kelley AS, Aldridge MD, Covinsky KE. Functional and clinical needs of older hospice enrollees with coexisting dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:785-798. [PMID: 36420734 PMCID: PMC10023265 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Medicare Hospice Benefit increasingly serves people dying with dementia. We sought to understand characteristics, hospice use patterns, and last-month-of-life care quality ratings among hospice enrollees with dementia coexisting with another terminal illness as compared to enrollees with a principal hospice diagnosis of dementia, and enrollees with no dementia. METHODS We conducted a pooled cross-sectional study among decedent Medicare beneficiaries age 70+ using longitudinal data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) (last interview before death; after-death proxy interview) linked to Medicare hospice claims (2011-2017). We used unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses to compare characteristics of hospice enrollees with coexisting dementia to two groups: (1) enrollees with a principal dementia diagnosis, and (2) enrollees with no dementia. RESULTS Among 1105 decedent hospice enrollees age 70+, 40% had coexisting dementia, 16% had a principal diagnosis of dementia, and 44% had no dementia. In adjusted analyses, enrollees with coexisting dementia had high rates of needing help with 3-6 activities of daily living, similar to enrollees with principal dementia (62% vs. 67%). Enrollees with coexisting dementia had high clinical needs, similar to those with no dementia, for example, 63% versus 61% had bothersome pain. Care quality was worse for enrollees with coexisting dementia versus principal dementia (e.g., 61% vs. 79% had anxiety/sadness managed) and similar to those with no dementia. Enrollees with coexisting dementia had similar hospice use patterns as those with principal diagnoses and higher rates of problematic use patterns compared to those with no dementia (e.g., 16% vs. 10% live disenrollment, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS People with coexisting dementia have functional needs comparable to enrollees with principal diagnoses of dementia, and clinical needs comparable to enrollees with no dementia. Changes to hospice care models and policy may be needed to ensure appropriate dementia care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista L Harrison
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Irena Cenzer
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alexander K Smith
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lauren J Hunt
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amy S Kelley
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- James J. Peters Bronx VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Melissa D Aldridge
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- James J. Peters Bronx VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Kenneth E Covinsky
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
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11
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Mather H, Kleijwegt H, Bollens-Lund E, Kelley AS, Ornstein KA. Symptom Management Experience of End-of-Life Family Caregivers: A Population-Based Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:513-520. [PMID: 35944883 PMCID: PMC10212333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT In the United States, 30% of all deaths occur at home. Effective symptom management is integral to quality end-of-life (EOL) care. Family caregivers play a major role in EOL symptom management. Recent federal policies emphasize the need to improve training and support for family caregivers. OBJECTIVES In a nationally representative sample: 1) Characterize the population of caregivers assisting with and reporting difficulty in symptom management at the end of life; and 2) Assess caregiver and care recipient characteristics associated with caregiver report of difficulty. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving. Multivariable logistic regression to assess association between care recipient and caregiver characteristics and caregiver report of difficulty. RESULTS Caregivers (n = 214) were mean age 57.1 years, 74% female, and 86% white non-Hispanic. Over 2 million family caregivers provided assistance with symptom management in the last month of life in 2017; 78% reported difficulty. Non-Hispanic Black caregivers (aOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08-0.75), Hispanic caregivers (0.13, 0.03-0.56), and caregivers with lower than high school education (0.26, 0.11-0.63) were less likely to report difficulty. Caregivers of care recipients who received paid care (3.37, 1.30-8.69) were more likely to report difficulty. Receipt of training and support services (1.80, 0.83-3.93) and hospice (1.83, 0.82-4.07) were not associated with caregiver report of difficulty. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the need to improve training and support for family caregivers in EOL symptom management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Mather
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (H.M., H.K., E.B.L.), Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Hannah Kleijwegt
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (H.M., H.K., E.B.L.), Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Evan Bollens-Lund
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (H.M., H.K., E.B.L.), Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amy S Kelley
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (A.S.K), Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Katherine A Ornstein
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (K.A.O), Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine and Department of General Internal Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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12
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Gabbard J, Strahley AE, Pajewski NM, Callahan KE, Foley KL, Brown A, Moses A, Kirkendall E, Williamson JD, Brooten J, Marterre B, Sutfin EL. Development of an Advance Care Planning Portal-Based Tool for Community-Dwelling Persons Living With Cognitive Impairment: The ACPVoice Tool. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2022:10499091221134030. [PMID: 36239407 PMCID: PMC10102257 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221134030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Patient portals can be an innovative and efficient way to engage patients in advance care planning (ACP). However, comprehension and judgment in older adults with cognitive impairment presents several barriers and challenges to engaging in new technology. Our objective was to develop an ACP portal-based tool (ACPVoice) for community-dwelling persons living with cognitive impairment (PLCI) by engaging end-users in the design process. Methods: Two rounds of cognitive interviews were conducted to identify and resolve cognitive issues related to comprehension, judgment, response, and to assess content validity. Purposive sampling was used with the goal of enrolling 15 different participants (five with mild cognitive impairment and five dyads (those with mild dementia and their care partner) in each round to assess respondents' understanding of questions related to advance care planning to be administered via the patient portal. Results: Twenty PLCI (mean age 78.4, 10 females [50%]) and ten care partners (mean age 60.9, 9 females [90%]) completed cognitive interviews between May 2021 and October 2021. The mean Mini-Mental State Examination score for PLCI was 25.6 (SD 2.6). Unclear wording and undefined vague and/or unfamiliar terms were the major issues identified. Revisions to item wording, response options, and instructions were made to improve question comprehension and response as well as navigational ease. Conclusion: Minor changes to the wording, format, and response options substantially improved respondents' ability to interpret the item content of the ACPVoice tool. Dissemination and implementation of the ACPVoice tool could help to engage community-dwelling PLCI in ACP discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gabbard
- Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Center for Healthcare Innovation, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ashley E Strahley
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas M Pajewski
- Center for Healthcare Innovation, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn E Callahan
- Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Implementation Science, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kristie L Foley
- Center for Healthcare Innovation, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Implementation Science, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Andrew Brown
- Center for Healthcare Innovation, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Adam Moses
- Center for Healthcare Innovation, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Section on General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Eric Kirkendall
- Center for Healthcare Innovation, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jeff D Williamson
- Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Center for Healthcare Innovation, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Justin Brooten
- Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Buddy Marterre
- Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Erin L Sutfin
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, 12279Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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13
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Ananth P, Wolfe J, Johnston EE. Charting a path to high-quality end-of-life care for children with cancer. Cancer 2022; 128:3586-3592. [PMID: 36006762 PMCID: PMC9530011 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There are currently no quality measures for end-of-life (EOL) care for children with cancer. In this commentary, we address why it is essential that we develop quality measures for EOL care for children with cancer, review the progress made to date, and chart the course for future work in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Ananth
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Emily E. Johnston
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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14
