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Chen VW, Portuondo JI, Cooper Z, Massarweh NN. Use of Palliative Interventions at End of Life for Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:7281-7292. [PMID: 35947309 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12342-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the well-established benefits of palliative care, little is known about the use of palliative interventions among patients with advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer near the end of life (EOL). METHODS A national cohort study analyzed 142,304 patients with advanced GI cancers (stage 3 or 4) near EOL (death within 1 year of diagnosis) in the National Cancer Database (2004-2014) who received palliative interventions (defined as treatment to relieve symptoms: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and/or pain management). The study used multivariable hierarchical regression evaluate the association between the use of palliative interventions, temporal trends, and patient and hospital factors. RESULTS Overall, 16.5% of the patients were treated with a palliative intervention, and use increased over time (13.4% in 2004 vs 19.8% in 2014; trend test, p < 0.001). Palliative interventions were used most frequently for esophageal cancer (20.6%) and least frequently for gallbladder cancer (13.3%). Palliative interventions were associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-0.99), recent diagnosis year (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.06), black race (white [ref]; OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12), insurance status (no insurance [ref]; private: OR, 0.92; 95% CI ,0.95-0.99), hospital type (community cancer program [ref]; integrated network cancer programs: OR, 1.37; 95% CI ,1.07-1.75), and stage 4 disease (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 2.07-2.27). Patients in southern and western regions were less likely to receive palliative intervention (Northeast [ref]; OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.94 and OR 0.46; 95% CI, 0.37-0.57, respectively). CONCLUSION Increased palliative intervention use over time suggests ongoing changes in how care is delivered to GI cancer patients toward EOL. However, sociodemographic and geographic variation suggests opportunities to address barriers to optimal EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivi W Chen
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Jorge I Portuondo
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zara Cooper
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nader N Massarweh
- Surgical and Perioperative Service, Atlanta VA Health Care System, Decatur, GA, USA.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Tobin J, Rogers A, Winterburn I, Tullie S, Kalyanasundaram A, Kuhn I, Barclay S. Hospice care access inequalities: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022; 12:142-151. [PMID: 33608254 PMCID: PMC9125370 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inequalities in access to hospice care is a source of considerable concern; white, middle-class, middle-aged patients with cancer have traditionally been over-represented in hospice populations. OBJECTIVE To identify from the literature the demographic characteristics of those who access hospice care more often, focusing on: diagnosis, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, geography and socioeconomic status. DESIGN Systematic literature review and narrative synthesis. METHOD Searches of Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Assia and Embase databases from January 1987 to end September 2019 were conducted. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed studies of adult patients in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, receiving inpatient, day, outpatient and community hospice care. Of the 45 937 titles retrieved, 130 met the inclusion criteria. Narrative synthesis of extracted data was conducted. RESULTS An extensive literature search demonstrates persistent inequalities in hospice care provision: patients without cancer, the oldest old, ethnic minorities and those living in rural or deprived areas are under-represented in hospice populations. The effect of gender and marital status is inconsistent. There is a limited literature concerning hospice service access for the LGBTQ+ community, homeless people and those living with HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cystic fibrosis. CONCLUSION Barriers of prognostic uncertainty, institutional cultures, particular needs of certain groups and lack of public awareness of hospice services remain substantial challenges to the hospice movement in ensuring equitable access for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Tobin
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Alice Rogers
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Isaac Winterburn
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Sebastian Tullie
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | | | - Isla Kuhn
- Medical Library, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Stephen Barclay
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
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3
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Cerni J, Rhee J, Hosseinzadeh H. End-of-Life Cancer Care Resource Utilisation in Rural Versus Urban Settings: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17144955. [PMID: 32660146 PMCID: PMC7400508 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17144955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the advances in End-of-life (EOL) cancer care, disparities remain in the accessibility and utilisation of EOL cancer care resources. Often explained by socio-demographic factors, geographic variation exists in the availability and provision of EOL cancer care services among EOL cancer decedents across urban versus rural settings. This systematic review aims to synthesise mortality follow-back studies on the patterns of EOL cancer care resource use for adults (>18 years) during end-of-life cancer care. METHODS Five databases were searched and data analysed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria involved; a) original research; b) quantitative studies; c) English language; d) palliative care related service