Inequalities in Financial Distress, Symptoms, and Quality of Life Among Patients with Advanced Cancer in France and the U.S.

BACKGROUND: Financial distress (FD) is common among patients with advanced cancer. Our purpose was to compare the frequency and intensity of FD and its associations with symptom distress and quality of life (QOL) in these patients in France and the U.S. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this secondary analysis of two cross-sectional studies, we assessed data on 292 patients who received cancer care at a public hospital or a comprehensive cancer center in France (143 patients) or the U.S. (149 patients). Outpatients and hospitalized patients over 18 years of age with advanced lung or breast or colorectal or prostate cancer were included. Diagnosed cognitive disorder was considered a noninclusion criterion. Advanced cancer included relapse or metastasis or locally advanced cancer or at least a second-line chemotherapy regimen. Patients self-rated FD and assessed symptoms, psychosocial distress, and QOL on validated questionnaires. RESULTS: The average patient age was 59 years, and 144 (49%) were female. FD and high intensity were reported more frequently in U.S. patients than in French (respectively 129 [88%] vs. 74 [52%], p < .001; 100 [98%] vs. 48 [34%], p < .001,). QOL was rated higher by the U.S. patients than by the French (69 [SD, 18] vs. 63 [SD, 18], p = .003). French patients had more psychological symptoms such as anxiety (8 [SD, 4] vs. 6 [SD, 5], p = .008). Associations were found between FD and U.S. residence, FD and single status (0.907, p = .023), and FD and metastasis (1.538, p = .036). In contrast, negative associations were found between FD and older age (-0.052, p = .003) and FD and France residence (-3.376, p = .001). CONCLUSION: Regardless of health care system, FD is frequent in patients with advanced cancer. U.S. patients were more likely to have FD than French patients but reported better QOL. Further research should focus on factors contributing to FD and opportunities for remediation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Suffering is experienced in any component of the lives of patients with a life-threatening illness. Financial distress (FD) is one of the least explored cancer-related symptoms, and there are limited studies describing its impact on this frail population. This study highlights the high frequency and severity of FD in patients with advanced cancer in the U.S. and France as well as its impact on their physical and emotional symptoms and their quality of life in these different health care systems. It is necessary for all health care providers to explore and evaluate the presence of FD in patients living with life-threatening illnesses.

The Effect of Message Content and Clinical Outcome on Patients' Perception of Physician Compassion: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In a previous randomized crossover study, patients perceived a physician delivering a more optimistic message (MO) as more compassionate and professional. However, the impact of the clinical outcome of the patient on patient's perception of physician's level of compassion and professionalism has not been previously studied. Our aim was to determine if the reported clinical outcome modified the patient's perception of physician compassion, professionalism, impression, and preference for physician. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-eight advanced cancer patients in an outpatient Supportive Care Center were randomized to complete validated questionnaires about patients' perception of physician's level of compassion, professionalism, impression, and preference of physician for themselves and their family after watching scripted videos depicting a physician delivering an MO versus a less optimistic (LO) message followed by a clinical vignette depicting a worse outcome. RESULTS: Median age was 61 years and 55% were female. There was no difference in compassion score after the vignette in the MO and LO groups. However, there were significantly worse overall impression and professionalism scores in both the MO and LO groups after the vignette. In the MO group, preference for the physician for themselves and their family significantly decreased after the vignette. CONCLUSION: Seeing a worse clinical outcome did not change the patients' appraisal of an inappropriately optimistic physician. However, it reduced the overall impression of both physicians that conveyed an MO or an LO message and it also resulted in less likelihood of choosing the MO physician for themselves and their family. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The study found that a patient's perception of a physician's compassion did not change after reading a vignette describing a negative clinical outcome, regardless of whether the physician had given a more or a less optimistic message to the patient. However, the results suggested that patients perceived worse professionalism and overall physician impression scores for both more and less optimistic physicians and lower likelihood to choose the more optimistic physician for themselves and their family.

