scholarly journals DNR order in SARS-CoV-2 patients: preliminary guidelines validation and quality of palliative care in a single Swiss COVID-19 Center.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgia Lo Presti ◽  
Maira Biggiogero ◽  
Andrea Glotta ◽  
Carola Biondi ◽  
Zsofia Horvath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Do Not Resuscitate ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Borg Scale ◽  
Early Access ◽  
Post Traumatic

Background: The worldwide pandemic situation forced many hospitals to improve COVID-19 management. In this scenario, the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMW/ASSM) organized guidelines based on expert opinion to identify Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) patients, which often need palliative care (PC) due to a large symptoms burden. In our specialized COVID-19 Center, we investigated characteristics and mortality of DNR patients according to SAMW/ASSM guidelines, comparing to non-DNR patients. Methods: Pilot retrospective validation study, evaluating consecutive COVID-19 patients admitted to Internal Medicine Department. A sub-analysis of the deceased patients care was performed, using both Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale-Palliative care (RASS-PAL) for sedation and agitation (+4/-5) and modified Borg Scale for dyspnea (1-10). Primary outcome was a 30-days survival of DNR patients comparing to non-DNR patients. Secondary outcomes reported quality of PC, especially on dyspnea and restlessness. Results: From March 16 to April 1 2020, 213 consecutive patients were triaged; of 40 DNR patients 25 (64%) were males with a mean age of 79.9 years. At 30-days follow-up, 9 (22.5%) of DNR patients died; 4 patients (2.2%) died in the control group. The higher mortality rate in DNR group was further confirmed by Log-Rank Mantel-Cox (23.104, p < 0.0001). PC was applied using oxygen (100%), opioids (100%) and sedatives (89%); the mean RASS-PAL improved from 2.2 to -1.8 (p < 0.0001) and Borg scale improved from 5.7 to 4.7 (p = 0.581). Conclusion: The SAMW/ASSM guidelines identified patients at higher risk of short-term death. In the end-of-life management, an early access to PC becomes crucial, both improving patients' end-of-life treatment and reducing psychological families' post-traumatic disorders.

Easing of Suffering in Children With Cancer at the End of Life: Is Care Changing?

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1717-1723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Wolfe ◽  
Jim F. Hammel ◽  
Kelly E. Edwards ◽  
Janet Duncan ◽  
Michael Comeau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Symptom Control ◽  
Palliative Care Service ◽  
Do Not Resuscitate ◽  
Children With Cancer ◽  
Adjusted Risk

Purpose In the past decade studies have documented substantial suffering among children dying of cancer, prompting national attention on the quality of end-of-life care and the development of a palliative care service in our institutions. We sought to determine whether national and local efforts have led to changes in patterns of care, advanced care planning, and symptom control among children with cancer at the end of life. Methods Retrospective cohort study from a US tertiary level pediatric institution. Parent survey and chart review data from 119 children who died between 1997 and 2004 (follow-up cohort) were compared with 102 children who died between 1990 and 1997 (baseline cohort). Results In the follow-up cohort, hospice discussions occurred more often (76% v 54%; adjusted risk difference [RD], 22%; P < .001) and earlier (adjusted geometric mean 52 days v 28 days before death; P = .002) compared with the baseline cohort. Do-not-resuscitate orders were also documented earlier (18 v 12 days; P = .031). Deaths in the intensive care unit or other hospitals decreased significantly (RD, 16%; P = .024). Parents reported less child suffering from pain (RD, 19%; P = .018) and dyspnea (RD, 21%; P = .020). A larger proportion of parents felt more prepared during the child's last month of life (RD, 29%; P < .001) and at the time of death (RD, 24%; P = .002). Conclusion Children dying of cancer are currently receiving care that is more consistent with optimal palliative care and according to parents, are experiencing less suffering. With ongoing growth of the field of hospice and palliative medicine, further advancements are likely.

Retrospective review of end-of-life care in the last month of life in older patients with multiple myeloma: what collaboration between haematologists and palliative care teams?

