scholarly journals Palliative care and complex chronic conditions since the perspective of healthcare professionals

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Doñate-Martínez ◽  
L Llop ◽  
J Garcés
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Complex Chronic Conditions ◽  
Symptom Intensity

Abstract Background According to the WHO, palliative care (PC) is applicable early in the course of illness together with other curative therapies. Early PC has demonstrated beneficial effects on quality of life and symptom intensity among cancer patients. However, PC is not as early integrated on the care pathway of complex chronic conditions (CCC). This abstract presents barriers and needs identified to effectively implement early PC on CCC performed under the EU-funded InAdvance project (ref.: 825750). Methods Semi-structured interviews were performed with 16 healthcare professionals (HPs) from primary care and hospital settings working with older patients with CCC in Valencia (Spain). Results Interviews reported that main needs identified to provide early PC are: (a) coordinated strategies between multi-setting HPs to an early identification of CCC patients in need of PC; (b) adequate resources to attend patients' PC needs from a holistic view, i.e. psychosocial and spiritual needs; and (c) early integration of basic PC at primary care teams. The main barriers identified were: (a) stereotypes associated to the traditional PC approach; (b) poor knowledge from HPs of the PC holistic approach; and (c) lack of specific protocols or pathways for CCC in need of PC. Conclusions Specific skills and resources are the most relevant needs to effectively provide early PC among patients with CCC. First, it is urgent to demystify the negative culture-related vision of PC that is commonly associated to sedation and last days of a person's life. Also, multidisciplinary HPs require specific training to identify and provide early PC tailored to CCC. And, it is required a strategic and multi-setting organizational approach with fluent information flow and coordinated roles. Key messages Healthcare expenditure would be considerably reduced, especially at hospital and emergency units, with an early identification of patients with CCC in need of PC. Empowering primary HPs in PC would improve the quality of care of patients with CCC.

Dyspareunia

2021 ◽  
pp. 175573802110302
Author(s):  
Charlotte Morris ◽  
Catherine Briggs ◽  
Manju Navani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Persistent Pain ◽  
Differential Diagnoses ◽  
Relationship Problems

Dyspareunia is persistent pain on attempted or successful vaginal penetration. It is under-reported, infrequently asked about by healthcare professionals, and affects quality of life and relationships. Dyspareunia is multifactorial and possesses biopsychosocial components. Pain may be distinct and localised, deep or persistent. Among the symptoms, women describe sensations of aching, throbbing and tearing. Disinterest in sex and relationship problems can result. This article discusses dyspareunia, its common differential diagnoses and aims to improve clinician confidence in assessing and managing dyspareunia in primary care.

scholarly journals What do patients experience? Interprofessional collaborative practice for chronic conditions in primary care: an integrative review

2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra R. Davidson ◽  
Jaimon Kelly ◽  
Lauren Ball ◽  
Mark Morgan ◽  
Dianne P. Reidlinger
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Collaborative Practice ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Patient Role ◽  
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice ◽  
Sharing Space ◽  
Patients Experience

Abstract Background Improving the patient experience is one of the quadruple aims of healthcare. Therefore, understanding patient experiences and perceptions of healthcare interactions is paramount to quality improvement. This integrative review aimed to explore how patients with chronic conditions experience Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in primary care. Methods An integrative review was conducted to comprehensively synthesize primary studies that used qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Databases searched were Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science on June 1st, 2021. Eligible studies were empirical full-text studies in primary care that reported experiences or perceptions of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice by adult patients with a chronic condition, in any language published in any year. Quality appraisal was conducted on included studies using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Data on patients’ experiences and perceptions of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in primary care were extracted, and findings were thematically analyzed through a meta-synthesis. Results Forty-eight (n = 48) studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of n = 3803 participants. Study quality of individual studies was limited by study design, incomplete reporting, and the potential for positive publication bias. Three themes and their sub-themes were developed inductively: (1) Interacting with Healthcare Teams, subthemes: widening the network, connecting with professionals, looking beyond the condition, and overcoming chronic condition collectively; (2) Valuing Convenient Healthcare, subthemes: sharing space and time, care planning creates structure, coordinating care, valuing the general practitioner role, and affording healthcare; (3) Engaging Self-care, subthemes: engaging passively is circumstantial, and, engaging actively and leading care. Conclusions Patients overwhelmingly had positive experiences of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice, signaling it is appropriate for chronic condition management in primary care. The patient role in managing their chronic condition was closely linked to their experience. Future studies should investigate how the patient role impacts the experience of patients, carers, and health professionals in this context. Systematic review registration PROSPERO: CRD42020156536.

