Knowledge and attitudes of physicians in Chile toward Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders: A cross-sectional nation-wide study.

Objective: Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders originated in the early 1960s with the establishment of advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These orders aim to limit therapeutic efforts in cases where it may be futile. The decision not to resuscitate a patient is a process that involves a series of ethical, legal, and clinical considerations. Still, it also requires a process in which priority is given to the patients and their autonomy. The objective of this study was to describe the knowledge and attitudes of physicians working in Chile toward Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which a digital questionnaire was sent to physicians from different regions of Chile. Quantitative variables were analyzed using measures of central tendency and dispersion (e.g., median and interquartile range), while qualitative variables were evaluated using frequencies and percentages. Results: Four hundred and thirty-one physicians completed the survey. 85.4% were familiar with the ethical and legal guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the rights and duties of the patient. 39.2% believed that patients should have the final decision Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders, especially if they themselves requested not to be resuscitated. 87.7% mentioned that the Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders should be reassessed if the patient's prognosis improves. In addition, it was found that the decision not to resuscitate was not always discussed with the patient or their family. Conclusions: The study revealed an ethical conflict regarding Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation orders and their management by Chilean physicians. Therefore, it is necessary to create recommendations and provide training to guide professionals in this process, which should also involve patients and their families.

Evaluation of the Concept of Value-Based Healthcare Applied to an Integrated Palliative Care Program in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the "Value-Based Healthcare" concept of an integrated palliative care (PC) program in Bogotá, Colombia, through the measurement of health outcomes and care costs in the last 3 months of life. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study that included patients ≥18 years old who died in 2020 due to medical conditions amenable to PC. The measured health outcomes included pain, wellbeing, comfort, quality of life (QOL), and satisfaction. We analyzed the behavior of overall care costs during the last 3 months of the patients' lives and controlled for the effect of exposure to the program, considering the disease type and insurance coverage, using a linear regression model, nearest-neighbor matching, and sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among patients exposed to the program, the mean pain score was 2.1/10 (± 1.3) and wellbeing was rated at 3.5/10 (± 1.0), comfort at 1.6/24 (± 1.3), QOL at 3.6/5.0 (± 0.17), and satisfaction at 9.3/100 (± 0.15). The positive changes in these scores were greater for patients who remained in the program for over 3 months. Cost reduction was demonstrated in the last 90 days of life, with statistically significant and chronologically progressive savings during the last 30 days of life exceeding 5 million pesos per patient (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the success of PC in reducing pain, improving wellbeing and QOL, providing comfort, and ensuring high levels of satisfaction. Moreover, PC is an effective value-based healthcare strategy and can significantly enhance the efficiency of healthcare services by reducing end-of-life healthcare costs.

Fatores preditores associados a ocorrência de lesão por pressão em pacientes em cuidados paliativos oncológicos / Predictive factors associated with the occurrence of pressure injuries in patients undergoing cancer palliative care / Factores predictivos asociados con la aparición de lesiones por presión en pacientes sometidos a cuidados paliativos oncológicos

Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores preditores para ocorrência de lesão por pressão em pacientes oncológicos em cuidados paliativos. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico observacional, analítico, com delineamento transversal e abordagem quantitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada com 105 participantes, no período de maio a outubro de 2019, em uma Clínica de Cuidados Paliativos Oncológicos de um Centro de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia. Os foram inseridos no software Biostat 5.0, em que foi realizada primeiramente a análise de regressão logística univariada, e posteriormente foram selecionadas as variáveis para a regressão logística múltipla e assim definiram-se os fatores preditivos para lesão por pressão. Resultados: A prevalência identificada foi de 19,04% para lesão por pressão. A maioria da amostra eram mulheres (60%), com idade menor que 70 anos (70%). Dois terços apresentavam risco muito alto (15%), para lesão por pressão segundo a Escala de Braden, e possuíam como diagnóstico primário câncer de próstata (20%), seguido de colo uterino (15%). Conclusão: A presença de lesão medular e o uso de fralda descartável demonstrou forte correlação com o desenvolvimento de lesão por pressão, sendo estes os fatores preditivos identificados neste estudo. Conhecer o perfil desses pacientes auxilia na elaboração e sistematização das condutas de enfermagem, visando melhor qualidade e segurança no cuidado. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the predictive factors for the occurrence of pressure injuries in cancer patients undergoing palliative care. Methods: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional epidemiological study with a quantitative approach. Data collection was carried out with 105 participants, from May to October 2019, in an Oncology Palliative Care Clinic of a High Complexity Oncology Center. The data were entered into the Biostat 5.0 software, in which the univariate logistic regression analysis was first performed, and then the variables for the multiple logistic regression were selected, thus defining the predictive factors for pressure injury. Results: The identified prevalence was 19.04% for pressure injuries. Most of the sample were women (60%), aged under 70 years (70%). Two-thirds were at very high risk (15%) for pressure injury according to the Braden Scale, and had prostate cancer as a primary diagnosis (20%), followed by cervix (15%). Conclusion: The presence of spinal cord injury and the use of a disposable diaper showed a strong correlation with the development of pressure injury, which are the predictive factors identified in this study. Knowing the profile of these patients helps in the elaboration and systematization of nursing procedures, aiming at better quality and safety in care. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar los factores predictivos de la ocurrencia de lesiones por presión en pacientes oncológicos sometidos a cuidados paliativos. Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico observacional, analítico, transversal con enfoque cuantitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó con 105 participantes, de mayo a octubre de 2019, en una Clínica de Cuidados Paliativos Oncológicos de un Centro Oncológico de Alta Complejidad. Los datos se ingresaron en el software Biostat 5.0, en el cual se realizó primero el análisis de regresión logística univariante, y luego se seleccionaron las variables para la regresión logística múltiple, definiendo así los factores predictivos de lesión por presión. Resultados: La prevalencia identificada fue del 19,04% para las lesiones por presión. La mayoría de la muestra fueron mujeres (60%), menores de 70 años (70%). Dos tercios tenían un riesgo muy alto (15%) de lesión por presión según la escala de Braden y tenían cáncer de próstata como diagnóstico primario (20%), seguido del cuello uterino (15%). Conclusión: La presencia de lesión medular y el uso de pañal desechable mostró una fuerte correlación con el desarrollo de lesión por presión, que son los factores predictivos identificados en este estudio. Conocer el perfil de estos pacientes ayuda en la elaboración y sistematización de los procedimientos de enfermería, buscando una mejor calidad y seguridad en la atención. (AU)

