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Nolen A, Selby D, Qureshi F, Mills A. Practices of and Perspectives on Palliative Sedation Among Palliative Care Physicians in Ontario, Canada: A Mixed-Methods Study. Palliat Med Rep 2024; 5:94-103. [PMID: 38415075 PMCID: PMC10898238 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative sedation (PS) is a therapeutic intervention employed to manage severe and refractory symptoms in terminally ill patients at end of life. Inconsistencies in PS practice guidelines coupled with clinician ambiguity have resulted in confusion about how PS is best integrated into practice. Understanding the perspectives, experiences, and practices relating to this modality will provide insight into its clinical application and challenges within the palliative care landscape. Objective The aim is to explore the perspectives of palliative care physicians administering PS, including how practitioners define PS, factors influencing decision making about the use of PS, and possible reasons for changes in practice patterns over time. Methods A survey (n = 37) and semistructured interviews (n = 23) were conducted with palliative care physicians throughout Ontario. Codes were determined collaboratively and applied line-by-line by two independent investigators. Survey responses were analyzed alongside interview transcripts and noted to be concordant. Themes were generated through reflexive thematic analysis. Results Five key themes were identified: (1) lack of standardization, (2) differing definitions, (3) logistical challenges, (4) perceived "back-up" to Medical Assistance in Dying, and (5) tool of the most responsible physician. Conclusion There was significant variability in how participants defined PS and in frequency of use of PS. Physicians described greater ease implementing PS when practicing in palliative care units, with significant barriers faced by individuals providing home-based palliative care or working as consultants on inpatient units. Educational efforts are required about the intent and practice of PS, particularly among inpatient interprofessional teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Nolen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Debbie Selby
- Division of Palliative Care and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fahad Qureshi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anneliese Mills
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Tan F, Li N, Wu Y, Zhang C. Palliative sedation determinants: systematic review and meta-analysis in palliative medicine. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e664-e675. [PMID: 37553203 PMCID: PMC10850834 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-004085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utilisation of palliative sedation is often favoured by patients approaching end of life due to the presence of multiple difficult-to-manage symptoms during the terminal stage. This study aimed to identify the determinants of the use of palliative sedation. METHODS To identify pertinent observational studies, a comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases from their inception until March 2022. The methodological quality of the chosen prospective and retrospective cohort studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale, while the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the selected cross-sectional studies. For each potential determinant of interest, the collected data were synthesised and analysed, and in cases where data could not be combined, a narrative synthesis approach was adopted. RESULTS A total of 21 studies were analysed in this research, consisting of 4 prospective cohort studies, 7 retrospective cohort studies, and 10 cross-sectional studies. The findings indicated that several determinants were significantly associated with palliative sedation. These determinants included younger age, male gender, presence of tumours, dyspnoea, pain, delirium, making advanced medical end-of-life decisions, and dying in a hospital setting. CONCLUSIONS The findings of our review could help physicians identify patients who may need palliative sedation in advance and implement targeted interventions to reverse refractory symptoms, develop personalized palliative sedation programs, and ultimately improve the quality of palliative care services. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number CRD42022324720.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Tan
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medicine Research Center, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medicine Research Center, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medicine Research Center, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuan Zhang
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medicine Research Center, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Mills A, Nolen A, Qureshi F, Selby D. Use of palliative sedation following Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation: A mixed-methods study of palliative care providers. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37365818 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000706] [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: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Palliative sedation (PS) and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) are options for end-of-life (EOL) care in Canada, since the latter was legalized in 2016. Little research to date has explored the potential impact of MAiD on PS practices. This study investigated physicians' perceptions of their practices surrounding PS and how they may have changed since 2016. METHODS A survey (n=37) and semi-structured interviews (n=23) were conducted with palliative care providers throughout Ontario. Questions focused on PS practices and explored potential changes following the implementation of MAiD. Codes were determined collaboratively and applied line-by-line by 2 independent investigators. Survey responses were analyzed alongside interview transcripts and noted to be concordant. Themes were generated via reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Thematic analysis yielded the following themes: (1) Increased patient/family knowledge of EOL care; (2) More frequent/fulsome discussions; (3) Normalization/repositioning of PS; and (4) Conflation and differentiation of PS/MAiD. Across these themes, participants espoused increased patient, family, and provider comfort with PS, which may stem equally from the advent of MAiD and the growth of palliative care in general. Participants also emphasized that, following MAiD, PS is viewed as a less radical intervention. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS This is the first study to investigate physicians' perspectives on the impact of MAiD on PS. Participants strongly opposed treating MAiD and PS as direct equivalents, given the differences in intent and eligibility. Participants stressed that MAiD requests/inquiries should prompt individualized assessments exploring all avenues of symptom management - the results of which may or may not include PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneliese Mills
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy Nolen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Toronto, Toronto
| | - Fahad Qureshi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Debbie Selby
- Division of Palliative Care, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Toronto, Toronto
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Takla A, Savulescu J, Wilkinson DJC, Pandit JJ. Ethical and practical questions in satisfying the human right to unconsciousness at the end of life: a reply. Anaesthesia 2021; 77:233-234. [PMID: 34714543 DOI: 10.1111/anae.15611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Takla
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Nolen A, Olwi R, Debbie S. Impact of legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying on the Use of Palliative Sedation in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Chart Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:442-447. [PMID: 34227433 PMCID: PMC8905116 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211030443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients approaching end of life may experience intractable symptoms managed with palliative sedation. The legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada in 2016 offers a new option for relief of intolerable suffering, and there is limited evidence examining how the use of palliative sedation has evolved with the introduction of MAiD. OBJECTIVES To compare rates of palliative sedation at a tertiary care hospital before and after the legalization of MAiD. METHODS This study is a retrospective chart analysis of all deaths of patients followed by the palliative care consult team in acute care, or admitted to the palliative care unit. We compared the use of palliative sedation during 1-year periods before and after the legalization of MAiD, and screened charts for MAiD requests during the second time period. RESULTS 4.7% (n = 25) of patients who died in the palliative care unit pre-legalization of MAiD received palliative sedation compared to 14.6% (n = 82) post-MAiD, with no change in acute care. Post-MAiD, 4.1% of deaths were medically-assisted deaths in the palliative care unit (n = 23) and acute care (n = 14). For patients who requested MAiD but instead received palliative sedation, the primary reason was loss of decisional capacity to consent for MAiD. CONCLUSION We believe that the mainstream presence of MAiD has resulted in an increased recognition of MAiD and palliative sedation as distinct entities, and rates of palliative sedation increased post-MAiD due to greater awareness about patient choice and increased comfort with end-of-life options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Nolen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rawaa Olwi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Selby Debbie
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Takla A, Savulescu J, Wilkinson DJC, Pandit JJ. General anaesthesia in end-of-life care: extending the indications for anaesthesia beyond surgery. Anaesthesia 2021; 76:1308-1315. [PMID: 33878803 PMCID: PMC8581983 DOI: 10.1111/anae.15459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we describe an extension of general anaesthesia – beyond facilitating surgery – to the relief of suffering during dying. Some refractory symptoms at the end of life (pain, delirium, distress, dyspnoea) might be managed by analgesia, but in high doses, adverse effects (e.g. respiratory depression) can hasten death. Sedation may be needed for agitation or distress and can be administered as continuous deep sedation (also referred to as terminal or palliative sedation) generally using benzodiazepines. However, for some patients these interventions are not enough, and others may express a clear desire to be completely unconscious as they die. We summarise the historical background of an established practice that we refer to as ‘general anaesthesia in end‐of‐life care’. We discuss its contexts and some ethical and legal issues that it raises, arguing that these are largely similar issues to those already raised by continuous deep sedation. To be a valid option, general anaesthesia in end‐of‐life care will require a clear multidisciplinary framework and consensus practice guidelines. We see these as an impending development for which the specialty should prepare. General anaesthesia in end‐of‐life care raises an important debate about the possible role of anaesthesia in the relief of suffering beyond the context of surgical/diagnostic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Takla
- Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - J Savulescu
- Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - D J C Wilkinson
- Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Neonatology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - J J Pandit
- Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Robijn L, Deliens L, Scherrens AL, Pauwels NS, Pype P, Rietjens J, Chambaere K. A systematic review of quality improvement initiatives for continuous sedation until death. Palliat Med 2021; 35:670-682. [PMID: 33722107 DOI: 10.1177/0269216321996990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive debate surrounds the practice of continuous sedation until death within end-of-life care. AIM To provide insight into existing initiatives to support the practice of continuous sedation until death and assess their feasibility and effectiveness. DESIGN Systematic review and narrative synthesis, registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020149630). DATA SOURCES Records were searched through MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of Science from inception to April 16 2020. Peer-reviewed studies reporting original data on initiatives to support the practice of continuous sedation were included for review. RESULTS Twenty-one studies met the criteria and were included. Initiatives were focused on assessment tools of consciousness and discomfort (9), the use of guidelines and protocols (8), and expert consultation (3). All initiatives were reported as useful, acceptable, and feasible. Studies on the use of monitoring devices showed that a small proportion of patients were found to be awake, despite the patient being unresponsive according to the observer-based sedation scales. However, the wide range of values of these monitoring devices for comfortable and adequately sedated patients seems to hamper its overall implementation in daily clinical practice. Physicians reported changes in practice conform to guideline recommendations but the shift was modest at best. Expert consultation was regarded as supportive when sufficient expertise is lacking and helpful in avoiding possibly unnecessary sedations. CONCLUSIONS The reviewed initiatives may contribute to improvement of continuous sedation until death, though their evidence base is rather limited. More insight is needed into their feasibility, preconditions for effective implementation and impact in actual practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenzo Robijn
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Brussels, Belgium.,Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Brussels, Belgium.,Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Brussels, Belgium.,Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Brussels, Belgium.,Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne-Lore Scherrens
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Brussels, Belgium.,Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Brussels, Belgium.,Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele S Pauwels
- Ghent University, Knowledge Management Center Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Pype
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Brussels, Belgium.,Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Judith Rietjens
- Erasmus University Medical Centre, Department of Public Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kenneth Chambaere
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Brussels, Belgium.,Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Brussels, Belgium.,Ghent University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent, Belgium
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Takla A, Savulescu J, Wilkinson DJC. A conscious choice: Is it ethical to aim for unconsciousness at the end of life? BIOETHICS 2021; 35:284-291. [PMID: 33332623 PMCID: PMC8243249 DOI: 10.1111/bioe.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
One of the most commonly referenced ethical principles when it comes to the management of dying patients is the doctrine of double effect (DDE). The DDE affirms that it is acceptable to cause side effects (e.g. respiratory depression) as a consequence of symptom-focused treatment. Much discussion of the ethics of end of life care focuses on the question of whether actions (or omissions) would hasten (or cause) death, and whether that is permissible. However, there is a separate question about the permissibility of hastening or causing unconsciousness in dying patients. Some authors have argued that the DDE would not permit end of life care that directly aims to render the patient unconscious. The claim is that consciousness is an objective human good and therefore doctors should not intentionally (and permanently) suppress it. Three types of end of life care (EOLC) practices will be explored in this article. The first is symptom-based management (e.g. analgesia); the second is proportional terminal sedation as a means of relieving suffering (also referred to as palliative sedation or continuous deep sedation); and finally, deliberate and rapid sedation to unconsciousness until death (a practice we call terminal anaesthesia in this paper). After examining the common arguments for the various types of symptom-based management and sedation, we apply the DDE to the latter two types of EOLC practices. We argue that aiming at unconsciousness, contrary to some claims, can be morally good or at least morally neutral in some dying patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Takla
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical EthicsFaculty of PhilosophyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical EthicsFaculty of PhilosophyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Dominic J. C. Wilkinson
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical EthicsFaculty of PhilosophyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- John Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Koksvik GH, Richards N, Gerson SM, Materstvedt LJ, Clark D. Medicalisation, suffering and control at the end of life: The interplay of deep continuous palliative sedation and assisted dying. Health (London) 2020; 26:512-531. [PMID: 33307828 PMCID: PMC9163770 DOI: 10.1177/1363459320976746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Medicalisation is a pervasive feature of contemporary end of life and dying in Western Europe and North America. In this article, we focus on the relationship between two specific aspects of the medicalisation of dying: deep continuous palliative sedation until death and assisted dying. We draw upon a qualitative interview study with 29 health professionals from three jurisdictions where assisted dying is lawful: Flanders, Belgium; Oregon, USA; and Quebec, Canada. Our findings demonstrate that the relationship between palliative sedation and assisted dying is often perceived as fluid and complex. This is inconsistent with current laws as well as with ethical and clinical guidelines according to which the two are categorically distinct. The article contributes to the literature examining health professionals’ opinions and experiences. Moreover, our findings inform a discussion about emergent themes: suffering, timing, autonomy and control – which appear central in the wider discourse in which both palliative sedation and assisted dying are situated, and which in turn relate to the wider ideas about what constitutes a ‘good death’.
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Heijltjes MT, van Thiel GJMW, Rietjens JAC, van der Heide A, de Graeff A, van Delden JJM. Changing Practices in the Use of Continuous Sedation at the End of Life: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:828-846.e3. [PMID: 32599152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The use of continuous sedation until death (CSD) has been highly debated for many years. It is unknown how the use of CSD evolves over time. Reports suggest that there is an international increase in the use of CSD for terminally ill patients. OBJECTIVE To gain insight in developments in the use of CSD in various countries and subpopulations. METHODS We performed a search of the literature published between January 2000 and April 2020, in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library by using the Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols guidelines. The search contained the following terms: continuous sedation, terminal sedation, palliative sedation, deep sedation, end-of-life sedation, sedation practice, and sedation until death. RESULTS We found 23 articles on 16 nationwide studies and 38 articles on 37 subpopulation studies. In nationwide studies on frequencies of CSD in deceased persons varied from 3% in Denmark in 2001 to 18% in The Netherlands in 2015. Nationwide studies indicate an increase in the use of CSD. Frequencies of CSD in the different subpopulations varied too widely to observe time trends. Over the years, more studies reported on the use of CSD for nonphysical symptoms including fear, anxiety, and psycho-existential distress. In some studies, there was an increase in requests for sedation of patients from their families. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of CSD seems to increase over time, possibly partly because of an extension of indications for sedation, from mainly physical symptoms to also nonphysical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon T Heijltjes
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Ghislaine J M W van Thiel
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith A C Rietjens
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander de Graeff
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands and Academic Hospice Demeter, De Bilt, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes J M van Delden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Mori M, Morita T, Imai K, Yokomichi N, Yamaguchi T, Masukawa K, Kizawa Y, Tsuneto S, Shima Y, Miyashita M. The Bereaved Families' Preferences for Individualized Goals of Care for Terminal Dyspnea: What Is an Acceptable Balance between Dyspnea Intensity and Communication Capacity? Palliat Med Rep 2020; 1:42-49. [PMID: 34223455 PMCID: PMC8241337 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2020.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Toward the individualized care of terminally ill patients with dyspnea (“terminal dyspnea”), it is essential to identify individualized goals of care (GOC) to achieve an acceptable balance between dyspnea intensity and communication capacity. Objective: To explore preferences for individualized GOC for terminal dyspnea, and factors associated with the preferences. Design: A nationwide cross-sectional survey. Setting/Subjects: In total, 1055 bereaved families of cancer patients admitted to 167 inpatient hospices in Japan. Measurements: Preferences for individualized GOC for terminal dyspnea to achieve an acceptable balance between dyspnea intensity and communication capacity, should individuals experience continuous moderate or severe/overwhelming dyspnea despite optimal palliative care, and perceptions about a good death. Results: Among 548 participants (response rate = 52%), we analyzed responses of 477 families whose loved one suffered dyspnea in the last week of life. In total, 167 (45%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 40%–50%) and 272 (80%; 95% CI = 75%–84%) participants would prioritize dyspnea relief over communication capacity, should they continuously suffer moderate or severe/overwhelming dyspnea, respectively. In multivariate analyses, the determinants of the prioritization of dyspnea relief were perceiving physical comfort as important for a good death (odds ratio [OR] = 1.389; 95% CI = 1.062–1.818; p = 0.017) in moderate dyspnea, and perceiving physical comfort (OR = 2.505; 95% CI = 1.718–3.651; p < 0.001) and not perceiving mental awareness (OR = 0.695; 95% CI = 0.529–0.913; p = 0.009) as important in severe/overwhelming dyspnea. Conclusions: Preferences for individualized GOC for terminal dyspnea can vary among individuals and with different symptom intensity, and may be influenced by perceptions about a good death. Outcome measurements incorporating an acceptable balance between dyspnea intensity and communication capacity should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | - Kento Masukawa
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kizawa
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuo Shima
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Rietjens JA, Heijltjes MT, van Delden JJ, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, van der Heide A. The Rising Frequency of Continuous Deep Sedation in the Netherlands, a Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey in 2005, 2010, and 2015. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2019; 20:1367-1372. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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13
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Badarau DO, De Clercq E, Elger BS. Continuous Deep Sedation and Euthanasia in Pediatrics: Does One Really Exclude the Other for Terminally Ill Patients? THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHILOSOPHY 2019; 44:50-70. [PMID: 30649451 DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhy033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Debates on morally acceptable and lawful end-of-life (EOL) practices in pediatrics were reignited by the recent amendment in Belgian law to allow euthanasia for minors of any age who meet the criteria for capacity. Euthanasia and its legalization in pediatrics are often opposed based on the availability of aggressive palliative sedation. For terminally ill patients, this type of sedation is often identified as continuous and deep sedation until death (CDS). We demonstrate that this reasoning is based on flawed assumptions: (1) CDS is a morally preferable alternative to euthanasia; (2) CDS can meet the same patient needs as euthanasia; (3) children lack the capacity and experience to make EOL decisions; (4) unlike euthanasia, CDS does not raise capacity issues. Our aim is not to reject CDS as a valid option at the EOL, nor to offer a clear-cut defense of euthanasia for minors, but to emphasize the ethical issues with both practices.
