Cognition, functionality and symptoms in patients under home palliative care.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the degree of cognition, functionality, presence of symptoms and medications prescribed for patients under palliative home care. METHOD: Descriptive, cross-sectional study where 55 patients under palliative home care were interviewed. Cognition was evaluated using the Mini-Mental state examination (MM), with patients being separated into two groups: with preserved cognitive ability (MM>24), or altered (MM <24). The functionality was verified by the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) and the patients were divided into two groups: PPS≤50 and PPS≥60. The symptoms presence was evaluated by ESAS (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System) being considered as mild (ESAS 1-3), moderate (ESAS 4-6) or severe (ESAS 7-10) symptoms. Medications prescribed to control the symptoms were registered. Statistical analysis used Student's t test (p <0.05). RESULTS: Most of the 55 patients were women (63.6%), 70.9% of these had MM> 24, 83.6% had PPS <50 and 78.2% presented chronic non-neoplastic degenerative disease. There was a significant relationship between PPS≤50 and MM≤24. Symptoms were present in 98% of patients. Asthenia was more frequently reported and was not treated in 67% of the cases. Severe pain was present in 27.3%: 46% without medication and 13% with medication, if necessary. Most patients with severe dyspnea used oxygen. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the analysed patients had their cognition preserved, presented low functionality and 98% reported the presence of symptoms. Severe pain was present in almost 1/3 of the patients without effective treatment. Re-evaluate palliative home care is suggested to optimize patient's quality of life.

Direito dos pacientes às diretivas antecipadas de vontade / Patient's rights to advance directives / Derecho de los pacientes a las directivas anticipadas de voluntad

Resumo Este estudo investigou o conhecimento que 55 pacientes com doenças terminais tinham sobre seu diagnóstico, prognóstico e a possibilidade de registrar seus desejos no final de vida sob a forma de diretivas antecipadas de vontade. Dos sujeitos da pesquisa, apenas um as havia registrado, e três deles, após diálogo com a pesquisadora, manifestaram interesse em formalizá-las. Os demais declararam não ter tido oportunidade de conversar sobre o tema. As decisões sobre o final da vida do enfermo invariavelmente evidenciam a subestimação de diálogo esclarecedor entre médico e paciente. Os dados do estudo sugerem que as diretivas antecipadas, embora façam parte do respeito à autonomia de vontade dos pacientes com doenças terminais, estão longe de serem efetivadas na prática, o que leva à necessidade de melhorar a comunicação entre médicos e pacientes sobre o processo de terminalidade da vida.

Abstract This research identified the knowledge that 55 patients with terminal diseases had about their diagnosis, prognosis, and the option to register their end-of-life will in advanced directives. Among the studied subjects, only one had already registered their advance directives; three of them expressed their interest in registering them after dialogue with the researcher. All the others subjects stated that they did not have the opportunity to discuss the matter. Decisions regarding patients' end of life invariably make evident the lack of clarifying dialogue between doctor and patient. The study data suggest that advance directives, although constituting an instrument for the respect for the autonomy of will of patients with terminal diseases, are far from being effective in practice, which leads to the need to improve the communication between doctors and patients regarding the process of reaching the end of life.

Resumen Este estudio investigó el conocimiento que 55 pacientes con enfermedades terminales tenían sobre su diagnóstico, su pronóstico y sobre la posibilidad de registrar sus deseos en el final de la vida bajo la forma de directivas anticipadas de voluntad. De los sujetos estudiados, sólo uno había registrado su directiva anticipada y, tres de ellos, después de dialogar con la investigadora, manifestaron interés en formalizarla. Los demás declararon que no habían tenido la oportunidad de conversar sobre el tema. Las decisiones sobre el final de la vida del enfermo evidencian invariablemente la subestimación del diálogo esclarecedor entre médico y paciente. Los datos del estudio sugieren que las directivas anticipadas, aunque formen parte del respeto a la autonomía de voluntad de los pacientes con enfermedades terminales, están lejos de aplicarse en la práctica, lo que conduce a la necesidad de perfeccionar la comunicación entre médicos y pacientes sobre el proceso de terminalidad de la vida.

