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Alanazi MA, Shaban MM, Ramadan OME, Zaky ME, Mohammed HH, Amer FGM, Shaban M. Navigating end-of-life decision-making in nursing: a systematic review of ethical challenges and palliative care practices. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:467. [PMID: 38982459 PMCID: PMC11232160 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02087-5] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the ethical dilemma's nurses encounter in end-of-life care and effective palliative care practices. The objectives were to understand key ethical issues, evaluate communication and decision-making strategies, and identify approaches to support nurses and patients. METHODS A comprehensive search of major databases was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies directly relating to nursing ethics, challenges in end-of-life decision-making, and palliative care practices were included. The risk of bias was assessed using ROBVIS-II. Data on ethical issues, palliative interventions, and outcomes was extracted and analyzed thematically. RESULTS 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Key themes that emerged were: (1) Effective communication and involving patients in decision-making are essential but complex. (2) Nurses face dilemmas around balancing autonomy, beneficence and relational issues. (3) Integrating palliative care principles enhances symptom management and aligns care with patient values. (4) Education and organizational support are needed to equip nurses with skills and coping strategies. CONCLUSION Navigating end-of-life care requires addressing interconnected ethical, communication and support needs. While studies provided insights, further research is required on cultural competence training, standardized education programs and longitudinal evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majed Awad Alanazi
- College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf, 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mostafa Shaban
- College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf, 72388, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Peeler A, Nelson K, Agrawalla V, Badawi S, Moore R, Li D, Street L, Hager DN, Dennison Himmelfarb C, Davidson PM, Koirala B. Living with multimorbidity: A qualitative exploration of shared experiences of patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals in managing symptoms in the United States. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:2525-2539. [PMID: 38197539 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To elicit experiences of patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals in intermediate care units (IMCUs) in an academic medical centre in Baltimore, MD related to the challenges and intricacies of multimorbidity management to inform development of a multimorbidity symptom management toolkit. DESIGN Experience-based co-design. METHODS Between July and October 2021, patients aged 55 years and older with multimorbidity admitted to IMCUs at an academic medical centre in Baltimore, Maryland, USA were recruited and interviewed in person. Interdisciplinary healthcare professionals working in the IMCU were interviewed virtually. Participants were asked questions about their role in recognizing and treating symptoms, factors affecting the quality of life, symptom burden and trajectory over time, and strategies that have and have not worked for managing symptoms. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used for analysis. RESULTS Twenty-three interviews were conducted: 9 patients, 2 family caregivers, and 12 healthcare professionals. Patients' mean age was 67.5 (±6.5) years, over half (n = 5) were Black or Hispanic, and the average number of comorbidities was 3.67. Five major themes that affect symptom management emerged: (1) the patient-provider relationship; (2) open and honest communication; (3) accessibility of resources during hospitalization and at discharge; (4) caregiver support, training, and education; and (5) care coordination and follow-up care. CONCLUSION Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals often have similar goals but different priorities for multimorbidity management. It is imperative to identify shared priorities and target holistic interventions that consider patient and caregiver experiences to improve outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE AND IMPACT This paper addresses the paucity of research related to the shared experience of disease trajectory and symptom management for people living with multimorbidity. We found that patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals often have similar goals but different care and communication priorities. Understanding differing priorities will help better design interventions to support symptom management so people with multimorbidity can have the best possible quality of life. REPORTING METHOD We have adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) guidelines in our reporting. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This study has been designed and implemented with patient and public involvement throughout the process, including community advisory board engagement in the project proposal phase and interview guide development, and member checking in the data collection and analysis phases. The method we chose, experience-based co-design, emphasizes the importance of engaging members of a community to act as experts in their own life challenges. In the coming phases of the study, the public will be involved in developing and testing a new intervention, informed by these qualitative interviews and co-design events, to support symptom management for people with multimorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Peeler
