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Daniels S, Franqui-Rios ND, Mothi SS, Gaitskill E, Cantrell K, Kaye EC. Access to legacy-oriented interventions at end of life for pediatric oncology patients: A decedent cohort review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024:e31066. [PMID: 38757484 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31066] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legacy-oriented interventions have the potential to offer pediatric oncology patients and families comfort at end of life and during bereavement. Certified child life specialists often provide these services, and presently little is known about whether disparities exist in the provision of legacy-oriented interventions. METHODS In this retrospective decedent cohort study, we examined demographic and clinical characteristics from a sample of 678 pediatric oncology patients who died between 2015 and 2019. Bivariate analysis assessed differences between patients who received any versus no legacy-oriented intervention. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations of baseline characteristics and likelihood of receiving legacy-oriented intervention. Further multivariable analysis explored joint effects of significant variables identified in the univariable analysis. RESULTS Fifty-two percent of patients received a legacy-oriented intervention. Older adolescents (≥13 years) were less likely (odds ratio [OR]: 1.73, p = .007) to receive legacy-oriented interventions than younger ones. Patients with home/hospice deaths were also less likely (OR: 19.98, p < .001) to receive interventions compared to patients who passed away at SJCRH locations. Hispanic patients (OR: 1.53, p = .038) and those in palliative care (OR: 10.51, p < .001) were more likely to receive interventions. No significant race association was noted. CONCLUSION All children and adolescents with cancer deserve quality care at end of life, including access to legacy-oriented interventions, yet nearly half of patients in this cohort did not receive these services. By identifying demographic and clinical characteristics associated with decreased odds of receiving legacy-oriented interventions, healthcare professionals can modify end-of-life care processes to improve access. Introducing legacy-oriented interventions early and increasing exposure in community spaces may enhance access to legacy-oriented interventions for pediatric oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Daniels
- Child Life Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nelson D Franqui-Rios
- School of Medicine, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
| | - Suraj S Mothi
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gaitskill
- Child Life Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kathryn Cantrell
- Department of Human Development, Family Studies, and Counseling, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Erica C Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Gallo Marin B, Oliva R, Anandarajah G. Exploring the Beliefs, Values, and Understanding of Quality End-of-Life Care in the Latino Community: A Spanish-Language Qualitative Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:508-515. [PMID: 37408485 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231188693] [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: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Context: Hospice services are underutilized by the Latino community in the United States. Previous research has identified that language is a key barrier contributing to disparities. However, very few studies have been conducted in Spanish to specifically explore other barriers to hospice enrollment or values related to end-of-life (EOL) care in this community. Here, we remove the language barrier in order to gain an in-depth understanding of what members of the diverse Latino community in one state in the USA considers high quality EOL and barriers to hospice. Methods: This exploratory semi-structured individual interview study of Latino community members was conducted in Spanish. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Transcripts were analyzed by three researchers, using a grounded-theory approach to identify themes and sub-themes. Main Findings: Six major themes emerged: (1) concept of "a good death"-spiritual peace, family/community connection, no burdens left behind; (2) centrality of family; (3) lack of knowledge about hospice/palliative care; (4) Spanish language as critical; (5) communication style differences; and (6) necessity for cultural understanding. The central theme of "a good death" was closely linked to having the entire family physically and emotionally present. The four other themes represent interrelated, compounding barriers to achieving this "good death." Principal Conclusions: Healthcare providers and the Latino community can work together to decrease hospice utilization disparities by: actively involving family at every step; addressing misconceptions regarding hospice; conducting important conversations in Spanish; and improving provider skills in culturally sensitive care, including communication style.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rocío Oliva
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gowri Anandarajah
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Hope Hospice and Palliative Care Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
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3
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Baird CE, Wulff-Burchfield E, Egan PC, Hugar LA, Vyas A, Trikalinos NA, Liu MA, Bélanger E, Olszewski AJ, Bantis LE, Panagiotou OA. Predictors of high-intensity care at the end of life among older adults with solid tumors: A population-based study. J Geriatr Oncol 2024; 15:101774. [PMID: 38676975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2024.101774] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High-intensity end-of-life (EoL) care can be burdensome for patients, caregivers, and health systems and does not confer any meaningful clinical benefit. Yet, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the predictors of high-intensity EoL care. In this study, we identify risk factors associated with high-intensity EoL care among older adults with the four most common malignancies, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using SEER-Medicare data, we conducted a retrospective analysis of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older who died of breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer between 2011 and 2015. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify clinical, demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic predictors of high-intensity EoL care, which we defined as death in an acute care hospital, receipt of any oral or parenteral chemotherapy within 14 days of death, one or more admissions to the intensive care unit within 30 days of death, two or more emergency department visits within 30 days of death, or two or more inpatient admissions within 30 days of death. RESULTS Among 59,355 decedents, factors associated with increased likelihood of receiving high-intensity EoL care were increased comorbidity burden (odds ratio [OR]:1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.28-1.30), female sex (OR:1.05; 95% CI:1.01-1.09), Black race (OR:1.14; 95% CI:1.07-1.23), Other race/ethnicity (OR:1.20; 95% CI:1.10-1.30), stage III disease (OR:1.11; 95% CI:1.05-1.18), living in a county with >1,000,000 people (OR:1.23; 95% CI:1.16-1.31), living in a census tract with 10%-<20% poverty (OR:1.09; 95% CI:1.03-1.16) or 20%-100% poverty (OR:1.12; 95% CI:1.04-1.19), and having state-subsidized Medicare premiums (OR:1.18; 95% CI:1.12-1.24). The risk of high-intensity EoL care was lower among patients who were older (OR:0.98; 95% CI:0.98-0.99), lived in the Midwest (OR:0.69; 95% CI:0.65-0.75), South (OR:0.70; 95% CI:0.65-0.74), or West (OR:0.81; 95% CI:0.77-0.86), lived in mostly rural areas (OR:0.92; 95% CI:0.86-1.00), and had poor performance status (OR:0.26; 95% CI:0.25-0.28). Results were largely consistent across cancer types. DISCUSSION The risk factors identified in our study can inform the development of new interventions for patients with cancer who are likely to receive high-intensity EoL care. Health systems should consider incorporating these risk factors into decision-support tools to assist clinicians in identifying which patients should be referred to hospice and palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Baird
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Wulff-Burchfield
- Medical Oncology Division and Palliative Medicine Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, University of Kansas Cancer Center, The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Pamela C Egan
- Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lee A Hugar
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ami Vyas
- University of Rhode Island, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Nikolaos A Trikalinos
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University Medical School Campus, St. Louis, MO, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael A Liu
- Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Bélanger
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Adam J Olszewski
- Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Leonidas E Bantis
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Orestis A Panagiotou
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Caplan H, Santos J, Bershad M, Spritzer K, Liantonio J. Assessment of Feelings Towards Advanced Care Planning in the Latino Community. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:187-192. [PMID: 37159467 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231173413] [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: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have noted that participation in advanced care planning (ACP) and end-of-life (EOL) discussions remain low among Latino communities. Various studies have found that interventions within Latino communities can positively improve engagement in ACP, however, minimal research exists regarding patient satisfaction of ACP discussions with healthcare providers outside of preorganized educational interventions. Our study aims to understand how conversations about ACP are perceived by Latino patients in a primary care setting. METHODS Subjects were identified from the institution's family medicine clinic from October 2021 to October 2022. Participants were those over the age of 50 who identified as Latino and were available at the clinic on the day of survey administration. An 8-question, 5-point, Likert scale survey assessed perceptions about ACP planning and gauged satisfaction of conversations with health care providers. The survey concluded with a multiple-choice question inquiring about individuals whom patients have spoken to regarding ACP/EOL wishes. Survey data was gathered through Qualtrics. RESULTS Of the 33 patients, the majority have at least somewhat thought about their EOL wishes (avg = 3.48/5). Most usually felt they were given enough time with their doctor (avg = 4.12/5) and comfortable speaking about ACP and EOL decisions (avg = 4.55/5). Generally, participants felt somewhat happy with how their doctor has spoken about ACP/EOL care (avg = 3.24/5). However, patients only felt a little to somewhat satisfied with the explanation of ACP/EOL from providers (avg = 2.82/5) and a little to somewhat confident in having the proper forms in place (avg = 2.76/5). Religious officials were a little to somewhat important to these conversations (avg = 2.55/5). Overall, patients have discussed ACP more frequently with family members and friends than health care providers, lawyers, or religious leaders. CONCLUSIONS The initial data demonstrates that many Latino patients are engaging in ACP conversations, both with healthcare providers and loved ones. Patients largely feel comfortable discussing EOL wishes with their doctor suggesting a trustful relationship. However, patients are only somewhat happy with these ACP conversations. Our study highlights a need for enhanced ACP education to improve satisfaction and confidence in formal documentation. Physicians should continue to engage and individualize ACP discussions to increase EOL preparedness among Latino patients.
