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Kim CJ, Hong KS, Cho S, Park J. Comparison of factors influencing the decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment in intensive care unit patients after implementation of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Act in Korea. Acute Crit Care 2024; 39:294-303. [PMID: 38863360 PMCID: PMC11167413 DOI: 10.4266/acc.2023.01130] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The decision to discontinue intensive care unit (ICU) treatment during the end-oflife stage has recently become a significant concern in Korea, with an observed increase in life-sustaining treatment (LST) withdrawal. There is a growing demand for evidence-based support for patients, families, and clinicians in making LST decisions. This study aimed to identify factors influencing LST decisions in ICU inpatients and to analyze their impact on healthcare utilization. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed medical records of ICU patients with neurological disorders, infectious disorders, or cancer who were treated at a single university hospital between January 1, 2019 and July 7, 2021. Factors influencing the decision to withdraw LST were compared between those who withdrew LST and those who did not. RESULTS Among 54,699 hospital admissions, LST was withdrawn in 550 cases (1%). Cancer was the most common diagnosis, followed by pneumonia and cerebral infarction. Among ICU inpatients, LST was withdrawn from 215 (withdrawal group). The withdrawal group was older (78 vs. 75 years, P=0.002), had longer total hospital stays (16 vs. 11 days, P<0.001), and higher ICU readmission rates than the control group. There were no significant differences in the healthcare costs of ICU stay between the two groups. Most LST decisions (86%) were made by family. CONCLUSIONS The decisions to withdraw LST of ICU inpatients were influenced by age, readmission, and disease category. ICU costs were similar between the withdrawal and control groups. Further research is needed to tailor LST decisions in the ICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Junga Kim
- Department of Medical Humanities, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Kyung Sook Hong
- Department of Surgery and Critical Care Medicine, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Surgery, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sooyoung Cho
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Park
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Lee SI, Ju YR, Kang DH, Lee JE. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with do-not-resuscitate and physician orders for life-sustaining treatment in a medical intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:42. [PMID: 38355511 PMCID: PMC10868112 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01375-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the intensive care unit (ICU), we may encounter patients who have completed a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) or a Physician Orders to Stop Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) document. However, the characteristics of ICU patients who choose DNR/POLST are not well understood. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the electronic medical records of 577 patients admitted to a medical ICU from October 2019 to November 2020, focusing on the characteristics of patients according to whether they completed DNR/POLST documents. Patients were categorized into DNR/POLST group and no DNR/POLST group according to whether they completed DNR/POLST documents, and logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors influencing DNR/POLST document completion. RESULTS A total of 577 patients were admitted to the ICU. Of these, 211 patients (36.6%) had DNR or POLST records. DNR and/or POLST were completed prior to ICU admission in 48 (22.7%) patients. The DNR/POLST group was older (72.9 ± 13.5 vs. 67.6 ± 13.8 years, p < 0.001) and had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (26.1 ± 9.2 vs. 20.3 ± 7.7, p < 0.001) and clinical frailty scale (5.1 ± 1.4 vs. 4.4 ± 1.4, p < 0.001) than the other groups. Solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and chronic lung disease were the most common comorbidities in the DNR/POLST groups. The DNR/POLST group had higher ICU and in-hospital mortality and more invasive treatments (arterial line, central line, renal replacement therapy, invasive mechanical ventilation) than the other groups. Body mass index, APAHCE II score, hematologic malignancy, DNR/POLST were factors associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS Among ICU patients, 36.6% had DNR or POLST orders and received more invasive treatments. This is contrary to the common belief that DNR/POLST patients would receive less invasive treatment and underscores the need to better understand and include end-of-life care as an important ongoing aspect of patient care, along with communication with patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-I Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Rin Ju
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hyun Kang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea.
