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Petrillo LA, Jones KF, El-Jawahri A, Sanders J, Greer JA, Temel JS. Why and How to Integrate Early Palliative Care Into Cutting-Edge Personalized Cancer Care. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e100038. [PMID: 38815187 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Early palliative care, palliative care integrated with oncology care early in the course of illness, has myriad benefits for patients and their caregivers, including improved quality of life, reduced physical and psychological symptom burden, enhanced prognostic awareness, and reduced health care utilization at the end of life. Although ASCO and others recommend early palliative care for all patients with advanced cancer, widespread implementation of early palliative care has not been realized because of barriers such as insufficient reimbursement and a palliative care workforce shortage. Investigators have recently tested several implementation strategies to overcome these barriers, including triggers for palliative care consultations, telehealth delivery, navigator-delivered interventions, and primary palliative care interventions. More research is needed to identify mechanisms to distribute palliative care optimally and equitably. Simultaneously, the transformation of the oncology treatment landscape has led to shifts in the supportive care needs of patients and caregivers, who may experience longer, uncertain trajectories of cancer. Now, palliative care also plays a clear role in the care of patients with hematologic malignancies and may be beneficial for patients undergoing phase I clinical trials and their caregivers. Further research and clinical guidance regarding how to balance the risks and benefits of opioid therapy and safely manage cancer-related pain across this wide range of settings are urgently needed. The strengths of early palliative care in supporting patients' and caregivers' coping and centering decisions on their goals and values remain valuable in the care of patients receiving cutting-edge personalized cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Petrillo
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- New England Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Jamaica Plain, MA
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Justin Sanders
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, CA
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, CA
| | - Joseph A Greer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer S Temel
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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Martin A, Carton M, Thery L, Burnod A, Daniel C, Du Rusquec P, Girard N, Bouleuc C. Palliative care integration and end-of-life care intensity for patients with NSCLC. Lung Cancer 2024; 192:107800. [PMID: 38728972 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2024.107800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without oncogenic driver mutations is considered to have a poor prognosis, although recent therapeutic progress. This study aims to assess the real-life integration of palliative care (PC) and the intensity of end-of-life (EOL) care for this population. METHODS This was an observational cohort study of decedent patients from metastatic NSCLC without oncogenic driver mutations over the period 01/2018 to 12/2022, treated in first line with immunotherapy +/- chemotherapy. We analysed PC integration and aggressiveness criteria of EOL care in the last month before death: systemic anti-cancer treatment administration, emergency room visits, intensive care unit admission, hospitalization, hospitalization duration > 14 days, and hospital death. RESULTS Among 149 patients, 75 (50 %) met the PC team at least once, and the median time from the first encounter to death was 2.3 months. In the last month before death, at least one criterion of aggressive EOL care was present for 97 patients (70 %). For patients with PC use < 30 days and for patients with PC use < 90 days before death, there were significant changes: increase in the frequency of systemic anti-cancer treatment (respectively 51.1 % vs 20 %; p < 0.001 and 58.7 % vs 6.2 %; p < 0.001); decrease in hospitalization lasting > 14 days (respectively 30 % vs 7 %; p = 0.001 and 36 % vs 6.2 %; p = 0.018) and in death hospitalisation (respectively 66 % and 18 %; p < 0.001 and 58.7 % and 10.3 %; p < 0.001). After adjusting for the factors tested, patients with no PC or late PC use in the last month before death or in the last three month before death, the odds ratio (OR) remained significantly greater than 1 (respectively OR = 3.97 [1.70; 9.98]; p = 0.001 and OR = 23.1 [5.21-177.0], p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION PC is still insufficiently integrated for patients with NSCL cancer. Cancer centres should monitor key indicators such as PC use and aggressiveness criteria of EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martin
- Palliative care Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - M Carton
- Biostatistics Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - L Thery
- Palliative care Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - A Burnod
- Palliative care Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - C Daniel
- Oncology Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - P Du Rusquec
- Oncology Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - N Girard
- Oncology Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - C Bouleuc
- Supportive care Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France.
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Potenza L, Luppi M, Zimmermann C, Bandieri E. Early palliative care in haematological malignancies. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 14:230-232. [PMID: 38388211 PMCID: PMC11103296 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2024-004812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Potenza
- Early Palliative Care Clinic, Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Early Palliative Care Clinic, Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care and Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elena Bandieri
- Early Palliative Care Clinic and Medical Oncology, Civil Hospital Carpi, Local Health Agency (USL), Carpi (MO), Italy
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Salm H, Doberschütz F, Hallmann F, Munzert P, Rahm J, Uhlig S, Pink D. How Do Quality of Life (QoL) and Symptom Burden Evolve in Inpatient Palliative Care (PC) Patients following One Week of Care in a Specialized Palliative Care Unit (PCU)? A Comparison of Two Groups, with One Receiving Specialized Outpatient Palliative Care Prior to Admission. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1612. [PMID: 38672693 PMCID: PMC11049547 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study sought to investigate changes in quality of life (QoL) and symptom burden among palliative care patients undergoing one week of inpatient care in a specialized palliative care unit (PCU). The patient population was stratified into two groups, with one group pretreated from pre-admission palliative care (PC) provided by an outpatient multidisciplinary PC team, while the other group did not receive such support prior to admission. Although the average duration of treatment at a PCU in Germany is 1-2 weeks, the question also arises as to whether a significant improvement in symptom burden and QoL can be expected after just one week of PC in a PCU. METHODS PC patients with various cancer entities were prospectively included in a non-randomized study. Patients in group 1 received outpatient specialized PC prior to admission, while patients in group 2 did not. Over an 8-month period, we gathered data from one academic cancer center, utilizing the EORTC QLQ-C30, one of the most widely used patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments to assess health-related QoL in cancer patients. Patients completed the QLQ-C30 at T0 (admission or one day later) and T1 (one week later), enabling the assessment of potential changes in their QoL and symptom burden over time. RESULTS A total of 103 patients (51.5% male) were enrolled (group 1: 42%, group 2: 58%). At T0, there were no significant differences regarding QLQ-C30 scores between groups 1 and 2, except from global health/QoL (group 1 mean 20.7, group 2 mean 25.6, p = 0.026). Over the course of one week several significant and clinically relevant changes were found: Emotional functioning demonstrated an uplift in both groups (group 1: mean 41.5 IQR 33 vs. 53.1 IQR 50, p = 0.014, group 2: mean 48.2 IQR 46 vs. 56.8 IQR 58, p = 0.029), as did the global health status (group 1: M 20.7 IQR 17 vs. 36.2 IQR 33, p < 0.001, group 2: M 25.6 IQR 25 vs. 35.3 IQR 33, p < 0.001). Nausea and vomiting showed a reduction (group 1: M 29.9 IQR 17 vs. 6.8 IQR 0, p < 0.001, group 2: M 22.6 IQR 17 vs. 8.2 IQR 0, p < 0.001), along with a notable decline in pain (group 1: M 67.4 IQR 67 vs. 25.3 IQR 17, p < 0.001, group 2: M 73.1 IQR 83 vs. 29.7 IQR 17, p < 0.001). A decrease was observed in insomnia (group 1: M 63.6 IQR 67 vs. 27.6 IQR 33, p < 0.001, group 2: M 60.1 IQR 67 vs. 27.6 IQR 33, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in the extent of improvement in the various symptom scales from T0 to T1. CONCLUSION The findings of our study demonstrate that QoL and several symptoms prevalent in cancer patients cared for in the PCU experienced significant enhancement over the span of just one week. Both groups, patients receiving specialized outpatient PC prior to admission and those without, equally benefited from inpatient PC. All mentioned changes from T0 to T1 are considered not only significant but clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Salm
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin C, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany (D.P.)
- Sarkomzentrum Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Klinikum Bad Saarow, 15526 Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Florian Doberschütz
- Sarkomzentrum Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Klinikum Bad Saarow, 15526 Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Franziska Hallmann
- Sarkomzentrum Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Klinikum Bad Saarow, 15526 Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Philipp Munzert
- Sarkomzentrum Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Klinikum Bad Saarow, 15526 Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Johannes Rahm
- Sarkomzentrum Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Klinikum Bad Saarow, 15526 Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Sarah Uhlig
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin C, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany (D.P.)
- Sarkomzentrum Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Klinikum Bad Saarow, 15526 Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Daniel Pink
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin C, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany (D.P.)
- Sarkomzentrum Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Klinikum Bad Saarow, 15526 Bad Saarow, Germany
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Lopez-Aguiar AG, Sarna A, Wells-DiGregorio S, Huang E, Kneuertz PJ, Beane J, Kim A, Ejaz A, Pawlik TM, Cloyd JM. Surgeon Perspectives on the Management of Aborted Cancer Surgery: Results of a Society of Surgical Oncology Member Survey. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:2295-2302. [PMID: 38127216 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14804-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While surgery is generally necessary for most solid-organ cancers, curative-intent resection is occasionally aborted due to unanticipated unresectability or occult metastases. Following aborted cancer surgery (ACS), patients have unique and complex care needs and yet little is known about the optimal approach to their management. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to define the practice patterns and perspectives of an international cohort of cancer surgeons on the management of ACS. METHODS A validated survey assessing surgeon perspectives on patient care needs and management following ACS was developed. The survey was distributed electronically to members of the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO). RESULTS Among 190 participating surgeons, mean age was 49 ± 11 years, 69% were male, 61% worked at an academic institution, and most had a clinical practice focused on liver/pancreas (30%), breast (23%), or melanoma/sarcoma cancers (20%). Participants estimated that ACS occurred in 7 ± 6% of their cancer operations, most often due to occult metastases (67%) or local unresectability (30%). Most surgeons felt (very) comfortable addressing their patients' surgical needs (92%) and cancer treatment-related questions (90%), but fewer expressed comfort addressing psychosocial needs (83%) or symptom-control needs (69%). While they perceived discussing next available therapies as the patients' most important priority after ACS, surgeons reported avoiding postoperative complications as their most important priority (p < 0.001). While 61% and 27% reported utilizing palliative care and psychosocial oncology, respectively, in these situations, 46% noted care coordination as a barrier to addressing patient care needs. CONCLUSIONS Results from this SSO member survey suggest that ACS is relatively common and associated with unique patient care needs. Surgeons may feel less comfortable assessing psychosocial and symptom-control needs, highlighting the need for novel patient-centered approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra G Lopez-Aguiar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Angela Sarna
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sharla Wells-DiGregorio
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emily Huang
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Peter J Kneuertz
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joal Beane
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alex Kim
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Aslam Ejaz
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jordan M Cloyd
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Reinke LF, Tartaglione EV, Ruedebusch S, Smith PH, Sullivan DR. Nurse-Led, Telephone-Based Primary Palliative Care Intervention for Patients With Lung Cancer: Domains of Quality Care. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2024; 26:104-111. [PMID: 38096450 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000001005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Palliative care is traditionally delivered by specialty-trained palliative care teams. Because of a national workforce shortage of palliative care specialists, there is an urgent need to explore alternative models of palliative care delivery to meet the needs of patients living with serious illness. As part of a multisite randomized controlled trial, 2 registered nurses without previous palliative care experience were trained to deliver a primary palliative care intervention to patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer. The intervention focused on assessing and managing symptoms, psychosocial needs, education, and initiating goals-of-care discussions. The primary outcome, improved symptom burden and quality of life, was not statistically significant. Despite this finding, nurses addressed 5 of the 8 National Consensus Project Guidelines domains of quality palliative care: structure and processes of care; physical, psychological, and social aspects of care; and ethical and legal aspects. Patients' engagement in goals-of-care discussions, a measure of high-quality palliative care, increased. Clinical recommendations offered by the nurses to the patients' clinicians were addressed and accepted on a timely basis. Most patients rated satisfaction with the intervention as "very or extremely" satisfied. These findings may inform future nurse-led palliative care interventions on the specific quality domains of palliative care.