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy, and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, England
| | - Katie Nelson
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sarah Badawi
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robyn Moore
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Li
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lara Street
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David N Hager
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Binu Koirala
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Abbas M, Reich AJ, Wang Y, Hu FY, Bollens-Lund E, Kelley AS, Cooper Z. The burden of pre-admission pain, depression, and caregiving on palliative care needs for seriously ill trauma patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:2229-2238. [PMID: 36805543 PMCID: PMC10363197 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasing numbers of individuals admitted to hospitals for trauma are older adults, many of whom also have underlying serious illnesses. Older adults with serious illness benefit from palliative care, but the palliative care needs of seriously ill older adults with trauma have not been elucidated. We hypothesize that older adults with serious illness have a high prevalence of pain, depression, and unpaid caregiving hours before trauma admission. METHODS Using Health and Retirement Study data (2008-2018) linked to Medicare claims, we identified patients 66 years or older who met an established definition of serious illness in surgery and were admitted with trauma. Descriptive analyses were performed for baseline patient characteristics, pre-admission pain (dichotomized as none/mild vs. moderate/severe), depression (dichotomized as no, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale [CES-D] < 3 vs. yes, CES-D ≥ 3), and unpaid caregiving hours (dichotomized as low (<30 h/month), high (≥30 h/month)). RESULTS We identified 1741 patients, 67.4% were female and 86.8% White. Mean age was 83 (SD 7.5), and 60.3% had ≥4 comorbidities. The majority (62.9%) were admitted due to falls, 33.5% had isolated hip fracture. The prevalence of baseline moderate/severe pain and depression were 38.1% and 42.6%, respectively. Among the cohort, 42.2% had unpaid caregiving, of those 27.7% had ≥30 h/week of unpaid caregiving hours. CONCLUSIONS Prior to trauma admission, older adults with serious illness have a high prevalence of pain, depression, and unpaid caregiving hours. These findings may inform targeted palliative care interventions to reduce symptom burden and post-discharge healthcare utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abbas
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amanda Jane Reich
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yihan Wang
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Frances Y Hu
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evan Bollens-Lund
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amy S Kelley
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zara Cooper
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Murali KP, Merriman JD, Yu G, Vorderstrasse A, Kelley AS, Brody AA. Complex Care Needs at the End of Life for Seriously Ill Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2023; 25:146-155. [PMID: 37040386 PMCID: PMC10175220 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the complex care needs of seriously ill adults with multiple chronic conditions with and without cancer is critical for the delivery of high-quality serious illness and palliative care at the end of life. The objective of this secondary data analysis of a multisite randomized clinical trial in palliative care was to elucidate the clinical profile and complex care needs of seriously ill adults with multiple chronic conditions and to highlight key differences among those with and without cancer at the end of life. Of the 213 (74.2%) older adults who met criteria for multiple chronic conditions (eg, 2 or more chronic conditions requiring regular care with limitations of daily living), 49% had a diagnosis of cancer. Hospice enrollment was operationalized as an indicator for severity of illness and allowed for the capture of complex care needs of those deemed to be nearing the end of life. Individuals with cancer had complex symptomatology with a higher prevalence of nausea, drowsiness, and poor appetite and end of life and lower hospice enrollment. Individuals with multiple chronic conditions without cancer had lower functional status, greater number of medications, and higher hospice enrollment. The care of seriously ill older adults with multiple chronic conditions requires tailored approaches to improve outcomes and quality of care across health care settings, particularly at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gary Yu
- New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing
| | | | - Amy S. Kelley
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine
| | - Abraham A. Brody
- New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine
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Kang JA, Barcelona V. A comparison of conceptual frameworks to examine health inequities in End-of-Life care. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:2025-2041. [PMID: 35909090 PMCID: PMC9887096 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To discuss existing conceptual frameworks that can be applied to the examination of health inequities in end-of-life care and related health outcomes. We used the Fawcett and Desanto-Madeya evaluation technique modified by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework to include individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels of influence. DESIGN Discussion paper. DATA SOURCES We performed a systematic review of PubMed, CINAHL and Embase for conceptual frameworks of health inequities in end-of-life care and health outcomes published as of February 2022. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING There is a strong need for research that can address multiple factors influencing end-of-life care inequities and health outcomes. To mitigate the complex nature of social determinants of health and structural inequities, researchers, clinicians, educators and administrators should have solid conceptualizations of these multi-level factors. Based on sound and comprehensive frameworks, nurses with interdisciplinary partnerships can promote health equity with a broader health care scope through addressing social determinants of health. CONCLUSION We identified and reviewed three frameworks. We concluded all three frameworks have the potential for use in the examination of health inequities in end-of-life care and health outcomes. However, the Conceptual Framework of Minority Access to End-of-Life Care was more applicable to diverse studies and settings when adapted to include fundamental characteristics such as sex and gender. IMPACT Despite the substantial rise in end-of-life care delivery, health inequities persist in end-of-life care access and utilization. Though some studies have been conducted to promote health equity by addressing social determinants of health, progress is hampered by their complex and multi-faceted nature. Through a concrete conceptual framework, researchers can comprehensively examine multi-level factors influencing health inequities in end-of-life care. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This discussion paper focused on reviewing existing evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung A Kang
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, USA
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Cole CS, Roydhouse J, Fink RM, Ozkaynak M, Carpenter JG, Plys E, Wan S, Levy CR. Identifying Nursing Home Residents with Unmet Palliative Care Needs: A Systematic Review of Screening Tool Measurement Properties. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:619-628.e3. [PMID: 37030323 PMCID: PMC10156164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.02.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite common use of palliative care screening tools in other settings, the performance of these tools in the nursing home has not been well established; therefore, the purpose of this review is to (1) identify palliative care screening tools validated for nursing home residents and (2) critically appraise, compare, and summarize the quality of measurement properties. DESIGN Systematic review of measurement properties consistent with Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS Embase (Ovid), MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO), and PsycINFO (Ovid) were searched from inception to May 2022. Studies that (1) reported the development or evaluation of a palliative care screening tool and (2) sampled older adults living in a nursing home were included. METHODS Two reviewers independently screened, selected, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. RESULTS We identified only 1 palliative care screening tool meeting COSMIN criteria, the NECesidades Paliativas (NEC-PAL, equivalent to palliative needs in English), but evidence for use with nursing home residents was of low quality. The NEC-PAL lacked robust testing of measurement properties such as reliability, sensitivity, and specificity in the nursing home setting. Construct validity through hypothesis testing was adequate but only reported in 1 study. Consequently, there is insufficient evidence to guide practice. Broadening the criteria further, this review reports on 3 additional palliative care screening tools identified during the search and screening process but which were excluded during full-text review for various reasons. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Given the unique care environment of nursing homes, we recommend future studies to validate available tools and develop new instruments specifically designed for nursing home use. In the meantime, we recommend that clinicians consider the evidence presented here and choose a screening instrument that best meets their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie S Cole
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Jessica Roydhouse
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Regina M Fink
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; University of Colorado College of Nursing, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Evan Plys
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shaowei Wan
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cari R Levy
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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7
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Eaton TL, Lewis A, Donovan HS, Davis BC, Butcher BW, Alexander SA, Iwashyna TJ, Scheunemann LP, Seaman J. Examining the needs of survivors of critical illness through the lens of palliative care: A qualitative study of survivor experiences. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2023; 75:103362. [PMID: 36528461 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103362] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the needs of adult survivors of critical illness through a lens of palliative care. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY A qualitative study of adult survivors of critical illness using semi-structured interviews and framework analysis. SETTING Participants were recruited from the post-intensive care unit clinic of a mid-Atlantic academic medical center in the United States. FINDINGS Seventeen survivors of critical illness aged 34-80 (median, 66) participated in the study. The majority of patients were female (64.7 %, n = 11) with a median length of index ICU stay of 12 days (interquartile range [IQR] 8-19). Interviews were conducted February to March 2021 and occurred a median of 20 months following the index intensive care stay (range, 13-33 months). We identified six key themes which align with palliative care principles: 1) persistent symptom burden; 2) critical illness as a life-altering experience; 3) spiritual changes and significance; 4) interpreting/managing the survivor experience; 5) feelings of loss and burden; and 6) social support needs. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that palliative care components such as symptom management, goals of care discussions, care coordination, and spiritual and social support may assist in the assessment and treatment of survivors of critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy L Eaton
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; National Clinician Scholars Program (NCSP), Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Anna Lewis
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Care Management Department, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Heidi S Donovan
- Department of Health & Community Systems, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Davis
- School of Law, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brad W Butcher
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sheila A Alexander
- Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Theodore J Iwashyna
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Leslie P Scheunemann
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Seaman
- Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Murali KP, Yu G, Merriman JD, Vorderstrasse A, Kelley AS, Brody AA. Multiple Chronic Conditions among Seriously Ill Adults Receiving Palliative Care. West J Nurs Res 2023; 45:14-24. [PMID: 34433344 PMCID: PMC9040129 DOI: 10.1177/01939459211041174] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) among seriously ill adults receiving palliative care at the end of life. A latent class analysis was conducted to identify latent subgroups of seriously ill older adults based on a baseline Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) measurement, a measure of comorbidity burden, and mortality risk. The three latent subgroups were: (1) low to moderate CCI with MCC, (2) high CCI with MCC, and (3) high CCI and metastatic cancer. The "low to moderate CCI and MCC" subgroup included older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, dementia, diabetes, and lymphoma. A "high CCI and MCC" subgroup included individuals with severe illness including liver or renal disease among other MCCs. A "high CCI and metastatic cancer" included all participants with metastatic cancer. This study sheds light on the MCC profile of seriously ill adults receiving palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gary Yu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - John D. Merriman
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Amy S. Kelley
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abraham A. Brody
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA,Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
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Kremeike K, Bausewein C, Freytag A, Junghanss C, Marx G, Schnakenberg R, Schneider N, Schulz H, Wedding U, Voltz R. [DNVF Memorandum: Health Services Research in the Last Year of Life]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2022. [PMID: 36220106 DOI: 10.1055/a-1889-4705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This memorandum outlines current issues concerning health services research on seriously ill and dying people in the last year of their lives as well as support available for their relatives. Patients in the last phase of life can belong to different disease groups, they may have special characteristics (e. g., people with cognitive and complex impairments, economic disadvantage or migration background) and be in certain phases of life (e. g., parents of minor children, (old) age). The need for a designated memorandum on health services research in the last year of life results from the special situation of those affected and from the special features of health services in this phase of life. With reference to these special features, this memorandum describes methodological and ethical specifics as well as current issues in health services research and how these can be adequately addressed using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods. It has been developed by the palliative medicine section of the German Network for Health Services Research (DNVF) according to the guidelines for DNVF memoranda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Kremeike
- Zentrum für Palliativmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Palliativmedizin, LMU Klinikum München, München, Deutschland
| | - Antje Freytag
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Christian Junghanss
- Hämatologie, Onkologie und Palliativmedizin, Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Gabriella Marx
- Institut und Poliklinik Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | | | - Nils Schneider
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin und Palliativmedizin, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Holger Schulz
- Institut und Poliklinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Ulrich Wedding
- Abteilung Palliativmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Raymond Voltz
- Zentrum für Palliativmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Köln, Deutschland