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Baek AR, Hong SB, Bae S, Park HK, Kim C, Lee HK, Cho WH, Kim JH, Chang Y, Lee HB, Gil HI, Shin B, Yoo KH, Moon JY, Oh JY, Min KH, Jeon K, Baek MS. Comparison of the end-of-life decisions of patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia after the enforcement of the life-sustaining treatment decision act in Korea. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:52. [PMID: 37461075 PMCID: PMC10353089 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00931-y] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the Life-Sustaining Treatment (LST) Decision Act was enforced in 2018 in Korea, data on whether it is well established in actual clinical settings are limited. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a common nosocomial infection with high mortality. However, there are limited data on the end-of-life (EOL) decision of patients with HAP. Therefore, we aimed to examine clinical characteristics and outcomes according to the EOL decision for patients with HAP. METHODS This multicenter study enrolled patients with HAP at 16 referral hospitals retrospectively from January to December 2019. EOL decisions included do-not-resuscitate (DNR), withholding of LST, and withdrawal of LST. Descriptive and Kaplan-Meier curve analyses for survival were performed. RESULTS Of 1,131 patients with HAP, 283 deceased patients with EOL decisions (105 cases of DNR, 108 cases of withholding of LST, and 70 cases of withdrawal of LST) were analyzed. The median age was 74 (IQR 63-81) years. The prevalence of solid malignant tumors was high (32.4% vs. 46.3% vs. 54.3%, P = 0.011), and the ICU admission rate was lower (42.9% vs. 35.2% vs. 24.3%, P = 0.042) in the withdrawal group. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, impaired consciousness, and cough was significantly lower in the withdrawal group. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that 30-day and 60-day survival rates were higher in the withdrawal group than in the DNR and withholding groups (log-rank P = 0.021 and 0.018). The survival of the withdrawal group was markedly decreased after 40 days; thus, the withdrawal decision was made around this time. Among patients aged below 80 years, the rates of EOL decisions were not different (P = 0.430); however, mong patients aged over 80 years, the rate of withdrawal was significantly lower than that of DNR and withholding (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS After the LST Decision Act was enforced in Korea, a DNR order was still common in EOL decisions. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were similar between the DNR and withholding groups; however, differences were observed in the withdrawal group. Withdrawal decisions seemed to be made at the late stage of dying. Therefore, advance care planning for patients with HAP is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ae-Rin Baek
- Division of Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Sang-Bum Hong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soohyun Bae
- Department of Integrated Internal Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Hye Kyeong Park
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan, Korea
| | - Changhwan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Woo Hyun Cho
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Jin Hyoung Kim
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Youjin Chang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heung Bum Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Research Center for Pulmonary Disorders, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Hyun-Il Gil
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beomsu Shin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Kwang Ha Yoo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Young Moon
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Sejong Hospital, Sejong, Korea
| | - Jee Youn Oh
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Hoon Min
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyeongman Jeon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moon Seong Baek
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 102, Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06973, Republic of Korea.
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Lauderbaugh DL, Popien T, Doshi A. Effect of end-of-life care education on perceived self-efficacy of the pediatric respiratory therapist. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY THERAPY : CJRT = REVUE CANADIENNE DE LA THERAPIE RESPIRATOIRE : RCTR 2023; 59:66-69. [PMID: 36874476 PMCID: PMC9980158 DOI: 10.29390/cjrt-2022-001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Background End-of-life care (EoLC) is difficult for respiratory therapists (RTs), causing struggles with providing EoLC and grief during and after the death. Objective The objective of the study was to determine if EoLC education can increase RTs' perception of knowledge of EoLC, respiratory therapy as a valuable EoLC service, comfort providing EoLC, and knowledge of ways to deal with grief. Methods One hundred and thirty pediatric RTs completed a 1 h EoLC education session. Afterwards, a single-centre descriptive survey was administered to the 60 volunteers out of the 130 attendees. To determine RTs' self-rated change in knowledge of EoLC, perception of respiratory therapy as a valuable EoLC service, comfort with EoLC, and knowledge of ways to cope with grief. Statistical analysis included percent change. Results Overall, 96% of surveyed RTs agree they had an increase in knowledge, perception of RT services, comfort with providing care, and coping. Only 4% felt that this course had little benefit overall but still perceived value in RT EoLC and increased knowledge of long- and short-term ways to deal with grief. Conclusion Education on EoLC practices increased pediatric RTs' perception of knowledge, perceived value of respiratory therapy in EoLC, comfort with EoLC, and knowledge of coping resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise L Lauderbaugh