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Keeney T, Wu C, Savini A, Stone S, Travis A, Vranceanu AM, Steinhauser K, Greer J, Pastva AM, Ritchie C. Using Multiphase Optimization Strategy and Human-Centered Design to Create an Integrated Model of Palliative Care Skills in Home-Based Physical Therapy for Advanced Heart Failure. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:526-531. [PMID: 38394228 PMCID: PMC11000320 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0476] [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] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Many older adults with advanced heart failure receive home health rehabilitation after hospitalization. Yet, integration of palliative care skills into rehabilitation is limited. Objective: Describe using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework with human-centered design principles to engage clinical partners in the Preparation phase of palliative physical therapy intervention development. Design: We convened a home-based physical therapy advisory team (four clinicians, three clinical leaders) to identify physical therapist needs and preferences for incorporating palliative care skills in rehabilitation and design an intervention prototype. Results: Between 2022 and 2023, we held five advisory team meetings. Initial feedback on palliative care skill preferences and training needs directly informed refinement of our conceptual model and skills in the intervention prototype. Later feedback focused on reviewing and revising intervention content, delivery strategy, and training considerations. Conclusion: Incorporating human-centered design principles within the MOST provided a useful framework to partner with clinical colleagues in intervention design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamra Keeney
- Mongan Institute Center for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cecilia Wu
- Mass General Brigham Home Care, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alicia Savini
- Mass General Brigham Home Care, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Stone
- Mongan Institute Center for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aniyah Travis
- Mongan Institute Center for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Vranceanu
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (CHOIR), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen Steinhauser
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph Greer
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Amy M. Pastva
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Physical Therapy Division, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christine Ritchie
- Mongan Institute Center for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Li Y, Hung V, Ho K, Kavalieratos D, Warda N, Zimmermann C, Quinn KL. The Validity of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of Quality of Life in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:545-562. [PMID: 37971747 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0294] [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: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance: A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that palliative care was not associated with improvement in quality of life (QOL) in terminal noncancer illness. Among potential reasons for a null effect, it is unclear if patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) measuring QOL were derived or validated among populations with advanced life-limiting illness (ALLI). Objective: To systematically review the derivation and validation of QOL PROMs from a recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) of palliative care interventions in people with terminal noncancer illness. Evidence Review: EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO were searched from inception to January 8, 2023 for primary validation studies of QOL PROMs in populations with ALLI, defined as adults with a progressive terminal condition and an estimated median survival of less than or equal to one year. The primary outcome was the proportion of PROMs that were derived or validated in ≥1 ALLI population. Findings: Twenty-one unique studies of derivation (n = 13) and validation (n = 11, 3 studies evaluated both) provided data on 9657 participants (mean age 63 years, 50% female) across 15 unique QOL PROMs and subscales. Among studies of validation, 9 were in people with cancer (n = 2289, n = 5 PROMs), 1 in neurodegenerative disease (n = 23, n = 1 PROM), and 1 with mixed diseases (n = 248, n = 1 PROM). Across 15 QOL PROMs and subscales, 47% (n = 7) were derived or validated in an ALLI population. The majority of these seven PROMs were exclusively derived or validated among people with cancer (57%, n = 4). QOL PROMs such as Quality of Life at End of Life, EuroQoL-5 Dimension 5-level, and 36-item Short Form Survey demonstrated validity in more than one terminal noncancer illness. Conclusions: Most QOL PROMs that measured the effect of palliative care on QOL in RCTs were neither derived nor validated in an ALLI population. These findings raise questions about the inferences that palliative care does not improve QOL among people with terminal noncancer illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Li
- Division of Palliative Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vivian Hung
- Department of Medicine, Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Ho
- Department of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nahrain Warda
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System and University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Division of Palliative Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kieran L Quinn
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System and University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hoerger M, Nair N, Malhotra S. Initiating Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Stage IV Cancers in the Month Before Death-A Health Care Disparities Lens. JAMA Oncol 2024; 10:297-299. [PMID: 38175660 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.5932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hoerger
- Departments of Psychology and Medicine (Hematology and Oncology), Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Navya Nair
- Section of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Sonia Malhotra
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Galiano A, Feltrin A, Pambuku A, Lo Mauro L, De Toni C, Murgioni S, Soldà C, Maruzzo M, Bergamo F, Brunello A, Zagonel V. What do cancer patients experience of the simultaneous care clinic? Results of a cross-sectional study on patient care satisfaction. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7000. [PMID: 38400662 PMCID: PMC10891442 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veneto Institute of Oncology has activated a simultaneous care outpatient clinic (SCOC) in which cancer patients with advanced-stage cancer are evaluated by oncologist and palliative care specialists. This cross-sectional study investigated patients' perceptions of the quality of this service. MATERIALS AND METHODS An ad-hoc self-administered questionnaire, developed by SCOC team, was used to assess the satisfaction of patients admitted at SCOC consultation. The questionnaire, in addition to the socio-demographic questions, contains eight questions with the Likert scale: time dedicated, feel listened to, feel understood, feel free to speak openly and to express doubts and concerns, feeling about information and indication received, level of empathy of health care and quality of the relationship, level of professional/quality of performance and utility of consultation, and one open-ended question. The questionnaire has been proposed to all 174 consecutively admitted patients at SCOC. RESULTS One hundred and sixty-two patients filled in the questionnaire: 66.7% were male, median age was 71 years, 88.3% had metastatic disease. The time dedicated to SCOC consultation was judged more than adequate (55%) or adequate (35%) by 90% of subjects. Patients completely satisfied about being listened to were 92.5%, with 80.9% being completely satisfied with understanding of their issues and 92% with the freedom to speak and express doubts. Usefulness of the SCOC was rated as excellent by 40% and good by 54.4% of patients. No statistically significant differences were observed in the responses to the questions by gender, age (< or ≥70 years old) and type of tumor. CONCLUSION Our study shows high levels of satisfactions after SCOC consultation in advanced cancer subjects. Patients' feedback confirmed that SCOC model was effective in helping them during their treatment journey and decision at the end of life. This study encouraged us to enhance our practice of SCOC consultation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE A joint evaluation of patients living with cancer by oncologist and palliative care team (SCOC-embedded model), has shown to enhance patients' experience/satisfaction with care-such as listening, understanding, receiving information, symptom control, and decision about future, independently of age, gender, and kind of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Galiano
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | | | - Ardi Pambuku
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care UnitVeneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Leda Lo Mauro
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Chiara De Toni
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Sabina Murgioni
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Caterina Soldà
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Marco Maruzzo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Francesca Bergamo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Antonella Brunello
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
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Ke Y, Cheung YB, Bakitas M, Odom JN, Lum E, Tan DSW, Tan TJ, Finkelstein E, Oh HC, Zhou S, Yang GM. ENABLE-SG (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends for Singapore) as a proactive palliative care model: protocol for a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation randomized wait-list controlled trial. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:29. [PMID: 38287335 PMCID: PMC10826230 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01353-2] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialist palliative care is often provided late in the patient's disease trajectory in response to uncontrolled symptoms. Shifting from this reactionary illness-stress paradigm to a proactive health-wellness approach, the ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends) telehealth model aims to enhance the coping, stress and symptom management, self-care, and advance care planning skills of patients with advanced cancers and their caregivers. The ENABLE model has been culturally adapted to Singapore (ENABLE-SG) and pilot-tested. A hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of ENABLE-SG while collecting real-world implementation data. METHODS This single-centre, assessor-blind, wait-list (immediately vs. 6 months) randomized controlled trial will recruit 300 adult patients within 60 days of an advanced cancer diagnosis and their family caregivers from the National Cancer Centre of Singapore. ENABLE-SG comprises structured psychoeducational sessions with a telehealth coach, covering essential topics of early palliative care. Participants will be assessed at baseline and every 3 months until patient's death, 12 months (caregivers), or end of study (patients). The primary outcome is patient quality of life 6 months after baseline. Secondary patient-reported outcomes include mood, coping, palliative care concerns, and health status. Secondary caregiver-reported outcomes include caregiver quality of life, mood, coping, and care satisfaction. Mixed-effects regression modelling for repeated measurements will be used. To assess the effectiveness of ENABLE-SG versus usual care, patient and caregiver outcomes at 6 months will be compared. To compare earlier versus delayed ENABLE-SG, patient and caregiver outcomes at 12 months will be compared. Within the hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design, implementation outcomes will be evaluated in both the early and delayed groups. Acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, and feasibility will be assessed using a feedback survey and semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Transcribed interviews will be analysed thematically. Other implementation outcomes of penetration, fidelity, and cost will be assessed using records of study-related processes and summarized using descriptive statistics. A cost-effectiveness analysis will also be conducted. DISCUSSION This study will assess both effectiveness and implementation of ENABLE-SG. Insights into implementation processes can facilitate model expansion and upscaling. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered prospectively on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06044441. Registered on 21/09/2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ke
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Yin Bun Cheung
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marie Bakitas
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, UAB Centre for Palliative and Supportive Care, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - J Nicholas Odom
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, UAB Centre for Palliative and Supportive Care, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Elaine Lum
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Population Health Research & Implementation, SingHealth, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Shao Weng Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Therapeutics Research Laboratory, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*Star, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tira J Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eric Finkelstein
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Choon Oh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Population Health Research & Implementation, SingHealth, Singapore, Singapore
- Health Services Research, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siqin Zhou
- Division of Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Sciences, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grace Meijuan Yang
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore.
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Singapore, Singapore.
