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Jones CD, Moss A, Sevick C, Roczen M, Sterling MR, Portz J, Lum HD, Yu A, Urban JA, Khazanie P. Factors Associated With Mortality and Hospice Use Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Heart Failure Who Received Home Health Services. J Card Fail 2024; 30:788-799. [PMID: 38142043 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2023.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure (HF) are discharged with home health services, little is known about mortality rates and hospice use in this group. OBJECTIVES To identify risk factors for 6-month mortality and hospice use among patients hospitalized due to HF who receive home health care, which could inform efforts to improve palliative and hospice use for these patients. METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted in a 100% national sample of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with HF who were discharged to home health care between 2017 and 2018. Multivariable Cox regression models examined factors associated with 6-month mortality, and multivariable logistic regression models examined factors associated with hospice use at the time of death. RESULTS A total of 285,359 Medicare beneficiaries were hospitalized with HF and discharged with home health care; 15.5% (44,174) died within 6 months. Variables most strongly associated with mortality included: age > 85 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.66, 95% CI 1.61-1.71), urgent/emergency hospital admission (HR 1.68, 1.61-1.76), and "serious" condition compared to "stable" condition (HR 1.64, CI 1.52-1.78). Among 44,174 decedents, 48.2% (21,284) received hospice care at the time of death. Those with lower odds of hospice use at death included patients who were: < 65 years (odds ratio [OR] 0.65, CI 0.59-0.72); of Black (OR 0.64, CI 0.59-0.68) or Hispanic race/ethnicity (OR 0.79, CI 0.72-0.88); and Medicaid-eligible (OR 0.80, CI 0.76-0.85). CONCLUSIONS Although many patients hospitalized for HF are at risk of 6-month mortality and may benefit from palliative and/or hospice services, our findings indicate under-use of hospice care and important disparities in hospice use by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine D Jones
- Veterans Health Administration, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value Driven Care, Aurora, CO; Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO; Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO.
| | - Angela Moss
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Carter Sevick
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Madeline R Sterling
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Jennifer Portz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Hillary D Lum
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Amy Yu
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Jacqueline A Urban
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Prateeti Khazanie
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
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Chuzi S, Manning K. Integration of palliative care across the spectrum of heart failure care and therapies: considerations, contemporary data, and challenges. Curr Opin Cardiol 2024; 39:218-225. [PMID: 38567949 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000001120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Heart failure (HF) is characterized by significant symptoms, compromised quality of life, frequent hospital admissions, and high mortality, and is therefore well suited to palliative care (PC) intervention. This review elaborates the current PC needs of patients with HF across the spectrum of disease, including patients who undergo advanced HF surgical therapies, and reviews the current data and future directions for PC integration in HF care. RECENT FINDINGS Patients with chronic HF, as well as those who are being evaluated for or who have undergone advanced HF surgical therapies such as left ventricular assist device or heart transplantation, have a number of PC needs, including decision-making, symptoms and quality of life, caregiver support, and end-of-life care. Available data primarily supports the use of PC interventions in chronic HF to improve quality of life and symptoms. PC skills and teams may also help address preparedness planning, adverse events, and psychosocial barriers in patients who have had HF surgeries, but more data are needed to determine association with outcomes. SUMMARY Patients with HF have tremendous PC needs across the spectrum of disease. Despite this, more data are needed to determine the optimal timing and structure of PC interventions in patients with chronic HF, left ventricular assist device, and heart transplantation. Future steps must be taken in clinical, research, and policy domains in order to optimize care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Chuzi
- Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Katharine Manning
- Heart and Vascular Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
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DeGroot L, Pavlovic N, Perrin N, Gilotra NA, Miller H, Denfeld QE, McIlvennan CK, Dy SM, Davidson PM, Szanton SL, Abshire Saylor M. The Association of Unmet Palliative Care Needs and Physical Frailty With Clinical Outcomes: A Prospective Study of Adults With Heart Failure. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2024:00005082-990000000-00185. [PMID: 38635901 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000001087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with heart failure, particularly those who are physically frail, experience complex needs that can be addressed by palliative care (PC). However, we have a limited understanding of how the intersection of unmet PC needs and physical frailty contributes to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and risk for hospitalization or mortality. OBJECTIVE In this study, we sought to examine the association of unmet PC needs and physical frailty with clinical outcomes (baseline HRQOL and hospitalizations or mortality at 6 months). METHODS We recruited a convenience sample of community-dwelling persons with heart failure from an urban hospital system who were older than 50 years and hospitalized in the last year. We measured physical frailty using the FRAIL scale (nonfrail, 0-2; frail, 3-5), PC needs using the Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale (range, 0-58; higher scores indicating higher needs), and HRQOL using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (range, 0-100; higher scores indicate higher HRQOL). We performed multivariable linear regression to test the relationships between physical frailty, PC needs, and HRQOL, and multivariable logistic regression for associations with all-cause 6-month hospitalization or mortality. We also performed an exploratory analysis of 4 PC needs/frailty groups (high PC needs/frail, high PC needs/nonfrail, low PC needs/frail, low PC needs/nonfrail) with outcomes. RESULTS In our overall sample (n = 298), mean (SD) age was 68 (9.8) years, 37% were women (n = 108), 28% identified as Black/African American (n = 84), and 65% had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (n = 194). Mean PC needs score was 19.7, and frail participants (n = 130, 44%) had a significantly higher mean PC needs score than nonfrail participants (P < .001). Those with higher PC needs (Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale ≥ 20) had significantly worse HRQOL (P < .001) and increased odds of hospitalization or mortality (odds ratio, 2.5; P < .01) compared with those with lower PC needs, adjusting for covariates. Physically frail participants had significantly worse HRQOL (P < .001) and higher odds of hospitalization or mortality at 6 months (odds ratio, 2.6; P < .01) than nonfrail participants, adjusting for covariates. In an exploratory analysis, physically frail participants with high PC needs had the lowest HRQOL score, with an average score of 28.6 points lower (P < .001) and 4.6 times higher odds of hospitalization or mortality (95% confidence interval, 2.03-10.43; P < .001) than low-needs/nonfrail participants. CONCLUSION Higher unmet PC needs and physical frailty, separately and in combination, were associated with lower HRQOL and higher odds of hospitalization or mortality. Self-reported PC needs and physical frailty assessment in clinical settings may improve identification of patients at the highest risk for poor HRQOL and hospitalization or mortality amenable to PC intervention.