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Regnard C, George R, Profitt A. Editorial. Palliat Med 2018; 32:1537-1538. [PMID: 30404589 DOI: 10.1177/0269216318795316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rob George
- 2 St Christopher's Hospice, London, UK.,3 King's College London, London, UK.,4 Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Amy Profitt
- 5 Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.,6 Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland, Fareham, UK.,7 Royal College of Physicians, London, UK
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15
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Ziegler S, Schmid M, Bopp M, Bosshard G, Puhan MA. Continuous Deep Sedation Until Death-a Swiss Death Certificate Study. J Gen Intern Med 2018; 33:1052-1059. [PMID: 29560568 PMCID: PMC6025678 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-018-4401-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade, the number of patients continuously deeply sedated until death increased up to fourfold. The reasons for this increase remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of sedated patients, and concurrent possibly life-shortening medical end-of-life decisions. DESIGN Cross-sectional death certificate study in German-speaking Switzerland in 2001 and 2013. PARTICIPANTS Non-sudden and expected deaths (2001: N = 2281, 2013: N = 2256) based on a random sample of death certificates and followed by an anonymous survey on end-of-life practices among attending physicians. MAIN MEASURES Physicians' reported proportion of patients continuously deeply sedated until death, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and possibly life-shortening medical end-of life decisions. KEY RESULTS In 2013, physicians sedated four times more patients continuously until death (6.7% in 2001; 24.5.5% in 2013). Four out of five sedated patients died in hospitals, outside specialized palliative care units, or in nursing homes. Sedation was more likely among patients younger than 65 (odds ratio 2.24, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.2) and those dying in specialized palliative care (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.8) or in hospitals (1.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.3). Forgoing life-prolonging treatment with the explicit intention to hasten or not to postpone death combined with intensified alleviation of symptoms was very strongly associated with continuous deep sedation (OR 6.8, 95% CI 4.7 to 9.8). CONCLUSIONS In Swiss clinical practice, continuously deeply sedated patients predominantly died outside specialized palliative care. The increasing trend over time appears to be related to changes in medical end-of-life practice rather than to patient's clinical characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ziegler
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Margareta Schmid
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Bopp
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Georg Bosshard
- Clinic for Geriatric Medicine, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center on Aging and Mobility, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- City Hospital Waid, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo Alan Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Seymour J, Clark D. The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient: a critical analysis of its rise, demise and legacy in England. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:15. [PMID: 29881785 PMCID: PMC5963294 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13940.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient ('LCP') was an integrated care pathway (ICP) recommended by successive governments in England and Wales to improve end-of-life care. It was discontinued in 2014 following mounting criticism and a national review. Understanding the problems encountered in the roll out of the LCP has crucial importance for future policy making in end of life care. We provide an in-depth account of LCP development and implementation with explanatory theoretical perspectives. We address three critical questions: 1) why and how did the LCP come to prominence as a vehicle of policy and practice? 2) what factors contributed to its demise? 3) what immediate implications and lessons resulted from its withdrawal? Methods: We use primary and secondary sources in the public domain to assemble a critical and historical review. We also draw on the 'boundary object' concept and on wider analyses of the use of ICPs. Results: The rapidity of transfer and translation of the LCP reflected uncritical enthusiasm for ICPs in the early 2000s. While the LCP had some weaknesses in its formulation and implementation, it became the bearer of responsibility for all aspects of NHS end-of-life care. It exposed fault lines in the NHS, provided a platform for debates about the 'evidence' required to underpin innovations in palliative care and became a conduit of discord about 'good' or 'bad' practice in care of the dying. It also fostered a previously unseen critique of assumptions within palliative care. Conclusions: In contrast to most observers of the LCP story who refer to the dangers of scaling up clinical interventions without an evidence base, we call for greater assessment of the wider risks and more careful consideration of the unintended consequences that might result from the roll out of new end-of-life interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Seymour
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Barber House, Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield, S10 2LA, UK
| | - David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Rutherford/ McCowan Building, Dumfries, DG1 4ZL , UK
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17
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Seymour J, Clark D. The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient: a critical analysis of its rise, demise and legacy in England. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:15. [PMID: 29881785 PMCID: PMC5963294 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13940.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient ('the LCP') was an integrated care pathway (ICP) recommended by successive governments in England and Wales to improve end-of-life care, using insights from hospice and palliative care. It was discontinued in 2014 following mounting criticism and a national review. The ensuing debate among clinicians polarised between 'blaming' of the LCP and regret at its removal. Employing the concept of 'boundary objects', we aimed to address three questions: 1) why and how did the LCP come to prominence as a vehicle of policy and practice 2) what factors contributed to its demise? 3) what immediate implications and lessons resulted from its withdrawal? Methods: We use primary and secondary sources in the public domain to assemble a critical and historical review. Results: The rapidity of transfer and translation of the LCP reflected uncritical enthusiasm for ICPs in the early 2000s. The subsequent LCP 'scandal' demonstrated the power of social media in creating knowledge, as well as conflicting perceptions about end-of-life interventions. While the LCP had some weaknesses in its formulation and implementation, it became the bearer of responsibility for all aspects of NHS end-of-life care. This was beyond its original remit. It exposed fault lines in the NHS, provided a platform for debates about the 'evidence' required to underpin innovations in palliative care and became a conduit of discord about 'good' or 'bad' practice in care of the dying. It also fostered a previously unseen critique of assumptions within palliative care. Conclusions: In contrast to most observers of the LCP story who refer to the dangers of scaling up clinical interventions without an evidence base, we call for greater assessment of the wider risks and more careful consideration of the unintended consequences that might result from the roll out of new end-of-life interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Seymour
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Barber House, Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield, S10 2LA, UK
| | - David Clark
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Rutherford/ McCowan Building, Dumfries, DG1 4ZL , UK
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18
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Lokker ME, Swart SJ, Rietjens JAC, van Zuylen L, Perez RSGM, van der Heide A. Palliative sedation and moral distress: A qualitative study of nurses. Appl Nurs Res 2018; 40:157-161. [PMID: 29579492 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical nursing practice may involve moral distress, which has been reported to occur frequently when nurses care for dying patients. Palliative sedation is a practice that is used to alleviate unbearable and refractory suffering in the last phase of life and has been linked to distress in nurses. AIM The aim of this study was to explore nurses' reports on the practice of palliative sedation focusing on their experiences with pressure, dilemmas and morally distressing situations. METHODS In-depth interviews with 36 nurses working in hospital, nursing home or primary care. RESULTS Several nurses described situations in which they felt that administration of palliative sedation was in the patient's best interest, but where they were constrained from taking action. Nurses also reported on situations where they experienced pressure to be actively involved in the provision of palliative sedation, while they felt this was not in the patient's best interest. The latter situation related to (1) starting palliative sedation when the nurse felt not all options to relieve suffering had been explored yet; (2) family requesting an increase of the sedation level where the nurse felt that this may involve unjustified hastening of death; (3) a decision by the physician to start palliative sedation where the patient had previously expressed an explicit wish for euthanasia. CONCLUSIONS Nurses experienced moral distress in situations where they were not able to act in what they believed is the patient's best interest. Situations involving moral distress require nurses to be well informed and able to adequately communicate with suffering patients, distressed family and physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Lokker
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - S J Swart
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J A C Rietjens
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L van Zuylen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R S G M Perez