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Prigerson HG, Neugut AI. You Get (offered) What You (can) Pay for: Explaining Disparities in End-of-Life Cancer Care. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:4721-4723. [PMID: 37339386 PMCID: PMC10602525 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Holly G. Prigerson
- Cornell Center for Research on End-of Life Care, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Alfred I. Neugut
- Department of Medicine and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Sanders JJ, Durieux BN, Cannady K, Johnson KS, Ford DW, Block SD, Paladino J, Sterba KR. Acceptability of a Serious Illness Conversation Guide to Black Americans: Results from a focus group and oncology pilot study. Palliat Support Care 2023; 21:788-797. [PMID: 36184937 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522001298] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Serious illness conversations (SICs) can improve the experience and well-being of patients with advanced cancer. A structured Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG) has been shown to improve oncology patient outcomes but was developed and tested in a predominantly White population. To help address disparities in advanced cancer care, we aimed to assess the acceptability of the SICG among African Americans with advanced cancer and their clinicians. METHODS A two-phase study conducted in Charleston, SC, included focus groups to gather perspectives on the SICG in Black Americans and a single-arm pilot study of a revised SICG with surveys and qualitative exit interviews to evaluate patient and clinician perspectives. We used descriptive analysis of survey results and thematic analysis of qualitative data. RESULTS Community-based and patient focus group participants (N = 20) reported that a simulated conversation using an adapted SICG built connection, promoted control, and fostered consideration of religious faith and family. Black patients with advanced cancer (N = 23) reported that SICG-guided conversations were acceptable, helpful, and promoted conversations with loved ones. Oncologists found conversations feasible to implement and skill-building, and also identified opportunities for training and implementation that could support meeting the needs of their patients with low health literacy. An adapted SICG includes language to assess the strength and affirm the clinician-patient relationship. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS An adapted structured communication tool to facilitate SIC, the SICG, appears acceptable to Black Americans with advanced cancer and seems feasible for use by oncology clinicians working with this population. Further testing in other marginalized populations may address disparities in advanced cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J Sanders
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ariadne Labs, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brigitte N Durieux
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Cannady
- Department of Medicine (Ford) Department of Public Health Sciences (Cannady and Sterba), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kimberly S Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dee W Ford
- Department of Medicine (Ford) Department of Public Health Sciences (Cannady and Sterba), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Susan D Block
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joanna Paladino
- Ariadne Labs, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine R Sterba
- Department of Medicine (Ford) Department of Public Health Sciences (Cannady and Sterba), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Siddiqi A, Monton O, Woods A, Masroor T, Fuller S, Owczarzak J, Yenokyan G, Cooper LA, Freund KM, Smith TJ, Kutner JS, Colborn KL, Joyner R, Elk R, Johnston FM. Dissemination and Implementation of a Community Health Worker Intervention for Disparities in Palliative Care (DeCIDE PC): a study protocol for a hybrid type 1 randomized controlled trial. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:139. [PMID: 37718442 PMCID: PMC10506196 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01250-0] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are persistent racial and ethnic health disparities in end-of-life health outcomes in the United States. African American patients are less likely than White patients to access palliative care, enroll in hospice care, have documented goals of care discussions with their healthcare providers, receive adequate symptom control, or die at home. We developed Community Health Worker Intervention for Disparities in Palliative Care (DeCIDE PC) to address these disparities. DeCIDE PC is an integrated community health worker (CHW) palliative care intervention that uses community health workers (CHWs) as care team members to enhance the receipt of palliative care for African Americans with advanced cancer. The overall objectives of this study are to (1) assess the effectiveness of the DeCIDE PC intervention in improving palliative care outcomes amongst African American patients with advanced solid organ malignancy and their informal caregivers, and (2) develop generalizable knowledge on how contextual factors influence implementation to facilitate dissemination, uptake, and sustainability of the intervention. METHODS We will conduct a multicenter, randomized, assessor-blind, parallel-group, pragmatic, hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial at three cancer centers across the United States. The DeCIDE PC intervention will be delivered over 6 months with CHW support tailored to the individual needs of the patient and caregiver. The primary outcome will be advance care planning. The treatment effect will be modeled using logistic regression. The secondary outcomes are quality of life, quality of communication, hospice care utilization, and patient symptoms. DISCUSSION We expect the DeCIDE PC intervention to improve integration of palliative care, reduce multilevel barriers to care, enhance clinic and patient linkage to resources, and ultimately improve palliative care outcomes for African American patients with advanced cancer. If found to be effective, the DeCIDE PC intervention may be a transformative model with the potential to guide large-scale adoption of promising strategies to improve palliative care use and decrease disparities in end-of-life care for African American patients with advanced cancer in the United States. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05407844). First posted on June 7, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amn Siddiqi
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Olivia Monton
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alison Woods
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Taleaa Masroor
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Shannon Fuller
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jill Owczarzak
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Gayane Yenokyan
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Lisa A Cooper
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2024 East Monument Street, Suite 2-515, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Karen M Freund
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jean S Kutner
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12401 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kathryn L Colborn
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Robert Joyner
- Richard A. Henson Research Institute, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, 100 East Carroll Street, Salisbury, MD, 21801, USA
| | - Ronit Elk
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 933 19th Street S, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Fabian M Johnston
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N Wolfe Street, Blalock 606, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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Alim-Marvasti A, Jawad M, Ogbonnaya C, Naghieh A. Workforce diversity in specialist physicians: Implications of findings for religious affiliation in Anaesthesia & Intensive Care. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288516. [PMID: 37611011 PMCID: PMC10446200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minority ethnic identification between physician and patient can reduce communication and access barriers, improve physician-patient relationship, trust, and health outcomes. Religion influences health beliefs, behaviours, treatment decisions, and outcomes. Ethically contentious dilemmas in treatment decisions are often entangled with religious beliefs. They feature more in medical specialties such as Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, with issues including informed consent for surgery, organ donation, transplant, transfusion, and end-of-life decisions. METHODS We investigate diversity in religious affiliation in the UK medical workforce, using data from the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register and Health Education England (HEE) trainee applications to medical specialties. We performed conservative Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons using Chi-squared tests, as well as normalised mutual-information scores. Robust associations that persisted on all sensitivity analyses are reported, investigating whether ethnicity or foreign primary medical qualification could explain the underlying association. FINDINGS The only significant and robust association in both GMC and HEE datasets affecting the same religious group and specialty was disproportionately fewer Anaesthesia & Intensive Care physicians with a religious affiliation of "Muslim", both as consultants (RR 0.57[0.47,0.7]) and trainee applicants (RR 0.27[0.19,0.38]. Associations were not explained by ethnicity or foreign training. We discuss the myriad of implications of the findings for multi-cultural societies. CONCLUSIONS Lack of physician workforce diversity has far-reaching consequences, especially for specialties such as Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, where ethically contentious decisions could have a big impact. Religious beliefs and practices, or lack thereof, may have unmeasured influences on clinical decisions and on whether patients identify with physicians, which in turn can affect health outcomes. Examining an influencing variable such as religion in healthcare decisions should be prioritised, especially considering findings from the clinician-patient concordance literature. It is important to further explore potential historical and socio-cultural barriers to entry of training medics into under-represented specialties, such as Anaesthesia and Intensive Care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alim-Marvasti
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Jawad
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chibueze Ogbonnaya
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Naghieh
- School of Public Policy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Middlesex University Business School, London, United Kingdom
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Shen MJ, Cho S, De Los Santos C, Yarborough S, Maciejewski PK, Prigerson HG. Planning for Your Advance Care Needs (PLAN): A Communication Intervention to Improve Advance Care Planning among Latino Patients with Advanced Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3623. [PMID: 37509284 PMCID: PMC10377387 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143623] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to develop and optimize an intervention designed to address barriers to engagement in advance care planning (ACP) among Latino patients with advanced cancer. The resulting intervention, titled Planning Your Advance Care Needs (PLAN), is grounded in theoretical models of communication competence and sociocultural theory. MATERIALS AND METHODS An initial version of the PLAN manual was developed based on a prior intervention, Ca-HELP, that was designed to improve communication around pain among cancer patients. PLAN uses this framework to coach patients on how to plan for and communicate their end-of-life care needs through ACP. In the present study, feedback was obtained from key stakeholders (n = 11 patients, n = 11 caregivers, n = 10 experts) on this preliminary version of the PLAN manual. Participants provided ratings of acceptability and feedback around the intervention content, format, design, modality, and delivery through quantitative survey questions and semi-structured qualitative interviews. RESULTS Results indicated that the PLAN manual was perceived to be helpful and easy to understand. All stakeholder groups liked the inclusion of explicit communication scripts and guidance for having conversations about ACP with loved ones and doctors. Specific feedback was given to modify PLAN to ensure it was optimized and tailored for Latino patients. Some patients noted reviewing the manual motivated engagement in ACP. CONCLUSIONS Feedback from stakeholders resulted in an optimized, user-centered version of PLAN tailored to Latino patients. Future research will examine the acceptability, feasibility, and potential efficacy of this intervention to improve engagement in ACP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J. Shen
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Mail Stop D5-290, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (C.D.L.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Susie Cho
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Claudia De Los Santos
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Mail Stop D5-290, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (C.D.L.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Sarah Yarborough
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Mail Stop D5-290, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (C.D.L.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Paul K. Maciejewski
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Holly G. Prigerson
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA;
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10
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Kowaloff R. Even at the end of life, patients of color are denied equity. J Natl Med Assoc 2023; 115:319-320. [PMID: 37032268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kowaloff
- Umass Medical School, Department of Palliative Medicine, 55 Lake Ave N., Worcester, MA 01606.
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Kroll JL, Jones M, Chen AB, Yang CC, Carmack CL, Cohen L, Bruera E, Milbury K. End-of-Life Care, Symptom Burden, and Quality of Life in Couples Facing Stage IV Lung Cancer: The Role of Patient and Spousal Psychospirituality and Discussions Around Fear of Death and Disease Progression. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:690-696. [PMID: 36856536 PMCID: PMC10150712 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0376] [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: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: As patients live longer with stage IV nonsmall cell lung cancer, correlates of end-of-life (EOL) care and experience are increasingly relevant. Methods: We, therefore, prospectively examined associations among psychospirituality (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being), discussions around fear of death and disease progression, and hospital-based EOL care in patients and caregivers. Patients additionally reported symptom burden (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Lung Cancer total) and quality of life (QOL) (quality-of-life at EOL). Results: Of the baseline patients (n = 75), 32% were alive at time of the analyses (mean = 4.6 years postbaseline). Deceased patients (n = 51) were middle aged (mean = 65.3 years) and non-Hispanic White (81%). Caregiver spiritual well-being (r = 0.34, p = 0.02) and depression (r = -0.31, p = 0.03) were associated with EOL care metrics. Patients who "held back" more of their fear of death or disease progression experienced greater symptom burden (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and poorer QOL (r = -0.44, p < 0.001). Conclusion: For couples facing prolonged metastatic disease, psychospirituality is highly relevant to EOL care with potential sequelae of withholding one's fear regarding death or disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet L. Kroll
- Department of Behavioral Science, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Morgan Jones
- Department of Behavioral Science, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aileen B. Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chunyi Claire Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cindy L. Carmack
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kathrin Milbury
- Department of Behavioral Science, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Iguina MM, Danyalian AM, Luque I, Shaikh U, Kashan SB, Morgan D, Heller D, Danckers M. Characteristics, ICU Interventions, and Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Palliative Care Triggers in a Mixed Community-Based Intensive Care Unit. J Palliat Care 2023; 38:126-134. [PMID: 36632687 DOI: 10.1177/08258597221145326] [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: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Integration of palliative care initiatives in the intensive care unit (ICU) benefit patients and improve outcomes. Palliative care triggers (PCTs) is a screening tool that aides in stratifying patients who would benefit most from an early palliative care approach. There is no consensus on PCT selection or best timing for implementation. We evaluated the clinical characteristics, ICU and palliative care interventions, and clinical outcomes of critically ill patients with PCT in a community-based mixed ICU. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a 44-bed adult, mixed ICU in a 407-bed community-based teaching hospital in Florida. Eleven PCTs were used as a screening tool during multidisciplinary rounds (MDRs). Patients were analyzed based on presence or absence of PCT as well as having met high (>2) versus low (<2) PCT. Data collected included patient demographics, ICU resource utilization and clinical outcomes. We considered a two-sided P value of less than .05 to indicate statistical significance with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Of 388 ICU patients, 189 (48.7%) met at least 1 PCT and 199 (51.3%) did not. The trigger group had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Evaluation (APACHE) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores within 24 h of ICU admission. The most common PCTs identified were ICU length of stay greater than 7 days or readmission to ICU, terminal prognosis and assisting family in transitioning goals of care. There were statistically significant differences in ICU resource utilization, palliative care interventions, and overall worse clinical outcomes in the trigger-detected group. Similar findings were seen in the cohort with high PCT (>2). Conclusions: Our study supports the implementation of a tailored 11-item palliative care screening tool to effectively identify ICU patients with high ICU and palliative care interventions and worse clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele M Iguina
- Department of Medicine, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
- Division of Critical Care, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
| | - Aunie M Danyalian
- Department of Medicine, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
- Division of Critical Care, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
| | - Ilko Luque
- Research Department, Graduate Medical Education, HCA East Florida Division, 23686Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, Aventura, FL, USA
| | - Umair Shaikh
- Department of Medicine, Piedmont Eastside Medical Center, Snellville, GA, USA
| | - Sanaz B Kashan
- Department of Medicine, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
| | - Dionne Morgan
- Department of Medicine, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
- Division of Critical Care, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Heller
- Department of Medicine, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
- Division of Critical Care, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
| | - Mauricio Danckers
- Department of Medicine, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
- Division of Critical Care, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Aventura, FL, USA
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13
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Harmon A, Jordan M, Platt A, Wilson J, Keith K, Chandrashekaran S, Schlichte L, Pendergast J, Ming D. Goal-Concordance in Children with Complex Chronic Conditions. J Pediatr 2023; 253:278-285.e4. [PMID: 36257348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize delivery of goal-concordant end-of-life (EOL) care among children with complex chronic conditions and to determine factors associated with goal-concordance. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective review of goals of care discussions for 272 children with at least 1 complex chronic condition who died at a tertiary care hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017. Goals of care and code status were assessed before and within the last 72 hours of life. Goals of care discussions were coded as full interventions; considering withdrawal of interventions (palliation); planned transition to palliation; or actively transitioning/transitioned to palliation. RESULTS In total, 158 children had documented goals of care discussions before and within the last 72 hours of life, 18 had goals of care discussions only >72 hours before death, 54 only in the last 72 hours of life, and 42 had no documented goals of care. For children with goals of care, EOL care was goal-concordant for 82.2%, discordant in 7%, and unclear in 10.8%. Black children had a greater than 8-fold greater odds of discordant care compared with White children (OR 8.34, P = .007). Comparison of goals of care and code status before and within the last 72 hours of life revealed trends toward nonescalation of care. Specifically, rates of active palliation increased from 11.7% to 63.0%, and code status shifted from 32.6% do not resuscitate to 65.2% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, a majority of children had documented goals of care discussions and received goal-concordant EOL care. However, Black children had greater odds of receiving goal-discordant care. Goals of care and code status shifted toward palliation during the last 72 hours of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Harmon
- Department of Pediatrics, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Megan Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Alyssa Platt
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jonathon Wilson
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Kevin Keith
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | | | | | - Jane Pendergast
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - David Ming
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC.