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002293
Author(s):  
Thomas Chalopin ◽  
Nicolas Vallet ◽  
Lotfi Benboubker ◽  
Marlène Ochmann ◽  
Emmanuel Gyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Palliative Care Teams ◽  
Care Family ◽  
Eol Care

ObjectivesPatients with haematological malignancies (HM) receive more aggressive treatments near the end-of-life (EOL) than patients with solid tumours. Palliative care (PC) needs are less widely acknowledged in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) than in other HM. The main objective of our study was to describe EOL care and PC referral in a population of older patients with MM.MethodsWe retrospectively included deceased inpatients and outpatients with an MM previously diagnosed at the age of 70 and over in two tertiary centres in France. We reported EOL characteristics regarding treatments considered to be aggressive—antimyeloma therapies, hospitalisations, blood product transfusions, intensive care units (ICUs) or emergency admissions—and PC referral.ResultsWe included 119 patients. In their last month of life, 75 (63%) were hospitalised for fever, pain, asthenia, anaemia or bleeding, 49 (41%) were admitted in the emergency department and 12 (10%) in ICU, 76 (64%) still received antimyeloma therapy and 45 (38%) had at least two transfusions. Only 24 (20%) received PC intervention for pain, global care, family support, anxiety, social care or confusion. Median follow-up until death was 20 days.ConclusionsOur study found a high rate of hospitalisations and antimyeloma therapies in the last month of life. The PC referral rate was low, often once specific treatments were stopped. Our results suggest the need for more effective collaboration between PC teams and haematologists in order to respond to the specific needs of these patients and to improve their quality of care at EOL.

Predictors of home death and the quality of end-of-life care at a cancer center in Brazil.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e24004-e24004
Author(s):  
Sarah Gomes ◽  
Danielle Silva ◽  
Júlia Sá ◽  
Thais Passarini ◽  
Matheus Viana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Palliative Care Team ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Home Death

e24004 Background: Early palliative care has shown an improvement in the quality of life of cancer patients by reducing overtreatment at the end of life and improving symptomatic control. Little is known about the quality of death in developing countries. End-of-life cancer care varies widely, and very few centers evaluate it systematically. The aim of the present study is to analyze the impact of follow-up of cancer patients by an outpatient palliative care team (OPCT) on the end-of-life outcomes at a Cancer Center in Brazil. Methods: We retrospectively retrieved data from electronic medical records of cancer patients who were treated at a Cancer Center in Brazil and who died from cancer or associated complications during the year of 2020. They were divided into two groups: OPCT and No-OPCT. OPCT group was followed-up by a multidisciplinary team composed of physician, nurse, physiotherapist, psychologist, nutritionist, social worker, speech-language therapist, and pharmacist, who regularly evaluated cancer patients during their treatments at outpatient setting. During COVID-19 pandemic, some patients were evaluated by telemedicine appointments. No-OPCT group was followed-up by cancer physicians exclusively. We performed univariate comparisons and multivariate analysis by Cox proportional hazards model. p < 0.05 was deemed as statistically significant. Results: A total of 315 patients were included in the study: OPCT (N=122) and No-OPCT (N=193). The groups were well balanced in relation to median age (61yo vs 63yo), gender (women: 51% vs 54%), and TNM stage (stage IV: 69% vs 65%). Gastrointestinal and breast cancers were the most prevalent. The rate of home death was 44% in the OPCT group, compared to 16% in the No-OPCT group (p<0.001). The rate of admission in intensive care unit in the last 30 days of life (ICU30) was 13% vs 10%, respectively (p=0.413). Likewise, the rate of patients treated with chemotherapy in the last 30 days of life (CT30) was 42% vs 51% (p=0.146). In multivariate analysis, follow-up by the OPCT was the strongest independent predictor of home death (Table). In contrast, ICU30 and CT30 were inversely correlated with this outcome. Age, gender, and TNM stage did not have influence on the place of death. Conclusions: Follow-up by an OPCT had a strong positive impact on end-of-life care of cancer patients in a country which does not have Hospice culture. The OPCT was able to offer home death to a greater number of patients, with proximity to caregivers, and respect to their beliefs and values. Our data highlight the importance of early conversations about goals of care, prognostic awareness, and end-of-life preferences, while also reinforcing the need of early referral to a palliative care team.[Table: see text]

scholarly journals Cluster-randomised trial of a nurse-led advance care planning session in patients with COPD and their loved ones

Thorax ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 328-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen H M Houben ◽  
Martijn A Spruit ◽  
Hans Luyten ◽  
Herman-Jan Pennings ◽  
Vivian E M van den Boogaart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Quality Of Death ◽  
Advance Care