Cuidados paliativos en la atención primaria de salud / Palliative care in primary health care

En la actualidad, la oferta de cuidados paliativos especializados ha sido superada por la demanda, por lo cual la atención a pacientes con enfermedades en estado terminal o en fase final de la vida suele estar a cargo del médico del nivel primario de asistencia. En ese sentido, los cuidados paliativos primarios incluyen el diagnóstico, el tratamiento paliativo, la planificación anticipada, la gestión y coordinación de intervenciones multidisciplinarias y la transferencia a cuidados especializados cuando sea necesario y haya disponibilidad para ello. Al respecto, en este artículo se exponen brevemente algunos elementos sobre el tema y se propone, además, un algoritmo práctico y fácil de aplicar en la atención primaria, que permitirá identificar a la población aquejada por dolencias en esas etapas, con diferenciación en cuanto a afecciones neoplásicas o no neoplásicas.

Nowadays, the offer of specialized palliative care has been overcome by the demand, reason why care to patients with terminal illness or in end-of-life period is usually in charge of the doctor from primary care level. In that sense, primary palliative care includes the diagnosis, palliative treatment, early planning, administration and coordination of multidisciplinary interventions and referring to specialized care when it is necessary and the service is available. In this respect, some elements on the topic are shortly exposed in this work and, also, a practical and easy implementation algorithm in primary care is proposed that will allow identifying population suffering from pain in those stages, with differentiation as for neoplastic or non neoplastic affections.

The Physician Surprise Question in the Emergency Department: prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to test the ability of the surprise question (SQ), when asked to emergency physicians (EPs), to predict in-hospital mortality among adults admitted to an emergency room (ER). METHODS: This prospective cohort study at an academic medical centre included consecutive patients 18 years or older who received care in the ER and were subsequently admitted to the hospital from 20 April 2018 to 20 October 2018. EPs were required to answer the SQ for all patients who were being admitted to hospital. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The cohort included 725 adults (mean (SD) age, 60 (17) years, 51% men) from 58 128 emergency department (ED) visits. The mortality rates were 20.6% for 30-day all-cause in-hospital mortality and 23.6% for in-hospital mortality. The diagnostic test characteristics of the SQ have a sensitivity of 53.7% and specificity of 87.1%, and a relative risk of 4.02 (95% CI 3.15 to 5.13), p<0.01). The positive and negative predictive values were 57% and 86%, respectively; the positive likelihood ratio was 4.1 and negative likelihood ratio was 0.53; and the accuracy was 79.2%. CONCLUSIONS: We found that asking the SQ to EPs may be a useful tool to identify patients in the ED with a high risk of in-hospital mortality.

Home-Based Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care Provider Visits: Effects on Healthcare Utilization.

OBJECTIVE: This hypothesis-generating study sought to assess the impact of home-based hospice and palliative care (HBHPC) provider home visits (HV) on healthcare use. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of individuals ages 1 month to 21 years receiving an in-person HBHPC provider (MD/DO or APN) HV through 2 HBHPC programs in the Midwest from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2018. Descriptive statistics were calculated for healthcare use variables. Paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared the changes in healthcare use the year before and year after initial provider HVs. RESULTS: The cohort included 195 individuals (49% female), with diagnoses composed of 49% neurologic, 30% congenital chromosomal, 11% oncologic, 7% cardiac, and 3% other. After implementation of HBHPC services, these patients showed decreases in the median (IQR) number of intensive care unit days (before HV, 12 [IQR, 4-37]; after HV, 0 [IQR, 0-8]; P < .001); inpatient admissions (before HV, 1 [IQR, 1-3]; after HV, 1 [IQR, 0-2]; P = .005); and number of inpatient days (before HV, 5 [IQR, 1-19]; after HV, 2 [IQR, 0-8]; P = .009). There was an increase in clinically relevant phone calls to the HBHPC team (before HV, 1 [IQR, 0-4] vs after HV, 4 [IQR, 1-7]; P < .001) and calls to the HBHPC team before emergency department visits (before HV, 0 [IQR, 0-0] vs after HV, 1 [IQR, 1-2]; P < .001). CONCLUSION: HBHPC provider HVs were associated with fewer inpatient admissions, hospital days, and intensive care unit days, and increased clinically relevant phone calls and phone calls before emergency department visit. These findings indicate that HBHPC HV may contribute to decreased inpatient use and increased use of the HBHPC team.

