scholarly journals Palliative care in cardiac intensive care units (CICUs): Insights from the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) registry

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Fagundes Junior ◽  
DD Berg ◽  
EA Bohula ◽  
VM Baird-Zars ◽  
J Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Circulatory Support ◽  
Code Status ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Palliative Care Consultation ◽  
End Of Life Decision ◽  
Short Time

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) registry Introduction Palliative care is a practice focused on providing relief of symptoms of illness, while optimizing the quality of life for patients and families. We aimed to quantify palliative care (PC) practices and end-of-life decision-making in critically ill cardiac patients in contemporary CICUs. Methods The CCCTN Registry is a network of tertiary care CICUs in the United States and Canada. Between 2017 and 2020, up to 26 centers contributed an annual 2-month snapshot of all consecutive admissions to the CICU. We captured code status, rates of palliative care consultation, and decisions for comfort measures only (CMO) before all deaths in the CICU.  Results    Of 8231 admissions, 10% ended with death in the CICU and 2.6% were discharges to hospice. Of deceased  patients, 68% were CMO before death. The median age of CMO patients was 70y (25th-75th: 59-78) vs. 67 (56-77) among deaths without CMO. In the CMO group, only 13% were DNR/DNI at admission, and the remainder were full code. Respiratory insufficiency and non-cardiogenic shock were the CICU indications most frequently associated with CMO. The median time from CICU admission to CMO decision was 3.4 days (25th-75th: 1.2-7.7) and was ≥7 days in 27% (Figure). Time from CMO decision to death was <24h in 88%, with a median of 3.8h (25th-75th 1.0-10.3). Before a CMO decision, 73% received mechanical ventilation and 25% mechanical circulatory support. Of total deaths, 34% of intubated patients were palliatively extubated. Formal PC services were engaged in only 28% of deaths. Conclusions In contemporary CICUs, CMO preceded death in 2/3 of cases. The high use of advanced ICU therapies, lengthy times to a CMO decision, and the very short time from CMO to death, highlight a potential opportunity for greater PC consultation, as well as training programs to build skills in PC for practitioners in the CICU. Abstract Figure

Trends and Predictors of Palliative Care Consultation Among Patients Admitted for LVAD: A Retrospective Analysis From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database From 2006-2014

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912110218
Author(s):  
Karol Quelal ◽  
Olankami Olagoke ◽  
Anoj Shahi ◽  
Andrea Torres ◽  
Olisa Ezegwu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Nationwide Inpatient Sample ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
The United States ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Incidence Trends ◽  
Palliative Care Consultation ◽  
Care Consultation

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an essential part of advanced heart failure (HF) management, either as a bridge to transplantation or destination therapy. Patients with advanced HF have a poor prognosis and may benefit from palliative care consultation (PCC). However, there is scarce data regarding the trends and predictors of PCC among patients undergoing LVAD implantation. Aim: This study aims to assess the incidence, trends, and predictors of PCC in LVAD recipients using the United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2006 until 2014. Methods: We conducted a weighted analysis on LVAD recipients during their index hospitalization. We compared those who had PCC with those who did not. We examined the trend in palliative care utilization and calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) to identify demographic, social, and hospital characteristics associated with PCC using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: We identified 20,675 admissions who had LVAD implantation, and of them 4% had PCC. PCC yearly rate increased from 0.6% to 7.2% (P < 0.001). DNR status (aOR 28.30), female sex (aOR 1.41), metastatic cancer (aOR: 3.53), Midwest location (aOR 1.33), and small-sized hospitals (aOR 2.52) were positive predictors for PCC along with in-hospital complications. Differently, Black (aOR 0.43) and Hispanic patients (aOR 0.25) were less likely to receive PCC. Conclusion: There was an increasing trend for in-hospital PCC referral in LVAD admissions while the overall rate remained low. These findings suggest that integrative models to involve PCC early in advanced HF patients are needed to increase its generalized utilization.

scholarly journals Palliative Care in Patients With High-Grade Gliomas in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-167
Author(s):  
Jon Rosenberg ◽  
Allie Massaro ◽  
James Siegler ◽  
Stacey Sloate ◽  
Matthew Mendlik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Neurological Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Code Status ◽  
Neurological Intensive Care ◽  
Palliative Care Consultation ◽  
Care Consultation

Background: Palliative care improves quality of life in patients with malignancy; however, it may be underutilized in patients with high-grade gliomas (HGGs). We examined the practices regarding palliative care consultation (PCC) in treating patients with HGGs in the neurological intensive care unit (NICU) of an academic medical center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to the NICU from 2011 to 2016 with a previously confirmed histopathological diagnosis of HGG. The primary outcome was the incidence of an inpatient PCC. We also evaluated the impact of PCC on patient care by examining its association with prespecified secondary outcomes of code status amendment to do not resuscitate (DNR), discharge disposition, 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmission rate, length of stay, and place of death. Results: Ninety (36% female) patients with HGGs were identified. Palliative care consultation was obtained in 16 (18%) patients. Palliative care consultation was associated with a greater odds of code status amendment to DNR (odds ratio [OR]: 18.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.01-65.73), which remained significant after adjustment for confounders (OR: 27.20, 95% CI: 5.49-134.84), a greater odds of discharge to hospice (OR: 24.93, 95% CI: 6.48-95.88), and 30-day mortality (OR: 6.40, 95% CI: 1.96-20.94). Conclusion: In this retrospective study of patients with HGGs admitted to a university-based NICU, PCC was seen in a minority of the sample. Palliative care consultation was associated with code status change to DNR and hospice utilization. Further study is required to determine whether these findings are generalizable and whether interventions that increase PCC utilization are associated with improved quality of life and resource allocation for patients with HGGs.