Barriers to venipuncture-induced pain prevention in cancer patients: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Procedural pain reduces the quality of life of cancer patients. Although there are recommendations for its prevention, there are some obstacles for its management. The purpose of this study was to analyze the barriers to procedural pain prophylaxis in cancer patients reflecting the views of the nurses. METHODS: We used qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews conducted with nurses, focusing on practices of venipuncture-induced and needle change for implantable central venous access port (ICVAP) pain management in cancer patients. A thematic analysis approach informed the data analysis. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with 17 nurses. The study highlighted 4 main themes; technical and relational obstacles, nurses' professional recognition, the role of the team, and organizational issues. Participants understood the painful nature of venipuncture. Despite being aware of the benefits of the anesthetic patch, they did not utilize it in a systematic way. We identified several barriers at different levels: technical, relational and previous experience of incident pain. Several organizational issues were also highlighted (e.g. lack of protocol, lack of time). CONCLUSIONS: The prevention of venipuncture-induced cancer pain requires a structured training program, which should reflect the views of nurses in clinical practice.

Burnout among physicians in palliative care: Impact of clinical settings.

OBJECTIVE: Burnout syndrome is a work-related professional distress. Palliative care physicians often have to deal with complex end-of-life situations and are at risk of presenting with burnout syndrome, which has been little studied in this population. Our study aims to identify the impact of clinical settings (in a palliative care unit (PCU) or on a palliative care mobile team (PCMT)) on palliative care physicians. METHOD: We undertook a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and we gathered sociodemographic and professional data. The questionnaire was sent to all 590 physicians working in palliative care in France between July of 2012 and February of 2013. RESULTS: The response rate was 61, 8% after three reminders. Some 27 (9%) participants showed high emotional exhaustion, 12 (4%) suffered from a high degree of depersonalization, and 71 (18%) had feelings of low personal accomplishment. Physicians working on a PCMT tended (p = 0.051) to be more likely to suffer from emotional exhaustion than their colleagues. Physicians working on a PCMT worked on smaller teams (fewer physicians, p < 0.001; fewer nonphysicians, p < 0.001). They spent less time doing research (p = 0.019), had fewer resources (p = 0.004), and their expertise seemed to be underrecognized by their colleagues (p = 0.023). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The prevalence of burnout in palliative care physicians was low and in fact lower than that reported in other populations (e.g., oncologists). Working on a palliative care mobile team can be a more risky situation, associated with a lack of medical and paramedical staff.

Financial Distress and Its Associations With Physical and Emotional Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Advanced Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on the effects of financial distress (FD) on overall suffering and quality of life (QOL) of patients with advanced cancer (AdCa). In this cross-sectional study, we examined the frequency of FD and its correlates in AdCa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We interviewed 149 patients, 77 at a comprehensive cancer center (CCC) and 72 at a general public hospital (GPH). AdCa completed a self-rated FD (subjective experience of distress attributed to financial problems) numeric rating scale (0 = best, 10 = worst) and validated questionnaires assessing symptoms (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS]), psychosocial distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]), and QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General [FACT-G]). RESULTS: The patients' median age was 60 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.6-61.5 years); 74 (50%) were female; 48 of 77 at CCC (62%) versus 13 of 72 at GPH (18%) were white; 21 of 77 (27%) versus 32 of 72 (38%) at CCC and GPH, respectively, were black; and 7 of 77 (9%) versus 27 of 72 (38%) at CCC and GPH, respectively, were Hispanic (p < .0001). FD was present in 65 of 75 at CCC (86%; 95% CI: 76%-93%) versus 65 of 72 at GPH (90%; 95% CI: 81%-96%; p = .45). The median intensity of FD at CCC and GPH was 4 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-7) versus 8 (IQR: 3-10), respectively (p = .0003). FD was reported as more severe than physical distress, distress about physical functioning, social/family distress, and emotional distress by 45 (30%), 46 (31%), 64 (43%), and 55 (37%) AdCa, respectively (all significantly worse for patients at GPH) (p < .05). AdCa reported that FD was affecting their general well-being (0 = not at all, 10 = very much) with a median score of 5 (IQR: 1-8). FD correlated (Spearman correlation) with FACT-G (r = -0.23, p = .0057); HADS-anxiety (r = .27, p = .0014), ESAS-anxiety (r = .2, p = .0151), and ESAS-depression (r = .18, p = .0336). CONCLUSION: FD was very frequent in both groups, but median intensity was double among GPH patients. More than 30% of AdCa rated FD to be more severe than physical, family, and emotional distress. More research is needed to better characterize FD and its correlates in AdCa and possible interventions. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Financial distress is an important and common factor contributing to the suffering of advanced cancer patients and their caregivers. It should be suspected in patients with persistent, refractory symptom expression. Early identification, measurement, and documentation will allow clinical teams to develop interventions to improve financial distress and its impact on quality of life of advanced cancer patients.

