Randomized trial of a collaborative palliative and oncology care intervention to improve communication about end-of-life care in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1008-1008
Author(s):  
Jennifer S. Temel ◽  
Beverly Moy ◽  
Areej El-Jawahri ◽  
Vicki A. Jackson ◽  
Mihir Kamdar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Care Model ◽  
Mood Symptoms ◽  
Care Intervention ◽  
Oncology Care ◽  
Eol Care

1008 Background: Studies have demonstrated the benefits of early, integrated palliative care in improving quality of life (QOL) and end-of-life (EOL) care for patients with poor prognosis cancers. However, the optimal timing and outcomes of delivering palliative care for those with advanced cancers that have longer disease trajectories, such as metastatic breast cancer (MBC), remains unknown. We tested the effect of a collaborative palliative and oncology care model on communication about EOL care in patients with MBC. Methods: Patients with MBC and clinical indicators of poor prognosis (N=120) were randomized to receive collaborative palliative and oncology care or usual care between 05/02/2016 and 12/26/2018. The intervention entailed five structured palliative care visits, including a joint visit with oncology when possible, which focused on symptom management, coping, prognostic awareness, decision-making, and planning for EOL. The primary outcome was documentation of EOL care discussions in the electronic health record. Patients also completed questionnaires at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks regarding communication with clinicians about EOL care, QOL, and mood symptoms. Results: The sample included only women (100.0%) who mostly identified as white (87.5%), with a mean age of 56.91 years (SD=11.24). The rate of EOL care discussions documented in the health record was higher among intervention patients versus those receiving usual care (67.2% vs 40.7%, p=0.006), including a higher completion rate of a Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment form (39.3% vs 13.6%, p=0.002). Intervention patients were also more likely to report discussing their EOL care wishes with their doctor compared to usual care patients (OR=3.10, 95% CI: 1.21, 7.94, p=0.019). Study groups did not differ in reported QOL or mood symptoms. Conclusions: This novel collaborative palliative care intervention significantly improved communication and documentation regarding EOL care for women with MBC. Further work is needed to examine the effect of this care model on healthcare utilization at the end of life.

Association between perceptions of prognosis and end-of-life outcomes for patients with advanced lung and gastrointestinal cancer.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6503-6503
Author(s):  
Carlisle E. W. Topping ◽  
Madeleine Elyze ◽  
Rachel Plotke ◽  
Lauren Heuer ◽  
Charu Vyas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Gastrointestinal Cancer ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Care Intervention ◽  
Eol Care ◽  
At Home

6503 Background: Many patients with advanced cancer maintain misperceptions of their prognosis and are thus unprepared to make difficult decisions regarding their end-of-life (EOL) care. However, studies examining the associations between patients’ perceptions of their prognosis and their EOL outcomes are limited. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis using longitudinal data from a randomized controlled trial of a palliative care intervention for patients with newly diagnosed incurable lung and non-colorectal gastrointestinal cancer. We administered the Prognosis and Treatment Perceptions Questionnaire to assess patients’ perceptions of their prognosis at baseline, week-12, and week-24, using the final assessment closest to death. We used multivariate logistic and linear regression models, adjusting for age, gender, marital status, cancer type, and randomization to the palliative care intervention, to examine the associations among patients’ perceptions of their prognosis with the following EOL care outcomes abstracted from the electronic health record: 1) hospice utilization and length-of-stay (LOS); 2) hospitalizations in the last 30 days of life; 3) receipt of chemotherapy in the last 30 days of life; and 4) location of death. Results: We enrolled 350 patients in the parent trial, of which 80.5% (281/350) died during the study period and were included in this analysis. Overall, 59.4% (164/276) of patients reported that they were terminally ill, and 66.1% (154/233) reported that their cancer was likely curable at the assessment closest to death. In multivariate analyses, patients who reported that their cancer was likely curable were less likely to utilize hospice (OR = 0.25, 95%CI 0.10-0.61, P = 0.002) or die at home (OR = 0.56, 95%CI 0.32-0.98, P = 0.043), and more likely to be hospitalized in the last 30 days of life (OR = 2.28, 95%CI 1.20-4.32, P = 0.011). In contrast, patients’ report that they were terminally ill was only associated with lower likelihood of hospitalizations in the last 30 days of life (OR = 0.52, 95%CI 0.29-0.92, P = 0.025). Patients’ perceptions of their prognosis were not associated with hospice LOS or chemotherapy administration in the last 30 days of life. Conclusions: Patients’ perceptions of their prognosis are associated with important EOL outcomes including hospice utilization, hospitalizations at the EOL, and death at home. Interventions are needed to enhance patients’ perceptions of their prognosis in order to optimize their EOL care.