Cognition, functionality and symptoms in patients under home palliative care

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the degree of cognition, functionality, presence of symptoms and medications prescribed for patients under palliative home care. METHOD: Descriptive, cross-sectional study where 55 patients under palliative home care were interviewed. Cognition was evaluated using the Mini-Mental state examination (MM), with patients being separated into two groups: with preserved cognitive ability (MM>24), or altered (MM <24). The functionality was verified by the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) and the patients were divided into two groups: PPS≤50 and PPS≥60. The symptoms presence was evaluated by ESAS (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System) being considered as mild (ESAS 1-3), moderate (ESAS 4-6) or severe (ESAS 7-10) symptoms. Medications prescribed to control the symptoms were registered. Statistical analysis used Student's t test (p <0.05). RESULTS: Most of the 55 patients were women (63.6%), 70.9% of these had MM> 24, 83.6% had PPS <50 and 78.2% presented chronic non-neoplastic degenerative disease. There was a significant relationship between PPS≤50 and MM≤24. Symptoms were present in 98% of patients. Asthenia was more frequently reported and was not treated in 67% of the cases. Severe pain was present in 27.3%: 46% without medication and 13% with medication, if necessary. Most patients with severe dyspnea used oxygen. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the analysed patients had their cognition preserved, presented low functionality and 98% reported the presence of symptoms. Severe pain was present in almost 1/3 of the patients without effective treatment. Re-evaluate palliative home care is suggested to optimize patient's quality of life.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de cognição, a funcionalidade, a presença de sintomas e as medicações prescritas para pacientes sob cuidados paliativos (CP) domiciliares. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, descritivo, em que foram entrevistados 55 pacientes sob CP domiciliares. A cognição foi avaliada pelo miniexame do estado mental (MM), sendo os pacientes separados em dois grupos: com capacidade cognitiva preservada (MM>24) ou alterada (MM<24). A funcionalidade foi verificada pela performance paliativa (PPS), sendo os pacientes divididos em dois grupos: PPS<50 e PPS>60. A presença de sintomas foi analisada pelo ESAS, sendo considerados sintomas leves (ESAS 1-3), moderados (ESAS 4-6) ou graves (ESAS 7-10). Foram anotadas as medicações prescritas para o controle dos sintomas. Para análise estatística, foi utilizado teste t student's (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Dos 55 pacientes entrevistados, a maioria era de mulheres (63,6%), 70,9% tinham MM>24, 83,6% tinham PPS<50 e 78,2% apresentavam doença crónica degenerativa não neoplásica. Houve relação significante entre PPS<50 e MM<24. Sintomas estavam presentes em 98% dos doentes. Astenia foi mais frequentemente apontada, não sendo tratada em 67% dos casos. Dor grave estava presente em 27,3%: 46% sem medicação e 13% com medicação se necessário. A maioria dos pacientes com dispneia grave usava oxigênio. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos pacientes tinha cognição preservada, apresentava baixa funcionalidade e referia a presença de sintomas. Dor grave estava presente em quase 1/3 dos pacientes, não lhes sendo prescrito tratamento eficaz. Sugere-se que sejam reavaliados os CP domiciliares com o objetivo da otimização da qualidade da vida dos pacientes.

Predictors of death in an Intensive Care Unit: contribution to the palliative approach. / Fatores preditores de óbito em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva: contribuição para a abordagem paliativista.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of death in the Intensive Care Unit and relate eligible patients to preferential palliative care. METHOD: A prospective cohort study that evaluated patients hospitalized for more than 24 hours, subdivided into G1 (patients who died) and G2 (patients who were discharged from hospital). For identifying the predictors for death outcome, the intensivist physician was asked the "surprise question" and clinical-demographic data were collected from the patients. Data were analyzed by descriptive/inferential statistics (p<0.05 significance). RESULTS: 170 patients were evaluated. The negative response to the "surprise question" was related to death outcome. A greater possibility of death (p<0.05) was observed among older and more frail patients with less functionality, chronic cardiac and/or renal insufficiencies or acute non-traumatic neurological insult, with multiorgan failure for more than 5 days, and hospitalized for longer. CONCLUSION: Predictors of death were related to a subjective evaluation by the physician, the clinical condition of the patient, underlying diseases, the severity of the acute disease and the evolution of the critical illness. It is suggested that patients with two or more predictive criteria receive preferential palliative care.

Serial Palliative Performance Scale Assessment in a University General Hospital: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Serial Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) assessments may predict functional decline and prognosis in cancer and noncancer patients and help with end-of-life decision making. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional status of using serial PPS assessments of patients being assisted in collaboration with the palliative care team (PCT). DESIGN: Prospective cohort pilot study. MEASUREMENTS: The sample consisted of 64 cancer and noncancer inpatients being assisted in collaboration with the PCT during the period from 2012 to 2016 (included 12 months). Patients' PPS scores were assessed in three sequential stages: prehospital, first PCT assessment, and outcome (discharge, transference to another unit or death). Functional performance was classified in categories as stable (PPS scores between 70% and 100%), transitional (PPS scores between 40% and 60%), and end of life (PPS scores between 10% and 30%). RESULTS: The mean PPS score during the three assessment stages (respectively, 60.5%, 38.9%, and 25.9%) was significantly different (p < 0.001). Cancer patients had higher PPS scores than noncancer patients; however, both groups exhibited a functional decline along the hospital stay. In both groups there was a negative correlation between the time frame between the different assessment stages and PPS scores (respectively, Pearson -0.4 and -0.6; p < 0.01). The survival curve of the first palliative assessment stage demonstrated earlier death in patients in the end-of-life category. CONCLUSION: Serial PPS assessments are feasible and predicted functional decline in cancer and noncancer patients in this sample. Cancer patients exhibited higher initial functional scores but both cancer and noncancer patients declined in functionality along hospitalization. Earlier deaths occurred in the terminal PPS category than in the transitional PPS category.