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Rubanenko OA, Skripnik IV, Matuchina KV, Rubanenko AO, Davydkin IL, Benyan AS, Duplyakov DV. Short Registry of Terminal Forms of Chronic Heart Failure in the Samara Region. KARDIOLOGIIA 2024; 64:46-54. [PMID: 38597762 DOI: 10.18087/cardio.2024.3.n2323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
AIM To study the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with functional class (FC) III-IV chronic heart failure (CHF) who meet the criteria for inclusion in the palliative care program. MATERIAL AND METHODS A short registry of severe CHF forms was conducted at 60 outpatient and inpatient clinics in the Samara region for one month (16.05.2022-15.06.2022). The registry included patients with FC III-IV CHF who sought medical help during that period. Lethal outcomes were assessed at 90 days after the inclusion in the registry using the Mortality Information and Analytics system. RESULTS 591 patients (median age, 71.0 [64.0; 80.0] years were enrolled, including 339 (57.4%) men, of which 149 (24.1%) were of working age (under 65 years). The main cause of CHF was ischemic heart disease (64.5%). 229 (38.7%) patients had left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. During the past year, 513 (86.8%) patients had at least one hospitalization for decompensated CHF. 45.7% of patients had hydrothorax, and 11.3% of patients had ascites. Low systolic blood pressure was observed in more than 25% of patients; 14.2% required in-hospital inotropic support; and 9.1% received it on the outpatient basis. 4.2% of patients received outpatient oxygen support and 0.8% required the administration of narcotic analgesics. 12 (1.9%) patients were on the waiting list for heart transplantation. In this study, there was an inconsistency in the number of patients with ventricular tachycardia and/or left bundle branch block (LBBB) who were implanted with cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRTD) or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a total of 19 patients (11 patients with CRTD and 8 patients with ICD), while 58 (9.8%) patients had indications for CRTD/ICD implantation. Within 90 days from inclusion in the registry, 59 (10.0%) patients died. According to binary logistic regression analysis, the presence of LBBB, hydrothorax, the requirement for outpatient oxygen support, and a history of cardiac surgery were associated with a high risk of death. CONCLUSION Patients with severe forms of CHF require not only adequate drug therapy, but also dynamic clinical observation supplemented with palliative care aimed at improving the quality of life, including the ethical principles of shared decision-making and advance care planning to identify the priorities and goals of patients in relation to their care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I V Skripnik
- Polyakov Samara Regional Clinical Cardiology Dispensary, Samara
| | - K V Matuchina
- Polyakov Samara Regional Clinical Cardiology Dispensary, Samara
| | | | | | - A S Benyan
- Ministry of Health of the Samara Region, Samara
| | - D V Duplyakov
- Samara State Medical University, Samara; Polyakov Samara Regional Clinical Cardiology Dispensary, Samara
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Ye S, Corbett C, Dennis ASM, Jape D, Patel H, Zentner D, Hopper I. Palliative Care Utilisation and Outcomes in Patients Admitted for Heart Failure in a Victorian Healthcare Service. Heart Lung Circ 2024:S1443-9506(24)00052-0. [PMID: 38461106 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2024.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) has high mortality and healthcare utilisation. It has a complex and unpredictable trajectory, which is often interpreted as a barrier to guideline recommended early integration of palliative care (PC). In particular, lack of referral criteria and misconceptions around PC affect inpatient specialist PC referrals. AIMS The main objective was to characterise the pattern and predictors of referral of HF patients to the specialist inpatient PC consultative service at our healthcare service. METHODS A retrospective, single-centre cohort study was performed on consecutive patients admitted across the hospital with HF over a 12-month period (July 2019-June 2020). Mortality data were checked against state death registry data. RESULTS The 502 patients admitted for HF were elderly (mean age 78±14 years), had high dependency (54% Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS) 50-70, 29% AKPS 10-40), and high mortality (53% within median 32 months at death registry data linkage). Seven per cent (7%) were referred to inpatient specialist PC. AKPS 10-40 (62% of those referred vs 26% not referred, p<0.01), reliance on carers (65% vs 36%, p<0.01), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV symptoms (86% vs 42%, p<0.01) were associated with referral, but two or more admissions in the last 12 months for HF were not (16% vs 10%, p=0.21). Many PC domains, such as symptom burden, distress, and preferred care, were not adequately assessed. CONCLUSIONS Referral to inpatient specialist PC in hospitalised HF patients is low relative to the morbidity and mortality in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Ye
- Department of General Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
| | - Cathy Corbett
- Department of General Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Department of Palliative Care, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | | | - Dylan Jape
- Department of General Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Hitesh Patel
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Dominica Zentner
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Ingrid Hopper
- Department of General Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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Ribeiro AF, Martins Pereira S, Nunes R, Hernández-Marrero P. What are the triggers for palliative care referral in burn intensive care units? Results from a qualitative study based on healthcare professionals' views, clinical experiences and practices. Palliat Med 2024; 38:297-309. [PMID: 38372020 PMCID: PMC10955784 DOI: 10.1177/02692163241229962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burns are a global public health problem, accounting for around 300,000 deaths annually. Burns have significant consequences for patients, families, healthcare teams and systems. Evidence suggests that the integration of palliative care in burn intensive care units improves patients' comfort, decision-making processes and family care. Research is needed on how to optimise palliative care referrals. AIM To identify triggers for palliative care referral in critically burned patients based on professionals' views, experiences and practices. DESIGN Qualitative study using in-depth interviews. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS All five Burn Intensive Care Units reference centres across Portugal were invited; three participated. Inclusion criteria: Professionals with experience/working in these settings. A total of 15 professionals (12 nurses and 3 physicians) participated. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS Three main triggers for palliative care referral were identified: (i) Burn severity and extension, (ii) Co-morbidities and (iii) Multiorgan failure. Other triggers were also generated: (i) Rehabilitative palliative care related to patients' suffering and changes in body image, (ii) Family suffering and/or dysfunctional and complex family processes, (iii) Long stay in the burn intensive care unit and (iv) Uncontrolled pain. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies triggers for palliative care in burn intensive care units based on professionals' views, clinical experiences and practices. The systematisation and use of triggers could help streamline referral pathways and strengthen the integration of palliative care in burn intensive care units. Research is needed on the use of these triggers in clinical practice to enhance decision-making processes, early and high-quality integrated palliative care and proportionate patient and family centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Filipe Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar de Entre o Douro e Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
| | - Sandra Martins Pereira
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CEGE: Research Center in Management and Economics – Ethics and Sustainability Research Area, Católica Porto Business School, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Nunes
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- International Network UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pablo Hernández-Marrero
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CEGE: Research Center in Management and Economics – Ethics and Sustainability Research Area, Católica Porto Business School, Porto, Portugal
- Portuguese Nurses Association for Long-Term and Palliative Care (AECCP), Lisbon, Portugal
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Bharani A, Mehta A, Hiensch K, Zeng L, Lala A, Pinney S, Goldstein N, Chai E, Gelfman LP. Referral Versus Embedded Palliative Care Consultation Among People Hospitalized With Heart Failure: A Report From a Single Center Pilot Program. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:241-249. [PMID: 38040389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite calls for integration into routine heart failure (HF) care, optimal palliative care delivery for people living with HF remains unclear. OBJECTIVES Describe an innovative model of an embedded palliative care nurse practitioner (NP) within a HF team. Compare demographics and utilization among people hospitalized with HF receiving referral or embedded consultation. METHODS Using an electronic health record-based palliative care registry, we conducted descriptive analyses and t-tests and χ2 tests, as appropriate, to examine bivariate associations between sociodemographic, clinical and utilization data of hospitalized people with HF receiving a traditional, referral-based palliative care consultation generated exclusively by the primary team vs. a novel, embedded-based consultation generated by collaboration between a palliative care NP and the advanced HF team at an urban, quaternary care academic medical center in New York City. RESULTS During the study period from January 1, 2019-December 31, 2021, consultation volume nearly doubled with 363 consults from traditional referrals and an additional 317 consults from the newly embedded NP. People in the embedded group, as compared to referral, were younger (mean age: 60.1 vs. 71.9 years (2019); 59.2 vs. 70.4 (2020); 61.3 vs. 69.6 (2021), p-value < 0.001), more functional (median Karnofsky Performance Status: 40% vs. 30%, p-value = 0.01 (2019); 40% vs 20%, p-value < 0.0001 (2020); 40% vs. 20%, p-value = 0.02 (2021)), more likely had capacity to designate a medical decision maker (56.4% vs. 20.6%, p-value < 0.001 (2020); 76.3% vs. 49.5%, p-value < 0.001 (2021)), received earlier consultation (median days before discharge: 9.5 vs. 4 (2019); 11 vs. 5 (2020); 7 vs. 3 (2021), p-value ≤ 0.001), and more likely to discharge home (60% vs. 26%, p-value ≤ 0.001 (2019); 62.7% vs 20.6%, p-value ≤ 0.001 (2020); 42.3% vs. 28%, p-value = 0.03 (2021)). CONCLUSION Hospitalized people living with advanced HF who received an embedded palliative care consult were younger, had higher functional status and less illness severity compared to those served by a traditional, referral-based consult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Bharani