Family caregivers' perceptions of depression in patients with advanced cancer: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Depression is a serious issue for cancer patients, resulting in impaired quality of life and probably shorter survival. However, many cancer patients with depression are not treated because of the difficulties in identifying depression within this population. Our study aimed to examine caregivers' perceptions of depression among advanced cancer patients. METHOD: This qualitative study employed semistructured interviews, and we analyzed data using grounded theory and qualitative methods. We recruited caregivers from our palliative care unit (PCU) at an academic medical center. RESULTS: We interviewed a total of 15 caregivers. Cancer patients' caregivers had a good theoretical knowledge of depression but also acknowledged that, in the context of cancer and because of their relationship with the patient, identification of depressive symptoms could be challenging. They considered themselves as partners in the patient's care with a supportive role. However, by assuming the role of partner in patient care, caregivers exposed themselves to emotional difficulties and an increased need for support and information. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Our results suggest a significant impact of depression in advanced cancer caregivers, and it is therefore crucial that healthcare professionals develop educational programs targeting cancer patients' families as well as specific interventions to minimize the impact of the burden of patient care on caregivers.

Nurses' perceptions of depression in patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed at examining nurses' perceptions of depression in cancer patients and their role in its management. METHOD: We employed questionnaire-based semi-directed interviews. Participants were asked to classify 22 symptoms (related and specific to depression in cancer patients, related but not specific, and unrelated) as "very important," "important," "less important," or "not important" for the diagnosis of depression in cancer patients at two different timepoints (baseline and after a video education program). They were also asked to complete a questionnaire exploring their perceptions about depression and of their role in its systematic screening. We recruited nurses caring for cancer patients from four different departments (palliative care unit, hematology, medical oncology, and thoracic oncology) at an academic medical center. RESULTS: We interviewed 18 nurses and found that they had a good general knowledge of depression in cancer patients, with the majority of them being able to distinguish specific and important symptoms from nonspecific symptoms. Some nurses considered depression as a second-line symptom, and most did not employ a screening tool in their daily practice. All considered that they had a role to play in the management of depression, even as they acknowledged lacking specific training for that task. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Our results suggest that limited resources­especially lack of training­affects nurses' ability to correctly manage depression in their cancer patients.