Fatores preditores de óbito em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva: contribuição para a abordagem paliativista / Factores predictivos de defunción en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos: aporte para el abordaje paliativista / Predictors of death in an Intensive Care Unit: contribution to the palliative approach

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar preditores de óbito na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e relacionar pacientes elegíveis para cuidados paliativos preferenciais. Método Coorte prospectivo que avaliou pacientes internados por mais de 24 horas, subdivididos em G1 (pacientes que morreram) e G2 (pacientes com alta hospitalar). Para a identificação dos fatores preditores para o desfecho óbito, foi feita ao médico intensivista a "pergunta-surpresa" e foram coletados dados clínico-demográficos dos pacientes. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva/inferencial (significante p<0,05). Resultados Foram avaliados 170 pacientes. A resposta negativa à "pergunta-surpresa" foi relacionada ao desfecho óbito. Houve maior possibilidade de óbito (p<0,05) entre os pacientes mais velhos, mais frágeis, com menor funcionalidade, com insuficiências cardíaca e/ou renal crônicas ou insulto neurológico agudo não traumático, com falência multiorgânica por mais de 5 dias, internados por mais tempo. Conclusão Preditores de óbito foram relacionados à avaliação subjetiva do médico, à condição clínica do paciente, às doenças de base, à gravidade da doença aguda e à evolução da doença crítica. Sugere-se que pacientes com dois ou mais critérios preditores recebam cuidados paliativos preferenciais.

RESUMEN Objetivo Factores predictivos de defunción en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y relacionar a pacientes elegibles para cuidados paliativos preferentes. Método Cohorte prospectivo que evaluó a pacientes hospitalizados por más de 24 horas, subdivididos en G1 (pacientes que fallecieron) y G2 (pacientes con alta hospitalaria). Para la identificación de los factores predictivos para el resultado defunción, se hizo al médico intensivista la "pregunta sorpresa" y fueron recogidos datos clínico-demográficos de los pacientes. Los datos fueron analizados por estadística descriptiva/inferencial (significante p<;0,05). Resultados Fueron evaluados 170 pacientes. La respuesta negativa a la "pregunta sorpresa" fue relacionada con el resultado defunción. Hubo mayor posibilidad de defunción (p<;0,05) entre los pacientes mayores, más frágiles, con menor funcionalidad, con insuficiencias cardiaca y/o renal crónicas o evento neurológico agudo no traumático, con fallo multiorgánico por más de cinco días, hospitalizados por más tiempo. Conclusión Predictores de defunción fueron relacionados con la evaluación subjetiva del médico, la condición clínica del paciente, las enfermedades de base, la severidad de la enfermedad aguda y la evolución de la enfermedad crítica. Se sugiere que pacientes con dos o más criterios predictivos reciban cuidados paliativos preferentes.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify predictors of death in the Intensive Care Unit and relate eligible patients to preferential palliative care. Method A prospective cohort study that evaluated patients hospitalized for more than 24 hours, subdivided into G1 (patients who died) and G2 (patients who were discharged from hospital). For identifying the predictors for death outcome, the intensivist physician was asked the "surprise question" and clinical-demographic data were collected from the patients. Data were analyzed by descriptive/inferential statistics (p<0.05 significance). Results 170 patients were evaluated. The negative response to the "surprise question" was related to death outcome. A greater possibility of death (p<0.05) was observed among older and more frail patients with less functionality, chronic cardiac and/or renal insufficiencies or acute non-traumatic neurological insult, with multiorgan failure for more than 5 days, and hospitalized for longer. Conclusion Predictors of death were related to a subjective evaluation by the physician, the clinical condition of the patient, underlying diseases, the severity of the acute disease and the evolution of the critical illness. It is suggested that patients with two or more predictive criteria receive preferential palliative care.

Intensive care unit team perception of palliative care: the discourse of the collective subject.

OBJECTIVE: To learn the perception of health professionals in an intensive care unit towards palliative care. METHOD: This was a descriptive and qualitative study based on the converging care approach conducted at an intensive care unit in the South of Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were used to investigate the understanding of the professionals about palliative care in this unit. The data were organized and analyzed using the discourse of the collective subject method with the help of Qualiquantisoft® software. RESULTS: Participants included 37 professionals (12 nurses, 11nursing technicians, 5 physical therapists and 9 doctors). The key ideas extracted from the interviews were: care in the end stage of life that avoids futile measures; comfort care; lack of standardized care and lack of team training. CONCLUSION: The professionals perceived palliative care as appropriate in the last stages of life, with no need for futile treatment or as comfort measures. However, they are aware of the lack of standardization and lack of capacity building in this area, which leads them to conceive palliative care as terminal care, and measures are recommended to break with this stigma. OBJETIVO: Conhecer a percepção dos profissionais de saúde de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva acerca do cuidado paliativo. MÉTODO: Pesquisa descritiva, qualitativa do tipo Convergente Assistencial realizada em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva da região sul do Brasil. Utilizou-se de entrevista semiestruturada que investigou o entendimento e a compreensão sobre cuidado paliativo nesta unidade. Os dados foram organizados e analisados pela técnica do discurso do sujeito coletivo com auxílio do software Qualiquantisoft®. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 37 profissionais (12 enfermeiros, 11 técnicos de enfermagem, cinco fisioterapeutas e nove médicos). As ideias centrais extraídas dos relatos: cuidado na fase terminal da vida sem medidas fúteis; cuidados de conforto; falta uniformizar a assistência e falta capacitação para a equipe. CONCLUSÃO: Os profissionais percebem o cuidado paliativo apropriado na fase terminal da vida, sem necessidade de medidas fúteis de tratamento e promotoras de conforto. No entanto, estão conscientes da falta de uniformização e da sua capacitação nesta matéria, o que os leva a conceber o paliativismo como cuidado de terminalidade, pelo que se recomendam medidas para romper com este estigma.