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (A.B., A.M., K.H., L.Z., N.G., E.C., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Ankita Mehta
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (A.B., A.M., K.H., L.Z., N.G., E.C., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karen Hiensch
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (A.B., A.M., K.H., L.Z., N.G., E.C., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Li Zeng
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (A.B., A.M., K.H., L.Z., N.G., E.C., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anuradha Lala
- The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute (A.L., S.P.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Department of Population Health Science and Policy (A.L.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sean Pinney
- The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute (A.L., S.P.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nathan Goldstein
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (A.B., A.M., K.H., L.Z., N.G., E.C., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Chai
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (A.B., A.M., K.H., L.Z., N.G., E.C., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura P Gelfman
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (A.B., A.M., K.H., L.Z., N.G., E.C., L.P.G.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (L.P.G.), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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Minato M, Shiozawa Y, Kosaka S, Higuchi M, Ouchi K. Palliative care screening tools in Japan: cross-sectional utility study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024:spcare-2023-004761. [PMID: 38395600 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In Japan's ageing society, the utility of US-based and UK-based palliative care screening tools in the inpatient setting is unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify the unmet palliative care needs of patients who are admitted to an acute care hospital using the US-based and UK-based screening tools. METHODS This single-centre, cross-sectional study included patients who were admitted to an acute care hospital in Tokyo, Japan, from November 2019 to January 2020. We used the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicator Tool and Palliative Care Screening Tool in the Emergency Department among admitted patients. RESULTS 126 patients (51.6%) were screened positive in total. Among these patients, the main comorbid conditions were dementia/frailty (85.7%) and neurological disease (50.8%). CONCLUSIONS One out of every two internal medicine inpatients at acute care hospitals may have palliative care needs. Given the lack of adequate palliative care workforce in Japan, a modified screening tool to capture the most high-risk patients may be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mami Minato
- Division of General Medicine, Itabashi Chuo Medical Center, Itabashi-ku, Japan
| | - Youkie Shiozawa
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shintaro Kosaka
- Division of Internal Medicine, Nerima Hikarigaoka Hospital, Nerima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Higuchi
- Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kei Ouchi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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McClung JA, Frishman WH, Aronow WS. The Role of Palliative Care in Cardiovascular Disease. Cardiol Rev 2024:00045415-990000000-00182. [PMID: 38169299 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The American Heart Association has recommended that palliative care be integrated into the care of all patients with advanced cardiac illnesses. Notwithstanding, the number of patients receiving specialist palliative intervention worldwide remains extremely small. This review examines the nature of palliative care and what is known about its delivery to patients with cardiac illness. Most of the published literature on the subject concern advanced heart failure; however, some data also exist regarding patients with heart transplantation, pulmonary hypertension, valvular disease, congenital heart disease, indwelling devices, mechanical circulatory support, and advanced coronary disease. In addition, outcome data, certification requirements, workforce challenges, barriers to implementation, and a potential caveat about palliative care will also be examined. Further work is required regarding appropriate means of implementation, quality control, and timing of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Arthur McClung
- From the Departments of Cardiology and Medicine, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
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Wice M, Rudolph JL, Jiang L, Edmonson HM, Page JS, Wu WC, Defillo-Draiby J. Trends in Palliative Care Utilization in Deceased Veterans With Heart Failure. Palliat Med Rep 2023; 4:344-349. [PMID: 38155911 PMCID: PMC10754341 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Specialist-level palliative care in the final days does not allow time to alleviate symptoms and suffering. This analysis examined the change in the time from initial specialty-level palliative care to death among Veterans with heart failure. Methods This retrospective cohort study examined Veterans with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF) who died between 2011 and 2021. We examined the decedents from each year as a separate cohort. The primary outcome was time from specialty-level palliative care (SPC) encounter to death in the year death occurred. Results Of the cohort (n = 232,079), 56.5% did not receive SPC. Specialist-level palliative care >90 days before death more than doubled from 10.1% (2011) to 26.2% (2021), and Specialist-level palliative care in the last day of life was cut from 2.5% to 0.9%. Conclusion For Veterans with HF, specialist-level palliative care moved earlier in the disease course and has a substantial growth opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Wice
- Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Support, Providence VA Healthcare System, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Geriatrics and Extended Care, Providence VA Healthcare System, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - James L. Rudolph
- Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Support, Providence VA Healthcare System, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Gerontology and Health Services Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lan Jiang
- Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Support, Providence VA Healthcare System, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Hal M. Edmonson
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - John S. Page
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Wen Chih Wu
- Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Support, Providence VA Healthcare System, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Julio Defillo-Draiby
- Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Support, Providence VA Healthcare System, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Geriatrics and Extended Care, Providence VA Healthcare System, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Bonanad C, Buades JM, Leiva JP, De la Espriella R, Marcos MC, Núñez J, García-Llana H, Facila L, Sánchez R, Rodríguez-Osorio L, Alonso-Babarro A, Quiroga B, Bompart Berroteran D, Rodríguez C, Maidana D, Díez J. Consensus document on palliative care in cardiorenal patients. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1225823. [PMID: 38179502 PMCID: PMC10766370 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1225823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
There is an unmet need to create consensus documents on the management of cardiorenal patients since, due to the aging of the population and the rise of both pathologies, these patients are becoming more prevalent in daily clinical practice. Chronic kidney disease coexists in up to 40%-50% of patients with chronic heart failure cases. There have yet to be consensus documents on how to approach palliative care in cardiorenal patients. There are guidelines for patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease separately, but they do not specifically address patients with concomitant heart failure and kidney disease. For this reason, our document includes experts from different specialties, who will not only address the justification of palliative care in cardiorenal patients but also how to identify this patient profile, the shared planning of their care, as well as knowledge of their trajectory and the palliative patient management both in the drugs that will help us control symptoms and in advanced measures. Dialysis and its different types will also be addressed, as palliative measures and when the decision to continue or not perform them could be considered. Finally, the psychosocial approach and adapted pharmacotherapy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Bonanad
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
- Center for Network Biomedical Research of Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M. Buades
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitario Son Llàtzer, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Institute for Health Research of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Leiva
- Support and Palliative Care Team, Hospital Manacor, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Rafael De la Espriella
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
- Center for Network Biomedical Research of Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Cobo Marcos
- Center for Network Biomedical Research of Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Puerta del Hierro, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Núñez
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
- Center for Network Biomedical Research of Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Helena García-Llana
- Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), La Rioja, Spain
- Centro de Estudios Superiores Cardenal Cisneros, Universidad Pontifica de Comillas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Facila
- Cardiology Department, Consorcio Hospital General de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Sánchez
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitario General de Villalba, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Borja Quiroga
- Cardiology Department, Consorcio Hospital General de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Rodríguez
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Javier Díez
- Center for Network Biomedical Research of Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), and School of Medicine, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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12