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12
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MacMartin M, Zhang J, Barnato A. The role of specialty palliative care interdisciplinary team members in acute care decision support: a qualitative study protocol. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:5. [PMID: 38166884 PMCID: PMC10763013 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01328-9] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialty palliative care interdisciplinary teams (IDT) can play an important role in supporting patients and family members during acute care decision-making. Despite guidelines and evidence emphasizing decision-making support as a key domain of specialty palliative care, little is known about how decision-making support is actually implemented by specialty palliative care IDTs. This study aims to (1) describe the structure and processes of inpatient decision-making support delivered by specialty palliative care IDT, and (2) examine the perspectives of IDT members on their role in this decision-support. METHODS A team of clinician and non-clinician researchers will conduct non-participant observation ethnography at a single medical center in northern New England. The ethnography will focus on the work of IDT members in supporting decision making, particularly elements of specialty palliative care that have limited descriptions in the literature (e.g. systems and processes of care). Observations of formal and informal interactions between IDT members and clinical encounters will be conducted at one site over four months. Participants include patients, care partners, non-specialty palliative care providers, and specialty palliative care IDT members. Additionally, we will conduct semi-structured interviews with IDT members across three geographically diverse specialty palliative care teams across the United States to explore providers' first-person perspective on their roles and function in decision-making support for hospitalized patients. Field notes and transcripts from observation and interviews will be uploaded to Dedoose software for management and thematic analysis following an inductive approach. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this will be the first observational study of the roles of interdisciplinary specialty palliative care teams. Results from this research will support further investigation into implementation of decision-making support across different types of medical teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith MacMartin
- Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- Section of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Amber Barnato
- Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Section of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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13
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Kenny P, Liu D, Fiebig D, Hall J, Millican J, Aranda S, van Gool K, Haywood P. Specialist Palliative Care and Health Care Costs at the End of Life. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2024; 8:31-47. [PMID: 37910343 PMCID: PMC10781921 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-023-00446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The use and costs of health care rise substantially in the months prior to death, and although the use of palliative care services may be expected to lead to less costly care, the evidence is mixed. We analysed the costs of care over the last year of life and the extent to which these are associated with the use and duration of specialist palliative care (SPC) for decedents who died from cancer or another life-limiting illness. METHODS The decedents were participants in a cohort study of older residents of the state of New South Wales, Australia. Using linked survey and administrative health data from 2007 to 2016, two cohorts were identified: n = 10,535 where the cause of death was cancer; and n = 11,179 where the cause of death was another life-limiting illness. Costs of various types were analysed with separate risk-adjusted linear regression models for the last 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months before death and for both cohorts. SPC was categorised according to time to death from first contact with the service as 1-7 days, 7-30 days, 30-180 days and more than 180 days. RESULTS SPC use was higher among the cancer cohort (30.0%) relative to the non-cancer cohort (4.8%). The mean costs over the final year of life were AU$55,037 (SD 45,059) for the cancer cohort and AU$35,318 (SD 41,948) for the non-cancer cohort. Earlier use of SPC was associated with higher costs over the last year of life but lower costs in the last 1 and 3 months for both cohorts. Initiating SPC use more than 180 days before death was associated with a mean difference relative to the no SPC group of AU$15,590 (95% CI 10,617 to 20,562) and AU$13,739 (95% CI 733 to 26,746) over the last year of life for those dying from cancer and another illness, respectively. The same differences over the last month of life were - AU$2810 (95% CI - 3945 to - 1676) and - AU$4345 (95% CI - 6625 to - 2066). Admitted hospital care was the major driver of costs, with longer SPC associated with lower rates of death in hospital for both cohorts. CONCLUSION Early initiation of SPC was associated with higher costs over the last year of life and lower costs over the last months of life. This was the case for both the cancer and non-cancer cohorts, and appeared to be largely attributed to reduced hospitalisation. Although further investigation is required, our results suggest that expanding the availability of SPC services to provide more equitable access could enable patients to spend more time at their usual place of residence, reduce pressure on inpatient services and facilitate death at home when that is preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Kenny
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Dan Liu
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Denzil Fiebig
- School of Economics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Hall
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jared Millican
- Concord Centre for Palliative Care, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sanchia Aranda
- Department of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kees van Gool
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Pricing and analytics, Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip Haywood
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Health Division, OECD, Paris, France
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14
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Kluger BM, Katz M, Galifianakis NB, Pantilat SZ, Hauser JM, Khan R, Friedman C, Vaughan CL, Goto Y, Long SJ, Martin CS, Dini M, McQueen RB, Palmer L, Fairclough D, Seeberger LC, Sillau SH, Kutner JS. Patient and Family Outcomes of Community Neurologist Palliative Education and Telehealth Support in Parkinson Disease. JAMA Neurol 2024; 81:39-49. [PMID: 37955923 PMCID: PMC10644250 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.4260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Importance Parkinson disease and related disorders (PDRD) are the fastest growing neurodegenerative illness in terms of prevalence and mortality. As evidence builds to support palliative care (PC) for PDRD, studies are needed to guide implementation. Objective To determine whether PC training for neurologists and remote access to a PC team improves outcomes in patients with PDRD in community settings. Design, Setting, and Participants This pragmatic, stepped-wedge comparative effectiveness trial enrolled and observed participants from 19 community neurology practices supported by PC teams at 2 academic centers from March 8, 2017, to December 31, 2020. Participants were eligible if they had PDRD and moderate to high PC needs. A total of 612 persons with PDRD were referred; 253 were excluded. Patients were excluded if they had another diagnosis meriting PC, were receiving PC, or were unable or unwilling to follow study procedures. Patients received usual care or the intervention based on when their community neurologist was randomized to start the intervention. Data were analyzed from January 2021 to September 2023. Intervention The intervention included (1) PC education for community neurologists and (2) team-based PC support via telehealth. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were differences at 6 months in patient quality of life (QOL; measured by the Quality of Life in Alzheimer Disease Scale [QOL-AD]) and caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview) between the intervention and usual care. Results A total of 359 patients with PDRD (233 men [64.9%]; mean [SD] age, 74.0 [8.8] years) and 300 caregivers were enrolled. At 6 months, compared with usual care, participants receiving the intervention had better QOL (QOL-AD score, 0.09 [95% CI, -0.63 to 0.82] vs -0.88 [95% CI, -1.62 to -0.13]; treatment effect estimate, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.07-1.86; P = .03). No significant difference was observed in caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview score, 1.19 [95% CI, 0.16 to 2.23] vs 0.55 [95%, -0.44 to 1.54]; treatment effect estimate, 0.64; 95% CI, -0.62 to 1.90; P = .32). Advance directive completion was higher under the intervention (19 of 38 [50%] vs 6 of 31 [19%] among those without directives at the beginning of the study; P = .008). There were no differences in other outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance PC education for community neurologists and provision of team-based PC via telehealth is feasible and may improve QOL and advance care planning. Overall treatment effects were small and suggest opportunities to improve both the intervention and implementation. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03076671.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benzi M. Kluger
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Maya Katz
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Steven Z. Pantilat
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Joshua M. Hauser
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ryan Khan
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Cari Friedman
- Parkinson Association of the Rockies, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | | | - Yuika Goto
- Department of Palliative Care, University of California, San Francisco
| | - S. Judith Long
- Department of Palliative Care, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Megan Dini
- Parkinson’s Foundation, Denver, Colorado
| | - R. Brett McQueen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Laura Palmer
- Quality and Process Improvement, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Diane Fairclough
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Lauren C. Seeberger
- Department of Neurology, Charleston Area Medical Center Institute for Academic Medicine, Charleston, West Virginia
| | - Stefan H. Sillau
- Department of Neurology, School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Jean S. Kutner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora
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15
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Slotman E, Fransen HP, van Laarhoven HWM, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, Tjan-Heijnen VCG, Huijben AMT, Jager A, van Zuylen L, Kuip EJM, van der Linden YM, Raijmakers NJH, Siesling S. Reduction in potentially inappropriate end-of-life hospital care for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective population-based study. Palliat Med 2024; 38:140-149. [PMID: 38142283 PMCID: PMC10798006 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231217373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic impacted cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, little is known about end-of-life cancer care during the pandemic. AIM To investigate potentially inappropriate end-of-life hospital care for cancer patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Retrospective population-based cohort study using data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and the Dutch National Hospital Care Registration. Potentially inappropriate care in the last month of life (chemotherapy administration, >1 emergency room contact, >1 hospitalization, hospitalization >14 days, intensive care unit admission or hospital death) was compared between four COVID-19 periods and corresponding periods in 2018/2019. PARTICIPANTS A total of 112,919 cancer patients (⩾18 years) who died between January 2018 and May 2021 were included. RESULTS Fewer patients received potentially inappropriate end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years, especially during the first COVID-19 peak (22.4% vs 26.0%). Regression analysis showed lower odds of potentially inappropriate end-of-life care during all COVID-19 periods (between OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.74-0.88 and OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87-0.97) after adjustment for age, sex and cancer type. For the individual indicators, fewer patients experienced multiple or long hospitalizations, intensive care unit admission or hospital death during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Cancer patients received less potentially inappropriate end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because several factors may have contributed, it is unclear whether this reflects better quality care. However, these findings raise important questions about what pandemic-induced changes in care practices can help provide appropriate end-of-life care for future patients in the context of increasing patient numbers and limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Slotman
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Technical Medical Centre, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi P Fransen
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke WM van Laarhoven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Vivianne CG Tjan-Heijnen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Auke MT Huijben
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes Jager
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lia van Zuylen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien JM Kuip
- Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboud Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yvette M van der Linden
- Centre of Expertise in Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiotherapy, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja JH Raijmakers
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Siesling
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Technical Medical Centre, Enschede, The Netherlands
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16
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Nadolny S, Schildmann E, Gaßmann ES, Schildmann J. What is an "early palliative care" intervention? A scoping review of controlled studies in oncology. Cancer Med 2023; 12:21335-21353. [PMID: 37902232 PMCID: PMC10726823 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early palliative care (EPC) has been advocated to improve cancer patients' health. However, EPC differs with regard to its elements and target groups. It is not known which parts of EPC contribute to effectiveness for which patient group. This scoping review provides a structured analysis of EPC interventions and outcome measures. DESIGN We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL up to February 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCT), nonrandomized trials, cohort studies (CS), and controlled before-after studies of EPC in adult patients in English, Dutch, and German language. Interventions had to be self-labeled as EPC. Screening and data extraction were performed by two raters. A structured analysis incorporating the TIDieR checklist was performed to describe the elements of the interventions. RESULTS We screened 2651 articles, resulting in 40 articles being included: 34 studies were RCT and six studies were CS with a mean sample size of 208 patients. Patients with pancreatic (n = 10) and lung cancer (n = 9) were most often included. Studies reported different reference points for the onset of EPC such as time after diagnosis of incurable cancer (n = 18) or prognosis (n = 9). Thirteen studies provided information about elements of EPC and eight studies about the control intervention. Most frequent elements of EPC were symptom management (n = 28), case management (n = 16), and advance care planning (ACP; n = 15). Most frequently reported outcome measures were health-related quality of life (n = 26), symptom intensity (n = 6), resource use, and the patient's mood (n = 4 each). CONCLUSION The elicited heterogeneity of ECP in combination with deficits of reporting are considerable barriers that should be addressed to further develop effective EPC interventions for different groups of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Nadolny
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health SciencesMartin Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
- Institute for Educational and Health‐Care Research in the Health SectorHochschule Bielefeld—University of Applied Sciences and ArtsBielefeldGermany
| | - Eva Schildmann
- Department of Palliative MedicineMedical Faculty, University of AugsburgAugsburgGermany
- Department of Palliative MedicineLMU University Hospital, LMU MunichMunichGermany
| | - Elena S. Gaßmann
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health SciencesMartin Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
| | - Jan Schildmann
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health SciencesMartin Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
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17
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Schmidt EB, Blum D, Domeisen Benedetti F, Schlögl M, Strasser F. Tools for guiding interventions to address patient-perceived multidimensional unmet healthcare needs in palliative care: systematic literature review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023; 13:e1-e9. [PMID: 33177115 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The unmet needs of patients with advanced disease are indicative of the patient centredness of healthcare. By tracking unmet needs in clinical practice, palliative interventions are aligned with patient priorities, and clinicians receive support in intervention delivery decisions for patients with overlapping, complex needs. OBJECTIVE Identify tools used in everyday clinical practice for the purpose of identifying and addressing unmet healthcare needs for patients with advanced disease. METHODS We conducted PubMed and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature searches to include studies published between 1 January 2008 and 21 April 2020. Three concepts were used in constructing a search statement: (1) patient need, (2) validated instrument and (3) clinical practice. 2313 citations were reviewed according to predefined eligibility, exclusion and inclusion criteria. Data were collected from 17 tools in order to understand how instruments assess unmet need, who is involved in tool completion, the psychometric validation conducted, the tool's relationship to delivering defined palliative interventions, and the number of palliative care domains covered. RESULTS The majority of the 17 tools assessed unmet healthcare needs and had been validated. However, most did not link directly to clinical intervention, nor did they facilitate interaction between clinicians and patients to ensure a patient-reported view of unmet needs. Half of the tools reviewed covered ≤3 dimensions of palliative care. Of the 17 tools evaluated, 4 were compared in depth, but all were determined to be insufficient for the specific clinical applications sought in this research. CONCLUSION A new, validated tool is needed to track unmet healthcare needs and guide interventions for patients with advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie B Schmidt