Description of a teaching method for research education for palliative care healthcare professionals.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the rapidly growing availability of palliative care services, there is still much to be done in order to better support clinicians who are starting research programs. Among the barriers identified in the literature, methodological issues and lack of research training programs are often reported. Our aim was to describe an educational research method for healthcare professionals working in palliative care and to report the result of a survey conducted among a three-year sample of students. METHOD: The course was provided for a multidisciplinary group and was open to all healthcare professionals involved in palliative care. It took place over a single session during a full day. We used a 20-question e-survey to assess student outcomes (e.g., satisfaction, current status of their project). RESULTS: We received answers from 83 of the 119 students (70%) who took the course. The majority were physicians (n = 62, 75%), followed by nurses (n = 17, 21%). During the class, students assessed the role of the teacher as an information provider (n = 51, 61%), role model (n = 36, 43%), and facilitator (n = 33, 40%), and considered all of these roles as suitable, with a score of 3.9-4.7 out of 5. Participants reported a high level of support from the teacher, with a mean score of 8.2 (SD, 1.7) out of 10, and good overall satisfaction with a mean score of 7.6 (1.8). Finally, 51 participants (77%) were able to start their research project after the class, 27 (41%) to complete it, and 8 (12%) to submit their research to a journal or conference. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Our results suggest that newer teaching methods such as roleplay, group work, and target acquisition are feasible and effective in a palliative research curriculum. Additional studies are needed to confirm the objective outputs of educational interventions, including research outputs.

Association between supportive care interventions and patient self-reported depression among advanced cancer outpatients.

PURPOSE: Advanced cancer patients often experience moderate to severe physical and emotional distress. One of the main components of emotional distress is depression. The objective of this study was to examine the association between supportive care interventions and patient self-reported depression (PSRD) among advanced cancer outpatients. METHODS: We included consecutive patients seen in the outpatient Supportive Care Center between February 2008 and February 2010 with at least one follow-up visit. We used the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) to assess their symptom intensity. Clinical improvement of PSRD was defined as an improvement of at least 30% between the initial visit and the first follow-up. We used logistic regression models to assess possible predictors of improvement in PSRD. RESULTS: We included 444 patients with a median age of 59 years (Q1-Q3; 51-65). The most common type of cancer was gastrointestinal (98, 22%). Out of the 444 patients, 160 (36%) reported moderate/severe depression at baseline (ESAS item score ≥ 4/10). Higher baseline depression intensity was significantly associated to anxiety (r = 0.568, p = 0.046), total symptom distress score (TSDS; r = 0.550, p < 0.001) and personal history of depression (r = 0.242, p = 0.001). Of the 160 patients, 90 (56%) with moderate/severe PSRD at baseline showed a significant improvement at the follow-up visit (p = 0.038). Improvement in anxiety, sedation, and feeling of well-being were associated with higher depression improvement (OR 7.93, CI 3.74-16.80 and OR 2.44, CI 1.09-5.46, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: More than 50% patients with moderate/severe PSRD significantly improved after one single supportive/palliative care consultation. Improvements of anxiety and sedation were independently associated with PSRD improvement.

Patient-physician communication about code status preferences: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Code status discussions are important in cancer care, but the best modality for such discussions has not been established. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a physician ending a code status discussion with a question (autonomy approach) versus a recommendation (beneficence approach) on patients' do-not-resuscitate (DNR) preference. METHODS: Patients in a supportive care clinic watched 2 videos showing a physician-patient discussion regarding code status. Both videos were identical except for the ending: one ended with the physician asking for the patient's code status preference and the other with the physician recommending DNR. Patients were randomly assigned to watch the videos in different sequences. The main outcome was the proportion of patients choosing DNR for the video patient. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients completed the study, and 74% chose DNR after the question video, whereas 73% chose DNR after the recommendation video. Median physician compassion score was very high and not different for both videos. All 30 of 30 patients who had chosen DNR for themselves and 30 of 48 patients who had not chosen DNR for themselves chose DNR for the video patient (100% versus 62%). Age (odds ratio = 1.1/year) and white ethnicity (odds ratio = 9.43) predicted DNR choice for the video patient. CONCLUSIONS: Ending DNR discussions with a question or a recommendation did not impact DNR choice or perception of physician compassion. Therefore, both approaches are clinically appropriate. All patients who chose DNR for themselves and most patients who did not choose DNR for themselves chose DNR for the video patient. Age and race predicted DNR choice.

Predictors of response to palliative care intervention for chronic nausea in advanced cancer outpatients.