use in adults (>18 years) with any malignancy excluding non-melanoma skin cancers; e) exclusive end of life focus; f) urban-rural focus. Narrative reviews and discussions were excluded. RESULTS 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. End-of-life cancer care service utilisation patterns varied by rurality and treatment intent. Rurality was strongly associated with higher rates of Emergency Department (ED) visits and hospitalisations and lower rates of hospice care. The largest inequities between urban and rural health service utilisation patterns were explained by individual level factors including age, gender, proximity to service and survival time from cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Rurality is an important predictor for poorer outcomes in end-of-life cancer care. Findings suggest that addressing the disparities in the urban-rural continuum is critical for efficient and equitable palliative cancer care. Further research is needed to understand barriers to service access and usage to achieve optimal EOL care for all cancer patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cerni
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Joel Rhee
- General Practice Academic Unit, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
- Illawarra Southern Practice Based Research Network (ISPRN), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Centre for Positive Ageing + Care, HammondCare, Hammondville, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Hassan Hosseinzadeh
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
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4
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Craigs CL, West RM, Hurlow A, Bennett MI, Ziegler LE. Access to hospital and community palliative care for patients with advanced cancer: A longitudinal population analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200071. [PMID: 30089106 PMCID: PMC6082504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UK National Health Service is striving to improve access to palliative care for patients with advanced cancer however limited information exists on the level of palliative care support currently provided in the UK. We aimed to establish the duration and intensity of palliative care received by patients with advanced cancer and identify which cancer patients are missing out. METHODS Retrospective cancer registry, primary care and secondary care data were obtained and linked for 2474 patients who died of cancer between 2010 and 2012 within a large metropolitan UK city. Associations between the type, duration, and amount of palliative care by demographic characteristics, cancer type, and therapies received were assessed using Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Multinomial multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the odds of receiving community and/or hospital palliative care compared to no palliative care by demographic characteristics, cancer type, and therapies received. RESULTS Overall 64.6% of patients received palliative care. The average palliative care input was two contacts over six weeks. Community palliative care was associated with more palliative care events (p<0.001) for a longer duration (p<0.001). Patients were less likely to receive palliative care if they were: male (p = 0.002), aged 80 years or over (p<0.05), diagnosed with lung cancer (p<0.05), had not received an opioid prescription (p<0.001), or had not received chemotherapy (p<0.001). Patients given radiotherapy were more likely to receive community only palliative care compared to no palliative care (Odds Ratio = 1.49, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.16-1.90). CONCLUSION Timely supportive care for cancer patients is advocated but these results suggest that older patients and those who do not receive anti-cancer treatment or opioid analgesics miss out. These patients should be targeted for assessment to identify unmet needs which could benefit from palliative care input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L. Craigs
- St Gemma’s Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Level 10, Clarendon Way, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Robert M. West
- Health Services Research, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Level 11, Clarendon Way, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Hurlow
- Palliative Care Team, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Michael I. Bennett
- St Gemma’s Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Level 10, Clarendon Way, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy E. Ziegler
- St Gemma’s Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Level 10, Clarendon Way, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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5
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Osagiede O, Colibaseanu DT, Spaulding AC, Frank RD, Merchea A, Kelley SR, Uitti RJ, Ailawadhi S. Palliative Care Use Among Patients With Solid Cancer Tumors: A National Cancer Data Base Study. J Palliat Care 2018; 33:149-158. [PMID: 29807486 DOI: 10.1177/0825859718777320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care has been increasingly recognized as an important part of cancer care but remains underutilized in patients with solid cancers. There is a current gap in knowledge regarding why palliative care is underutilized nationwide. OBJECTIVE To identify the factors associated with palliative care use among deceased patients with solid cancer tumors. METHODS Using the 2016 National Cancer Data Base, we identified deceased patients (2004-2013) with breast, colon, lung, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Data were described as percentages. Associations between palliative care use and patient, facility, and geographic characteristics were evaluated through multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 1 840 111 patients were analyzed; 9.6% received palliative care. Palliative care use was higher in the following patient groups: survival >24 months (17% vs 2%), male (54% vs 46%), higher Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score (16% vs 8%), treatment at designated cancer programs (74% vs 71%), lung cancer (76% vs 28%), higher grade cancer (53% vs 24%), and stage IV cancer (59% vs 13%). Patients who lived in communities with a greater percentage of high school degrees had higher odds of receiving palliative care; Central and Pacific regions of the United States had lower odds of palliative care use than the East Coast. Patients with colon, melanoma, or prostate cancer had lower odds of palliative care than patients with breast cancer, whereas those with lung cancer had higher odds. CONCLUSIONS Palliative care use in solid cancer tumors is variable, with a preference for patients with lung cancer, younger age, known insurance status, and higher educational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osayande Osagiede