The expectations of metastatic cancer patients regarding palliative chemotherapy: A Brazilian-German qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expectations of Brazilian and German patients regarding metastatic cancer and palliative chemotherapy. METHODS: Interviews with 48 metastatic cancer patients from Brazil and Germany were conducted. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the thematic analysis approach to identify common themes. The sociodemographic data were collected using an instrument developed by the authors. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients participated in the study (58% were Brazilian and 42% were German). Of all participants, 35% were men and 65% were women. The participants' mean age was 41 years. The general idea captured from the interviewees' speech was that their diseases were curable or "while there is chemotherapy, there is life"; thus, the data analysis enabled the elaboration of the central theme, entitled "Mistaken expectations of metastatic cancer patients regarding palliative chemotherapy: While there is chemotherapy, there is life," with 5 subthemes, namely: (1) communication and expectations; (2) normal life; (3) the person behind the disease; (4) religiosity and spirituality; and (5) the fortitude to choose between continuing or discontinuing treatment. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Regardless of cultural aspects, patients with metastatic cancer on palliative chemotherapy tend to believe in the healing potential of treatments. Dividing expectations only into curable or incurable is insufficient, as even patients who have acknowledged the incurability of their disease expect to live, as long as they remain under treatment as if the disease did not exist.

Morte digna como direito: visibilidade jurídica da finitude / Dignified death as a right: the legal visibility of finitude / La muerte digna como derecho: visibilidad jurídica de la finitud

Resumo O direito à morte digna é majoritariamente ignorado pelo ordenamento brasileiro. Essa invisibilidade do processo de finitude e suas consequências são tema deste estudo, que objetiva realizar um levantamento exploratório para identificar pontos relevantes que devem ser desenvolvidos para garantir um processo de finitude digno. Foram analisadas 50 publicações, mediante levantamento online e físico de obras publicadas até março de 2023. Os estudos analisados expressam preocupação com dilemas éticos do cuidar do ser humano em finitude, mas não analisam formas existentes de tutela da finitude nem quais searas ainda são carentes de normatização para dar eficácia a esse cuidado. Espera-se que esta pesquisa contribua para fortalecer o olhar crítico ao tema, considerando as atuais tutelas da finitude, os limites legais do Estado e os potenciais passos futuros para fazer avançar os estudos aplicados à atualização prática do ordenamento brasileiro.

Abstract The right to a dignified death is largely overlooked by Brazilian law. This neglect of the end-of-life process and its ramifications is the focus of this study, which aims at an exploratory survey to identify pertinent aspects requiring development to ensure a dignified end-of-life experience. In total, 50 publications were examined with online and physical surveys of works published up to March 2023. They express concerns regarding ethical dilemmas in caring for individuals nearing the end of life, yet they do not delve into existing mechanisms for safeguarding end-of-life dignity or identify areas that still lack standardization to ensure effective care. This study should contribute to the enhancement of critical perspectives on the issue of end-of-life experiences, considering current safeguards, the legal boundaries set by the State, and potential future strides toward advancing studies aimed at the practical update of the Brazilian legal system.

Resumen El derecho a una muerte digna es ampliamente ignorado por el ordenamiento jurídico brasileño. Esta invisibilidad del proceso de finitud y sus consecuencias son el objeto de este estudio, que tiene como objetivo realizar una encuesta exploratoria para identificar los puntos relevantes que deben desarrollarse para garantizar un proceso de finitud digno. Se analizaron 50 publicaciones a través de una encuesta online y física de obras publicadas hasta marzo de 2023. Los estudios analizados expresan preocupación por los dilemas éticos de la atención a seres humanos en finitud, pero no analizan las formas de protección a la finitud existentes ni cuáles son las áreas que aún necesitan regulación para hacer efectiva esta atención. Se espera que esta investigación contribuya a fortalecer la visión crítica de la finitud, considerando la protección actual de la finitud, los límites jurídicos del Estado y los posibles pasos futuros para avanzar en los estudios aplicados a la actualización práctica del sistema jurídico brasileño.

Nutritional support in palliative cancer care: quality of life in oral versus tube feeding.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional support (NS) offered through oral nutritional supplements (ONS) or enteral nutrition (EN) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) is a controversial topic in patients with cancer receiving palliative care (PC). AIMS: To compare the QoL of patients without and with use of NS, including ONS or EN in patients with incurable cancer receiving PC. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis with patients that were evaluated at PC Unit between June 2021 and February 2023. QoL was assessed using the Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15. Patients were classified into three groups according to the NS: ONS (n=72; 33%), EN (n=61; 28%) and control group (CG) (n=87; 39%), the last one being formed by patients not using NS. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to verify the association of the domains of QoL with the type of NS. RESULTS: A total of 220 patients were included, with a median age of 64 (58-70) years, predominantly male (54.1%). The EN group had worse scores in physical function when compared with the ONS group (p=0.037) and appetite loss when compared with the CG (p=0.013). The ONS (OR: 2.70; 95% CI 1.32 to 5.49) and EN groups (OR: 2.61; 95% CI 1.24 to 5.49) were independently associated with a higher chance of presenting appetite loss in relation to the CG. CONCLUSION: In general, there was no difference in the QoL of patients using NS when compared with patients not using NS. However, patients using NS have more chance of having appetite loss.

