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Doherty M, Chukwusa E, McQuillan R, Cranfield F, Gao W. The Palliative Care Needs of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Related Diseases, and Motor Neurone Disease: A Secondary Analysis of the OPTCARE Neuro Trial Data. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:622-629. [PMID: 38597932 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Long-term neurological conditions include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's-related diseases, and motor neurone disease. National and international guidelines recommend a palliative approach for advancing neurological disease, but there is little research describing and comparing the palliative care needs of these patients side by side. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the symptom burden and psychological distress of patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's-related diseases, and motor neurone disease. Design: A cross-sectional secondary analysis of the OPTCARE Neuro trial data was performed. Setting/Subjects: Recruitment was from seven sites across the United Kingdom. Patients aged 18 years or older, severely affected by advanced stages of multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's-related diseases or any stage of motor neurone disease, with an unresolved symptom, and one other issue despite usual care were eligible. Measurements: Baseline demographics, Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) Neuro, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) results were analyzed. Results: Data from 348 participants were analyzed. The mean IPOS Neuro-S24 score was 27, with no statistical difference found between groups (p = 0.341). The most common symptoms were poor mobility (68.5%), problems using legs (63%), and fatigue (34.8%). The HADS revealed that a quarter of participants met the criteria for a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's-related disease, and motor neurone disease patients who were eligible for the OPTCARE Neuro trial have unmet needs in the form of distressing physical and psychological symptoms. It is unclear how to address these needs. The answer likely lies in a collaborative approach between neurology, palliative care, psychology, and specialized allied health professionals. Future work should focus on investigating this.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emeka Chukwusa
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Wei Gao
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Tolchin DW, Rushin C, Tolchin B, Slocum C, Meyerson JL, Havercamp SM, Keeney T, Schwartz AW, Schaefer K, Ross M, Stein MA, Jones CA, Rosa WE, Brooks FA. Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Providing Care for People With Disabilities. J Palliat Med 2024. [PMID: 38232708 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0662] [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: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Palliative care (PC) clinicians are well poised to help people with disabilities (PWD) live well in the context of serious illness. PC prioritizes person-centered care with a focus on function, autonomy, and quality of life. This approach aligns with principles of high-quality care for PWD. An understanding of the unique experiences and needs of PWD can advance the delivery of comprehensive, equitable PC for this population. In this article, we provide 10 tips to help PC clinicians develop an informed disability lens in their approach to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy W Tolchin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/MassGeneral Brigham/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Ben Tolchin
- Center for Clinical Ethics, Yale New Haven Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chloe Slocum
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/MassGeneral Brigham/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jordana L Meyerson
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Section of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Tamra Keeney
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Mongan Institute Center for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea W Schwartz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Boston Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristen Schaefer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Care Dimensions Hospice, Danvers, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melissa Ross
- Ross Psychotherapy, Arlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael A Stein
- Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Law School Project on Disability, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher A Jones
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - William E Rosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Forrest A Brooks
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Palazzo L, Pizzolato L, Rigo M, Bondì G. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Its Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study with Thematic Analysis of Patients and Caregivers Who Participated in Self-Help Groups. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:822. [PMID: 37887472 PMCID: PMC10604104 DOI: 10.3390/bs13100822] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study employs a qualitative methodology to explore the effects of the pandemic on the lives of ALS patients and their caregivers. It aims to understand whether and how online self-help groups have assisted families dealing with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease with both physical and psychosocial implications. Consequently, it significantly affects the lives of patients' caregivers. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this situation. The results show that the pandemic has had a negative impact on the well-being of ALS caregivers and patients. Furthermore, bereavement and death were dealt with in different ways by the families involved. The pandemic aggravated the health of ALS patients and increased the workload of their caregivers; however, online psychological support was appreciated for its role in providing emotional help and diminishing social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Palazzo
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35139 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (M.R.); (G.B.)
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Velaga VC, Cook A, Auret K, Jenkins T, Thomas G, Aoun SM. Palliative and End-of-Life Care for People Living with Motor Neurone Disease: Ongoing Challenges and Necessity for Shifting Directions. Brain Sci 2023; 13:920. [PMID: 37371398 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the progressive clinical trajectory of motor neurone disease (MND) is widely understood, multiple challenges remain preventing optimal end-of-life care for this population with unique needs from the patient, carer and service provider perspectives. This paper reports on the experiences, gaps in service and unmet needs of MND patients and family carers and explores public health palliative care approaches that would facilitate coordinated and integrated care to respond to their changing needs. This is a qualitative study of responses to questions in an online consumer survey (353 respondents) in Western Australia (2020), focusing on a subset of 29 current and bereaved carers of people with MND who have used health services in the last five years. The analysis identified themes, highlighting the insufficient integration of services across health and social care; poor and unequal access to coordinated palliative care; significant gaps in the knowledge base of the workforce and a failure to meet the consumer expectations of person-centred care. For palliative care to be accessible to those living with MND and other under-served conditions, there needs to be a shift to more comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable options, such as the public health approach to palliative/end-of-life care that engages the assets of local communities in partnership with health services, one example being the "Compassionate Communities Connectors" model of care. Further considerations include advocacy for policy changes, fostering partnerships and developing indicators for evaluating the impact of the proposed models of care. The end result is not only better care but substantial savings for the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek C Velaga
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Angus Cook
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Clifton Street Building, Clifton Street, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Kirsten Auret
- Rural Clinical School of Western Australia, University of Western Australia, Building M701/31 Stirling Terrace, Albany, WA 6330, Australia
| | - Tom Jenkins
- St John of God Midland Hospital, 1 Clayton Street, Midland, WA 6056, Australia
| | - Geoff Thomas
- Thomas MND Research Group, 48 Grevillea Way, Blackwood, SA 5051, Australia
| | - Samar M Aoun
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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Alquati S, Ghirotto L, De Panfilis L, Autelitano C, Bertocchi E, Artioli G, Sireci F, Tanzi S, Sacchi S. Negotiating the Beginning of Care: A Grounded Theory Study of Health Services for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121623. [PMID: 36552083 PMCID: PMC9775577 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121623] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A range of professional figures are needed to preserve the quality of life of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This study aimed to explore the beginning of the care process as negotiated by people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. We designed the study according to the constructivist Grounded Theory method, collecting data through open-ended, semi-structured interviews, employing theoretical sampling and constant comparison, and performing conceptual coding as data analysis. By naming the core category "off-beat interfacing", we were able to show how the demands of the professionals concerned did not correspond to the ability of people with ALS and their proxies to process information, deal with requests, and be at ease in making decisions at the beginning of the shared care pathway. Three categories were generated: (i) navigating different paths, (ii) offering and experiencing a standard, non-personalized pathway, and (iii) anticipating decisions. The network of services must be organized according to guidelines, but must also contemplate a patient-family-centered approach that permits more personalized assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Alquati
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Ghirotto
- Qualitative Research Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Cristina Autelitano
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bertocchi
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Artioli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Sireci
- Neurology Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Tanzi
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Simona Sacchi
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
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