Critical Care Documentation for the Dying Trauma Patient: Are We Recognizing Our Own Efforts?

2020 ◽  
pp. 000313482097298
Author(s):  
Samuel J. Zolin ◽  
Jasmin K. Bhangu ◽  
Brian T. Young ◽  
Sarah E. Posillico ◽  
Husayn A. Ladhani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Family Meeting ◽  
Comfort Care ◽  
Code Status ◽  
Family Meetings ◽  
Dying Patients ◽  
Palliative Care Consultation ◽  
Care Consultation ◽  
Poor Outcomes

Background Missed documentation for critical care time (CCT) for dying patients may represent a missed opportunity for physicians to account for intensive care unit (ICU) services, including end-of-life care. We hypothesized that CCT would be poorly documented for dying trauma patients. Methods Adult trauma ICU patients who died between December 2014 and December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Critical care time was not calculated for patients with comfort care code status. Critical care time on the day prior to death and day of death was collected. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with documented CCT. Results Of 147 patients, 43% had no CCT on day prior to death and 55% had no CCT on day of death. 82% had a family meeting within 1 day of death. Family meetings were independently associated with documented CCT (OR 3.69, P = .008); palliative care consultation was associated with decreased documented CCT (OR .24, P < .001). Conclusions Critical care time is not documented in half of eligible trauma patients who are near death. Conscious (time spent in family meetings and injury acuity) and unconscious factors (anticipated poor outcomes) likely affect documentation.

Critical Care in Critical Access Hospitals

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 62-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa J. Seright ◽  
Charlene A. Winters
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
The United States ◽  
Infusion Therapy ◽  
Critical Access Hospitals ◽  
Hospital System ◽  
Critical Access Hospital

What began as a grant-funded demonstration project, as a means of bridging the gap in rural health care, has developed into a critical access hospital system comprising 1328 facilities across 45 states. A critical access hospital is not just a safety net for health care in a rural community. Such hospitals may also provide specialized services such as same-day surgery, infusion therapy, and intensive care. For hospitals located near the required minimum of 35 miles from a tertiary care center, management of critically ill patients may be a matter of stabilization and transfer. Critical access hospitals in more rural areas are often much farther from tertiary care; some of these hospitals are situated within frontier areas of the United States. This article describes the development of critical access hospitals, provision of care and services, challenges to critical care in critical access hospitals, and suggestions to address gaps in research and collaborative care.

Abstract 68: Palliative Care Is Underutilized in Patients with Severe Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
April Sisson ◽  
Karen C Albright ◽  
Michelle Peck ◽  
Linh M Nguyen ◽  
Michael Lyerly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Palliative Care Service ◽  
Code Status ◽  
Ich Score ◽  
Expected Mortality

Background and Purpose: Palliative care is an essential part of ICH care, particularly in patients with high ICH scores given their poor prognosis. Palliative care involves consultation by the Palliative Care Service and includes de-escalation of care, changing code status, and making pain and symptom relief the central goal of management. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients presenting to our tertiary care center from 2008-2013 with primary ICH. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Our sample included only patients who died or were transferred to hospice. We examined the proportion of patients that received an inpatient palliative care consult and compared this group to patients who did not receive an inpatient palliative care consult. Patients were categorized by ICH score. Results: Of the 99 ICH patients who died or were discharged to hospice, only 23% received a palliative care consult. Figure 1 displays death, predicted death, and palliative care consult proportions by ICH score. Patients that received a Palliative Care consult were older (mean age 65 vs. 73, p=0.018) and more frequently had evidence of infection (32% vs. 13%, p=0.038); no other significant differences were found between groups. Conclusions: In our sample of ICH patients, 23% of patients received a palliative care consult. In those with high ICH scores utilization was only 28%, despite 30 day expected mortality of 97% or greater. This raises concern that palliative care may be underutilized in patients who may benefit from it the most.