- Department of Anesthesiology, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Pype P, Teuwen I, Mertens F, Sercu M, De Sutter A. Suboptimal palliative sedation in primary care: an exploration. Acta Clin Belg 2018; 73:21-28. [PMID: 28580858 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2017.1331783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Palliative sedation is a therapeutic option to control refractory symptoms in terminal palliative patients. This study aims at describing the occurrence and characteristics of suboptimal palliative sedations in primary care and at exploring the way general practitioners (GPs) experience suboptimal palliative sedation in their practice. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study with a quantitative prospective survey in primary care and qualitative semi-structured interviews with GPs. The research team defined suboptimal palliative sedation as a time interval until deep sleep >1.5 h and/ or >2 awakenings after the start of the unconsciousness. Descriptive statistics were calculated on the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts. RESULTS We registered 63 palliative sedations in 1181 home deaths, 27 forms were completed. Eleven palliative sedations were suboptimal: eight due to the long time span until deep sleep; three due the number of unintended awakenings. GPs' interview analysis revealed two major themes: the shifting perception of failure and the burden of responsibility. CONCLUSIONS Suboptimal palliative sedation occurs frequently in primary palliative care. Efficient communication towards family members is needed to prevent them from having unrealistic expectations and to prevent putting pressure on the GP to hasten the procedure. Sharing the burden of decision-making during the procedure with other health care professionals might diminish the heavy responsibility as perceived by GPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Pype
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Inge Teuwen
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Fien Mertens
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Marij Sercu
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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20
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Franken LG, Masman AD, de Winter BCM, Koch BCP, Baar FPM, Tibboel D, van Gelder T, Mathot RAA. Pharmacokinetics of Morphine, Morphine-3-Glucuronide and Morphine-6-Glucuronide in Terminally Ill Adult Patients. Clin Pharmacokinet 2017; 55:697-709. [PMID: 26715216 PMCID: PMC4875954 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-015-0345-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective Morphine dosing can be challenging in terminally ill adult patients due to the heterogeneous nature of the population and the difficulty
of accurately assessing pain during sedation. To determine the pharmacokinetics of morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) and morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G) in this population, and to find clinically relevant parameters for dose individualisation, we performed a population pharmacokinetic analysis. Methods Blood samples were randomly collected from 47 terminally ill patients in both the pre-terminal and terminal phases. Nonlinear mixed-effects modelling (NONMEM) was used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model and perform covariate analysis. Results The data were accurately described by a two-compartment model for morphine with two one-compartment models for both its metabolites. Typical morphine clearance was 48 L/h and fell exponentially by more than 10 L/h in the last week before death. Decreased albumin levels and a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) resulted in lower metabolite clearance. Between-subject variability in clearance was 52 % (morphine), 75 % (M3G) and 79 % (M6G), and changed to 53, 29 and 34 %, respectively, after inclusion of the covariates. Conclusions Our results show that morphine clearance decreased up to the time of death, falling by more than 10 L/h (26 %) in the last week before death, and that M3G and M6G accumulated due to decreased renal function. Further studies are warranted to determine whether dose adjustment of morphine is required in terminally ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda G Franken
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus Medical Centre, wytemaweg 80-na 219, 3015, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Anniek D Masman
- Palliative Care Centre, Laurens Cadenza, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Intensive Care, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda C M de Winter
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus Medical Centre, wytemaweg 80-na 219, 3015, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit C P Koch
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus Medical Centre, wytemaweg 80-na 219, 3015, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frans P M Baar
- Palliative Care Centre, Laurens Cadenza, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick Tibboel
- Intensive Care, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Pain Expertise Centre, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Teun van Gelder
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus Medical Centre, wytemaweg 80-na 219, 3015, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A A Mathot
- Hospital Pharmacy-Clinical Pharmacology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Abarshi E, Rietjens J, Robijn L, Caraceni A, Payne S, Deliens L, Van den Block L. International variations in clinical practice guidelines for palliative sedation: a systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2017; 7:223-229. [PMID: 28432090 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2016-001159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Palliative sedation is a highly debated medical practice, particularly regarding its proper use in end-of-life care. Worldwide, guidelines are used to standardise care and regulate this practice. In this review, we identify and compare national/regional clinical practice guidelines on palliative sedation against the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) palliative sedation Framework and assess the developmental quality of these guidelines using the Appraisal Guideline Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. METHODS Using the PRISMA criteria, we searched multiple databases (PubMed, CancerLit, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, NHS Evidence and Google Scholar) for relevant guidelines, and selected those written in English, Dutch and Italian; published between January 2000 and March 2016. RESULTS Of 264 hits, 13 guidelines-Belgium, Canada (3), Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Europe, and USA (2) were selected. 8 contained at least 9/10 recommendations published in the EAPC Framework; 9 recommended 'pre-emptive discussion of the potential role of sedation in end-of-life care'; 9 recommended 'nutrition/hydration while performing sedation' and 8 acknowledged the need to 'care for the medical team'. There were striking differences in terminologies used and in life expectancy preceding the practice. Selected guidelines were conceptually similar, comparing closely to the EAPC Framework recommendations, albeit with notable variations. CONCLUSIONS Based on AGREE II, 3 guidelines achieved top scores and could therefore be recommended for use in this context. Also, domains 'scope and purpose' and 'editorial independence' ranked highest and lowest, respectively-underscoring the importance of good reportage at the developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebun Abarshi
- International Observatory on End-of-Life Care, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Rietjens
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lenzo Robijn
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Augusto Caraceni
- Fondazione IRCCS Instituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.,European Palliative Care Research Center, Norwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim Norway, EAPC Research Network
| | - Sheila Payne
- International Observatory on End-of-Life Care, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Palliative sedation challenging the professional competency of health care providers and staff: a qualitative focus group and personal written narrative study. BMC Palliat Care 2017; 16:25. [PMID: 28399846 PMCID: PMC5387333 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-017-0198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite recent advances in palliative medicine, sedating a terminally ill patient is regarded as an indispensable treatment to manage unbearable suffering. With the prospect of widespread use of palliative sedation, the feelings and representations of health care providers and staff (carers) regarding sedation must be carefully explored if we are to gain a better understanding of its impact and potential pitfalls. The objective of the study was to provide a comprehensive description of the opinions of carers about the use of sedation practices in palliative care units (PCU), which have become a focus of public attention following changes in legislation. Methods Data were collected using a qualitative study involving multi-professional focus groups with health care providers and staff as well as personal narratives written by physicians and paramedical staff. A total of 35 medical and paramedical providers volunteered to participate in focus group discussions in three Palliative Care Units in two French hospitals and to write personal narratives. Results Health care provider and staff opinions had to do with their professional stance and competencies when using midazolam and practicing sedation in palliative care. They expressed uncertainty regarding three aspects of the comprehensive care: biomedical rigour of diagnosis and therapeutics, quality of the patient/provider relationship and care to be provided. Focusing on the sedative effect of midazolam and continuous sedation until death, the interviewed health care providers examined the basics of their professional competency as well as the key role played by the health care team in terms of providing support and minimizing workplace suffering. Nurses were subject to the greatest misgivings about their work when they were called upon to sedate patients. Conclusions The uncertainty experienced by the carers with regard to the medical, psychosocial and ethical justification for sedation is a source of psychological burden and moral distress, and it has proved to be a major source of suffering in the workplace. Lastly, the study shows the uncertainty can have the positive effect of prompting the care team to devise ways to deal with it.
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23
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Attitudes of palliative home care physicians towards palliative sedation at home in Italy. Support Care Cancer 2017; 25:1615-1620. [PMID: 28097432 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3581-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information about the attitudes towards palliative sedation (PS) at home is limited. AIM The aim of this survey was to assess the attitudes of palliative care physicians in Italy regarding PS at home. DESIGN A questionnaire was submitted to a sample of palliative care physicians, asking information about their activity and attitudes towards PS at home. SETTING This is a survey of home care physicians in Italy who were involved in end-of-life care decisions at home. RESULTS One hundred and fifty participants responded. A large heterogeneity of home care organizations that generate some problems was found. Indications, intention and monitoring of PS seem to be appropriate, although some cultural and logistic conditions were limiting the use of PS. Specialized home care physicians are almost involved to start PS at home. Midazolam was seldom available at home and opioids were more frequently used. CONCLUSION These data should prompt health care agencies to make a minimal set of drugs easily available for home care. Further research is necessary to compare attitudes in countries with different sociocultural profiles.