scholarly journals Impact of palliative care consultation on end-of-life care measures: A retrospective analysis of patients in the Oncology Care Model.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (27_suppl) ◽  
pp. 45-45
Author(s):  
Alison Greidinger ◽  
Maria Vershvovsky ◽  
Evan Lapinsky ◽  
Alison Rhoades ◽  
Amy Leader ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Do Not Resuscitate ◽  
Care Model ◽  
Code Status ◽  
Palliative Care Consultation ◽  
Oncology Care

45 Background: Despite a 2016 ASCO recommendation that patients with advanced cancer receive dedicated palliative care (PC) services, many patients are not referred and continue to receive chemotherapy and utilize high-acuity services near the end of life (EOL). Studies suggest that early PC involvement is associated with lower spending, acute care utilization, and chemotherapy administration at the EOL. The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center participates in the Oncology Care Model (OCM), a CMS episode-based alternative payment model promoting high-value care. Using OCM-generated data, we evaluated the effect of PC visits on EOL outcomes. Methods: We identified OCM patients with episodes starting April 1, 2016-July 1, 2018 with GI and head & neck malignancies who had died, and determined whether patients who saw a PC provider had greater documentation of a code status (CS) before death, as well as lower spending and utilization of chemotherapy or acute care in the last 30 days of life. CMS spending data and dates of death were derived from OCM quarterly feedback, while all other data was compiled via chart review. CS was recorded at the start of the episode and at the time of death. Results: The study included 126 patients (median age 66 years), of whom 38% had a PC visit. 24% had only an inpatient (IP) PC consult, 6% only an outpatient (OP) visit, and 9% both IP & OP visits. More patients who saw PC had an initial CS documented (85%, vs 46% for no PC), and had a greater proportional increase in CS documentation before death (96% vs 53%). Despite similar rates at baseline, the final CS was significantly more likely to be “Do Not Resuscitate/Intubate” (DNR/DNI) among PC patients (79%, vs 28% for no PC). An initial CS of DNR/DNI was associated with lower mean ICU and total non-hospice spending in the last 30 days of life. Conclusions: This retrospective study in OCM patients found that PC intervention is associated with improved documentation of a CS and higher rates of DNR/DNI documentation before death. There is an association between an initial DNR/DNI CS and lower acute care spending. This data suggests a beneficial effect of early PC on utilization at the EOL in advanced cancer patients.

Oncology care model: Early palliative care experiences and outcomes.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 37-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Spain ◽  
Nathan West ◽  
Stephanie Teixeira-Poit ◽  
Elizabeth Schaefer ◽  
Kerry Ketler
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Shared Decision Making ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Shared Decision ◽  
Care Model ◽  
Early Palliative Care ◽  
Oncology Care

