Interim Analysis of Attrition Rates in Palliative Care Study on Dignity Therapy

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912199430
Author(s):  
Virginia Samuels ◽  
Tasha M. Schoppee ◽  
Amelia Greenlee ◽  
Destiny Gordon ◽  
Stacey Jean ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Interim Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Attrition Rate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Spiritual Distress ◽  
Dignity Therapy ◽  
Physical Distress ◽  
Care Study

A routine threat to palliative care research is participants not completing studies. The purpose of this analysis was to quantify attrition rates mid-way through a palliative care study on Dignity Therapy and describe the reasons cited for attrition. Enrolled in the study were a total of 365 outpatients with cancer who were receiving outpatient specialty palliative care (mean age 66.7 ± 7.3 years, 56% female, 72% White, 22% Black, 6% other race/ethnicity). These participants completed an initial screening for cognitive status, performance status, physical distress, and spiritual distress. There were 76 eligible participants who did not complete the study (58% female, mean age 67.9 ± 7.3 years, 76% White, 17% Black, and 7% other race). Of those not completing the study, the average scores were 74.5 ± 11.7 on the Palliative Performance Scale and 28.3 ± 1.5 on the Mini-Mental Status Examination, whereas 22% had high spiritual distress scores and 45% had high physical distress scores. The most common reason for attrition was death/decline of health (47%), followed by patient withdrawal from the study (21%), and patient lost to follow-up (21%). The overall attrition rate was 24% and within the a priori projected attrition rate of 20%-30%. Considering the current historical context, this interim analysis is important because it will serve as baseline data on attrition prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research will compare these results with attrition throughout the rest of the study, allowing analysis of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the study attrition.

scholarly journals Enhancing legacy in palliative care: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of Dignity Therapy focused on positive outcomes

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori P. Montross-Thomas ◽  
Scott A. Irwin ◽  
Emily A. Meier ◽  
Jarred V. Gallegos ◽  
Shahrokh Golshan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Dignity Therapy ◽  
Care Study

scholarly journals Effects of dignity therapy on palliative patients’ family members: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Leonor Grijó ◽  
Carolina Tojal ◽  
Francisca Rego
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Dignity Therapy ◽  
Bibliographic Search ◽  
Palliative Patients

Abstract Objective Dignity therapy (DT) is a kind of psychotherapy that identifies the main concerns of end-of-life patients that affect their perception of dignity and helps them to find a new meaning in life. Most prior studies on DT analyze outcomes for palliative care patients. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the outcomes of DT in palliative care patients’ family members. Method In June 2020, a bibliographic search was performed using the terms “Dignity Therapy” and “Palliative Care” in the following databases: Cochrane library, TRIP database, PUBMED, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge. Of the 294 articles found, 8 met the selection criteria and were considered in the present study. No articles were excluded based on their publication date. Results Family members generally believe that DT helps them to better prepare the patient's end-of-life and overcome the bereavement phase. The legacy document was considered a source of comfort, and most would recommend DT to other people in their situation. DT is generally considered as important as any other aspect of the patient's treatment. Significance of results There is evidence of the benefits of DT for palliative patients’ family members. However, there are still few studies that evaluate these outcomes. The existing evidence is poorly generalized, and thus, further studies are needed to deeply explore the benefits of this therapy both for patients and their families.

scholarly journals The association between varying levels of palliative care involvement on costs during terminal hospitalizations in Canada from 2012 to 2015