Advanced breast, cervical and prostate cancer- Patient needs: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There are high rates registered globally of breast cancer, cervical and prostate. People going through have needs that cause an impact in their life's quality, especially in the final stages of the illness. GOAL: To characterise the most evaluated and afflicted physical, emotional, roll, cognitive, social and spiritual needs of patients in the final stages of breast, cervical and prostate cancer. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS: A thorough systematic search of databases such as Medline (Ovid) and Embase, from databases' creation throughout 31 December 2021. Quantitative studies were included to evaluate, from the adoption of tools, the dimensions or needs of people going under three types of cancer on final stages. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included. More common symptoms such as nausea/vomiting and pain were the most evaluated with 83%. Fifty-eight per cent of papers studied the emotional function of people with breast and prostate cancer. Other 42% included roll, cognitive and social appreciations. Sexual, cognitive and physical, in that line, were the most affected. The most common questionnaires used to measure oncological patients on final stages were those from European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer on its C-30, BR-23, C-15 PAL and CR-25 versions. CONCLUSIONS: On breast and prostate cancer, the most affected aspect was the sexual dysfunction, while for cervical cancer, the physical function was the most altered one. Spiritual dimension was not included in any of the evaluated literature.

Adaptation and psychometric testing of the end-of-life professional caregiver survey in Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: Using a validated instrument to measure palliative care (PC) educational needs of health professionals is an important step in understanding how best to educate a well-versed PC workforce within a national health system. The End-of-life Professional Caregiver Survey (EPCS) was developed to measure U.S. interprofessional PC educational needs and has been validated for use in Brazil and China. As part of a larger research project, this study aimed to culturally adapt and psychometrically test the EPCS among physicians, nurses, and social workers practicing in Jamaica. METHODS: Face validation involved expert review of the EPCS with recommendations for linguistic item modifications. Content validation was carried out by six Jamaica-based experts who completed a formal content validity index (CVI) for each EPCS item to ascertain relevancy. Health professionals practicing in Jamaica (n = 180) were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling to complete the updated 25-item EPCS (EPCS-J). Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's [Formula: see text] coefficient and McDonald's [Formula: see text]. Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). RESULTS: Content validation led to elimination of three EPCS items based on a CVI < 0.78. Cronbach's [Formula: see text] ranged from 0.83 to 0.91 and McDonald's [Formula: see text] ranged from 0.73 to 0.85 across EPCS-J subscales indicating good internal consistency reliability. The corrected item-total correlation for each EPCS-J item was > 0.30 suggesting good reliability. The CFA demonstrated a three-factor model with acceptable fit indices (RMSEA = 0.08, CFI = 0.88, SRMR = 0.06). The EFA determined a three-factor model had the best model fit, with four items moved into the effective patient care subscale from the other two EPCS-J subscales based on factor loading. CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric properties of the EPCS-J resulted in acceptable levels of reliability and validity indicating that this instrument is suitable for use in measuring interprofessional PC educational needs in Jamaica.

Propiedades psicométricas de una escala para evaluar las actitudes de enfermería hacia el cuidado al final de la vida en Colombia: la escala FATCOD-S / Psychometric Properties of a Scale to Assess Nursing Attitudes Toward Care at the End of Life in Colombia: The FATCOD-s Scale / Propriedades psicométricas de uma escala para avaliar as atitudes da enfermagem em relação aos cuidados no fim da vida na Colômbia: a escala FATCOD-s

Introducción: el personal de enfermería afronta el cuidado de personas con enfermedades que amenazan la vida. Este artículo examina las propiedades psicométricas de una escala que evalúa actitudes ante el cuidado en fin de vida (fATCOD-S) en profesionales de enfermería que atienden a pacientes oncológicos y busca determinar la relación entre sus actitudes y sus características sociodemográficas y relacionadas con el entrenamiento. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuantitativo de diseño transversal. Los participantes trabajaban en servicios oncológicos de tres instituciones sanitarias de Medellín (Colombia) y hacían parte de un grupo de interés académico. Se empleó el fATCOD-S, y se recogieron variables socio- demográficas y relacionadas con la formación. Se analizaron los componentes principales, así como la confiabilidad, y se obtuvieron estadísticos descriptivos y comparativos. Resultados: 83 participantes con una mediana de edad de 34 años (RIQ: 7), de los cuales el 96.3 % eran mujeres; el 51.2 % laboraban en hospitalización; el 31.7 % tenían menos de dos años en el servicio, y el 35.4 %, con dos a cinco años de experiencia cuidando pacientes oncológicos. El fATCOD-S mostró propiedades psicométricas robustas y el puntaje promedio obtenido fue de 87.6 (desviación estándar: 8.2). Actitudes más favorables hacia la familia y la experiencia de morir se relacionaron con el entrenamiento y la experiencia profesional. Conclusión: las actitudes de los profesionales de enfermería hacia el cuidado en fin de vida tienden a ser muy favorables y se asocian con el tipo de entrenamiento y la experiencia profesional.