37 Background: Through the Oncology Care Model (OCM), the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care. OCM practices have committed to provide enhanced services to Medicare beneficiaries, including palliative care designed to optimize quality of life. This study examines if OCM practices engaging in early palliative care discussions have timely hospice referrals as well a lower aggressive end-of-life care and Medicare costs. Methods: During site visits to 30 OCM practices, we asked was How and when is palliative care introduced to patients? We used Medicare claims data to stratify the 30 practices into high or low performers based on 3 end-of-life quality measures scores. Next, we examined their scores on Cancer CAHPS shared decision making and Medicare expenditures, as well as what staff reported about the use of palliative care during site visits. Claims and CAHPS data encompass the first 6 months of OCM, July-December 2016. Site visits were conducted February - May 2017. Results: Patient risk scores were equal among practice groups. High Performers said: “Palliative care is introduced right off the bat. We provide information on hospice and palliative care so it’s not a word they find with end of life only. It’s a difficult conversation but you have to put it out there. As part of patient education, we say the differences between palliative care and hospice. Low Performers said: “Palliative care is introduced on a case by case basis. To transfer to an inpatient hospice, now you have to be on your last breath. Programs that get cut because they are not integral to the patients’ acute issues include palliative care. If hospice comes up, I pull palliative care at that point.” Conclusions: Early OCM results support growing evidence that palliative care shared decision making discussions are most beneficial near the time of cancer diagnosis. [Table: see text]

What factors affect the place of end-of-life care for patients with metastatic breast cancer?

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (27_suppl) ◽  
pp. 218-218
Author(s):  
K. Harano ◽  
K. Yonemori ◽  
K. Hashimoto ◽  
M. Yunokawa ◽  
C. Shimizu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Care At Home ◽  
Eol Care ◽  
At Home

218 Background: Despite the early detection and treatment, advanced breast cancer is still impossible to cure. Palliative care has become the standard of care at the time of end-of-life (EOL). However, there are limited data about the degree of access to such care and the factors that affect the choice of place to die. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that affect the place of EOL care in patients with metastatic breast cancer in Japan. Methods: Our study included breast cancer patients who were diagnosed with recurrence or metastatic diseases between 2004 and 2010 at the National Cancer Center Hospital and received EOL care. The following data were obtained: treatments, place of EOL care, and social background such as age, whether patients had young children, whether patients had elderly family members who needed nursing care, whether patients had jobs at the time of recurrence, and where they lived in. Results: Overall, 124 patients met our inclusion criteria. Among them, only 13% of patients received EOL care at home and 43.5% of patients at hospices, while 43.5% of patients died in acute care beds. Patients who had jobs at the time of recurrence were significantly more likely to receive EOL care in acute care beds (odds ratio 2.46; 95% CI 1.04−5.83). Other social backgrounds were not significantly related to the place of EOL care. Conclusions: A sizable proportion of patients, especially patients who had jobs at the time of recurrence, received acute care at the EOL and did not have access to palliative care at home or hospices. Familial backgrounds were not the determinant to choose the place of EOL.

scholarly journals End of life breast cancer care in women with severe mental illnesses

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Fond ◽  
Vanessa Pauly ◽  
Audrey Duba ◽  
Sebastien Salas ◽  
Marie Viprey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Bipolar Disorders ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Eol Care

AbstractLittle is known on the end-of-life (EOL) care of terminal breast cancer in women with severe psychiatric disorder (SPD). The objective was to determine if women with SPD and terminal breast cancer received the same palliative and high-intensity care during their end-of-life than women without SPD. Study design, setting, participants. This population-based cohort study included all women aged 15 and older who died from breast cancer in hospitals in France (2014–2018). Key measurements/outcomes. Indicators of palliative care and high-intensity EOL care. Multivariable models were performed, adjusted for age at death, year of death, social deprivation, duration between cancer diagnosis and death, metastases, comorbidity, smoking addiction and hospital category. The analysis included 1742 women with SPD (287 with bipolar disorder, 1075 with major depression and 380 with schizophrenia) and 36,870 women without SPD. In multivariate analyses, women with SPD had more palliative care (adjusted odd ratio aOR 1.320, 95%CI [1.153–1.511], p < 0.001), longer palliative care follow-up before death (adjusted beta = 1.456, 95%CI (1.357–1.555), p < 0.001), less chemotherapy, surgery, imaging/endoscopy, and admission in emergency department and intensive care unit. Among women with SPD, women with bipolar disorders and schizophrenia died 5 years younger than those with recurrent major depression. The survival time was also shortened in women with schizophrenia. Despite more palliative care and less high-intensity care in women with SPD, our findings also suggest the existence of health disparities in women with bipolar disorders and schizophrenia compared to women with recurrent major depression and without SPD. Targeted interventions may be needed for women with bipolar disorders and schizophrenia to prevent these health disparities.

