Development of a Guide to Multidimensional Needs Assessment in the Palliative Care Initial Encounter (MAP).

CONTEXT: Ensuring patient-centered palliative care requires a comprehensive assessment of needs beginning in the initial encounter. However, there is no generally accepted guide for carrying out this multidimensional needs assessment as a first step in palliative intervention. OBJECTIVES: To develop an expert panel-endorsed interview guide that would enable proactive and systematic Multidimensional needs Assessment in the Palliative care initial encounter (MAP). METHODS: A preliminary version of the MAP guide was drafted based on a published literature review, published semistructured interviews with 20 patients, 20 family carers, and 20 palliative care professionals, and a nominal group process with palliative care professionals and a representative of the national patient's association. Consensus regarding its content was obtained through a modified Delphi process involving a panel of palliative care physicians from across Spain. RESULTS: The published systematic literature review and qualitative study resulted in the identification of 55 needs, which were sorted and grouped by the nominal group. Following the Delphi process, the list of needs was reduced to 47, linked to six domains: Clinical history and medical conditions (n = 8), Physical symptoms (n = 17), Functional and cognitive status (n = 4), Psycho-emotional symptoms (n = 5), Social issues (n = 8), and Spiritual and existential concerns (n = 5). CONCLUSION: MAP is an expert panel-endorsed semi-structured clinical interview guide for the comprehensive, systematic, and proactive initial assessment to efficiently assess multiple domains while adjusting to the needs of each patient. A future study will assess the feasibility of using the MAP guide within the timeframe of the palliative care initial encounter.

"Compassionate City" in Patients with Advanced Illnesses and at the End of Life: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in a Compassionate City pilot experience (Sevilla), the impact results on health in a population of people with advanced illness and at the end of life. METHODS: The project was undertaken in Sevilla, Spain, between January 2019 and June 2020. A longitudinal, descriptive study was conducted using a longitudinal cohort design with two cross-sectional measurements, pre and post intervention. All patients who entered the program on the start date were included. The networks of care around people with advanced illness and at the end of life, palliative care needs, quality of life, loneliness, anxiety, depression, caregivers' burden and family satisfaction were evaluated. The interventions were conducted by community promoters assigned to the "Sevilla Contigo, Compassionate City" program. RESULTS: A total of 83 people were included in the program. The average number of people involved in care at the beginning of the evaluations was 3.6, increasing to 6.1 at the end of the interventions. The average number of needs detected at the beginning was 15.58, and at the end of interventions, it was 16.56 out of 25. The unmet needs were those related to last wishes (40.7%), emotional relief (18.5%), entertainment (16%), help to walk up and down stairs (8.6%) and help to walk (6.2%). A total of 54.2% showed improved loneliness in the final evaluation. Out of 26 people evaluated for pre and post quality of life, 7 (26.9%) improved their quality of life in the general evaluation and 5 (19.2%) displayed improved anxiety/depression. A total of 6 people (28.6%) improved their quality-of-life thermometer scores. A total of 57.7% of caregivers improved their burden with a mean score of 17.8.

Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica para el manejo del derrame pleural maligno / Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery for the management of malignant pleural effusion

Este artículo resume la guía clínica de diagnóstico y tratamiento del derrame pleural maligno (DPM) auspiciada por la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica (SECT). Se elaboraron 10 controversias clínicas bajo la metodología de preguntas PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) y la calidad de la evidencia y graduación de la fuerza de las recomendaciones se basó en el sistema Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE). El análisis inmunocitoquímico y molecular del líquido pleural puede evitar procedimientos invasivos ulteriores con finalidad diagnóstica. Actualmente, el control definitivo del DPM se puede realizar indistintamente a través de una pleurodesis (talco poudrage o slurry) o de la inserción de un catéter pleural tunelizado (CPT). Es probable que la combinación de ambas técnicas (p.ej. toracoscopia con talco poudrage e inserción de un CPT, o instilación de talco slurry a través de un CPT) ocupe un lugar predominante en el manejo terapéutico futuro. (AU)