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Harrison KL, Cenzer I, Ankuda CK, Hunt LJ, Aldridge MD. Hospice Improves Care Quality For Older Adults With Dementia In Their Last Month Of Life. HEALTH AFFAIRS (PROJECT HOPE) 2022; 41:821-830. [PMID: 35666964 PMCID: PMC9662595 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The Medicare hospice benefit was originally designed around a cancer disease paradigm but increasingly serves people living with dementia. At this time, almost half of all older adults receiving hospice care have dementia. Yet there is minimal evidence as to whether hospice benefits people living with dementia outside of nursing facilities. We asked whether and how the perceived quality of last-month-of-life care differed between people with and without dementia and whether hospice use among people living with dementia was associated with perceived quality of care compared with the quality of care for those who did not use hospice. We used nationally representative data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study and Medicare claims from the period 2011-17 to examine the impact of hospice enrollment on proxy perceptions of last-month-of-life care quality. Proxies of people living with dementia enrolled in hospice compared with proxies of those not enrolled more often reported care to be excellent (predicted probability: 52 percent versus 41 percent), more often reported having anxiety or sadness managed (67 percent versus 46 percent), and less often reported changes in care settings in the last three days of life (10 percent versus 25 percent). There were no differences in the impact of hospice on proxy ratings of care for people with and without dementia. Policy makers should consider these benefits when weighing changes to hospice policy and regulations that may affect people living with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista L Harrison
- Krista L. Harrison , University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Irena Cenzer
- Irena Cenzer, University of California San Francisco
| | - Claire K Ankuda
- Claire K. Ankuda, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Lauren J Hunt
- Lauren J. Hunt, University of California San Francisco
| | - Melissa D Aldridge
- Melissa D. Aldridge, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and James J. Peters Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York
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15
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Nothelle S, Kelley AS, Zhang T, Roth DL, Wolff JL, Boyd C. Fragmentation of care in the last year of life: Does dementia status matter? J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:2320-2329. [PMID: 35488709 PMCID: PMC9378534 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Care at the end of life is commonly fragmented; however, little is known about commonly used measures of fragmentation of care in the last year of life (LYOL). We sought to understand differences in fragmentation of care by dementia status among seriously ill older adults in the LYOL. Methods We analyzed data from adults ≥65 years in the National Health and Aging Trends Study who died and had linked 2011–2017 Medicare fee‐for‐service claims for ≥12 months before death. We categorized older adults as having serious illness due to dementia (hereafter dementia), non‐dementia serious illness or no serious illness. For outpatient fragmentation, we calculated the Bice–Boxerman continuity of care index (COC), which measures care concentration, and the known provider of care index (KPC), which measures the proportion of clinicians who were previously seen. For acute care fragmentation, we divided the number of hospitals and emergency departments visited by the total number of visits. We built separate multivariable quantile regression models for each measure of fragmentation. Results Of 1793 older adults, 42% had dementia, 53% non‐dementia serious illness and 5% neither. Older adults with dementia had fewer hospitalizations than older adults with non‐dementia serious illness but more than older adults without serious illness (mean 1.9 vs 2.3 vs 1, p = 0.002). In adjusted models, compared to older adults with non‐dementia serious illness, those with dementia had significantly less fragmented care across all quantiles of COC (range 0.016–0.110) but a lower predicted 90th percentile of KPC, meaning more older adults with dementia had extremely fragmented care on the KPC measure. There was no significant difference in acute care fragmentation. Conclusions In the LYOL, older adults with dementia have fewer healthcare encounters and less fragmentation of care by the COC index than older adults with non‐dementia serious illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Nothelle
- Center for Transformative Geriatric Research, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Roger C. Lipitz Center for Integrated Health Care, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy S Kelley
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Talan Zhang
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David L Roth
- Center for Transformative Geriatric Research, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer L Wolff
- Center for Transformative Geriatric Research, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Roger C. Lipitz Center for Integrated Health Care, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cynthia Boyd
- Center for Transformative Geriatric Research, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Roger C. Lipitz Center for Integrated Health Care, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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16
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Roma M, Sullivan SS, Casucci S. TILE-12 index: an interpretable instrument for identifying older adults at risk for transitions in living environment within the next 12-months. Home Health Care Serv Q 2022; 41:236-254. [PMID: 35392771 DOI: 10.1080/01621424.2022.2052220] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Few evidence-based tools exist to support identification of older community dwelling adults at risk for unwanted transitions in living environment leading to missed opportunities to modify care plans to support aging-in-place and/or establish end-of-life care goals. An interpretable and actionable tool for assessing a person's risk of experiencing a transition is introduced. Logistic regression analysis of 14,772 transition opportunities (i.e. 12-month periods) for 4,431 respondents to the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) rounds 1-7. Results were visualized in a nomogram. Unmarried males of increasing age with chronic disease, greater functional dependence, overnight hospitalizations, not living in a single-family home, and limited social network, have elevated risk of experiencing a transition in living environment in a 12-month period. Homecare nurses are uniquely qualified to identify social determinants of health and can use this evidence-based tool to identify individuals who may benefit from transitional care assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makayla Roma
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Suzanne S Sullivan
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sabrina Casucci
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
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17
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Ananth P, Mun S, Reffat N, Kang SJ, Pitafi S, Ma X, Gross CP, Wolfe J. Refining Patient-Centered Measures of End-of-Life Care Quality for Children With Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e372-e382. [PMID: 34613797 PMCID: PMC8932486 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There are no existing quality measures (QMs) to optimize end-of-life care for children with cancer. Previously, we developed a set of 26 candidate QMs. Our primary objective in this study was to achieve stakeholder consensus on priority measures. METHODS We conducted an iterative, cross-sectional electronic survey, using a modified Delphi method to build consensus among clinician and family stakeholders. In each of the two rounds of surveys, stakeholders were asked to rate QMs on a 9-point Likert scale, on the basis of perceived importance. Health care professionals were additionally asked to rate measures on perceived feasibility. After each round, we computed median scores on importance and feasibility of measurement, retaining QMs with median importance scores ≥ 8. RESULTS Twenty-five participants completed both rounds of the survey. In round 1, participants were asked to rate 26 QMs; nine QMs, including QMs pertaining to health care use, were removed because of median importance scores < 8. Two new measures were proposed for consideration in round 2, on the basis of participant feedback. Following round 2, 17 QMs were ultimately retained. QMs related to symptom screening and palliative care consultation were rated highly in importance and feasibility. QMs related to communication were rated highly important, yet less feasible. Measuring whether a patient's needs were heard by their health care team was rated among the least feasible. CONCLUSION Childhood cancer stakeholders prioritized QMs pertaining to patient-reported outcomes, deeming measures of health care resource use less important. Future research should seek to develop novel tools for quality assessment to enhance feasibility of implementing priority measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Ananth
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT,Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT,Prasanna Ananth, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar St, LMP 2082C, New Haven, CT 06510; e-mail:
| | - Sophia Mun
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Noora Reffat
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Soo Jung Kang
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Sarah Pitafi
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT,Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | - Cary P. Gross
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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18
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Jia Z, Leiter RE, Sanders JJ, Sullivan DR, Gozalo P, Bunker JN, Teno JM. Asian American Medicare Beneficiaries Disproportionately Receive Invasive Mechanical Ventilation When Hospitalized at the End-of-Life. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:737-744. [PMID: 33904035 PMCID: PMC8075023 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06794-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asian Americans are the fastest-growing ethnic minority in the USA, but we know little about the end-of-life care for this population. OBJECTIVE Compare invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) use between older Asian and White decedents with hospitalization in the last 30 days of life. DESIGN Population-based retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS A 20% random sample of 2000-2017 Medicare fee-for-service decedents who were 66 years or older and had a hospitalization in the last 30 days of life. EXPOSURE White and Asian ethnicity as collected by the Social Security Administration. MAIN MEASURES We identified IMV using validated procedural codes. We compared IMV use between Asian and White fee-for-service decedents using random-effects logistic regression analysis, adjusting for sociodemographics, admitting diagnosis, comorbidities, and secular trends. KEY RESULTS From 2000 to 2017, we identified 2.1 million White (54.5% female, 82.4±8.1 mean age) and 28,328 Asian (50.8% female, 82.6±8.1 mean age) Medicare fee-for-service decedents hospitalized in the last 30 days. Compared to White decedents, Asian fee-for-service decedents have an increased adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.42 (95%CI: 1.38-1.47) for IMV. In sub-analyses, Asians' AOR for IMV differed by admitting diagnoses (cancer AOR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.15-1.51; congestive heart failure AOR=1.75, 95%CI: 1.47-2.08; dementia AOR=1.93, 95%CI: 1.70-2.20; and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease AOR=2.25, 95%CI: 1.76-2.89). CONCLUSIONS Compared to White decedents, Asian Medicare decedents are more likely to receive IMV when hospitalized at the end-of-life, especially among patients with non-cancer admitting diagnoses. Future research to better understand the reasons for these differences and perceived quality of end-of-life care among Asian Americans is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimeng Jia