- Clinic for Medical Oncology & Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Blum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franzisca Domeisen Benedetti
- Clinic for Medical Oncology & Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- School of Health Professions, Institute of Nursing, Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Schlögl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Competence Center Palliative Care, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florian Strasser
- Clinic for Medical Oncology & Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Integrated Oncological Rehabiliation & Cancer Fatigue Clinic, Clinic Gais, Gais, Switzerland
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18
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Rush CL, Lester EG, Berry JD, Brizzi KT, Lindenberger EC, Curtis JR, Vranceanu AM. A roadmap for early psychosocial support in palliative care for people impacted by ALS-reducing suffering, building resiliency, and setting the stage for delivering timely transdiagnostic psychosocial care. Transl Behav Med 2023; 13:722-726. [PMID: 37043596 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This commentary describes the current state of psychosocial care for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their caregivers. We provide recommendations for developing a roadmap for future research based on existing literature and our group's clinical and research experience to inform next steps to expand evidence-based psychosocial care for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their caregivers, with potential implications for a range of advanced illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Rush
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (CHOIR), Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ethan G Lester
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (CHOIR), Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA
| | - James D Berry
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kate T Brizzi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Lindenberger
- Division of Palliative Care & Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jared Randall Curtis
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Vranceanu
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (CHOIR), Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA
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Berlowitz DJ, Mathers S, Hutchinson K, Hogden A, Carey KA, Graco M, Whelan BM, Charania S, Steyn F, Allcroft P, Crook A, Sheers NL. The complexity of multidisciplinary respiratory care in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Breathe (Sheff) 2023; 19:220269. [PMID: 37830099 PMCID: PMC10567075 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0269-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neurone disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure, where death is usually secondary to progressive respiratory failure. Assisting people with ALS through their disease journey is complex and supported by clinics that provide comprehensive multidisciplinary care (MDC). This review aims to apply both a respiratory and a complexity lens to the key roles and areas of practice within the MDC model in ALS. Models of noninvasive ventilation care, and considerations in the provision of palliative therapy, respiratory support, and speech and language therapy are discussed. The impact on people living with ALS of both inequitable funding models and the complexity of clinical care decisions are illustrated using case vignettes. Considerations of the impact of emerging antisense and gene modifying therapies on MDC challenges are also highlighted. The review seeks to illustrate how MDC members contribute to collective decision-making in ALS, how the sum of the parts is greater than any individual care component or health professional, and that the MDC per se adds value to the person living with ALS. Through this approach we hope to support clinicians to navigate the space between what are minimum, guideline-driven, standards of care and what excellent, person-centred ALS care that fully embraces complexity could be. Educational aims To highlight the complexities surrounding respiratory care in ALS.To alert clinicians to the risk that complexity of ALS care may modify the effectiveness of any specific, evidence-based therapy for ALS.To describe the importance of person-centred care and shared decision-making in optimising care in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Berlowitz
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Heidelberg, Australia
- Department of Physiotherapy, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Susan Mathers
- Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Caulfield South, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Karen Hutchinson
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford, Australia
| | - Anne Hogden
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate A. Carey
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Marnie Graco
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Brooke-Mai Whelan
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Salma Charania
- Motor Neurone Disease Association of Queensland, Oxley, Australia
| | - Frederik Steyn
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter Allcroft
- Southern Adelaide Palliative Services, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Ashley Crook
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Chippendale, Australia
- Centre for MND Research and Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicole L. Sheers
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Heidelberg, Australia
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Govind N, Ferguson C, Phillips JL, Hickman L. Palliative care interventions and end-of-life care as reported by patients' post-stroke and their families: a systematic review. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2023; 22:445-453. [PMID: 36443841 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvac112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Internationally, there is an urgent need to implement guidelines supporting integration of palliative care into stroke clinical practice. Despite considerable advances in acute stroke management, ∼20% of all acute stroke patients die within the first 30 days. Palliative care is well established in diseases such as cancer or advanced heart failure, but evidence-based interventions of high quality are limited in stroke populations. This systematic review aims to identify and evaluate quantitative studies that describe palliative care interventions and end-of-life care as reported by patient's post-stroke and their families. METHODS AND RESULTS A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines was conducted in Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Ovid, Proquest, and Scopus from 1990 to April 2021. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute standardized quality rating tools for quality assessment were used. Seven studies were identified, and all used descriptive quantitative designs. There were no interventional studies. The results were synthesized narratively according to the elements of palliative care interventions and end-of-life care: symptom burden and satisfaction, loss of autonomy at the end of life, and acknowledging uncertainty. CONCLUSION This review highlights the limited empirical evidence that describes palliative care interventions and end-of-life care as reported by patient's post-stroke and their families. Most of the current evidence focuses on the provision of care during the final days and hours of life, or end-of-life care, with little evidence to guide the integration of palliative care into post-stroke clinical care, especially for patients with an uncertain prognosis. Acute stroke is sudden, unexpected, and life-changing, and patients and families would benefit from well-designed targeted interventions to determine strategies that address the diverse palliative needs of this patient population. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021254536.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Govind
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, PO Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Caleb Ferguson
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, PO Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
- School of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Jane L Phillips
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, PO Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Louise Hickman
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, PO Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
- School of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Matsumoto Y, Higuchi A, Shiba M, Sasaki K, Saiki T, Honma Y, Kimura K, Zhou Q, Saijo Y. Termination of Palliative Chemotherapy Near the End of Life: A Retrospective Study of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients. Palliat Med Rep 2023; 4:169-174. [PMID: 37483881 PMCID: PMC10357107 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative chemotherapy is commonly used for advanced cancer patients. The timing of chemotherapy termination is crucial for efforts to maintain quality of life. Patients and Methods This retrospective study included gastrointestinal cancer patients who were treated with chemotherapy and died between 2013 and 2022 at Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital. Data were reviewed regarding age, gender, cancer type, reason for chemotherapy termination, cause of death, survival after chemotherapy termination, and place of death. Results In total, 388 patients were included; the median survival after chemotherapy was 73 days. Patients aged <67 years had shorter survival durations (59 days), compared with patients aged >67 years (82 days). Ten (2.6%) patients began a new chemotherapy regimen, whereas 17 (4.4%) patients received chemotherapy, within 4 weeks before death. The most common reason for chemotherapy termination was disease progression, and most deaths occurred in hospitals. Conclusion The rates of chemotherapy and initiation of new chemotherapeutic regimens near the end of life were lower than previously reported. Most deaths occurred in hospitals, highlighting the need for development of hospices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Matsumoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
- Palliative Care Team, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akito Higuchi
- School of Medicine, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Marika Shiba
- School of Medicine, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kenta Sasaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
- Palliative Care Team, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takuro Saiki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
- Palliative Care Team, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yujiro Honma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Kimura
- Department of Medical Oncology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
- Palliative Care Team, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Qiliang Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yasuo Saijo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
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Osakwe ZT, Jacobowitz W, Horton JR, Klainberg M, Calixte R, Jacobs C, Hickey MT. Hospice and Palliative Care for Undergraduate Nursing Education: Results from a Delphi Study. Home Healthc Now 2023; 41:197-206. [PMID: 37417571 DOI: 10.1097/nhh.0000000000001178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to strengthen the nursing workforce through hospice and palliative care education to support patients living with serious illness. The aim of this study was to identify skills/topics in hospice and palliative care for undergraduate nursing education. We conducted a two-round online Delphi Survey of hospice and palliative care leaders and clinicians in New York State between June and August 2022. Participants were asked to list and rate the importance of clinical skills and topics in hospice and palliative care for undergraduate nursing education. Twenty-eight participants completed Round One and 21 participants completed Round Two. Topics ranked as extremely important were goals of care, patient/family education, communication skills, advance directives, medication management, pain management, and symptom management. Our findings highlight the importance of including the perspective of healthcare systems leaders and clinicians in discussions about training of future nurses to meet the needs of patients with serious illness and their families.
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Waldman LP, Centracchio JA, Jacobs JM, Petrillo LA, El-Jawahri AR, Temel JS, Greer JA. Study protocol for a randomized trial of a supportive care mobile application to improve symptoms, coping, and quality of life in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1184482. [PMID: 37425161 PMCID: PMC10325829 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1184482] [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: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often experience burdensome symptoms, emotional distress, and poor quality of life (QOL). While national guidelines recommend early palliative care to address these supportive care needs, most patients with advanced NSCLC lack access to such comprehensive care. Our aim in the current study is to test a novel model of palliative care delivery and use of innovative technology to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a supportive care mobile application (app) for improving symptom management and adaptive coping in patients with advanced NSCLC. We will enroll 120 patients with unresectable Stage III or IV NSCLC diagnosed within the past 12 weeks receiving care with palliative intent at a major academic comprehensive cancer center and its community affiliates. The study will take place in two phases, the first of which will be dedicated to adapting an evidence-based, early palliative care treatment guide and prior supportive care mobile app intervention to address the specific symptom management and coping needs of patients with advanced NSCLC. The second phase of the study will be a two-group, randomized controlled trial. Study patients will complete baseline self-report measures of symptoms, mood, coping skills, and QOL, after which they will be randomized to receive either the mobile app intervention combined with usual oncology care or usual oncology care alone. Intervention patients will use a tablet computer to self-administer the mobile app, which consists of six modules that teach evidence-based skills for managing burdensome symptoms and coping effectively with advanced cancer and its treatment. At 12 weeks follow up, patients in both groups will repeat the same self-report measures. We will use descriptive statistics to determine feasibility metrics of enrollment and retention rates. For secondary self-report measures, we will use linear regression controlling for baseline values. The results of the present study will contribute to a growing body of evidence regarding the supportive care needs of patients with advanced cancer and will have implications for how best to use innovative technology to widely disseminate comprehensive supportive care services to all patients who may benefit. Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier[NCT04629300].
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Arango-Gutiérrez A, Moreno S, Rondón M, Arroyo LI, Ardila L, Leal Arenas FA, Calvache JA, de Vries E. Factors associated with suffering from dying in patients with cancer: a cross-sectional analytical study among bereaved caregivers. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:48. [PMID: 37085859 PMCID: PMC10120203 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01148-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Colombia, cancer incidence is increasing, as is the demand for end-of-life care. Understanding how patients who die from cancer experience this phase will allow the identification of factors associated with greater suffering and actions to improve end-of-life care. We aimed to explore associations between the level of suffering of patients who died from cancer and were cared for in three Colombian hospitals with patient, tumor, treatment, and care characteristics and provided information. METHODS Data on the last week of life and level of suffering were collected through proxies: Bereaved caregivers of patients who died from cancer in three participating Colombian hospitals. Bereaved caregivers participated in a phone interview and answered a series of questions regarding the last week of the patient's life. An ordinal logistic regression model explored the relationship between the level of suffering reported by bereaved caregivers with the patient's demographic and clinical characteristics, the bereaved caregivers, and the care received. Multivariate analyses were adjusted for place of death, treatments to prolong of life, prolongation of life during the dying process, suffering due to prolongation of life, type of cancer, age, if patient had partner, rural/urban residence of patient, importance of religion for the caregiver, caregivers´ relationship with the patient, and co-living with the patient. RESULTS A total of 174 interviews were included. Median age of the deceased patients was 64 years (IQR 52-72 years), and 93 patients were women (53.4%). Most caregivers had rated the level of suffering of their relative as "moderately to extremely" (n = 139, 80%). In multivariate analyses, factors associated with a higher level of suffering were: unclear information about the treatment and the process before death Odds Ratio (OR) 2.26 (90% CI 1.21-4.19), outpatient palliative care versus home care OR 3.05 (90% CI 1.05-8.88), procedures inconsistent with the patient's wishes OR 2.92 (90% CI 1.28-6.70), and a younger age (18-44 years) at death versus the oldest age group (75-93 years) OR 3.80 (90% CI 1.33-10.84, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION End-of-life care for cancer patients should be aligned as much as possible with patients´ wishes, needs, and capacities. A better dialogue between doctors, family members, and patients is necessary to achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Arango-Gutiérrez
- MSc programme Clinical Epidemiology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Socorro Moreno
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martín Rondón
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lucía I Arroyo
- Departamento de Fonoaudiología, Universidad de Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
- MSc programme Public Health, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Fabián Alexander Leal Arenas
- National Cancer Institute of Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Javeriano Oncology Center, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - José A Calvache
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia.