Palliative extubation: case analysis in an intensive care unit / Extubação paliativa: análise de casos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva

Current technological advancements have allowed for the prolongation of the dying process, especially in IntensiveCare Units (ICU). This has increased the need for decisions on the limitation of therapeutic effort (LTE), such as the useof palliative extubation that, although difficult from an emotional standpoint, has legal and ethical justifications, and hasincreased family acceptance. The objective was to evaluate the clinical and demographical profile of patients submittedto palliative extubation (PT) in the ICU of the University Hospital of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (HU/UFSC), Brazil. This was a historical cohort whose data were obtained from forms filled out by critical care doctors fromthe Hospital Death Commission at the HU/UFSC. Patients submitted to LTE that died between January 2011 andDecember 2014 were included in the study. The use of PT and clinical and epidemiological data were collected. LTEwas indicated in 374 (53.8%) patients, with 23 (6.1%) receiving PT. Average age of patients undergoing PT was 73.8years; 10 patients were over 60, and 9 were over 80 years of age. Ten (43.4%) patients had been previously in the ICU.The average time from checking in at the ICU and extubation was 4.4 days, and between extubation and death it was2.5 days. Neurological disease was the main cause of death of patients subjected to PT. All family members were awareof the extubation. Family members from 2 families witnessed the extubation. Morphine was the most common analgesicprescribed. It is concluded that patients submitted to PT were older, with neurological diseases, and the average timefrom extubation to death was 2.5 days

O desenvolvimento tecnológico do mundo atual tem permitido o prolongamento do morrer, principalmente em unidadesde terapia intensiva (UTI). Torna-se crescente a necessidade de decisões de limite de esforço terapêutico (LET), do qualse destaca a extubação paliativa (EP), que embora difícil de ser aceita do ponto de vista emocional, tem respaldo éticolegale aumenta a satisfação familiar. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil clínico-demográfico dos pacientesextubados paliativamente (ExPl) na UTI do HU/UFSC. Trata-se de coorte histórico, cujos dados foram coletados atravésdas fichas preenchidas por médicos intensivistas que constituem a Comissão de Óbito da instituição. Foram incluídosos pacientes que morreram na UTI/HU/UFSC, após indicação de LET, entre janeiro/2011 e dezembro/2014. Foramselecionados os pacientes que foram ExPl, sendo anotados seus dados clínicos e epidemiológicos. LET foi apontado em374 (53,8%) pacientes, sendo 23 (6,1%) ExPl. A média da idade dos ExPl foi de 73,8 anos, 10 tinham mais de 60 e 9 maisde 80 anos. Dez (43,4%) pacientes já haviam sido internados previamente em UTI. O tempo médio entre a internaçãoextubaçãofoi 4,4 dias e entre extubação-morte foi de 2,5 dias. Doença neurológica foi a principal causa da morte dospacientes ExPl. Todos os familiares estavam cientes da EP. Familiares de 2 pacientes acompanharam a EP. Morfina foia medicação analgésica mais prescrita. Concluiu-se que os pacientes que foram ExPl eram mais idosos, acometidospreferencialmente por doenças neurológicas e o tempo médio entre a EP e óbito foi de 2,5 dias

Intensive care unit team perception of palliative care: the discourse of the collective subject / El equipo de la unidad de cuidados intensivos ante el cuidado paliativo: discurso del sujeto colectivo / A equipe da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva frente ao cuidado paliativo: discurso do sujeito coletivo

Abstract OBJECTIVE To learn the perception of health professionals in an intensive care unit towards palliative care. METHOD This was a descriptive and qualitative study based on the converging care approach conducted at an intensive care unit in the South of Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were used to investigate the understanding of the professionals about palliative care in this unit. The data were organized and analyzed using the discourse of the collective subject method with the help of Qualiquantisoft® software. RESULTS Participants included 37 professionals (12 nurses, 11nursing technicians, 5 physical therapists and 9 doctors). The key ideas extracted from the interviews were: care in the end stage of life that avoids futile measures; comfort care; lack of standardized care and lack of team training. CONCLUSION The professionals perceived palliative care as appropriate in the last stages of life, with no need for futile treatment or as comfort measures. However, they are aware of the lack of standardization and lack of capacity building in this area, which leads them to conceive palliative care as terminal care, and measures are recommended to break with this stigma.

