Journal of palliative medicine
-
Background: There is a pressing need for standardized measures to assess the quality of home-based serious illness care. Currently, there are no validated quality measures that are specific to home-based serious illness programs (SIPs) and the unique needs of their patients. Objective: To develop and evaluate standardized survey-based measures of serious illness care experiences for assessing and comparing quality of home-based serious illness care programs. ⋯ Together, the composites explained 45% of the variance in patients' overall care ratings. Communication, Care Coordination, and Planning for Care were the strongest predictors of overall ratings. Conclusion: Our analyses provide evidence of the feasibility, reliability, and validity of proposed survey-based measures to assess the quality of home-based serious illness care from the perspective of patients and their families.
-
Background: An increasing number of patients with end-of-life (EOL) conditions, particularly those with advanced cancer, are presenting to the emergency department (ED). Objectives: To assess the characteristics, management and short-term outcomes of ED patients with advanced cancer compared to patients with other EOL conditions. Methodology/Design: A secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. ⋯ Conclusions: The majority of presentations for advanced cancer or other EOL conditions involved significant resource use. Patients with cancer experienced shorter LOS; however, had less documentation of GOC and gaps in referrals to PC services were identified. Interventions should be explored to promote early GOC discussions and PC referrals in this patient group.
-
Background: Among patients seen by palliative care, dysphagia is prevalent and can lead to disturbing symptoms and challenges in medical decisions for patients and families. Case: Our patient, AP, an 88-year-old woman with a history of thyroid cancer and esophageal dysmotility, was nearing end of life. ⋯ Discussion: This case presents an opportunity to: review strategies for evaluating and diagnosing dysphagia; appraise evidenced based approach to the palliative management of dysphagia; and promote the education of families and staff regarding palliative options for care. Conclusion: Palliative care professionals can be instrumental in educating patients, families, other clinicians, including swallowing therapists, on how to enhance comfort and quality of life among patients with dysphagia.