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14
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Bandini JI, Schulson LB, Messan Setodji C, Williams J, Ast K, Ahluwalia SC. "Palliative Care Is the Only Medical Field That I Feel Like I'm Treated As a Person, Not As a Black Person": A Mixed-Methods Study of Minoritized Patient Experiences with Palliative Care. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:220-227. [PMID: 35969381 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0237] [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: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Racial and ethnic disparities are well-documented in health care but generally understudied in palliative care. Objective: The goal of this mixed-methods study was to examine differences in patient experiences by race/ethnicity in palliative care and to qualitatively explore minoritized patient experiences with care for a serious illness. The data for this study were collected as part of a larger national effort to develop quality measures for outpatient palliative care. Setting/Subjects: Patients receiving outpatient palliative care (n = 153 Black patients and 2215 White patients) from 44 palliative care programs across the United States completed the survey; 14 patients and family caregivers who identified as racial/ethnic minorities participated in an in-depth qualitative interview. Measurements: We measured patients' experiences of (1) feeling heard and understood by their palliative care provider and team and (2) receiving desired help for pain using items developed from the larger quality measures project. We also conducted in-depth interviews with 14 patients and family caregivers to understand their experiences of palliative or hospice care to provide additional insight and understand nuances around minoritized patient experiences with palliative care. Results: Survey responses demonstrated that a similar proportion of Black patients and White patients (62.9% vs. 69.3%, p = 0.104) responded "completely true" to feeling heard and understood by their provider and team. Fewer Black patients than White patients felt that their provider understood what was important to them (53.3% vs. 63.9%, p = 0.009). The majority of Black patients and White patients (78.7% vs. 79.1%, p = 0.33) felt that they had received as much help for their pain as they wanted. Interviews with patient and family caregivers revealed positive experiences with palliative care but demonstrated experiences of discrimination in health care before referral to palliative care. Conclusion: Future work is needed to understand nuances around minoritized patient experiences with palliative care and receiving pain and symptom management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucy B Schulson
- RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Katherine Ast
- American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sangeeta C Ahluwalia
- RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
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15
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Zhu Y, Olchanski N, Cohen JT, Freund KM, Faul JD, Fillit HM, Neumann PJ, Lin PJ. Life-Sustaining Treatments Among Medicare Beneficiaries with and without Dementia at the End of Life. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1183-1193. [PMID: 37955089 PMCID: PMC10777481 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230692] [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: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults with dementia including Alzheimer's disease may have difficulty communicating their treatment preferences and thus may receive intensive end-of-life (EOL) care that confers limited benefits. OBJECTIVE This study compared the use of life-sustaining interventions during the last 90 days of life among Medicare beneficiaries with and without dementia. METHODS This cohort study utilized population-based national survey data from the 2000-2016 Health and Retirement Study linked with Medicare and Medicaid claims. Our sample included Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 years or older deceased between 2000 and 2016. The main outcome was receipt of any life-sustaining interventions during the last 90 days of life, including mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, tube feeding, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We used logistic regression, stratified by nursing home use, to examine dementia status (no dementia, non-advanced dementia, advanced dementia) and patient characteristics associated with receiving those interventions. RESULTS Community dwellers with dementia were more likely than those without dementia to receive life-sustaining treatments in their last 90 days of life (advanced dementia: OR = 1.83 [1.42-2.35]; non-advanced dementia: OR = 1.16 [1.01-1.32]). Advance care planning was associated with lower odds of receiving life-sustaining treatments in the community (OR = 0.84 [0.74-0.96]) and in nursing homes (OR = 0.68 [0.53-0.86]). More beneficiaries with advanced dementia received interventions discordant with their EOL treatment preferences. CONCLUSIONS Community dwellers with advanced dementia were more likely to receive life-sustaining treatments at the end of life and such treatments may be discordant with their EOL wishes. Enhancing advance care planning and patient-physician communication may improve EOL care quality for persons with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhu
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalia Olchanski
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua T. Cohen
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen M. Freund
- Center for Health Equity Research, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica D. Faul
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Peter J. Neumann
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pei-Jung Lin
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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"More than conquerors": a qualitative analysis of war metaphors for patients with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2022; 31:87. [PMID: 36573958 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07552-y] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Meaning-making is fundamental to the cancer experience and communication within cancer care is saturated with metaphors. The objective of this study was to better understand the impact and function of war metaphors among patients with cancer. METHODS Patients at the Duke Cancer Center were purposively sampled for inclusion based on type and stage of their cancer. Each patient underwent a semi-structured interview to explore their use of metaphors in their lived experience with cancer. Qualitative interviews broadly explored two key areas of interest: (1) frequency and use of metaphors to describe cancer diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship; (2) function and impact of the war metaphor on the patient experience of cancer. RESULTS Fifteen participants with either breast, lung, or colorectal cancer were interviewed. Most patients used metaphor themes of journey, war, and mystery to describe their cancer. All patients with non-metastatic disease used war metaphors and described how these metaphors facilitated meaning-making by promoting positivity and situating cancer within a larger life story. The few patients who did not use war metaphors had metastatic disease, and they explained that war metaphors were unhelpful due to feeling a lack of control over their metastatic disease and outcomes. CONCLUSION The war metaphor should remain an integral part of cancer care. Disregarding war metaphors robs patients of an important framework for meaning-making-one that may promote strength, continuity, and resilience in navigating cancer.
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17
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Ashana DC, Jan A, Parish A, Johnson KS, Steinhauser KE, Olsen MK, Cox CE. Interpersonal Perception: Family- and Physician-reported Conflict in the Intensive Care Unit. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2022; 19:1937-1942. [PMID: 35622412 PMCID: PMC9667798 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202202-147rl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adina Jan
- Duke University Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Kimberly S Johnson
- Duke University Durham, North Carolina
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center Durham, North Carolina
| | - Karen E Steinhauser
- Duke University Durham, North Carolina
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center Durham, North Carolina
| | - Maren K Olsen
- Duke University Durham, North Carolina
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center Durham, North Carolina
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18
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Koffman J, Bajwah S, Davies JM, Hussain JA. Researching minoritised communities in palliative care: An agenda for change. Palliat Med 2022; 37:530-542. [PMID: 36271636 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221132091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care access, experiences and outcomes of care disadvantage those from ethnically diverse, Indigenous, First nation and First people communities. Research into this field of inquiry raises unique theoretical, methodological, and moral issues. Without the critical reflection of methods of study and reporting of findings, researchers may inadvertently compromise their contribution to reducing injustices and perpetuating racism. AIM To examine key evidence of the place of minoritised communities in palliative care research to devise recommendations that improve the precision and rigour of research and reporting of findings. METHODS Narrative review of articles identified from PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar for 10 years augmented with supplementary searches. RESULTS We identified and appraised 109 relevant articles. Four main themes were identified (i) Lack of precision when working with a difference; (ii) 'black box epidemiology' and its presence in palliative care research; (iii) the inclusion of minoritised communities in palliative care research; and (iv) the potential to cause harm. All stymie opportunities to 'level up' health experiences and outcomes across the palliative care spectrum. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings of this review palliative care research must reflect on and justify the classification of minoritised communities, explore and understand intersectionality, optimise data quality, decolonise research teams and methods, and focus on reducing inequities to level up end-of-life care experiences and outcomes. Palliative care research must be forthright in explicitly indentifying instances of structural and systemic racism in palliative care research and engaging in non-judgemental debate on changes required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Koffman
- University of Hull, Hull York Medical School, Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull, UK
| | - Sabrina Bajwah
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, UK
| | - Joanna M Davies
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, UK
| | - Jamilla Akhter Hussain
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
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19
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Luth EA, Manful A, Prigerson HG, Xiang L, Reich A, Semco R, Weissman JS. Associations between dementia diagnosis and end-of-life care utilization. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:2871-2883. [PMID: 35822659 PMCID: PMC9588556 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a leading cause of death for older adults and is more common among persons from racial/ethnic minoritized groups, who also tend to experience more intensive end-of-life care. This retrospective cohort study compared end-of-life care in persons with and without dementia and identified dementia's moderating effects on the relationship between race/ethnicity and end-of-life care. METHODS Administrative claims data for 463,590 Medicare fee-for-service decedents from 2016 to 2018 were analyzed. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses examined the association of dementia with 5 intensive and 2 quality of life-focused measures. Intensity measures included hospital admission, ICU admission, receipt of any of 5 intensive procedures (CPR, mechanical ventilation, intubation, dialysis initiation, and feeding tube insertion), hospital death, and Medicare expenditures (last 30 days of life). Quality of life measures included timely hospice care (>3 days before death) and days at home (last 6 months of life). Models were adjusted for demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS 54% of Medicare decedents were female, 85% non-Hispanic White, 8% non-Hispanic Black, and 4% Hispanic. Overall, 51% had a dementia diagnosis claim. In adjusted models, decedents with dementia had 16%-29% lower odds of receiving intensive services (AOR hospital death: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.70-0.72; AOR hospital admission: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.83-0.86). Patients with dementia had 45% higher odds of receiving timely hospice (AOR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.42-1.47), but spent 0.74 fewer days at home (adjusted mean: -0.74, 95% CI: (-0.98)-(-0.49)). Compared to non-Hispanic White individuals, persons from racial/ethnic minoritized groups were more likely to receive intensive services. This effect was more pronounced among persons with dementia. CONCLUSIONS Although overall dementia was associated with fewer intensive services near death, beneficiaries from racial/ethnic groups minoritized with dementia experienced more intensive service use. Particular attention is needed to ensure care aligns with the needs and preferences of persons with dementia and from racial/ethnic minoritized groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Luth
- Institute for Health, Healthcare Policy and Aging Research, Department of Family Medicine and Community HealthRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Adoma Manful
- School of Medicine, Division of EpidemiologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUSA
| | - Holly G. Prigerson
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Lingwei Xiang
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's HospitalHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Amanda Reich
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's HospitalHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Joel S. Weissman
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's HospitalHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
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20
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Huepenbecker SP, Lewis S, Valentine MC, Palisoul ML, Thaker PH, Hagemann AR, McCourt CK, Fuh KC, Powell MA, Mutch DG, Kuroki LM. Gynecologic oncology patient perspectives and knowledge on advance care planning: A quality improvement intervention. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2022; 43:101060. [PMID: 36032812 PMCID: PMC9399146 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2022.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecologic oncology patients prefer advance care planning (ACP) communication outpatient with their gynecologic oncologist. A quality improvement intervention offering advance care planning resources increased ACP discussions. A quality improvement intervention offering advance care planning resources improved ACP document creation proficiency.