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam, 3015 GD, The Netherlands.
| | - Esther de Vries
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Liu M, Hu L, Xu Y, Wang Y, Liu Y. Patient healthcare experiences of cancer hospitals in China: A multilevel modeling analysis based on a national survey. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1059878. [PMID: 36908411 PMCID: PMC9992183 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1059878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator for assessing quality of care in healthcare settings. However, patient satisfaction benchmark for cancer hospitals in China is not established. Objective To examine patient satisfaction levels in tertiary cancer hospitals in China, and inter-hospital variations after case-mix adjustment. Design A nationwide cross-sectional hospital performance survey conducted from January to March 2021. Settings At 30 tertiary cancer hospitals in China. Participants A total of 4,847 adult inpatients consecutively recruited at 30 tertiary cancer hospitals were included. Exposures Patient characteristics included demographic characteristics (sex, age, education, and annual family income), clinical characteristics (cancer type, cancer stage, self-reported health status, and length of stay), and actual respondents of questionnaire. Main outcomes and measures Patient satisfaction was measured using 23 items covering five aspects, administrative process, hospital environment, medical care, symptom management, and overall satisfaction. Responses to each item were recorded using a 5-point Likert scale. Patient satisfaction level for each aspect was described at individual and hospital levels. Using multilevel logistic regression, patient characteristics associated with patient satisfaction were examined as case-mix adjusters and inter-hospital variation were determined. Results The satisfaction rates for symptom management, administrative process, hospital environment, overall satisfaction, and medical care aspects were 74.56, 81.70, 84.18, 84.26, and 90.86% with a cut-off value of 4, respectively. Significant predictors of patient satisfaction included sex, age, cancer type, cancer stage, self-reported health status, and actual respondent (representative or patient) (all P < 0.05). The ranking of the hospitals' performance in satisfaction was altered after the case-mix adjustment was made. But even after the adjustment, significant variation in satisfaction among hospitals remained. Conclusions and relevance This study pointed to symptom management as a special area, to which a keen attention should be paid by policymakers and hospital administrators. Significant variation in satisfaction among hospitals remained, implying that future studies should examine major factors affecting the variation. In review, target interventions are needed in low-performing hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linlin Hu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Yuanli Liu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Striving towards normality in an unpredictable situation. A qualitative interview study of how persons newly diagnosed with incurable oesophageal and gastric cancer manage everyday life. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 63:102302. [PMID: 36893571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Getting an incurable oesophageal or gastric cancer diagnosis is a major stressful life event associated with severe physical, psychosocial and existential challenges. To provide timely and efficient support, based on patients' experiences, the aim of the study was to explore how patients newly diagnosed with incurable oesophageal and gastric cancer manage everyday life. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 patients 1-3 months after being diagnosed with incurable oesophageal or gastric cancer. Four participants were interviewed twice, which resulted in 16 interviews. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS An overall theme, "Striving towards normality in an unpredictable situation", with three related themes - "Trying to comprehend the disease", "Dealing with the consequences of illness" and "Re-evaluating what is important in everyday life" - and seven sub-themes were identified. The participants described an unexpected and unpredictable situation, in which they strived to maintain their normal life. Amidst struggling to manage problems related to eating, fatigue and an incurable diagnosis the participants talked about the importance of focusing on the positive and normal aspects of life. CONCLUSIONS The findings in this study point to the importance of supporting patients' confidence and skills, particularly with regard to managing eating, so that they can hold on to their normal life as much as possible. The findings further point to the possible benefit of integrating an early palliative care approach and could provide guidance for nurses and other professionals on how to support patients post diagnosis.
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Zimmermann C, Buss MK, Rabow MW, Hannon B, Hui D. Should Outpatient Palliative Care Clinics in Cancer Centers be Stand Alone or Embedded? J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:e165-e170. [PMID: 36437178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Outpatient palliative care facilitates timely symptom management, psychosocial care and care planning. A growing number of cancer centers have either stand-alone or embedded outpatient palliative care clinics. In this "Controversies in Palliative Care" article, three groups of thought leaders independently answer this question. Specifically, each group provides a synopsis of the key studies that inform their thought processes, share practical advice on their clinical approach, and highlight the opportunities for future research. One group advocates for stand-alone clinics, another for embedded, and the third group tries to find a balance. In the absence of evidence that directly compares the two models, factors such as cancer center size, palliative care team composition, clinic space availability, and financial considerations may drive the decision-making process at each institution. Stand-alone clinics may be more appropriate for larger academic cancer centers or palliative care programs with a more comprehensive interdisciplinary team, while embedded clinics may be more suited for smaller palliative care programs or community oncology programs to stimulate referrals. As outpatient clinic models continue to evolve, investigators need to document the referral and patient outcomes to inform practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care (C.Z., B.H.), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (C.Z.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care (M.K.B.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.W.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mary K Buss
- Department of Supportive Care (C.Z., B.H.), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (C.Z.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care (M.K.B.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.W.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael W Rabow
- Department of Supportive Care (C.Z., B.H.), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (C.Z.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care (M.K.B.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.W.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Breffni Hannon
- Department of Supportive Care (C.Z., B.H.), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (C.Z.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care (M.K.B.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.W.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David Hui
- Department of Supportive Care (C.Z., B.H.), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (C.Z.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care (M.K.B.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.W.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Patel AA, Arnold RM, Taddei TH, Woodrell CD. "Am I Going to Die?": Delivering Serious News to Patients With Liver Disease. Gastroenterology 2023; 164:177-181. [PMID: 36379246 PMCID: PMC10662545 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arpan A Patel
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Department of Medicine, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Robert M Arnold
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Palliative Care Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Palliative and Supportive Institute, UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tamar H Taddei
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christopher D Woodrell
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York
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Davis MP, Vanenkevort EA, Elder A, Young A, Correa Ordonez ID, Wojtowicz MJ, Ellison H, Fernandez C, Mehta Z, Behm B, Digwood G, Panikkar R. The Financial Impact of Palliative Care and Aggressive Cancer Care on End-of-Life Health Care Costs. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:52-60. [PMID: 35503515 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221098062] [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: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicare cancer expenditures in the last month of life have increased. Aggressive cancer care at the end-of-life (ACEOL) is considered poor quality care. We used Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) last month's costs for cancer patients who died in 2018 and 2019 to determine the costs of and influence of Palliative Care (PC) on ACEOL. METHOD Patients with GHP ages 18-99 who died in 2018 and 2019 were included. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and Charlson Comorbid Index were compared across care groups defined as no ACEOL indicator, 1 or more than 1 indicator. Differences between groups were compared with Kruskal-Wallis tests and one-way ANOVA for 3 groups. Median two-sample tests and independent t-tests compared groups of 2. A P-value </= .05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS Of 608 eligible patients; 261 had no indicator, 133 had 1 and 214 > 1. There were incremental cost increases with each additional ACEOL indicator (p = < .0001). Palliative Care <90 days before death was associated with increased costs while consultations >90 days before death lowered cost (P < .0001) due to reduced chemotherapy in the last month. Completed ADs reduced cost by $4000. DISCUSSION ACEOL indicators multiply costs during the last month of life. Palliative care instituted >90 days before death reduces chemotherapy in the last month of life and AD reduces health care costs. CONCLUSION Cancer health care costs increase with indicators of ACEOL. Palliative care consultations >90 days before death; ADs reduce cancer health care costs.
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Tark A, Estrada LV, Stone PW, Baernholdt M, Buck HG. Systematic review of conceptual and theoretical frameworks used in palliative care and end-of-life care research studies. Palliat Med 2023; 37:10-25. [PMID: 36081200 PMCID: PMC10790406 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221122268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frameworks are the conceptual underpinnings of the study. Both conceptual and theoretical frameworks are often used in palliative and end-of-life care studies to help with study design, guide, and conduct investigations. While an increasing number of investigators have included frameworks in their study, to date, there has not been a comprehensive review of frameworks that were utilized in palliative and end-of-life care research studies. AIM To summarize conceptual and theoretical frameworks used in palliative and end-of-life care research studies. And to synthesize which of eight domains from the National Consensus Project's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care (fourth edition) each framework belongs to. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Four electronic databases (EMBASE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, PsychINFO, and PubMed) were searched from July 2010 to September 2021. RESULTS A total 2231 citations were retrieved, of which 44 articles met eligibility. Across primary studies, 33,801 study participants were captured. Twenty-six investigators (59.1%) proposed previously unpublished frameworks. In 10 studies, investigators modified existing frameworks, mainly to overcome inherent limitations. In eight studies, investigators utilized existing frameworks referenced in previously published studies. There were eight orientations identified among 44 frameworks we reviewed (e.g. system, patient, patient-doctor). CONCLUSIONS We examined palliative and end-of-life research studies to identify and characterize conceptual or theoretical frameworks proposed or utilized. Of 44 frameworks we reviewed, 21 studies (47.7%) were aligned with a Clinical Practice Guideline's single domain, while the rest two or more of eight guidelines in quality palliative care domains.