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarina R. Isenberg ◽  
Christopher Meaney ◽  
Peter May ◽  
Peter Tanuseputro ◽  
Kieran Quinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Discharge Abstract Database ◽  
High Involvement ◽  
Hospitalization Costs ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Background Inpatient palliative care is associated with lower inpatient costs; however, this has yet to be studied using a more nuanced, multi-tiered measure of inpatient palliative care and a national population-representative dataset. Using a population-based cohort of Canadians who died in hospital, our objectives were to: describe patients’ receipt of palliative care and active interventions in their terminal hospitalization; and examine the relationship between inpatient palliative care and hospitalization costs. Methods Retrospective cohort study using data from the Discharge Abstract Database in Canada between fiscal years 2012 and 2015. The cohort were Canadian adults (age ≥ 18 years) who died in hospital between April 1st, 2012 and March 31st, 2015 (N = 250,640). The exposure was level of palliative care involvement defined as: medium-high, low, or no palliative care. The main measure was acute care costs calculated using resource intensity weights multiplied by the cost of standard hospital stay, represented in 2014 Canadian dollars (CAD). Descriptive statistics were represented as median (IQR), and n(%). We modelled cost as a function of palliative care using a gamma generalized estimating equation (GEE) model, accounting for clustering by hospital. Results There were 250,640 adults who died in hospital. Mean age was 76 (SD 14), 47% were female. The most common comorbidities were: metastatic cancer (21%), heart failure (21%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16%). Of the decedents, 95,450 (38%) had no palliative care involvement, 98,849 (38%) received low involvement, and 60,341 (24%) received medium to high involvement. Controlling for age, sex, province and predicted hospital mortality risk at admission, the cost per day of a terminal hospitalization was: $1359 (95% CI 1323: 1397) (no involvement), $1175 (95% CI 1146: 1206) (low involvement), and $744 (95% CI 728: 760) (medium-high involvement). Conclusions Increased involvement of palliative care was associated with lower costs. Future research should explore whether this relationship holds for non-terminal hospitalizations, and whether palliative care in other settings impacts inpatient costs.

Legalisation of assisted dying does not harm palliative care, study concludes

BMJ ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 343 (oct24 2) ◽  
pp. d6779-d6779 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Dyer
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Assisted Dying ◽  
Care Study

scholarly journals Dignity Therapy for End-of-Life Care Patients: A Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352199695
Author(s):  
Pearl Ed Cuevas ◽  
Patricia Davidson ◽  
Joylyn Mejilla ◽  
Tamar Rodney
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Dignity Therapy ◽  
Meta Analyses

Dignity therapy as an intervention has been used for individuals receiving palliative care. The goal of this review is to explore the current state of empirical support to its use for end-of-life care patients. Data sources were articles extracted from search engines PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. The years searched were 2009 to 2019 (10-year period). The review process was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Results revealed the feasibility, acceptability, satisfaction, and effectiveness of dignity therapy for life-limiting cases/conditions of patients in different age groups. It also highlighted the importance of the therapy setting and the need to apply this in the cultural context. The meaning of dignity therapy to patients and their family care members also emerged. Findings showed most patients displayed the need to leave a legacy and from this their core values surfaced. In conclusion, this review highlighted the contribution of dignity therapy to the holistic care of patients who hope to leave a legacy. The therapy was also relevant to decrease the anxiety; depression, and burden of family members throughout the palliative care period of their loved ones.

scholarly journals Palliative Care as Response to Suffering at End of Life

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-245
Author(s):  
Daniela Moşoiu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Spiritual Distress ◽  
History Of Development ◽  
History Of ◽  
Hospice And Palliative Care ◽  
Care System

Abstract Persons suffering from chronic and life limiting illnesses often have unrelieved symptoms such as pain, depression, fatigue, and psychosocial and spiritual distress. In Romania they are frequently left in the care of their families with little support from the health care system. It seems a paradox that those who are the sickest persons in a country find little place in the health care system. This article presents palliative care as a solution to the suffering for these patients and their families by describing the concept, models of services, its beneficiaries and benefits and presenting the history of development of hospice and palliative care worldwide and in Romania.