This article summarizes the clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) sponsored by the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT). Ten clinical controversies were elaborated under the methodology of PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) questions and the quality of the evidence and grading of the strength of the recommendations was based on the GRADE system. Immunocytochemical and molecular analyses of pleural fluid may avoid further invasive diagnostic procedures. Currently, the definitive control of MPE can be achieved either by pleurodesis (talc poudrage or slurry) or the insertion of a indwelling pleural catheter (IPC). It is likely that the combination of both techniques (i.e., thoracoscopy with talc poudrage and insertion of a IPC, or instillation of talc slurry through a IPC) will have a predominant role in the future therapeutic management. (AU)

Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery for the management of malignant pleural effusion.

This article summarizes the clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) sponsored by the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT). Ten clinical controversies were elaborated under the methodology of PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) questions and the quality of the evidence and grading of the strength of the recommendations was based on the GRADE system. Immunocytochemical and molecular analyses of pleural fluid may avoid further invasive diagnostic procedures. Currently, the definitive control of MPE can be achieved either by pleurodesis (talc poudrage or slurry) or the insertion of a indwelling pleural catheter (IPC). It is likely that the combination of both techniques (i.e., thoracoscopy with talc poudrage and insertion of a IPC, or instillation of talc slurry through a IPC) will have a predominant role in the future therapeutic management.

Switching Ratio from Parenteral to Oral Methadone 1:1.2 Is Safer Compared with Ratio 1:2 in Patients with Controlled Cancer Pain: A Multicenter Randomized-Controlled Trial (RATIOMTD-010810).

Background: The most commonly used switching ratio from parenteral to oral methadone is 1:2. Methadone is highly bioavailable and a lower ratio might result in similar analgesia with less toxicity. Objective: To compare success and side effects with two ratios from parenteral to oral methadone: 1:2 versus 1:1.2 in hospitalized patients with cancer pain. Design: A multicenter double-blind randomized clinical trial. Settings/Particiants: Inpatients with well-controlled cancer pain with parenteral methadone requiring rotation to the oral route. Measurements: Outcomes included pain intensity (Brief Inventory Pain), opioid toxicity (Common Toxicology Criteria for Adverse Events), and methadone dose. Success was defined as no toxicity with good pain control at 72 hours. Results: Thirty-nine of forty-four randomized patients were evaluable: 21 in ratio 1:2 and 18 in ratio 1:1.2. Seventy-one percent male. Median age 65 years. No significant differences in basal clinical characteristics between both groups. Median methadone dose pre/post switching was 24.5 mg ±13.5 and 49 mg ±27.3 for ratio 1:2, versus 23.3 mg ±9.4 (p: not significant) and 28 mg ±11.3 (p < 0.01) for ratio 1:1.2. Pain was well controlled without differences between both ratios. Drowsiness at day +1 (p < 0.017) and myoclonus at day +3 (p < 0.019) were more prevalent in group 1:2. Success was observed in 12 patients in ratio 1:2 versus 18 in ratio 1:1.2 (p < 0.001). Methadone side effects were observed in 12 patients in ratio 1:2 (mainly neurotoxicity symptoms) versus 2 in ratio 1:1.2 (p < 0.005). Conclusion: Ratio 1:1.2 when changing from parenteral to oral methadone resulted in lower toxicity and no difference in analgesia. More conservative dose adjustment during methadone route change should be considered. European Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT No. 2010-024092-39).

Implementation Models of Compassionate Communities and Compassionate Cities at the End of Life: A Systematic Review.