Objectives Assess and improve advance care planning (ACP) awareness and uptake among gynecologic oncology patients. Methods Using a quality improvement Plan-Do-Check-Act framework, we completed a single institution needs assessment and intervention. The needs assessment was a 26-question survey assessing baseline ACP knowledge and preferences of gynecologic oncology patients. We used this survey to implement an outpatient intervention in which patients were offered ACP resources (pamphlet, discussion with their gynecologic oncologist, and/or social work referral). We conducted a post-intervention survey among patients who had and had not received ACP resource(s) to assess whether our intervention increased ACP knowledge, discussions, or uptake. Results Among 106 patients surveyed in the needs assessment, 33 % had ACP documents, 26 % had discussed ACP with a physician, and 82 % thought discussing ACP was important. The majority preferred these conversations in the outpatient setting (52 %) with their gynecologic oncologist (80 %) instead of nurses or trainees. In the intervention, 526 patients were offered ACP resources. Compared to women who did not receive resources (n = 324), patients who received ACP resource(s) (n = 202) were more likely to have ACP discussions with their gynecologic oncologist (38 % vs 68 %, P = 0.001) and had greater proficiency regarding how to create ACP documents (median score 5/10 vs 8/10, P = 0.048), although they were no more likely to have ACP documented in their electronic medical record (27 % vs 9 %, p = 0.08). Conclusions ACP uptake among gynecologic oncology patients is low, but ACP discussions with an oncologist during outpatient visits are important to patients and improve their knowledge regarding completing ACP documents.
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21
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Van Scoy LJ, Levi BH, Bramble C, Calo W, Chinchilli VM, Currin L, Grant D, Hollenbeak C, Katsaros M, Marlin S, Scott AM, Tucci A, VanDyke E, Wasserman E, Witt P, Green MJ. Comparing two advance care planning conversation activities to motivate advance directive completion in underserved communities across the USA: The Project Talk Trial study protocol for a cluster, randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:829. [PMID: 36180899 PMCID: PMC9523194 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06746-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance care planning (ACP) is a process involving conversations between patients, loved ones, and healthcare providers that consider patient preferences for the types of medical therapies received at the end of life. Underserved populations, including Black, Hispanic, rural, and low-income communities are less likely to engage in ACP than other communities, a health inequity that results in lower-quality care and reduced hospice utilization. The purpose of this trial is to compare efficacy of two interventions intended to motivate ACP (particularly advance directive completion) for those living in underserved communities. METHODS This 3-armed cluster, randomized controlled mixed methods design is being conducted in 75 community venues in underserved communities across the USA. The goal of the trial is to compare the efficacy of two interventions at motivating ACP. Arm 1 uses an end-of-life conversation game (Hello); Arm 2 uses a nationally utilized workshop format for ACP conversations (The Conversation Project); and Arm 3 uses an attention control game (TableTopics). Events are held in partnership with 75 local community-based host organizations and will involve 1500 participants (n=20 per event). The primary outcome is completion of a visually verified advance directive at 6 months post-event. Primary analyses compare efficacy of each intervention to each other and the control arm. Secondary mixed methods outcomes include (a) other ACP behaviors and engagement; (b) communication quality; (c) impact of sociocultural environment on ACP (via qualitative interviews); and (d) implementation and sustainability. Subgroup analyses examine outcomes for Black, Hispanic, and rural groups in particular. DISCUSSION This trial will add to the evidence base behind various conversational ACP interventions, examine potential mechanisms of action for such interventions, and provide qualitative data to better understand the sociocultural environment of how community-based ACP interventions are experienced by underserved populations. Results will also provide important data for future researchers to learn whether visual verification of advance directives is necessary or whether reliance on self-reported outcomes is of comparable value. Data from this study will inform ways to effectively motivate underserved communities to participate in advance care planning. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04612738. Registered on October 12, 2020. All information from the WHO Trial Registration Data Set can be found within the protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J. Van Scoy
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Dr., H-041, Hershey, PA 17033-0850 USA
- Department of Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17036 USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 90 Hope Drive, Academic Support Building, Suite 2200, Mail Code A210, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Benjamin H. Levi
- Department of Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17036 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Suite 4400, Mail Code A444, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Cindy Bramble
- Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L St. NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC, 20036 USA
| | - William Calo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 90 Hope Drive, Academic Support Building, Suite 2200, Mail Code A210, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Vernon M. Chinchilli
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 90 Hope Drive, Academic Support Building, Suite 2200, Mail Code A210, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Lindsey Currin
- Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L St. NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC, 20036 USA
| | - Denise Grant
- Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L St. NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC, 20036 USA
| | - Christopher Hollenbeak
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, 604E Donald H. Ford Bldg., University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Maria Katsaros
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Dr., H-041, Hershey, PA 17033-0850 USA
| | - Sara Marlin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 90 Hope Drive, Academic Support Building, Suite 2200, Mail Code A210, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Allison M. Scott
- Department of Communication, University of Kentucky, 275 Blazer Dining Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506 USA
| | - Amy Tucci
- Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L St. NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC, 20036 USA
| | - Erika VanDyke
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Dr., H-041, Hershey, PA 17033-0850 USA
| | - Emily Wasserman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 90 Hope Drive, Academic Support Building, Suite 2200, Mail Code A210, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Pamela Witt
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Dr., H-041, Hershey, PA 17033-0850 USA
| | - Michael J. Green
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Dr., H-041, Hershey, PA 17033-0850 USA
- Department of Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17036 USA
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22
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Gazaway S, Chuang E, Thompson M, White-Hammond G, Elk R. Respecting Faith, Hope, and Miracles in African American Christian Patients at End-of-Life: Moving from Labeling Goals of Care as "Aggressive" to Providing Equitable Goal-Concordant Care. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2022:10.1007/s40615-022-01385-5. [PMID: 35947300 PMCID: PMC10026148 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we demonstrate first how the term "aggressive care," used loosely by clinicians to denote care that can negatively impact quality of life in serious illness, is often used to inappropriately label the preferences of African American patients, and discounts, discredits, and dismisses the deeply held beliefs of African American Christians. This form of biased communication results in a higher proportion of African Americans than whites receiving care that is non-goal-concordant and contributes to the prevailing lack of trust the African American community has in our healthcare system. Second, we invite clinicians and health care centers to make the perspectives of socially marginalized groups (in this case, African American Christians) the central axis around which we find solutions to this problem. Based on this, we provide insight and understanding to clinicians caring for seriously ill African American Christian patients by sharing their beliefs, origins, and substantive importance to the African American Christian community. Third, we provide recommendations to clinicians and healthcare systems that will result in African Americans, regardless of religious affiliation, receiving equitable levels of goal-concordant care if implemented. KEY MESSAGE: Labeling care at end-of-life as "aggressive" discounts the deeply held beliefs of African American Christians. By focusing on the perspectives of this group clinicians will understand the importance of respecting their religious values. The focus on providing equitable goal-concordant care is the goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shena Gazaway
- Department of Family, School of Nursing, University of Alabama Birmingham, Community, and Health Systems 1720 2nd Avenue South, AB, N485C,35294-1210, Birmingham, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Ronit Elk
- School of Medicine, UAB, Birmingham, AL, USA
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23
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Patel NK, Passalacqua SA, Meyer KN, de Erausquin GA. Full Code to Do-Not-Resuscitate: Culturally Adapted Palliative Care Consultations and Code Status Change Among Seriously Ill Hispanic Patients. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2022; 39:791-797. [PMID: 34467766 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211042305] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care and hospice services are disproportionately underutilized by ethnic minority patients. Addressing barriers to utilization of these services is critical to reducing disparities. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a culturally adapted palliative care consultation service for Hispanics on end-of-life decisions, specifically likelihood of changing from full code to do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status during index admission for serious illness. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was applied to data extracted from electronic health records (EHR) of patients seen by a Geriatric Palliative Care service during inpatient stays between 2018 and 2019. The majority of referrals came from critical care sites. Culturally adapted palliative care consultations using the SPIKES tool featured a Spanish-speaking team member leading discussions, involvement of multiple and key family members, and a chaplain who is a Catholic Priest. RESULTS The analytic sample included 351 patients who were, on average, 72 years old. 54.42% were female, 59.54% were Hispanic, and of Hispanic patients, 47.37% spoke primarily Spanish. Culturally adapted consults resulted in higher rates of conversion to DNR status in palliative cases of the target population. Both primary language and ethnicity were associated with likelihood of change from full code to DNR status, such that Spanish speakers and those of Hispanic ethnicity were more likely to switch to DNR than non-Hispanics and English-Speakers. CONCLUSION This study illustrates how culturally adapted palliative care consultations can help reduce barriers and improve end-of-life decision-making, and can be applied with similar populations of seriously ill Hispanic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neela K Patel
- Division of Geriatrics and Supportive Care, Joe R and Teresa Long School of Medicine, 12346University of Texas Health San Antonio, TX, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Joe and Teresa Long School of Medicine, 12346University of Texas Health San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Kylie N Meyer
- School of Nursing, 14742>UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gabriel A de Erausquin
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Joe and Teresa Long School of Medicine, 12346University of Texas Health San Antonio, TX, USA
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24
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Chuang E, Yu S, Georgia A, Nymeyer J, Williams J. A Decade of Studying Drivers of Disparities in End-of-Life Care for Black Americans: Using the NIMHD Framework for Health Disparities Research to Map the Path Ahead. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:e43-e52. [PMID: 35381316 PMCID: PMC9189009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the existing literature on racial disparities in quality of palliative and end-of-life care and to demonstrate gaps in the exploration of underlying mechanisms that produce these disparities. BACKGROUND Countless studies over several decades have revealed that our healthcare system in the United States consistently produces poorer quality end-of-life care for Black compared with White patients. Effective interventions to reduce these disparities are sparse and hindered by a limited understanding of the root causes of these disparities. METHODS We searched PubMed, CINAHL and PsychInfo for research manuscripts that tested hypotheses about causal mechanisms for disparities in end-of-life care for Black patients. These studies were categorized by domains outlined in the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) framework, which are biological, behavioral, physical/built environment, sociocultural and health care systems domains. Within these domains, studies were further categorized as focusing on the individual, interpersonal, community or societal level of influence. RESULTS The majority of the studies focused on the Healthcare System and Sociocultural domains. Within the Health Care System domain, studies were evenly distributed among the individual, interpersonal, and community level of influence, but less attention was paid to the societal level of influence. In the Sociocultural domain, most studies focused on the individual level of influence. Those focusing on the individual level of influence tended to be of poorer quality. CONCLUSIONS The sociocultural environment, physical/built environment, behavioral and biological domains remain understudied areas of potential causal mechanisms for racial disparities in end-of-life care. In the Healthcare System domain, social influences including healthcare policy and law are understudied. In the sociocultural domain, the majority of the studies still focused on the individual level of influence, missing key areas of research in interpersonal discrimination and local and societal structural discrimination. Studies that focus on individual factors should be better screened to ensure that they are of high quality and avoid stigmatizing Black communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Chuang
- Department of Family and Social Medicine (E.C.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
| | - Sandra Yu
- Columbia Mailman School of Public Health (S.Y.), New York, NY, USA
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25
