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Hu X, Jiang C, Fan Q, Shi KS, Parikh RB, Kamal AH, Anderson RT, Yabroff KR, Han X. US Medicare Hospice and Palliative Medicine Physician Workforce and Service Delivery in 2008-2020. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:e851-e857. [PMID: 38467348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite clinical benefits of early palliative care, little is known about Medicare physician workforce specialized in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) and their service delivery settings. OBJECTIVES To examine changes in Medicare HPM physician workforce and their service delivery settings in 2008-2020. METHODS Using the Medicare Data on Provider Practice and Specialty from 2008 to 2020, we identified 2375 unique Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) physicians (15,565 physician-year observations) with self-reported specialty in "Palliative Care and Hospice". We examined changes in the annual number of HPM physicians, average number of Medicare services overall and by care setting, total number of Medicare FFS beneficiaries, and total Medicare allowed charges billed by the physician. RESULTS The number of Medicare HPM physicians increased 2.32 times from 771 in 2008 to 1790 in 2020. The percent of HPM physicians practicing in metropolitan areas increased from 90% to 96% in 2008-2020. Faster growth was also observed in female physicians (52.4% to 60.1%). Between 2008 and 2020, we observed decreased average annual Medicare FFS beneficiaries (170 to 123), number of FFS services (467 to 335), and Medicare allowed charges billed by the physician ($47,230 to $37,323). The share of palliative care delivered in inpatient settings increased from 47% to 68% in 2008-2020; whereas the share of services delivered in outpatient settings decreased from 37% to 19%. CONCLUSION Despite growth in Medicare HPM physician workforce, access is disproportionately concentrated in metropolitan and inpatient settings. This may limit receipt of early outpatient specialized palliative care, especially in nonmetropolitan areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Department of Public Health Sciences (X. Hu, R.T.A.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911, USA.
| | - Changchuan Jiang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology (C.J.), Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Qinjin Fan
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science (Q.F., K.S.S., K.R.Y., X. Han), American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Kewei Sylvia Shi
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science (Q.F., K.S.S., K.R.Y., X. Han), American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Ravi B Parikh
- Perelman School of Medicine (R.B.P.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Arif H Kamal
- Patient Support Department (A.H.K.), American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144, USA
| | - Roger T Anderson
- Department of Public Health Sciences (X. Hu, R.T.A.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science (Q.F., K.S.S., K.R.Y., X. Han), American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science (Q.F., K.S.S., K.R.Y., X. Han), American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
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El-Sherif RAM, Shaban AH, Abbas FA, Alsirafy SA. Burden, Depression and Quality of Life in Carers of Newly Diagnosed Advanced Cancer Patients in Egypt. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:e403-e408. [PMID: 38403021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT The goal of palliative care (PC) is to improve the quality of life (QoL) of patients with life-limiting illnesses as well as their families. Ideally, PC is integrated early in the course of life-limiting illnesses. Less attention has been paid to the need for early PC for family caregivers (FCs) in lower-income settings. OBJECTIVES This observational cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the burden experienced by FCs of newly diagnosed incurable cancer patients in Egypt and characterize its relation to depression and QoL. METHODS Ninety-five adult FCs of adult patients with newly diagnosed incurable cancer completed the 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Short Form 12 (SF-12) to assess caregiving burden, depression, and QoL among FCs, respectively. RESULTS The median (IQR) ZBI-22 score was 17(11-24) and 34% of FCs had significant burden (ZBI-22 score > 20). Assistance with late loss activities of daily living and availability for longer caregiving duration were associated significantly with higher caregiving burdens (P = 0.004 and 0.047, respectively). FCs with significant burden had significantly higher PHQ-9 scores (P = 0.0003). There was a significant negative correlation between ZBI-22 scores and the bodily pain, general health, mental health, physical function, role emotional, and social function subscales/items of SF-12. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of Egyptian FCs of incurable cancer patients experience significant burden early in the course of the disease. This burden is associated with depressive symptoms and worse QoL dimensions, physical, psychological, and social. In a lower-income setting, early PC interventions for FCs of incurable cancer patients are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rofida A M El-Sherif
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (R.A.M.S., A.H.S., F.A.B.), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Shaban
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (R.A.M.S., A.H.S., F.A.B.), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Fatma A Abbas
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (R.A.M.S., A.H.S., F.A.B.), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Samy A Alsirafy
- Palliative Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine (S.A.A.), Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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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Allende-Pérez SR, Sandoval-Carrera NC, Asencio-Huertas L, Rodríguez-Mayoral O, Cruz-Sánchez JJ, Verástegui-Avilés E. Utilization of medical interventions in hospitalized Mexican adults with cancer at the end of life in a referral hospital: The importance of early palliative care. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38450451 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of early vs. late palliative care (PC) on the frequency of admissions to acute hospital settings and the utilization of end-of-life (EoL) interventions in cancer decedents. METHODS In this single-center, cross-sectional study, we examined the frequency of intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department (ED) admissions among adult cancer decedents between 2018 and 2022 in a referral hospital in México. Additionally, we assessed EoL medical interventions, categorizing patients into 3 groups: those who received early PC (EPC), late PC (LPC), and those who did not receive PC (NPC). RESULTS We analyzed data from 1762 patients, averaging 56 ± 16.3 years old, with a predominant representation of women (56.8%). PC was administered to 45.2% of patients, but EPC was limited to only 12.3%. The median time from the initiation of PC to death was 5 days (interquartile range: 2.0-31.5). Hematological malignancies were the most prevalent, affecting 21.5% of patients. EPC recipients demonstrated notable reductions in ICU and ED admissions, as well as diminished utilization of chemotherapy, radiotherapy (RT), antibiotics, blood transfusions, and surgery when compared to both LPC and NPC groups. EPC also exhibited fewer medical interventions in the last 14 days of life, except for RT. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The findings of this study indicate that a significant proportion of EoL cancer patients receive PC; however, few receive EPC, emphasizing the need to improve accessibility to these services. Moreover, the results underscore the importance of thoughtful deliberation regarding the application of EoL medical interventions in cancer patients.
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Han HJ, Pilgrim CR, Buss MK. Integrating palliative care into the evolving landscape of oncology. Curr Probl Cancer 2023; 47:101013. [PMID: 37714795 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2023.101013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Patients with cancer have many palliative care needs. Robust evidence supports the early integration of palliative care into the care of patients with advanced cancer. International organizations, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), have recommended early, longitudinal integration of palliative care into oncology care throughout the cancer trajectory. In this review, we pose a series of clinical questions related to the current state of early palliative care integration into oncology. We review the evidence to address each of these questions and highlight areas for further investigation. As cancer care continues to evolve, incorporating new treatment modalities and improving patient outcomes, we reflect on how to apply the existing evidence supporting early palliative care-oncology integration into this ever-changing therapeutic landscape and how specialty palliative care might adapt to meet the evolving needs of patients, caregivers, and the multidisciplinary oncology team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry J Han
- Section of Palliative Care, Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston MA.
| | - Carol R Pilgrim
- Division of Palliative Care, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Mary K Buss
- Division of Palliative Care, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Khamis EAR, Abu Raddaha AH, Nafae WH, Al-Sabeely AA, Ebrahim EE, Elhadary SM. Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Early Palliative Care for Oncology Patients: Blind Controlled Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:2729-2739. [PMID: 37642059 PMCID: PMC10685211 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.8.2729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care is the active holistic treatment of people of all ages who have serious health-related suffering as a result of severe illness, and especially of those who are close to the end of life. Palliative care is provided to cancer patients who experience serious suffering that cannot be relieved without professional intervention and that compromises physical, social, spiritual, and emotional functioning. A straightforward, low-risk, and affordable palliative care approach may be provided through aromatherapy, a type of complementary and alternative medicine. The study objective is to assess the comparative effectiveness of massage, aromatherapy massage, and massage combined with aromatherapy inhalation on cancer patients receiving palliative care. METHODS A total of 100 participants who were divided into four groups at random. The first group, designated as the control group, received standard hospital nursing care, the second group received massage only (using the odorless almond carrier oil), the third group received massage with lavender oil, and the fourth group received combined (inhalation and massage) aromatherapy. The Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL), given two weeks after aromatherapy, was used to examine participants' perspectives of care. RESULTS On the RSCL, combined aromatherapy performed best. In terms of reported physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, and activities, there were statistically significant differences between the scores of the control group and each of the experimental groups. Nonetheless, the total quality of life score showed no significant difference between the control group and the massage only group (t = 0.529, p = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS When paired with aromatherapy inhalation, massage has a positive effect on physical, psychological symptoms, activities, and overall quality of life for cancer patients receiving early palliative care. Nurses and other healthcare providers are recommended to support programs that provide message therapy to reduce reported bodily symptoms, psychological problems, and limited activities among cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engy Abdel Rhman Khamis
- Medical and Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Modern University for Technology, and Information, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ahmad H Abu Raddaha
- Department of Clinical Affairs, College of Nursing, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Waleed Hamdy Nafae
- Shefaa Alomran Hospital, Tiba, Egypt.