PURPOSE: Nausea is a frequent and distressing symptom in advanced cancer patients. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine predictors of response to palliative care consultation for chronic nausea in advanced cancer outpatients. METHODS: Eligible patients included were outpatient supportive care center seen consecutively for an initial consultation and who had one follow-up visit within 30 days of the initial consultation. We reviewed the medical records of 1,273 consecutive patients, and 444 (35 %) were found to meet the eligibility criteria. All patients were assessed using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). Nausea response was defined as an improvement of at least 30% between the initial visit and the first follow-up. We used logistic regression models to assess the possible predictors of improvement in nausea. RESULTS: Overall, 112 of 444 patients (25%) experienced moderate/severe chronic nausea (ESAS item score ≥4/10). Higher baseline nausea intensity was significantly related to constipation (r = 0.158; p = 0.046) and all the symptoms assessed by the ESAS (p < 0.001). Sixty-eight of the 112 (61%) patients with moderate/severe nausea at baseline showed a significant improvement at the follow-up visit (p < 0.001). The main predictors for nausea response were improvement of fatigue (p = 0.005) and increased appetite (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline nausea was associated with all the ESAS symptom and improvement of fatigue and lack of appetite predicted a lower frequency of nausea at follow-up. More research is necessary to better understand the association between nausea severity and other symptoms and to predict which interventions will yield the best outcomes depending on the mix and severity of symptoms.

Medical oncologists' perception of palliative care programs and the impact of name change to supportive care on communication with patients during the referral process. A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: In a simultaneous care model, patients have concurrent access to both cancer-directed therapies and palliative care. As oncologists play a critical role in determining the need/timing of referral to palliative care programs, their understanding of the service and ability to communicate this with patients is of paramount importance. Our study aimed to examine oncologists' perceptions of the supportive care program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and to determine whether renaming "palliative care" to "supportive care" influenced communication regarding referrals. METHOD: This qualitative study used semi-directed interviews, and we analyzed data using grounded theory and qualitative methods. RESULTS: We interviewed 17 oncologists. Supportive care was perceived as an important time-saving application, and symptom control, transitioning to end-of-life care, family counseling, and improving patients' ability to tolerate cancer therapies were cited as important functions. Although most claimed that early referrals to the service are preferable, oncologists identified several challenges, related to the timing and communication with patients regarding the referral, as well as with the supportive care team after the referral was made. Whereas oncologists stated that the name change had no impact on their referral patterns, the majority supported it, as they perceived their patients preferred it. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Although the majority of oncologists favorably viewed supportive care, communication barriers were identified, which need further confirmation. Simultaneous care models that effectively incorporate palliative care with cancer treatments need further development.

Access to palliative care among patients treated at a comprehensive cancer center.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care (PC) is a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. Previous studies on PC access have mostly examined the timing of PC referral. The proportion of patients who actually receive PC is unclear. We determined the proportion of cancer patients who received PC at our comprehensive cancer center and the predictors of PC referral. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of consecutive patients with advanced cancer from the Houston region seen at MD Anderson Cancer Center who died between September 2009 and February 2010. We compared patients who received PC services with those who did not receive PC services before death. RESULTS: In total, 366 of 816 (45%) decedents had a PC consultation. The median interval between PC consultation and death was 1.4 months (interquartile range, 0.5-4.2 months) and the median number of medical team encounters before PC was 20 (interquartile range, 6-45). On multivariate analysis, older age, being married, and specific cancer types (gynecologic, lung, and head and neck) were significantly associated with a PC referral. Patients with hematologic malignancies had significantly fewer PC referrals (33%), the longest interval between an advanced cancer diagnosis and PC consultation (median, 16 months), the shortest interval between PC consultation and death (median, 0.4 months), and one of the largest numbers of medical team encounters (median, 38) before PC. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a majority of cancer patients at our cancer center did not access PC before they died. PC referral occurs late in the disease process with many missed opportunities for referral.