RationaleAdvance care planning (ACP) is uncommon in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).ObjectivesTo assess whether a nurse-led ACP-intervention can improve quality of patient-physician end-of-life care communication in patients with COPD. Furthermore, the influence of an ACP-intervention on symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients and loved ones was studied. Finally, quality of death and dying was assessed in patients who died during 2-year follow-up.MethodsA multicentre cluster randomised-controlled trial in patients with advanced COPD was performed. The intervention group received an 1.5 hours structured nurse-led ACP-session. Outcomes were: quality of patient-physician end-of-life care communication, prevalence of ACP-discussions 6 months after baseline, symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients and loved ones and quality of death and dying.Results165 patients were enrolled (89 intervention; 76 control). The improvement of quality of patient-physician end-of-life care communication was significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the control group (p<0.001). The ACP-intervention was significantly associated with the occurrence of an ACP-discussion with physicians within 6 months (p=0.003). At follow-up, symptoms of anxiety were significantly lower in loved ones in the intervention group compared with the control group (p=0.02). Symptoms of anxiety in patients and symptoms of depression in both patients and loved ones were comparable at follow-up (p>0.05). The quality of death and dying was comparable between both groups (p=0.17).ConclusionOne nurse-led ACP-intervention session improves patient-physician end-of-life care communication without causing psychosocial distress in both patients and loved ones.

scholarly journals Shifting palliative care paradigm in primary care from better death to better end-of-life: a Swiss pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
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 ◽  
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 Eight PCPs were trained. Patient recruitment was a challenge for PCPs who feared to impose additional loads on their patients. PCPs 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 While the intervention was acceptable to PCPs, recruitment was a challenge and a follow up trial was not deemed feasible using the current design but PCPs 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 Bilateral Thoracic Splanchnic Nerve Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for the Management of End-Stage Pancreatic Abdominal Cancer Pain

2013 ◽  
Vol 2;16 (2;3) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
Chrysanthi Batistaki
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Splanchnic Nerves ◽  
Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation ◽  
End Stage

Background: Pancreatic cancer pain is often severe and refractory to conservative therapies. Several interventional techniques have been described for the management of end-stage pancreatic cancer pain, with variable results and complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of bilateral radiofrequency thermocoagulation of splanchnic nerves for pain relief, the consumption of opioids, and the quality of life in patients suffering from severe pain due to pancreatic malignancies. Study Design: A retrospective observational design. Setting: The study includes patients with end-stage pancreatic abdominal cancer pain, which is refractory to conservative treatment. Methods: Thirty-five patients were studied. They were evaluated prior to and after the radiofrequency thermocoagulation of both splanchnic nerves under fluoroscopic guidance. The assessment included the pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale 0 – 10), quality of life (selfreported quality of life score 0 – 10), and 24-hour consumption of opioids with monthly follow-up visits until the end of life. Results: Follow-up was completed 6 months after the intervention. The pain scores, quality of life, and consumption of opioids were significantly improved during the entire follow-up period. A slight deterioration was noticed during the fifth month because of malignancy progression. No complications that could be attributed to the technique were observed. Limitations: The study was not prospective and does not have a control group with a different intervention for comparisons. Conclusion: Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of both splanchnic nerves may offer a safe and effective technique for pain management and quality of life improvement in patients with end-stage pancreatic cancer towards the end of life. Key words: Splanchnic nerves, radiofrequency thermocoagulation, pancreatic cancer, pain

scholarly journals The project ENABLE II randomized controlled trial to improve palliative care for rural patients with advanced cancer: Baseline findings, methodological challenges, and solutions

2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Bakitas ◽  
Kathleen Doyle Lyons ◽  
Mark T. Hegel ◽  
Stefan Balan ◽  
Kathleen N. Barnett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Missing Data ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Methodological Challenges

ABSTRACTObjective:There is a paucity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate models of palliative care. Although interventions vary, all have faced a variety of methodological challenges including adequate recruitment, missing data, and contamination of the control group. We describe the ENABLE II intervention, methods, and sample baseline characteristics to increase intervention and methodological transparency, and to describe our solutions to selected methodological issues.Methods:Half of the participants recruited from our rural U.S. comprehensive cancer center and affiliated clinics were randomly assigned to a phone-based, nurse-led educational, care coordination palliative care intervention model. Intervention services were provided to half of the participants weekly for the first month and then monthly until death, including bereavement follow-up call to the caregiver. The other half of the participants were assigned to care as usual. Symptoms, quality of life, mood, and functional status were assessed every 3 months until death.Results:Baseline data of 279 participants were similar to normative samples. Solutions to methodological challenges of recruitment, missing data, and “usual care” control group contamination are described.Significance of results:It is feasible to overcome many of the methodological challenges to conducting a rigorous palliative care RCT.