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Barnato AE, Johnson GR, Birkmeyer JD, Skinner JS, O'Malley AJ, Birkmeyer NJO. Advance Care Planning and Treatment Intensity Before Death Among Black, Hispanic, and White Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:1996-2002. [PMID: 35412179 PMCID: PMC9002036 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07530-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black and Hispanic people are more likely to contract COVID-19, require hospitalization, and die than White people due to differences in exposures, comorbidity risk, and healthcare access. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of race and ethnicity with treatment decisions and intensity for patients hospitalized for COVID-19. DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis of manually abstracted electronic medical records. PATIENTS 7,997 patients (62% non-Hispanic White, 16% non-Black Hispanic, and 23% Black) hospitalized for COVID-19 at 135 community hospitals between March and June 2020 MAIN MEASURES: Advance care planning (ACP), do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (MV), and in-hospital mortality. Among decedents, we classified the mode of death based on treatment intensity and code status as treatment limitation (no MV/DNR), treatment withdrawal (MV/DNR), maximal life support (MV/no DNR), or other (no MV/no DNR). KEY RESULTS Adjusted in-hospital mortality was similar between White (8%) and Black patients (9%, OR=1.1, 95% CI=0.9-1.4, p=0.254), and lower among Hispanic patients (6%, OR=0.7, 95% CI=0.6-1.0, p=0.032). Black and Hispanic patients were significantly more likely to be treated in the ICU (White 23%, Hispanic 27%, Black 28%) and to receive mechanical ventilation (White 12%, Hispanic 17%, Black 16%). The groups had similar rates of ACP (White 12%, Hispanic 12%, Black 11%), but Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to have a DNR order (White 13%, Hispanic 8%, Black 7%). Among decedents, there were significant differences in mode of death by race/ethnicity (treatment limitation: White 39%, Hispanic 17% (p=0.001), Black 18% (p<0.0001); treatment withdrawal: White 26%, Hispanic 43% (p=0.002), Black 28% (p=0.542); and maximal life support: White 21%, Hispanic 26% (p=0.308), Black 36% (p<0.0001)). CONCLUSIONS Hospitalized Black and Hispanic COVID-19 patients received greater treatment intensity than White patients. This may have simultaneously mitigated disparities in in-hospital mortality while increasing burdensome treatment near death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber E Barnato
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.,Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - John D Birkmeyer
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.,Sound Physicians, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan S Skinner
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.,Department of Economics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Allistair James O'Malley
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.,Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Nancy J O Birkmeyer
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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26
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Kara M, Foster S, Cantrell K. Racial Disparities in the Provision of Pediatric Psychosocial End-of-Life Services: A Systematic Review. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1510-1517. [PMID: 35588290 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: When compared with White patients, racial and ethnic minorities experience greater barriers to quality end-of-life care. Each year, approximately 52,000 children die in the United States, yet little is known about the disparities in pediatric palliative care, especially when looking at psychosocial palliative care services such as those provided by child life specialists, social workers, and pediatric psychologists. Objectives: In an effort to consolidate and synthesize the literature on this topic for psychosocial professionals working with children and families confronting a life-threatening diagnosis, a review was conducted. Design: This work was a systematic review of several academic databases that were searched from January 2000 to December 2020 for studies exploring disparities in pediatric end-of-life services and written in English. Setting/Subjects: This review was conducted in the United States. The search yielded 109 articles, of which 16 were included for review. Measurements: Three psychosocial researchers independently reviewed, critically appraised, and synthesized the results. Results: Emerging themes from the literature (n = 16) include service enrollment, decision making, and communication. Results highlight a lack of research discussing psychosocial variables and the provision of psychosocial services. Despite this gap, authors were able to extract recommendations relevant to psychosocial providers from the medical-heavy literature. Conclusions: Recommendations call for more research specific to possible disparities in psychosocial care as this is vital to support families of all backgrounds who are confronting the difficulties of pediatric loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashal Kara
- Department of Human Development, Family Studies, and Counseling, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah Foster
- Eliot-Pearson Department of Human Development and Child Studies, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathryn Cantrell
- Department of Human Development, Family Studies, and Counseling, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, USA
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27
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Disparities in place of death for patients with primary brain tumors and brain metastases in the USA. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:6795-6805. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07120-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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28
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Jones KF, Laury E, Sanders JJ, Starr LT, Rosa WE, Booker SQ, Wachterman M, Jones CA, Hickman S, Merlin JS, Meghani SH. Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Delivering Antiracist Care to Black Americans. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:479-487. [PMID: 34788577 PMCID: PMC9022452 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Racial disparities, including decreased hospice utilization, lower quality symptom management, and poor-quality end-of-life care have been well documented in Black Americans. Improving health equity and access to high-quality serious illness care is a national palliative care (PC) priority. Accomplishing these goals requires clinician reflection, engagement, and large-scale change in clinical practice and health-related policies. In this article, we provide an overview of key concepts that underpin racism in health care, discuss common serious illness disparities in Black Americans, and propose steps to promote the delivery of antiracist PC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esther Laury
- Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA.,Address correspondence to: Esther Laury, PhD, RN, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., US Outcomes Research, 351 N. Sumneytown Pike, North Wales, PA 19454, USA
| | - Justin J. Sanders
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren T. Starr
- New Courtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William E. Rosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Staja Q. Booker
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Melissa Wachterman
- Section of General Internal Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher A. Jones
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan Hickman
- Department of Community and Health Systems, Indiana University School of Nursing, Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica S. Merlin
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Salimah H. Meghani
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,New Courtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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29
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Van Scoy LJ, Witt PD, Bramble C, Richardson C, Putzig I, Currin L, Wasserman E, Tucci A, Levi BH, Green MJ. Success of a Community-Based Delivery at Recruiting Individuals from Underserved Communities for an Observational Cohort Study of an Advance Care Planning Intervention. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e149-e154. [PMID: 34662724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Underserved and minority populations are often reluctant to engage in advance care planning and/or research often due to distrust in healthcare and/or research institutions. AIM To determine if use of a community-based delivery model can facilitate recruitment of individuals from underserved communities in research about advance care planning. DESIGN Recruitment data are presented from a prospective, mixed methods observational cohort study that examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a community-based delivery model involving an end-of-life conversation game to motivate participants to complete advance care planning behaviors. Event attendance and research participation data are reported. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Game events were held in community venues in 27 states across the US in 2018-2019. The model involved leveraging existing social networks to recruit attendees and research participants to community game day events. Attendees were eligible for research if they were adults who read/spoke English. RESULTS A total of 1,122 individuals attended events at 53 sites. Participants generally reported low income (48% reported $30,000 annual income). At sites with research assistants, there was a 90% consent rate (92% were Black). At community outreach sites, 45% agreed to a follow-up research phone call (49% were Black). CONCLUSIONS Use of the community-based delivery model successfully engaged undeserved communities in a research-based advance care planning related community outreach event. This model may be useful for overcoming underserved and minority populations' skepticism and distrust of healthcare and research that is a common barrier to progress in health agendas, especially advance care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jodi Van Scoy
- Departments of Medicine (L.J.V.S., P.D.W, M.J.G.), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Humanities (L.J.V.S., B.H.L., M.J.G.), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences (L.J.V.S., E.W.), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Pamela D Witt
- Departments of Medicine (L.J.V.S., P.D.W, M.J.G.), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cindy Bramble
- Hospice Foundation of America (C.B., C.R., I.P., L.C., A.T.), Washington, D.C., USA
| | | | - Irene Putzig
- Hospice Foundation of America (C.B., C.R., I.P., L.C., A.T.), Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Lindsey Currin
- Hospice Foundation of America (C.B., C.R., I.P., L.C., A.T.), Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Emily Wasserman
- Department of Public Health Sciences (L.J.V.S., E.W.), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy Tucci
- Hospice Foundation of America (C.B., C.R., I.P., L.C., A.T.), Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Benjamin H Levi
- Department of Humanities (L.J.V.S., B.H.L., M.J.G.), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine (B.H.L.), Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael J Green
- Departments of Medicine (L.J.V.S., P.D.W, M.J.G.), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Humanities (L.J.V.S., B.H.L., M.J.G.), Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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30
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Kutney-Lee A, Bellamy SL, Ersek M, Medvedeva EL, Smith D, Thorpe JM, Brooks Carthon JM. Care processes and racial/ethnic differences in family reports of end-of-life care among Veterans: A mediation analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:1095-1105. [PMID: 34985133 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bereaved family members of racial/ethnic minority Veterans are less likely than families of White Veterans to provide favorable overall ratings of end-of-life (EOL) care quality; however, the underlying mechanisms for these differences have not been explored. The objective of this study was to examine whether a set of EOL care process measures mediated the association between Veteran race/ethnicity and bereaved families' overall rating of the quality of EOL care in VA medical centers (VAMCs). METHODS A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of linked Bereaved Family Survey (BFS), administrative and clinical data was conducted. The sample included 17,911 Veterans (mean age: 73.7; SD: 11.6) who died on an acute or intensive care unit across 121 VAMCs between October 2010 and September 2015. Mediation analyses were used to assess whether five care processes (potentially burdensome transitions, high-intensity EOL treatment, and the BFS factors of Care and Communication, Emotional and Spiritual Support, and Death Benefits) significantly affected the association between Veteran race/ethnicity and a poor/fair BFS overall rating. RESULTS Potentially burdensome transitions, high-intensity EOL treatment, and the three BFS factors of Care and Communication, Emotional and Spiritual Support, and Death Benefits did not substantially mediate the relationship between Veteran race/ethnicity and poor/fair overall ratings of quality of EOL care by bereaved family members. CONCLUSIONS The reasons underlying poorer ratings of quality of EOL care among bereaved family members of racial/ethnic minority Veterans remain largely unexplained. More research on identifying potential mechanisms, including experiences of racism, and the unique EOL care needs of racial and ethnic minority Veterans and their families is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Kutney-Lee
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scarlett L Bellamy
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mary Ersek
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elina L Medvedeva
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dawn Smith
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua M Thorpe
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - J Margo Brooks Carthon
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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31
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Ivey GD, Johnston FM. Barriers to Equitable Palliative Care Utilization Among Patients with Cancer. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2021; 31:9-20. [PMID: 34776067 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2021.07.003] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Over the past half century, palliative care has grown to become a pillar of clinical oncology. Its practice revolves around relieving suffering and optimizing quality of life, not just dealing with end-of-life decisions. Despite evidence that palliative care has the potential to reduce health care utilization and improve advance care planning without affecting mortality, palliative care remains inequitably accessible and underutilized. Furthermore, it is still too often introduced late in the care of patients receiving surgical intervention. This article summarizes the numerous and complex barriers to equitable palliative care utilization among patients with cancer. Potential strategies for dismantling these barriers are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel D Ivey