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24
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Robijn L, Cohen J, Rietjens J, Deliens L, Chambaere K. Trends in Continuous Deep Sedation until Death between 2007 and 2013: A Repeated Nationwide Survey. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158188. [PMID: 27337064 PMCID: PMC4918927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuous deep sedation until death is a highly debated medical practice, particularly regarding its potential to hasten death and its proper use in end-of-life care. A thorough analysis of important trends in this practice is needed to identify potentially problematic developments. This study aims to examine trends in the prevalence and practice characteristics of continuous deep sedation until death in Flanders, Belgium between 2007 and 2013, and to study variation on physicians' degree of palliative training. METHODS Population-based death certificate study in 2007 and 2013 in Flanders, Belgium. Reporting physicians received questionnaires about medical practices preceding the patient's death. Patient characteristics, clinical characteristics (drugs used, duration, artificial nutrition/hydration, intention and consent), and palliative care training of attending physician were recorded. We posed the following question regarding continuous deep sedation: 'Was the patient continuously and deeply sedated or kept in a coma until death by the use of one or more drugs'. RESULTS After the initial rise of continuous deep sedation to 14.5% in 2007 (95%CI 13.1%-15.9%), its use decreased to 12.0% in 2013 (95%CI 10.9%-13.2%). Compared with 2007, in 2013 opioids were less often used as sole drug and the decision to use continuous deep sedation was more often preceded by patient request. Compared to non-experts, palliative care experts more often used benzodiazepines and less often opioids, withheld artificial nutrition/hydration more often and performed sedation more often after a request from or with the consent of the patient or family. CONCLUSION Worldwide, this study is the first to show a decrease in the prevalence of continuous deep sedation. Despite positive changes in performance and decision-making towards more compliance with due care requirements, there is still room for improvement in the use of recommended drugs and in the involvement of patients and relatives in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenzo Robijn
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Judith Rietjens
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kenneth Chambaere
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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25
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Ethical dilemmas faced by hospice nurses when administering palliative sedation to patients with terminal cancer. Palliat Support Care 2016; 15:148-157. [PMID: 27323872 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951516000419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Palliative sedation is a method of symptom management frequently used in hospices to treat uncontrolled symptoms at the end of life. There is a substantial body of literature on this subject; however, there has been little research into the experiences of hospice nurses when administering palliative sedation in an attempt to manage the terminal restlessness experienced by cancer patients. METHOD Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of seven hospice nurses who had cared for at least one patient who had undergone palliative sedation within the past year in a hospice in the south of England in the United Kingdom. A phenomenological approach and Colaizzi's stages of analysis were employed to develop themes from the data. RESULTS Facilitating a "peaceful death" was the primary goal of the nurses, where through the administration of palliative sedation they sought to enable and support patients to be "comfortable," "relaxed," and "calm" at the terminal stage of their illness. Ethical dilemmas related to decision making were a factor in achieving this. These were: medication decisions, "juggling the drugs," "causing the death," sedating young people, the family "requesting" sedation, and believing that hospice is a place where death is hastened. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Hospice nurses in the U.K. frequently encounter ethical and emotional dilemmas when administering palliative sedation. Making such decisions about using palliative sedation causes general discomfort for them. Undertaking this aspect of care requires confidence and competence on the part of nurses, and working within a supportive hospice team is of fundamental importance in supporting this practice.
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26
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Raus K, Sterckx S. How defining clinical practices may influence their evaluation: the case of continuous sedation at the end of life. J Eval Clin Pract 2016; 22:425-32. [PMID: 26711308 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Continuous sedation at the end of life is an end-of-life practice that has gained considerable attention in the international literature. Nevertheless, significant confusion persists, even on how to label or define the practice. Several different terms and definitions exist, and these are often non-neutral and indicative of one's normative position on sedation at the end of life. This is problematic for two reasons. First, the use of such value-laden terms or definitions of continuous sedation may make it difficult, if not impossible, to agree on the facts surrounding continuous sedation. Second, including normative criteria in a definition can lead one to make disguised circular or tautological statements. METHODS This paper identifies commonly used terms and definitions and demonstrates how particular elements present in these are value-laden and can influence the ethical evaluation of continuous sedation at the end of life. RESULTS Two commonly used terms, 'palliative sedation' and 'terminal sedation', have been strongly criticized. We propose to use another, more descriptive term, namely 'continuous sedation at the end of life'. As regards the different definitions of sedation, some are general, but most contain very specific elements, thereby clearly limiting the number of cases that are covered by the definition. Some definitions of sedation include the intention one should (not) have, the possible indications for the practice, and the type of patients the practice should be reserved for. CONCLUSION Including value-laden elements in the very definition of a clinical practice runs the risk of pre-empting a proper normative debate about the practice. We explain why this is the case and why it is problematic, and we propose an alternative, descriptive, definition that seeks to avoid these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Raus
- Ghent University, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Sterckx
- Ghent University, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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den Hartogh G. Continuous deep sedation and homicide: an unsolved problem in law and professional morality. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2016; 19:285-97. [PMID: 26715284 PMCID: PMC4880626 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-015-9680-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
When a severely suffering dying patient is deeply sedated, and this sedated condition is meant to continue until his death, the doctor involved often decides to abstain from artificially administering fluids. For this dual procedure almost all guidelines require that the patient should not have a life expectancy beyond a stipulated maximum of days (4-14). The reason obviously is that in case of a longer life-expectancy the patient may die from dehydration rather than from his lethal illness. But no guideline tells us how we should describe the dual procedure in case of a longer life-expectancy. Many arguments have been advanced why we should not consider it to be a form of homicide, that is, ending the life of the patient (with or without his request). I argue that none of these arguments, taken separately or jointly, is persuasive. When a commission, even one that is not itself life-shortening, foreseeably renders a person unable to undo the life-shortening effects of another, simultaneous omission, the commission and the omission together should be acknowledged to kill her. I discuss the legal and ethical implications of this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govert den Hartogh
- Department of Philosophy, University of Amsterdam, Staten Bolwerk 16, 2011 ML, Haarlem, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To evaluate the place and the usefulness of sedation in medical practice at the end of life. RECENT FINDINGS Continuous sedation is an acknowledged medical practice for the management of refractory symptoms at the end of life. Guidelines and recommendations have been proposed in palliative care. Although considered as a good medical practice at the end of life, sedation is neither the only option nor the best. SUMMARY This article presents the state-of-the-art (definitions, indications, and technical aspects) about continuous sedation, followed by an ethical reflection essentially based on the 'Principle of Double Effect', the impact on life expectancy, and the concept of 'natural death'.
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No Negative Impact of Palliative Sedation on Relatives' Experience of the Dying Phase and Their Wellbeing after the Patient's Death: An Observational Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149250. [PMID: 26871717 PMCID: PMC4752210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative sedation is the widely-used intervention of administering sedating agents to induce a state of unconsciousness to take away a dying patient’s perception of otherwise irrelievable symptoms. However, it remains questionable whether this ethically complex intervention is beneficial for patients and whether the associated lack of communication in the last phase of life has a negative impact on relatives’ wellbeing. Methods An observational questionnaire study was conducted among relatives of a consecutive sample of patients who died a non-sudden death in the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute or in the hospice ‘Laurens Cadenza’ (both in Rotterdam) between 2010 and 2013. Results Relatives filled in questionnaires regarding 151 patients who had been sedated and 90 patients who had not been sedated. The median time since all patients had passed away was 21 (IQR 14–32) months. No significant differences were found in relatives´ assessments of the quality of end-of-life care, patients´ quality of life in the last week before death and their quality of dying, between patients who did and did not receive sedation, or in relatives’ satisfaction with their own life, their general health and their mental wellbeing after the patient’s death. Conclusions The use of sedation in these patients appears to have no negative effect on bereaved relatives’ evaluation of the patient’s dying phase, or on their own wellbeing after the patient’s death.
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Zenz J, Tryba M, Zenz M. Palliative care professionals' willingness to perform euthanasia or physician assisted suicide. BMC Palliat Care 2015; 14:60. [PMID: 26572742 PMCID: PMC4647811 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-015-0058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Euthanasia and physician assisted suicide (PAS) are highly debated upon particularly in the light of medical advancement and an aging society. Little is known about the professionals’ willingness to perform these practices particularly among those engaged in the field of palliative care and pain management. Thus a study was performed among those professionals. Methods An anonymous questionnaire was handed out to all participants of a palliative care congress and a pain symposium in 2013. The questionnaire consisted of 8 questions regarding end of life decisions. Proposed patient vignettes were used. Results A total of 470 eligible questionnaires were returned, 198 by physicians, 272 by nurses. The response rate was 64 %. The majority of professionals were reluctant to perform euthanasia or PAS: 5.3 % of the respondents would be willing to perform euthanasia on a patient with a terminal illness if asked to do so. The reluctance grew in case of a patient with a non-terminal illness. The respondents were more willing to perform PAS than euthanasia. Nurses were more reluctant to take action as opposed to the physicians. The majority of the respondents would attempt to treat the patient’s symptoms first before considering life-ending measures. As regards any decision making process the majority would consult with a colleague. Conclusions This is the first German study to ask about the willingness of professionals to take action as regards euthanasia and PAS without biased phrasing. As opposed to the general acceptance that is respectively high, the actual willingness to perform life-ending measures is low. The German debate on physician assisted suicide and its possible legalization should also incorporate clarifications regarding the responsibility who should eventually perform these acts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zenz
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätstr. 150, D 44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Michael Tryba
- Clinic for Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Moenchebergstraße 41-43, D 34125, Kassel, Germany.