- Aiadi Almostaqbal Oncology Center, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Amirat A Al-Sabeely
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pediatric Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt.
| | - Elturabi E Ebrahim
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
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Carroll C, Ruder L, Miklosovic C, Bauhof RM, Chiec L, Owusu C, Curseen KA, Gupta M. Early Palliative Care for the Geriatric Patient with Cancer. Clin Geriatr Med 2023; 39:437-448. [PMID: 37385695 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Older adults with cancer present with complex multidimensional problems. Therefore, early integration of palliative care for the older adult with cancer is important, and a multidisciplinary team approach is critical for optimum care. The importance of incorporating geriatric and palliative concerns in assessment, as well as early involvement of the multidisciplinary team, is discussed as a manner of addressing the needs of older adults with cancer. Concerns related to metabolic changes that can occur with aging, as well as risk for polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing for older adults, are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Carroll
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Supportive and Palliative Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside Suite 1200, Mailstop LKS 5079, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Lori Ruder
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Supportive and Palliative Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside Suite 1200, Mailstop LKS 5079, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Christine Miklosovic
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Supportive and Palliative Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside Suite 1200, Mailstop LKS 5079, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Rev Matthew Bauhof
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Supportive and Palliative Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside Suite 1200, Mailstop LKS 5079, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Lauren Chiec
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside Suite 1200, Mailstop LKS 5079, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Cynthia Owusu
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside Suite 1200, Mailstop LKS 5079, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Kimberly A Curseen
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Preventative Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mona Gupta
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Supportive and Palliative Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside Suite 1200, Mailstop LKS 5079, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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Gill SUA, Hollegaard S, Schønnemann KR. Implementation of early palliative care in an oncologic outpatient clinic - an observational study of the first year. Acta Oncol 2023; 62:522-527. [PMID: 37190969 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2023.2212410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As earlier studies found that early onset specialized palliative care (ESPC) results in better quality of life (QoL), less hospitalization and chemotherapy toward end-of life, we implemented ESPC in our oncology outpatient clinic. The aim of this study was to describe reasons for referral, interventions performed and the satisfaction among the oncologic staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS The outpatient ESPC clinic was established in the department of oncology. Prespecified selected data was obtained from the patients records. All patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire concerning their symptoms and QOL. A survey among the oncologic personnel concerning their perception of the clinic was conducted. All data were consecutively collected in a share point database. RESULTS We included 134 patients. The primary referral symptoms were pain (69%) or psychological/existential challenges (23%). 55% of patients filled in an EORTC questionnaire and rated a median (QoL) of 3.4. Interventions initiated were on based on the following symptoms: pain (70%), constipation (53%), nausea (15%), dyspnea (10%) and depression (7%). Median waiting time was 13 days. Of the 134 patients referred to the ESPC clinic 101 was admitted. Symptoms and problems were resolved in the ESPC clinic for 81 of the 101 admitted patients (80%), i.e., after one consultation for 25 patients and after a follow up course in the clinic for 56 patients. A survey among the staff at the Department of Oncology demonstrated a high degree of satisfaction with the ESPC clinic. CONCLUSIONS We report experiences from implementation of ESPC in our outpatient oncologic clinic, where 81 (80%) of the admitted patients could be finished after one or a few follow up contacts, as their symptoms had been resolved. There was a high degree of satisfaction with the clinic among the oncologic staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Ute Alice Gill
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Stine Hollegaard
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Bagaragaza E, Colombet I, Perineau M, Aegerter P, Guirimand F. Assessing the implementation and effectiveness of early integrated palliative care in long-term care facilities in France: an interventional mixed-methods study protocol. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:35. [PMID: 37024830 PMCID: PMC10077649 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01157-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Majority of residents in long-term care facilities (LTCF) have limited and delayed access to palliative care even though many suffer from incurable chronic illnesses that will likely require the provision of palliative care. We present the study protocol of "PADI-Palli", an intervention aims to advance early integrated palliative care into standard care delivered in LTCF. This study will assess the effectiveness of early integrated palliative care on palliative care accessibility for older persons in LTCF, and identify the key factors for the successful implementation of early integrated palliative care and its sustainability in the LTCF context. METHODS This multicentre interventional study utilises a pragmatic research design with a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach. The qualitative study will use a case study design and the quantitative study will use a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial. In total, 21 participating LTCF from three French regions will be randomly allocated to one of seven clusters. The clusters will cross over from the usual care to the active intervention condition over the course of the study. The primary outcome relates to the accurate identification of palliative care needs and early access to palliative care for LTCF residents. Secondary outcomes are quality of care, quality of life for residents and their families, and quality of life at work for professionals. Measurements will be performed before and after the intervention. Implementation and evaluation of PADI-Palli intervention is grounded in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. DISCUSSION Existing evidence demonstrates that early integrated palliative care in cancer care leads to a significant improvement in patient outcomes and processes of care. Little is known, however, about early integrated palliative care in the context of LTCF for older persons. This study has the potential to fill this gap in the literature by providing evidence on the effectiveness of early integrated palliative care for older persons in LTCF. Moreover, this study will provide a better understanding of the relevant contextual elements that facilitate or hinder early integrated palliative care implementation and transferability. If proven effective, this intervention can be scaled to other care settings in which older persons require palliative care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04708002; National registration: ID-RCB number: 2020-A01832-37.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Bagaragaza
- Maison Médicale Jeanne Garnier, Département Recherche Enseignement Formation (DREF), 106 avenue Emile Zola 106-108 Avenue Emile Zola, Paris, 75015, France.
| | - Isabelle Colombet
- Maison Médicale Jeanne Garnier, Département Recherche Enseignement Formation (DREF), 106 avenue Emile Zola 106-108 Avenue Emile Zola, Paris, 75015, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mireille Perineau
- Centre Hospitalier d'Avignon, 305A Rue Raoul Follereau, Avignon, 84000, France
| | - Philippe Aegerter
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Département Santé Publique - U1018 UVSQ INSERM, GIRCI IdF, 2 Av. de la Source de la Bièvre, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, 78180, France
| | - Frédéric Guirimand
- Maison Médicale Jeanne Garnier, Département Recherche Enseignement Formation (DREF), 106 avenue Emile Zola 106-108 Avenue Emile Zola, Paris, 75015, France
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Kim CA, Lelond S, Daeninck PJ, Rabbani R, Lix L, McClement S, Chochinov HM, Goldenberg BA. The impact of early palliative care on the quality of life of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: The IMPERATIVE case-crossover study. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:250. [PMID: 37022483 PMCID: PMC10078032 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease. Many patients experience a heavy burden of cancer-associated symptoms and poor quality of life (QOL). Early palliative care alongside standard oncologic care results in improved QOL and survival in some cancer types. The benefit in advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) is not fully quantified. METHODS In this prospective case-crossover study, patients ≥ 18 years old with APC were recruited from ambulatory clinics at a tertiary cancer center. Patients underwent a palliative care consultation within 2 weeks of registration, with follow up visits every 2 weeks for the first month, then every 4 weeks until week 16, then as needed. The primary outcome was change in QOL between baseline (BL) and week 16, measured by Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - hepatobiliary (FACT-Hep). Secondary outcomes included symptom control (ESAS-r), depression, and anxiety (HADS, PHQ-9) at week 16. RESULTS Of 40 patients, 25 (63%) were male, 28 (70%) had metastatic disease, 31 (78%) had ECOG performance status 0-1, 31 (78%) received chemotherapy. Median age was 70. Mean FACT-hep score at BL was 118.8, compared to 125.7 at week 16 (mean change 6.89, [95%CI (-1.69-15.6); p = 0.11]). On multivariable analysis, metastatic disease (mean change 15.3 [95%CI (5.3-25.2); p = 0.004]) and age < 70 (mean change 12.9 [95%CI (0.5-25.4); p = 0.04]) were associated with improved QOL. Patients with metastatic disease had significant improvement in symptom burden (mean change -7.4 [95%CI (-13.4 to -1.4); p = 0.02]). There was no difference in depression or anxiety from BL to week 16. CONCLUSION Palliative care should be integrated early in the journey for patients with APC, as it can improve QOL and symptom burden. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03837132.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Kim
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Stephanie Lelond
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Paul J Daeninck
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Palliative Care Program, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Rasheda Rabbani
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lisa Lix
- George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Susan McClement
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Harvey Max Chochinov
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Palliative Care Program, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Benjamin A Goldenberg
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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12
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Dalhammar K, Kristensson J, Malmström M, Rasmussen BH. 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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13
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Gautama MSN, Damayanti A, Khusnia AF. Impact of Early Palliative Care to Improve Quality of Life of Advanced Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Indian J Palliat Care 2023; 29:28-35. [PMID: 36846281 PMCID: PMC9944329 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_153_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Palliative care is often started late in patients with life-threatening conditions, particularly in patients with advanced cancer. However, with the emergence of the early palliative care (EPC) paradigm, their quality of life (QoL) may be better. Although several previous meta-analyses support the effectiveness of EPC in increasing QoL, essential issues related to the optimisation of EPC interventions are still needed. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted to determine the effectiveness of EPC on the QoL of patients with advanced cancer. PubMed, ProQuest, MEDLINE through EBSCOhost and Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov (register website) were searched for RCTs published before May 2022. Data synthesis used the Review Manager 5.4 to generate pooled estimates of effect size. A total of 12 empirical trials met the eligibility criteria and were included in this study. The results showed that EPC intervention had a significant effect (standard mean difference = 0.16, 95% confidence interval: 0.04, 0.28, Z = 2.68, P < 0.05). However, the secondary outcomes showed including mood (mean difference = -0.90, 95% CI: -2.32, 0.51, P > 0.05) and symptom controls (MD = -1.49, 95% CI: -3.81, 0.81, P > 0.05) had no significant effect. EPC is effective in improving the QoL of patients with advanced cancer. However, other outcomes still need to be reviewed, because the review of QoL is not enough to generalise the benchmarks for the effectiveness and optimisation of EPC interventions. Another notable aspect is to consider the most effective and efficient duration for starting and ending EPC interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Made Satya Nugraha Gautama
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Master of Nursing Program, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Adelina Damayanti
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Master of Nursing Program, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Anindita Farda Khusnia
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Master of Nursing Program, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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14
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Chvetzoff G, Bouleuc C, Lardy-Cléaud A, Saltel P, Dieras V, Morelle M, Guastalla JP, Tredan O, Rebattu P, Pop S, Ray-Coquard I, Pierga JY, Mignot L, Laurence V, Bourne-Branchu V, Pérol D, Bachelot T. Impact of early palliative care on additional line of chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer patients: results from the randomized study OSS. Support Care Cancer 2022; 31:82. [PMID: 36574052 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07561-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The most appropriate criteria and timing for palliative care referral remain a critical issue, especially in patients with metastatic breast cancer for whom long-term chemosensibility and survival are observed. We aimed to compare the impact of early palliative care including formal concertation with oncologists on decision for an additional line of chemotherapy compared with usual oncology care. METHODS This randomized prospective study enrolled adult women with metastatic breast cancer and visceral metastases with a 3rd- or 4th-line chemotherapy (CT). Patients received usual oncology care with a palliative care consultation only upon patient or oncologist request (standard group, S) or were referred to systematic palliative care consultation including a regular concertation between palliative care team and oncologists (early palliative care group, EPC). The primary endpoint was the rate of an additional CT (4th or 5th line) decision. Quality of life, symptoms, social support and satisfaction were self-evaluated at 6 and 12 months, at treatment discontinuation or 3 months after discontinuation. RESULTS From January 2009 to November 2012, two authorized cancer centers included 98 women (EPC: 50; S: 48). Thirty-seven (77.1%, 95%CI 62.7-88%) patients in the EPC group had a subsequent chemotherapy prescribed and 36 (72.0%, 95%CI 57.5-83.8%) in the S group (p = 0.646). No differences in symptom control and global quality of life were observed, but less deterioration in physical functioning was reported in EPC (EPC: 0 [- 53-40]; S: - 6; 7 [- 60 to - 20]; p = 0.027). Information exchange and communication were significant improved in EPC (exchange, EPC: - 8.3 [- 30 to + 7]; S: 0.0 [- 17 to + 23]; p = 0.024; communication, EPC: 12.5 [- 8 to - 37]; S: 0.0 [- 21 to + 17]; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION EPC in metastatic breast cancer patients did not impact the prescription rate of additional chemotherapy in patients a 3rd- or 4th-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer; however, EPC may contribute to alleviate deterioration in physical functioning, while facilitating communication. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT00905281, May 20, 2009.