Frequency of depression among oncology outpatients and association with other symptoms.

PURPOSE: Depression occurs among an estimated 15% of cancer patients (range, 1-77.5%). Our main objective was to identify the frequency of reported depression by using the Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale (BEDS) among cancer outpatients. Our secondary objective was to identify associated symptoms of cancer using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and to evaluate the screening performance of depression between ESAS and BEDS. METHODS: In this multicenter prospective study conducted, we used the ESAS to collect information on nine symptoms: pain, fatigue, nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, shortness of breath, lack of appetite, and feeling of well-being (each rated from 0 to 10). The BEDS was used to assess for "probable depression" (score >6). Data were analyzed using a parametric and nonparametric test. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients completed the study. The prevalence of probable depression was 43/146 (29%). Probable depression was associated with increased fatigue (p = 0.008), depression (p < 0.0001), anxiety (p < 0.0001), shortness of breath (p = 0.01), and decreased feeling of well-being (p < 0.001). Among patients with probable depression, 42 (98%) patients were not using antidepressants. Regarding the sensitivity and the specificity, we determined that the optimal cutoff for using the ESAS as a depression screening tool was ≥ 2. CONCLUSION: We found significant associations between probable depression as determined with the BEDS and five symptoms as detected with the ESAS. The vast majority of patients with probable depression were not receiving pharmacological treatment. Depression should be suspected in patients with higher symptom distress as for any one of these 5 ESAS items.

Depression assessment by oncologists and palliative care physicians.

OBJECTIVE: Depression is a frequent problem in cancer patients, which is known to reduce quality of life; however, many cancer patients with depression are not treated because of the difficulties in assessing depression in this population. Our aim was to evaluate and improve the depression assessment strategies of palliative care (PC) physicians and oncologists. METHOD: We invited all medical oncologists and PC physicians from three cancer centers to participate in this multicenter prospective study. They were asked to classify 22 symptoms (related and specific to depression in cancer patients, related but not specific, and unrelated) as "very important," "important," "less important," or "not important" for the diagnosis of depression in cancer patients, at three different time points (at baseline, after a video education program, and after 4 weeks). They were also asked to complete a questionnaire exploring physicians' perceptions of depression and of their role in its systematic screening. RESULTS: All 34 eligible physicians participated. Baseline performance was good, with >70% of participants correctly classifying at least seven of nine related and specific symptoms. We found no significant improvement in scores in the immediate and 4-week follow-up tests. Additionally, 24 (83%) and 23 (79%) participants expressed support for systematic depression screening and a role for oncologists in screening, respectively. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Oncologists had good baseline knowledge about depression's main symptoms in cancer patients and a positive attitude toward being involved in screening. Underdiagnosis of depression is probably related to problems associated with the oncology working environment rather than the physicians' knowledge.

The accuracy of probabilistic versus temporal clinician prediction of survival for patients with advanced cancer: a preliminary report.

Clinicians have limited accuracy in the prediction of patient survival. We assessed the accuracy of probabilistic clinician prediction of survival (CPS) and temporal CPS for advanced cancer patients admitted to our acute palliative care unit, and identified factors associated with CPS accuracy. Eight physicians and 20 nurses provided their estimation of survival on admission by (a) the temporal approach, "What is the approximate survival for this patient (in days)?" and (b) the probabilistic approach, "What is the approximate probability that this patient will be alive (0%-100%)?" for ≥24 hours, 48 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. We also collected patient and clinician demographics. Among 151 patients, the median age was 58 years, 95 (63%) were female, and 138 (81%) had solid tumors. The median overall survival time was 12 days. The median temporal CPS was 14 days for physicians and 20 days for nurses. Physicians were more accurate than nurses. A higher accuracy of temporal physician CPS was associated with older patient age. Probabilistic CPS was significantly more accurate than temporal CPS for both physicians and nurses, although this analysis was limited by the different criteria for determining accuracy. With the probabilistic approach, nurses were significantly more accurate at predicting survival at 24 hours and 48 hours, whereas physicians were significantly more accurate at predicting survival at 6 months. The probabilistic approach was associated with high accuracy and has practical implications.