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, 600 North Wolfe Street, Blalock 611, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Fabian M Johnston
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, 600 North Wolfe Street, Blalock 606, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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32
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Davis ES, Martinez I, Hurst G, Bhatia S, Johnston EE. Early palliative care is associated with less intense care in children dying with cancer in Alabama: A retrospective, single-site study. Cancer 2021; 128:391-400. [PMID: 34614197 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regional studies show that children with cancer receive medically intense end-of-life (EOL) care, but EOL care patterns, including palliative care utilization in Alabama, remain unknown. METHODS This was a retrospective study of 233 children (0-19 years) who received cancer-directed therapy at Children's of Alabama and died from 2010 through 2019. Rates and disparities in palliative care utilization and the association between palliative care and intense EOL care, death location, and hospice were examined. RESULTS The median death age was 11 years; 62% were non-Hispanic White. Forty-one percent had a non-central nervous system (CNS) solid tumor. Fifty-eight percent received palliative care, and 36% received early palliative care (≥30 days before death). Children without relapsed/refractory disease were less likely to receive palliative care than those who had relapsed/refractory disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1-0.7). Children with CNS tumors and hematologic malignancies were less likely to have early palliative care (aOR for CNS tumors, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7; aOR for hematologic malignancies, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7) than children with non-CNS solid tumors. Late palliative care (vs none) was associated with more medically intense care (aOR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-7.8) and hospital death (aOR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.9-11.6). Early palliative care (vs none) was associated with more hospice enrollment (aOR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.5-7.6) but not medically intense care (aOR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.6-2.9) or hospital death (aOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.8-3.7). CONCLUSIONS Fifty-eight percent of children dying of cancer in Alabama receive palliative care, but EOL care varies with the receipt and timing (early vs late) of palliative care. Whether this variation reflects differences in child and family preferences or systemic factors (eg, hospice access) remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Davis
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Isaac Martinez
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Garrett Hurst
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Carhuapoma LR, Thayer WM, Elmore CE, Gildersleeve J, Singh T, Shaukat F, Uveges MK, Gray T, Chu C, Song D, Hollen PJ, Wenzel J, Jones RA. Employing a mobile health decision aid to improve decision-making for patients with advanced prostate cancer and their decision partners/proxies: the CHAMPION randomized controlled trial study design. Trials 2021; 22:631. [PMID: 34530868 PMCID: PMC8444368 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05602-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic prostate cancer remains a lethal malignancy that warrants novel supportive interventions for patients and their decision partners and proxies. Decision aids have been applied primarily to patients with localized disease, with minimal inclusion of patients with advanced prostate cancer and their decision partners. The use of a community patient navigator (CPN) has been shown to have a positive supportive role in health care, particularly with individuals from minority populations. Research is needed to evaluate decision support interventions tailored to the needs of advanced prostate cancer patients and their decision partners in diverse populations. METHODS Guided by Janis and Mann's Conflict Model of Decision Making, the Cancer Health Aid to Manage Preferences and Improve Outcomes through Navigation (CHAMPION) is a randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth), CPN-administered decision support intervention designed to facilitate communication between patients, their decision partners, and the healthcare team. Adult prostate cancer patients and their decision partners at three mid-Atlantic hospitals in the USA were randomized to receive enhanced usual care or the decision intervention. The CHAMPION intervention includes a theory-based decision-making process tutorial, immediate and health-related quality of life graphical summaries over time (using mHealth), values clarification via a balance sheet procedure with the CPN support during difficult decisions, and facilitated discussions with providers to enhance informed, shared decision-making. DISCUSSION The CHAMPION intervention is designed to leverage dynamic resources, such as CPN teams, mHealth technology, and theory-based information, to support decision-making for advanced prostate cancer patients and their decision partners. This intervention is intended to engage decision partners in addition to patients and represents a novel, sustainable, and scalable way to build on individual and community strengths. Patients from minority populations, in particular, may face unique challenges during clinical communication. CHAMPION emphasizes the inclusion of decision partners and CPNs as facilitators to help address these barriers to care. Thus, the CHAMPION intervention has the potential to positively impact patient and decision partner well-being by reducing decisional conflict and decision regret related to complex, treatment-based decisions, and to reduce cancer health disparities. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03327103 . Registered on 31 October 2017-retrospectively registered. World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set included in Supplementary Materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes R. Carhuapoma
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, 202 Jeanette Lancaster Way, PO Box 800782, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
- Division of Neurosciences Critical Care, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287 USA
| | - Winter M. Thayer
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205 USA
| | - Catherine E. Elmore
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, 202 Jeanette Lancaster Way, PO Box 800782, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Jane Gildersleeve
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, 202 Jeanette Lancaster Way, PO Box 800782, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Tanmay Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 401 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231 USA
| | - Farah Shaukat
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205 USA
| | - Melissa K. Uveges
- Boston College Connell School of Nursing, Maloney Hall 375, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA USA
| | - Tamryn Gray
- Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 375 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Crystal Chu
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, 202 Jeanette Lancaster Way, PO Box 800782, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Daniel Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 401 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231 USA
| | - Patricia J. Hollen
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, 202 Jeanette Lancaster Way, PO Box 800782, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Jennifer Wenzel
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205 USA
| | - Randy A. Jones
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, 202 Jeanette Lancaster Way, PO Box 800782, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
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Chu A, Barbera L, Sutradhar R, Oz UE, O'Leary E, Seow H. Association between end-of-life cancer care and immigrant status: a retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042978. [PMID: 34078633 PMCID: PMC8173292 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare recent immigrants and long-term residents in Ontario, Canada, on established health service quality indicators of end-of-life cancer care. DESIGN Retrospective, population-based cohort study of cancer decedents between 2004 and 2015. SETTING Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS We grouped 13 085 immigrants who arrived in Ontario in 1985 or later into eight major ethnic groups based on birth country, mother tongue and surname, and compared them to 229 471 long-term residents who were ≥18 years at the time of death. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Aggressive care, defined as a composite of ≥2 emergency department visits, ≥2 new hospitalisations or an intensive care unit admission within 30 days of death; and supportive care, defined as a physician house call within 2 weeks, or palliative nursing or personal support worker home visit within 6 months of death. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between immigration status and the odds of each main outcome. RESULTS Compared with long-term residents, immigrants overall and by ethnic group had higher rates of aggressive care (13.7% vs 17.5%, respectively; p<0.001). Among immigrants, Southeast Asians had the highest use while White-Eastern and Western Europeans had the lowest. Supportive care use was similar between long-term residents and immigrants (50.0% vs 50.5%, respectively; p=0.36), though lower among Southeast Asians (46.6%) and higher among White-Western Europeans (55.6%). After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities, immigrants remained more likely than long-term residents to receive aggressive care (OR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.21), yet were less likely to receive supportive care (OR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS Among cancer decedents in Ontario, immigrants are more likely to use aggressive healthcare services at the end of life than long-term residents, while supportive care varies by ethnicity. Contributors to variation in end-of-life care require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chu
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Barbera
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rinku Sutradhar
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Hsien Seow
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Suthumphong C, Tran DB, Ruiz M. Perceptions and Misperceptions of Early Palliative Care Interventions for Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation. Cureus 2021; 13:e13876. [PMID: 33868840 PMCID: PMC8043049 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell or bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is one of the most promising and potentially curative therapeutic options available for eligible patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) or leukemias. However, the nature and clinical course of HMs, specifically for patients undergoing BMT, are associated with significant morbidity, symptomatology, healthcare service utilization, psychosocial and end of life issues, and overall decreased quality of life. Early palliative care (PC) consultations and utilization for patients with HMs have been shown to improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, and autonomy as well as caregiver burden, shared-decision making, and holistic care management. Despite the complexity of care and complications for patients with HM undergoing BMT, early PC interventions are systematically underutilized and understudied in this population compared to patients with solid tumors or non-HMs. Herein, the authors reviewed the current literature and knowledge to assess and report the perceptions and barriers to early PC utilization in the care of patients with HMs undergoing BMT. Clinical and cultural aspects of PC perceptions as well as current PC care models and potential directions for PC implementation were reviewed to inform future research studies and clinical practice guidelines necessary for the improvement of care and quality of life for HM patients undergoing BMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Suthumphong
- Translational Medicine, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Dan B Tran
- Translational Medicine, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Marco Ruiz
- Translational Medicine, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, USA.,Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, USA
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Cipriano-Steffens T, Cursio JF, Hlubocky F, Sumner M, Garnigan-Peters D, Powell J, Arndt N, Phillips L, Lassiter RH, Gilliam M, Petty LE, Pastor RSO, Malec M, Fitchett G, Polite B. Improving End of Life Cancer Outcomes Through Development and Implementation of a Spiritual Care Advocate Program. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 38:1441-1450. [PMID: 33663241 DOI: 10.1177/1049909121995413] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Explored whether increased support for spiritual concerns between the healthcare team and patients through the provision of a Spiritual Care Advocate (SCA) would improve end of life outcomes in a metastatic cancer population. DESIGN Newly diagnosed metastatic cancer patients were recruited at the University of Chicago Medical Center and received spiritual support from a Spiritual Care Advocate during chemotherapy treatments. The final sample consisted of 42 patients (58% of those approached) who completed the baseline survey and had known survival status. MEASUREMENT Patients completed pre/post surveys measuring spiritual support and palliative quality of life. Baseline measurements of religious practice and externalizing religious health beliefs were also obtained. Receipt of aggressive EOL care was derived from the electronic medical record. RESULT Median age was 61 years, with 48% Black, and predominantly male (62%). Of the 42 patients, 30 (70%) had died by the time of this analysis. Perceived spiritual support from the medical team increased in 47% of those who received non-aggressive EOL care and by 40% in those who received aggressive EOL care (p=0.012). Patient perceptions of spiritual support from the medical community increased from 27% at baseline to 63% (p=0.005) after the SCA intervention. Only 20% of recipients received aggressive treatments at end of life. CONCLUSION The SCA model improved the perceived spiritual support between the healthcare team and patients. Although limited by a small sample size, the model was also associated with an improvement in EOL patients' quality of life, spiritual wellbeing, and decreased aggressive EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John F Cursio
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fay Hlubocky
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marsha Sumner
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Judy Powell
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicole Arndt
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lee Phillips
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Monica Malec
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - George Fitchett
- Department of Religion, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Blase Polite