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15
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Bergenholtz H, Weibull A, Raunkiær M. Supportive and palliative care indicators tool (SPICT™) in a Danish healthcare context: translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and content validation. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:41. [PMID: 35331207 PMCID: PMC8943977 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00931-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early identification of patients who require palliative and supportive care at the general palliative care level is challenging. The Supportive & Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT™) might provide a helpful framework for this process. AIM To translate, culturally adapt and content validate SPICT™-DK in hospital, primary care, and general practice and within the broader Danish health care context. METHODS SPICT™-DK was translated and cross-culturally validated by using the TRAPD-model (Translation, Review, adjudication, pretesting, and documentation) as well as the EORTC- translation guide (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer). In the pre-(pilot) testing phase, six focus group interviews and five individual interviews were conducted involving n = 29 health care professionals from general practice, primary care, and hospital. The qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis and the SPICT™-DK was then revised and published. RESULTS The interviews revealed that SPICT™-DK can be used to identify people with palliative care needs. Three themes were derived from the analysis and showed SPICT™-DK provides a linguistic framework but must be used as an interdisciplinary tool as that SPICT™-DK requires competencies and collaboration. CONCLUSION SPICT™-DK is now translated and culturally validated in a Danish healthcare setting. The tool is useful to identify people with palliative care needs but must be implemented as an interdisciplinary collaborative intervention. SPICT™ -DK cannot be used by all healthcare professionals as it requires disease-specific competencies. However, it provides a common language for early palliative care interventions which can form the basis for interdisciplinary planning of future treatment and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Bergenholtz
- Surgical Department, Holbaek Hospital, Region Zealand, Smedelundsgade 60, 4300, Holbæk, Denmark. .,REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Vestergade 17, 5800, Nyborg, Denmark.
| | - Anna Weibull
- General Medicine, Medical Clinic, Grenaa, Denmark
| | - Mette Raunkiær
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Vestergade 17, 5800, Nyborg, Denmark
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Abstract
Despite the use of aggressive multimodality therapies, the prognosis of brain tumor patients remains poor. Tumors of glial origin typically have the worst prognosis, with a predicted median survival of 12-15months for glioblastoma multiforme (WHO grade IV) and 2-5years for anaplastic glioma (WHO grade III). Palliative care problems and needs in patients with primary and secondary brain tumors are significantly different, both due to different trajectory of disease and to variable prognosis which in metastatic brain tumors is related to the natural history of primary tumors. This chapter describes the complex interactions influencing communication and the treatment decision process in primary brain tumor patients. The whole trajectory of disease and particularly the end-of-life (EOL) phase of brain tumor (BT) patients are quite different in respect to the expected trajectory observed in the general cancer population. The need to improve the communication of prognosis in BT patients has been clearly reported in neuro-oncological literature, but several issues may hinder a good communication in these patients. Adequate prognostic awareness (PA) is important for several reasons: to respect patient autonomy, to obtain her/his preferences about treatments and goal of care, and to share EOL treatment decisions. The high incidence of cognitive deficits in BT patients is one of the most challenging issues influencing the quality of communication and the participation of patients in the process of treatment decisions. Impaired neurocognitive functions may impact capacities of understanding, appreciation, reasoning, and expression of choice, reducing Medical Decisions Capacity (MDC). The lack of capacity to express preferences about EOL treatment decisions represents an important ethical issue, with a great impact on both the patient's family and healthcare professionals involved in the decision processes. Also, patients' coping styles may have an important influence in critical aspects of care such as communication of diagnosis and prognosis, discussion with patients and their caregivers about goal of treatments, early introduction of PC, and advanced planning of patients' preferences concerning EOL treatment and issues. Several barriers hinder good communication in BT patients. This chapter analyzes emerging literature data and possible strategies to improve communication about prognosis and goals of care and to promote patients' involvement in the treatment decision process particularly in the palliative care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pace
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Tanzilli
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Benincasa
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Pallotti MC, Rossi R, Scarpi E, Dall'Agata M, Ricci M, Ceccolini M, Ronconi S, Valenti V, Maltoni M, Martinelli G, Cerchione C. Patients with multiple myeloma referred for palliative care consultation: from retrospective analysis to future directions to improve clinical outcomes. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:2293-2298. [PMID: 34718886 PMCID: PMC8795014 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06560-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction New treatments have improved the overall survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). At diagnosis and during the course of the disease, patients often report pain and other symptoms. Given the long disease trajectory, psychological and social issues are also frequent. Recently, the potential usefulness of early palliative care (EPC) was hypothesized in the area of hematology. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with MM referred to our institute for a palliative care (PC) consultation between January 2017 and June 2020. Our aim was to evaluate the main reasons (pain or other clinical symptoms) for the referral for a first PC consultation. Methods We examined the main reasons for the first PC consultation, the number of PC consultations carried out, and the period of time between diagnosis, first and subsequent PC visits, and death. We also recorded information on the type of pain experienced and the treatments administered. Results Of the 325 patients with MM followed at our hematology unit during the study period, 43 were referred for a PC consultation (39 for pain management and 4 to determine the most appropriate care setting (hospice or palliative homecare service)). Nineteen (44.2%) of the 43 patients reported other symptoms in addition to pain. The median time between MM diagnosis and the first PC consultation was 473 days. Fifteen patients died, with a median 332 days between the first PC visit and death. Conclusion Randomized studies on MM involving larger patient populations with access to EPC are needed to identify an effective clinical model to improve the management of patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Caterina Pallotti
- Palliative Care Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST), Dino Amadori", Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy.
