Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Annelieke Driessen, Erica Borgstrom, Simon Cohn
Summary: In recent years, policies have encouraged patients to choose their place of death, with a focus on dying at home. However, there is a tendency to simplify the concept of preferred place of death as a static geographical location, overlooking the continuous efforts of palliative care teams to create suitable environments for the dying process.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
K. Esther Broekman, Maaike A. van der Aa, Hans W. Nijman, Mathilde Jalving, Anna K. L. Reyners
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the intensity of inpatient care near the end-of-life in ovarian cancer patients in the Netherlands and compare it with previous studies. The results showed that aggressive medical care use was lower in this Dutch cohort compared to previous reported cohorts.
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Mayumi Nishimura, Mayumi Toyama, Hiroko Mori, Makiko Sano, Haruki Imura, Akira Kuriyama, Takeo Nakayama
Summary: This study investigated the end-of-life care provided by healthcare providers to COVID-19 patients in hospitals during the pandemic. The results showed that maintaining relationships with isolated patients, connecting patients and families, sharing decision-making in isolation, and creating humanistic episodes were effective strategies to improve end-of-life care.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Filippo Binda, Marco Clari, Gabriella Nicolo, Simone Gambazza, Barbara Sappa, Paola Bosco, Dario Laquintana
Summary: Although access to national palliative care programs has improved in the last decade, a large proportion of patients still die in hospitals, particularly in internal medicine wards. A study in Italy examined treatments, symptoms, and clinical management of adult patients at the end of life, finding that few treatments were associated with the expectation of death. Nurses perceived quality of dying as good when death was moderately or highly expected, while physicians rated it similarly but with a fair agreement between the two professionals. Only two patients requested palliative care consultation, suggesting inadequate care for dying patients in medical and surgical wards.
BMC PALLIATIVE CARE
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Raul Vicente, Michael Rizzuto, Can Sarica, Kazuaki Yamamoto, Mohammed Sadr, Tarun Khajuria, Mostafa Fatehi, Farzad Moien-Afshari, Charles S. Haw, Rodolfo R. Llinas, Andres M. Lozano, Joseph S. Neimat, Ajmal Zemmar
Summary: This study investigates brain activity after cardiac arrest and during near-death experience (NDE) by analyzing electroencephalography (EEG) recordings from a dying patient. The findings suggest increased gamma activity and decreased power in other frequency bands after cardiac arrest. Interestingly, the left-hemispheric gamma activity is found to be modulated by alpha and theta rhythms, even after cessation of cerebral blood flow.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jonathan Singer, Courtney Daum, Megan J. Shen, Gabrielle Zecha, Louise Kaplan, Kathy Plakovic, Meagan Blazey, Molly Arnold, Barbara Silko, Kelsey Baker, Elizabeth T. Loggers
Summary: This study surveyed oncology APPs working at a comprehensive cancer center in Washington State to assess their perspectives on MAID, finding that the majority of respondents were willing to participate, but some were unsure. Respondents with higher knowledge and comfort scores were more likely to be willing to participate.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Allan Kellehear, Matilda Garrido
Summary: This review aims to explore the intersection between existential aging and dying identity and describe the available evidence. The evidence suggests that the formation of the identity of dying alongside existential aging is associated with personal changes related to self/gerotranscendence, self-concerns about death, attitudes towards aging, and anticipation of one's own death.
ARCHIVES OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Erica Borgstrom, Natashe Lemos Dekker
Summary: This article explores the role and impact of the Liverpool Care Pathway in healthcare practice. The study found that while the LCP aims to standardize values in end-of-life care, there are significant differences in how these standardized values are implemented in different institutional and national contexts.
SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hartiah Haroen, Ristina Mirwanti, Hana Rizmadewi Agustina, Tuti Pahria, Hasniatisari Harun, Cynthia Pomaa Akuoko, Nadirawati Nadirawati
Summary: This study explores the perception and experience of end-of-life care (EoLC) among nursing students in Indonesia, with a focus on the family environment. Fifteen nursing students who witnessed the dying of their family members were recruited for this qualitative research. Thematic analysis revealed that the experience of witnessing death shaped students' attitudes towards EoLC.
JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Radboud M. Marijnissen, Kenneth Chambaere, Richard C. Oude Voshaar
Summary: Euthanasia has been legalized in the Netherlands and Belgium since 2001 and 2002 respectively, and these countries are among the few that allow euthanasia for patients with dementia. While this practice remains controversial, there is a growing awareness among the public about the possibility of choosing one's own end-of-life and a willingness among medical professionals to perform euthanasia for dementia patients.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Clare Wilkinson, Alison Llewellyn, Candy Mccabe
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked discussions about death and dying, and public engagement can contribute to better communication and research in this field.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Joelle Yan Xin Chua, Shefaly Shorey
Summary: End-of-life educational interventions were effective in improving nurses and nursing students' attitude toward death and care of dying patients. However, the sustainability of these improvements could not be determined due to lack of follow-up assessments. Both nurses and nursing students showed similar attitude improvement, suggesting the potential benefits of such interventions.
NURSE EDUCATION TODAY
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Turki S. S. Alsalamah, Yasir S. S. Alsalamah, Basmah Aldrees, Thamer Alslamah, Sarah M. M. Yousif, Mirna Fawaz
Summary: This study explores the barriers and facilitators experienced by novice nurses in Saudi Arabia when working with dying patients. The barriers include lack of experience, language barrier, inadequate staffing, and patients' responses or cooperation, while the facilitators include caring/compassion, teamwork/collaboration, and mentors/experienced colleagues.
Article
Oncology
Qing Xue, Wenqiang Che, Lujiadai Xue, Xian Zhang, Xiaoyu Wang, Jun Lyu
Summary: This study primarily aimed to investigate the non-cancer causes of death in patients with endometrial cancer (EC), and found that the most common non-cancer causes of death were heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes. EC survivors have a higher risk of death from sepsis and diabetes compared to the general population, highlighting the need to address these health risks.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Xingqi Cao, Chao Ma, Zhoutao Zheng, Liu He, Meng Hao, Xi Chen, Eileen M. Crimmins, Thomas M. Gill, Morgan E. Levine, Zuyun Liu
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of life course circumstances on aging disparities and found that disadvantaged subpopulations are more likely to experience accelerated aging. The findings emphasize the importance of promoting health among disadvantaged subpopulations and reducing health disparities with advantaged counterparts.
Article
Nursing
Charlotte Boven, Liesbeth Van Humbeeck, Lieve van den Block, Ruth Piers, Nele Van Den Noortgate, Let Dillen
Summary: This study investigates the experiences of healthcare providers in the interaction with and provision of bereavement care to relatives during and after euthanasia. The findings show that healthcare providers strive to create a serene atmosphere throughout the euthanasia process to help relatives cope with their loss.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Health Care Sciences & Services
Aline De Vleminck, Lieve van den Block
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Romy Van Rickstal, Aline De Vleminck, Sebastiaan Engelborghs, Lieve van den Block
Summary: Despite the importance of advance care planning (ACP) for people with dementia, its uptake in this population is low. This study investigates physicians' experiences and perspectives on discussing ACP with people with young- and/or late-onset dementia. Five online focus groups were conducted with physicians from different specialisms, and results show that physicians acknowledge the value of ACP but face challenges in implementation.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Pierre-Alain Charmillot, Lieve Van den Block, Mariska Oosterveld-Vlug, Sophie Pautex
Summary: This study examined the perceptions of healthcare professionals after implementing the PACE Steps to Success program in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Through qualitative descriptive study methods, thematic analysis was conducted on semi-structured face-to-face and group interviews with health professionals, PACE coordinators, and managers in four long-term home facilities. The results showed that the PACE program implementation improved communication with residents regarding end-of-life issues and helped identify patients' needs. Additionally, the introduction of codified tools supported decision-making and promoted inter-professional collaboration.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Fanny Monnet, Charles Dupont, Tinne Smets, Aline De Vleminck, Chantal Van Audenhove, Lieve Van den Block, Lara Pivodic