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Dressler G, Cicolello K, Anandarajah G. "Are They Saying It How I'm Saying It?" A Qualitative Study of Language Barriers and Disparities in Hospice Enrollment. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:504-512. [PMID: 32828932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Language barriers contribute significantly to disparities in end-of-life (EOL) care. However, the mechanisms by which these barriers impact hospice care remains underexamined. OBJECTIVES To gain a nuanced understanding of how language barriers and interpretation contribute to disparities in hospice enrollment and hospice care for patients with limited English proficiency. METHODS Qualitative, individual interviews were conducted with a variety of stakeholders regarding barriers to quality EOL care in diverse patient populations. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded using NVivo 11 (QSR International Pty Ltd., Melbourne, Australia). Three researchers analyzed all data related to language barriers, first individually, then in group meetings, using a grounded theory approach, until they reached consensus regarding themes. Institutional review board approval was obtained. RESULTS Twenty-two participants included six nurses/certified nursing assistants, five physicians, three administrators, three social workers, three patient caregivers, and two chaplains, self-identifying from a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds. Three themes emerged regarding language barriers: 1) structural barriers inhibit access to interpreters; 2) variability in accuracy of translation of EOL concepts exacerbates language barriers; and 3) interpreters' style and manner influence communication efficacy during complex conversations about prognosis, goals of care, and hospice. Our theoretical model derived from the data suggests that Theme 1 is foundational and common to other medical settings. However, Theme 2 and particularly Theme 3 appear especially critical for hospice enrollment and care. CONCLUSION Language barriers present unique challenges in hospice care because of the nuance and compassion required for delicate goals of care and EOL conversations. Reducing disparities requires addressing each level of this multilayered barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Dressler
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Katherine Cicolello
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gowri Anandarajah
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Hope Hospice and Palliative Care Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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Luth EA, Pan CX, Viola M, Prigerson HG. Dementia and Early Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders Associated With Less Intensive of End-of-Life Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 38:1417-1425. [PMID: 33467864 DOI: 10.1177/1049909121989020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a leading cause of death among US older adults. Little is known about end-of-life care intensity and do-not-resuscitate orders (DNRs) among patients with dementia who die in hospital. AIM Examine the relationship between dementia, DNR timing, and end-of-life care intensity. DESIGN Observational cohort study. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Inpatient electronic health record extraction for 2,566 persons age 65 and older who died in 2 New York City hospitals in the United States from 2015 to 2017. RESULTS Multivariable logistic regression analyses modeled associations between dementia diagnosis, DNR timing, and 6 end-of-life care outcomes. 31% of subjects had a dementia diagnosis; 23% had a DNR on day of hospital admission. Patients with dementia were 18%-40% less likely to have received 4 of 6 types of intensive care (mechanical ventilation AOR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.67 -1.00; intensive care unit admission AOR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.49-0.83). Having a DNR on file was inversely associated with staying in the intensive care unit (AOR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.47-0.70) and avoiding other intensive care measures. DNR placement later during the hospitalization and not having a DNR were associated with more intensive care compared to having a DNR upon admission. CONCLUSIONS Having dementia and a do-not resuscitate order upon hospital admission are associated with less intensive end-of-life care. Additional research is needed to understand why persons with dementia receive less intensive care. In clinical practice, encouraging advance care planning prior to and at hospital admission may be particularly important for patients wishing to avoid intensive end-of-life care, including patients with dementia.
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Berkowitz CM, Wolf SP, Troy J, Kamal AH. Characteristics of Advance Care Planning in Patients With Cancer Referred to Palliative Care. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e94-e100. [PMID: 33439744 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Advance care planning (ACP) is a process in which patients share their values, goals, and preferences regarding future medical care. ACP can improve care quality, yet may be challenging to address for patients with cancer. We sought to characterize key components of ACP in patients with cancer as compared with patients with noncancer serious illness referred to palliative care (PC). METHODS We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of initial outpatient PC visits from the Quality Data Collection Tool for PC database from 2015 to 2019. Quality Data Collection Tool is a web-based point-of-care specialty PC registry to track quality metrics. RESULTS We analyzed 1,604 patients with cancer and 1,094 patients without cancer: 44% of patients were female, 87% were White, and 98% were non-Hispanic. The average age was 72.2 years (standard deviation [SD] 15.4). Patients with cancer were on average younger than patients without cancer (66.5 [SD: 13.9] v 80.5 [SD: 13.8]) and had a higher Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) (59.5 [SD: 22.4] v 33.4 [SD: 25.1]). In our unadjusted comparison, patients with cancer were less likely to be DNR/DNI (37% v 53%; P < .0001) and less likely to have an advance directive (53% v 73%; < .0001); rates of healthcare proxy identification were similar (92.8% v 94.5%; P = .10). These differences did not persist when we accounted for age, race, sex, and PPS, with age being the primary explanatory factor. CONCLUSION Despite having serious illness meriting PC referral, many patients with cancer in our study lacked advance directives. This highlights both the important role of oncologists in facilitating ACP and the utility of PC playing a complementary role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven P Wolf
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jesse Troy
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Arif H Kamal
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Shirsat N, Hoe D, Enguidanos S. Understanding Asian Indian Americans' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Hospice Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:566-571. [PMID: 33107333 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120969128] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has found racial differences in hospice knowledge and misconceptions about hospice care, which may hinder access to hospice care. Asian Indians are a rapidly growing population in the United States, yet limited research has focused on their beliefs toward end-of-life care. This project investigates Indian Americans' knowledge of and attitudes toward hospice care and advance care planning. PROCEDURES A cross-sectional design was employed using surveys about participants' knowledge of and attitudes toward hospice care and advance care planning. Surveys were conducted among Indian Americans, age 60 and over, recruited from Indian cultural centers in Northern California. The participants were first asked questions about hospice care. They were then given a summary explanation of hospice care and later asked about their attitudes toward hospice care. Data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate analyses. RESULTS Surveys were completed by 82 participants. Findings revealed that 42.5% of respondents had an advance directive and 57.1% had named a health care proxy. Only 10% of respondents had known someone on hospice care and 10.4% correctly answered 4-5 of the knowledge questions. After being informed about hospice care, 69.6% of participants agreed that if a family member was extremely ill, they would consider enrolling him/her in hospice. CONCLUSIONS This study's results present a need for greater education about hospice services among older Asian Indians. Health practitioners should remain cognizant of potential misconceptions of hospice and cultural barriers that Asian Indians may have toward hospice care, so they can tailor conversations accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Shirsat
- 5116University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Deborah Hoe
- 5116University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Mack JW, Uno H, Twist CJ, Bagatell R, Rosenberg AR, Marachelian A, Granger MM, Glade Bender J, Baker JN, Park JR, Cohn SL, Fernandez JH, Diller LR, Shusterman S. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Communication and Care for Children With Advanced Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:782-789. [PMID: 32360991 PMCID: PMC7523916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Racial and ethnic disparities in end-of-life care are well documented among adults with advanced cancer. OBJECTIVES To examine the extent to which communication and care differ by race and ethnicity among children with advanced cancer. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study at nine pediatric cancer centers enrolling 95 parents (42% racial/ethnic minorities) of children with poor prognosis cancer (relapsed/refractory high-risk neuroblastoma). Parents were surveyed about whether prognosis was discussed; likelihood of cure; intent of current treatment; and primary goal of care. Medical records were used to identify high-intensity medical care since the most recent recurrence. Logistic regression evaluated differences between white non-Hispanic and minority (black, Hispanic, and Asian/other race) parents. RESULTS About 26% of parents recognized the child's low likelihood of cure. Minority parents were less likely to recognize the poor prognosis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.06-0.63; P = 0.006) and the fact that current treatment was unlikely to offer cure (OR = 0.07; 95% CI = 0.02-0.27; P < 0.0001). Children of minority parents were more likely to experience high-intensity medical care (OR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.29-7.02; P = 0.01). After adjustment for understanding of prognosis, race/ethnicity was no longer associated with high-intensity medical care (adjusted odds ratio = 2.14; 95% CI = 0.84-5.46; P = 0.11), although power to detect an association was limited. CONCLUSION Parental understanding of prognosis is limited across racial and ethnic groups; racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected. Perhaps as a result, minority children experience higher rates of high-intensity medical care. Work to improve prognostic understanding should include focused work to meet needs of minority populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer W Mack
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Population Sciences' Center for Outcomes and Policy Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Hajime Uno
- Division of Population Sciences' Center for Outcomes and Policy Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Clare J Twist
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute Buffalo, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rochelle Bagatell
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA; Pediatric Bioethics/Palliative Care, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Araz Marachelian
- Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - M Meaghan Granger
- Hematology and Oncology Center, Cook Children's Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Julia Glade Bender
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Julie R Park
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Susan L Cohn
- Department of Pediatrics, Comer Children's Hospital, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jorge H Fernandez
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa R Diller
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Suzanne Shusterman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Cipriano-Steffens TM, Carilli T, Hlubocky F, Quinn M, Fitchett G, Polite B. "Let Go, Let God": A Qualitative Study Exploring Cancer Patients' Spirituality and Its Place in the Medical Setting. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:2341-2363. [PMID: 31705446 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the role of God and spirituality in cancer patients to gain deeper insight into how patients use their spirituality to cope during illness, including how they see the medical team meeting their spiritual needs. From our work, some naturally emerging themes included Finding God in Cancer and Healing, Spiritual Support Desired from Medical Community, Doctor as "Gift from God"?, and Communication and the Power of Talk. Cancer patients not only acknowledged a spiritual need, but a desire for it to be addressed by their medical team as part of their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Marie Cipriano-Steffens
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 2115, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | | | - Fay Hlubocky
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 2115, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Michael Quinn
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - George Fitchett
- Department of Religion, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Blase Polite
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 2115, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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Methods for overcoming barriers in palliative care for ethnic/racial minorities: a systematic review. Palliat Support Care 2020; 17:697-706. [PMID: 31347483 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951519000403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ethnic/racial minority groups are less likely to discuss issues involving end-of-life treatment preferences and utilize palliative care or hospice services. Some barriers may be differences in language, religion, lower levels of health literacy, or less access to healthcare services and information. The purpose of this article is to conduct a systematic review on interventional studies that investigated methods to overcome the barriers faced by ethnic/racial minorities when accessing end-of-life services, including completing advanced directives, accepting palliative care, and enrolling in hospice. METHODS Literature searches using four standard scientific search engines were conducted to retrieve articles detailing original research in an interventional trial design. All studies were conducted in an outpatient setting, including primary care visits, home visits, and dialysis centers. Target populations were those identified from ethnic or racial minorities. RESULTS Nine articles were selected to be included in the final review. All were full-text English language articles, with target populations including African Americans, Hispanic or Latinos, and Asian or Pacific Islanders. Measured outcomes involved level of comfort in discussing and knowledge of palliative care services, desire for aggressive care at the end-of-life, completion of advance directives, and rate of enrollment in hospice. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Three main avenues of interventions included methods to enhance patient education, increase access to healthcare, or improve communication to establish better rapport with target population. Studies indicate that traditional delivery of healthcare services may be insufficient to recruit patients from ethnic/racial minorities, and outcomes can be improved by implementing tailored interventions to overcome barriers.