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Bigi S, Borelli E, Potenza L, Gilioli F, Artioli F, Porzio G, Luppi M, Bandieri E. Early palliative care for solid and blood cancer patients and caregivers: Quantitative and qualitative results of a long-term experience as a case of value-based medicine. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1092145. [PMID: 36950093 PMCID: PMC10025337 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1092145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer patients and their caregivers have substantial unmet needs, that negatively impact the clinical outcome and quality of life. However, interventions aimed to address such needs are still suboptimal, failing to answer the recent healthcare call for the adoption of value-based models of care. In the case of incurable oncologic and hematologic cancers, a value-based model of care should plan advanced care on patients' needs and include the quality of death as an outcome. The integration of early palliative care into standard oncologic care for patients with advanced cancers represents a recent innovative model of assistance whose benefits for patients and caregivers are now widely recognized. The key elements underlying the reasons behind these benefits are the multidisciplinary collaboration (teamwork), an honest and empathetic communication between the early palliative care team, the patient, and the caregiver (rapport building), and the ability to detect changes in the physical/psychosocial wellbeing of the patient, along the whole disease trajectory (constant monitoring). Methods This community case study documents the quantitative and qualitative results of a long term clinical and research experience in delivering early palliative care service to address both solid and blood cancer patients' and their primary caregivers' needs. Results Data showed decreased use of chemotherapy, blood transfusions and referral to intensive care units near the end of life; increased life expectancy; improved symptom burden and mood; increased frequency of goals-of-care and advanced care planning conversations. Hope perception among bereaved caregivers was associated with resilience and realistic expectations raising from honest communication with the early palliative care team and appreciation toward the model. Patients and caregivers perceived the possibility of a good death as realistic and not as an unlikely event as it was for patients and caregivers on standard oncologic care only. Gratitude expressions toward the model and the team were frequently identified in their reports and positively associated with communication and spirituality. Conclusions These findings are discussed in the context of an updated literature review regarding value-based care and suggest that early palliative care integrated into standard oncology care may be considered as an effective model of value-based care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bigi
- Department of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sarah Bigi
| | - Eleonora Borelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Gilioli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, USL, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Artioli
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | | | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Bandieri
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
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Schweiger L, Vranas KC, Furuno JP, Hansen L, Slatore CG, Sullivan DR. Association of Patient-Centered Elements of Care and Palliative Care Among Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:18-26. [PMID: 36191296 PMCID: PMC9772174 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221130944] [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: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care (PC) is associated with improved quality of life, survival, and decreased healthcare use at the end of life among lung cancer patients. However, the specific elements of palliative care that may contribute to these benefits are unclear. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the associations of PC and its setting of delivery with prescriptions of symptom management medications, advance care planning (ACP), hospice enrollment, and home health care (HHC) receipt. METHODS Retrospective, cohort study of patients with advanced stage (IIIB/IV) lung cancer in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) diagnosed from 2007-2013; with follow-up through 2017. Propensity score methods were used with inverse probability of treatment weighting and logistic regression modeling, adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics. RESULTS Among 23 142 patients, 57% received PC. Compared to non-receipt of PC, PC in any setting (inpatient or outpatient) was associated with increased prescriptions of pain medications (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.45-1.83), constipation regimen with pain medications (aOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.63-2.54), and antidepressants (aOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.52-2.09). PC was also associated with increased ACP (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.37-1.67) and hospice enrollment (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI:1.31-1.47), and decreased HHC (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70-.90) compared to non-receipt of PC. Receipt of PC in outpatient settings was associated with increased prescriptions of pain medications (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 2.13-3.04) and antidepressants (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.46-2.12), and hospice enrollment (aOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.90-2.31) compared to receipt of PC in inpatient settings. CONCLUSIONS PC is associated with increased use of symptom management medications, ACP, and hospice enrollment, especially when delivered in outpatient settings. These elements of care elucidate potential mechanisms for improved outcomes associated with PC and provide a framework for a primary palliative care approach among non-palliative care clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Schweiger
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Portland Health Care System; Portland, OR
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System; Portland, OR
| | - Kelly C. Vranas
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Portland Health Care System; Portland, OR
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR
- Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System; Portland, OR
| | - Jon P Furuno
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Portland, OR
| | - Lissi Hansen
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
| | - Christopher G. Slatore
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Portland Health Care System; Portland, OR
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System; Portland, OR
| | - Donald R. Sullivan
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Portland Health Care System; Portland, OR
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR
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Davidoff AJ, Canavan ME, Prsic E, Saphire M, Wang SY, Presley CJ. End-of-life care trajectories among older adults with lung cancer. J Geriatr Oncol 2023; 14:101381. [PMID: 36202695 PMCID: PMC9974538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.09.010] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medicare decedents with cancer often receive intensive care during the last month of life; however, little information exists on longer end-of-life care trajectories. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using SEER-Medicare data, we selected older adults diagnosed with lung cancer between 2008 and 2013 who survived at least six months and died between 2008 and 2014. Each month we assessed claims to assign care categories ordered by intensity as follows: full-month inpatient/skilled nursing facility > cancer-directed therapy (CDT) only > concurrent CDT and symptom management and supportive care services (SMSCS) > SMSCS only > full-month hospice. We assigned each decedent to one of six trajectories: stable hospice, stable SMSCS, stable CDT with or without concurrent SMSCS, decreasing intensity, increasing intensity, and mixed. Multinomial logistic regression estimated associations between socio-demographics, calendar year, and area hospice use rates with end-of-life trajectory. RESULTS The sample (N = 24,342) was predominantly aged ≥75 years (59.4%) and non-Hispanic White (80.5%); 19.1% lived in healthcare referral regions where ≤50% of cancer decedents received hospice care. Overall, 6.5% were continuously hospice enrolled, 25.6% received SMSCS only, and 29.4% experienced decreasing intensity; 3.9% received CDT or concurrent care, while 8.7% experienced an increase in intensity. Higher healthcare referral region hospice rates were associated with decreasing end-of-life intensity; Black, non-Hispanic decedents had a higher risk of increasing intensity and mixed patterns. DISCUSSION Among older decedents with lung cancer, 62% had six-month end-of-life trajectories indicating low or decreasing intensity, but few received persistent CDT. Demographic characteristics, including race/ethnicity, and contextual measures, including area hospice use patterns, were associated with end-of-life trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Davidoff
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center (COPPER), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, United States of America.
| | - Maureen E Canavan
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center (COPPER), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Prsic
- Yale-Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Maureen Saphire
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Shi-Yi Wang
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center (COPPER), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Carolyn J Presley
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center (COPPER), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Columbus, OH, United States of America
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Müller S, Fink M, Hense J, Comino MRS, Schuler M, Teufel M, Tewes M. Palliative care outpatients in a German comprehensive cancer center-identifying indicators for early and late referral. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:221. [PMID: 36503625 PMCID: PMC9743520 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01114-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite that early integration of palliative care is recommended in advanced cancer patients, referrals to outpatient specialised palliative care (SPC) frequently occur late. Well-defined referral criteria are still missing. We analysed indicators associated with early (ER) and late referral (LR) to SPC of an high volume outpatient unit of a comprehensive cancer center. METHODS Characteristics, laboratory parameters and symptom burden of 281 patients at first SPC referral were analysed. Timing of referral was categorized as early, intermediate and late (> 12, 3-12 and < 3 months before death). Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors related to referral timing. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine symptom severity and laboratory parameter in each referral category. RESULTS LRs (50.7%) had worse scores of weakness, loss of appetite, drowsiness, assistance of daily living (all p < 0.001) and organisation of care (p < 0.01) in contrast to ERs. The mean symptom sum score was significantly higher in LRs than ERs (13.03 vs. 16.08; p < 0.01). Parameters indicative of poor prognosis, such as elevated LDH, CRP and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p < 0.01) as well as the presence of ascites (p < 0.05), were significantly higher (all p < 0.001) in LRs. In univariable analyses, psychological distress (p < 0.05) and female gender (p < 0.05) were independently associated with an ER. CONCLUSION A symptom sum score and parameters of poor prognosis like NLR or LDH might be useful to integrate into palliative care screening tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Müller
- grid.410718.b0000 0001 0262 7331Department of Palliative Medicine, West German Cancer Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - M. Fink
- grid.5718.b0000 0001 2187 5445Clinic of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR-Klinikum Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - J. Hense
- grid.410718.b0000 0001 0262 7331Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - M. R. Salvador Comino
- grid.410718.b0000 0001 0262 7331Department of Palliative Medicine, West German Cancer Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - M. Schuler
- grid.410718.b0000 0001 0262 7331Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany ,grid.410718.b0000 0001 0262 7331German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - M. Teufel
- grid.5718.b0000 0001 2187 5445Clinic of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR-Klinikum Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - M. Tewes
- grid.410718.b0000 0001 0262 7331Department of Palliative Medicine, West German Cancer Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Billiot AA, Danos DM, Stevens J, Vance KM, Raven MC, Lyons JM. Palliative care reduces emergency room visits and total hospital days among patients with metastatic HPB and GI cancers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21068. [PMID: 36473913 PMCID: PMC9727158 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Palliative care services (PCS) have improved quality of life for patients across various cancer subtypes. Minimal data exists regarding PCSfor metastatic hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. We assessed the impact of PCS on emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and survival among these patients. Patients with metastatic HPB and GI cancer referred to outpatient PCS between 2014 and 2018 at a single institution were included. We compared the demographics, outcomes, and end-of-life indicators between those who did and did not receive PCS. The study included 183 patients, with 118 (64.5%) having received PCS. There were no significant differences in age, gender, race, marital status, or insurance. Those receiving PCS were more likely to have colorectal cancer (p = 0.0082) and receive chemotherapy (p = 0.0098). On multivariate analysis, PCS was associated with fewer ED visits (p = 0.0319), hospital admissions (p = 0.0002), and total inpatient hospital days (p < 0.0001) per 30 days of life. Overall survival was greater among patients receiving PCS (HR: 0.65 (0.46-0.92)). Outpatient PCS for patients with metastatic HPB and GI cancer is associated with fewer emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and inpatient hospital days, and improved overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelle A. Billiot
- grid.279863.10000 0000 8954 1233LSUHSC Department of Surgery, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Denise M. Danos
- grid.279863.10000 0000 8954 1233LSUHSC School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Jenny Stevens
- grid.279863.10000 0000 8954 1233LSUHSC Department of Surgery, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Katie M. Vance
- Our Lady of the Lake-Division of Academic Affairs, Baton Rouge, LA USA
| | - Mary C. Raven
- Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, 7777 Hennessy Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 USA
| | - John M. Lyons
- grid.279863.10000 0000 8954 1233LSUHSC Department of Surgery, New Orleans, LA USA ,Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, 7777 Hennessy Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 USA
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Konlan KD, Im S, Afaya A. End of life decisions and preference of place of death among geriatric and chronic disease patients: A scoping review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2022; 4:100108. [PMID: 38745625 PMCID: PMC11080430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2022.100108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Geriatric and chronic disease patients and families consider the nature, time, and place of death because issues related to the end of life are rarely discussed. This study assessed the end of life decisions and preferences among geriatric and chronic disease patients. Methods There was an in-depth search in five electronic databases (PubMed Central, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus) using the population, concept, and context, framework. A matrix was developed, discussed, accepted, and used for data extraction. Convergent synthesis and thematic data analysis technique were adopted for the analysis. The reporting of findings was done in accordance with the JBI and PRISMA guidelines for reviews. Results From the data analysis, home-based end of life care was intuitive and included home visits, telephone follow-up, and patient-initiated services. The key themes that emerged from our analysis that sought to influence end end of life decisions were 1) approach to home-based end of life care, 2) patient and family characteristics, 3) clinical characteristics of the patient, 4) health care provider factors, 5) satisfaction and care rendered to the patient and family, 6) family preference of the place of death, 7) collaboration between multidisciplinary teams of care, and 8) challenges associated with the home-based end of life care. The personal characteristics of the nurse (age, personal and work experience, nursing perspective, and competence) and conducting a home visit influenced patient and family end of life decision. Multidisciplinary care teams (nurses and palliative care specialists) were important in delivering effective end-of-life services. Conclusion To support patients in making informed decisions, they must be educated on expected outcomes and implications, adverse impacts of decisions, and the emotional influence on the bereaved family. It is important that divergent technological methods are leveraged to provide essential care to patients nearing the end of life at home. Advancing the quality of end of life care techniques through home visiting will improve the feeling of patients and families about the dying process. Tweetable abstracts End-of-life preferences warrants that, divergent technological methods are leveraged to provide care to patients nearing the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Diema Konlan