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Toni Popien
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Ami Doshi
- Department of Palliative Care, Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego, San Diego, CA
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Dying in the ICU : Changes in end of life decisions from 2011 to 2018 in the ICU of a communal tertiary hospital in Germany. DIE ANAESTHESIOLOGIE 2022; 71:930-940. [PMID: 35925156 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-022-01127-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With modern intensive care medicine, even older patients and those with pre-existing conditions can survive critical illnesses and major operations; however, unreflected application of intensive care treatment might lead to a state called chronic critical illness. Today, withholding treatment and/or treatment withdrawal precede many deaths in the intensice care unit (ICU). We looked at changes in measures at the end of life and withholding or withdrawal of treatment in the ICU of a German tertiary hospital in 2017/2018 compared to 2011/2012. METHODS In this retrospective explorative study, we analyzed end of life practices in adult patients who died in an intermediate care unit (IMC)/ICU of Klinikum Hanau in 2017/2018. We compared these data with data from the same hospital in 2011/2012 RESULTS: Of the 1246 adult patients who died in Klinikum Hanau in 2017/2018, 433 (35%) died in an ICU or IMC unit. Deceased ICU patients were 74.0 ± 12.5 years and 86.6% were older than 60 years. At least one life-sustaining measure was withheld in 278 (76.2%) and withdrawn in 159 (46.3%) of patients. More than three quarters of patients (n = 276, 75.6%) had a do not resuscitate (DNR) order and in about half of the patients invasive ventilation (n = 175, 49.9%) or renal replacement therapy (n = 191, 52.3%) was limited. In 113 patients (31.0%) catecholamine treatment was withdrawn, in 72 (19.7%) patients invasive ventilation and in 49 (13.4%) patients renal replacement therapy. Compared to 2011/2012, we saw an increase by ~15% (absolute increase) in withholding and withdrawal of treatment and observed an effect of documents like advance directive or healthcare proxy. CONCLUSION In 76.2% of deceased ICU patients withholding treatment and in 43.6% treatment withdrawal preceded death. Compared to 2011/2012 treatment was withheld or withdrawn more often. Compared to 2011/2012, we saw an increase (~15% absolute) in withholding and withdrawal of treatment. After withholding or withdrawal of treatment, most patients died within 3 and 2 days, respectively.
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Huang J, Qi H, Zhu Y, Zhang M. Factors Influencing the Initiative Behavior of Intensive Care Unit Nurses toward End-of-Life Decision Making: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1802-1809. [PMID: 35749724 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although the importance of intensive care unit (ICU) nurse initiative in end-of-life (EOL) decision making has been confirmed, there are few studies on the nurses' initiative in EOL situations. Objectives: To explore the role and mechanism of facilitators/barriers and perceived stress on the behavior of ICU nurses that initiate EOL decision making (i.e., initiative behavior). Design: This research adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design. Setting/Participants: A questionnaire composed of demographics, facilitators/barriers scale, perceived stress scale, and initiative behavior for EOL decision-making scale was used for registered ICU nurses in five tertiary general hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China. Results: The average score of the EOL decision initiative behavior was 5.54 on a range of 2-10. The results of correlation analysis indicated that the facilitators promote the initiative behavior, whereas the barriers interfere with initiative behavior. Facilitators/barriers in the EOL decision-making process significantly predicted the initiative behavior of ICU nurses in decision making (β = 0.698, p < 0.001). Facilitators/barriers had a significant indirect effect on the initiative behavior of ICU nurses through perceived stress. The 95% confidence interval was (-0.327 to -0.031), and the mediating effect of perceived stress accounted for 6.31% of the total effect. Conclusion: In the EOL context, the decision initiative of ICU nurses was at a medium level. Medical managers should implement intervention strategies based on the path that affects the initiative behavior of ICU nurses to reduce barriers and stress level in the decision-making process. That is, they should improve inter-team collaboration, nurse-patient communication, clarity of role responsibilities, and emotional support in dying situations to increase initiative and participation of ICU nurses in decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Huang
- Postanesthesia Care Unit, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Haiou Qi
- Nursing Department, and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yiting Zhu
- Postanesthesia Care Unit, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Minyan Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