| | - Romina Rossi
- Palliative Care Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST), Dino Amadori", Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Emanuela Scarpi
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Monia Dall'Agata
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Marianna Ricci
- Palliative Care Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST), Dino Amadori", Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Michela Ceccolini
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Sonia Ronconi
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Vanessa Valenti
- Palliative Care Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST), Dino Amadori", Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Marco Maltoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, FC, Italy
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Borelli E, Bigi S, Potenza L, Eliardo S, Artioli F, Mucciarini C, Cottafavi L, Cagossi K, Razzini G, Cruciani M, Pietramaggiori A, Fantuzzi V, Lombardo L, Ferrari U, Ganfi V, Lui F, Odejide O, Cacciari C, Porro CA, Zimmermann C, Efficace F, Bruera E, Luppi M, Bandieri E. Changes in Cancer Patients' and Caregivers' Disease Perceptions While Receiving Early Palliative Care: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis. Oncologist 2021; 26:e2274-e2287. [PMID: 34510624 PMCID: PMC8649024 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the underlying mechanisms through which early palliative care (EPC) improves multiple outcomes in patients with cancer and their caregivers. The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze patients’ and caregivers’ thoughts and emotional and cognitive perceptions about the disease prior to and during the EPC intervention, and in the end of life, following the exposure to EPC. Materials and Methods Seventy‐seven patients with advanced cancer and 48 caregivers from two cancer centers participated in semistructured interviews. Their reports were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by the means of the grounded theory and a text‐analysis program. Results Participants reported their past as overwhelmed by unmanaged symptoms, with detrimental physical and psychosocial consequences. The EPC intervention allowed a prompt resolution of symptoms and of their consequences and empowerment, an appreciation of its multidimensional approach, its focus on the person and its environment, and the need for EPC for oncologic populations. Patients reported that conversations with the EPC team increased their acceptance of end of life and their expectation of a painless future. Quantitative analysis revealed higher use of Negative Affects (p < .001) and Biological Processes words (p < .001) when discussing the past; Agency words when discussing the present (p < .001); Positive Affects (p < .001), Optimism (p = .002), and Insight Thinking words (p < .001) when discussing the present and the future; and Anxiety (p = .002) and Sadness words (p = .003) when discussing the future. Conclusion Overall, participants perceived EPC to be beneficial. Our findings suggest that emotional and cognitive processes centered on communication underlie the benefits experienced by participants on EPC. Implications for Practice By qualitative and quantitative analyses of the emotional and cognitive perceptions of cancer patients and their caregivers about their experiences before and during EPC interventions, this study may help physicians/nurses to focus on the disease perception by patients/caregivers and the benefits of EPC, as a standard practice. The analysis of words used by patients/caregivers provides a proxy for their psychological condition and support in tailoring an EPC intervention, based on individual needs. This study highlights that the relationship of the triad EPC team/patients/caregivers may rise as a therapeutic tool, allowing increasing awareness and progressive acceptance of the idea of death. Early palliative care can improve experiences and outcomes for patients with advanced cancer. This article analyzes disease perceptions of cancer patients and their caregivers before and after early palliative care intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Borelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sarah Bigi
- Department of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, 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
| | - Sonia Eliardo
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Artioli
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | - Claudia Mucciarini
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | - Luca Cottafavi
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | - Katia Cagossi
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | - Giorgia Razzini
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | | | | | - Valeria Fantuzzi
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | - Laura Lombardo
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | - Umberto Ferrari
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | - Vittorio Ganfi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fausta Lui
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Oreofe Odejide
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cristina Cacciari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Adolfo Porro
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fabio Efficace
- Health Outcomes Research Unit, Italian Group for Adult Hematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Rome, Italy
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Palliative Care & Rehabilitation Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - 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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Tagami K, Masukawa K, Inoue A, Morita T, Hiratsuka Y, Sato M, Kohata K, Satake N, Kizawa Y, Tsuneto S, Shima Y, Miyashita M. Appropriate referral timing to specialized palliative care service: survey of bereaved families of cancer patients who died in palliative care units. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:931-940. [PMID: 34417885 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06493-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have investigated appropriate referral timing of specialized palliative care (SPC) from the perspective of cancer patients' and families' experiences. We aimed to clarify appropriate SPC referral timing for patients with advanced cancer and their families. We used data from a nationwide bereaved family survey in Japan. We sent a questionnaire to 999 bereaved families of cancer patients who died in 164 palliative care units (PCUs) and analyzed the first SPC referral timing and how patients evaluated it. We defined SPC as outpatient or inpatient palliative care service comprising certified palliative care physicians, advanced-practice nurses, and multidisciplinary practitioners. Finally, 51.6% (n = 515) of all responses were analyzed. The SPC referral timing was evaluated as appropriate (26.1%), late or too late (20.2%), early or too early (1.2%), or none of these (52.5%). Of these, 32.3% reported that they were referred to an SPC when diagnosed with advanced or incurable cancer or during anti-cancer treatment, and 62.6% reported they were referred after anti-cancer treatment. Patient-perceived appropriateness of SPC referral timing was associated with their good death process. After excluding "none of these" responses, a significantly higher proportion of respondents who reported being referred to SPC at diagnosis and during anti-cancer treatment evaluated the response timing as appropriate, compared to those who reported being referred after anti-cancer treatment. Appropriate timing for SPC referrals relates to quality of death; findings suggest that appropriate timing is at the time of diagnosis or during anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Tagami
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan. .,Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Kento Masukawa
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Inoue
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.,Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Palliative Care Team, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, 3453 Mikatahara-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 433-8558, Japan
| | - Yusuke Hiratsuka
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.,Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Mamiko Sato
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Katsura Kohata
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Noriaki Satake
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kizawa
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, 1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuo Shima
- Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, 1-3-1, Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8558, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
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Ghoshal A, Deodhar J, Adhikarla C, Tiwari A, Dy S, Pramesh CS. Implementation of an Early Palliative Care Referral Program in Lung Cancer: A Quality Improvement Project at the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. Indian J Palliat Care 2021; 27:211-215. [PMID: 34511786 PMCID: PMC8428894 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_394_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Access to early palliative care (EPC) for all patients with metastatic lung cancer is yet to be achieved in spite of recommendations. This quality improvement (QI) project was initialized to improve the rates of such referrals from the thoracic oncology clinic for all new outpatients in a premier cancer center in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS Change in the proportion of patients receiving referrals for EPC during and after intervention (April-May 2018), compared to baseline (January-March 2018) were explored. Interventions included understanding of the process flow, identification of key drivers, and root cause analysis which identified the gaps as lack of documentation for EPC. Teaching and encouraging staff at the clinic to incorporate referrals into all initial visits for patients with metastatic lung cancer were incorporated. RESULTS The bundle of QI interventions increased referrals from an average of 50% to 75%, mean difference = 12.64 (standard deviation = 10.13) (95% confidence interval = 22.01-3.29), P = 0.016 (two-tailed) on paired sample test. CONCLUSION Improved referral rates for EPC in a multidisciplinary cancer clinic is possible with a QI project. This project also identifies the importance of data documentation and patient information processes that can be targeted for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunangshu Ghoshal
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jayita Deodhar
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Chandana Adhikarla
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Avinash Tiwari
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sydney Dy
- Health Policy and Management, Medicine and Oncology, Johns Hopkins, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - CS Pramesh
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Zubkoff L, Lyons KD, Dionne-Odom JN, Hagley G, Pisu M, Azuero A, Flannery M, Taylor R, Carpenter-Song E, Mohile S, Bakitas MA. A cluster randomized controlled trial comparing Virtual Learning Collaborative and Technical Assistance strategies to implement an early palliative care program for patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers: a study protocol. Implement Sci 2021; 16:25. [PMID: 33706770 PMCID: PMC7951124 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-021-01086-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual Learning Collaboratives (VLC), learning communities focused on a common purpose, are used frequently in healthcare settings to implement best practices. Yet, there is limited research testing the effectiveness of this approach compared to other implementation strategies. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a VLC compared to Technical Assistance (TA) among community oncology practices implementing ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends), an evidence-based, early palliative care telehealth, psycho-educational intervention for patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer and their caregivers. METHODS Using Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) and Proctor's Implementation Outcomes Frameworks, this two-arm hybrid type-III cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare two implementation strategies, VLC versus TA, among the 48 National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) practice clusters that have not historically provided palliative care to all patients with advanced cancer. Three cohorts of practice clusters will be randomized to the study arms. Each practice cluster will recruit 15-27 patients and a family caregiver to participate in ENABLE. The primary study outcome is ENABLE uptake (patient level), i.e., the proportion of eligible patients who complete the ENABLE program (receive a palliative care assessment and complete the six ENABLE sessions over 12 weeks). The secondary outcome is overall program implementation (practice cluster level), as measured by the General Organizational Index at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Exploratory aims assess patient and caregiver mood and quality of life outcomes at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Practice cluster randomization will seek to keep the proportion of rural practices, practice sizes, and minority patients seen within each practice balanced across the two study arms. DISCUSSION This study will advance the field of implementation science by evaluating VLC effectiveness, a commonly used but understudied, implementation strategy. The study will advance the field of palliative care by building the capacity and infrastructure to implement an early palliative care program in community oncology practices. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov . NCT04062552; Pre-results. Registered: August 20, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04062552?term=NCT04062552&draw=2&rank=1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Zubkoff