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Collins A, Hui D, Davison SN, Ducharlet K, Murtagh F, Chang YK, Philip J. Referral Criteria to Specialist Palliative Care for People with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:541-550.e1. [PMID: 37507095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT People with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) have significant morbidity, yet for many, access to palliative care occurs late, if at all. OBJECTIVES This study sought to examine criteria for referral to specialist palliative care for adults with advanced CKD with a view to improving use of these essential services. METHODS Systematic review of studies detailing referral criteria to palliative care in advanced CKD conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guideline and registered (PROSPERO: CRD42021230751). DATA SOURCES Electronic databases (Ovid, MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and PubMed) were used to identify potential studies, which were subjected to double review, data extraction, thematic coding, and descriptive analyses. RESULTS Searches yielded 650 unique titles ultimately resulting in 56 studies addressing referral criteria to specialist palliative care in advanced CKD. Of 10 categories of referral criteria, most commonly discussed were: Critical times of treatment decision making (n = 23, 41%); physical or emotional symptoms (n = 22, 39%); limited prognosis (n = 18, 32%); patient age and comorbidities (n = 18, 32%); category of CKD/ biochemical criteria (n = 13, 23%); functional decline (n = 13, 23); psychosocial needs (n = 9, 16%); future care planning (n = 9, 16%); anticipated decline in illness course (n = 8, 14%); and hospital use (n = 8, 14%). CONCLUSION Clinicians consider referral to specialist palliative care for a wide range of reasons, with many related to care needs. As palliative care continues to integrate with nephrology, our findings represent a key step towards developing consensus criteria to standardize referral for patients with chronic kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Collins
- Department of Medicine (A.C., K.D., J.P.), St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care (D.H., Y.K.C.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sara N Davison
- Division of Nephrology & Immunology (S.N.D.), Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kathryn Ducharlet
- Department of Medicine (A.C., K.D., J.P.), St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Nephrology (K.D.), St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Eastern Health Clinical School (K.D.), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Eastern Health Integrated Renal Services (K.D.), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fliss Murtagh
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre (F.M.), Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, UK
| | - Yuchieh Kathryn Chang
- Department of Palliative Care (D.H., Y.K.C.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine (A.C., K.D., J.P.), St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia; Palliative Care Service (J.P.), Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Palliative Care Service (J.P.), Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
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13
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Morita K, Miyamoto Y, Mizuno A, Shirane S, Ohbe H, Hashimoto Y, Kaneko H, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Yasunaga H. Impact of a financial incentive scheme for team-based palliative care in patients with heart failure in Japan: A nationwide database study. Int J Cardiol 2023; 387:131145. [PMID: 37364713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care provided to patients with heart failure (HF) are reported to be inadequate. Herein, we examined the impact of the recently introduced financial incentive scheme for team-based palliative care for patients with HF in acute care hospitals in Japan. METHODS Using a nationwide inpatient database, we identified patients aged ≥65 years with HF who had died between April 2015 and March 2021. Interrupted time-series analyses were used to compare practice patterns in end-of-life care (symptom management and invasive medical procedures within one week before death) before and after the financial incentive scheme issuance in April 2018. RESULTS Overall, 53,857 patients in 835 hospitals were eligible. The adoption of the financial incentive was 1.10 to 1.22% after the introduction. There were upward pre-trends in opioid use (+0.11% per month; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06 to 0.15) and antidepressant use (+0.06% per month; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.09). Opioid use showed a downward slope change during the post-period (-0.07% change in trend; 95% CI, -0.13 to -0.01). Intensive care unit stay showed a downward pre-trend (-0.09% per month; 95% CI, -0.14 to -0.04) and upward slope changes during the post-period (+0.12% change in trend; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.19). Invasive mechanical ventilation showed downward slope changes during the post-period (-0.11% change in trend; 95% CI, -0.18 to -0.04). CONCLUSIONS The financial incentive scheme for team-based palliative care was rarely adopted and not associated with changes in end-of-life care. Further multifaceted strategies to promote palliative care for HF are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kojiro Morita
- Global Nursing Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yoshihisa Miyamoto
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizuno
- Department of Cardiology, QI center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1, Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
| | - Sachie Shirane
- Department of Palliative Therapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan; Department of Palliative Care, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ohbe
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yohei Hashimoto
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Kaneko
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Advanced Cardiology, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kiyohide Fushimi
- Department of Health Policy and Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hideo Yasunaga
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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14
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Grądalski T, Kochan K. Quality of referrals to specialist palliative care and remote patient triage - a cross-sectional study. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:551. [PMID: 37658942 PMCID: PMC10474992 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Choosing the optimal moment for admission to palliative care remains a serious challenge, as it requires a systematic identification of persons with supportive care needs. Despite the screening tools available for referring physicians, revealing the essential information for preliminary admission triage is crucial for an undisturbed qualification process. The study was aimed at analysing the eligibility criteria for specialist palliative care disclosed within provided referrals, expanded when necessary by documentation and/or interview. METHODS Referral forms with the documentation of 300 patients consecutively referred to the non-profit in-patient ward and home-care team in Poland were analysed in light of prognosis, phase of the disease and supportive needs. RESULTS Half of the referrals had the sufficient information to make a justified preliminary qualification based solely on the delivered documentation. The majority lacked performance status or expected prognosis. Where some information was revealed, two-thirds were in a progressing phase of the disease, with a within-weeks life prognosis. In 53.7%, no particular reason for admission was given. Social problems were signalled as the only reason for the admission in 7.7%. Twenty-eight percent were labelled as "urgent"; however, 52.4% of them were triaged as "stable" or disqualified. Patients referred to a hospice ward received complete referral forms more often, containing all necessary information. CONCLUSIONS General physicians need practical tips to facilitate timely referrals and unburden the overloaded specialist palliative care. Dedicated referral forms extended by a checklist of typical patients' concerns should be disseminated for better use of these resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Grądalski
- Chair of Palliative Medicine, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Kraków, Poland.
- St. Lazarus Hospice, Fatimska 17, 31-831, Kraków, Poland.
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Singh GK, Bowers AP, Ferguson C, Ivynian SE, Chambers S, Davidson PM, Hickman LD. Hospital-service use in the last year of life by patients aged ⩾60 years who died of heart failure or cardiomyopathy: A retrospective linked data study. Palliat Med 2023; 37:1232-1240. [PMID: 37306096 PMCID: PMC10503248 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231180912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding patterns of health care use in the last year of life is critical in health services planning. AIM To describe hospital-based service and palliative care use in hospital in the year preceding death for patients who died of heart failure or cardiomyopathy in Queensland from 2008 to 2018 and had at least one hospitalisation in the year preceding death. DESIGN A retrospective data linkage study was conducted using administrative health data relating to hospitalisations, emergency department visits and deaths. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants included were those aged ⩾60 years, had a hospitalisation in their last year of life and died of heart failure or cardiomyopathy in Queensland, Australia. RESULTS Of the 4697 participants, there were 25,583 hospital admissions. Three quarters (n = 3420, 73%) of participants were aged ⩾80 years and over half died in hospital (n = 2886, 61%). The median number of hospital admissions in the last year of life was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2-5). The care type was recorded as 'acute' for 89% (n = 22,729) of hospital admissions, and few (n = 853, 3%) hospital admissions had a care type recorded as 'palliative.' Of the 4697 participants, 3458 had emergency department visit(s), presenting 10,330 times collectively. CONCLUSION In this study, patients who died of heart failure or cardiomyopathy were predominantly aged ⩾80 years and over half died in hospital. These patients experienced repeat acute hospitalisations in the year preceding death. Improving timely access to palliative care services in the outpatient or community setting is needed for patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gursharan K Singh
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alison P Bowers
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Serra E Ivynian
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shirley Chambers
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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16