Resumen OBJETIVO Conocer la percepción de los profesionales sanitarios de una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos acerca del cuidado paliativo. MÉTODO Investigación descriptiva, cualitativa del tipo Convergente Asistencial realizada en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de la región sur de Brasil. Se empleó entrevista semiestructurada que investigó el entendimiento y la comprensión acerca del cuidado paliativo en esa unidad. Los datos fueron organizados y analizados por la técnica del discurso del sujeto colectivo con auxilio del software Qualiquantisoft®. RESULTADOS Participaron en el estudio 37 profesionales (12 enfermeros, 11 técnicos de enfermería, cinco fisioterapeutas y nueve médicos). Las ideas centrales extraídas de los relatos: cuidado en la fase terminal de la vida sin medidas fútiles; cuidados de confort; ausencia de uniformización de la asistencia y de capacitación para el equipo. CONCLUSIÓN Los profesionales perciben el cuidado paliativo apropiado en la fase terminal de la vida, sin necesidad de medidas fútiles de tratamiento y promotoras de confort. Sin embargo, están enterados de la falta de uniformización y de su capacitación en esa materia, lo que lleva a concebir el paliativismo como cuidado de terminalidad, por lo que se recomiendan medidas para romper dicho estigma.

Resumo OBJETIVO Conhecer a percepção dos profissionais de saúde de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva acerca do cuidado paliativo. MÉTODO Pesquisa descritiva, qualitativa do tipo Convergente Assistencial realizada em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva da região sul do Brasil. Utilizou-se de entrevista semiestruturada que investigou o entendimento e a compreensão sobre cuidado paliativo nesta unidade. Os dados foram organizados e analisados pela técnica do discurso do sujeito coletivo com auxílio do software Qualiquantisoft®. RESULTADOS Participaram do estudo 37 profissionais (12 enfermeiros, 11 técnicos de enfermagem, cinco fisioterapeutas e nove médicos). As ideias centrais extraídas dos relatos: cuidado na fase terminal da vida sem medidas fúteis; cuidados de conforto; falta uniformizar a assistência e falta capacitação para a equipe. CONCLUSÃO Os profissionais percebem o cuidado paliativo apropriado na fase terminal da vida, sem necessidade de medidas fúteis de tratamento e promotoras de conforto. No entanto, estão conscientes da falta de uniformização e da sua capacitação nesta matéria, o que os leva a conceber o paliativismo como cuidado de terminalidade, pelo que se recomendam medidas para romper com este estigma.

Consultorias em cuidados paliativos em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva / Palliative care consultation in an Intensive Care Unit

A promoção dos cuidados paliativos nas unidades de terapia intensiva promove melhora da qualidade do atendimento, principalmente quanto ao controle dos sintomas dos pacientes e a melhor satisfação dos familiares. Modelos têm sido recomendados para a implantação desses cuidados. Com esse objetivo tem sido realizada no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina uma visita paliativista semanal. Este trabalho procurou analisar o conteúdo das consultorias paliativistas. Trata-se de estudo com enfoque qualitativo dos diálogos entre os consultores paliativistas e os profissionais da unidade de terapia intensiva. Por meio de anotações de campo, foram coletados os principais diálogos entre os participantes, e também a data e tempo de duração da reunião, quantidade e especialidade dos participantes, tempo entre internação e discussão do caso. Os dados transcritos foram analisados por meio do método de análise qualitativa de conteúdo, com resumo dos textos nas principais categorias abordadas. Entre abril e julho de 2014 internaram 106 pacientes, sendo discutidos 14 casos (13,2%). O tempo médio entre admissão e discussão foi de 14 dias. Os médicos foram os profissionais com maior participação nas discussões. Os principais assuntos discutidos foram relacionados a avaliação prognóstica, avaliação das preferências da família, manutenção e limitação de esforços terapêuticos. Poucos pacientes internados receberam consultoria em Cuidados Paliativos, havendo longo tempo entre admissão e consultoria. As maiores dificuldades detectadas foram relacionadas às definições prognósticas e à comunicação com a família.

Initiatives to implement Palliative Care in the intensive care unit may improve symptom management and family satisfaction for patients with serious illness, reduce hospital length of stay, use of ineffective medical therapies and cost savings. There are models for implementing these initiatives. At university hospital in Florianópolis, Brazil, there are regular meetings between palliative care consultants and intensive care unit staff. The purpose of this study was to examine the main contents of palliative care consultations carried out in the intensive care unit at the university hospital. This is a descriptive study that used participant observation as a method for data collection. Field notes were completed with dates, length of stay, number of participants and main contents from the meetings, and then qualitative content analysis was applied into the textual material. All meeting content was included in the study. Between April and July 2014, 106 patients were admitted and 14 (13,2%) were selected to receive palliative care consultation. Average length of stay to receive consultation was 14 days. The physicians were the most participative during the meetings. The main subjects discussed during consultations were related to prognostic uncertainty, family support and use or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments. Few patients received palliative care consultation at the university hospital, with long length of stay until first consultation. The most important barriers were related to prognosis assessment and communication with the families.