- 1 Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Aaron C Spaulding
- 1 Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Ryan D Frank
- 3 Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amit Merchea
- 2 Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Scott R Kelley
- 4 Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ryan J Uitti
- 5 Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Sikander Ailawadhi
- 6 Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Guo P, Dzingina M, Firth AM, Davies JM, Douiri A, O’Brien SM, Pinto C, Pask S, Higginson IJ, Eagar K, Murtagh FEM. Development and validation of a casemix classification to predict costs of specialist palliative care provision across inpatient hospice, hospital and community settings in the UK: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020071. [PMID: 29550781 PMCID: PMC5879599 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Provision of palliative care is inequitable with wide variations across conditions and settings in the UK. Lack of a standard way to classify by case complexity is one of the principle obstacles to addressing this. We aim to develop and validate a casemix classification to support the prediction of costs of specialist palliative care provision. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Phase I: A cohort study to determine the variables and potential classes to be included in a casemix classification. Data are collected from clinicians in palliative care services across inpatient hospice, hospital and community settings on: patient demographics, potential complexity/casemix criteria and patient-level resource use. Cost predictors are derived using multivariate regression and then incorporated into a classification using classification and regression trees. Internal validation will be conducted by bootstrapping to quantify any optimism in the predictive performance (calibration and discrimination) of the developed classification. Phase II: A mixed-methods cohort study across settings for external validation of the classification developed in phase I. Patient and family caregiver data will be collected longitudinally on demographics, potential complexity/casemix criteria and patient-level resource use. This will be triangulated with data collected from clinicians on potential complexity/casemix criteria and patient-level resource use, and with qualitative interviews with patients and caregivers about care provision across difference settings. The classification will be refined on the basis of its performance in the validation data set. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the National Health Service Health Research Authority Research Ethics Committee. The results are expected to be disseminated in 2018 through papers for publication in major palliative care journals; policy briefs for clinicians, commissioning leads and policy makers; and lay summaries for patients and public. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN90752212.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Guo
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and
Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s
College London, London,
UK
| | - Mendwas Dzingina
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and
Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s
College London, London,
UK
| | - Alice M Firth
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and
Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s
College London, London,
UK
| | - Joanna M Davies
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and
Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s
College London, London,
UK
| | - Abdel Douiri
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health
Sciences, King’s College London,
London, UK
| | - Suzanne M O’Brien
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and
Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s
College London, London,
UK
| | - Cathryn Pinto
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and
Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s
College London, London,
UK
| | - Sophie Pask
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and
Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s
College London, London,
UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and
Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s
College London, London,
UK
| | - Kathy Eagar
- University of Wollongong, Australian Health Services Research Institute, Centre for
Health Service Development, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Fliss E M Murtagh
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull
York Medical School, University of Hull,
Hull, UK
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7
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Payment models for palliative care vary across nations, with few adopting contemporary payments designs that apply to other parts of the health system. AIM To propose optimal payment arrangements for palliative care. APPROACH Review of relevant literature on funding mechanisms in health care generally and palliative care in particular. RESULTS Payment models for palliative care should move toward activity-based funding using an agreed classification, be uncapped funding with performance monitoring, and make explicit use of performance metrics and reporting. CONCLUSIONS If palliative care is to become a universally accessible service, new approaches to funding, based on the experience of funding reforms in other parts of the health system, need to be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Duckett
- Health Program, Grattan Institute, 8 Malvina Place, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia.