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Bhattacharya A, Chakrabarty S, Cabrales J, VanHorn A, Lemoine J, Tsao L, Jaber BL. Implementation of a palliative care consultation trigger tool for hospitalised patients with acute decompensated heart failure. BMJ Open Qual 2023; 12:e002330. [PMID: 37597855 PMCID: PMC10441042 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is a leading cause of hospitalisations. Integration of palliative care services with medical therapy in the management of hospitalised patients with heart failure is imperative. Unfortunately, there are no standardised criteria for palliative care referrals among hospitalised patients with acute decompensated heart failure. The objective of our quality improvement project was to develop and implement a palliative care consult trigger tool for hospitalised patients with acute decompensated heart failure. We found that among eligible patients, palliative care referrals were underused, likely contributing to misalignment of goals of care and suboptimal advance care planning. We developed a trigger tool and designed and implemented structured multicomponent educational interventions to improve the appropriateness and timeliness of inpatient palliative care consultations in this high-risk population. The educational interventions led to a significant increase in the rate of appropriate inpatient palliative care consultations among hospitalised patients with acute decompensated heart failure (46.3% vs 27.7%; p=0.02). In addition, palliative care referrals resulted in better alignment of goals of care at the time of hospital discharge, as measured by a significant increase in the completion rate of a healthcare proxy form (11.4% vs 47.2%; p<0.001) and a Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment form (2.0% vs 24.1%; p<0.001), as well as the establishment of a Do-Not-Resuscitate order (2.7% vs 29.6%; p<0.001). Furthermore, the intervention resulted in a significant decrease in the hospital readmission rate up to 90 days post-discharge (43.6% vs 8.3%; p<0.001). This quality improvement project calls for the development and adoption of standardised criteria for palliative care referrals to benefit hospitalised patients with heart failure and reduce symptom burden, align goals of care and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adhiraj Bhattacharya
- Department of Medicine, Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Satyaki Chakrabarty
- Division of Nephrology, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jose Cabrales
- Division of Nephrology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Alixis VanHorn
- Palliative Care Service, Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jaclyn Lemoine
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lana Tsao
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bertrand L Jaber
- Department of Medicine, Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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DeGroot L, Pavlovic N, Perrin N, Gilotra NA, Dy SM, Davidson PM, Szanton SL, Saylor MA. Palliative Care Needs of Physically Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Heart Failure. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:500-509. [PMID: 36736499 PMCID: PMC10192105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Physical frailty is emerging as a potential "trigger" for palliative care (PC) consultation, but the PC needs of physically frail persons with heart failure (HF) in the outpatient setting have not been well described. OBJECTIVES This study describes the PC needs of community dwelling, physically frail persons with HF. METHODS We included persons with HF ≥50 years old who experienced ≥1 hospitalization in the prior year and excluded those with moderate/severe cognitive impairment, hospice patients, or non-English speaking persons. Measures included the FRAIL scale (0-5: 0 = robust, 1-2 = prefrail, 3-5 = frail) and the Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale (IPOS) (17 items, score 0-68; higher score = higher PC needs). Multiple linear regression tested the association between frailty group and palliative care needs. RESULTS Participants (N = 286) had a mean age of 68 (range 50-92) were majority male (63%) and White (68%) and averaged two hospitalizations annually. Most were physically frail (44%) or prefrail (41%). Mean PC needs (IPOS) score was 19.7 (range 0-58). On average, participants reported 5.86 (SD 4.28) PC needs affecting them moderately, severely, or overwhelmingly in the last week. Patient-perceived family/friend anxiety (58%) weakness/lack of energy (58%), and shortness of breath (47%) were the most prevalent needs. Frail participants had higher mean PC needs score (26) than prefrail (16, P < 0.001) or robust participants (11, P < 0.001). Frail participants experienced an average of 8.32 (SD 3.72) moderate/severe/overwhelming needs compared to prefrail (4.56, SD 3.77) and robust (2.39, SD 2.91) participants (P < 0.001). Frail participants reported higher prevalence of weakness/lack of energy (83%), shortness of breath (66%), and family/friend anxiety (69%) than prefrail (48%, 39%, 54%) or robust (13%, 14%, 35%) participants (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Physically frail people with HF have higher unmet PC needs than those who are nonfrail. Implementing PC needs and frailty assessments may help identify vulnerable patients with unmet needs requiring further assessment and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsay DeGroot
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (L.D., N.P., N.P., S.L.S., M.A.S.), Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Noelle Pavlovic
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (L.D., N.P., N.P., S.L.S., M.A.S.), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nancy Perrin
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (L.D., N.P., N.P., S.L.S., M.A.S.), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nisha A Gilotra
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (N.A.G), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sydney M Dy
- Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health (S.M.D), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sarah L Szanton
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (L.D., N.P., N.P., S.L.S., M.A.S.), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Martha Abshire Saylor
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (L.D., N.P., N.P., S.L.S., M.A.S.), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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18
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Kawashima A, Evans CJ. Needs-based triggers for timely referral to palliative care for older adults severely affected by noncancer conditions: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:20. [PMID: 36890522 PMCID: PMC9996955 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older people with noncancer conditions are less likely to be referred to palliative care services due to the inherent uncertain disease trajectory and a lack of standardised referral criteria. For older adults with noncancer conditions where prognostic estimation is unpredictable, needs-based criteria are likely more suitable. Eligibility criteria for participation in clinical trials on palliative care could inform a needs-based criteria. This review aimed to identify and synthesise eligibility criteria for trials in palliative care to construct a needs-based set of triggers for timely referral to palliative care for older adults severely affected by noncancer conditions. METHODS A systematic narrative review of published trials of palliative care service level interventions for older adults with noncancer conditions. Electronic databases Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov. were searched from inception to June 2022. We included all types of randomised controlled trials. We selected trials that reported eligibility criteria for palliative care involvement for older adults with noncancer conditions, where > 50% of the population was aged ≥ 65 years. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using a revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Descriptive analysis and narrative synthesis provided descriptions of the patterns and appraised the applicability of included trial eligibility criteria to identify patients likely to benefit from receiving palliative care. RESULTS 27 randomised controlled trials met eligibility out of 9,584 papers. We identified six major domains of trial eligibility criteria in three categories, needs-based, time-based and medical history-based criteria. Needs-based criteria were composed of symptoms, functional status, and quality of life criteria. The major trial eligibility criteria were diagnostic criteria (n = 26, 96%), followed by medical history-based criteria (n = 15, 56%), and physical and psychological symptom criteria (n = 14, 52%). CONCLUSION For older adults severely affected by noncancer conditions, decisions about providing palliative care should be based on the present needs related to symptoms, functional status, and quality of life. Further research is needed to examine how the needs-based triggers can be operationalized as referral criteria in clinical settings and develop international consensus on referral criteria for older adults with noncancer conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arisa Kawashima
- Department of Nursing for Advanced Practice, Division of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, London, UK
| | - Catherine J Evans
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, London, UK. .,Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.
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19
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Pitman S, Mason N, Cardona M, Lewis E, O'Shea M, Flood J, Kirk M, Seymour J, Duncan A. Triggering palliative care referrals through the identification of poor prognosis in older patients presented to emergency departments in rural Australia. Int J Palliat Nurs 2023; 29:83-90. [PMID: 36822616 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2023.29.2.83] [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: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Background: Without objective screening for risk of death, the palliative care needs of older patients near the end of life may be unrecognised and unmet. Aim: This study aimed to estimate the usefulness of the Criteria for Screening and Triaging to Appropriate aLternative care (CriSTAL) tool in determining older patients' risk of death within 3-months after initial hospital admission. Methods: A prospective cohort study of 235 patients aged 70+ years, who presented to two rural emergency departments in two adjacent Australian states, was utilised. The 'risk of death' of each patient was screened with the CriSTAL prognostic tool. Their 3-month follow-up outcomes were assessed through telephone interviews and a clinical record review. Findings: A CriSTAL cut-off score of more than 7 yielded a sensitivity of 80.7% and specificity of 70.81% for a 3-month risk of death. Palliative care services were only used by 31% of the deceased in their last trimester of life. Conclusion: Prognostic tools provide a viable means of identifying individuals with a poor prognosis. Identification can trigger an earlier referral to palliative care, which will benefit the patient's wellbeing and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naomi Mason
- Social Worker, Wodonga Community Palliative Care; Albury Wodonga Health, Australia
| | | | - Ebony Lewis
- Associate Lecturer, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael O'Shea
- Clinical Nurse Consultant, Albury Wodonga Health, Australia
| | | | - Mindy Kirk
- Social Worker, Albury Wodonga Health, Australia
| | | | - Anne Duncan
- Nurse Practitioner, Albury Wodonga Health, Australia
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20