Evaluation of the symptoms and treatment prescribed to hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the presence of symptoms and suitability in the treatment of patients admitted to medical wards at HU-UFSC. Identification of patients eligible for palliative care (PC). METHOD: A prospective cohort study, which evaluated patients in the first 48 hours of hospitalization (D1) and after 48 hours (D2). On D1, palliative performance and symptom assessment scales were applied (PPS/ESAS). The treatment established for the control of detected symptoms was also identified. On D2, the ESAS scale was applied again, and the medical prescription reviewed. When the presence of severe symptoms was found, the attending physician was informed. Patients who presented PPS≤60 were eligible for PC prioritization. For statistical analysis Student's t and χ2 tests were used. RESULTS: 168 patients were studied. Of these, 26.8% had PPS≤60. PC was described in one medical chart. Patients with mild symptoms reported significant worsening in the second evaluation, especially worsening in pain (32.3%) and well-being (49.3%). Symptoms considered severe showed significant improvement. There was no control of pain reported as moderate. Prescriptions for pain control were predominantly "if necessary", prevailing the use of non-opioid analgesics and weak opioids. The attending physician was informed of 116 (69%) patients with ESAS score≥4. CONCLUSION: The control of symptoms, especially those considered mild, was unsatisfactory. Drug prescription was inadequate to control pain, and non-existent for some reported symptoms. There was no adequate prioritization of PC. There is a need for optimization and dissemination of PC among health professionals.

Evaluation of the symptoms and treatment prescribed to hospitalized patients / Avaliação dos sintomas e tratamento prescrito a pacientes internados

Summary Objective: Evaluation of the presence of symptoms and suitability in the treatment of patients admitted to medical wards at HU-UFSC. Identification of patients eligible for palliative care (PC). Method: A prospective cohort study, which evaluated patients in the first 48 hours of hospitalization (D1) and after 48 hours (D2). On D1, palliative performance and symptom assessment scales were applied (PPS/ESAS). The treatment established for the control of detected symptoms was also identified. On D2, the ESAS scale was applied again, and the medical prescription reviewed. When the presence of severe symptoms was found, the attending physician was informed. Patients who presented PPS≤60 were eligible for PC prioritization. For statistical analysis Student’s t and χ2 tests were used. Results: 168 patients were studied. Of these, 26.8% had PPS≤60. PC was described in one medical chart. Patients with mild symptoms reported significant worsening in the second evaluation, especially worsening in pain (32.3%) and well-being (49.3%). Symptoms considered severe showed significant improvement. There was no control of pain reported as moderate. Prescriptions for pain control were predominantly “if necessary”, prevailing the use of non-opioid analgesics and weak opioids. The attending physician was informed of 116 (69%) patients with ESAS score≥4. Conclusion: The control of symptoms, especially those considered mild, was unsatisfactory. Drug prescription was inadequate to control pain, and non-existent for some reported symptoms. There was no adequate prioritization of PC. There is a need for optimization and dissemination of PC among health professionals.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliação da presença de sintomas e adequabilidade do tratamento nos pacientes internados nas enfermarias clínicas do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (HU-UFSC). Verificação dos pacientes elegíveis para cuidados paliativos (CP). Método: estudo de coorte prospectivo que avaliou pacientes nas primeiras 48 horas da internação (D1) e após 48 horas (D2). No D1, foram aplicadas escalas de performance paliativa e de avaliação dos sintomas (PPS/ESAS). Também verificou-se o tratamento estabelecido para o controle dos sintomas detectados. No D2, a ESAS foi reaplicada, sendo revisada a prescrição médica. Quando constatada a presença de sintomas graves, o médico assistente foi informado. Foram elegíveis para a priorização de CP os pacientes que apresentaram PPS≤60. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizados os testes T de Student e χ2. Resultados: foram estudados 168 pacientes, dos quais 26,8% tinham uma PPS≤60. CP foram descritos em um prontuário. Os doentes com sintomas leves referiram piora significante na segunda avaliação, destacando-se piora da dor (32,3%) e do bem-estar (49,3%). Os sintomas considerados graves apresentaram melhora significante. Não houve controle da dor relatada como moderada. As prescrições para o controle da dor eram predominantemente “se necessário”, prevalecendo o uso de analgésicos não opioides e opioides fracos. O médico assistente foi informado sobre 116 (69%) pacientes com ESAS≥4. Conclusão: o controle dos sintomas, principalmente os leves, foi insatisfatório. A prescrição médica foi inadequada para o controle da dor e inexistente para alguns sintomas referidos. Não houve priorização adequada dos CP. Há necessidade de otimização e divulgação dos CP entre profissionais da saúde.