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Zhang-Salomons J, Salomons G. Determine the therapeutic role of radiotherapy in administrative data: a data mining approach. BMC Med Res Methodol 2015; 15:11. [PMID: 25649372 PMCID: PMC4350984 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2288-15-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical data gathered for administrative purposes often lack sufficient information to separate the records of radiotherapy given for palliation from those given for cure. An absence, incompleteness, or inaccuracy of such information could hinder or bias the study of the utilization and outcome of radiotherapy. This study has three specific purposes: 1) develop a method to determine the therapeutic role of radiotherapy (TRR); 2) assess the accuracy of the method; 3) report the quality of the information on treatment "intent" recorded in the clinical data in Ontario, Canada. A general purpose is to use this study as a prototype to demonstrate and test a method to assess the quality of administrative data. METHODS This is a population based retrospective study. A random sample was drawn from the treatment records with "intent" assigned in treating hospitals. A decision tree is grown using treatment parameters as predictors and "intent" as outcome variable to classify the treatments into curative or palliative. The tree classifier was applied to the entire dataset, and the classification results were compared with those identified by "intent". A manual audit was conducted to assess the accuracy of the classification. RESULTS The following parameters predicted the TRR, from the strongest to the weakest: radiation dose per fraction, treated body-region, disease site, and time of treatment. When applied to the records of treatments given between 1990 and 2008 in Ontario, Canada, the classification rules correctly classified 96.1% of the records. The quality of the "intent" variable was as follows: 77.5% correctly classified, 3.7% misclassified, and 18.8% did not have an "intent" assigned. CONCLUSIONS The classification rules derived in this study can be used to determine the TRR when such information is unavailable, incomplete, or inaccurate in administrative data. The study demonstrates that data mining approach can be used to effectively assess and improve the quality of large administrative datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jina Zhang-Salomons
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Greg Salomons
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Department of Physics, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Urquhart R, Johnston G, Abdolell M, Porter GA. Patterns of health care utilization preceding a colorectal cancer diagnosis are strong predictors of dying quickly following diagnosis. BMC Palliat Care 2015; 14:2. [PMID: 25674038 PMCID: PMC4324424 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-14-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the predictors of a quick death following diagnosis may improve timely access to palliative care. The objective of this study was to explore whether factors in the 24 months prior to a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis predict a quick death post-diagnosis. Methods Data were from a longitudinal study of all adult persons diagnosed with CRC in Nova Scotia, Canada, from 01Jan2001-31Dec2005. This study included all persons who died of any cause by 31Dec2010, except those who died within 30 days of CRC surgery (n = 1885 decedents). Classification and regression tree models were used to explore predictors of time from diagnosis to death for the following time intervals: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 26 weeks from diagnosis to death. All models were performed with and without stage at diagnosis as a predictor variable. Clinico-demographic and health service utilization data in the 24 months pre-diagnosis were provided via linked administrative databases. Results The strongest, most consistent predictors of dying within 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of CRC diagnosis were related to health services utilization in the 24 months prior to diagnosis: i.e., number of specialist visits, number of days spent in hospital, and number of family physician visits. Stage at diagnosis was the strongest predictor of dying within 12 and 26 weeks of diagnosis. Conclusions Identifying potential predictors of a short timeframe between cancer diagnosis and death may aid in the development of strategies to facilitate timely and appropriate referral to palliative care upon a cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Urquhart
- Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada ; Cancer Outcomes Research Program, Dalhousie University/Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, NS Canada
| | - Grace Johnston
- School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
| | - Mohamed Abdolell
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada
| | - Geoff A Porter
- Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Canada ; Cancer Outcomes Research Program, Dalhousie University/Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, NS Canada
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10
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Ciemins EL, Brant J, Kersten D, Mullette E, Dickerson D. A qualitative analysis of patient and family perspectives of palliative care. J Palliat Med 2014; 18:282-5. [PMID: 25299983 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2014.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To provide truly patient-centered palliative care services, there is a need to better understand the perspectives and experiences of patients and families. Increased understanding will provide insight into the development of health care team competencies and organizational changes necessary to improve patient care. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to explore patient and family perceptions of palliative care services at the end of life or during serious illness and to identify facilitators and barriers to receipt of palliative care services. METHODS In-depth, semi-structured patient and family interviews were conducted, transcribed, and independently reviewed using grounded theory methodology and preliminary interpretations. A combined deductive and inductive iterative qualitative approach was used to identify recurring themes. The study was conducted in a physician-led, not-for-profit, multispecialty integrated health system serving three large, western, rural states. A purposive sample of 14 individuals who received palliative care services were interviewed alone or with their families for a total of 12 interviews. RESULTS Presence, Reassurance, and Honoring Choices emerged as central themes linked to satisfaction with palliative care services. Themes were defined as including health care professional attributes of respect, approachability, genuineness, empathy, connectedness, compassion, sensitivity, an ability to listen, good communication, provision of information, empowerment, and timeliness. Honoring Choices included those pertaining to treatment, spirituality, and family needs. CONCLUSIONS At end of life or during times of serious illness, patients and families identified behaviors of Presence, Reassurance, and Honoring Choices as important. According to patients/families, health care providers must be compassionate and empathetic and possess skills in listening, connecting, and interacting with patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Ciemins
- 1 Center for Clinical Translational Research, Billings Clinic , Billings, Montana
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11
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Johnston GM, Lethbridge L, Talbot P, Dunbar M, Jewell L, Henderson D, D'Intino AF, McIntyre P. Identifying persons with diabetes who could benefit from a palliative approach to care. Can J Diabetes 2014; 39:29-35. [PMID: 25065477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the need for diabetes mellitus palliative care, we identified persons with a diagnosis of diabetes who accessed palliative care programs and those who may have benefited from a palliative approach to care. METHODS This retrospective, descriptive research used 6 linked databases comprising 66 634 Nova Scotians from 3 health districts who died between 1995 and 2009, each with access to a palliative care program and diabetes centres. RESULTS The percentage of persons with diabetes enrolled in palliative care increased from 3.2% in 1995 to 34.3% in 2009; 31.5% were enrolled within their last 2 weeks of life. Most did not have their diabetes recorded in palliative data. Among the 5353 persons with a diagnosis of diabetes who died between 2005 and 2009, 61.0% were in the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia registry. An additional 19.6% were identified in the Cardiovascular Health Nova Scotia registry, and a further 3.7% in palliative data. Applying the criteria of Rosenwax et al to the 5353, 65.8% to 97.9% may have benefitted from a palliative approach. CONCLUSIONS Rates of palliative enrollment for persons with diabetes are increasing. Diabetes care providers need to prepare patients and their families for changes in diabetes management that will be beneficial as end of life approaches. Collaboration among chronic disease programs, palliative care and primary care is advised to identify persons at end of life who have diabetes and to develop and implement care guidelines for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Johnston
- School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, and Surveillance and Epidemiology Unit, Cancer Care Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
| | - Lynn Lethbridge
- School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | - Pam Talbot
- Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | | | - Laura Jewell
- School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | - David Henderson
- Palliative Care Service, Colchester East Hants Health Authority, Truro, and Faculty of Medicine and Departments of Medicine and Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | | | - Paul McIntyre
- Division of Palliative Medicine/Capital Health Integrated Palliative Care Service, Capital Health, and Departments of Medicine and Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
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12
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2012; 6:543-52. [DOI: 10.1097/spc.0b013e32835ad036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2012; 6:402-16. [DOI: 10.1097/spc.0b013e3283573126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Impact of comorbidity and healthcare utilization on colorectal cancer stage at diagnosis: literature review. Cancer Causes Control 2011; 23:213-20. [PMID: 22101505 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-011-9875-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Individuals diagnosed with cancer close to death have low access to enrollment in palliative care programs. The purpose of this literature review was to assess the usefulness of pre-diagnostic comorbidity and healthcare utilization as indicators of late-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis, to help with early identification of individuals who may benefit from palliative care. METHODS A literature search was conducted in relevant databases using title/abstract terms which included "cancer," "stage," "diagnosis," "determinants," "predictors," and "associated." Included studies examined whether comorbidity and/or healthcare utilization had an impact on the stage at which CRC was diagnosed. A standardized data abstraction form was used to assess the eligibility of each study. Thirteen articles were included in the literature review. These studies were assessed and synthesized using qualitative methodology. RESULTS We found much heterogeneity among study variables. The findings of this literature review point to the presence of comorbidity and non-emergent healthcare utilization as having no association with late-stage diagnosis. Conversely, emergency room presentation (ERP) was associated with late-stage diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The results of this literature review did not find strong evidence to suggest that comorbidity and healthcare utilization are potential indicators of late-stage diagnosis. However, ERP may be useful as a flag for consideration of prompt referral to palliative care. Additional research is required to identify potential indicators of late-stage diagnosis that may be available in administrative databases, particularly in the area of healthcare utilization.
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