Summary: This paper presents a study protocol for the development and usability testing of an advance care planning (ACP) website designed for people with dementia and their families. The study aims to develop an ACP website in a user-centered manner, with the involvement of patients and the public. The results of the study will be used to refine the design and conduct a larger evaluation study.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Primary Health Care
Hakki Demirkapu, Lieve Van de Block, Stephanie De Maesschalck, Aline De Vleminck, Fatma Zehra Colak, Dirk Devroey
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Primary Health Care
Hakki Demirkapu, Redouan Hajji, Brahim Chater, Stephanie De Maesschalck, Lieve Van de Block, Aline De Vleminck, Dirk Devroey
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Romy Van Rickstal, Aline De Vleminck, Kenneth Chambaere, Lieve Van den Block
Summary: Research showed that people with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers often discuss the topic of euthanasia when talking about advance care planning. Their considerations for euthanasia are usually related to the impact of disease progression on themselves and their loved ones. Caregivers also discuss the emotional impact of discussing euthanasia and share their opinions on euthanasia laws.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hakki Demirkapu, Redouan Hajji, Brahim Chater, Stephanie De Maesschalck, Lieve Van den Block, Aline De Vleminck, Dirk Devroey
Summary: This study aimed to explore ACP-related knowledge, experience, views, facilitators and barriers among older Moroccan adults in Belgium. The 25 interviewees lacked ACP knowledge initially, but became more willing to discuss it after receiving concrete information. Barriers included lack of knowledge, fear of talking about death, and trust in children's decision-making ability. Facilitators included GPs' information provision and involvement of adult children.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Hakki Demirkapu, Lieve van den Block, Stephanie De Maesschalck, Aline De Vleminck, F. Zehra Colak, Dirk Devroey
Summary: There is a lack of knowledge and engagement in advance care planning among older Turkish-origin adults in Belgium requiring palliative care. This lack of engagement is linked to their family dynamics and religious beliefs.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Charlotte Boven, Let Dillen, Sigrid Dierickx, Lieve Van den Block, Ruth Piers, Nele Van Den Noortgate, Liesbeth Van Humbeeck
Summary: This study provides insight into the experiences of bereaved relatives in euthanasia processes and their interactions with healthcare providers. The study found that relatives wanted to be involved early on and appreciated support from healthcare providers. Achieving peace and maintaining a serene atmosphere were important for relatives' grief process.
QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Charless Dupont, Fanny Monnet, Lara Pivodic, Aline De Vleminck, Chantal Van Audenhove, Lieve Van den Block, Tinne Smets
Summary: This article introduces the development and evaluation of a web-based advance care planning (ACP) tool for people with dementia and their families. The study uses innovative methods to involve people with dementia in the research without overburdening them. The combination of interviews, surveys, and ongoing data logging provides valuable insights into the use of support tools in daily contexts.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Louise D'Eer, Kenneth Chambaere, Lieve van den Block, Sarah Dury, Libby Sallnow, Luc Deliens, Tinne Smets, Joachim Cohen
Summary: This study conducted a survey to measure the extent and nature of neighborhood participation regarding serious illness, death, and loss, and found a positive association with perceived neighborhood social cohesion and previous experiences with these topics. Future research should explore strategies to transform death literacy into neighborhood participation.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jenny T. van der Steen, Miharu Nakanishi, Lieve van den Block, Paola Di Giulio, Silvia Gonella, Juergen In Der Schmitten, Rebecca L. Sudore, Karen Harrison Dening, Deborah Parker, Ninoslav Mimica, Iva Holmerova, Philip Larkin, Sandra Martins Pereira, Judith A. C. Rietjens, Ida J. Korfage
Summary: This study aimed to conceptualize advance care planning for dementia through a Delphi study, focusing on defining the concept and identifying key issues such as capacity, family, and engagement. The results highlighted the importance of communication and relationship-centered approach for ACP in dementia.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Medical Informatics
Charless Dupont, Tinne Smets, Fanny Monnet, Lara Pivodic, Aline De Vleminck, Chantal Van Audenhove, Lieve van den Block
Summary: This study aims to develop an interactive website for individuals with dementia and their family caregivers to support them in advance care planning (ACP), and to assess the barriers and facilitators for potential users in finding and using such a website from the perspective of family caregivers and healthcare professionals.
BMC MEDICAL INFORMATICS AND DECISION MAKING
(2023)