Introduction: Nursing staff must cope with the complexities of caring for people with life-threatening illnesses. This study aimed to examine the psychometric characteristics of the Colombian version of the Frommelt Scale (fATCOD-S) and determine the relationship between fATCOD-S scores and sociodemographic and training-related variables. Materials and methods: Nursing professionals working oncological services of three healthcare institutions in Medelln (Colombia) and those participating in an academic interest group were invited to participate in this quantitative cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and training-related variables were collected, and fATCOD-S was administered. A principal component analysis was conducted, and Cronbach's alpha was obtained. Descriptive and comparative statistics were also obtained. Results: Overall, 83 nurses were enrolled, with a median age of 34 (interquartile range, 7) years. Among them, 96.3% were women, 51.2% worked in hospitals, 31.7% worked <2 years in the service, and 35.4% had 2­5 years of experience in caring for patients with cancer. fATCOD-S showed solid psychometric properties, and its total average score was 87.6 (standard deviation 8.2). Positive attitudes toward family and experiences with dying were related to training and professional experience. Conclusions: The attitudes of the participating nursing professionals toward palliative care for patients at the end of life tend to be very positive and are associated with their type of training and professional experience. Academic nursing programs should encourage training in caring attitudes toward dying, which in time fosters the wellbeing of the staff and their patients.

Introdução: a equipe de enfermagem se depara frequentemente com o cuidado de pessoas com doenças que ameaçam a vida. Este estudo examina as propriedades psicométricas de uma escala para avaliar as atitudes de profissionais de enfermagem que cuidam de doentes oncológicos terminais (fATCOD-S) e procura determinar a relação entre as suas atitudes e as suas características sociodemográficas e forma- tivas. Materiais e métodos: estudo quantitativo, delineamento transversal. Os participantes trabalhavam em serviços oncológicos em três instituições de saúde de Medellín (Colômbia) e faziam parte de um grupo de interesse acadêmico. Foi utilizado o fATCOD-S, coletadas variáveis sociodemográficas e relacionadas ao treinamento. Foi realizada uma Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA), bem como uma análise de confiabilidade e estatísticas descritivas e comparativas foram obtidas. Resultados: n = 83, mediana de idade 34 anos (IQR: 7), 96,3% mulheres, 51,2% trabalhavam em internação, 31,7% tinham menos de dois anos no serviço e 35,4% com experiência de dois a cinco anos no atendimento a pacientes oncológicos. O fATCOD-S apresentou propriedades psicométricas robustas e a pontuação média obtida foi de 87,6 (DP 8,2). Atitudes mais favoráveis em relação à família e à experiência de morrer relacionaram-se à formação e à experiência profissional. Conclusão: as atitudes dos profissionais de enfermagem face aos cuidados de fim de vida tendem a ser muito favoráveis e estão associadas ao tipo de formação e experiência profissional. Os programas acadêmicos devem promover sua capacitação nesses aspectos, com vistas a favorecer o bem-estar de funcionários e pacientes

Midodrine in end-stage heart failure.

It is estimated that 5% of patients with heart failure (HF) will progress to end-stage disease refractory to medical therapy and might require prolonged hospitalisation with inotropic support. We present the case of a patient with end-stage HF who was admitted with cardiogenic shock. During his hospitalisation, he required prolonged intravenous vasopressor therapy due to refractory hypotension. He did not qualify for heart transplantation or left ventricular-assist device strategies. Midodrine was started as a last resort attempt to wean off vasopressors. After 5 days of therapy, the patient was weaned entirely off vasopressors and was discharged home for hospice care. By the time of discharge, he was tolerating low-dose carvedilol along with midodrine. We propose midodrine as a reasonable alternative for patients with end-stage HF with reduced ejection fraction and refractory hypotension, who are dependent on intravenous vasoactive drugs and are not candidates for advanced HF therapies.

Palliative Sedation at Home: A Scoping Review.

Palliative Sedation (PS) is an effective measure for the relief of refractory symptoms in end-of-life patients. This intervention can be performed at home, respecting the patients' and their families' decisions. A scoping review was performed to map the available evidence in the literature on the performance of PS at home. This review included 23 studies. Most were conducted in European countries with adult cancer patients. Patients, family members and healthcare providers participated in the decision making regarding the use of PS at home. PS was used primarily to manage refractory symptoms (pain, delirium, dyspnea, and others), and in 1 of the studies PS was mentioned as a possible intervention for shortening life. The most commonly used medication was midazolam and the average duration ranged from 4 h to 7 days. There are few reports on adverse events related to PS. This intervention seems to be a feasible possibility for the management of refractory symptoms in patients at the end of life, despite the fact that it can represent specific challenges for healthcare providers, patients and families. However, the literature is limited regarding PS in children and in people with diseases other than cancer, as well as on the evaluation of possible adverse effects related to this intervention. Furthermore, it is essential to have a broad ethical, clinical and legal debate on whether to consider the use of PS for the purpose of shortening life in specific cases.

Characteristics Associated With Mexican-American Hospice Use: Retrospective Cohort Study Using the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE).

BACKGROUND: Hospice use is lower among ethnic/racial minorities in the United States, though little is known about trends, associated factors and duration of hospice use by Mexican-Americans. AIM: The purpose of this study is to examine Mexican-American characteristics associated with hospice stay, both ≤ and > 7 days. DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs for hospice stay among Mexican-Americans, both ≤ and > 7 days. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The first cohort (N = 970) includes H-EPESE participants who died between 2004 and 2016 who had Medicare parts A and B. The second cohort (N = 403) includes participants who completed the H-EPESE survey within the last 2 years of life. RESULTS: Although hospice use increased among Mexican-Americans between 2004 and 2016 (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.19-2.97), 38% of participants died within the first week of hospice care. Mexican-Americans in New Mexico and Arizona were 2-4 times more likely to use hospice than those in Texas and Colorado. Dementia was associated with hospice use (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.11-1.94). Characteristics, like church attendance and living alone, were not associated with hospice use. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial proportion of Mexican-Americans with 7 days or less of hospice use underscores the need for early palliative/hospice intervention to mitigate variation in use.

