Article
Oncology
Estela Garcia-Martin, Vicente Escudero-Vilaplana, Barbara Fox, Roberto Collado-Borrell, Belen Marzal-Alfaro, Maria Sanchez-Isac, Maria Luisa Solano-Garzon, Ricardo Gonzalez del Val, Jose Manuel Cano-Gonzalez, Nuria Perez de Lucas, Ana Isabel Bravo-Guillen, Javier Valero-Salinas, Eva Gonzalez-Haba, Maria Sanjurjo, Miguel Martin
Summary: The study found that end-of-life cancer care in the clinical practice of the hospital tended to be aggressive, with a significant proportion of patients receiving anti-cancer treatments close to death. However, the quality of care did not meet the high standards set by the Earle criteria. While more than half of the patients received hospice services before death, in some cases, this care started only shortly before the patients passed away.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
M. Pilar Ingle, Cristina Valdovinos, Kelsey L. Ford, Shou Zhou, Sheana Bull, Starlynne Gornail, Xuhong Zhang, Susan Moore, Jennifer Portz
Summary: This study aimed to identify and assess user perspectives of palliative care and end-of-life (PCEOL) portal tools available for patients and caregivers. A scoping review of academic literature identified 12 tools addressing PCEOL domains such as ethical or legal, physical, and psychological or psychiatric. While high user acceptability was reported, little attention was given to usability among older adults.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kuai In Tam, Sok Leng Che, Mingxia Zhu, Sok Man Leong
Summary: This study explored the preferred place of care and death for Chinese residents in Macao. The majority of respondents preferred to be cared for at home in the last 6 months, but only a small proportion preferred to die at home. A significant number of respondents chose hospices or hospitals as their preferred place of death. The study suggests the need for palliative home care services in Macao and emphasizes the importance of education for healthcare professionals.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Daniel Kinder, Dawn Smith, Mary Ersek, Melissa Wachterman, Joshua Thorpe, Darlene Davis, Ann Kutney-Lee
Summary: This study found that veterans enrolled in the HBPC program who received community-based hospice services had higher ratings of end-of-life care from bereaved family members, which may help improve the overall experience of end-of-life care for veterans and their families.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Leah V. Estrada, Mansi Agarwal, Patricia W. Stone
Summary: This systematic review identified disparities in end-of-life care for racial/ethnic minority residents in nursing homes, with minority residents less likely to complete advance care planning, more likely to experience end-of-life hospitalizations, and experiencing worse pain and symptom management. Further research using recent data is needed to address these disparities and improve care for minority residents.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Bodil Holmberg, Tove Godskesen
Summary: The study reveals that elderly residents in nursing homes are hindered by illness-related concerns in living a dignified life. The behaviors and routines of assistant nurses play a significant role in affecting residents' dignity, which largely relies on the residents' self-knowledge for dignity-conserving abilities.
Article
Oncology
Yong Liu, Yin Shen, Qinghua Pan, Huasheng He, Houwen Zou, Zuochao Huang, Zhiping Liu, Xiaomao Wang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaborative hospice care (ICHC) on terminal geriatric cancer patients (TGCP) and compare it with life-sustaining treatment (LST) in terms of emotional function, symptom improvement, and cost. The results showed that ICHC had better treatment outcomes, lower medication costs, and higher patient satisfaction.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Debra Lotstein, Margaret J. Klein, Lisa C. Lindley, Joanne Wolfe
Summary: This study investigated the referral practices of a hospital-based pediatric palliative care team to community-based programs. It found that only a minority of patients received referrals, and those in the ICU and with neurologic conditions may be at higher risk of missing appropriate referrals.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Helena Ullgren, Per Fransson, Anna Olofsson, Ralf Segersvard, Lena Sharp
Summary: The study revealed an increase in several aspects of intensity of care at the end-of-life, stressing the need for further exploration of the optimal organization of end-of-life care. The results indicate fragmentation of care and the necessity to better organize and coordinate care for vulnerable patients.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sasha Shepperd, Daniela C. Goncalves-Bradley, Sharon E. Straus, Bee Wee
Summary: The evidence suggests that home-based end-of-life care programs can increase the likelihood of patients dying at home. However, the impact of home-based end-of-life care on patient outcomes, symptom control, caregiver satisfaction, and healthcare costs remains uncertain.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jui-Kun Chiang, Yee-Hsin Kao
Summary: Research shows that palliative services are associated with improved quality of end-of-life care for patients with advanced illnesses receiving home-based care, leading to reduced likelihood of dying in a hospital.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Bosco, C. Di Lorito, M. Dunlop, A. Booth, D. Alexander, S. Jones, B. R. Underwood, C. Todd, A. Burns
Summary: This study explores the views of hospice dementia care for bereaved carers of people with dementia and hospice clinicians. The results indicate that rapid response teams delivering hospice home care could be a better option, and may require joined-up care with other community services.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Puneeta Tandon, Anne Walling, Heather Patton, Tamar Taddei
Summary: Palliative Care is an approach focusing on improving the quality of life for patients facing life-limiting illness, applicable in cirrhosis patients. However, there is limited guidance and promotion of PC in patients with cirrhosis.
CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Joshua M. Baruth, Jacqueline B. Ho, Sohail Mohammad, Maria Lapid
Summary: Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness with significant impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Despite the high healthcare costs associated with it, individuals with schizophrenia often face inequitable care at the end of life. Enhancing awareness of healthcare disparities, implementing multidisciplinary care, and providing adequate palliative services can improve end-of-life care for individuals with schizophrenia.
INTERNATIONAL PSYCHOGERIATRICS
(2021)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Pauli J. Lamppu, Kaisu H. Pitkala
Summary: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining the effects of palliative care education or staff training on nursing home residents found limited impact on residents' quality of life, quality of dying, or burdensome hospitalizations. Further studies are needed to explore the reasons behind these findings.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Barbar Antunes, Pedro Pereira Rodrigues, Irene J. Higginson, Pedro Lopes Ferreira
Summary: The study aimed to help healthcare professionals identify hospital patients with palliative needs, but encountered challenges such as low response rate and lack of participation. The results highlighted the urgent need for generalist palliative care training for clinicians.
ACTA MEDICA PORTUGUESA
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Irene J. Higginson, Mevhibe B. Hocaoglu, Lorna K. Fraser, Matthew Maddocks, Katherine E. Sleeman, Adejoke O. Oluyase, Rachel L. Chambers, Nancy Preston, Lesley Dunleavy, Andy Bradshaw, Sabrina Bajwah, Fliss E. M. Murtagh, Catherine Walshe
Summary: This study provides important evidence on symptom control and palliative care for severe COVID-19 cases. Symptoms of COVID-19 improved during palliative care, with breathlessness, agitation, and multimorbidity being associated with shorter survival.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Javiera Leniz, Catherine J. Evans, Deokhee Yi, Anna E. Bone, Irene J. Higginson, Katherine E. Sleeman
Summary: This study aims to explore the costs of formal and informal care in the last 3 months of life for people with dementia and evaluate the association between transitions to hospital and usual place of care with costs.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Deokhee Yi, Charles C. Reilly, Gao Wei, Irene J. Higginson
Summary: This study found that breathlessness services were cost-effective compared to usual care, resulting in cost savings and improved quality of life. Additionally, tailoring service attributes to individual preferences increased the uptake of these services.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Tushti Bhardwaj, Rachel L. Chambers, Harry Watson, Irene J. Srividya, Irene J. Higginson, Mevhibe B. Hocaoglu
Summary: This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) into Hindi. Through a standardized methodology, the Hindi IPOS was developed and found to have face and content validity for clinical practice and research. The availability of the Hindi IPOS has implications beyond Indian palliative care settings, as it provides millions of Hindi speakers with a tool to communicate their palliative care needs in their mother tongue.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Evie Papavasiliou, Valerie A. Sills, Natalia Calanzani, Hannah Harrison, Claudia Snudden, Erica di Martino, Andy Cowan, Dawnya Behiyat, Rachel Boscott, Sapphire Tan, Jennifer Bovaird, Grant D. Stewart, Fiona M. Walter, Yin Zhou
Summary: Bladder cancer is a common cancer worldwide and early diagnosis is crucial for better survival rates. Urinary biomarkers have been developed but their diagnostic performance in the general population is limited. This study systematically reviewed evidence on biomarkers suitable for use in community and primary care settings, identifying three biomarkers with similar diagnostic performance and some promising novel biomarkers. Further validation studies in the general population are needed.