Cannabis and End-of-Life Care: A Snapshot of Hospice Planning and Experiences Among Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients With A Terminal Diagnosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912110186
Author(s):  
James Alton Croker ◽  
Julie Bobitt ◽  
Sara Sanders ◽  
Kanika Arora ◽  
Keith Mueller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Fast Track ◽  
Hospice Care ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eol Care

Introduction: Between 2013 and 2019, Illinois limited cannabis access to certified patients enrolled in the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program (IMCP). In 2016, the state instituted a fast-track pathway for terminal patients. The benefits of medicinal cannabis (MC) have clear implications for patients near end-of-life (EOL). However, little is known about how terminal patients engage medical cannabis relative to supportive care. Methods: Anonymous cross-sectional survey data were collected from 342 terminal patients who were already enrolled in ( n = 19) or planning to enroll ( n = 323) in hospice for EOL care. Logistic regression models compare patients in the sample on hospice planning vs. hospice enrollment, use of palliative care vs. hospice care, and use standard care vs non-hospice palliative care. Results: In our sample, cancer patients ( OR = 0.21 (0.11), p < .01), and those who used the fast-track application into the IMCP ( OR = 0.11 (0.06), p < .001) were less likely to be enrolled in hospice. Compared to patients in palliative care, hospice patients were less likely to report cancer as their qualifying condition ( OR = 0.16 (0.11), p < .01), or entered the IMCP via the fast-track ( OR = 0.23 (0.15), p < .05). Discussion: Given low hospice enrollment in a fairly large EOL sample, cannabis use may operate as an alternative to supportive forms of care like hospice and palliation. Clinicians should initiate conversations about cannabis use with their patients while also engaging EOL Care planning discussions as an essential part of the general care plan.

American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion: The Integration of Palliative Care Into Standard Oncology Care

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 880-887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Smith ◽  
Sarah Temin ◽  
Erin R. Alesi ◽  
Amy P. Abernethy ◽  
Tracy A. Balboni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Clinical Oncology ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
Expert Consensus ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
Oncology Care ◽  
American Society