Pacientes críticos elegíveis para avaliação paliativista / Critical patients eligible for palliative care assessment

Cuidados Paliativos devem ser prestados a todos os pacientes críticos, sendo ideal que haja integração entre médicos intensivistas e paliativistas. Para a otimização dos Cuidados Paliativos em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva é apontada a necessidade da identificação de pacientes com risco de má evolução. Este trabalho visou identificar quais pacientes internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva do Hospital Universitário Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago seriam elegíveis à avaliação paliativista e comparar o perfil desses pacientes com o daqueles que foram efetivamente discutidos pela equipe de Cuidados Paliativos. Durante três meses foram avaliados semanalmente os prontuários dos pacientes internados, sendo identificados como elegíveis para avaliação paliativista aqueles com tempo de internação ≥ 5 dias associado à idade ≥ 80 anos, readmissão na unidade, necessidade de gastrostomia/traqueostomia/hemodiálise não programada ou presença de condições de base ameaçadoras da vida. Posteriormente, foram comparados os dados dos pacientes elegíveis com os dos pacientes discutidos pela equipe. Dos 103 pacientes internados, foram identificados 53 (51,4%) para avaliação paliativista. Não houve diferença demográfica entre os selecionados ou não. Quinze doentes (14,5%) foram discutidos pela equipe. Esses eram mais comumente do sexo masculino, tinham um quadro mais grave, sendo mais comum o diagnóstico de insuficiência respiratória (p=NS). As doenças mais frequentemente relacionadas à discussão paliativista foram: doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, insulto neurológico, neoplasia e demência (p<0.05). Houve maior prevalência de traqueostomia no grupo discutido pela equipe e de hemodiálise não programada no grupo não discutido (p<0.05).

Palliative Care must be provided to all critically ill patients, being ideal integration between palliative and critical care physicians. For the optimization of Palliative Care in Intensive Care Units, it is necessary to identify patients at risk for poor outcome. This study aimed to identify which patients admitted at the Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago University Hospital Intensive Care Unit would be eligible for palliative assessment, and compare the profile of these patients with those who were actually discussed by the Palliative Care team. For three months, weekly, the charts of hospitalized patients were evaluated, being identified as eligible for Palliative Care assessment those with length of stay ≥ 5 days associated with age ≥ 80 years, readmission to the unit, unplanned need for gastrostomy / tracheostomy / hemodialysis, or baseline condition that threatens life. Later, the data from those eligible patients and those discussed by the team patients were compared. Of the 103 hospitalized patients, 53 (51,4%) were identified for palliative assessment. There were no demographic differences between the groups. Fifteen patients (14,5%) were discussed by the Palliative Care team. These were more commonly male, had a more serious conditions, and the most common diagnosis was respiratory failure (p=NS). The most common diseases related to palliative discussion were: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neurological insult, cancer and dementia (p<0.05). There was a higher prevalence of tracheostomy on the discussed group and unplanned hemodialysis on the not discussed group (p <0.05).

Efficacy and safety of midazolam for sedation in pediatric dentistry: a controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Pharmacological management of uncooperative children is becoming increasingly common in the dental setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of 3 different doses of midazolam for sedation in 2- to 4- year-old children with multiple dental needs and negative behavior. METHODS: Ten children participated in this crossover, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial, which evaluated their behavior, appointment length and patient response after administration of 3 different doses of midazolam or placebo. Oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were monitored in all sessions. RESULTS: Sedated children exhibited a more positive behavior compared to the placebo group, both at the beginning of the appointment (sitting in the chair) and during administration of local anesthesia (P=.008 and P<.03, respectively). The use of midazolam allowed for longer appointments, and doses of at least 0.3 mg/kg produced a higher rate of positive behavior overall. No changes in oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were observed. CONCLUSION: Midazolam was effective and safe for pediatric sedation in the dosages studied.

Radiografia de tórax de rotina em terapia intensiva: impacto na tomada de decisão / Routine chest radiography in intensive care: impact on decision-making

OBJETIVO: Verificar a prevalência de alterações clínicas nas radiografias de tórax e sua relação com a tomada de decisões em terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Coorte prospectiva, que envolveu pacientes internados não consecutivamente na unidade de terapia intensiva do Hospital Universitário Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago, da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Entre os meses de fevereiro e maio de 2011, foram avaliados diariamente os exames de imagem solicitados na unidade de terapia intensiva, sendo divididos conforme a razão de internação, o tipo de exame solicitado, o segmento anatômico estudado e a finalidade da solicitação. Posteriormente, segundo interpretação do médico intensivista, os exames foram divididos segundo alteração detectada e mudança em conduta médica. A análise estatística foi feita segundo o teste do qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Foram envolvidos 106 pacientes pela amostragem. Foram avaliados 447 exames de imagem, sendo 425 radiografias de tórax em incidência anteroposterior. Obteve-se média de 4,01 radiografias por paciente internado. Dentre as radiografias solicitadas, 79,3% foram interpretadas como normais. Das radiografias alteradas, 35,2% não suscitaram alteração em conduta. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das radiografias solicitadas e realizadas na unidade de terapia intensiva não apresentou alterações clínicas estatisticamente relevantes, e as que demonstraram alterações não necessariamente propiciaram mudança em conduta.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the prevalence of clinical abnormalities in chest radiographs and its relationship with decision-making in intensive care. METHODS: This prospective cohort study involved nonconsecutive patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit at the Hospital Universitário Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Imaging tests in the intensive care unit (ICU) were assessed daily between February and May 2011 and divided according to the reason for hospitalization, the type of test requested, anatomical segment under assessment and the purpose of the request. The imaging tests were interpreted by intensivists and subsequently divided according to the detected abnormalities and changes in medical care. The chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study sample included 106 patients. A total of 447 imaging tests were assessed, 425 of which were anteroposterior chest radiographs. An average of 4.01 radiographs per patient was obtained. Among the requested radiographs, 79.3% were normal, and 35.2% of abnormal radiographs did not prompt changes in medical care. CONCLUSION: Most of the radiographs performed in the intensive care unit exhibited no statistically significant clinical alterations, and the radiographs that revealed abnormalities did not necessarily lead to changes in medical care.