- Mo- Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Nursing, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Public Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Seah Im
- Sahmyook University, College of Nursing., 815, Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Korea
| | - Agani Afaya
- Yonsei University College of Nursing., 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
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Chua IS, Olmsted M, Plotke R, Turk Y, Trotter C, Rinaldi S, Kamdar M, Jackson VA, Gallagher-Medeiros ER, El-Jawahri A, Temel JS, Greer JA. Video and In-Person Palliative Care Delivery Challenges before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:577-587. [PMID: 35985551 PMCID: PMC9383956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.08.005] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care (PC) clinicians faced many challenges delivering outpatient care during the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVES We described trends for in-person and video visit PC delivery challenges before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. METHODS We performed a secondary data analysis of patient characteristics and PC clinician surveys from a multisite randomized controlled trial at 20 academic cancer centers. Patients newly diagnosed with advanced lung cancer (N = 653) were randomly assigned to receive either early in-person or telehealth PC and had at least monthly PC clinician visits. PC clinicians completed surveys documenting PC delivery challenges after each encounter. We categorized patients into 3 subgroups according to their PC visit dates relative to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.-pre-COVID-19 (all visits before March 1, 2020), pre/post-COVID-19 (≥1 visit before and after March 1, 2020), and post-COVID-19 (all visits after March 1, 2020). We performed Pearson's chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests to examine associations. RESULTS We analyzed 2329 surveys for video visits and 2176 surveys for in-person visits. For video visits, the pre-COVID-19 subgroup (25.8% [46/178]) had the most technical difficulties followed by the pre/post-COVID-19 subgroup (17.2% [307/1784]) and then the post-COVID-19 subgroup (11.4% [42/367]) (P = 0.0001). For in-person visits, challenges related to absent patients' family members occurred most often in the post-COVID-19 subgroup (6.2% [16/259]) followed by the pre/post-COVID-19 subgroup (3.6% [50/1374]) and then the pre-COVID-19 subgroup (2.2% [12/543]) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Technical difficulties related to PC video visits improved, whereas in-person visit challenges related to absent patients' family members worsened during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac S Chua
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine (I.S.C.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (I.S.C.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Molly Olmsted
- University of Massachusetts Medical School (M.O.), Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel Plotke
- Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yael Turk
- Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chardria Trotter
- Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Simone Rinaldi
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mihir Kamdar
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vicki A Jackson
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily R Gallagher-Medeiros
- Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer S Temel
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph A Greer
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Tsang M, Gan S, Boscardin J, Wong ML, Walter LC, Smith AK. The epidemiology of preexisting geriatric and palliative conditions in older adults with poor prognosis cancers. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:3402-3412. [PMID: 36259424 PMCID: PMC9772051 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18039] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older patients with poor prognosis cancers have complex needs that can benefit from geriatrics and palliative care principles. Because they are not routinely assessed, the prevalence of preexisting geriatric and palliative conditions in this population is unknown. METHODS We used the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS) linked with Medicare claims (1998-2016) to identify adults aged ≥65 years diagnosed with poor prognosis cancers (cancers with a median survival ≤1 year). Using the HRS interview before the first Medicare cancer claim, we used survey-weighted descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression analysis to examine the prevalence of the following clinically significant conditions: functional impairment, difficulty with mobility, falls and injurious falls, social support, cognition, advance care planning, use of pain or sleep medications, and presence of pain or breathlessness. RESULTS Of 2105 participants (mean age 76, 53% women, 34% lung cancer, 21% gastrointestinal cancer), the median survival was 9.6 months. Approximately 65% had difficulty climbing stairs (95% CI 63%-67%), 49% had no advance directive (95% CI 45%-54%), 35% lived alone (95% CI 33%-37%), 36% fell in the last 2 years (95% CI 34%-38%), and 32% rated their memory as poor (95% CI 29%-34%). After adjusting for gender, cancer type, and HRS survey time before the first Medicare claim for a poor prognosis cancer, functional impairment and falls were highest among adults aged 85+. Adults aged 65-74 years were less likely to have an advance directive. After adjusting for age, cancer type, and HRS survey time, women had a higher rate of pain and physical impairment. In exploratory analyses, race and socioeconomic status predicted difficulty with mobility and instrumental activities of daily living, living alone, and advance directive completion. CONCLUSIONS Due to a high prevalence across multiple domains, all older adults with poor prognosis cancers should be assessed for geriatric and palliative care conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazie Tsang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Siqi Gan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John Boscardin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Melisa L. Wong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Louise C. Walter
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alexander K. Smith
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
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Gofton C, Agar M, George J. Early Implementation of Palliative and Supportive Care in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:514-530. [PMID: 36193677 DOI: 10.1055/a-1946-5592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Early palliative and supportive care referral is the standard of care for many malignancies. This paradigm results in improvements in patients' symptoms and quality of life and decreases the costs of medical care and unnecessary procedures. Leading oncology guidelines have recommended the integration of early referral to palliative and supportive services to care pathways for advanced malignancies. Currently, early referral to palliative care within the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) population is not utilized, with gastroenterology guidelines recommending referral of patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage D to these services. This review addresses this topic through analysis of the existing data within the oncology field as well as literature surrounding palliative care intervention in HCC. Early palliative and supportive care in HCC and its impact on patients, caregivers, and health services allow clinicians and researchers to identify management options that improve outcomes within existing service provisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Gofton
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia.,Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meera Agar
- Department of Palliative Care, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Camperdown and Darlington Campus, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Brunelli C, Zecca E, Pigni A, Bracchi P, Caputo M, Lo Dico S, Fusetti V, Tallarita A, Bergamini C, Brambilla M, Raimondi A, Niger M, Provenzano S, Sepe P, Alfieri S, Tinè G, De Braud F, Caraceni AT. Outpatient palliative care referral system (PCRS) for patients with advanced cancer: an impact evaluation protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059410. [PMID: 36307164 PMCID: PMC9621186 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early palliative care (PC) in the clinical pathway of advanced cancer patients improves symptom control, quality of life and has a positive impact on overall quality of care. At present, standardised criteria for appropriate referral for early PC in oncology care are lacking. The aim of this project is to develop a set of standardised referral criteria and procedures to implement appropriate early PC for advanced cancer patients (the palliative care referral system, PCRS) and test its impact on user perception of quality of care received, on patient quality of life and on the use of healthcare resources. SETTING Selected oncology clinics and PC outpatient clinic. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A scoping literature review and an expert consultation through a nominal group technique will be used to revise existing referral tools and to develop a new one, the PCRS. 25 patients will be enrolled in a pilot study to assess feasibility of the implementation of PCRS; 10 interviews with patients and healthcare professionals will be carried out to evaluate applicability.A pretest-post-test quasiexperimental study involving 150 patients before implementation of the PCRS and 150 patients after implementation will be carried out.Patient satisfaction with care received, quality of life and use of resources, and caregiver satisfaction with care will also be assessed to explore the impact of the intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for the study has been granted by the Institutional Review board of the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori; approval reference INT201/19.Results will be disseminated through open access publications and through scientific communication presented at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04936568.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Brunelli
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Ernesto Zecca
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pigni
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Bracchi
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariangela Caputo
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Lo Dico
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Viviana Fusetti
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Antonino Tallarita
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristiana Bergamini
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Brambilla
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Raimondi
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Monica Niger
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Salvatore Provenzano
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Pierangela Sepe
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Alfieri
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Tinè
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology and Trial Organisation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Filippo De Braud
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Augusto Tommaso Caraceni
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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Galiano A, Schiavon S, Nardi M, Guglieri I, Pambuku A, Martino R, Bolshinsky M, Murgioni S, Intini R, Soldà C, Marino D, Daniel F, De Toni C, Pittarello C, Chiusole B, Prete AA, Bimbatti D, Nappo F, Caccese M, Bergamo F, Brunello A, Lonardi S, Zagonel V. Simultaneous care in oncology: Assessment of benefit in relation to symptoms, sex, and age in 753 patients. Front Oncol 2022; 12:989713. [PMID: 36313660 PMCID: PMC9614371 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.989713] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early activation of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer is central in the treatment trajectory. At the Veneto Institute of Oncology, a simultaneous-care outpatient clinic (SCOC) has been active since 2014, where patients are evaluated by an oncologist together with a palliative care team. Recently, we reported on consecutive patients admitted at SCOC from 2018 to 2021 in terms of appropriateness, process, and outcome indicators. Here, we report further analysis in the same group of 753 patients, evaluating other parameters and the correlation between symptom intensity, gender, age, and survival. METHODS SCOC data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS Among the patients, 42.2% were women, and the median age was 68 years, with 46.7% of patients aged ≥70 years. The most prevalent disease type was gastrointestinal cancer (75.2%), and 90.9% of the patients had metastatic disease. The median score for the distress thermometer was 4; the vast majority of the patients (98.6%) reported physical problems, and 69.4% presented emotional issues. Younger women demonstrated a significantly greater median distress than other patients (p=0.0018). Almost all symptoms had a higher prevalence on the 0-3 Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) score, except for fatigue. About 43.8% of the patients received systemic anticancer treatment (SAT) in the last 60 days of life, 15.0% of whom received SAT in the last month and 3.1% in the last 2 weeks. For some symptoms, women frequently had more ESAS >3. Pain and nausea were significantly less reported by older patients compared with younger adults. Men had a lower risk of having MUST score ≥ 2 (p=0.0311). Men and older patients showed a lower prognosis awareness (p=0.0011 and p=0.0049, respectively). Older patients received less SAT within the last 30 days of life (p=0.0006) and had death risk decreased by 20.0%. CONCLUSION Our study identified two subgroups of patients with advanced cancer who require special attention and support due to important symptoms' burden detected by Patient Reported Outcome Measures tests: women and younger adults. These categories of patients require special attention and should be provided early access at SCOC. The role of an oncologist remains crucial to intercept all patients in need of early palliative care and balancing trade-offs of anticancer treatment in advanced metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Galiano
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavon
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Nardi
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ardi Pambuku
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Rosalba Martino
- Hospital Psychology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Maital Bolshinsky
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sabina Murgioni
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Rossana Intini
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Caterina Soldà
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Dario Marino
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Daniel
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara De Toni
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Pittarello
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Benedetta Chiusole
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Anna Prete
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Davide Bimbatti
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Floriana Nappo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Caccese
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Bergamo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonella Brunello
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 3, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
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Anil N, Smallwood N, Dunn S. Opioids in advanced lung malignancy: a clinical audit of opioid prescription, patient education and safeguarding. Intern Med J 2022. [DOI: https://10.1111/imj.15354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nagtha Anil
- Melbourne Medical School The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine The Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Medicine The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Sadie Dunn
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