Purpose An American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) provisional clinical opinion (PCO) offers timely clinical direction to ASCO's membership following publication or presentation of potentially practice-changing data from major studies. This PCO addresses the integration of palliative care services into standard oncology practice at the time a person is diagnosed with metastatic or advanced cancer. Clinical Context Palliative care is frequently misconstrued as synonymous with end-of-life care. Palliative care is focused on the relief of suffering, in all of its dimensions, throughout the course of a patient's illness. Although the use of hospice and other palliative care services at the end of life has increased, many patients are enrolled in hospice less than 3 weeks before their death, which limits the benefit they may gain from these services. By potentially improving quality of life (QOL), cost of care, and even survival in patients with metastatic cancer, palliative care has increasing relevance for the care of patients with cancer. Until recently, data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating the benefits of palliative care in patients with metastatic cancer who are also receiving standard oncology care have not been available. Recent Data Seven published RCTs form the basis of this PCO. Provisional Clinical Opinion Based on strong evidence from a phase III RCT, patients with metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer should be offered concurrent palliative care and standard oncologic care at initial diagnosis. While a survival benefit from early involvement of palliative care has not yet been demonstrated in other oncology settings, substantial evidence demonstrates that palliative care—when combined with standard cancer care or as the main focus of care—leads to better patient and caregiver outcomes. These include improvement in symptoms, QOL, and patient satisfaction, with reduced caregiver burden. Earlier involvement of palliative care also leads to more appropriate referral to and use of hospice, and reduced use of futile intensive care. While evidence clarifying optimal delivery of palliative care to improve patient outcomes is evolving, no trials to date have demonstrated harm to patients and caregivers, or excessive costs, from early involvement of palliative care. Therefore, it is the Panel's expert consensus that combined standard oncology care and palliative care should be considered early in the course of illness for any patient with metastatic cancer and/or high symptom burden. Strategies to optimize concurrent palliative care and standard oncology care, with evaluation of its impact on important patient and caregiver outcomes (eg, QOL, survival, health care services utilization, and costs) and on society, should be an area of intense research. NOTE. ASCO's provisional clinical opinions (PCOs) reflect expert consensus based on clinical evidence and literature available at the time they are written and are intended to assist physicians in clinical decision making and identify questions and settings for further research. Because of the rapid flow of scientific information in oncology, new evidence may have emerged since the time a PCO was submitted for publication. PCOs are not continually updated and may not reflect the most recent evidence. PCOs cannot account for individual variation among patients and cannot be considered inclusive of all proper methods of care or exclusive of other treatments. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or other health care provider, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine the best course of treatment for the patient. Accordingly, adherence to any PCO is voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding its application to be made by the physician in light of each patient's individual circumstances. ASCO PCOs describe the use of procedures and therapies in clinical trials and cannot be assumed to apply to the use of these interventions in the context of clinical practice. ASCO assumes no responsibility for any injury or damage to persons or property arising out of or related to any use of ASCO's PCOs, or for any errors or omissions.

A Case–Control Study Evaluating the Impact of Dedicated Palliative Care Training on Critical Care Interventions at the end of Life

2021 ◽  
pp. 082585972110374
Author(s):  
Jee Y. You ◽  
Lie D. Ligasaputri ◽  
Adarsh Katamreddy ◽  
Kiran Para ◽  
Elizabeth Kavanagh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
High Risk ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Medical Interventions ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

Many patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) are at high risk of dying. We hypothesize that focused training sessions for ICU providers by palliative care (PC) certified experts will decrease aggressive medical interventions at the end of life. We designed and implemented a 6-session PC training program in communication skills and goals of care (GOC) meetings for ICU teams, including house staff, critical care fellows, and attendings. We then reviewed charts of ICU patients treated before and after the intervention. Forty-nine of 177 (28%) and 63 of 173 (38%) patients were identified to be at high risk of death in the pre- and postintervention periods, respectively, and were included based on the study criteria. Inpatient mortality (45% vs 33%; P = .24) and need for mechanical ventilation (59% vs 44%, P = .13) were slightly higher in the preintervention population, but the difference was not statistically significant. The proportion of patients in whom the decision not to initiate renal replacement therapy was made because of poor prognosis was significantly higher in the postintervention population (14% vs 67%, P = .05). There was a nonstatistically significant trend toward earlier GOC discussions (median time from ICU admission to GOC 4 vs 3 days) and fewer critical care interventions such as tracheostomies (17% vs 4%, P = .19). Our study demonstrates that directed PC training of ICU teams has a potential to reduce end of life critical care interventions in patients with a poor prognosis.

Hospitalization burden and end-of-life (EOL) care in elderly patients with glioblastoma (GBM).

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (28_suppl) ◽  
pp. 31-31
Author(s):  
Laura Donovan ◽  
Donna Buono ◽  
Melissa Kate Accordino ◽  
Jason Dennis Wright ◽  
Andrew B. Lassman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Remaining Life ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Eol Care