Summary of the II Brazilian Guideline update on Acute Heart Failure 2009/2011.

In the past two years we observed several changes in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with acute heart failure (acute HF), which led us to the need of performing a summary update of the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure 2009. In the diagnostic evaluation, the diagnostic flowchart was simplified and the role of clinical assessment and echocardiography was enhanced. In the clinical-hemodynamic evaluation on admission, the hemodynamic echocardiography gained prominence as an aid to define this condition in patients with acute HF in the emergency room. In the prognostic evaluation, the role of biomarkers was better established and the criteria and prognostic value of the cardiorenal syndrome was better defined. The therapeutic approach flowcharts were revised, and are now simpler and more objective. Among the advances in drug therapy, the safety and importance of the maintenance or introduction of beta-blockers in the admission treatment are highlighted. Anticoagulation, according to new evidence, gained a wider range of indications. The presentation hemodynamic models of acute pulmonary edema were well established, with their different therapeutic approaches, as well as new levels of indication and evidence. In the surgical treatment of acute HF, CABG, the approach to mechanical lesions and heart transplantation were reviewed and updated. This update strengthens the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure to keep it updated and refreshed. All clinical cardiologists who deal with patients with acute HF will find, in the guidelines and its summary, important tools to help them with the clinical practice for better diagnosis and treatment of their patients.

Routine chest radiography in intensive care: impact on decision-making. / Radiografia de tórax de rotina em terapia intensiva: impacto na tomada de decisão.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the prevalence of clinical abnormalities in chest radiographs and its relationship with decision-making in intensive care. METHODS: This prospective cohort study involved nonconsecutive patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit at the Hospital Universitário Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Imaging tests in the intensive care unit (ICU) were assessed daily between February and May 2011 and divided according to the reason for hospitalization, the type of test requested, anatomical segment under assessment and the purpose of the request. The imaging tests were interpreted by intensivists and subsequently divided according to the detected abnormalities and changes in medical care. The chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study sample included 106 patients. A total of 447 imaging tests were assessed, 425 of which were anteroposterior chest radiographs. An average of 4.01 radiographs per patient was obtained. Among the requested radiographs, 79.3% were normal, and 35.2% of abnormal radiographs did not prompt changes in medical care. CONCLUSION: Most of the radiographs performed in the intensive care unit exhibited no statistically significant clinical alterations, and the radiographs that revealed abnormalities did not necessarily lead to changes in medical care.

II Fórum do "Grupo de Estudos do Fim da Vida do Cone Sul": definições, recomendações e ações integradas para cuidados paliativos na unidade de terapia intensiva de adultos e pediátrica / II Forum of the "End of Life Study Group of the Southern Cone of America": palliative care definitions, recommendations and integrated actions for intensive care and pediatric intensive care units

Cuidado paliativo é uma forma de abordagem que visa a melhoria da qualidade de vida de pacientes e seus familiares que enfrentam doenças ameaçadoras à vida, através da prevenção, da identificação e do tratamento precoces dos sintomas de sofrimento físico, psíquico, espiritual e social. Todo paciente criticamente enfermo deve receber cuidados paliativos desde a internação, o que torna de primordial importância a educação e o treinamento dos intensivistas para a implantação destes cuidados nas unidades de terapia intensiva, tanto para atendimento de adultos como pediátrico. Em continuidade aos planos da Câmara Técnica de Terminalidade e Cuidados Paliativos da Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira e, levando em consideração o conceito previamente apontado, foi realizado em outubro de 2010, durante o Congresso Brasileiro de Terapia Intensiva, o IIºForum do "Grupo de Estudos do Fim da Vida do Cone Sul", com o objetivo de elaborar recomendações pertinentes aos cuidados paliativos a serem prestados aos pacientes críticamente enfermos.

Palliative care is aimed to improve the quality of life of both patients and their family members during the course of life-threatening diseases through the prevention, early identification and treatment of the symptoms of physical, psychological, spiritual and social suffering. Palliative care should be provided to every critically ill patient; this requirement renders the training of intensive care practitioners and education initiatives fundamental. Continuing the Technical Council on End of Life and Palliative Care of the Brazilian Association of Intensive Medicine activities and considering previously established concepts, the II Forum of the End of Life Study Group of the Southern Cone of America was conducted in October 2010. The forum aimed to develop palliative care recommendations for critically ill patients.