Análisis de costo-efectividad de los cuidados paliativos a pacientes oncológicos de fin de vida / Cost-effectiveness analysis of palliative care of cancer patients in the end of life / Análise de custo-efetividade dos cuidados paliativos de pacientes oncológicos na terminalidade da vida

En pacientes con enfermedad terminal, los servicios de cuidados paliativos domiciliarios pueden alinear sus preferencias de cuidado en domicilio con resultados sanitarios deseables. El objetivo fue estudiar la costo-efectividad de los cuidados paliativos domiciliarios en pacientes oncológicos en el último año de vida en el subsector público de salud de una provincia argentina. Se desarrolló un modelo de Markov de costo-efectividad desde una perspectiva social y del financiador de salud, de modo que el mismo pudiera reflejar la realidad de los cuidados paliativos domiciliarios en el ámbito local, en comparación con los cuidados habituales. Se calcularon los costos directos para el sistema de salud, con base en información local, así como también los costos indirectos de los cuidados informales no remunerados. La provisión de cuidados paliativos incrementó en un 10,32% la probabilidad que los pacientes fallezcan en el hogar, en relación con los cuidados habituales, con un ahorro anual de USD 750 y USD 1.012 por paciente desde la perspectiva social y del financiador, respectivamente, en el subsector público de salud de Río Negro. Tanto desde la perspectiva social como del financiador, la estrategia de implementación de un servicio organizado de cuidados tiene una mayor efectividad, medida en porcentaje de pacientes que fallecen en su domicilio, a un menor costo. El principal inductor de costos corresponde, desde la perspectiva social, a los cuidados informales provistos por las familias, mientras que desde la perspectiva del financiador corresponde a los salarios del personal de salud.

Home palliative care services of terminal patients may associate home care preferences with desirable health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of home palliative care of cancer patients in the last year of life in the public health subsector in a province of Argentina. A cost-effectiveness Markov model was developed from a social and the health funder's perspective in order to reflect the reality of home palliative care at the local level compared with usual care. Direct costs to the health system and indirect costs of unpaid informal care were estimated based on local information. Palliative care increased the likelihood of patients dying at home by 10.32% compared with usual care, with annual savings of USD 750 and USD 1,012 per patient, respectively, from both the social and the funder's perspective in the public health subsector in Río Negro. From both the social and financial perspective, the strategy to implement organized care services was more effective and lower-cost, measured by the percentage of patients who died at home. From a social perspective, the main cost inducer was the formal care provided by families, but from the funder's perspective, it refers to the salaries of the health team.

Os serviços de cuidados paliativos domiciliares de pacientes terminais podem associar as preferências de cuidado domiciliar com resultados desejáveis de saúde. O objetivo deste texto foi avaliar a relação custo-efetividade dos cuidados paliativos domiciliares em pacientes oncológicos no último ano de vida, no subsetor de saúde pública de uma província na Argentina. Um modelo Markov de custo-efetividade foi desenvolvido a partir de uma perspectiva social e do financiador de saúde para que pudesse refletir a realidade dos cuidados paliativos domiciliares em âmbito local comparado aos cuidados habituais. Os custos diretos para o sistema de saúde e os custos indiretos de cuidados informais não remunerados foram calculados com base em informações locais. A prestação de cuidados paliativos aumentou 10,32% a probabilidade de os doentes morrerem em casa em relação com os cuidados habituais, com uma economia anual de USD 750 e USD 1.012 por paciente, respetivamente, na perspectiva social e do financiador, no subsetor da saúde pública de Rio Negro. Tanto do ponto de vista social como no financeiro, a estratégia de implantação de serviços de cuidados organizados foi mais eficaz e com menor custo, medida pelo percentual de pacientes que faleceram em casa. O principal indutor de custos corresponde, do ponto de vista social, aos cuidados informais prestados pelas famílias, enquanto do ponto de vista do financiador se refere aos salários da equipe de saúde.

Testamento vital sob a ótica de enfermeiros que assistem pacientes em situação de terminalidade / Living will from the perspective of nurses caring for terminally ill patients / El testamento vital en la perspectiva de los enfermeros que atienden a pacientes terminales

Objetivos: conhecer a representação do Testamento Vital para os enfermeiros que atuam na assistência à pacientes em situação de terminalidade. Métodos:estudo de abordagem qualitativa, realizado em hospital público universitário de alta complexidade localizado na cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil, com 15 enfermeiros que atuam na assistência à pacientes terminais, por meio de entrevista norteada pela questão "Fale a respeito do Testamento Vital". A análise dos dados foi desenvolvida pelo Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: identificou-se três categorias que compõem o Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo dos enfermeiros em relação ao testamento vital: "o enfermeiro frente às diretivas antecipadas de vontade"; "o enfermeiro frente à família do paciente em terminalidade" e "o enfermeiro frente ao médico do paciente em terminalidade". Conclusão: o testamento vital representa, na perspectiva dos enfermeiros, a autonomia e o direito do paciente pelas decisões nas situações de terminalidade que devem ser compartilhadas com seus familiares e profissionais de saúde.