scholarly journals Shifting Palliative Care Paradigm in Primary Care From Better Death to Better End-of-Life : A Swiss Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Sommer ◽  
Christopher Chung ◽  
Dagmar M. Haller ◽  
Sophie Pautex
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients

Abstract Background: Patients suffering from advanced cancer often loose contact with their primary care physician (PCP) during oncologic treatment and palliative care is introduced very late.The aim of this pilot study was to test the feasibility and procedures for a randomized trial of an intervention to teach PCPs a palliative care approach and communication skills to improve advanced cancer patients’ quality of life. Methods: Observational pilot study in 5 steps. 1) Recruitment of PCPs. 2) Intervention: training on palliative care competencies and communication skills addressing end-of-life issues.3) Recruitment of advanced cancer patients by PCPs. 4) Patients follow-up by PCPs, and assessment of their quality of life by a research assistant 5) Feedback from PCPs using a semi-structured focus group and three individual interviews with qualitative deductive theme analysis.Results: 8 PCPs were trained. PCPs failed to recruit patients for fear of imposing additional loads on their patients. PCPs changed their approach of advanced cancer patients. They became more conscious of their role and responsibility during oncologic treatments and felt empowered to take a more active role picking up patient’s cues and addressing advance directives. They developed interprofessional collaborations for advance care planning. Overall, they discovered the role to help patients to make decisions for a better end-of-life.Conclusions: PCPs failed to recruit advanced cancer patients, but reported a change in paradigm about palliative care. They moved from a focus on helping patients to die better, to a new role helping patients to define the conditions for a better end-of-life.Trial registration : The ethics committee of the canton of Geneva approved the study (2018-00077 Pilot Study) in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki

scholarly journals Development and implementation of a nurse-led allergy clinic model in primary care: feasibility trial protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Kelman ◽  
Victoria Hammersley ◽  
Marilyn Kendall ◽  
Mome Mukherjee ◽  
Lynn Morrice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Allergy Clinic ◽  
Randomised Controlled

AbstractIn the United Kingdom, there are acknowledged short comings in allergy care provision for patients seen in primary care. There is a lack of allergy training for healthcare professionals and this leads to inappropriate referrals to the limited number of allergy specialists. The primary aims of this study are to assess the feasibility of delivering and evaluating a new nurse-led allergy service in primary care, measured by recruitment, retention and quality of life. This is a single arm feasibility trial in which up to 250 participants referred to the nurse-led allergy clinic will receive the intervention and complete 6–12 weeks follow-up before being referred back to their usual care. Primary outcomes for this study will be establishment of clinics, recruitment and retention rates, and estimates of change in disease-specific quality of life measures. Secondary outcomes will be acceptability of the new service to participants/carers and healthcare professionals. A sample of participants and professional stakeholders will take part in more in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews. Data from this feasibility trial will be used to inform plans for a pilot randomised controlled trial of nurse-led allergy clinics.

Fear and depression as remediable causes of disability in common medical conditions in primary care

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Von Korff
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Psychological States ◽  
Primary Care Patients

This chapter argues that psychological states, in particular fear and depression, are potentially remediable causes of social role disability among primary care patients. Using chronic low back pain as an example, it considers how recognising and treating depression can improve disability and quality of life for primary care patients with this and many other chronic conditions.

scholarly journals Palliative Renal Care and the Covid-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2 suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 44-46
Author(s):  
Cássia Gomes da Silveira Santos ◽  
Alze Pereira dos Santos Tavares ◽  
Carmen Tzanno-Martins ◽  
José Barros Neto ◽  
Ana Maria Misael da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Bad News ◽  
Shared Decision ◽  
Communication Techniques ◽  
Relief Of Suffering ◽  
Serious Disease