| | - Michael Zenz
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätstr. 150, D 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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Robijn L, Chambaere K, Raus K, Rietjens J, Deliens L. Reasons for continuous sedation until death in cancer patients: a qualitative interview study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2015; 26. [PMID: 26515814 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
End-of-life sedation, though increasingly prevalent and widespread, remains a highly debated medical practice in the context of palliative medicine. This qualitative study aims to look more specifically at how health care workers justify their use of continuous sedation until death and which factors they report as playing a part in the decision-making process. In-depth interviews were held with 28 physicians and 22 nurses of 27 cancer patients in Belgium who had received continuous sedation until death in hospitals, palliative care units or at home. Our findings indicate that medical decision-making for continuous sedation is not only based on clinical indications but also related to morally complex issues such as the social context and the personal characteristics and preferences of individual patient and their relatives. The complex role of non-clinical factors in palliative sedation decision-making needs to be further studied to assess which medically or ethically relevant arguments are underlying daily clinical practice. Finally, our findings suggest that in some cases continuous sedation was resorted to as an alternative option at the end of life when euthanasia, a legally regulated option in Belgium, was no longer practically possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Robijn
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Chambaere
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Raus
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Bioethics Institute Ghent, Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Rietjens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - L Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Grosse C, Grosse A. Assisted suicide: Models of legal regulation in selected European countries and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2015; 55:246-258. [PMID: 25143341 DOI: 10.1177/0025802414540636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents three different models of the legal regulation of assisted suicide in European countries. First, the current legal regime governing assisted suicide in the Netherlands is described where both euthanasia and assisted suicide have been legalised. This section also includes some empirical data on euthanasia and assisted-suicide practices in the Netherlands, as well as a comparison with the current legal legislation in Belgium and Luxembourg. Next, Switzerland is presented as a country where euthanasia is punishable by law but assisted suicide is legally allowed, provided it is not carried out with selfish motives. This section also focuses on the assisted-suicide-related case law of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights. Last, the current legal situation regarding assisted suicide in Austria and Germany is described. While the Austrian Penal Code explicitly prohibits assisted suicide, assistance with suicide is not specifically regulated by the German Penal Code. However, medical doctors are not allowed to assist suicides according to the professional codes of conduct drawn up by the German medical associations under the supervision of the health authorities.
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Hoek P, Grandjean I, Verhagen CAHHVM, Jansen-Landheer MLEA, Schers HJ, Galesloot C, Vissers KCP, Engels Y, Hasselaar JG. Addressing Palliative Sedation during Expert Consultation: A Descriptive Analysis of the Practice of Dutch Palliative Care Consultation Teams. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136309. [PMID: 26301746 PMCID: PMC4547749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Main Objective Since palliative sedation is considered a complex intervention, consultation teams are increasingly established to support general practice. This study aims to offer insight into the frequency and characteristics of expert consultations regarding palliative sedation. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a longitudinal database. This database contained all patient-related consultations by Dutch Palliative Care Consultation teams, that were requested between 2004 and 2011. We described the frequency and characteristics of these consultations, in particular of the subgroup of consultations in which palliative sedation was addressed (i.e. PSa consultations). We used multivariate regression analysis to explore consultation characteristics associated with a higher likelihood of PSa consultations. Main Results and Their Significance Of the 44,443 initial consultations, most were requested by general practitioners (73%) and most concerned patients with cancer (86%). Palliative sedation was addressed in 18.1% of all consultations. Palliative sedation was relatively more often discussed during consultations for patients with a neurologic disease (OR 1.79; 95% CI: 1.51–2.12) or COPD (OR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.15–1.69) than for patients with cancer. We observed a higher likelihood of PSa consultations if the following topics were also addressed during consultation: dyspnoea (OR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.22–1.40), agitation/delirium (OR 1.57; 95% CI: 1.47–1.68), exhaustion (OR 2.89; 95% CI: 2.61–3.20), euthanasia-related questions (OR 2.65; 95% CI: 2.37–2.96) or existential issues (OR 1.55; 95% CI: 1.31–1.83). Conclusion In conclusion, PSa consultations accounted for almost one-fifth of all expert consultations and were associated with several case-related characteristics. These characteristics may help clinicians in identifying patients at risk for a more complex disease trajectory at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Hoek
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Ilse Grandjean
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre the Netherlands, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Henk J. Schers
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Cilia Galesloot
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre the Netherlands, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kris C. P. Vissers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Engels
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen G.J. Hasselaar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Scott JF. The Case Against Clinical Guidelines for Palliative Sedation. PHILOSOPHY AND MEDICINE 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-9106-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Portnoy A, Rana P, Zimmermann C, Rodin G. The Use of Palliative Sedation to Treat Existential Suffering: A Reconsideration. PHILOSOPHY AND MEDICINE 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-9106-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Blanchet V, Giffon É, Renault-Tessier É, Michenot N, Balladur É, Courau AC, Taurel D, Gros A. Prise de décision de sédation pour détresse à domicile : étude Sédadom. MEDECINE PALLIATIVE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medpal.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Swart SJ, van der Heide A, van Zuylen L, Perez RSGM, Zuurmond WWA, van der Maas PJ, van Delden JJM, Rietjens JAC. Continuous palliative sedation: not only a response to physical suffering. J Palliat Med 2014; 17:27-36. [PMID: 24410419 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2013.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative sedation is a medical intervention aimed at relieving symptoms that can no longer be controlled by conventional treatment. Ample knowledge is available regarding the nature of such symptoms, but there is no in-depth information regarding how health care workers decide about palliative sedation. OBJECTIVE The study objective was to investigate considerations concerning the indications for continuous palliative sedation (CPS) and issues that influence these considerations. DESIGN The study consisted of qualitative interviews regarding patients who had recently received CPS. SETTING/SUBJECTS The study involved physicians and nurses working in general practice, nursing homes, and hospitals. MEASUREMENT Analyses by a multidisciplinary research team used the constant comparative method. RESULTS Together with physical symptoms, psychological and existential suffering may combine to produce a refractory state for which other treatment options than CPS were not available or considered inappropriate. A limited life expectancy was by many considered crucial (e.g., to avoid hastening death) and by some less important (e.g., because the patient's suffering was considered to be key). Issues influencing the decision to use CPS related to patient preferences (e.g., dignity, not wanting to experience further suffering) or family issues (impact of suffering on family, family requesting CPS). CONCLUSIONS The indication for CPS typically originates from physical symptoms and nonphysical problems producing a refractory state in which a patient suffers unbearably. In such states, preferences of patients and families and the life expectancy criterion are weighed against the severity of refractory symptoms. Therefore the use of CPS is not only a response to the physical suffering of patients in the dying phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siebe J Swart
- 1 Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Centre , Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Abarshi E, Rietjens J, Caraceni A, Payne S, Deliens L, Van Den Block L. Towards a standardised approach for evaluating guidelines and guidance documents on palliative sedation: study protocol. BMC Palliat Care 2014; 13:34. [PMID: 25028571 PMCID: PMC4099031 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-13-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sedation in palliative care has received growing attention in recent years; and so have guidelines, position statements, and related literature that provide recommendations for its practice. Yet little is known collectively about the content, scope and methodological quality of these materials. According to research, there are large variations in palliative sedation practice, depending on the definition and methodology used. However, a standardised approach to comparing and contrasting related documents, across countries, associations and governmental bodies is lacking. This paper reports on a protocol designed to enable thorough and systematic comparison of guidelines and guidance documents on palliative sedation. Methods and design A multidisciplinary and international group of palliative care researchers, identified themes and clinical issues on palliative sedation based on expert consultations and evidence drawn from the EAPC (European Association of Palliative Care) framework for palliative sedation and AGREE II (Appraisal Guideline Research and Evaluation) instrument for guideline assessment. The most relevant themes were selected and built into a comprehensive checklist. This was tested on people working closely with practitioners and patients, for user-friendliness and comprehensibility, and modified where necessary. Next, a systematic search was conducted for guidelines in English, Dutch, Flemish, or Italian. The search was performed in multiple databases (PubMed, CancerLit, CNAHL, Cochrane Library, NHS Evidence and Google Scholar), and via other Internet resources. Hereafter, the final version of the checklist will be used to extract data from selected literature, and the same will be compiled, entered into SPSS, cleaned and analysed systematically for publication. Discussion We have together developed a comprehensive checklist in a scientifically rigorous manner to allow standardised and systematic comparison. The protocol is applicable to all guidelines on palliative sedation, and the approach will contribute to rigorous and systematic comparison of international guidelines on any challenging topic such as this. Results from the study will provide valuable insights into common core elements and differences between the selected guidelines, and the extent to which recommendations are derived from, or match those in the EAPC framework. The outcomes of the study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and directly to appropriate audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebun Abarshi