Objectives: to know the representation of the living will for nurses working in the care of terminally ill patients. Methods: a qualitative study conducted in a high complexity public university hospital located in the city of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. An interview guided by the question "Talk about the living will" was performed with 15 nurses working in the care of terminally ill patients. Data analysis was performed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject. Results: three categories that make up nurses' Collective Subject Discourse in relation to living wills were identified: "the nurse before advance directives"; "the nurse before the terminally ill patient's family" and "the nurse before the terminally ill patient's physician". Conclusion: from the perspective of nurses, the living will represent the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions in terminally ill situations that must be shared with their family members and health professionals

Objetivos: conocer la representación del Testamento Vital para enfermeros que actúan en el cuidado de enfermos terminales. Métodos: estudio cualitativo realizado en un hospital universitario público de alta complejidad ubicado en la ciudad de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. Se realizó una entrevista guiada por la pregunta "Hablemos del Testamento Vital" con 15 enfermeros que actúan en el cuidado de pacientes terminales. El análisis de los datos se realizó utilizando el Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo. Resultados: se identificaron tres categorías que componen el Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo de los enfermeros en relación a los testamentos vitales: "el enfermero frente a las directivas anticipadas"; "la enfermera frente a la familia del enfermo terminal" y "la enfermera frente al médico del enfermo terminal". Conclusión: en la perspectiva de los enfermeros, el testamento vital representa la autonomía y el derecho del paciente a tomar decisiones en situaciones terminales que deben ser compartidas con sus familiares y profesionales de la salud.

Bioética aplicada aos cuidados paliativos: questão de saúde pública / Bioethics applied to palliative care: a public health issue / Bioética aplicada a los cuidados paliativos: una cuestión de salud pública

Resumo Cuidados paliativos são um conjunto de ações que visam melhorar a qualidade de vida do paciente e de sua família quando a doença já não responde a tratamentos curativos. Abrangem cuidados físicos, psicológicos, espirituais e sociais, entendendo a morte como um processo natural, não acelerando nem retardando seu desfecho. Esta revisão integrativa qualitativa selecionou 131 artigos sobre bioética e cuidados paliativos publicados nos últimos cinco anos, analisando 10 deles. Esses estudos destacam a importância da bioética no contexto dos cuidados paliativos, abordando temas como definição, morte, final de vida e a necessidade de equipe multiprofissional interdisciplinar. A espiritualidade também desempenha papel relevante, com o paciente e a família no centro das decisões, baseadas em uma comunicação eficaz. Cuidados paliativos buscam proporcionar conforto, dignidade e suporte integral para pacientes em fase avançada de doenças, permitindo que tenham o máximo de qualidade de vida possível em seus últimos momentos.

Abstract Palliative care is a set of actions aimed at improving patients' and family members' quality of life when no curative treatment is available. It encompasses physical, psychological, spiritual and social care, understanding death as a natural process whose outcome should be accelerated or delayed. Of the 131 articles on bioethics and palliative care published in the last five years selected, this integrative review analyzes 10. These studies highlight the importance of bioethics for palliative care, addressing themes such as definitions, death, end of life and the need for a multi-professional interdisciplinary team. Spirituality also plays a relevant role, putting the patient and family members as central to decisions made based on effective communication. Palliative care aims to provide comfort, dignity and comprehensive support for patients with advanced illnesses, allowing them the maximum quality of life possible.

Resumen Los cuidados paliativos constituyen acciones para mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes y sus familias cuando la enfermedad ya no responde a los tratamientos curativos. Abarcan la atención física, psicológica, espiritual y social, considerando la muerte como un proceso natural y sin acelerar ni retrasar su desenlace. Esta revisión integradora cualitativa seleccionó 131 artículos sobre bioética y cuidados paliativos publicados en los últimos cinco años, y analizó diez. Los estudios destacan la importancia de la bioética en los cuidados paliativos, abordando cuestiones como la definición, la muerte, el final de la vida y la necesidad de un equipo interdisciplinar multiprofesional. La espiritualidad también desempeña un papel importante, con el paciente y la familia en el centro de las decisiones basadas en una comunicación eficaz. Estos cuidados proporcionan confort, dignidad y apoyo integral a los pacientes terminales permitiéndoles una mayor calidad de vida posible en sus últimos momentos.

Geropalliative Caring Model analysis and assessment according to Fawcett's criteria / Análisis y evaluación del Modelo de Cuidado Geropaliativo según criterios de Fawcett / Análise e avaliação do Modelo de Cuidados Geropaliativos segundo critérios de Fawcett