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Kathleen Doyle Lyons
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - J Nicholas Dionne-Odom
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andres Azuero
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Marie Flannery
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Richard Taylor
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Supriya Mohile
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marie Anne Bakitas
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
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22
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Bouleuc C, Savignoni A, Chevrier M, Renault-Tessier E, Burnod A, Chvetzoff G, Poulain P, Copel L, Cottu P, Pierga JY, Brédart A, Dolbeault S. A Question Prompt List for Advanced Cancer Patients Promoting Advance Care Planning: A French Randomized Trial. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:331-341.e8. [PMID: 32739563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Advance care planning is essential to enable informed medical decisions to be made and to reduce aggressiveness in end-of-life (EOL) care. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore whether a question prompt list (QPL) adapted to French language and culture could promote discussions, particularly on prognosis and EOL issues, among advanced cancer patients attending outpatient palliative care (PC) consultations. METHODS In this multicenter randomized study, patients assigned to the intervention arm received a QPL to help them prepare for the next consultation one month later. The main inclusion criteria were advanced cancer patients referred to the PC team with an estimated life expectancy of less than one year. The primary endpoint was the number of questions raised, globally and by topic. The secondary objectives were the impact of the QPL on psychological symptoms, quality of life, satisfaction with care, and coping styles at two months. RESULTS Patients (n = 71) in the QPL arm asked more questions (mean 21.8 vs. 18.2, P = 0.03) than patients in the control arm (n = 71), particularly on PC (5.6 vs. 3.7, P = 0.012) and EOL issues (2.2 vs. 1, P = 0.018) but not on prognosis (4.3 vs. 3.6, not specified). At two months, there was no change in anxiety, depression, or quality of life in either arm; patient satisfaction with doctors' technical skills was scored higher (P = 0.024), and avoidance coping responses were less frequent (self-distraction, P = 0.015; behavioral disengagement, P = 0.025) in the QPL arm. CONCLUSION Questions on PC and EOL issues in outpatient PC consultations were more frequent, and patient satisfaction was better when a QPL was made available before the consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Bouleuc
- Supportive Care Department, Institut Curie, Palliative Care Unit, Paris, France; PSL, Paris Sciences Lettre, University Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Alexia Savignoni
- Clinical Research Department, Institut Curie, Biometric Unit, Paris, France; PSL, Paris Sciences Lettre, University Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marion Chevrier
- Clinical Research Department, Institut Curie, Biometric Unit, Paris, France; PSL, Paris Sciences Lettre, University Paris, Paris, France
| | - Evelyne Renault-Tessier
- Supportive Care Department, Institut Curie, Palliative Care Unit, Paris, France; PSL, Paris Sciences Lettre, University Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Burnod
- Supportive Care Department, Institut Curie, Palliative Care Unit, Paris, France; PSL, Paris Sciences Lettre, University Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Phillipe Poulain
- Palliative Care Department, Polyclinique de l'Ormeau, Tarbes, France
| | - Laure Copel
- Palliative Care Department, Diaconesses Croix Saint Simon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Paul Cottu
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France; PSL, Paris Sciences Lettre, University Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Pierga
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France; PSL, Paris Sciences Lettre, University Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anne Brédart
- Institut Curie, Psycho-Oncology Unit, Paris, France; Institute of Psychology, Paris Descartes University, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Sylvie Dolbeault
- Institut Curie, Psycho-Oncology Unit, Paris, France; CESP, University Paris-Sud, UVSQ, INSERM, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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23
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Siemens W, Schönsteiner SS, Orellana-Rios CL, Schaekel U, Kessler J, Eschbach C, Viehrig M, Mayer-Steinacker R, Becker G, Gaertner J. Severe symptoms and very low quality-of-life among outpatients newly diagnosed with advanced cancer: data from a multicenter cohort study. Support Care Cancer 2020; 28:5547-5555. [PMID: 32185557 PMCID: PMC7547028 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05388-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify symptoms of severe intensity or very low scores for quality of life (QoL) domains in newly diagnosed outpatients with advanced cancer. METHODS This multicenter cohort study from a state-wide palliative care network included adult outpatients with advanced cancer diagnosed within the preceding 8 weeks from four comprehensive cancer centers (DRKS00006162, registered on 19 May 2014). We used the Palliative Outcome Scale (POS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire-C30. For each questionnaire, cut-off scores defined symptoms and QoL domains that were considered "severe" or "very low." RESULTS Of 3155 patients screened, 481/592 (81.3%) were analyzed (mean age 62.4; women n = 245, 50.9%). We identified 324/481 (67.4%) patients experiencing at least one severe symptom or a very low QoL domain (median 2; range 0 to 16). Role functioning (n = 180, 37.4%), fatigue (n = 162, 33.7%), and social functioning (n = 126, 26.2%) were most commonly affected. QoL was very low in 89 patients (18.5%). Women experienced more anxiety symptoms, fatigue, and had lower POS scores. Patients often mentioned physical symptoms and fears of adverse events resulting from disease-modifying therapies (e.g., chemotherapy) as most relevant problems. CONCLUSIONS Already within the first 8 weeks after diagnosis, the majority of patients reported at least one severe symptom or a very low QoL domain. Gender differences were evident. The findings illustrate the value of early routine assessment of patient burden and the development of multi-professional and interdisciplinary palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldemar Siemens
- Clinic for Palliative Care, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | | | - Claudia Lorena Orellana-Rios
- Clinic for Palliative Care, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schaekel
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology/Oncology/Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Kessler
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center of Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Corinna Eschbach
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), University Hospital Heidelberg and Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC-H), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marén Viehrig
- Department of Radiooncology, Palliative Care Unit, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Gerhild Becker
- Clinic for Palliative Care, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Str 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Gaertner
- Center for Palliative Care Hildegard, Basel, Switzerland
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van de Wiel M, Derijcke S, Galdermans D, Daenen M, Surmont V, De Droogh E, Lefebure A, Saenen E, Vandenbroucke E, Morel AM, Sadowska A, van Meerbeeck JP, Janssens A. Coping Strategy Influences Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer by Mediating Mood. Clin Lung Cancer 2020; 22:e146-e152. [PMID: 33060059 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with advanced lung cancer experience high physical symptom burden with substantial psychological distress. Depressive and anxiety symptoms are common and associated with worse quality of life (QoL). Early palliative care (EPC) addresses the complex supportive care needs improving QoL and mood. The mechanisms of EPC are uncertain. We examined whether and how coping strategy, a primary component of EPC, influenced QoL in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study of patients with advanced lung cancer. A total of 125 patients completed assessments of QoL (QLQ-C15-PAL), depressive and anxiety symptoms (HADS), and coping (brief COPE questionnaire). The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. To determine whether and how coping strategy influences QoL, correlations and logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS Positive reframing correlates significantly with global QoL (r = 0.25, P < .01), emotional well-being (r = 0.33, P < .01), pain (r = -0.30, P < .01), fatigue (r = -0.22, P < .01), loss of appetite (r = -0.22, P < .01) and nausea (r = -0.24, P < .01). Self-blame correlates significantly with worse emotional well-being (r = -0.19, P < .05) and insomnia (r = 0.19, P < .05). Using a 4-step logistic regression model, it was found that anxiety and depressive symptoms fully mediated the relationship between positive reframing and QoL. CONCLUSIONS Patients with advanced lung cancer using positive reframing as coping strategy, experience higher QoL. The mechanism behind it seems that positive reframing goes along with less anxiety and depressive symptoms leading to a better QoL. Self-blame leads to more insomnia and worse emotional well-being. Providing skills to cope effectively could impact QoL in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mick van de Wiel
- University Hospital Antwerp, Department of Thoracic Oncology, Edegem, Belgium.
| | - Sofie Derijcke
- Department of Pulmonology-Thoracic Oncology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Daniella Galdermans
- Department of Pulmonology-Thoracic Oncology, ZNA Middelheim, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Daenen
- Department of Pulmonology, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Veerle Surmont
- Department of Pulmonology-Thoracic Oncology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els De Droogh
- Department of Pulmonology-Thoracic Oncology, ZNA Middelheim, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anneke Lefebure
- Department of Pulmonology-Thoracic Oncology, ZNA STER, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erika Saenen
- Lung diseases/Allergology, AZ Heilige Familie, Reet, Belgium
| | - Elke Vandenbroucke
- Department of Pulmonology-Thoracic Oncology, AZ Monica, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann-Marie Morel
- Department of Pulmonology, Sint-Jozefkliniek Bornem & Willebroek, Bornem, Belgium
| | - Anna Sadowska
- Department of Pulmonology, Ziekenhuis Maas en Kempen, Campus Maaseik, Maaseik, Belgium
| | - Jan P van Meerbeeck
- University Hospital Antwerp, Department of Thoracic Oncology, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Annelies Janssens
- University Hospital Antwerp, Department of Thoracic Oncology, Edegem, Belgium
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Kye SY, Han KT, Choi J, Jho HJ, Park SJ, Song IG, Nam EJ, Chang YJ. Associations Between the Intention to Use Early Palliative Care, Sources of Information, and Attitudes Toward a Good Death in Korean Adults. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:503-511. [PMID: 32335202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Providing hospice and palliative care (HPC) early in the course of care for patients with life-threatening illness is important for improving patient quality of life. However, little literature exists for factors affecting to the intention to use early palliative care (EPC) of general population. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify the sources of information about HPC, investigate whether they affect intention to use HPC and EPC, and examine the relationship between the components of a good death and the intention to use HPC and EPC. METHODS A stratified nationwide cross-sectional survey including 1500 participants, 20-74 years old, was conducted to investigate their intentions to use HPC and EPC, available information sources, and perceived components of a good death. RESULTS The main sources of information about HPC were television and radio. Information acquired from health professionals was positively associated with the intention to use EPC. Although regarding a good relationship with family as a component of a good death was related to low intention to use EPC, being able to trust medical staff, being involved in decisions about care, and being respected as an individual were associated with high intention to use EPC. CONCLUSION Information from health care providers and public awareness through education and publicity efforts are necessary to inform the public about the benefits of EPC. Furthermore, it is essential that medical staff cultivate the skills necessary to secure public trust and provide care that respects patients until the end of their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Yeon Kye
- Division of Cancer Control and Policy, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Kyu-Tae Han
- Division of Cancer Control and Policy, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jinyoung Choi
- Division of Cancer Control and Policy, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Jho
- Department of Hospice Palliative Service, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - So Jung Park
- National Hospice Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - In Gyu Song