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Do Hispanics prefer to be full code at the end of life? The impact of palliative care consults on clarifying code status preferences and hospice referrals in Spanish-speaking patients. Palliat Support Care 2020; 19:193-197. [PMID: 32662388 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951520000425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hispanics often have disparities at the end of life. They are more likely to die full code and less likely to have discussions regarding prognosis and do not resuscitate (DNR)/do not intubate (DNI), despite studies showing Hispanic values comfort over the extension of life. Barriers to patient-centered care include language,socioeconomic status and health literacy. CONTEXT We evaluated the impact of palliative care (PC) consults on the change of code status and hospice referrals, comparing seriously ill Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients. METHOD A retrospective cohort study of all white and Hispanic patients referred to the PC service of a county hospital from 2006 to 2012. We evaluated ethnicity, language, code status at admission and after PC consult, and hospice discharge. Chi-squared tests were used to analyze characteristics among three groups: non-Hispanic white, English-speaking Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients. RESULTS Of 925 patients, 511 (55%) were non-Hispanic white, 208 (23%) were English-speaking Hispanic, and 206 (22%) were Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients. On admission, there was no statistically significant difference in code status among the three groups (57%, 64%, and 59% were full code, respectively, p = 0.5). After PC consults, Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients were more likely to change their code status to DNR/DNI when compared with non-Hispanic white and English-speaking Hispanic patients (44% vs. 32% vs. 28%, p = 0.05). Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients were more likely to be discharged to hospice when compared with English-speaking Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites (33%, 29%, and 23%, respectively, p = 0.04). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients were more likely to change from full code to DNR/DNI compared with non-Hispanic white and English-speaking Hispanic patients, despite similar code status preferences on admission. They were also more likely to be discharged to hospice. PC consults may play an important role in helping patients to align their care with their values and may prevent unwanted aggressive interventions at the end of life.
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Monchis M, Martin C, DiDiodato G. Evaluation of a program using a physician assistant and an electronic patient-provider communication tool to facilitate discussions about goals of care in older adults in hospital: a pilot study. CMAJ Open 2020; 8:E577-E584. [PMID: 32928879 PMCID: PMC7505521 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20200022] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients receive unwanted, low-value, high-intensity care at the end of life because of poor communication with health care providers. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of using a physician assistant and an electronic tool to facilitate discussions about goals of care. METHOD We conducted a pilot study for the intervention (physician assistant-led discussion using an electronic tool) from Apr. 1 to Aug. 31, 2019. Patients aged 79 years or older admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital (Barrie, Ontario) with either (i) no documented resuscitation preferences or (ii) a request for life-sustaining treatments in the event of a life-threatening illness were eligible for the intervention. The goal of this study was to complete more than 30 interventions. The primary outcomes included the proportion of consenting eligible patients, the time required and the proportion of patients changing their resuscitation preferences. RESULTS A total of 763 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 337 eligible for the intervention. Of these, 49 cases were contacted for consent, and 37 interventions were completed (75.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 61.1%-86.6%). On average, the intervention required 50 minutes (standard deviation 21) to complete. Overall, 31 interventions resulted in a change in resuscitation preferences (83.7%, 95% CI 68.0%-93.8%), with 22 patients choosing to forgo any access to life-sustaining treatments in the event of a life-threatening illness (59.4%, 95% CI 42.1%-75.2%). INTERPRETATION In this pilot study, the intervention was completed in a minority of eligible patients and required substantial time; however, it led to many changes in resuscitation preferences. Before designing a study to evaluate its impact, the intervention needs to be revised to make it more efficient to administer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Monchis
- Department of Critical Care Medicine (Monchis, Martin, DiDiodato), Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Barrie, Ont.; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (DiDiodato), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont
| | - Chris Martin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine (Monchis, Martin, DiDiodato), Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Barrie, Ont.; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (DiDiodato), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont
| | - Giulio DiDiodato
- Department of Critical Care Medicine (Monchis, Martin, DiDiodato), Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Barrie, Ont.; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (DiDiodato), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
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Starr LT, Ulrich CM, Junker P, Huang L, O’Connor NR, Meghani SH. Patient Risk Factor Profiles Associated With the Timing of Goals-of-Care Consultation Before Death: A Classification and Regression Tree Analysis. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 37:767-778. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909120934292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Early palliative care consultation (“PCC”) to discuss goals-of-care benefits seriously ill patients. Risk factor profiles associated with the timing of conversations in hospitals, where late conversations most likely occur, are needed. Objective: To identify risk factor patient profiles associated with PCC timing before death. Methods: Secondary analysis of an observational study was conducted at an urban, academic medical center. Patients aged 18 years and older admitted to the medical center, who had PCC, and died July 1, 2014 to October 31, 2016, were included. Patients admitted for childbirth or rehabilitationand patients whose date of death was unknown were excluded. Classification and Regression Tree modeling was employed using demographic and clinical variables. Results: Of 1141 patients, 54% had PCC “close to death” (0-14 days before death); 26% had PCC 15 to 60 days before death; 21% had PCC >60 days before death (median 13 days before death). Variables associated with receiving PCC close to death included being Hispanic or “Other” race/ethnicity intensive care patients with extreme illness severity (85%), with age <46 or >75 increasing this probability (98%). Intensive care patients with extreme illness severity were also likely to receive PCC close to death (64%) as were 50% of intensive care patients with less than extreme illness severity. Conclusions: A majority of patients received PCC close to death. A complex set of variable interactions were associated with PCC timing. A systematic process for engaging patients with PCC earlier in the care continuum, and in intensive care regardless of illness severity, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T. Starr
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Bioethics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Connie M. Ulrich
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paul Junker
- Program for Clinical Effectiveness and Quality Improvement, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Liming Huang
- BECCA Lab, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nina R. O’Connor
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Salimah H. Meghani
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Patel M, Andrea N, Jay B, Coker TR. A Community-Partnered, Evidence-Based Approach to Improving Cancer Care Delivery for Low-Income and Minority Patients with Cancer. J Community Health 2020; 44:912-920. [PMID: 30825097 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-019-00632-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Community-engaged adaptations of evidence-based interventions are needed to improve cancer care delivery for low-income and minority populations with cancer. The objective of this study was to adapt an intervention to improve end-of-life cancer care delivery using a community-partnered approach. We used a two-step formative research process to adapt the evidence-based lay health workers educate engage and encourage patients to share (LEAPS) cancer care intervention. The first step involved obtaining a series of adaptations through focus groups with 15 patients, 12 caregivers, and 6 leaders and staff of the Unite Here Health (UHH) payer organization, and 12 primary care and oncology care providers. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method of qualitative analysis. The second step involved finalization of adaptations from a community advisory board comprised of 4 patients, 2 caregivers, 4 oncology providers, 2 lay health workers and 4 UHH healthcare payer staff and executive leaders. Using this community-engaged approach, stakeholders identified critical barriers and solutions to intervention delivery which included: (1) expanding the intervention to ensure patient recruitment; (2) including caregivers; (3) regular communication between UHH staff, primary care and oncology providers; and (4) selecting outcomes that reflect patient-reported quality of life. This systematic and community-partnered approach to adapt an end-of-life cancer care intervention strengthened this existing intervention to promote the needs and preferences of patients, caregivers, providers, and healthcare payer leaders. This approach can be used to address cancer care delivery for low-income and minority patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manali Patel
- Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1070 Arastradero, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA.
- Medical Services, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
- Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Nevedal Andrea
- Medical Services, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Bhattacharya Jay
- Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tumaini R Coker
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Purcell LN, Tignanelli CJ, Maine R, Charles A. Predictors of Change in Code Status from Time of Admission to Death in Critically Ill Surgical Patients. Am Surg 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/000313482008600334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Racial and gender disparities in end-of-life decision-making practices have not been well described in surgical patients. We performed an eight-year retrospective analysis of surgical patients within the Cerner Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Outcomes database. ICU patients with documented admission code status, and death or ICU discharge code status, respectively, were included. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess change in code status. Of 468,000 ICU patients, 97,968 (20.9%) were surgical, 63,567 (95%) survived, and 3,343 (5%) died during their hospitalization. Of those, 50,915 (80.1%) and 2,625 (78.5%) had complete code status data on admission and discharge or death, respectively. Women were less likely than men to remain full code at ICU discharge and death (n = 20,940, 95.6% and n = 141, 11.9% vs n = 29,320, 97.4% and n = 233, 16.3%, P < 0.001). Compared with whites, blacks and other minorities had a 0.46 odds (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33–0.64, P < 0.001) and 0.54 odds (95% CI: 0.34–0.85, P = 0.01) of changing from full code status before death, respectively. Before ICU discharge, blacks and other minorities had a 0.56 odds of changing from full code status when compared with whites (95% CI: 0.40–0.79, P < 0.001 vs 95% CI: 0.36–0.87, P = 0.01, respectively). Women were more likely to be discharged or die after a change in code status from full code (odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06–1.07, P < 0.001; odds ratio 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09–1.79, P = 0.009). Men and minorities are more likely to be discharged from the ICU or die with a full code status designation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N. Purcell
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Christopher J. Tignanelli
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Surgery, North Memorial Health Hospital, Robbinsdale, Minnesota; and
- Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Rebecca Maine
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anthony Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Diversity Concerns in Advance Care Planning. ATS Sch 2020; 1:333. [PMID: 33870300 PMCID: PMC8043319 DOI: 10.34197/ats-scholar.2020-0050le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Sisk BA, Dobrozsi S, Mack JW. Teamwork in prognostic communication: Addressing bottlenecks and barriers. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28192. [PMID: 31965719 PMCID: PMC7096274 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Prognostic communication is essential to family-centered care in pediatric oncology. Yet, prognostic communication from the medical team to the family is often absent or incomplete. In our experience, many clinical groups view prognostic disclosure as the responsibility of the patient's primary oncologist, and nurses are often excluded from these conversations. This current individual-based model of prognostic disclosure lacks redundancy and creates a communication bottleneck. We propose that clinical groups should address prognostic communication with a multidisciplinary team-based approach that incorporates three critical components: shared team mental models, distribution and redundancy in role assignment, and high fidelity monitoring of communication milestones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A. Sisk
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Sarah Dobrozsi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin/Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer W. Mack
- Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; and Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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