31 Background: GBM is associated with a poor prognosis and early death in elderly patients. Prior studies have demonstrated a high burden of hospitalization in this population. We sought to evaluate and examine trends in hospitalizations and EOL care in GBM survivors. Methods: Using SEER-Medicare linked data, we performed a retrospective observational cohort study of patients aged ≥ 65 years diagnosed with GBM from 2005-2017 who lived at least 6 months from the time of diagnosis. Aggressive EOL care was defined as: chemotherapy or radiotherapy within 14 days of death (DOD), surgery within 30 DOD, > 1 emergency department visit, ≥ 1 hospitalization or intensive care unit admission within 30 DOD; in-hospital death; or hospice enrollment ≤ 3 DOD. We evaluated age, race, ethnicity, marital status, gender, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, prior treatment and percentage of time hospitalized. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with aggressive end of life care. Results: Of 5827 patients, 2269 (38.9%) survived at least 6 months. Among these, 1106 (48.7%) survived 6-12 months, 558 (24.6%) survived 12-18 months, and 605 (26.7%) survived > 18 months. Patients who survived 6-12 months had the highest burden of hospitalization and spent a median of 10.6% of their remaining life in the hospital compared to those surviving 12-18 months (5.4%) and > 18 months (3%) (P < 0.001). 10.1% of the cohort had claims for palliative care services; 49.8% of initial palliative care consults occurred in the last 30 days of life. Hospice claims existed in 83% with a median length of stay 33 days (IQR 12, 79 days). 30.1% of subjects received aggressive EOL care. Receiving chemo at any time (OR 1.510, 95% CI 1.221-1.867) and spending ≥ 20% of life in the hospital after diagnosis (OR 3.331, 95% CI 2.567-4.324) were associated with aggressive EOL care. Women (OR 0.759, 95% CI 0.624-0.922), patients with higher socioeconomic status (OR 0.533, 95% CI 0.342-0.829), and those diagnosed ≥ age 80 (OR 0.723, 95% CI 0.528-0.991) were less likely to receive aggressive EOL care. Race, ethnicity, marital status, and extent of initial resection were not associated with aggressive EOL care. Conclusions: A minority of elderly patients with GBM in the SEER-Medicare database survived ≥ 6 months; hospitalizations were common and patients spent a significant proportion of their remaining life hospitalized. Although hospice utilization was high in this cohort, 30% of patients received aggressive EOL care. Despite the aggressive nature of GBM, few patients had palliative care consults during their illness. Increased utilization of palliative care services may help reduce hospitalization burden and aggressive EOL care in this population.

scholarly journals Improving End-of-Life Care: Palliative Care Embedded in an Oncology Clinic Specializing in Targeted and Immune-Based Therapies

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. e729-e737 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Einstein ◽  
Susan DeSanto-Madeya ◽  
Matthew Gregas ◽  
Jessica Lynch ◽  
David F. McDermott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Usual Practice ◽  
Embedded Model ◽  
Enrollment Rates ◽  
Oncology Practice ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: Patients with advanced cancer benefit from early involvement of palliative care. The ideal method of palliative care integration remains to be determined, as does its effectiveness for patients treated with targeted and immune-based therapies. Materials and Methods: We studied the impact of an embedded palliative care team that saw patients in an academic oncology clinic specializing in targeted and immune-based therapies. Patients seen on a specific day accessed the embedded model, on the basis of automatic criteria; patients seen other days could be referred to a separate palliative care clinic (usual care). We abstracted data from the medical records of 114 patients who died during the 3 years after this model’s implementation. Results: Compared with usual care (n = 88), patients with access to the embedded model (n = 26) encountered palliative care as outpatients more often ( P = .003) and earlier (mean, 231 v 109 days before death; P < .001). Hospice enrollment rates were similar ( P = .303), but duration was doubled (mean, 57 v 25 days; P = .006), and enrollment > 7 days before death—a core Quality Oncology Practice Initiative metric—was higher in the embedded model (odds ratio, 5.60; P = .034). Place of death ( P = .505) and end-of-life chemotherapy (odds ratio, 0.361; P = .204) did not differ between the two arms. Conclusion: A model of embedded and automatically triggered palliative care among patients treated exclusively with targeted and immune-based therapies was associated with significant improvements in use and timing of palliative care and hospice, compared with usual practice.

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