Nurse Burnout in Hospice and Palliative Care: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 105413732110398
Author(s):  
Erica Frechman ◽  
Patricia M. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Workplace Issues ◽  
Mitigating Factors ◽  
Hospice And Palliative Care ◽  
Nursing Professional

Burnout in hospice and palliative care nurses is a growing issue, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few studies have focused specifically on burnout in this population. A scoping review was undertaken to identify what is known about burnout among hospice and palliative care nurses, and to unify disparate findings. Analysis of eight articles revealed three overarching categories: personal factors, organizational/workplace factors, and nursing professional development factors. Each category was then divided into three cross-cutting subcategories: contributory and noncontributory factors, mitigating factors, and workplace issues. Recommendations for individuals include self-care as well as self-awareness of intrinsic characteristics that can predispose one to burnout. Within the workplace, leaders are challenged to support evidence-based practice and ongoing education. Role modeling positive communication skills, effective conflict mitigation, responsiveness, promotion of equity, and workplace commitment also help to create a culture of wellness. Nursing professional development may aid in resilience-building, and promotion of self-efficacy, self-confidence, and assertiveness. Although all identified recommendations were derived from the literature, no interventional studies have been conducted to test the effects of suggested interventions. Future research should include interventional studies as well as qualitative research to capture nuanced experiences of burnout in hospice and palliative care nurses.

Sexuality and Intimacy Needs Within a Hospitalized Palliative Care Population: Results From a Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912110369
Author(s):  
Anne Kelemen ◽  
Clara Van Gerven ◽  
Katherine Mullins ◽  
Hunter Groninger
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Spiritual Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Course Of Illness ◽  
Serious Illness ◽  
Medical Teams ◽  
The Impact

Background: Palliative care (PC) clinicians are well trained to address physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients who have a serious illness. However, one area that is often overlooked is intimacy and sexuality. Objective: To explore patient concerns regarding intimacy as it relates to illness, family reactions, physician conversations, and coping strategies and challenges. Methods: Eligible subjects (at least 18 years old, capacitated, receiving PC consultation at the lead author’s institution) participated in semi-structured interviews between November and December 2017. Transcripts were open-coded and analyzed using Dedoose 3.5.35 software. A constant comparative method was used to identify patterns in the data. Results: 21 interviews were analyzed and several themes emerged. Participants described the effect of physical and mental/emotional changes on their relationships. Family relationships, romantic relationships, and sexuality were prominent in patients’ experiences of intimacy and how it changed as the illness progressed. Relationships were often noted to strengthen during the course of illness, while sexual activity was frequently reported to be negatively impacted. Patients consistently reported little provider communication on the impact of illness on intimacy beyond instructions about what sexual activities they could or could not engage in. Conclusion: This study underlines the significant impact of serious, progressive illness on relationships, sexuality, and physical and emotional intimacy. It highlights that these topics continue to be priorities for patients with serious illness, and that medical teams frequently fail to address them at all. Future research should further explore these issues across diverse patient populations.

scholarly journals Palliative Care Gaps in Providing Psychological Treatment: A Review of the Current State of Research in Multidisciplinary Palliative Care

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elissa Kozlov ◽  
Bahar Niknejad ◽  
M. C. Reid
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Outcome ◽  
Current State ◽  
Care Intervention

Background: Patients with advanced illness often have high rates of psychological symptoms. Many multicomponent palliative care intervention studies have investigated the efficacy of overall symptom reduction; however, little research has focused explicitly on how interventions address psychological symptoms associated with serious illness. Methods: The current study reviewed 59 multicomponent palliative care intervention articles and analyzed the mental health components of palliative care interventions and their outcomes in order to better understand the current state of psychological care in palliative care. Results: The majority of articles (69.5%) did not provide any details regarding the psychological component delivered as part of the palliative care intervention. Most (54.2%) studies did not specify which provider on the team was responsible for providing the psychological intervention. Studies varied regarding the type of outcome measure utilized; multi-symptom assessment scales were used in 54.2% of studies, mental health scales were employed in 25.4%, quality of life and distress scales were used in 16.9%, and no psychological scales were reported in 28.8%. Fewer than half the studies (42.4%) documented a change in a psychological outcome. Discussion and Conclusion: The majority of analyzed studies failed to describe how psychological symptoms were identified and treated, which discipline on the team provided the treatment, and whether psychological symptoms improved as a result of the intervention. Future research evaluating the effects of palliative care interventions on psychological symptoms will benefit from using reliable and valid psychological outcome measures and providing specificity regarding the psychological components of the intervention and who provides it.

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