- International Observatory on End-of-Life Care, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, UK
| | - Judith Rietjens
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ; End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Ghent University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Augusto Caraceni
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy ; European Palliative Care Research Center, Trondheim Norway, EAPC Research Network, Milan, Italy
| | - Sheila Payne
- International Observatory on End-of-Life Care, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, UK
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Ghent University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium ; Vrije University Medical Center, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lieve Van Den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Ghent University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium ; Department of Family Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Bruinsma SM, Brown J, van der Heide A, Deliens L, Anquinet L, Payne SA, Seymour JE, Rietjens JAC. Making sense of continuous sedation in end-of-life care for cancer patients: an interview study with bereaved relatives in three European countries. Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:3243-52. [PMID: 25022759 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2344-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to explore relatives' descriptions and experiences of continuous sedation in end-of-life care for cancer patients and to identify and explain differences between respondents from the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK. METHODS In-depth interviews were held between January 2011 and May 2012 with 38 relatives of 32 cancer patients who received continuous sedation until death in hospitals, the community, and hospices/palliative care units. RESULTS Relatives' descriptions of the practice referred to the outcome, to practical aspects, and to the goals of sedation. While most relatives believed sedation had contributed to a 'good death' for the patient, yet many expressed concerns. These related to anxieties about the patient's wellbeing, their own wellbeing, and questions about whether continuous sedation had shortened the patient's life (mostly UK), or whether an alternative approach would have been better. Such concerns seemed to have been prompted by relatives witnessing unexpected events such as the patient coming to awareness during sedation. In the Netherlands and in Belgium, several relatives reported that the start of the sedation allowed for a planned moment of 'saying goodbye'. In contrast, UK relatives discerned neither an explicit point at which sedation was started nor a specific moment of farewell. CONCLUSIONS Relatives believed that sedation contributed to the patient having a good death. Nevertheless, they also expressed concerns that may have been provoked by unexpected events for which they were unprepared. There seems to exist differences in the process of saying goodbye between the NL/BE and the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Bruinsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,
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Maessen M, Veldink JH, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Hendricks HT, Schelhaas HJ, Grupstra HF, van der Wal G, van den Berg LH. Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a prospective study. J Neurol 2014; 261:1894-901. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-014-7424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Bruinsma SM, Rietjens JAC, Swart SJ, Perez RSGM, van Delden JJM, van der Heide A. Estimating the potential life-shortening effect of continuous sedation until death: a comparison between two approaches. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2014; 40:458-462. [PMID: 23845927 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2013-101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT In some cases, physicians estimate that continuous sedation until death may have a life shortening effect. The accuracy of these estimations can be questioned. AIM The aim of this study is to compare two approaches to estimate the potential life-shortening effect of continuous sedation until death. METHODS In 2008, 370 Dutch physicians filled out a questionnaire and reported on their last patient who received continuous sedation until death. The potential life-shortening effect of continuous sedation was estimated through a direct approach (question: Did continuous sedation, according to your estimation,hasten the patient's death? If yes: by how much time?)and an indirect approach (estimated life expectancy minus duration of sedation). The intrarater agreement between both approaches was determined with a weighted κ. RESULTS According to the direct approach, sedation might have had a life-shortening effect in 51% of the cases and according to the indirect approach in 84%.The intrarater agreement between both approaches was fair (weighted κ=0.38). In 10% of all cases, the direct approach yielded higher estimates of the extent to which life had been shortened; in 58% of the cases, the indirect approach yielded higher estimates. CONCLUSIONS The results show a discrepancy between different approaches to estimate the potential life shortening effect of continuous sedation until death.
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Papavasiliou EE, Chambaere K, Deliens L, Brearley S, Payne S, Rietjens J, Vander Stichele R, Van den Block L, Zeger DG, Sarah B, Augusto C, Joachim C, Anneke F, Richard H, Irene J H, Stein K, Karen L, Guido M, Bregje OP, Koen P, Roeline P, Sophie P, Sheila P, Luc D. Physician-reported practices on continuous deep sedation until death: A descriptive and comparative study. Palliat Med 2014; 28:491-500. [PMID: 24718896 DOI: 10.1177/0269216314530768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on continuous deep sedation until death has focused on estimating prevalence and describing clinical practice across care settings. However, evidence on sedation practices by physician specialty is scarce. AIMS To compare and contrast physician-reported practices on continuous deep sedation until death between general practitioners and medical specialists. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS A secondary analysis drawing upon data from a large-scale, population-based, retrospective survey among physicians in Flanders, Belgium in 2007. Symptom prevalence and characteristics of sedation (drugs used, artificial nutrition and hydration administered, intentions, and decision-making) were measured. RESULTS Response rate was 58.4%. The frequency of continuous deep sedation until death among all deaths was 11.3% for general practitioners and 18.4% for medical specialists. General practitioners reported significantly higher rates of severity and mean intensity of pain, delirium, dyspnea, and nausea in the last 24 h of life for sedated patients and a higher number of severe symptoms than medical specialists. No differences were found between groups in the drugs used, except in propofol, reported only by medical specialists (in 15.8% of all cases). Artificial nutrition and hydration was withheld or withdrawn in 97.2% of general practitioner and 36.2% of medical specialist cases. Explicit life-shortening intentions were reported by both groups (for 3%-4% of all cases). Continuous deep sedation until death was initiated without consent or request of either the patient or the family in 27.9% (medical specialists) and 4.7% (general practitioners) of the cases reported. CONCLUSION Considerable variation, often largely deviating from professional guidelines, was observed in physician-reported performance and decision-making, highlighting the importance of providing clearer guidance on the specific needs of the context in which continuous deep sedation until death is to be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth Chambaere
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Brearley
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Sheila Payne
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Judith Rietjens
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robert Vander Stichele
- Heymans Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
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The use of palliative sedation: A comparison of attitudes of French-speaking physicians from Quebec and Switzerland. Palliat Support Care 2014; 13:839-47. [PMID: 24825473 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951514000364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous literature has suggested that laws and regulations may impact the use of palliative sedation. Our present study compares the attitudes of French-speaking physicians practicing in the Quebec and Swiss environments, where different laws are in place regarding physician-assisted suicide. METHOD Data were drawn from two prior studies, one by Blondeau and colleagues and another by Beauverd and coworkers, employing the same two-by-two experimental design with length of prognosis and type of suffering as independent variables. Both the effect of these variables and the effect of their interaction on Swiss and Quebec physicians' attitudes toward sedation were compared. The written comments of respondents were submitted to a qualitative content analysis and summarized in a comparative perspective. RESULTS The analysis of variance showed that only the type of suffering had an effect on physicians' attitudes toward sedation. The results of the Wilcoxon test indicated that the attitudes of physicians from Quebec and Switzerland tended to be different for two vignettes: long-term prognosis with existential suffering (p = 0.0577) and short-term prognosis with physical suffering (p = 0.0914). In both cases, the Swiss physicians were less prone to palliative sedation. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The attitudes of physicians from Quebec and Switzerland toward palliative sedation, particularly regarding prognosis and type of suffering, seem similar. However, the results suggest that physicians from Quebec could be slightly more open to palliative sedation, even though most were not in favor of this practice as an answer to end-of-life existential suffering.