- Division of Cancer Control and Policy, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Eun Jung Nam
- National Hospice Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Yoon Jung Chang
- Division of Cancer Control and Policy, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
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26
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Ólafsdóttir KL, Jónsdóttir H, Fridriksdóttir N, Sigurdardóttir V, Haraldsdóttir E. Integrating nurse-facilitated advance care planning for patients newly diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Int J Palliat Nurs 2019; 24:170-177. [PMID: 29703115 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2018.24.4.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance care planning (ACP) is well recognised as an important component of palliative care. However, there is still a need to explore ways in which it can become a part of routine practice, ensuring a timely and person-centred discussion. OBJECTIVES To explore patients newly diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and their family members' experiences of engaging in a person-centred and structured ACP discussion facilitated by palliative care nurses in an outpatient oncology clinic at the University Hospital of Iceland. METHODS An exploratory qualitative design employing semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. The intervention included a structured ACP discussion, aided by a booklet. RESULTS Key themes emerged describing families' and patients' experiences and highlighted that the timing and approach of the ACP discussion was appropriate and helpful, even though the discussion was sensitive and difficult. Using a routine approach with a flexible structure normalised the discussion and made it easier for the patients to take the lead in the discussion. CONCLUSIONS ACP discussion can be part of an integrated palliative care and oncology service if implemented in a systematic way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Lara Ólafsdóttir
- RN, Hospital Palliative Care Consulting Team at Landspitali, National University Hospital of Iceland
| | - Helga Jónsdóttir
- Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Nanna Fridriksdóttir
- Clinical Nurse Specialist, Department of Oncology, National University Hospital of Iceland
| | | | - Erna Haraldsdóttir
- Director of Education and Senior Lecturer, St Columba's Hospice and Queen Margaret University, Scotland; Adjunct-Assistant Professor, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
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27
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Poletti S, Razzini G, Ferrari R, Ricchieri MP, Spedicato GA, Pasqualini A, Buzzega C, Artioli F, Petropulacos K, Luppi M, Bandieri E. Mindfulness-Based stress reduction in early palliative care for people with metastatic cancer: A mixed-method study. Complement Ther Med 2019; 47:102218. [PMID: 31780005 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the impact of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention for people with metastatic cancer integrated in Early Palliative Care (EPC). DESIGN Mixed-method study. SETTINGS/LOCATION EPC Service integrated with Oncology Unit, Carpi General Hospital, Italy from January to October 2017. The MBSR intervention took place inside the hospital. SUBJECTS Study participation was offered to 25 consecutive people referred to the EPC service. INCLUSION CRITERIA people with metastatic cancer between 18 and 75 years old; informed consent. EXCLUSION CRITERIA Performance Status <60% according to Karnofsky scale; active psychiatric disorder. 20 patients were included in the study. INTERVENTION The adapted program consists of 8 meetings for 2.5 h once a week, a 4.5 h session between the 6th and 7th weeks and 0.5 h home practice daily. The following mindfulness practices were included during the training: formal sitting meditation, body scan, light yoga, walking meditation, and Aikido exercises. Participants were provided with materials for home practice. A qualified MBSR instructor conducted the program. Sessions were attended by a clinical psychologist and a physician trained in meditation, together with the palliative nurse as facilitators. OUTCOME MEASURES Feasibility and acceptability were assessed on 16 participants. In addition, pre-post measures of cancer pain and mood state were collected. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted on a subset of 8 participants at the end of the study and analysed using the Interpretative-Phenomenological approach. RESULTS MBSR attendance to meetings and adherence to home practice were 75%. MBSR intervention helped participants to develop an accepting attitude in respect to metastatic cancer disease helping them to face anxiety and cancer pain. MBSR improves self-regulation of mood state engendering feelings of compassion MBSR program supports participants in questioning and reconnecting with their values and spiritual beliefs. CONCLUSIONS A Mindfulness intervention integrated into EPC setting is feasible, well accepted and could help metastatic cancer patients to control cancer pain together with an opportunity of emotional and spiritual relief.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, AOU, UNIMORE, Italy.
| | - Elena Bandieri
- Unit of Early Palliative Care, Carpi Civil Hospital, Italy.
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Caraceni A, Lo Dico S, Zecca E, Brunelli C, Bracchi P, Mariani L, Garassino MC, Vitali M. Outpatient palliative care and thoracic medical oncology: Referral criteria and clinical care pathways. Lung Cancer 2019; 139:13-17. [PMID: 31704278 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent evidences show that early integration of palliative care (PC) with oncology has a positive impact on patients' quality of life, quality of care and costs. However, there is no consensus on outpatient referral criteria. Based on real world data, the aim of this study was to identify timing and factors associated to PC referral in patients with thoracic malignancies, and to describe their clinical care pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS This observational retrospective study included consecutive patients with thoracic cancer, seen for the first time at the Thoracic Medical Oncology outpatient Clinic (TMOC) of our institution, between Jan.01-Dec.31 2014. Patients were followed-up till death or Dec.31 2015. Clinical and demographic data were collected from the electronic patient records. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between time to Palliative care Outpatient Clinic (POC) referral and performance status (PS), disease stage and symptoms at inclusion. RESULTS 229 patients were eligible. 98 of them (43%; 95%IC 36%-49%) were referred to the POC within a median of 30 days (IQR 4-188). 80/98 patients received simultaneous anticancer therapy and PC. Univariable analysis showed that the hazard ratio (HR) of being referred to POC was significantly higher for patients with worse PS (HR = 4.5), more advanced disease stage (HR = 3.1), pain (HR = 4.9), dyspnea (HR = 2.5) and cough (HR = 2.2). The multivariable model confirmed independent prognostic value for PS, disease stage and pain. On Dec.31, 2015, 25/98 patients were still alive, 8 were lost at follow up and 65 had died. Among the latter, 61% died with hospice or home care, and, in the last 30 days of life, 16% received chemotherapy and 29% were admitted to hospital. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest considering symptom burden, PS and disease stage as screening criteria for referral to PC in patients with thoracic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Caraceni
- 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
| | - Ernesto Zecca
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Cinzia Brunelli
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milano, Italy; European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Paola Bracchi
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Mariani
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology and Trial Organization, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina C Garassino
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Milena Vitali
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Villalobos M, Siegle A, Hagelskamp L, Handtke V, Jung C, Krug K, Bossert J, Deis N, Jünger J, Wensing M, Thomas M. [HeiMeKOM (Heidelberg Milestones Communication): development of an interprofessional intervention for improvement of communication in patients with limited prognosis]. Z Evid Fortbild Qual Gesundhwes 2019; 147-148:28-33. [PMID: 31350189 DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The care for patients with advanced disease and limited prognosis and their relatives is complex and characterized by insufficient communication and lack of coordination and continuity. AIM Development of an interprofessional, practice-guided concept of longitudinally structured communication with the goal of fostering communication, improving quality of life and facilitating early integration of palliative care. METHODS Multi-level process starting from a draft with discussion and approval within the multiprofessional team and correlation with interviews with patients and relatives. Preparation of a comprehensive concept with review of the literature, problem analysis, theoretical foundation, goal setting and intervention components. Discussion of suitability for daily use, adaptation and further development of the concept. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Concept with the following components: interprofessional communication training, structured conversations at defined moments in a tandem of physician and nurse with patient and relative, follow-up conversations conducted by the nurse, and respective instruments (conversation protocol, question prompt list, memory cards). Only iterative discussion with and the approval of patients, relatives and the multiprofessional team and their approval will put the concept into practice.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent reforms in medical payment coupled with a rapidly evolving pharmacotherapeutic armamentarium is creating a transition in the field of oncology. This transition represents a key period for conceptual reevaluation, providing an opportunity for furthered strategic integration of palliative care within the realm of oncology. RECENT FINDINGS Historically, oncologists have relied upon prognostic assessments to gauge appropriateness for referrals to specialty palliative care. Recent literature has elucidated on the early palliative burdens of cancer, demonstrated the importance of complexity-based palliative referrals, and begun the conversation to define provider-specific roles. Herein, we describe a model that overlaps complexity with oncology capacity, to target specialty services to those who could benefit most. This article will review the role of palliative care as a care philosophy, the enduring and important role of the oncologist in providing palliative care, and the important areas for integration of specialty services when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Burt
- Duke University Health, 20 Medicine Circle, Box 2715, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Arif H Kamal
- Duke University Health, 20 Medicine Circle, Box 2715, Durham, NC, 27710, USA. .,Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, USA. .,Duke Fuqua School of Business, Durham, NC, USA. .,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Scarpi E, Dall'Agata M, Zagonel V, Gamucci T, Bertè R, Sansoni E, Amaducci E, Broglia CM, Alquati S, Garetto F, Schiavon S, Quadrini S, Orlandi E, Casadei Gardini A, Ruscelli S, Ferrari D, Pino MS, Bortolussi R, Negri F, Stragliotto S, Narducci F, Valgiusti M, Farolfi A, Nanni O, Rossi R, Maltoni M. Systematic vs. on-demand early palliative care in gastric cancer patients: a randomized clinical trial assessing patient and healthcare service outcomes. Support Care Cancer 2018; 27:2425-2434. [PMID: 30357555 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4517-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early palliative care (EPC) has shown a positive impact on quality of life (QoL), quality of care, and healthcare costs. We evaluated such effects in patients with advanced gastric cancer. METHODS In this prospective, multicenter study, 186 advanced gastric cancer patients were randomized 1:1 to receive standard cancer care (SCC) plus on-demand EPC (standard arm) or SCC plus systematic EPC (interventional arm). Primary outcome was a change in QoL between randomization (T0) and T1 (12 weeks after T0) in the Trial Outcome Index (TOI) scores evaluated through the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Gastric questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were patient mood, overall survival, and family satisfaction with healthcare and care aggressiveness. RESULTS The mean change in TOI scores from T0 to T1 was - 1.30 (standard deviation (SD) 20.01) for standard arm patients and 1.65 (SD 22.38) for the interventional group, with a difference of 2.95 (95% CI - 4.43 to 10.32) (p = 0.430). The change in mean Gastric Cancer Subscale values for the standard arm was 0.91 (SD 14.14) and 3.19 (SD 15.25) for the interventional group, with a difference of 2.29 (95% CI - 2.80 to 7.38) (p = 0.375). Forty-three percent of patients in the standard arm received EPC. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated a slight, albeit not significant, benefit from EPC. Findings on EPC studies may be underestimated in the event of suboptimally managed issues: type of intervention, shared decision-making process between oncologists and PC physicians, risk of standard arm contamination, study duration, timeliness of assessment of primary outcomes, timeliness of cohort inception, and recruitment of patients with a significant symptom burden. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01996540).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Scarpi
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy.