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Richard E Leiter
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justin J Sanders
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Ariadne Labs, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donald R Sullivan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA.,Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Veterans Affairs Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Pedro Gozalo
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jennifer N Bunker
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Joan M Teno
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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19
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Moyo P, Loomer L, Teno J, Gutman R, McCreedy EM, Bélanger E, Volandes AE, Mitchell S, Mor V. Effect of a Video-Assisted Advance Care Planning Intervention on End-of-Life Health Care Transitions Among Long-Stay Nursing Home Residents. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022; 23:394-398. [PMID: 34627753 PMCID: PMC8885779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between an advance care planning (ACP) video intervention, Pragmatic Trial of Video Education in Nursing Homes (PROVEN), and end-of-life health care transitions among long-stay nursing home residents with advanced illness. DESIGN Pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial. Five ACP videos were available on tablets or online at intervention facilities. PROVEN champions employed by nursing homes (usually social workers) were directed to offer residents (or their proxies) ≥1 video under certain circumstances. Control facilities employed usual ACP practices. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS PROVEN occurred from February 2016 to May 2019 in 360 nursing homes (119 intervention, 241 control) owned by 2 health care systems. This post hoc study of PROVEN data analyzed long-stay residents ≥65 years who died during the trial who had either advanced dementia or cardiopulmonary disease (advanced illness). We required an observation time ≥90 days before death. The analytic sample included 923 and 1925 advanced illness decedents in intervention and control arms; respectively. METHODS Outcomes included the proportion of residents with 1 or more hospital transfer (ie, hospitalization, emergency department use, or observation stay), multiple (≥3) hospital transfers during the last 90 days of life, and late transitions (ie, hospital transfer during the last 3 days or hospice admission on the last day of life). RESULTS Hospital transfers in the last 90 days of life among decedents with advanced illness were significantly lower in the intervention vs control arm (proportion difference = -1.7%, 95% CI -3.2%, -0.1%). The proportion of decedents with multiple hospital transfers and late transitions did not differ between the trial arms. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Video-assisted ACP was modestly associated with reduced hospital transfers in the last 90 days of life among nursing home residents with advanced illness. The intervention was not significantly associated with late health care transitions and multiple hospital transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience Moyo
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Lacey Loomer
- University of Minnesota Duluth Labovitz School of Business
and Economics, Department of Economics and Health Care Management, Duluth, MN,
USA
| | - Joan Teno
- Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine,
Portland, OR, USA
| | - Roee Gutman
- Brown University School of Public Health, Department of
Biostatistics, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ellen M. McCreedy
- Brown University School of Public Health, Department of
Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Bélanger
- Brown University School of Public Health, Department of
Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Angelo E. Volandes
- General Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,
USA,Section of General Medicine, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Susan Mitchell
- Hebrew Senior Life, Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for
Aging Research, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vincent Mor
- Brown University School of Public Health, Department of
Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Providence, RI, USA,Providence VA Medical Center, Long Term Services and
Supports Center of Innovation, Providence, RI, USA
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20
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Wang XJ, Teno JM, Gozalo PL, Dosa D, Thomas KS, Bélanger E. State Variation in Potentially Burdensome Transitions Among Assisted Living Residents at the End of Life. JAMA Intern Med 2022; 182:229-231. [PMID: 34928312 PMCID: PMC8689429 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.7260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
This cohort study uses Medicare administrative claims data to describe potentially burdensome transitions among assisted living residents at the end of life and assesses variations by US state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Joyce Wang
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Joan M Teno
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
| | - Pedro L Gozalo
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.,Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - David Dosa
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.,Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island.,Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kali S Thomas
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.,Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Emmanuelle Bélanger
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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21
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Kutney-Lee A, Bellamy SL, Ersek M, Medvedeva EL, Smith D, Thorpe JM, Brooks Carthon JM. Care processes and racial/ethnic differences in family reports of end-of-life care among Veterans: A mediation analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:1095-1105. [PMID: 34985133 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bereaved family members of racial/ethnic minority Veterans are less likely than families of White Veterans to provide favorable overall ratings of end-of-life (EOL) care quality; however, the underlying mechanisms for these differences have not been explored. The objective of this study was to examine whether a set of EOL care process measures mediated the association between Veteran race/ethnicity and bereaved families' overall rating of the quality of EOL care in VA medical centers (VAMCs). METHODS A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of linked Bereaved Family Survey (BFS), administrative and clinical data was conducted. The sample included 17,911 Veterans (mean age: 73.7; SD: 11.6) who died on an acute or intensive care unit across 121 VAMCs between October 2010 and September 2015. Mediation analyses were used to assess whether five care processes (potentially burdensome transitions, high-intensity EOL treatment, and the BFS factors of Care and Communication, Emotional and Spiritual Support, and Death Benefits) significantly affected the association between Veteran race/ethnicity and a poor/fair BFS overall rating. RESULTS Potentially burdensome transitions, high-intensity EOL treatment, and the three BFS factors of Care and Communication, Emotional and Spiritual Support, and Death Benefits did not substantially mediate the relationship between Veteran race/ethnicity and poor/fair overall ratings of quality of EOL care by bereaved family members. CONCLUSIONS The reasons underlying poorer ratings of quality of EOL care among bereaved family members of racial/ethnic minority Veterans remain largely unexplained. More research on identifying potential mechanisms, including experiences of racism, and the unique EOL care needs of racial and ethnic minority Veterans and their families is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Kutney-Lee
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scarlett L Bellamy
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mary Ersek
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elina L Medvedeva
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dawn Smith
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua M Thorpe
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - J Margo Brooks Carthon
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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22
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Can we determine burdensome transitions in the last year of life based on time of occurrence and frequency? An explanatory mixed-methods study. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:637-645. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521001395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Burdensome transitions are typically defined as having a transition in the last three days or multiple hospitalizations in the last three months of life, which is seldom verified with qualitative accounts from persons concerned. This study analyses types and frequencies of transitions in the last year of life and indicators of burdensome transitions from the perspective of bereaved relatives.
Method
Cross-sectional explanatory mixed-methods study with 351 surveyed and 41 interviewed bereaved relatives in a German urban area. Frequencies, t-tests, and Spearman correlations were computed for quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis with provisional and descriptive coding/subcoding.
Results
Transitions rise sharply during the last year of life. 8.2% of patients experience a transition in the last three days and 7.8% three or more hospitalizations in the last three months of life. An empathetic way of telling patients about the prospect of death is associated with fewer transitions in the last month of life (r = 0.185, p = 0.046). Professionals being aware of the preferred place of death corresponds to fewer hospitalizations in the last three months of life (1.28 vs. 0.97, p = 0.021). Qualitative data do not confirm that burden in transitions is linked to having transitions in the last three days or multiple hospitalizations in the last three months of life. Burden is associated with (1) late and non-empathetic communication about the prospect of death, (2) not coordinating care across settings, and (3) not considering patients’ preferences.
Significance of results
Time of occurrence and frequency appear to be imperfect proxies for burdensome transitions. The subjective burden seems to be associated rather with insufficient information, preparation, and management of transitions.