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Chen Y, Hou L, Li W, Wang Q, Zhou W, Yang H. Referral criteria to palliative care for patients with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review. Curr Med Res Opin 2023; 39:267-279. [PMID: 36369847 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2146405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to identify the referral criteria for palliative care in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS We conducted an electronic search for publications on referral criteria for palliative care in patients with Parkinson's disease in six electronic databases. The articles were thoroughly reviewed by two independent reviewers for inclusion using a predefined data extraction list. The referral criteria were thematically classified using a coding methodology. RESULTS This systematic review included 36 publications. We identified 14 referral criteria themes. The most common referral indicators were functional decline (n = 11 [31%]), needs assessment tools (n = 11 [31%]), physical or emotional symptoms (n = 10[28%]), need for palliative care (n = 10 [28%]), decision support (n = 9 [25%]), advanced Parkinson's disease (n = 7[19%]), and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (n = 7 [19%]). However, there was a lack of consensus on symptom assessment tools. In addition, there were no agreed cut-offs or defined time for palliative care referral for patients with Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS The 14 themes identified in this systematic review were categorized into disease- and needs-based criteria. These themes show the wide range of referral timing and procedures. Further studies should be conducted to reveal standardized referral criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Chen
- School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Liyuan Hou
- School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Wei Li
- International Medical Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaohong Wang
- School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Nursing, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Wentao Zhou
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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21
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Gruen J, Gandhi P, Gillespie-Heyman S, Shamas T, Adelman S, Ruskin A, Bauer M, Merchant N. Hospitalisations for heart failure: increased palliative care referrals - a veterans affairs hospital initiative. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2022-004118. [PMID: 36609533 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-004118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Heart failure (HF) portends significant morbidity and mortality. Integrating palliative care (PC) with HF management improves quality of life and preparedness planning. At a Veterans Affairs hospital, PC was used in 6.5% of patients admitted for HF from October 2019 to September 2020. We sought to increase the percentage of referrals to PC to 20%. METHODS PC referral guidelines were developed and used to screen all HF admissions between October 2020 and May 2021. Point-of-care education on the benefits of PC was delivered to teams caring for patients who met PC referral criteria. Changes were tested using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. Results were analysed using run charts. RESULTS During the study period, there were 109 HF admissions in patients who were not already followed by PC. Thirty-one (28%) received a new PC consult. The mean age was 81±9.5 years, median B-type natriuretic peptide was 1202 pg/mL, and mean length of stay was 8±5 days. After our intervention, there was an upward shift in the percentage of new referrals to PC with 6 values above the baseline median, which represents a significant change. CONCLUSIONS Through multiple PDSA cycles, referrals to PC for patients admitted with HF increased from 6.5% to 28%. Point-of-care education was an effective tool to teach medical teams about the benefits of PC. Inpatient teams more consistently and independently considered PC for patients with HF, representing a cultural shift. This quality improvement model may serve as a paradigm to improve the care of HF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadry Gruen
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Parul Gandhi
- Cardiovascular Disease, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sarah Gillespie-Heyman
- Geriatrics and Palliative Care Services, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tracy Shamas
- Geriatrics and Palliative Care Services, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Samuel Adelman
- Geriatrics and Palliative Care Services, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Andrea Ruskin
- Geriatrics and Palliative Care Services, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Margaret Bauer
- Mental Health, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Naseema Merchant
- Hospital Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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22
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Chuzi S, Pensa AV, Allen LA, Cross SH, Feder SL, Warraich HJ. Palliative Care for Patients With Heart Failure: Results From a Heart Failure Society of America Survey. J Card Fail 2023; 29:112-115. [PMID: 35842103 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple guidelines recommend specialty palliative care (PC) for patients with heart failure (HF), including patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). However, the degree of integration and clinicians' perceptions of PC in HF care remain incompletely characterized. METHODS AND RESULTS A 36-item survey was sent to 2109 members of the Heart Failure Society of America. Eighty respondents (53% physicians), including 51 respondents from at least 42 medical centers, completed the survey, with the majority practicing in urban (76%) academic medical centers (62%) that implanted LVADs (81%). Among the 42 unique medical centers identified, respondents reported both independent (40%) and integrated (40%) outpatient PC clinic models, whereas 12% reported not having outpatient PC at their institutions. A minority (12%) reported that their institution used triggered PC referrals based on objective clinical data. Of respondents from LVAD sites, the majority reported that a clinician from the PC team was required to see all patients prior to implantation, but there was variability in practices. Among all respondents, the most common reasons for PC referral in HF were poor prognosis, consideration of advanced cardiac therapies or other high-risk procedures and advance-care planning or goals-of-care discussions. The most frequent perceived barriers to PC consultation included lack of PC clinicians, unpredictable HF clinical trajectories and limited understanding of how PC can complement traditional HF care. CONCLUSION PC integration and clinician perceptions of services vary in HF care. More research and guidance regarding evidence-based models of PC delivery in HF are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Chuzi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anthony V Pensa
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Larry A Allen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sarah H Cross
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shelli L Feder
- Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, Connecticut; Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-Morbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, New Haven, CT
| | - Haider J Warraich
- Division of Cardiovaular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts.
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23
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Chang YK, McClung JA, Allen LA, Philip J, Hui D. Reply: Early Integration of Specialist Palliative Care in Advanced Heart Failure: A Multipronged Approach. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 80:e205-e206. [PMID: 36423999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
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24
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Palmer E, Kavanagh E, Visram S, Bourke AM, Forrest I, Exley C. When should palliative care be introduced for people with progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease? A meta-ethnography of the experiences of people with end-stage interstitial lung disease and their family carers. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1171-1185. [PMID: 35694777 PMCID: PMC9446428 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221101753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is currently known about the perspectives of people with interstitial lung disease and their carers in relation to the timing of palliative care conversations. AIM To establish patients' and carers' views on palliative care in interstitial lung disease and identify an optimum time to introduce the concept of palliative care. DESIGN Meta-ethnography of qualitative evidence. The review protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021243179). DATA SOURCES Five electronic healthcare databases were searched (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science) from 1st January 1996 to 31st March 2022. Studies were included that used qualitative methodology and included patients' or carers' perspectives on living with end-stage disease or palliative care. Quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. RESULTS About 1779 articles were identified by initial searches. Twelve met the inclusion criteria, providing evidence from 266 individuals across five countries. Three stages were identified in the illness journey of a person with interstitial lung disease: (1) Information seeking, (2) Grief and adjustment, (3) Fear of the future. Palliative care involvement was believed to be most appropriate in the latter two stages and should be prompted by changes in patients' health such as respiratory infections, onset of new symptoms, hospital admission, decline in physical function and initiation of oxygen. CONCLUSIONS Patients and carers prefer referral to palliative care services to be prompted by changes in health status. Future research should focus on supporting timely recognition of changes in patients' health status and how to respond in a community setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Palmer
- Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Marie Curie Hospice Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Shelina Visram
- Population Health Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anne-Marie Bourke
- Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Marie Curie Hospice Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ian Forrest
- Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Catherine Exley
- Population Health Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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25
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Yazdanyar A, Guthier D, Maitz T, Singh S, Parfianowicz D, Li S, Jarjous S. Inpatient palliative care encounter and 30-day readmission among hospitalizations for heart failure. Future Cardiol 2022; 18:809-816. [PMID: 36052818 DOI: 10.2217/fca-2022-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To determine the association between inpatient palliative care encounter (PCE) and 30-day rehospitalization. Materials & methods: The Nationwide Readmission Database was used in a cross-sectional design study. Comorbidities and a palliative care encounter (PCE; V66.7) were defined using ICD-9 codes. Results: Overall, 21.28% of 3,534,480 index hospitalizations were readmitted. PCE occurred in 1.66% of index hospitalizations and was associated with a lower odds of 30-day rehospitalization (adjusted odds ratio, 0.38; 95% CI: 0.35-0.40). This association remained significant when assessed by discharge destination. Conclusion: PCE was associated with a lower relative odds of 30-day rehospitalization. A 73% decrease in the relative odds of 30-day rehospitalization among discharges to a facility, 64% for home with home health, and 22% for discharges to home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Yazdanyar