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Abarshi EA, Papavasiliou ES, Preston N, Brown J, Payne S. The complexity of nurses' attitudes and practice of sedation at the end of life: a systematic literature review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 47:915-925.e11. [PMID: 24075400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Sedation is administered to some palliative care patients at the end of their life. Nurses play an important role in this practice. OBJECTIVES To systematically review the evidence on nurses' attitudes and practice of end-of-life sedation. METHODS We searched eight electronic databases, four key palliative care journals, and reference lists for empirical studies published in English, between 1990 and 2012, on nurses and their attitudes toward and practice of sedation until a patient's death. A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Data were generated from 7515 nurses in four main settings (specialized palliative care unit, home, nursing home, and acute hospital) from seven countries (Belgium, Canada, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, U.K., and U.S.). On average, the quality of the evidence was good; hence, we analyzed all selected studies. Based on the findings from a previous review, we categorized the emerging themes into: 1) important factors leading to the patient receiving palliative sedation (PS), 2) nurses' attitudes toward PS, and 3) nurses' experience of PS at the end of a patient's life. In general, nurses had a positive but cautious attitude toward the practice of PS. Most saw it as a last resort treatment for relieving suffering and refractory symptoms, and its practice was often influenced by their level of education, expertise, and the roles they played per setting. CONCLUSION Most nurses administered sedation until death only within the given circumstances because of the anticipatory benefits in controlling refractory symptoms and suffering. Some of them experienced burdens during PS delivery; these could be supported by operational guidelines and task-related training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebun A Abarshi
- International Observatory on End-of-Life Care, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Nancy Preston
- International Observatory on End-of-Life Care, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Jayne Brown
- Centre for the Promotion of Excellence in Palliative Care, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila Payne
- International Observatory on End-of-Life Care, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Rietjens JAC, Voorhees JR, van der Heide A, Drickamer MA. Approaches to suffering at the end of life: the use of sedation in the USA and Netherlands. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2014; 40:235-240. [PMID: 22982490 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2012-100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies describing physicians' experiences with sedation at the end of life are indispensible for informed palliative care practice, but they are scarce. We describe the accounts of physicians from the USA and the Netherlands, two countries with different regulations on end-of-life decisions regarding their use of sedation. METHODS Qualitative face-to-face interviews were held in 2007-2008 with 36 physicians (18 from the Netherlands, 18 from the USA), including primary care physicians and specialists. We applied purposive sampling and conducted constant comparative analyses. RESULTS In both countries, the use of sedation was described in diverse terms, especially in the USA, and was often experienced as emotionally challenging. Respondents stated different and sometimes multiple intentions for their use of sedation. Besides alleviating severe suffering, most Dutch respondents justified its use by stating that it does not hasten death, while most American respondents indicated that it might hasten death but that this was justifiable as long as that was not their primary intention. While many Dutch respondents indicated that they initiated open discussions about sedation proactively to inform patients about their options and to allow planning, the accounts of American respondents showed fewer and less-open discussions, mostly late in the dying process and with the patient's relatives. CONCLUSIONS The justification for sedation and the openness with which it is discussed were found to differ in the accounts of respondents from the USA and the Netherlands. Further clarification of practices and research into the effect and effectiveness of the use of sedation is recommended to enhance informed reflection and policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A C Rietjens
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Raus K, Anquinet L, Rietjens J, Deliens L, Mortier F, Sterckx S. Factors that facilitate or constrain the use of continuous sedation at the end of life by physicians and nurses in Belgium: results from a focus group study. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2014; 40:230-234. [PMID: 22893573 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2012-100571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Continuous sedation at the end of life (CS) is the practice whereby a physician uses sedatives to reduce or take away a patient's consciousness until death. Although the incidence of CS is rising, as of yet little research has been conducted on how the administration of CS is experienced by medical practitioners. Existing research shows that many differences exist between medical practitioners regarding how and how often they perform CS. We conducted a focus group study to find out which factors may facilitate or constrain the use of continuous sedation by physicians and nurses. The participants often had clear ideas on what could affect the likelihood that sedation would be used. The physicians and nurses in the focus groups testified that the use of continuous sedation was facilitated in cases where a patient has a very limited life expectancy, suffers intensely, makes an explicit request and has family members who can cope with the stress that accompanies sedation. However, this 'paradigm case' was considered to occur only rarely. Furthermore, deviations from the paradigm case were said to be sometimes due to physicians initiating the discussion on CS too late or not initiating it at all for fear of inducing the patient. Deviations from the paradigm case may also occur when sedation proves to be too difficult for family members who are said to sometimes pressure the medical practitioners to increase dosages and speed up the sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Raus
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent, Belgium
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Hendriks SA, Smalbrugge M, Hertogh CMPM, van der Steen JT. Dying with dementia: symptoms, treatment, and quality of life in the last week of life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 47:710-20. [PMID: 23916680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Burdensome symptoms present frequently in dementia at the end of life, but we know little about the symptom control provided, such as type and dosage of medication. OBJECTIVES To investigate symptom prevalence and prescribed treatment, explore associations with quality of life (QOL) in the last week of life, and examine symptom prevalence by cause of death of nursing home residents with dementia. METHODS Within two weeks after death, physicians completed questionnaires about symptoms and treatment in the last week for 330 nursing home residents with dementia in the Dutch End of Life in Dementia study (2007-2011). We used linear regression to assess associations with QOL, measured by the Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia scale. Causes of death were abstracted from death certificates. RESULTS Pain was the most common symptom (52%), followed by agitation (35%) and shortness of breath (35%). Pain and shortness of breath were mostly treated with opioids and agitation mainly with anxiolytics. At the day of death, 77% received opioids, with a median of 90 mg/24 hours (oral equivalents), and 21% received palliative sedation. Pain and agitation were associated with a lower QOL. Death from respiratory infection was associated with the largest symptom burden. CONCLUSION Symptoms are common in dementia at the end of life, despite the large majority of residents receiving opioids. Dosages may be suboptimal with regard to weighing of effects and side effects. Future research may employ observation on a day-to-day basis to better assess effectiveness of symptom control and possible side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone A Hendriks
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Smalbrugge
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cees M P M Hertogh
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jenny T van der Steen
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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ten Have H, Welie JVM. Palliative sedation versus euthanasia: an ethical assessment. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 47:123-36. [PMID: 23742736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this article was to review the ethical debate concerning palliative sedation. Although recent guidelines articulate the differences between palliative sedation and euthanasia, the ethical controversies remain. The dominant view is that euthanasia and palliative sedation are morally distinct practices. However, ambiguous moral experiences and considerable practice variation call this view into question. When heterogeneous sedative practices are all labeled as palliative sedation, there is the risk that palliative sedation is expanded to include practices that are actually intended to bring about the patients' death. This troublesome expansion is fostered by an expansive use of the concept of intention such that this decisive ethical concept is no longer restricted to signify the aim in guiding the action. In this article, it is argued that intention should be used in a restricted way. The significance of intention is related to other ethical parameters to demarcate the practice of palliative sedation: terminality, refractory symptoms, proportionality, and separation from other end-of-life decisions. These additional parameters, although not without ethical and practical problems, together formulate a framework to ethically distinguish a more narrowly defined practice of palliative sedation from practices that are tantamount to euthanasia. Finally, the article raises the question as to what impact palliative sedation might have on the practice of palliative care itself. The increasing interest in palliative sedation may reemphasize characteristics of health care that initially encouraged the emergence of palliative care in the first place: the focus on therapy rather than care, the physical dimension rather than the whole person, the individual rather than the community, and the primacy of intervention rather than receptiveness and presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henk ten Have
- Center for Healthcare Ethics, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Jos V M Welie
- Center for Health Policy and Ethics, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Effectiveness of multidisciplinary team conference on decision-making surrounding the application of continuous deep sedation for terminally ill cancer patients. Palliat Support Care 2013; 13:157-64. [PMID: 24182761 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951513000837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Continuous deep sedation (CDS) is a way to reduce conscious experience of symptoms of severe suffering in terminally ill cancer patients. However, there is wide variation in the frequency of its reported. So we conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the prevalence and features of CDS in our palliative care unit (PCU). METHODS We performed a systemic retrospective analysis of the medical and nursing records of all 1581 cancer patients who died at the PCU at Higashi Sapporo Hospital between April 2005 and August 2011. Continuous deep sedation can only be administered safely and appropriately when a multidisciplinary team is involved in the decision-making process. Prior to administration of CDS, a multidisciplinary team conference (MDTC) was held with respect to all the patients considered for CDS by an attending physician. The main outcome measures were the frequency and characteristics of CDS (patient background, all target symptoms, medications used for sedation, duration, family's satisfaction, and distress). We mailed anonymous questionnaires to bereaved families in August 2011. RESULTS Of 1581 deceased patients, 22 (1.39%) had received CDS. Physical exhaustion 8 (36.4%), dyspnea 7 (31.8%), and pain 5 (22.7%) were the most frequently mentioned indications. Continuous deep sedation had a duration of less than 1 week in 17 (77.3%). Six patients (0.38%) did not meet the appropriate criteria for CDS according to the MDTC and so did not receive it. Although bereaved families were generally comfortable with the practice of CDS, some expressed a high level of emotional distress. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Our results indicate that the prevalence of CDS will be decreased when it is carried out solely for appropriate indications. Continuity of teamwork, good coordination, exchange of information, and communication between the various care providers are essential. A lack of any of these may lead to inadequate assessment, information discrepancies, and unrest.
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Papavasiliou ES, Brearley SG, Seymour JE, Brown J, Payne SA. From sedation to continuous sedation until death: how has the conceptual basis of sedation in end-of-life care changed over time? J Pain Symptom Manage 2013; 46:691-706. [PMID: 23571206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2012.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Numerous attempts have been made to describe and define sedation in end-of-life care over time. However, confusion and inconsistency in the use of terms and definitions persevere in the literature, making interpretation, comparison, and extrapolation of many studies and case analyses problematic. OBJECTIVES This evidence review aims to address and account for the conceptual debate over the terminology and definitions ascribed to sedation at the end of life over time. METHODS Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) and two high-impact journals (New England Journal of Medicine and the British Medical Journal) were searched for indexed materials published between 1945 and 2011. This search resulted in bibliographic data of 328 published outputs. Terms and definitions were manually scanned, coded, and linguistically analyzed by means of term description criteria and discourse analysis. RESULTS The review shows that terminology has evolved from simple to complex terms with definitions varying in length, comprising different aspects of sedation such as indications for use, pharmacology, patient symptomatology, target population, time of initiation, and ethical considerations, in combinations of a minimum of two or more of these aspects. CONCLUSION There is a pressing need to resolve the conceptual confusion that currently exists in the literature to bring clarity to the dialogue and build a base of commonality on which to design research and enhance the practice of sedation in end-of-life care.
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