Abstract 15170: In-hospital Utilization and Outcomes of Palliative Care Consultation in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock Requiring Mechanical Circulatory Support

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelani Grant ◽  
Louis Vincent ◽  
Bertrand Ebner ◽  
Jennifer Maning ◽  
Igor Vaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cardiogenic Shock ◽  
Mechanical Circulatory Support ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Advanced Heart Failure ◽  
Circulatory Support ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Palliative Care Consultation ◽  
Care Consultation

Introduction: Hospitalizations associated with advanced heart failure (HF) requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS) are usually associated with a high morbidity, mortality and a protracted hospital course. Prior studies have shown that the early inclusion of palliative care specialist is associated with better end-of-life experiences. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample Database was queried from 2012 to 2017 for relevant International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 procedural and diagnostic codes to identify patients above 18 years with advanced HF admitted with cardiogenic shock requiring MCS. Baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared among patients evaluated by palliative care and those who were not. A p-value of <0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were 748,360 patients hospitalized for advanced HF complicated by cardiogenic shock requiring MCS, of these a palliative care consult was placed in 118,015 (15.8%) patients. Patients evaluated by palliative care were older (70.6±14.9 vs. 64.9±16.3 years old, p<0.001) and had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (39.3 vs. 35.1%,p<0.001) and chronic kidney disease (40.4 vs. 33.3, p<0.001), however had lower hypertension (57.4 vs. 59.7%, p<0.001), diabetes (35.4 vs. 36.5%, p<0.001), coronary artery disease (51.2 vs. 58.4%, p<0.001) and acute coronary syndromes (39.2 vs. 45.0%, p<0.001). Consulting palliative care was associated with a shorter length of stay (8.8±12.0 vs. 11.9±15.5 days, p<0.001), lower total hospital cost ($161,972±265,156 vs. $219,114±318,387, p<0.001) and higher Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders (30.8 vs. 5.8%, p<0.001). Mortality rates were higher in the palliative care cohort (73.4 vs. 29.4%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Despite the high morbidity and mortality associated with advanced HF patients with cardiogenic shock requiring MCS, the overall prevalence of palliative care consultation is exceedingly low. DNR orders were more prevalent in patients seen by the palliative care service. This study highlights the underutilization of palliative care services in this patient population, precluding any perceived benefit in end of life experiences.

scholarly journals PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF STATIN USE IN LONG-STAY NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH LIFE-LIMITING ILLNESSES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S861-S861
Author(s):  
Deborah S Mack ◽  
Kate L Lapane
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
The United States ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Home Setting ◽  
Palliative Care Consultation ◽  
Care Consultation ◽  
Statin Use

Abstract Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. While statin use has been studied extensively in the general population, national data on statin use in US nursing homes do not exist. This study estimated the point prevalence of statin use on September 1, 2016 and identified predictors of statin use in nursing home residents with life limiting illness. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using national MDS 3.0 data linked to Medicare claims. We identified 424,312 long-stay residents with life limiting illnesses defined as a palliative care consultation (ICD-10 Z51.5), prognosis &lt;6 months on MDS, the Veterans Health Administration palliative care index (PCI), or a diagnosis of a serious illness (e.g., cancer, stroke, heart failure, etc.). Poisson models accounted for clustering of residents within facilities. Overall, 34% were on statins which varied by age (65-75 years: 44.1%; &gt;75 years: 31.5%). The strongest positive predictor of statin use was hyperlipidemia, while coronary artery disease and stroke were only marginally predictive across age. The strongest negative predictors were a palliative care consultation or a prognosis &lt;6 months, while PCI was not strongly associated with use. A substantial proportion of long stay nursing home residents with life limiting illnesses continue statin therapy despite evidence of net harm. Efforts to deprescribe statins in the nursing home setting may be warranted. These findings can be used to help identify and target missed opportunities to reduce the therapeutic burden and improve end-of-life care for the US nursing home population.

Palliative Care Consultation Affects How and Where Heart Failure Patients Die

2020 ◽  
pp. 104990912096356
Author(s):  
Richard Pham ◽  
Casey McQuade ◽  
Alex Somerfeld ◽  
Sandra Blakowski ◽  
Gavin W. Hickey
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Code Status ◽  
Heart Failure Patients ◽  
Palliative Care Consultation ◽  
Care Consultation ◽  
Dying At Home ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

Objective: Determine the role of palliative care on terminal code status and setting of death for those with heart failure. Background: Although palliative care consultation (PCC) has increased for many conditions, PCC has not increased in those with cardiovascular disease. While it has been shown that the majority of those with heart failure die in medical facilities, the impact of PCC on terminal code status and setting of death requires further analysis. Methods: Patients admitted with heart failure between 2014-2015 at an academic VA Healthcare System were reviewed. Primary outcome was terminal code status. Secondary outcomes included setting of death, hospice utilization, and mortality scores. Student t-testing and Chi-square testing were performed where appropriate. Results: 334 patients were admitted with heart failure and had a median follow up time of 4.3 years. 196 patients died, with 122 (62%) receiving PCC and 74 (38%) without PCC. Patients were more likely to have terminal code statuses of comfort measures with PCC (OR = 4.6, p = 0.002), and less likely to be full code (OR = 0.09, p < 0.001). 146 patients had documented settings of death and were more likely to receive hospice services with PCC (OR 6.76, p < 0.001). A patient’s chance of dying at home was not increased with PCC (OR 0.49, p = 0.07), but they were more likely to die with inpatient hospice (OR = 17.03; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Heart failure patients who received PCC are more likely to die with more defined care preferences and with hospice services. This does not translate to dying at home.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document