Results of osteopathic correction of patients with post-traumatic coccygodynia

2019 ◽  
pp. 19-27
Author(s):  
Yu. V. Antonova ◽  
A. M. Iskandarov ◽  
I. B. Mizonova
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Treatment Area ◽  
Diffi Cult ◽  
Osteopathic Treatment ◽  
Post Traumatic

Introduction.Coccygodynia is a multidisciplinary disease which is diffi cult to treat. It seriously limits the ability to work and signifi cantly affects the quality of life of patients. The study of somatic dysfunctions in patients with coccygodynia and the analysis of the results of osteopathic treatment of such patients makes it possible to justify the necessity of osteopathic correction of coccygodynia.Goal of the study— to determine the structure of the leading somatic dysfunctions in patients with coccygodynia and to study the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment of this pathology.Materials and methods.The study involved 44 patients from 25 to 65 years old, randomly divided into two groups. The main group of 24 people (20 women and 4 men) received osteopathic treatment, in accordance with the identifi ed leading somatic dysfunctions. Patients of the control group (16 women and 4 men) were treated locally with soft manual techniques (the treatment area was limited by the pelvic region). In order to assess the results of the treatment, we examined the intensity of the pain syndrome and the psycho-emotional state of patients. The severity of the pain syndrome was assessed in accordance with the visual analogue scale (VAS). The psycho-emotional state (with physical and mental components) was assessed with the help of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire.Results.Somatic dysfunctions typical for patients with coccygodynia have been identifi ed. Osteopathic treatment has proven to be more effective in comparison with local manual therapy of coccygodynia both in early periods and in 3 months after the end of the treatment course.Conclusion.Osteopathic treatment of post-traumatic coccygodynia is effective, and can be recommended for treatment of such patients.

scholarly journals Patients with recurrent syncope and implantable loop recorder exhibit better survival than the control group without implantable loop recorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Perings ◽  
C Wolff ◽  
A Wilk ◽  
A Witthohn ◽  
R Voss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Implantable Loop Recorder ◽  
Loop Recorder ◽  
Cardiac Device ◽  
Unexplained Syncope ◽  
Care Costs

Abstract Introduction In 30% of patients with syncope, the underlying cause remains unexplained after clinical investigations. Unexplained syncope tends to recur, significantly impacting patients' quality of life of patients and mortality. Thus, there is a need for timely and more accurate diagnosis to initiate treatment. Dedicated care pathways are recommended by ESC guidelines. Purpose Patients with recurrent syncope were followed over time and patient outcomes with ILR were compared to patients with the same syncope burden, age, gender and mortality risk score who did not receive an ILR. Method A representative database of 4.9 million patients insured by German company statuary health insurances (BKK) was analysed over a time period of 10 years, 2007–17. Patients with recurrent syncope (two times ICD-10 GM diagnosis codes R55), age between 45–84 and no diagnosis code for the syncope were included in the analysis and followed for at least 2 years. Patients with ILR were matched to patients without ILR based on age, gender and Charlson Comorbidity index (CCI) using mahalanobis distances. The index event was the device implant in the ILR group and the second syncope event in the control group. Life expectancy, syncope hospitalisations, fall related injuries, health care costs, diagnoses and treatment rates were compared between the groups. Results A total of 412 patients with ILR for recurrent unexplained syncope were matched to the control group. Overall mean age was 68, mean was CCI 2.7, 42% were females. The risk of death was 2.35 times higher in the control group during follow up as shown in Figure 1 (p-value logrank test &lt;0.0001). Cardiovascular related diagnosis and treatment rates were higher in the ILR group with 69% of patients having a cardiology diagnosis compared to 41% in the control group. Over a quarter (27%) of ILR patients received an implantable cardiac device compared to 5% in the control group. Ablation rates were 7% in the ILR group compared to 0% in the control group. Median health care costs were € 3,847 higher in the ILR group including the costs of the ILR implant, follow up and higher rates of cardiac treatments. These extra costs appear moderate given the substantially higher mortality risk in the control group. Conclusion This study of patients with recurrent unexplained syncope shows a remarkable difference in life expectancy in patients with ILR compared to a matched control group. Two large claim data analysis have recently shown higher rates of cardiovascular death as well as all-cause mortality in patients with unexplained syncope. A more vigilant cardiac workup might be needed to identify a possible underlying cardiac condition. Higher rates of cardiac device therapy in the ILR group were likely to play an important role for their better life expectancy. Cardiac therapies such as pacemakers, defibrillators and ablation have also been shown to significantly improve patients' quality of life. Life Expectancy Comparison Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): The data analysis was funded by Medtronic

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