ABSTRACT Introduction Palliative care is an approach aimed at relieving suffering, controlling symptoms and seeking to improve quality of life. It must be offered in conjunction with standard treatment for any disease that threatens the continuation of life, such as a Covid-19 infection. Discussion The bioethical principles and strategies used by palliative medicine can assist nephrologists in the care of patients with renal dysfunction, who face the difficulties of isolation at the beginning and follow-up of dialysis in outpatient treatment, and those who are at risk for a more serious disease progress. Some of them: - a Shared decision making, which enables the patient and family to participate as facilitators in the systematization of the team’s reasoning, in addition to respecting the principle of autonomy; - Symptom Management: which should be a priority to ensure relief of suffering even in times of social isolation; - Communication skills: making it possible to alleviate suffering in announcing bad news or complex decisions through communication techniques;; - Bereavement assistance: which in acute situations such as the pandemic, causing unexpected losses, the importance of sympathy from healthcare professionals becomes even greater. Conclusion The principles of palliative care are essential to face the challenges of a planet-wide crisis, which raises human suffering in all dimensions, and which requires the construction of strategies that can keep patients assisted, comfortable and with measures proportional to their clinical condition and preferences.

scholarly journals A Web-Based eHealth Intervention to Improve the Quality of Life of Older Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/25175 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e25175
Author(s):  
David H Gustafson Sr ◽  
Marie-Louise Mares ◽  
Darcie C Johnston ◽  
Jane E Mahoney ◽  
Randall T Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Health Care Use ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Ehealth Intervention

Background Multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) are common among older adults and expensive to manage. Two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries have multiple conditions (eg, diabetes and osteoarthritis) and account for more than 90% of Medicare spending. Patients with MCCs also experience lower quality of life and worse medical and psychiatric outcomes than patients without MCCs. In primary care settings, where MCCs are generally treated, care often focuses on laboratory results and medication management, and not quality of life, due in part to time constraints. eHealth systems, which have been shown to improve multiple outcomes, may be able to fill the gap, supplementing primary care and improving these patients’ lives. Objective This study aims to assess the effects of ElderTree (ET), an eHealth intervention for older adults with MCCs, on quality of life and related measures. Methods In this unblinded study, 346 adults aged 65 years and older with at least 3 of 5 targeted high-risk chronic conditions (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were recruited from primary care clinics and randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to one of 2 conditions: usual care (UC) plus laptop computer, internet service, and ET or a control consisting of UC plus laptop and internet but no ET. Patients with ET have access for 12 months and will be followed up for an additional 6 months, for a total of 18 months. The primary outcomes of this study are the differences between the 2 groups with regard to measures of quality of life, psychological well-being, and loneliness. The secondary outcomes are between-group differences in laboratory scores, falls, symptom distress, medication adherence, and crisis and long-term health care use. We will also examine the mediators and moderators of the effects of ET. At baseline and months 6, 12, and 18, patients complete written surveys comprising validated scales selected for good psychometric properties with similar populations; laboratory data are collected from eHealth records; health care use and chronic conditions are collected from health records and patient surveys; and ET use data are collected continuously in system logs. We will use general linear models and linear mixed models to evaluate primary and secondary outcomes over time, with treatment condition as a between-subjects factor. Separate analyses will be conducted for outcomes that are noncontinuous or not correlated with other outcomes. Results Recruitment was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019, and 346 participants were recruited. The intervention period will end in June 2021. Conclusions With self-management and motivational strategies, health tracking, educational tools, and peer community and support, ET may help improve outcomes for patients coping with ongoing, complex MCCs. In addition, it may relieve some stress on the primary care system, with potential cost implications. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03387735; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03387735. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/25175

scholarly journals Identificação dos conflitos mais comuns experienciados por médicos não paliativistas no atendimento de pacientes em fim de vida. Bruno Budicin, Mariana G. P. Aroeira-Neves, Josimário Silva

EIDON ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 4-21
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Moral Dilemmas ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Great Distance ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Quality Of Death ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

In Brazil, the theoretical knowledge in Palliative Care and Bioethics has been increasing in recent years, however, there is still a great distance between theory and its effective application in medical practice. This is reflected in the poor quality of death of end-of-life patients and great distress for the professionals attending this type of patient. A better understanding of the difficulties experienced by physicians who lack specific training in Palliative Care and of how they act in solving the moral dilemmas they face is a step towards creating strategies for training these healthcare professionals. This paper aims to better identify and understand these difficulties through a semi-structured questionnaire and reflective analysis of these moral dilemmas.

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