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23
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A Comfort Measures Only Checklist for Critical Care Providers: Impact on Satisfaction and Symptom Management. CLIN NURSE SPEC 2021; 35:303-313. [PMID: 34606210 DOI: 10.1097/nur.0000000000000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This quality improvement project created a guide for critical care providers transitioning patients to comfort measures only encouraging communication, collaboration, and shared decision making; ensuring management of patients' end-of-life symptoms and needs; and enhancing provider satisfaction by improving structure and consistency when transitioning patients. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT Interviews conducted with staff in intensive care units revealed opportunities to improve structure and processes of transitioning patients at the end of life. A subcommittee of experts designed a checklist to facilitate interdisciplinary conversations. Impact on provider satisfaction and symptom management was assessed. Presurveys circulated used a Research Electronic Data Capture tool. A checklist was implemented for 3 months, and then postsurveys were sent. Charts were audited to identify improvement in symptom management and compared with retrospective samples. OUTCOMES Clinical improvements were seen in communication (12%), collaboration (25%), shared decision making (22%), and order entry time (17%). In addition, 72% agreed the checklist improved structure and consistency; 69% reported improved communication, collaboration, and shared decision making; 61% felt it improved knowledge/understanding of patient needs; and 69% agreed it improved management of patient symptoms. CONCLUSION After checklist implementation, staff felt more involved and more comfortable, and reported more clarity in transitioning patients; no improvement in patient outcomes was realized.
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24
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Smith GM, Calton BA, Rabow MW, Marks AK, Bischoff KE, Pantilat SZ, O'Riordan DL. Comparing the Palliative Care Needs of Patients Seen by Specialty Palliative Care Teams at Home Versus in Clinic. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:28-38. [PMID: 33246071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Understanding the unique needs of patients seen in clinic versus at home can help palliative care (PC) teams choose how to maximize available resources. OBJECTIVES To compare the characteristics and PC needs of patients seen by PC teams in clinic versus at home. METHODS We analyzed data from the Palliative Care Quality Network between August 2016 and September 2019 and compared demographics, diagnosis, reason for referral, PC needs, functional status, self-reported symptoms, and patient-reported quality of life. RESULTS Compared to patients receiving PC in clinic, patients receiving PC at home were more likely to be of age 80 years or older (odds ratio [OR] 7.5, 95% CI 5.0, 10.9, P < 0.0001), have lower functional status (mean Palliative Performance Scale score 53% vs. 68%, P < 0.0001), and were less likely to screen positive for needing pain management (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.22, 0.42, P < 0.0001) or other symptom management (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41, 0.90, P = 0.01). Patients receiving care at home were more likely to be referred for care planning (goals of care discussions or advance care planning) (OR 11.5, 95% CI 8.3, 16.0 P < 0.0001) and patient/family support (OR 5.9, 95% CI 4.2, 8.3, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Patients seen by PC teams at home had worse function and were more likely to be referred for care planning, while patients seen in clinic had more PC needs related to pain and symptom management. Despite these differences, both populations have significant PC needs that support routine assessment and require appropriately staffed interdisciplinary teams to address these needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant M Smith
- Stanford Section of Palliative Medicine, Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.
| | - Brook A Calton
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael W Rabow
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Angela K Marks
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kara E Bischoff
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Steven Z Pantilat
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David L O'Riordan
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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25
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Hanson LC, Bennett AV, Jonsson M, Kelley A, Ritchie C, Saliba D, Teno J, Zimmerman S. Selecting Outcomes to Ensure Pragmatic Trials Are Relevant to People Living with Dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 68 Suppl 2:S55-S61. [PMID: 32589279 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Outcome measures for embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) should reflect the lived experience of people living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers, yet patient- and caregiver-reported outcomes (PCROs) are rarely available in large clinical and administrative data sources. Although pragmatic methods may lead to use of existing administrative data rather than new data collected directly from PLWD, interventions are truly impactful only when they change outcomes prioritized by PLWD and their caregivers. The Patient- and Caregiver-Reported Outcomes Core (PCRO Core) of the IMbedded Pragmatic Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Collaboratory aims to promote optimal use of outcomes relevant to PLWD and their caregivers in pragmatic trials. The PCRO Core will address key scientific challenges limiting outcome measurement, such as gaps in existing measures, methodologic constraints, and burdensome data capture. PCRO Core investigators will create a searchable library of AD/AD-related dementias (ADRD) clinical outcome measures, including measures in existing data sources with potential for AD/ADRD ePCTs, and will support best practices in measure development, including pragmatic adaptation of PCROs. Working together with other Cores and Teams within the IMPACT Collaboratory, the PCRO Core will support investigators to select from existing outcome measures, and to innovate in methods for measurement and data capture. In the future, the work of the IMPACT Collaboratory may galvanize broader embedded use of outcomes that matter to PLWD and their care partners in large health systems. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:S55-S61, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Hanson
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Antonia V Bennett
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Patient Reported Outcomes Core, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mattias Jonsson
- Patient Reported Outcomes Core, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy Kelley
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christine Ritchie
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Debra Saliba
- Borun Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Los Angeles VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,RAND, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Joan Teno
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Sheryl Zimmerman
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Schools of Social Work and Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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26
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Hanna N, Quach B, Scott M, Qureshi D, Tanuseputro P, Webber C. Operationalizing Burdensome Transitions Among Adults at the End of Life: A Scoping Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:1261-1277.e10. [PMID: 33096215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Care transitions at the end of life are associated with reduced quality of life and negative health outcomes, yet up to half of patients in developed countries experience a transition within the last month of life. A variety of these transitions have been described as "burdensome" in the literature; however, there is currently no consensus on the definition of a burdensome transition. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this review was to identify current definitions of "burdensome transitions" and develop a framework for classifying transitions as "burdensome" at the end of life. METHODS A search was conducted in databases including Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, CINAHL, and PsychINFO for articles published in English between January 1, 2000 and September 28, 2019. RESULTS A total of 37 articles met inclusion criteria for this scoping review. Definitions of burdensome transitions were characterized by the following features: transition setting trajectory, number of transitions, temporal relationship to end of life, or quality of transitions. CONCLUSION Definitions of burdensome transitions varied based on time before death, setting of cohorts, and study population. These definitions can be helpful in identifying and subsequently preventing unnecessary transitions at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nardin Hanna
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Bradley Quach
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Scott
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danial Qureshi
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa
| | - Colleen Webber
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Armstrong MJ, Paulson HL, Maixner SM, Fields JA, Lunde AM, Boeve BF, Manning C, Galvin JE, Taylor AS, Li Z. Protocol for an observational cohort study identifying factors predicting accurately end of life in dementia with Lewy bodies and promoting quality end-of-life experiences: the PACE-DLB study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047554. [PMID: 34039578 PMCID: PMC8160156 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is one of the most common degenerative dementias. Despite the fact that most individuals with DLB die from complications of the disease, little is known regarding what factors predict impending end of life or are associated with a quality end of life. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a multisite longitudinal cohort study. Participants are being recruited from five academic centres providing subspecialty DLB care and volunteers through the Lewy Body Dementia Association (not receiving specialty care). Dyads must be US residents, include individuals with a clinical diagnosis of DLB and at least moderate-to-severe dementia and include the primary caregiver, who must pass a brief cognitive screen. The first dyad was enrolled 25 February 2021; recruitment is ongoing. Dyads will attend study visits every 6 months through the end of life or 3 years. Study visits will occur in-person or virtually. Measures include demographics, DLB characteristics, caregiver considerations, quality of life and satisfaction with end-of-life experiences. For dyads where the individual with DLB dies, the caregiver will complete a final study visit 3 months after the death to assess grief, recovery and quality of the end-of-life experience. Terminal trend models will be employed to identify significant predictors of approaching end of life (death in the next 6 months). Similar models will assess caregiver factors (eg, grief, satisfaction with end-of-life experience) after the death of the individual with DLB. A qualitative descriptive analysis approach will evaluate interview transcripts regarding end-of-life experiences. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the University of Florida institutional review board (IRB202001438) and is listed on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04829656). Data sharing follows National Institutes of Health policies. Study results will be disseminated via traditional scientific strategies (conferences, publications) and through collaborating with the Lewy Body Dementia Association, National Institute on Aging and other partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Armstrong
- Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Susan M Maixner
- Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Julie A Fields
- Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Angela M Lunde
- Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Carol Manning
- Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - James E Galvin
- Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Zhigang Li
- Biostatistics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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28
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Lackraj D, Kavalieratos D, Murali KP, Lu Y, Hua M. Implementation of Specialist Palliative Care and Outcomes for Hospitalized Patients with Dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:1199-1207. [PMID: 33523466 PMCID: PMC8202070 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with serious illness, use of specialist palliative care may result in improved quality of life, patient and caregiver satisfaction and advance care planning, as well as lower health care utilization. However, evidence of efficacy is limited for patients with dementia, particularly in the setting of an acute hospitalization. OBJECTIVE To determine whether implementation of hospital-based specialist palliative care was associated with differences in treatment intensity outcomes for hospitalized patients with dementia. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Fifty-one hospitals in New York State that either did or did not implement a palliative care program between 2008 and 2014. Hospitals that consistently had a palliative care program during the study period were excluded. PARTICIPANTS Hospitalized patients with dementia. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome of this study was discharge to hospice from an acute hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, use of mechanical ventilation and dialysis, and days in intensive care. Difference-in-difference analyses were performed using multilevel regression to assess the association between implementing a palliative care program and outcomes, while adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics and time trends. RESULTS During the study period, 82,118 patients with dementia (mean (SD) age, 83.04 (10.04), 51,170 (62.21%) female) underwent an acute hospitalization, of which 41,227 (50.27%) received care in hospitals that implemented a palliative care program. In comparison to patients who received care in hospitals without palliative care, patients with dementia who received care in hospitals after the implementation of palliative care were more 35% likely to be discharged to hospice (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.35 (1.19-1.51), P < .001). No meaningful differences in secondary outcomes were observed. CONCLUSION Implementation of a specialist palliative care program was associated with an increase in discharge to hospice following acute hospitalization in patients with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deven Lackraj
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Komal P Murali
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yewei Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - May Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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29
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Bandini JI, Schlang D, Kim H, Bradley M, Price RA, Bunker JN, Teno JM. "If We Turned Our Backs, They Would Ignore Our Wishes": Bereaved Family Perceptions of Concordance of Care at the End of Life. J Palliat Med 2021; 24:1667-1672. [PMID: 33826426 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The key to high-quality care at the end of life is goal-concordant care, defined as care that is consistent with patient wishes. Objectives: To characterize decedent wishes for care at the end of life and to examine next of kin narratives of their loved ones' perceptions of whether wishes were honored. Design: Mortality follow-back survey and in-depth interviews. Setting/Subjects: Survey responses (n = 601) were from next of kin of decedents who died in the San Francisco Bay area of the United States. Interviews were conducted with 51 next of kin, of whom 14 indicated that the decedent received care that was inconsistent with their wishes. Measurements: The survey asked if the decedent had wishes or plans for care and if care provided ever went against those wishes. In-depth interviews focused on aspects of care at the end of life that were not consistent with the decedent's wishes. Results: Approximately 10% of next of kin who reported on the survey that the decedent had specific wishes for medical care at the end of life also reported that the decedent received care that went against their wishes in the last month of life. The main theme of the in-depth interviews with next of kin who reported care that went against wishes was that discordant care was inconsistent with wishes for comfort-focused care and a lack of symptom palliation. Conclusions: Despite decades of work to improve quality of end-of-life care, poor pain and symptom management that result in lack of comfort remain the main reason that next of kin state wishes were not honored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hyosin Kim
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer N Bunker
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Joan M Teno
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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30
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Lei L, Gerlach LB, Powell VD, Maust DT. Caregiver support and place of death among older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:1221-1230. [PMID: 33590479 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17055] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES As home becomes the most common place of death in the United States, information about caregiver support and place of death is critical to improve patient and caregiver experiences at end of life. We seek to examine (1) the association between family care availability and place of death; and (2) caregiving intensity associated with place of death. DESIGN 2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving; nationally representative cross-sectional study of deceased older adults and last-month-of-life (LML) caregivers. SETTING United States; all places of deaths. PARTICIPANTS Three-hundred and seventy-five decedents and 267 LML caregivers. MEASUREMENTS Place of death (home, hospital, and nursing or hospice facility), family care availability (spouse/partner, household size, number of daughters and sons), caregiving intensity (hours of help provided at LML and a binary indicator for high care-related emotional difficulty). RESULTS 38.9% of older adults died at home, followed by hospital (33.1%), and nursing or hospice facility (28.0%). In an adjusted multinomial logistic regression, decedents with larger household size (odds ratio [OR]: 0.441; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.269-0.724) and more daughters (OR: 0.743 [95% CI: 0.575-0.958]) had lower odds of dying in nursing or hospice facility relative to dying at home. For older adults who died at home, caregivers provided 209.8 h of help at LML. In contrast, when death occurred in nursing or hospice facility, caregivers provided 91.6 fewer hours of help, adjusted for decedent and caregiver characteristics. Dying in hospital was associated with higher odds of caregiver emotional difficulty relative to home deaths (OR: 4.093 [95% CI: 1.623-10.323]). CONCLUSIONS Household size and number of daughters are important determinants of place of death. Despite dying at home being associated with more hours of direct caregiving; caregiver emotional strain was experienced as higher for hospital deaths. Better support services for end-of-life caregivers might improve patient and caregiver experiences for home and hospital deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Lei
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lauren B Gerlach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Victoria D Powell
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Donovan T Maust
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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31
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Kadakia KC, Trufan SJ, Jagosky MH, Worrilow WM, Harrison BW, Broyhill KL, Hwang JJ, Musselwhite LW, Aktas A, Walsh D, Salem ME. Early-onset pancreatic cancer: an institutional series evaluating end-of-life care. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:3613-3622. [PMID: 33170401 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05876-1] [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: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about the use of palliative and hospice care and their impact on healthcare utilization near the end of life (EOL) in early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC). METHODS Patients with EOPC (≤ 50 years) were identified using the institutional tumor registry for years 2011-2018, and demographic, clinical, and rates of referral to palliative and hospice services were obtained retrospectively. Predictors of healthcare utilization, defined as use of ≥ 1 emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization within 30 days of death, place of death (non-hospital vs. hospital), and time from last chemotherapy administration prior to death, were assessed using descriptive, univariable, and multivariable analyses including chi-square and logistic regression models. RESULTS A total of 112 patients with EOPC with a median age of 46 years (range, 29-50) were studied. Forty-four percent were female, 28% were Black, and 45% had metastatic disease. Fifty-seven percent received palliative care at a median of 7.8 weeks (range 0-265) following diagnosis. The median time between last chemotherapy and death was 7.9 weeks (range 0-102). Seventy-four percent used hospice services prior to death for a median of 15 days (range 0-241). Rate of healthcare utilization at the EOL was 74% in the overall population. Black race and late use of chemotherapy were independently associated with increase in ED visits/hospitalization and hospital place of death. CONCLUSIONS Although we observed early referrals to palliative care among patients with newly diagnosed EOPC, short duration of hospice enrollment and rates of healthcare utilization prior to death were substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal C Kadakia
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, NC, 28204, Charlotte, USA. .,Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institue, Atrium Health, NC, Charlotte, USA.
