Article
Surgery
Katherine C. Lee, Anne M. Walling, Steven S. Senglaub, Rachelle Bernacki, Lee A. Fleisher, Marcia M. Russell, Neil S. Wenger, Zara Cooper
Summary: This study aimed to develop a set of quality indicators to measure access to and the quality of primary palliative care (PC) delivered to seriously ill surgical patients. After two rounds of rating by an expert panel, a total of 24 indicators were rated as valid, covering various phases of surgical care.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Katherine C. Lee, Claire M. Sokas, Jocelyn Streid, Steven S. Senglaub, Kathleen Coogan, Anne M. Walling, Zara Cooper
Summary: This systematic review identified 263 unique quality indicators from 26 studies, with 70% being process measures. The most common indicators addressed Care of the Patient Near the End of Life (31.5%) and Physical Aspects of Care (20.8%), while Spiritual (2.6%) and Cultural Aspects of Care (1.2%) were the least common. Methodological quality varied widely across studies, with many lacking input from target populations and few discussing practical application.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Critical Care Medicine
Yoshimitsu Takaoka, Yasuhiro Hamatani, Tatsuhiro Shibata, Shogo Oishi, Akemi Utsunomiya, Fujimi Kawai, Nobuyuki Komiyama, Atsushi Mizuno
Summary: Healthcare providers in cardiovascular intensive care face challenges in palliative and end-of-life care due to unique disease trajectories and ethical dilemmas. Specific quality indicators are needed to integrate palliative care effectively in this setting.
JOURNAL OF INTENSIVE CARE
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Charlotte Wool, Elvira Parravicini
Summary: This study aims to measure the implementation of quality indicators of Perinatal/Neonatal Palliative Care as reported by participants after a one-year training course. The results show a high frequency of QIs implementation by professionals who attended the training course, with colleagues implementing palliative care practices less frequently. Attending evidence-based education can increase clinicians' opportunities to translate quality PNPC care into clinical settings.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Joachim Cohen, Kirsten Hermans, Charless Dupont, Lieve van den Block, Luc Deliens, Kathleen Leemans
Summary: This study evaluated the quality of palliative care in 36 Belgian palliative care teams and found large risk-adjusted variations between teams in multiple quality indicators. The results suggest the importance of repeated and standardized quality improvement evaluations to identify areas in palliative care delivery that need improvement and to allow teams to benchmark themselves against each other.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Pediatrics
Gregorio Zuniga-Villanueva, Jorge Alberto Ramos-Guerrero, Monica Osio-Saldana, Jessica A. Casas, Joan Marston, Regina Okhuysen-Cawley
Summary: Pediatric palliative care is still underdeveloped in Latin America compared to other regions, with no defined quality indicators proposed for the region. The unique sociocultural characteristics of Latin America impact the development of pediatric palliative care programs.
Article
Oncology
Sarah J. Mah, Hsien Seow, Kara Schnarr, Clare J. Reade, Anastasia Gayowsky, Kelvin K. W. Chan, Aynharan Sinnarajah
Summary: The quality of end-of-life care for gynecologic cancer patients in Ontario has shown improvement over time, with fewer patients dying in hospitals and an increased utilization of supportive care. However, a significant proportion of patients still receive aggressive care in the final 30 days of life.
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Health Care Sciences & Services
Isabelle Schaefer, Nicole Heneka, Michelle DiGiacomo, Stacey Panozzo, Jane L. L. Phillips
Summary: Palliative care in prisons is lacking information on quality and accessibility. The development and implementation of standardized quality indicators will promote transparency, accountability, and quality improvement at local and national levels.