Nursing home hospital transfers in the terminally ill: night shift nurses matter!

BACKGROUND: French demographic projection expects an increasing number of older, dependent patients in the next few years. A large proportion of this population lives in nursing homes and their transfer to hospitals at the end of life is an ongoing issue. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the factors influencing the transfer of patients living in nursing homes to hospital at the end of life. DESIGN: We used a mixed-methods questionnaire developed by an expert group and assessing different characteristics of the nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS: All the nursing homes in the Rhône-Alpes area (n=680) were surveyed. RESULTS: We obtained 466 (68%) answers. We found that a palliative care programme was present in 336 (72%) nursing homes. The majority had a coordinating physician 428 (82%) and a mean number of 6 nurses for 83 beds, with 83 (18%) having a night shift nurse. There was a mean number of 19 deaths per nursing home during the recorded year. The main cause of death was dementia (41%), cancer-related death (13%). Death occurred mostly in the nursing home (14 74%). Night shift nurse attendance was significantly associated with the place of death: 27 deaths occurred in nursing homes with a night shift nurse versus 12 in those without one (p<0001). CONCLUSIONS: The location of the death of frail elderly patients is a major health issue that needs to be addressed. Our results suggests that the presence of a night shift nurse decreases the number of emergency transfers and deaths in the hospital.

Palliative care referral and associated outcomes among patients with cancer in the last 2†weeks of life.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care (PC) improves the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer. Our aim was to describe PC referral among patients with advanced cancer, and associated outcomes in an academic medical centre. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 536 inpatients with cancer who had died in 2010. Our retrospective study compared patients who accessed PC services with those who did not. Statistical analysis was conducted using non-parametric tests due to non-normal distribution. We also conducted a multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model including age, gender, type of cancer and metastatic status. RESULTS: Out of 536 patients, 239 (45%) had PC referral. The most common cancer types were respiratory (22%) and gastrointestinal (19%). Patients with breast cancer (OR 23.76; CI 6.12 to 92.18) and gynaecological cancer (OR 7.64; CI 2.61 to 22.35) had greater PC access than patients with respiratory or haematological cancer. Patients referred to PC had significantly less chemotherapy in the last 2 weeks of life than non-referred patients, with 22 patients (9%) vs 59 (19%; p<0.001). PC-referred patients had significantly fewer admissions to intensive care units in the last month of life than non-referred patients, with 14 (6%) vs 58 (20%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a large variation in access to PC according to the type of cancer. There is a need to improve collaboration between the PC service and the respiratory, cancer and haematology specialists. Further research will be required to determine the modality and the impact of this collaboration.

Frequency of Past and Current Psychiatric Disorders in Patients Referred for Polysomnography: A Pilot Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of past and current psychiatric disorders among patients referred to a sleep unit for polysomnography. METHODS: A total of 152 patients referred to the Sleep Center of Timone Hospital in Marseille were included from January 12 to March 31, 2015. Clinical data were collected using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 102 patients. Polysomnography helped diagnose the following common sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and non-rapid eye movement sleep arousal disorder. Ninety patients (88%) had psychiatric disorders. All patients (27) without a common sleep disorder diagnosis had psychiatric disorders and among patients with a common sleep disorder diagnosis 84% had psychiatric disorders. Among the psychiatric disorders a past major depressive episode was the most frequent pathology. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that patients referred to a sleep unit have a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders. This may be explained by residual symptoms of psychiatric illnesses, a diagnostic misdirection, a denial of psychiatric diagnosis, or an undiagnosed somatic symptom disorder. Finally, this study shows the importance of cross-disciplinary communication considering the diagnostic heterogeneity that may represent a sleep complaint.