| | - Monia Dall'Agata
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Teresa Gamucci
- Oncology Unit, SS Trinità Hospital, Sora, ASL Frosinone, Italy
| | - Raffaella Bertè
- Palliative Care, Oncology Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, AUSL, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Sansoni
- Palliative Care Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei, Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Elena Amaducci
- Palliative Care and Hospice Unit, AUSL Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | | | - Sara Alquati
- Palliative Care Unit, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Schiavon
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Quadrini
- Oncology Unit, SS Trinità Hospital, Sora, ASL Frosinone, Italy
| | - Elena Orlandi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Oncology Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Casadei Gardini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Silvia Ruscelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | | | - Maria Simona Pino
- Medical Oncology Unit, Oncology Department, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, S. Maria Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Bortolussi
- Palliative care and Pain Therapy Unit, Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Federica Negri
- Medical Oncology Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale, Cremona, Italy
| | - Silvia Stragliotto
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Martina Valgiusti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Alberto Farolfi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Oriana Nanni
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Romina Rossi
- Palliative Care Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei, Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Marco Maltoni
- Palliative Care Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei, Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
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Abstract
Heart failure (HF) affects nearly 5.7 million Americans and is described as a chronic incurable illness carrying a poor prognosis. Patients living with HF experience significant symptoms including dyspnea, pain, anxiety, fatigue, and depression. As the illness advances into later stages, symptoms become more intense and refractory to standard treatments, leading to recurrent acute-care utilization and contributing to poor quality of life. Advanced HF symptoms have been described to be as burdensome, if not more than, those in cancer populations. Yet access to and provision of palliative care (PC) for this population has been described as suboptimal. The Institute of Medicine recently called for better access to PC for seriously ill patients. Despite guidelines recommending the inclusion of PC into the multidisciplinary HF care team, there is little data offering guidance on how to best operationalize PC skills in caring for this population. This paper describes the emerging literature describing models of PC integration for HF patients and aims to identify key attributes of these care models that may help guide future multi-site clinical trials to define best practices for the successful delivery of PC for patients living with advanced HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren H Lewin
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1070, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Kristen G Schaefer
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Ave, DA-2007, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Ambroggi M, Biasini C, Toscani I, Orlandi E, Berte R, Mazzari M, Cavanna L. Can early palliative care with anticancer treatment improve overall survival and patient-related outcomes in advanced lung cancer patients? A review of the literature. Support Care Cancer 2018; 26:2945-53. [PMID: 29704108 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4184-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the leading cause of death from cancer worldwide, is a debilitating disease that results in a high burden of symptoms and poor quality of life; the estimated prognosis after the diagnosis has been established was less than 1 year until some years ago. At the present, the new targeted therapies and immunotherapy are changing the course of the disease. However, advanced NSCLC remains an incurable disease, with a poor prognosis for the majority of the affected patients, so that quality of life and relief from symptoms are primary objectives of treatment. Some evidences suggest that early palliative care (EPC) for these patients can improve quality of life and even survival. Design A systematic review of the studies evaluating the impact on objective and on patient-reported outcomes of the introduction of EPC in opposition to standard care (SC), for advanced lung cancer patients, was performed. Because of the small number of studies conducted in this area, retrospective studies were also considered for the review. Results Five studies were included because they matched the inclusion criteria previously defined as relevant for the study. The review found that both survival and quality of life were better for patients included in EPC groups. Conclusions While results of the studies included in this review are not always comparable because different methods and scales have been used, there is enough evidence for clinical oncologists to implement the use of EPC in clinical practice for advanced lung cancer patients.
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Tuca A, Gómez-Martínez M, Prat A. Predictive model of complexity in early palliative care: a cohort of advanced cancer patients (PALCOM study). Support Care Cancer 2017; 26:241-249. [PMID: 28780728 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3840-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PROPOSAL Model of early palliative care (PC) integrated in oncology is based on shared care from the diagnosis to the end of life and is mainly focused on patients with greater complexity. However, there is no definition or tools to evaluate PC complexity. The objectives of the study were to identify the factors influencing level determination of complexity, propose predictive models, and build a complexity scale of PC. PATIENTS AND METHOD We performed a prospective, observational, multicenter study in a cohort of advanced cancer patients with an estimated prognosis ≤ 6 months. An ad hoc structured evaluation including socio-demographic and clinical data, symptom burden, functional and cognitive status, psychosocial problems, and existential-ethic dilemmas was recorded systematically. According to this multidimensional evaluation, investigator classified patients as high, medium, or low palliative complexity, associated to need of basic or specialized PC. Logistic regression was used to identify the variables influencing determination of level of PC complexity and explore predictive models. RESULTS We included 324 patients; 41% were classified as having high PC complexity and 42.9% as medium, both levels being associated with specialized PC. Variables influencing determination of PC complexity were as follows: high symptom burden (OR 3.19 95%CI: 1.72-6.17), difficult pain (OR 2.81 95%CI:1.64-4.9), functional status (OR 0.99 95%CI:0.98-0.9), and social-ethical existential risk factors (OR 3.11 95%CI:1.73-5.77). Logistic analysis of variables allowed construct a complexity model and structured scales (PALCOM 1 and 2) with high predictive value (AUC ROC 76%). CONCLUSION This study provides a new model and tools to assess complexity in palliative care, which may be very useful to manage referral to specialized PC services, and agree intensity of their intervention in a model of early-shared care integrated in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Tuca
- Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 170 Villarroel Street, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Mónica Gómez-Martínez
- Integrated Health Care Area Barcelona Esquerra, Strategy and Planning Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aleix Prat
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Mercadante S, Adile C, Ferrera P, Casuccio A. Characteristics of patients with an unplanned admission to an acute palliative care unit. Intern Emerg Med 2017; 12:587-592. [PMID: 28160235 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-017-1619-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this cohort study is to compare the symptom burden of patients who have an unplanned admission to an acute palliative care unit (APCU) with patients who have a regular planned admission. A consecutive sample of advanced cancer patients who were admitted to an APCU was prospectively assessed. The reasons and the kind of admission were recorded (unplanned, UP, or planned, P). Anticancer treatments, whether patients were on/off treatment or uncertain, previous care setting, and who referred the patient to the unit were also recorded. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) was used at admission and at time of discharge, as well as the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale. Analgesics and their doses at admission and discharge were recorded. Hospital staying was also recorded. At the time of discharge, subsequent referral to other care settings, and the pathway of oncologic treatment were re-considered. Fifty-five (17.5%) of 314 consecutive admissions recorded in a period of 10 months were UP. UP-patients are more frequently referred from other hospitals (P = 0.0005), and are reported by physicians of other units (P = 0.05). UP-patients have a longer hospital admission (P = 0.032), a higher hospital death rate (P = 0.025), and are less frequently discharged home (P = 0.031). A significant decrease in intensity of ESAS items was observed in both groups, with no differences in symptom burden either at admission and time for discharge. At discharge, opioid doses are higher in UP-patients. An APCU may admit UP-patients at any stage of disease, providing effective treatment outcomes, as reported with P-patients. This study suggests that patients referred from other settings or hospitals may provide specialist advice and rapid symptom control. Although symptom burden is similar, these patients have longer hospital admission, higher hospital death rate, and are less frequently discharged home, suggesting the need for more complex treatments. Such units in a comprehensive cancer center might improve symptom control and pose as referral centers for non-cancer hospitals, emergency departments, or the territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Mercadante
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit and Supportive-Palliative Care Unit, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Via san Lorenzo 312, 90145, Palermo, Italy.