| | - Sally J Trufan
- Department of Cancer Biostatistics, Levine Cancer Institue, Atrium Health, NC, Charlotte, USA
| | - Megan H Jagosky
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, NC, 28204, Charlotte, USA
| | - William M Worrilow
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, NC, 28204, Charlotte, USA
| | - Bradley W Harrison
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, NC, 28204, Charlotte, USA
| | - Katherine L Broyhill
- Department of Genetics, Levine Cancer Institue, Atrium Health, NC, Charlotte, USA
| | - Jimmy J Hwang
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, NC, 28204, Charlotte, USA
| | - Laura W Musselwhite
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, NC, 28204, Charlotte, USA
| | - Aynur Aktas
- Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institue, Atrium Health, NC, Charlotte, USA
| | - Declan Walsh
- Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institue, Atrium Health, NC, Charlotte, USA
| | - Mohamed E Salem
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, NC, 28204, Charlotte, USA
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Ansari AA, Pomerantz DH, Abedini N, Jayes RL, Matti-Orozco B, Havyer RD. Clinical Progress Note: Addressing Prognosis in Advanced Dementia. J Hosp Med 2020; 15:678-680. [PMID: 31634101 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.3316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aziz A Ansari
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Daniel H Pomerantz
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Department of Family Medicine (Palliative Care), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, New Rochelle, New York
| | - Nauzley Abedini
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Robert L Jayes
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates, Washington, DC
| | - Brenda Matti-Orozco
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Palliative Medicine, Morristown Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, Morristown, New Jersey
| | - Rachel D Havyer
- Division of Community Internal Medicine and Center for Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Travis LJ, Thomas KS, Clark MA, Belanger E. Organizational Characteristics of Assisted Living Communities With Policies Supportive of Admitting and Retaining Residents in Need of End-of-Life Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:947-953. [PMID: 33089696 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120968254] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a rapid increase in the number of residential care/assisted living communities (RC/AL) that allow residents to die in place. The objective of this study was to examine the organizational characteristics of RC/AL communities that are associated with facility-level policies supportive of admitting and retaining residents in need of end-of-life (EOL) care. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities. Organizational characteristics included structural factors, staffing levels, and other relevant facility-level policies. We examined descriptive statistics, binomial and multivariable multinomial regression models to determine the likelihood of 1) admitting and retaining, or 2) only retaining, as compared to 3) neither admitting nor retaining AL residents in need of EOL care. RESULTS A majority of residential care facilities 73.7% (n = 22,642) reported admitting and retaining residents at EOL. Yet, levels of skilled nursing care were generally low with 60.9% of these RC/AL communities reporting that registered nurses were not available, including hospice staff. In multivariable, multinomial regression models, organizational characteristics such as skilled nursing, hands-on contact hours from personal care aides, and policies allowing exemptions to self-evacuation rules were associated with increased likelihood of RC/AL communities admitting/retaining residents in need of EOL care. CONCLUSION Despite overall low levels of skilled nursing care, a nationally representative survey revealed that a majority of RC/AL communities admit and retain residents in need of EOL care. Staffing and exemptions from self-evacuation policies appear to be central characteristics associated with the provision of these services in RC/AL communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kali S Thomas
- 174610Brown University School of Public Health, Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, RI
| | | | - Emmanuelle Belanger
- 174610Brown University School of Public Health, Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research
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Kalánková D, Stolt M, Scott PA, Papastavrou E, Suhonen R. Unmet care needs of older people: A scoping review. Nurs Ethics 2020; 28:149-178. [PMID: 33000674 DOI: 10.1177/0969733020948112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to synthesize the findings of empirical research about the unmet nursing care needs of older people, mainly from their point of view, from all settings, focusing on (1) methodological approaches, (2) relevant concepts and terminology and (3) type, nature and ethical issues raised in the investigations. A scoping review after Arksey and O'Malley. Two electronic databases, MEDLINE/PubMed and CINAHL (from earliest to December 2019) were used. Systematic search protocol was developed using several terms for unmet care needs and missed care. Using a three-step retrieval process, peer-reviewed, empirical studies concerning the unmet care needs of older people in care settings, published in English were included. An inductive content analysis was used to analyse the results of the included studies (n = 53). The most frequently used investigation method was the questionnaire survey seeking the opinions of older people, informal caregivers or healthcare professionals. The unmet care needs identified using the World Health Organization classification were categorized as physical, psychosocial and spiritual, and mostly described individuals' experiences, though some discussed unmet care needs at an organizational level. The ethical issues raised related to the clinical prioritization of tasks associated with failing to carry out nursing care activities needed. The unmet care needs highlighted in this review are related to poor patient outcomes. The needs of institutionalized older patients remain under-diagnosed and thus, untreated. Negative care outcomes generate a range of serious practical issues for older people in care institutions, which, in turn, raises ethical issues that need to be addressed. Unmet care needs may lead to marginalization, discrimination and inequality in care and service delivery. Further studies are required about patients' expectations when they are admitted to hospital settings, or training of nurses in terms of understanding the complex needs of older persons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - P Anne Scott
- 8799National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Riitta Suhonen
- 8058University of Turku, Finland; Turku University Hospital, Finland; City of Turku Welfare Division, Finland
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Rahman M, Meyers DJ, Gozalo P. Quality of End-of-Life Care for Medicare Advantage Enrollees-Does It Measure Up? JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2021063. [PMID: 33048126 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.21063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Momotazur Rahman
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health
| | - David J Meyers
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health
| | - Pedro Gozalo
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health
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Ankuda CK, Kelley AS, Morrison RS, Freedman VA, Teno JM. Family and Friend Perceptions of Quality of End-of-Life Care in Medicare Advantage vs Traditional Medicare. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2020345. [PMID: 33048130 PMCID: PMC7877489 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.20345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Medicare Advantage (MA) insures an increasing proportion of Medicare beneficiaries, but evidence is lacking on patient or family perceptions of the quality of end-of-life care in MA vs traditional Medicare. OBJECTIVE To determine if there is a difference in quality of care reported by family and friends of individuals who died while insured by MA vs traditional Medicare at the end of life. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study used the 2011 to 2017 Medicare-linked National Health and Aging Trends Study to conduct population-based survey research representing 8 668 829 Medicare enrollees. Included individuals were 2119 enrollees who died when aged 65 years or older, with quality of care reported by a family member or close friend familiar with the individual's last month of life. Analysis was conducted in July 2020. EXPOSURES MA enrollment at the time of death or before hospice enrollment. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Perception of end-of-life care was measured with 9 validated items, with the primary outcome variable being overall care rated not excellent. We conducted a propensity score-weighted multivariable model to examine the association of each item with MA vs traditional Medicare enrollment. The propensity score and multivariable model included covariates capturing demographic and socioeconomic factors, function and health, and relationship of the respondent to the individual who died. The sample was then stratified by hospice enrollment and setting of care in the last month. RESULTS Of 2119 people in the sample, 670 individuals were enrolled in MA at the time of death or prior to hospice (32.7%) and 1449 were enrolled in traditional Medicare (67.3%). In survey-weighted percentages, 53.6% (95% CI, 51.0% to 56.1%) were women and 43.4% (95% CI, 41.5% to 45.3%) were older than 85 years at the time of death. In the adjusted model, family and friends of individuals in MA were more likely to report that care was not excellent (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.61; P = .04) and that they were not kept informed (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.05; P = .02). For those in nursing homes, there was an estimated probability of 57.2% of respondents reporting that care was not excellent for individuals with traditional Medicare, compared with 77.9% of respondents for individuals with MA (marginal increase for those in MA, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.32; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cross-sectional study of people who died while enrolled in Medicare, friends and family of those in MA reported lower-quality end-of-life care compared with friends and family of those enrolled in traditional Medicare. These findings suggest that, given the rapid growth of MA, Medicare should take steps to ensure that MA plans are held accountable for quality of care at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire K. Ankuda
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Amy S. Kelley
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - R. Sean Morrison