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Murali KP, Kang JA, Bronstein D, McDonald MV, King L, Chastain AM, Shang J. Measuring Palliative Care-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Confidence in Home Health Care Clinicians, Patients, and Caregivers: A Systematic Review. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1579-1598. [PMID: 35704053 PMCID: PMC9639230 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Integrating palliative care services in the home health care (HHC) setting is an important strategy to provide care for seriously ill adults and improve symptom burden, quality of life, and caregiver burden. Routine palliative care in HHC is only possible if clinicians who provide this care are prepared and patients and caregivers are well equipped with the knowledge to receive this care. A key first step in integrating palliative care services within HHC is to measure preparedness of clinicians and readiness of patients and caregivers to receive it. Objective: The objective of this systematic review was to review existing literature related to the measurement of palliative care-related knowledge, attitudes, and confidence among HHC clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane for relevant articles between 2000 and 2021. Articles were included in the final analysis if they (1) reported specifically on palliative care knowledge, attitudes, or confidence, (2) presented measurement tools, instruments, scales, or questionnaires, (3) were conducted in the HHC setting, (4) and included HHC clinicians, patients, or caregivers. Results: Seventeen articles were included. While knowledge, attitudes, and confidence have been studied in HHC clinicians, patients, and caregivers, results varied significantly across countries and health care systems. No study captured knowledge, attitudes, and confidence of the full HHC workforce; notably, home health aides were not included in the studies. Conclusion: Existing instruments did not comprehensively contain elements of the eight domains of palliative care outlined by the National Consensus Project (NCP) for Quality Palliative Care. A comprehensive psychometrically tested instrument to measure palliative care-related knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in the HHC setting is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Patel Murali
- Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jung A. Kang
- Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Bronstein
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
- George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Margaret V. McDonald
- Center for Home Care Research and Policy, Visiting Nurse Service of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lori King
- Center for Home Care Research and Policy, Visiting Nurse Service of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ashley M. Chastain
- Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jingjing Shang
- Center for Health Policy, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, USA
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11
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Murali KP, Yu G, Merriman JD, Vorderstrasse A, Kelley AS, Brody AA. Latent Class Analysis of Symptom Burden Among Seriously Ill Adults at the End of Life. Nurs Res 2021; 70:443-454. [PMID: 34393192 PMCID: PMC8563402 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serious illness is characterized by high symptom burden that negatively affects quality of life (QOL). Although palliative care research has highlighted symptom burden in seriously ill adults with cancer, symptom burden among those with noncancer serious illness and multiple chronic conditions has been understudied. Latent class analysis is a statistical method that can be used to better understand the relationship between severity of symptom burden and covariates, such as the presence of multiple chronic conditions. Although latent class analysis has been used to highlight subgroups of seriously ill adults with cancer based on symptom clusters, none have incorporated multiple chronic conditions. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to (a) describe the demographic and baseline characteristics of seriously ill adults at the end of life in a palliative care cohort, (b) identify latent subgroups of seriously ill individuals based on severity of symptom burden, and (c) examine variables associated with latent subgroup membership, such as QOL, functional status, and the presence of multiple chronic conditions. METHODS A secondary data analysis of a palliative care clinical trial was conducted. The latent class analysis was based on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, which measures nine symptoms on a scale of 0-10 (e.g., pain, fatigue, nausea, depression, anxiousness, drowsiness, appetite, well-being, and shortness of breath). Clinically significant cut-points for symptom severity were used to categorize each symptom item in addition to a categorized total score. RESULTS Three latent subgroups were identified (e.g., low, moderate, and high symptom burden). Lower overall QOL was associated with membership in the moderate and high symptom burden subgroups. Multiple chronic conditions were associated with statistically significant membership in the high symptom burden latent subgroup. Older adults between 65 and 74 years had a lower likelihood of moderate or high symptom burden subgroup membership compared to the low symptom burden class. DISCUSSION Lower QOL was associated with high symptom burden. Multiple chronic conditions were associated with high symptom burden, which underlines the clinical complexity of serious illness. Palliative care at the end of life for seriously ill adults with high symptom burden must account for the presence of multiple chronic conditions.
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