- Department of Emergency & Hospital Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA 18103, USA.,Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Desire Guthier
- Department of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA 18013, USA
| | - Theresa Maitz
- Department of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA 18013, USA
| | - Satinder Singh
- Department of Emergency & Hospital Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA 18103, USA
| | - Dominic Parfianowicz
- Department of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA 18013, USA
| | - Shuisen Li
- Department of Emergency & Hospital Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA 18103, USA.,Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Shadi Jarjous
- Department of Emergency & Hospital Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA 18103, USA.,Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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26
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Aguilar-Fuerte M, Alonso-Ecenarro F, Broch-Petit A, Chover-Sierra E. Palliative Care Needs and Clinical Features Related to Short-Term Mortality in Patients Enrolled in a Heart Failure Unit. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091609. [PMID: 36141221 PMCID: PMC9498741 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic and complex pathology requiring continuous patient management due to clinical instability, associated comorbidity, and extensive pharmacological treatment. Its unpredictable course makes the advanced stages challenging to recognize and raises the need for palliative care. This study aims to identify palliative care needs in HF patients and describe clinical features related to short-term mortality. (2) Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study was carried out in an HF unit of a Spanish tertiary hospital. Patients’ socio-demographic and clinical data were collected from clinical records, and different instruments were used to establish mortality risks and patients’ needs for palliative care. Subsequently, univariate and bivariate descriptive analyses were performed. A binary logistic regression model helped to determine variables that could influence mortality 12 months after admission to the Unit. (3) Results: The studied population, sixty-five percent women, had an average age of 83.27 years. Among other clinical characteristics predominated preserved ejection fraction (pEF) and dyspnea NYHA (New York Heart Association) class II. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension and coronary heart disease. Forty-nine percent had a low–intermediate mortality risk in the following year, according to the PROFUND index. The NECPAL CCOMS-ICO© instrument identified subjects who meet the criteria for palliative care. This predictive model identified NECPAL CCOMS-ICO© results, using beta-blockers (BB) or AIIRA (Angiotensin II receptor antagonists) and low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as explanatory variables of patients’ mortality in the following year. (4) Conclusions: The analysis of the characteristics of the population with HF allows us to identify patients in need of palliative care. The NECPAL CCOMS-ICO© instrument and the PROFUND have helped identify the characteristics of people with HF who would benefit from palliative management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Aguilar-Fuerte
- Nursing Department, Facultat d’Infermeria i Podologia, Universitat de València, 46010 València, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Broch-Petit
- Internal Medicine, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 València, Spain
| | - Elena Chover-Sierra
- Nursing Department, Facultat d’Infermeria i Podologia, Universitat de València, 46010 València, Spain
- Internal Medicine, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 València, Spain
- Nursing Care and Education Research Group (GRIECE), GIUV2019-456, Nursing Department, Universitat de Valencia, 46010 València, Spain
- Correspondence:
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27
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Chang YK, Allen LA, McClung JA, Denvir MA, Philip J, Mori M, Perez-Cruz P, Cheng SY, Collins A, Hui D. Criteria for Referral of Patients With Advanced Heart Failure for Specialized Palliative Care. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 80:332-344. [PMID: 35863850 PMCID: PMC10615151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.04.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with advanced heart failure have substantial supportive care needs. Specialist palliative care can be beneficial, but it is unclear who is most appropriate for referral and when patients should be referred. OBJECTIVES We conducted a Delphi study of international experts to identify consensus referral criteria for specialist palliative care for patients with advanced heart failure. METHODS Clinicians from 5 continents with expertise in the integration of cardiology and palliative care were asked to rate 34 disease-based, 24 needs-based, and 9 time-based criteria over 3 rounds. Consensus was defined a priori as ≥70% agreement. A criterion was coded as major if the experts endorsed that meeting that criterion alone was adequate to justify a referral. RESULTS The response rate was 44 of 46 (96%), 41 of 46 (89%), and 43 of 46 (93%) in the first, second, and third rounds, respectively. Panelists reached consensus on 25 major criteria for specialist palliative care referral. The 25 major criteria were categorized under 6 topics, including "advanced/refractory heart failure, comorbidities, and complications" (eg, cardiac cachexia, cardiorenal syndrome) (n = 8), "advanced heart failure therapies" (eg, chronic inotropes, precardiac transplant) (n = 4), "hospital utilization" (eg, emergency room visits, hospitalization) (n = 2), "prognostic estimate" (n = 1), "symptom burden/distress" (eg, severe physical/emotional/spiritual distress) (n = 6), and "decision making/social support" (eg, goals-of-care discussions) (n = 4). The majority (68%) of major criteria had ≥90% agreement. CONCLUSIONS International experts reached consensus on a large number of criteria for referral to specialist palliative care. With further validation, these criteria may be useful for standardizing palliative care access in the inpatient and/or outpatient settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchieh Kathryn Chang
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Larry A Allen
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John A McClung
- Department of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Martin A Denvir
- Edinburgh Heart Centre, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Campus, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Masanori Mori
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Pedro Perez-Cruz
- Programa Medicina Paliativa y Cuidados Continuos, Departamento Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Shao-Yi Cheng
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Anna Collins
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Campus, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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28
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Integrating Heart Failure Palliative Care Delivery in an Uncertain Disease Trajectory. Heart Lung Circ 2022; 31:755-756. [PMID: 35589205 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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29
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The Palliative Approach and Terminal Heart Failure Admissions - Are We Getting it Right? Heart Lung Circ 2022; 31:841-848. [PMID: 35153151 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure has a high mortality and early provision of palliative care supports complex decision-making and improves quality of life. AIM To explore whether and when a palliative approach was adopted during the last 12 months of life in patients who experienced an in-hospital death from heart failure. DESIGN Retrospective medical record review of all deaths from chronic heart failure (January 2010 to December 2019). PARTICIPANTS Admissions with chronic heart failure resulting in death were analysed from an Australian tertiary referral centre. RESULTS The cohort (n=517) were elderly (median age 83.8 years IQR=77.6-88.7) and male (55.1%). Common comorbidities were ischaemic heart disease (n=293 56.7%) and atrial fibrillation (n=289 55.9%). Life sustaining interventions occurred in 97 (18.8%) patients. In 31 (6.0%) patients referral to specialist palliative care occurred prior to, and in 263 (50.9%) during, the terminal admission. Opioids were prescribed to 440 (85.1%) patients. Comfort care was the documented goal in 158 patients (30.6%). A palliative approach was significantly associated with prior admission in the preceding 12 months (OR=1.5 95% CI=1.0-2.1 p<0.043), receiving outpatient care (OR=2.6 95% CI=1.6-4.1 p<0.01), and admissions in the latter half of the decade (OR=1.5 95% CI=1.0-2.0 p<0.038). CONCLUSION Despite greater adoption of a palliative approach in the terminal admission over the last decade, a significant proportion of patients receive palliative care late, just prior to death.
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30
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Needs for nurses to provide spiritual care and their associated influencing factors among elderly inpatients with stroke in China: A cross-sectional quantitative study. Palliat Support Care 2022; 20:407-416. [PMID: 35469586 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522000426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the spiritual care needs and associated influencing factors among elderly inpatients with stroke, and to examine the correlations among spiritual care needs, spiritual well-being, self-perceived burden, self-transcendence, and social support. METHODS A cross-sectional quantitative design was implemented, and the STROBE Checklist was used as the foundation of the study. A convenience sample of 458 elderly inpatients with stroke was selected from three hospitals in China. The sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, the Nurse Spiritual Therapeutics Scale, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being, the Self-Perceived Burden Scale, the Chinese Self-Transcendence Scale, and the Perceived Social Support Scale were used. Descriptive statistics, correlation, Student's t-test, ANOVA, non-parametric, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS The total score of spiritual care needs was 29.82 ± 7.65. Spiritual care needs were positively correlated with spiritual well-being (r = 0.709, p < 0.01), self-transcendence (r = 0.710, p < 0.01), and social support (r = 0.691, p < 0.01), whereas being negatively correlated with self-perceived burden (r = -0.587, p < 0.01). Religious beliefs, educational level, residence place, disease course, spiritual well-being, self-perceived burden, self-transcendence, and social support were found to be the main influencing factors. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The spiritual care needs were prevalent and moderate. It is suggested that nurses should enhance spiritual care knowledge and competence, take targeted spiritual care measures according to inpatients' individual personality traits or characteristics and differences of patients, reduce their self-perceived burden and improve their spiritual well-being, self-transcendence and social support in multiple ways and levels, so as to meet their spiritual care needs to the greatest extent and enhance their spiritual comfort.