ABSTRACT Objectives: To analyze and assess Lee Geropaliative Caring Model according to Fawcett's criteria. Method: A theoretical-reflective study about the Geropaliative Caring Model. The analysis resulted in a detailed review of the scope, context and content of a situation-specific theory, in order to determine aspects related to nursing practice and research, and assessment addressed the concrete concepts developed in theory, their significance, internal consistency, parsimony, testability and empirical and pragmatic adequacy in nursing as a discipline. Results: Based on the analysis, a situation-specific theory was used based on the science of care and aimed at caring for older adults undergoing palliation and their families, structured into four fields, namely: (1) aligning care; (2) keeping safe; (3) comforting body/mind/spirit; and (4) facilitating transitions. Final considerations: The analyzed and assessed theory leads to a structure that includes well-defined, delimited and interrelated concepts, based on the science of care as a grand theory that allowed Geropaliative Care Model derivation.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar y evaluar el Modelo de Atención Geropaliativa de Lee según los criterios de Fawcett. Método: Estudio teórico-reflexivo sobre el Modelo de Atención Geropaliativa. El análisis resultó en una revisión detallada del alcance, contexto y contenido de una Teoría de Situaciones Específicas, con el fin de determinar aspectos relacionados con la práctica y la investigación de la enfermería, y la evaluación abordó los conceptos concretos desarrollados en la teoría, su significado, consistencia interna, parsimonia, contrastabilidad y adecuación empírica y pragmática en la enfermería como disciplina. Resultados: A partir del análisis, se utilizó una Teoría de Situaciones Específicas basada en la ciencia del cuidado y orientada al cuidado de las personas mayores en paliación y de sus familias, estructurada en cuatro dominios, a saber: (1) alineación del cuidado; (2) mantener la seguridad; (3) comodidad cuerpo/mente/espíritu; y (4) facilitación de los procesos de transición. Consideraciones finales: La teoría analizada y evaluada conduce a una estructura que incluye conceptos bien definidos, delimitados e interrelacionados, basándose en la ciencia del cuidado como una gran teoría que permitió derivar el Modelo de Cuidado Geropaliativo.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar e avaliar o Modelo de Cuidados Geropaliativos de Lee segundo os critérios de Fawcett. Método: Estudo teórico-reflexivo acerca do Modelo de Cuidados Geropaliativos. A análise suscitou em uma revisão detalhada do escopo, contexto e conteúdo de uma Teoria de Situação Específica, a fim de determinar os aspectos relacionados à prática e pesquisa na enfermagem, e a avaliação abordou os conceitos concretos desenvolvidos na teoria, sua significância, consistência interna, parcimônia, testabilidade e adequação empírica e pragmática na enfermagem enquanto disciplina. Resultados: A partir da análise, utilizou-se uma Teoria de Situação Específica baseada na ciência do cuidar e direcionada aos cuidados à pessoa idosa em paliação e sua família, estruturada em quatro domínios, a saber: (1) alinhamento dos cuidados; (2) manutenção da segurança; (3) conforto corpo/mente/espírito; e (4) facilitação dos processos de transições. Considerações finais: A teoria analisada e avaliada direciona para uma estrutura que contempla conceitos bem definidos, delimitados e inter-relacionados, com base na ciência do cuidar enquanto grande teoria que permitiu a derivação do Modelo de Cuidados Geropaliativos.

Espiritualidade e dor em pacientes com câncer de mama metastático / Spirituality and pain in patients with metastatic breast cancer / Espiritualidad y dolor en pacientes con cáncer de mama metastásico

Resumo Mediante estudo observacional, transversal e quantitativo que utilizou os instrumentos de avaliação Brief Pain Inventory (dor), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-Being (bem-estar espiritual) e Beck Depression Inventory - Short Form (depressão), busca-se avaliar a influência da espiritualidade e da depressão na percepção de dor de pacientes acometidas por neoplasia de mama metastática. A idade média foi 57,3 anos e, das 30 participantes, 24 (80%) tratavam-se em serviço público; 17 (57%) tinham diagnóstico de câncer de mama há mais de cinco anos; e 27 (90%) realizavam alguma prática religiosa/espiritual. Pacientes com escore de bem-estar espiritual acima da mediana apresentaram menor escore dos sintomas depressivos (3 vs . 6; p =0,021). Não houve diferença significativa em relação à mediana do escore total do bem-estar espiritual quando estratificado pela mediana da percepção de dor (31,5% vs . 28,5%; p =0,405). Maior manifestação de bem-estar espiritual pode estar relacionada a menores índices de depressão.

Abstract This observational, cross-sectional and quantitative study, by means of the assessment instruments Brief Pain Inventory, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-Being and Beck Depression Inventory - Short Form, evaluated the influence of spirituality and depression in the pain perception of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Mean age was 57.3 years. Of the 30 participants, 24 (80%) were treated in a public service, 17 (57%) had been diagnosed with breast cancer for more than 5 years, and 27 (90%) were religious or spiritual. Patients with spiritual well-being scores above the median had lower depressive symptom scores (3 vs. 6; p =0.021). The median total score of spiritual well-being showed no significant difference when stratified by median pain perception (31.5% vs. 28.5%; p =0.405). Greater spiritual well-being may be related to lower rates of depression.

Resumen Este estudio observacional, transversal y cuantitativo utilizó los instrumentos Brief Pain Inventory (dolor), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-Being (bienestar espiritual) y Beck Depression Inventory - Short Form (depresión), para evaluar si la espiritualidad y la depresión influencian en la percepción del dolor en pacientes con cáncer de mama metastásico. La edad promedio fue de 57,3 años; de las 30 participantes, 24 (80%) recibían atención pública; 17 (57%) tenían diagnóstico de cáncer de mama hace más de cinco años; y 27 (90%) solían tener alguna práctica religiosa/espiritual. Aquellas con puntuación de bienestar espiritual superior a la mediana tuvieron una puntuación más baja de síntomas depresivos (3 vs. 6; p =0,021). No hubo diferencias significativas en la mediana de la puntuación total de bienestar espiritual cuando se estratificó por la percepción mediana del dolor (31,5% vs. 28,5%; p =0,405). Una mayor sensación de bienestar espiritual se relacionó a bajas tasas de depresión.