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Vicki A. Freedman
- Michigan Center on the Demography of Aging, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Joan M. Teno
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
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Flierman I, van Rijn M, de Meij M, Poels M, Niezink DM, Willems DL, Buurman BM. Feasibility of the PalliSupport care pathway: results from a mixed-method study in acutely hospitalized older patients at the end of life. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:129. [PMID: 32944277 PMCID: PMC7490875 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00676-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A transitional care pathway (TCP) could improve care for older patients in the last months of life. However, barriers exist such as unidentified palliative care needs and suboptimal collaboration between care settings. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a TCP, named PalliSupport, for older patients at the end of life, prior to a stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial. METHODS A mixed-method feasibility study was conducted at one hospital with affiliated primary care. Patients were ≥ 60 years and acutely hospitalized. The intervention consisted of (1) training on early identification of the palliative phase and end of life conversations, (2) involvement of a transitional palliative care team during admission and post-discharge and (3) intensified collaboration between care settings. Outcomes were feasibility of recruitment, data collection, patient burden and protocol adherence. Experiences of 14 professionals were assessed through qualitative interviews. RESULTS Only 16% of anticipated participants were included which resulted in difficulty assessing other feasibility criteria. The qualitative analysis identified misunderstandings about palliative care, uncertainty about professionals' roles and difficulties in initiating end of life conversations as barriers. The training program was well received and professionals found the intensified collaboration beneficial for patient care. The patients that participated experienced low burden and data collection on primary outcomes and protocol adherence seems feasible. DISCUSSION This study highlights the importance of performing a feasibility study prior to embarking on effectiveness studies. Moving forward, the PalliSupport care pathway will be adjusted to incorporate a more active recruitment approach, additional training on identification and palliative care, and further improvement on data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Flierman
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of General Practice, Section of Medical Ethics, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatric Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjon van Rijn
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatric Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Science, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marike de Meij
- OLVG, Palliative and Supportive Care Team, Oncology Centre Amsterdam, Oosterpark 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Poels
- Care2research, Mattenbiesstraat 133, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dorende M. Niezink
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatric Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick L. Willems
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of General Practice, Section of Medical Ethics, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca M. Buurman
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatric Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Science, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Yi D, Johnston BM, Ryan K, Daveson BA, Meier DE, Smith M, McQuillan R, Selman L, Pantilat SZ, Normand C, Morrison RS, Higginson IJ. Drivers of care costs and quality in the last 3 months of life among older people receiving palliative care: A multinational mortality follow-back survey across England, Ireland and the United States. Palliat Med 2020; 34:513-523. [PMID: 32009542 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319896745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care costs rise towards the end of life. International comparison of service use, costs and care experiences can inform quality and improve access. AIM The aim of this study was to compare health and social care costs, quality and their drivers in the last 3 months of life for older adults across countries. Null hypothesis: no difference between countries. DESIGN Mortality follow-back survey. Costs were calculated from carers' reported service use and unit costs. SETTING Palliative care services in England (London), Ireland (Dublin) and the United States (New York, San Francisco). PARTICIPANTS Informal carers of decedents who had received palliative care participated in the study. RESULTS A total of 767 questionnaires were returned: 245 in England, 282 in Ireland and 240 in the United States. Mean care costs per person with cancer/non-cancer were US$37,250/US$37,376 (the United States), US$29,065/US$29,411 (Ireland), US$15,347/US$16,631 (England) and differed significantly (F = 25.79/14.27, p < 0.000). Cost distributions differed and were most homogeneous in England. In all countries, hospital care accounted for > 80% of total care costs; community care 6%-16%, palliative care 1%-15%; 10% of decedents used ~30% of total care costs. Being a high-cost user was associated with older age (>80 years), facing financial difficulties and poor experiences of home care, but not with having cancer or multimorbidity. Palliative care services consistently had the highest satisfaction. CONCLUSION Poverty and poor home care drove high costs, suggesting that improving community palliative care may improve care value, especially as palliative care expenditure was low. Major diagnostic variables were not cost drivers. Care costs in the United States were high and highly variable, suggesting that high-cost low-value care may be prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deokhee Yi
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Bridget M Johnston
- The Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen Ryan
- Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barbara A Daveson
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Diane E Meier
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melinda Smith
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Lucy Selman
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Steven Z Pantilat
- Palliative Care Program, Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Charles Normand
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK.,The Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R Sean Morrison
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK.,King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bessemer Road, London, UK
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Abedini NC, Choi H, Wei MY, Langa KM, Chopra V. The Relationship of Loneliness to End-of-Life Experience in Older Americans: A Cohort Study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 68:1064-1071. [PMID: 32128789 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the relationship between loneliness and end-of-life (EOL) experience including symptom burden, intensity of care, and advance care planning among older adults. DESIGN Secondary analysis of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). SETTING Population based. PARTICIPANTS Decedents older than 50 years who died between 2004 and 2014 (n = 8700). Exclusions included those who were ineligible for surveys assessing loneliness (n = 2932) or had missing or incomplete loneliness or symptom data (n = 2872). MEASUREMENTS Individuals were characterized as lonely based on responses to the three-item Revised University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale in the most recent HRS survey before death. Outcomes were proxy reports of total EOL symptom burden, intensity of EOL care (eg, late hospice enrollment, place of death, hospitalizations, use of life support), and advance care planning. Results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS One-third of 2896 decedents (n = 942) were lonely. After adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, multimorbidity, depressive symptoms, family and friends, and social support, loneliness was independently associated with increased total symptom burden at EOL (ß = .13; P = .004). Compared with nonlonely individuals, lonely decedents were more likely to use life support in the last 2 years of life (35.5% vs 29.4%; aOR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.08-1.71) and more likely to die in a nursing home (18.4% vs 14.2%; aOR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.30-2.42). No significant differences in other measures of intense care (late hospice enrollment, number of hospitalizations, or dialysis use) or likelihood of advance care planning were observed. CONCLUSION Lonely older people may be burdened by more symptoms and may be exposed to more intense EOL care compared with nonlonely people. Interventions aiming to screen for, prevent, and mitigate loneliness during the vulnerable EOL period are necessary. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1064-1071, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nauzley C Abedini
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - HwaJung Choi
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Melissa Y Wei
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kenneth M Langa
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Vineet Chopra
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Richards CA, Liu CF, Hebert PL, Ersek M, Wachterman MW, Reinke LF, Taylor LL, O’Hare AM. Family Perceptions of Quality of End-of-Life Care for Veterans with Advanced CKD. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2019; 14:1324-1335. [PMID: 31466952 PMCID: PMC6730503 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.01560219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Little is known about the quality of end-of-life care for patients with advanced CKD. We describe the relationship between patterns of end-of-life care and dialysis treatment with family-reported quality of end-of-life care in this population. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We designed a retrospective observational study among a national cohort of 9993 veterans with advanced CKD who died in Department of Veterans Affairs facilities between 2009 and 2015. We used logistic regression to evaluate associations between patterns of end-of-life care and receipt of dialysis (no dialysis, acute dialysis, maintenance dialysis) with family-reported quality of end-of-life care. RESULTS Overall, 52% of cohort members spent ≥2 weeks in the hospital in the last 90 days of life, 34% received an intensive procedure, and 47% were admitted to the intensive care unit, in the last 30 days, 31% died in the intensive care unit, 38% received a palliative care consultation in the last 90 days, and 36% were receiving hospice services at the time of death. Most (55%) did not receive dialysis, 12% received acute dialysis, and 34% received maintenance dialysis. Patients treated with acute or maintenance dialysis had more intensive patterns of end-of-life care than those not treated with dialysis. After adjustment for patient and facility characteristics, receipt of maintenance (but not acute) dialysis and more intensive patterns of end-of-life care were associated with lower overall family ratings of end-of-life care, whereas receipt of palliative care and hospice services were associated with higher overall ratings. The association between maintenance dialysis and overall quality of care was attenuated after additional adjustment for end-of-life treatment patterns. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with advanced CKD, care focused on life extension rather than comfort was associated with lower family ratings of end-of-life care regardless of whether patients had received dialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A. Richards
- Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Services, School of Public Health
| | - Chuan-Fen Liu
- Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Services, School of Public Health
| | - Paul L. Hebert
- Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Services, School of Public Health
| | - Mary Ersek
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa W. Wachterman
- Section of General Medicine, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lynn F. Reinke
- Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, School of Nursing, and
| | - Leslie L. Taylor
- Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ann M. O’Hare
- Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Seattle, Washington
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Wang SE, Liu ILA, Lee JS, Khang P, Rosen R, Reinke LF, Mularski RA, Nguyen HQ. End-of-Life Care in Patients Exposed to Home-Based Palliative Care vs Hospice Only. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 67:1226-1233. [PMID: 30830695 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current evidence base regarding the effectiveness of home-based palliative care (HomePal) on outcomes of importance to multiple stakeholders remains limited. The purpose of this study was to compare end-of-life care in decedents who received HomePal with two cohorts that either received hospice only (HO) or did not receive HomePal or hospice (No HomePal-HO). DESIGN Retrospective cohorts from an ongoing study of care transition from hospital to home. Data were collected from 2011 to 2016. SETTING Kaiser Permanente Southern California. PARTICIPANTS Decedents 65 and older who received HomePal (n = 7177) after a hospitalization and two comparison cohorts (HO only = 25 102; No HomePal-HO = 22 472). MEASUREMENTS Utilization data were extracted from administrative, clinical, and claims databases, and death data were obtained from state and national indices. Days at home was calculated as days not spent in the hospital or in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). RESULTS Patients who received HomePal were enrolled for a median of 43 days and had comparable length of stay on hospice as patients who enrolled only in hospice (median days = 13 vs 12). Deaths at home were comparable between HomePal and HO (59% vs 60%) and were higher compared with No HomePal-HO (16%). For patients who survived at least 6 months after HomePal admission (n = 2289), the mean number of days at home in the last 6 months of life was 163 ± 30 vs 161 ± 30 (HO) vs 149 ± 40 (No HomePal-HO). Similar trends were also noted for the last 30 days of life, 25 ± 8 (HomePal, n = 5516), 24 ± 8 (HO), and 18 ± 11 (No HomePal-HO); HomePal patients had a significantly lower risk of hospitalizations (relative risk [RR] = .58-.87) and SNF stays (RR = .32-.77) compared with both HO and No HomePal-HO patients. CONCLUSION Earlier comprehensive palliative care in patients' home in place of or preceding hospice is associated with fewer hospitalizations and SNF stays and more time at home in the final 6 months of life. J Am Geriatr Soc, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Wang
- West Los Angeles Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - In-Lu Amy Liu
- Pasadena Regional Office, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - Janet S Lee
- Pasadena Regional Office, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - Peter Khang
- Los Angeles Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Romina Rosen
- Panorama City Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Panorama City, CA
| | | | | | - Huong Q Nguyen
- Pasadena Regional Office, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
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Wang SY, Hsu SH, Aldridge MD, Cherlin E, Bradley E. Racial Differences in Health Care Transitions and Hospice Use at the End of Life. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:619-627. [PMID: 30615546 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although the fragmentation of end-of-life care has been well documented, previous research has not examined racial and ethnic differences in transitions in care and hospice use at the end of life. Design and Subjects: Retrospective cohort study among 649,477 Medicare beneficiaries who died between July 2011 and December 2011. Measurements: Sankey diagrams and heatmaps to visualize the health care transitions across race/ethnic groups. Among hospice enrollees, we examined racial/ethnic differences in hospice use patterns, including length of hospice enrollment and disenrollment rate. Results: The mean number of care transitions within the last six months of life was 2.9 transitions (standard deviation [SD] = 2.7) for whites, 3.4 transitions (SD = 3.2) for African Americans, 2.8 transitions (SD = 3.0) for Hispanics, and 2.4 transitions (SD = 2.7) for Asian Americans. After adjusting for age and sex, having at least four transitions was significantly more common for African Americans (39.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.8-39.6%) compared with whites (32.5%, 95% CI: 32.3-32.6%), and less common among Hispanics (31.2%, 95% CI: 30.4-32.0%), and Asian Americans (26.5%, 95% CI: 25.5-27.5%). Having no care transition was significantly more common for Asian Americans (33.0%, 95% CI: 32.0-34.1%) and Hispanics (28.8%, 95% CI: 28.0-29.6%), compared with African Americans (19.2%, 95% CI: 18.9-19.5%) and whites (18.9%, 95% CI: 18.8-19.0%). Among hospice users, whites, African Americans, and Hispanics had similar length of hospice enrollment, which was significantly longer than that of Asian Americans. Nonwhite patients were significantly more likely than white patients to experience hospice disenrollment. Conclusions: Racial/ethnic differences in patterns of end-of-life care are marked. Future studies to understand why such patterns exist are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yi Wang
- 1 Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut.,2 Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sylvia H Hsu
- 1 Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut.,3 Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa D Aldridge
- 4 Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,5 Geriatrics Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Emily Cherlin
- 6 Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
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Teno JM, Gozalo P, Trivedi AN, Bunker J, Lima J, Ogarek J, Mor V. Site of Death, Place of Care, and Health Care Transitions Among US Medicare Beneficiaries, 2000-2015. JAMA 2018; 320:264-271. [PMID: 29946682 PMCID: PMC6076888 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2018.8981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE End-of-life care costs are high and decedents often experience poor quality of care. Numerous factors influence changes in site of death, health care transitions, and burdensome patterns of care. OBJECTIVE To describe changes in site of death and patterns of care among Medicare decedents. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective cohort study among a 20% random sample of 1 361 870 decedents who had Medicare fee-for-service (2000, 2005, 2009, 2011, and 2015) and a 100% sample of 871 845 decedents who had Medicare Advantage (2011 and 2015) and received care at an acute care hospital, at home or in the community, at a hospice inpatient care unit, or at a nursing home. EXPOSURES Secular changes between 2000 and 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Medicare administrative data were used to determine site of death, place of care, health care transitions, which are changes in location of care, and burdensome patterns of care. Burdensome patterns of care were based on health care transitions during the last 3 days of life and multiple hospitalizations for infections or dehydration during the last 120 days of life. RESULTS The site of death and patterns of care were studied among 1 361 870 decedents who had Medicare fee-for-service (mean [SD] age, 82.8 [8.4] years; 58.7% female) and 871 845 decedents who had Medicare Advantage (mean [SD] age, 82.1 [8.5] years; 54.0% female). Among Medicare fee-for-service decedents, the proportion of deaths that occurred in an acute care hospital decreased from 32.6% (95% CI, 32.4%-32.8%) in 2000 to 19.8% (95% CI, 19.6%-20.0%) in 2015, and deaths in a home or community setting that included assisted living facilities increased from 30.7% (95% CI, 30.6%-30.9%) in 2000 to 40.1% (95% CI, 39.9%-30.3% ) in 2015. Use of the intensive care unit during the last 30 days of life among Medicare fee-for-service decedents increased from 24.3% (95% CI, 24.1%-24.4%) in 2000 and then stabilized between 2009 and 2015 at 29.0% (95% CI, 28.8%-29.2%). Among Medicare fee-for-service decedents, health care transitions during the last 3 days of life increased from 10.3% (95% CI, 10.1%-10.4%) in 2000 to a high of 14.2% (95% CI, 14.0%-14.3%) in 2009 and then decreased to 10.8% (95% CI, 10.6%-10.9%) in 2015. The number of decedents enrolled in Medicare Advantage during the last 90 days of life increased from 358 600 in 2011 to 513 245 in 2015. Among decedents with Medicare Advantage, similar patterns in the rates for site of death, place of care, and health care transitions were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who died in 2015 compared with 2000, there was a lower likelihood of dying in an acute care hospital, an increase and then stabilization of intensive care unit use during the last month of life, and an increase and then decline in health care transitions during the last 3 days of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan M. Teno
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Pedro Gozalo
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Amal N. Trivedi
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jennifer Bunker
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Julie Lima
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jessica Ogarek
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Vincent Mor
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
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