BMC PALLIATIVE CARE
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Guido Michels, Manuela Schallenburger, Martin Neukirchen, ICU Palliative Study Grp
Summary: A consensus process is underway in Germany to develop recommendations on palliative care in intensive care for non-oncological patients, aiming to address the needs of patients with advanced diseases.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shuqin Zhu, Hanfei Zhu, Xintong Zhang, Kouying Liu, Zumei Chen, Xiaowen Yang, Changxian Sun, Weiping Xie, Qin Xu, Weiying Li, Dong Pang, Yan Cui, Hong Wang
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the care needs of dying patients and their family caregivers in hospice and palliative care in mainland China. A total of 18 articles were included, identifying that patients need a comfortable experience and family caregivers need to care for patients and themselves.
Article
Nursing
Hongling Zheng, Qinqin Cheng, Xianghua Xu, Yixia Yan, Ge Luo, Youwen Gong, Yongyi Chen
Summary: This study developed a set of 71 quality indicators for palliative care in China through literature search and expert consultations. The indicators cover structure, process, and outcome aspects. High consensus among experts was achieved, filling the gaps in the field.
ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY NURSING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charless Dupont, Robrecht De Schreye, Joachim Cohen, Mark De Ridder, Lieve van den Block, Luc Deliens, Kathleen Leemans
Summary: This study developed quality indicators and a measurement tool for palliative care in nursing homes through literature search, expert interviews, and consensus selection. After pilot testing and evaluation, the indicators were found to be measurable, valid, and useful for caregivers in monitoring the quality of palliative care in nursing homes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ainur Kagarmanova, Mark Donald Mwesiga, Matthew L. Sisk, Cynthia Kabagambe, Sheba Nyakaisiki, Tom Marentette, Lacey N. Ahern
Summary: This study provides an overview of the availability and challenges of palliative care services in Uganda prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the progress made in palliative care development in terms of policy, education, and services implementation. The study also identifies the gaps and challenges that need to be addressed for better access to palliative care in the wake of the pandemic.
BMC PALLIATIVE CARE
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Megan F. Liu, Mu-Hsing Ho, Jed Montayre, Ying-Wei Wang, Chia-Chin Lin
Summary: This study summarized and compared the existing development indicators for palliative care in the Asia Pacific region, finding strong evidence in educational preparation, medicine use, and service provision, but limited development in professional activities and policy, which were more country-level focused in the region.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
F. M. Bijnsdorp, B. Schouten, A. K. L. Reyners, C. Wagner, A. L. Francke, S. M. van Schoten
Summary: Quality of end-of-life care in Dutch hospitals can be improved by documenting common symptoms, advance care planning, and spiritual and psychological support. However, standardized methods for measuring symptoms are rarely used, except for pain burden. There is a need for uniformity in measuring methods to enhance the quality of care for patients at the end of life in hospitals.
BMC PALLIATIVE CARE
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Julie Stevens, Rose Miranda, Luc Deliens, Peter Pype, Aline De Vleminck, Koen Pardon
Summary: This study found that providing information about ACP alone is not associated with a patient's ACP engagement. However, listening to patients' worries regarding their future health is an important factor for ACP engagement.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
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)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Eva Oldenburger, Maaike L. De Roo
Summary: This review examines recent literature on the causes, identification, consequences, and interventions to reduce burnout in the professional palliative healthcare provider setting. Research primarily focuses on gaining further insight into the various factors contributing to burnout at individual, social, and organizational levels, with limited studies on prevention interventions. While the results of interventions show promise, data on their long-term effects and impact on healthcare provider retention are lacking. Further research on prevention and treatment of burnout is necessary.
CURRENT OPINION IN SUPPORTIVE AND PALLIATIVE CARE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Wei Qi Koh, Tijs Vandemeulebroucke, Chris Gastmans, Rose Miranda, Lieve van den Block
Summary: Pet robots are being increasingly used to improve the wellbeing of people with dementia, but their implementation in nursing homes raises ethical debates. Care professionals and organisational leaders have different ethical intuitions regarding the use of pet robots. Future research should involve care practitioners, people with dementia, and their family members in the ethical dialogue to support the sustainable and ethical use of pet robots.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(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, 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.