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31
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Blum M, Gelfman LP, McKendrick K, Pinney SP, Goldstein NE. Enhancing Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Heart Failure Through Simple Prognostication Tools: A Comparison of the Surprise Question, the Number of Previous Heart Failure Hospitalizations, and the Seattle Heart Failure Model for Predicting 1-Year Survival. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:836237. [PMID: 35479267 PMCID: PMC9035562 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.836237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Score-based survival prediction in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) is complicated. Easy-to-use prognostication tools could inform clinical decision-making and palliative care delivery. Objective To compare the prognostic utility of the Seattle HF model (SHFM), the surprise question (SQ), and the number of HF hospitalizations (NoH) within the last 12 months for predicting 1-year survival in patients with advanced HF. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial of advanced HF patients, predominantly with reduced ejection fraction. Primary outcome was the prognostic discrimination of SHFM, SQ (“Would you be surprised if this patient were to die within 1 year?”) answered by HF cardiologists, and NoH, assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Optimal cut-offs were calculated using Youden’s index (SHFM: <86% predicted 1-year survival; NoH ≥ 2). Results Of 535 subjects, 82 (15.3%) had died after 1-year of follow-up. SHFM, SQ, and NoH yielded a similar area under the ROC curve [SHFM: 0.65 (0.60–0.71 95% CI); SQ: 0.58 (0.54–0.63 95% CI); NoH: 0.56 (0.50–0.62 95% CI)] and similar sensitivity [SHFM: 0.76 (0.65–0.84 95% CI); SQ: 0.84 (0.74–0.91 95% CI); NoH: 0.56 (0.45–0.67 95% CI)]. As compared to SHFM, SQ had lower specificity [SQ: 0.33 (0.28–0.37 95% CI) vs. SHFM: 0.55 (0.50–0.60 95% CI)] while NoH had similar specificity [0.56 (0.51–0.61 95% CI)]. SQ combined with NoH showed significantly higher specificity [0.68 (0.64–0.73 95% CI)]. Conclusion SQ and NoH yielded comparable utility to SHFM for 1-year survival prediction among advanced HF patients, are easy-to-use and could inform bedside decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Blum
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Moritz Blum,
| | - Laura P. Gelfman
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Karen McKendrick
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sean P. Pinney
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nathan E. Goldstein
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Gorder K, Rudick S, Smith TD. Advocacy and Legislation for Regionalization Practices in the Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock: The Time Is Now. US CARDIOLOGY REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.15420/usc.2021.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiogenic shock is a complex hemodynamic state that, despite improvements in care, often remains challenging to treat and confers a high mortality rate. Timely application of advanced strategies, including advanced hemodynamic management and mechanical circulatory support, is of the utmost importance for this critically ill patient population. Based on data and historic experiences with similar life-threatening conditions, a national system in the US of regionalized, structured care for patients with cardiogenic shock has the potential to improve outcomes and save lives. To enact this, national and state leaders, as well as federal regulatory bodies, physician thought leaders, industry representatives, and national organizations, must collaborate and advocate for a clear, structured cardiac shock center network with a tiered model for delivery of care for the sickest population of cardiac patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Gorder
- The Christ Hospital and Lindner Center for Research and Education, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Steve Rudick
- The Christ Hospital and Lindner Center for Research and Education, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Timothy D Smith
- The Christ Hospital and Lindner Center for Research and Education, Cincinnati, OH
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Allen E, Stanek J, Lundorf J. Early Palliative Care Initiation: Role of the Primary Care Clinician. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Hansen MP. Using the Evidence for Palliative Care to Improve Outcomes for Patients With Heart Failure. Am J Crit Care 2021; 30:479-482. [PMID: 34719707 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2021905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary P. Hansen
- Mary P. Hansen is a heart failure clinical nurse specialist, Veterans Administration, Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
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Philip J, Collins A, Smallwood N, Chang YK, Mo L, Yang IA, Corte T, McDonald CF, Hui D. Referral criteria to palliative care for patients with respiratory disease: a systematic review. Eur Respir J 2021; 58:13993003.04307-2020. [PMID: 33737407 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04307-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced non-malignant respiratory diseases are associated with significant patient morbidity, yet access to palliative care occurs late, if at all. AIM To examine referral criteria for palliative care among patients with advanced non-malignant respiratory disease, with a view to developing a standardised set of referral criteria. DESIGN Systematic review of all studies reporting on referral criteria to palliative care in advanced non-malignant respiratory disease, with a focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease. DATA SOURCES A systematic review conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guideline was undertaken using electronic databases (Ovid, MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and PubMed). RESULTS Searches yielded 2052 unique titles, which were screened for eligibility resulting in 62 studies addressing referral criteria to palliative care in advanced non-malignant respiratory disease. Of 18 categories put forward for referral to palliative care, the most commonly discussed factors were hospital use (69% of papers), indicators of poor respiratory status (47%), physical and emotional symptoms (37%), functional decline (29%), need for advanced respiratory therapies (27%), and disease progression (26%). CONCLUSION Clinicians consider referral to specialist palliative care for a wide range of disease- and needs-based criteria. Our findings highlight the need to standardise palliative care access by developing consensus referral criteria for patients with advanced non-malignant respiratory illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia .,Palliative Care Service, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anna Collins
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yuchieh Kathryn Chang
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Mo
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,The Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ian A Yang
- Thoracic Program, The Prince Charles Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia.,UQ Thoracic Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tamera Corte
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Centre of Research Excellence for Pulmonary Fibrosis, National Health and Medical Research Council, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine F McDonald
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Mo L, Geng Y, Chang YK, Philip J, Collins A, Hui D. Referral criteria to specialist palliative care for patients with dementia: A systematic review. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:1659-1669. [PMID: 33655535 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with dementia often have significant symptom burden and a progressive course of functional deterioration. Specialist palliative care referral may be helpful, but it is unclear who and when patients should be referred. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine referral criteria for palliative care among patients with dementia. METHODS We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and CINAHL databases for articles from inception to December 3, 2019, related to specialist palliative care referral for dementia. Two investigators independently reviewed the citations for inclusion, extracted the referral criteria, and categorized them thematically. RESULTS Of the 1788 citations, 59 articles were included in the final sample. We identified 13 categories of referral criteria, including 6 disease-based and 7 needs-based criteria. The most commonly discussed criterion was "dementia stage" (n = 43, 73%), followed by "new diagnosis of dementia" (n = 17, 29%), "medical complications of dementia" (n = 12, 20%), "prognosis" (n = 11, 19%), and "physical symptoms" (n = 11, 19%). Under dementia stage, 37/44 (84%) articles recommended a palliative care referral for advanced dementia. Pneumonia (n = 6, 10%), fall/fracture (n = 4, 7%), and decubitus ulcers (n = 4, 7%) were most commonly discussed complications to trigger a referral. Under prognosis, the time frame for referral varied from <2 years of life expectancy to <6 months. 3 (5%) of articles recommended "surprise question" as a potential trigger. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review highlighted the lack of consensus regarding referral criteria for palliative care in patients with dementia and the need to identify timely triggers to standardize referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Mo
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,The Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yimin Geng
- Research Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuchieh Kathryn Chang
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Australia.,Palliative Care Service, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Australia.,Palliative Care Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anna Collins
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Sobanski PZ, Krajnik M, Goodlin SJ. Palliative Care for People Living With Heart Disease-Does Sex Make a Difference? Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:629752. [PMID: 33634172 PMCID: PMC7901984 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.629752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution of individual heart disease differs among women and men and, parallel to this, among particular age groups. Women are usually affected by cardiovascular disease at an older age than men, and as the prevalence of comorbidities (like diabetes or chronic pain syndromes) grows with age, women suffer from a higher number of symptoms (such as pain and breathlessness) than men. Women live longer, and after a husband or partner's death, they suffer from a stronger sense of loneliness, are more dependent on institutionalized care and have more unaddressed needs than men. Heart failure (HF) is a common end-stage pathway of many cardiovascular diseases and causes substantial symptom burden and suffering despite optimal cardiologic treatment. Modern, personalized medicine makes every effort, including close cooperation between disciplines, to alleviate them as efficiently as possible. Palliative Care (PC) interventions include symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual support. In complex situations they are provided by a specialized multiprofessional team, but usually the application of PC principles by the healthcare team responsible for the person is sufficient. PC should be involved in usual care to improve the quality of life of patients and their relatives as soon as appropriate needs emerge. Even at less advanced stages of disease, PC is an additional layer of support added to disease modifying management, not only at the end-of-life. The relatively scarce data suggest sex-specific differences in symptom pathophysiology, distribution and the requisite management needed for their successful alleviation. This paper summarizes the sex-related differences in PC needs and in the wide range of interventions (from medical treatment to spiritual support) that can be considered to optimally address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Z Sobanski
- Palliative Care Unit and Competence Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Spital Schwyz, Schwyz, Switzerland
| | - Malgorzata Krajnik
- Department of Palliative Care, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Sarah J Goodlin
- Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Patient-Centered Education and Research, Portland, OR, United States
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