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Im H, Choe HW, Oh SY, Ryu HG, Lee H. Changes in the incidence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation before and after implementation of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions Act. Acute Crit Care 2022; 37:237-246. [PMID: 35280036 PMCID: PMC9184988 DOI: 10.4266/acc.2021.01095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusions
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Baik SM, Park J, Kim TY, Lee JH, Hong KS. The Future Direction of the Organ Donation System After Legislation of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision Act. Ann Transplant 2021; 26:e934345. [PMID: 34811342 PMCID: PMC8626983 DOI: 10.12659/aot.934345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transplant community is seeking ways to encourage organ donation after cardiac arrest to solve the problem of the insufficiency of organs available for the increasing number of people awaiting transplantation. This study aimed to determine whether the life-sustaining treatment (LST) decision system, implemented in Korea on February 4, 2018, can address the shortage of organ donations. Material/Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of the 442 patients who had filled out forms for the LST decision at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital from April 2018 to December 2019, and classified the eligibility of organ and tissue donation according to the Korean Organ Donation Agency criteria. Results We included 442 patients in this study. Among them, 238 (53.8%) were men, and 204 (46.2%) were women. The average age of the patients was 71.8 years (the youngest and oldest were aged 23 years and 103 years, respectively). Of these, 110 patients (24.9%) decided on their own to discontinue LST, whereas 332 (75.1%) decided to discontinue with their family’s consent. This study demonstrated that 50% of patients who were not brain-dead and discontinued LST were eligible for organ donation. However, the patients and caregivers were not aware of this option because the current law does not allow the discussion of such donations. Conclusions A discussion regarding donation after circulatory death is recommended to solve the problem of insufficient organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Min Baik
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Surgery, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Park
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Neurology, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Ewha Women's University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Yoon Kim
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Surgery, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Hwa Lee
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Neurology, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Sook Hong
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Surgery, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Lee Y, Jo M, Kim T, Yun K. Analysis of high-intensity care in intensive care units and its cost at the end of life among older people in South Korea between 2016 and 2019: a cross-sectional study of the health insurance review and assessment service national patient sample database. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049711. [PMID: 34433604 PMCID: PMC8388299 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide useful information for clinicians and policy makers to prepare guidelines for adequate use of medical resources during end-of-life period by analysing the intensive care use and related costs at the end of life in South Korea. DESIGN Cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study. SETTING Tertiary hospitals in South Korea. PARTICIPANTS We analysed claim data and patient information from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service national dataset. This dataset included 19 119 older adults aged 65 years or above who received high-intensity care at least once and died in the intensive care unit in South Korea between 2016 and 2019. High-intensity care was defined as one of the following treatments or procedures: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, haemodialysis, transfusion, chemotherapy and vasopressors. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Usage and cost of high-intensity care. RESULTS The most commonly used high-intensity care was transfusion (68.9%), mechanical ventilation (50.6%) and haemodialysis (35.7%) during the study period. The annual cost of high-intensity care at the end of life increased steadily from 2016 to 2019. There existed differences by age, gender, length of hospital stays and primary cause of death in use of high-intensity care and associated costs. CONCLUSION Findings indicate that invasive and device-dependent high-intensity care is frequently provided at the end of life among older adults, which could potentially place an economic burden on patients and their families. In Korea's ageing society, increased rates of chronic illness are expected to significantly burden those who lack the financial resources to provide end-of-life care. Therefore, guidelines for the use of high-intensity care are required to ensure affordable end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunji Lee
- College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of South Korea
| | - Minjeong Jo
- College of Nursing, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of South Korea
| | - Taehwa Kim
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, BioMedical Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of South Korea
| | - Kyoungsun Yun
- Nursing Department, Dongnam Health University, Suwon, Republic of South Korea
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