Letter
Respiratory System
Natasha Lovell, Simon N. Etkind, Joanna M. Davies, Wendy Prentice, Irene J. Higginson, Katherine E. Sleeman
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Javiera Leniz, Joanna M. Davies, Anna E. Bone, Mevhibe Hocaoglu, Julia Verne, Stephen Barclay, Fliss E. M. Murtagh, Lorna K. Fraser, Irene J. Higginson, Katherine E. Sleeman
Summary: The number and proportion of home deaths in the UK increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, with evidence of socioeconomic inequality. The increase in home deaths was lowest for people living in the most deprived areas, showing a deprivation gradient. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for this change and if the inequality has been sustained. Overall rating: 7 points.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Claudia M. Snudden, Natalia Calanzani, Stephanie Archer, Stephanie Honey, Merel M. Pannebakker, Anissa Faher, Aina Chang, Willie Hamilton, Fiona M. Walter
Summary: This study aimed to explore patients' care experience and acceptability of using FIT. The study found that patients were satisfied with doing the FIT themselves and recommending it to others, although some perceived it as a challenge for others. However, test explanation by healthcare professionals was often limited and many participants did not receive their results, leading to uncertainty.
Review
Respiratory System
Claire M. Nolan, Lisa Jane Brighton, Yihan Mo, Joanne Bayly, Irene J. Higginson, William D. -C. Man, Matthew Maddocks
Summary: This systematic review examined the effect of meditative movement on breathlessness, quality of life, exercise capacity, functional performance, and psychological symptoms in advanced disease. The results showed that meditative movement did not improve breathlessness, quality of life, or exercise capacity in people with advanced COPD or cancer.
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Charles C. Reilly, Matthew Maddocks, Trudie Chalder, Katherine Bristowe, Irene J. Higginson
Summary: SELF-BREATHE is a digital breathlessness intervention that aims to improve the lives of people with chronic breathlessness. This study found that SELF-BREATHE was feasible to deliver and acceptable to patients, with users reporting improved breathlessness during daily life.
Review
Medical Informatics
O. T. Jones, R. N. Matin, M. van der Schaar, K. Prathivadi Bhayankaram, C. K. Ranmuthu, M. S. Islam, D. Behiyat, R. Boscott, N. Calanzani, J. Emery, H. C. Williams, F. M. Walter
Summary: This study systematically reviews the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for the early diagnosis of skin cancers. The results show reasonable diagnostic accuracy for melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma, but there is heterogeneity in the methods and study designs, with incomplete reporting in some studies. The widespread adoption into community and primary care practice cannot currently be recommended until efficacy in low prevalence populations is demonstrated.
LANCET DIGITAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hannah May Scott, Lucy Coombes, Debbie Braybrook, Anna Roach, Daney Hardardottir, Katherine Bristowe, Clare Ellis-Smith, Irene Higginson, Wei Gao, Myra Bluebond-Langner, Bobbie Farsides, Fliss E. M. Murtagh, Lorna K. Fraser, Richard Harding
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns have had a negative impact on children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families, resulting in loss of social support, disruption of vital services, and increased psychological distress.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Charles C. Reilly, Katherine Bristowe, Anna Roach, Trudie Chalder, Matthew Maddocks, Irene J. Higginson
Summary: This study aimed to explore the preferences and choices of patients regarding the content of an online self-guided chronic breathlessness supportive intervention. The findings highlighted the strong preferences of patients for focused education, methods to increase self-motivation and engagement, interventions targeting breathing and physical function, and aesthetically designed content using various communication methods. Motivation was identified as a key determinant of the success of the intervention.
Article
Respiratory System
Charles C. Reilly, Katherine Bristowe, Anna Roach, Matthew Maddocks, Irene J. Higginson
Summary: The aim of this study was to explore the accessibility and willingness of patients with chronic breathlessness to use an internet-based self-management intervention. The findings suggest that patients with internet access have the potential to benefit from the online intervention.