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother Child Care, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Claudio Adile
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit and Supportive-Palliative Care Unit, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Via san Lorenzo 312, 90145, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother Child Care, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ferrera
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit and Supportive-Palliative Care Unit, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Via san Lorenzo 312, 90145, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother Child Care, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Casuccio
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit and Supportive-Palliative Care Unit, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Via san Lorenzo 312, 90145, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother Child Care, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Martoni AA, Melotti B, Degli Esposti C, Mutri V, Lelli G, Ansaloni S, Piva E, Strocchi E, Pannuti F. Impact of intervention aimed at improving the integration of oncology units and local palliative care services: results of the multicentre prospective sequential MIRTO study. ESMO Open 2017; 2:e000116. [PMID: 28761725 PMCID: PMC5519798 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2016-000116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy (CT) in patients with advanced cancer (ACP) near the end of life is an increasing practice of oncology units. A closer integration with palliative care (PC) services could reduce the use of potentially harmful CT. This prospective study is aimed at assessing whether a more integrated care model could reduce CT use near the end of life and increase local PC service utilisation. METHODS The study enrolled sequentially two cohorts of ACP with an estimated life expectancy of ≤6 months. In the first cohort, the usual oncologist's practice to prescribe CT and to activate local PC services were recorded. In cohort 2, the oncologist's decision was taken after an in-hospital consultation with the local PC teams. After patient death, a follow-back survey was carried out. RESULTS The two cohorts included 109 and 125 evaluable patients, respectively. The oncologist's decision to prescribe CT occurred in 51.4% and 60%, respectively: the percentages of patients receiving the final CT administration in the last 30 days of life did not differ in the two cohorts (33.9% and 29.3%, respectively,p=0.83). Conversely, an increase in home PC service utilisation (from 56.9% to 82.4%, p=0.00), at home deaths (from 40.4% to 56.8%, p=0.01) and in-hospice deaths (from 8.3% to 19.2%, p=0.00) occurred in cohort 2. CONCLUSION The implementation of an initial in-hospital consultation of oncologists and experienced home PC teams has not reduced the use of CT near the end of life but increased PC service utilisation and reduced in-hospital deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea A Martoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Melotti
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Vita Mutri
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Lelli
- Clinical Oncology, University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Ansaloni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Erico Piva
- Clinical Oncology, University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Strocchi
- Industrial Chemistry Institute, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Maltoni M, Scarpi E, Dall'Agata M, Schiavon S, Biasini C, Codecà C, Broglia CM, Sansoni E, Bortolussi R, Garetto F, Fioretto L, Cattaneo MT, Giacobino A, Luzzani M, Luchena G, Alquati S, Quadrini S, Zagonel V, Cavanna L, Ferrari D, Pedrazzoli P, Frassineti GL, Galiano A, Casadei Gardini A, Monti M, Nanni O. Systematic versus on-demand early palliative care: A randomised clinical trial assessing quality of care and treatment aggressiveness near the end of life. Eur J Cancer 2016; 69:110-118. [PMID: 27821313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM Early palliative care (EPC) in oncology has shown sparse evidence of a positive impact on patient outcomes, quality of care outcomes and costs. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data for this secondary analysis were taken from a trial of 207 outpatients with metastatic pancreatic cancer randomly assigned to receive standard cancer care plus on-demand EPC (standard arm) or standard cancer care plus systematic EPC (interventional arm). After 20 months' follow-up, 149 (80%) had died. Outcome measures were frequency, type and timing of chemotherapy administration, use of resources, place of death and overall survival. RESULTS Some indices of end-of-life (EoL) aggressiveness had a favourable impact from systematic EPC. Interventional arm patients showed higher use of hospice services: a significantly longer median and mean period of hospice care (P = 0.025 for both indexes) and a significantly higher median and mean number of hospice admissions (both P < 0.010). In the experimental arm, chemotherapy was performed in the last 30 days of life in a significantly inferior rate with respect to control arm: 18.7% versus 27.8% (adjusted P = 0.036). Other non-significant differences were seen in favour of experimental arm. CONCLUSIONS Systematic EPC showed a significant impact on some indicators of EoL treatment aggressiveness. These data, reinforced by multiple non-significant differences in most of the other items, suggest that quality of care is improved by this approach. This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01996540).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Maltoni
- Palliative Care Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Emanuela Scarpi
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy.
| | - Monia Dall'Agata
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavon
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Biasini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Oncology-Hematology Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Carla Codecà
- Medical Oncology Unit, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Sansoni
- Palliative Care Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Roberto Bortolussi
- Palliative Care and Pain Therapy Unit, Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Fioretto
- Medical Oncology Unit, Oncology Department, S. Maria Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Massimo Luzzani
- Palliative Care, Department of Geriatric, Orthogeriatric and Rehabilitation Frailty Area, E.O. Galliera Hospitals, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Sara Alquati
- Palliative Care Unit, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Quadrini
- Oncology Unit, SS Trinità Hospital Sora, ASL Frosinone, Italy
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Luigi Cavanna
- Medical Oncology Unit, Oncology-Hematology Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Daris Ferrari
- Medical Oncology Unit, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Frassineti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Antonella Galiano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Casadei Gardini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Manlio Monti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Oriana Nanni
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
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Woo SM, Joo J, Kim SY, Park SJ, Han SS, Kim TH, Koh YH, Chung SH, Kim YH, Moon H, Hong EK, Lee WJ. Efficacy of pancreatic exocrine replacement therapy for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer in a randomized trial. Pancreatology 2016; 16:1099-1105. [PMID: 27618657 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weight loss in pancreatic cancer is associated with maldigestion due to pancreatic duct obstruction. Pancreatic exocrine replacement therapy (PERT) may significantly improve fat and protein absorption. OBJECTIVES This prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase II trial assessed whether PERT could reduce or prevent weight loss in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. METHODS Sixty seven patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer were randomized to receive enteric coated PERT, consisting of 6-9 capsules of pancreatin (457.7 mg/capsule), or placebo. Patients took two capsules each three times daily during main meals and one capsule each up to three times daily when having between-meal snacks. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in body weight at eight weeks. RESULTS The mean percentage change in body weight (1.49% [1.12 kg] vs. 2.99% [1.63 kg], P = 0.381) and the mean percent change in Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) score (8.85% vs. 15.69%, p = 0.18) did not differ significantly between the PERT and placebo groups. There was no improvement in quality of life and overall survival did not differ significantly between the PERT and placebo groups (5.84 months vs 8.13 months, p = 0.744). CONCLUSIONS PERT did not reduce weight loss in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Larger randomized trials are needed to identify those patients who may benefit from PERT. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Number NCT01587534.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Myung Woo
- Center for Liver Cancer, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungnam Joo
- Cancer Biostatistics Branch, Research Institute for National Cancer Control and Evaluation, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Kim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Jae Park
- Center for Liver Cancer, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Sik Han
- Center for Liver Cancer, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Kim
- Center for Liver Cancer, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hwan Koh
- Center for Liver Cancer, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Chung
- Rehabilitation Medicine, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hee Kim
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Moon
- Emergency Department, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyung Hong
- Center for Liver Cancer, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jin Lee
- Center for Liver Cancer, National Cancer Center, Republic of Korea.
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Gaertner J, Siemens W, Daveson BA, Smith M, Evans CJ, Higginson IJ, Becker G. Of apples and oranges: Lessons learned from the preparation of research protocols for systematic reviews exploring the effectiveness of Specialist Palliative Care. BMC Palliat Care 2016; 15:43. [PMID: 27091056 PMCID: PMC4836194 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-016-0110-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agreed terminology used in systematic reviews of the effectiveness of specialist palliative care ((S)PC)) is required to ensure consistency and usability and to help guide future similar reviews and the design of clinical trials. During the preparation of protocols for two separate systematic reviews that aimed to assess the effectiveness of SPC, two international research groups collaborated to ensure a high degree of methodological consensus and clarity between reviews. During the collaboration, it became evident that close attention is needed to (i) avoid ambiguity in the definition of advanced illness, (ii) capture the specialist expertise and prerequisites for SPC interventions, and (iii) the multi-professional and multi-dimensional nature of PC. Also, (iv) the exclusion of relevant studies or (v) impracticality of meta-analyses of the obtained data must be avoided. The aim of this article is to present the core issues of the discussion to help future research groups to easily identify potential pitfalls and methodologic necessities. CORE ISSUE DISCUSSION Core issues that arose from the discussion are presented along the research questions according to the PICO process: Population (P): Authors should refer to existing definitions of PC to ensure that, even if the review aims to investigate specific patients (e.g. cancer patients), it is important to make clear that PC is applicable for all life-limiting diseases and not limited to end-of-life or cancer. Intervention (I): PC is a core responsibility of all disciplines (general PC). In contrast, SPC demands further training and expertise. Therefore, core tenets of SPC interventions are that they are (i) multi-professional and (ii) aim at the multi-dimensional nature of suffering. Outcome (O): The main goal of PC is multi-dimensional (quality of life, suffering or distress). Yet, meta-analysis may be complex to conduct due to the heterogeneity of the multi-dimensional outcomes. Therefore, the assessment of uni-dimensional measures such as pain can also provide clinically relevant information that is easier to obtain. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Recommendations for future systematic reviews and clinical trials include: (i) Appraise the experience of other research groups who have produced similar systematic reviews or clinical trials. (ii) Include studies that meet the multi-professional and multi-dimensional nature of PC and the specialization requirements for SPC. (iii) Thoroughly weigh relevance and practicability of the primary outcome. Multi-dimensional tools such as quality-of-life questionnaires assess the different dimensions of suffering (the true scope of PC), but uni-dimensional measures such as pain are easier to assess in meta-analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gaertner
- Clinic for Palliative Care, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Waldemar Siemens
- Clinic for Palliative Care, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Barbara A Daveson
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Melinda Smith
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Catherine J Evans
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gerhild Becker
- Clinic for Palliative Care, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Janssens A, Teugels L, Kohl S, Michielsen T, van Meerbeeck JP. Integrating early palliative care (EPC) in the management of lung cancer: The role of the thoracic oncologist. Lung Cancer 2015; 90:135-8. [PMID: 26341958 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Early introduction of palliative care in the management of patients with metastatic lung cancer is recommended since it improves quality of life and improves survival rates. In many hospitals the focus of palliative teams is often on terminal care due to limited resources. How is Early palliative care (EPC) in this setting implemented in daily oncologic care? It seems obvious that thoracic oncologists will have to become involved in EPC for lung cancer patients. In this review we want to determine the assignments for the thoracic oncologist in EPC and to give some practical tools how we started EPC in collaboration with the palliative team.
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Janssens A, Teugels L, van Meerbeeck J. End of life care in lung cancer patients: not at life's end? Ann Palliat Med 2013; 2:167-9. [PMID: 25841387 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2224-5820.2013.09.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic lung cancer has a poor prognosis, with a mortality of more than 80% within one year. As chemo- and radiotherapy are both effective in the palliation of symptoms, the emphasis of management is often too much put on these therapies, inducing unrealistic expectations. Since the most important aspect of caring for patients with metastatic lung cancer is to optimize or restore their quality of life (QoL), we need to integrate standard oncologic therapy with early palliative care to achieve a better understanding of the disease by the patient and his caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liesbeth Teugels
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
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