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Weng J, Pachman DR, Wild E, Ingram CJ. Dignity Conserving Therapy: An Intervention for Addressing Psychosocial and Existential Distress in Patients with Serious Illness. Palliat Med Rep 2022; 3:206-210. [PMID: 36203715 PMCID: PMC9531880 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2022.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with serious illnesses may experience existential and psychosocial distress contributing to their pain and suffering. Addressing existential distress is challenging and may require a multidisciplinary approach. Often, providers feel uncomfortable or ill equipped to care for patients suffering from this distress. In the sample case, the patient has a life-limiting disease and is concerned about his family forgetting him, experiencing loss of dignity and narrative foreclosure. Loss of dignity is sensing hopelessness and worthlessness and a loss of self-determination. Narrative foreclosure is the premature conviction that one's life story has effectively ended. Beneficial interventions include meaning-centered psychotherapy and dignity therapy (DT). Both have an underlying theme of attempting to reverse the narrative foreclosure for patients with serious illnesses and maintain a sense of meaning in life. In addition, patients can be referred to palliative care to enhance coping and decrease depressive symptoms. Dr. Harvey Chochinov has outlined a framework that clinicians can use to care for their patients in a compassionate manner to specifically combat meaninglessness. In DT, a generativity document is created for the patient and their loved ones as part of the treatment along with the opportunity to answer the dignity conserving question. Success of this route of intervention includes greater will to live, reductions in stress, and benefits perceived by family. This article aims to give a framework to treat patients with serious illnesses experiencing psychosocial and/or existential distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Weng
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Deirdre R. Pachman
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ellen Wild
- Center for Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cory J. Ingram
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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44
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Burghout C, Nahar-van Venrooij LMW, Bolt SR, Smilde TJ, Wouters EJM. Benefits of Structured Advance Care Plan in end-of-Life Care Planning among Older Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Pilot Study. J Palliat Care 2022; 38:30-40. [PMID: 36039518 DOI: 10.1177/08258597221119660] [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] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Studies suggest that advance care planning (ACP) results in improved quality of life and reduced healthcare consumption. We assessed how the use of a structured advance care planning tool (ACPT) in oncology patients relates to their healthcare consumption before death, and to the match between preferred and actual place of death. Methods: We performed a pilot study at a teaching hospital in the Netherlands. Endpoints were 1) healthcare consumption at three and one month(s) before death, and 2) the match between preferred and actual place of death. Results: The study included 75 patients without an ACPT (group 1) and 59 patients with an ACPT (group 2) of whom the preferred place of care or death were documented at least three months before death in 15 patients (subgroup 2b). Compared to group 1, patients in group 2 had significantly more healthcare consumption. However, compared to group 1, patients in subgroup 2b underwent significantly less diagnostic (33.3% (n = 5) versus 69.3% (n = 52), p < 0.05) and laboratory tests (33.3% (n = 5) versus 62.7% (n = 47), p < 0.05) one month before death. Patients in subgroup 2b died at their preferred place more often (76.9%, n = 10) compared to patients in group 1 (58.3%, n = 7) (NS), which meant more deaths at home and less in-hospital-deaths. Conclusions: The results suggest that timely documentation of the preferred place of care or death in a structured ACPT may result in less healthcare consumption and a better match between the preferred and actual place of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Burghout
- Department of hemato-oncology, 10233Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Hertogenbosch, Noord Brabant, Netherlands.,Jeroen Bosch Academy Research, 10233Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Hertogenbosch, Noord Brabant, Netherlands.,Department of Tranzo, 120694Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | | | - Sascha R Bolt
- Department of Tranzo, 120694Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Tineke J Smilde
- Department of hemato-oncology, 10233Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Hertogenbosch, Noord Brabant, Netherlands
| | - Eveline J M Wouters
- Department of Tranzo, 120694Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, Netherlands.,3170Fontys University of Applied Science, School For Allied Health Professionals, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
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Oppenheim S, Figlin RA, Seferian EG, Reed M, Irwin SA, Rosen BT. Advance Care Planning in Patients With Metastatic Cancer: A Quality Improvement Initiative. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e1562-e1566. [DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE: An initiative aimed to increase the rate of advance care planning (ACP) activities for outpatients with metastatic cancer, an essential step to achieving goal concordant care. METHODS: Patients with metastatic cancer were identified by International Classification of Diseases-10 coding and later by oncologists' electronic health record documentation of metastatic tumor status. ACP activities were defined as either an ACP note, Advance Directive, Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Therapy (POLST), or a Palliative Medicine (PM) consultation within the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, the initiative screened more than 5,000 total unique cancer patients per year. PM consultants were embedded in tumor boards, oncology care team meetings, and shared oncology clinic space. Quarterly reports were sent to 60 oncologists at three cancer care sites with data of their percentage of ACP activities for patients with metastatic cancer compared with their peers. Oncologists' identities were initially blinded, but later unblinded. Oncologists also received a monthly list of patients with metastatic cancer without ACP activities. RESULTS: The rate of ACP activities for patients with metastatic cancer increased from a baseline of 37% in July 2017 to 57% by the end of 2020. PM consultations increased from 12% to 39% and ACP notes increased from 16% to 29% during the same interval. There was no change in Advance Directive (17%-20%) or POLST completion (7%-6%). CONCLUSION: ACP activities are an essential step to achieve goal concordant care, and this initiative successfully increased ACP activities for patients with metastatic cancer. However, given that the main source of increased ACP activities during this initiative was PM referrals, further progress will depend upon strengthening the oncology care teams' ACP skills and motivation for completion.
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Khayal IS, Barnato AE. What is in the palliative care 'syringe'? A systems perspective. Soc Sci Med 2022; 305:115069. [PMID: 35691210 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The diffusion of palliative care has been rapid, yet uncertainty remains regarding palliative care's "active ingredients." The National Consensus Project Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care identified eight domains of palliative care. Despite these identified domains, when pressed to describe the specific maneuvers used in clinical encounters, palliative care providers acknowledge that "it's complex." The field of systems has been used to explain complexity across many different types of systems. Specifically, engineering systems develop a representation of a system that helps manage complexity to help humans better understand the system. Our goal was to develop a system model of what palliative care providers do such that the elements of the model can be described concretely and sequentially, aggregated to describe the high-level domains currently described by palliative care, and connected to the complexity described by providers and the literature. Our study design combined methodological elements from both qualitative research and systems engineering modeling. The model drew on participant observation and debriefing semi-structured interviews with interdisciplinary palliative care team members by a systems engineer. The setting was an interdisciplinary palliative care service in a US rural academic medical center. In the developed system model, we identified 59 functions provided to patients, families, non-palliative care provider(s), and palliative care provider(s). The high-level functions related to measurement, decision-making, and treatment address up to 8 states of an individual, including an overall holistic state, physical state, psychological state, spiritual state, cultural state, personal environment state, and clinical environment state. In contrast to previously described expert consensus domain-based descriptions of palliative care, this model more directly connects palliative care provider functions to emergent behaviors that may explain system-level mechanisms of action for palliative care. Thus, a systems modeling approach provides insights into the challenges surrounding the recurring question of what is in the palliative care "syringe."
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Affiliation(s)
- Inas S Khayal
- 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; Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
| | - Amber E Barnato
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA; Section of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Tarbi EC, Blanch-Hartigan D, van Vliet LM, Gramling R, Tulsky JA, Sanders JJ. Toward a basic science of communication in serious illness. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:1963-1969. [PMID: 35410737 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
High-quality communication can mitigate suffering during serious illness. Innovations in theory and technology present the opportunity to advance serious illness communication research, moving beyond inquiry that links broad communication constructs to health outcomes toward operationalizing and understanding the impact of discrete communication functions on human experience. Given the high stakes of communication during serious illness, we see a critical need to develop a basic science approach to serious illness communication research. Such an approach seeks to link "what actually happens during a conversation" - the lexical and non-lexical communication content elements, as well as contextual factors - with the emotional and cognitive experiences of patients, caregivers, and clinicians. This paper defines and justifies a basic science approach to serious illness communication research and outlines investigative and methodological opportunities in this area. A systematic understanding of the building blocks of serious illness communication can help identify evidence-informed communication strategies that promote positive patient outcomes, shape more targeted communication skills training for clinicians, and lead to more tailored and meaningful serious illness care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise C Tarbi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Boston, USA.
| | | | | | - Robert Gramling
- University of Vermont. Department of Family Medicine, Burlington, USA.
| | - James A Tulsky
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Boston, USA; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, USA.
| | - Justin J Sanders
- McGill University, Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, Montreal, Canada.
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Gramling CJ, Durieux BN, Clarfeld LA, Javed A, Matt JE, Manukyan V, Braddish T, Wong A, Wills J, Hirsch L, Straton J, Cheney N, Eppstein MJ, Rizzo DM, Gramling R. Epidemiology of Connectional Silence in specialist serious illness conversations. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2005-2011. [PMID: 34799186 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Human connection can reduce suffering and facilitate meaningful decision-making amid the often terrifying experience of hospitalization for advanced cancer. Some conversational pauses indicate human connection, but we know little about their prevalence, distribution or association with outcomes. PURPOSE To describe the epidemiology of Connectional Silence during serious illness conversations in advanced cancer. METHODS We audio-recorded 226 inpatient palliative care consultations at two academic centers. We identified pauses lasting 2+ seconds and distinguished Connectional Silences from other pauses, sub-categorized as either Invitational (ICS) or Emotional (ECS). We identified treatment decisional status pre-consultation from medical records and post-consultation via clinicians. Patients self-reported quality-of-life before and one day after consultation. RESULTS Among all 6769 two-second silences, we observed 328 (4.8%) ECS and 240 (3.5%) ICS. ECS prevalence was associated with decisions favoring fewer disease-focused treatments (ORadj: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.12, 4.06). Earlier conversational ECS was associated with improved quality-of-life (p = 0.01). ICS prevalence was associated with clinicians' prognosis expectations. CONCLUSIONS Connectional Silences during specialist serious illness conversations are associated with decision-making and improved patient quality-of-life. Further work is necessary to evaluate potential causal relationships. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Pauses offer important opportunities to advance the science of human connection in serious illness decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ali Javed
- Department of Computer Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Jeremy E Matt
- Complex Systems & Data Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | | | - Tess Braddish
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Ann Wong
- University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nicholas Cheney
- Department of Computer Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | | | - Donna M Rizzo
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Robert Gramling
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
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Psychological interventions targeting patients with metastatic cancer and prolonged survival expectancies: advances and challenges. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:256-264. [PMID: 35703243 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this article is to review the formats and techniques of psychological interventions designed for patients with metastatic cancer and prolonged survival expectancies. RECENT FINDINGS Fifteen interventional studies were selected for this article. One group of psychological interventions focused primarily on patients' adaptation by increasing their knowledge, developing patients' stress management skills, promoting their open communication with healthcare providers, and helping them deal with existential concerns. Another group of interventions focused on patients with moderate and high levels of distress. These interventions provided specific techniques to manage anxiety, depression, fear of cancer progression, and existential distress. Interestingly, interventions targeting distressed patients are not necessarily longer or more intensive than interventions targeting adaptation. The interventions were examined in few randomized controlled trials, and incorporated a broad range of techniques, making comparison of their efficacy difficult. No intervention specifically targeted patients newly diagnosed with metastatic cancer. SUMMARY On the basis of this review, we proposed suggestions according to patients' levels of distress, which differ in intensity, format, techniques, and tools offered. These suggestions may be relevant for the future development and assessment of interventions targeting patients with newly diagnosed metastatic cancer and prolonged survival expectancies.
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Perry LM, Mossman B, Lewson AB, Gerhart JI, Freestone L, Hoerger M. Application of Terror Management Theory to End-Of-Life Care Decision-Making: A Narrative Literature Review. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221107723. [PMID: 35687031 PMCID: PMC9734278 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221107723] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Patients with serious illnesses often do not engage in discussions about end-of-life care decision-making, or do so reluctantly. These discussions can be useful in facilitating advance care planning and connecting patients to services such as palliative care that improve quality of life. Terror Management Theory, a social psychology theory stating that humans are motivated to resolve the discomfort surrounding their inevitable death, has been discussed in the psychology literature as an underlying basis of human decision-making and behavior. This paper explores how Terror Management Theory could be extended to seriously ill populations and applied to their healthcare decision-making processes and quality of care received.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Perry
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern
University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans,
Louisiana, USA
| | - Brenna Mossman
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans,
Louisiana, USA
| | - Ashley B. Lewson
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University–Purdue
University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - James I. Gerhart
- Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University,
Mount Pleasant, Michigan, USA
| | - Lily Freestone
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans,
Louisiana, USA
| | - Michael Hoerger
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans,
Louisiana, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Tulane University
School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of
Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Freeman School of Business, Tulane University, New
Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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