In the last decade, we have seen a growth of Compassionate Communities and Cities (CCC) at the end of life. There has been an evolution of organizations that help construct Community-Based Palliative Care programs. The objective is to analyze the implementation, methodology and effectiveness of the CCC models at the end of life. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA ScR Guideline. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017068501). Five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar) were searched for studies (from 2000 to 2018) using set eligibility criteria. Three reviewers screened full-texts articles and extracted study data. Outcomes were filled in a registration form which included a narrative synthesis of each article. We screened 1975 records. We retrieved 112 articles and included 31 articles for the final analysis: 17 descriptive studies, 4 interventions studies, 4 reviews and 6 qualitative studies. A total of 11 studies regard the development models of CCC at the end of life, 15 studies were about evaluation of compassionate communities' programs and 5 studies were about protocols for the development of CCC programs. There is poor evidence of the implementation and evaluation models of CCC at the end of life. There is little and low-/very low-quality evidence about CCC development and assessment models. We found no data published on care intervention in advance disease and end of life. A global model for the development and evaluation of CCC at the end of life seems to be necessary.

Proactive and systematic multidimensional needs assessment in patients with advanced cancer approaching palliative care: a study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of palliative care rely on how healthcare professionals assess patients' needs in the initial encounter/s; crucial to the design of a personalised therapeutic plan. However, there is currently no evidence-based guideline to perform this needs assessment. We aim to design and evaluate a proactive and systematic method for the needs assessment using quality guidelines for developing complex interventions. This will involve patients, their relatives and healthcare professionals in all phases of the study and its communication to offer clinical practice a reliable approach to address the palliative needs of patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: To design and assess the feasibility of an evidence-based, proactive and systematic Multidimensional needs Assessment in Palliative care (MAP) as a semistructured clinical interview guide for initial palliative care encounter/s in patients with advanced cancer. This is a two-phase multisite project conducted over 36 months between May 2019 and May 2022. Phase I includes a systematic review, discussions with stakeholders and Delphi consensus. The evidence gathered from phase I will be the basis for the initial versions of the MAP, then submitted to Delphi consensus to develop a preliminary guide of the MAP for the training of clinicians in the feasibility phase. Phase II is a mixed-methods multicenter feasibility study that will assess the MAP's acceptability, participation, practicality, adaptation and implementation. A nested qualitative study will purposively sample a subset of participants to add preliminary clues about the benefits and barriers of the MAP. The evidence gathered from phase II will build a MAP user guide and educational programme for use in clinical practice. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval for this study has been granted by the university research ethics committee where the study will be carried out (approval reference MED-2018-10). Dissemination will be informed by the results obtained and communication will occur throughout.

El porqué de las cosas y de Medicina Paliativa / The whys and wherefores of things and of Palliative Medicine

No disponible

Aproximación terapéutica al síndrome de anorexiacaquexia en pacientes con cáncer. Revisión sistemática de la literatura / Therapeutic aproach to the anorexia-cachexia syndrome in cancer patients. Systematic literature review

OBJETIVO: Realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura sobre las aproximaciones terapéuticas al síndrome anorexia-caquexia en pacientes oncológicos avanzados. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos científicos consultando las bases de datos: PubMed, Cochrane, Elsevier, Wiley y Google Scholar, con restricción de fecha 01/01/1990-31/12/2015, en los idiomas inglés y español. Las palabras clave utilizadas fueron: "fatigue, anorexia, cachexia, cancer, treatment" y las mismas palabras traducidas al español. En la base de datos PubMed, las ecuaciones de búsqueda utilizadas fueron: "Tumoral cachexia AND treatment" y "Fatigue, anorexia, cachexia AND cancer". Se incluyeron todos los estudios que definieran el síndrome de caquexia tumoral e indicaran al menos una línea de tratamiento para el mismo. Se excluyeron aquellos en los que la caquexia era resultado de una enfermedad terminal diferente al cáncer y en los que el tratamiento había sido enfocado únicamente en la paliación del dolor oncológico. Para seleccionar los artículos se realizó una lectura del título y/o resúmenes de los mismos. En caso de duda, se procedió a la lectura completa del trabajo. Los parámetros analizados fueron: tipo de estudio, criterios de inclusión, tamaño de la muestra, tipo de cáncer, tipos de tratamiento y eficacia de los mismos. RESULTADOS: en PubMed, con la estrategia de búsqueda "tumoral cachexia AND treatment" encontramos 16 artículos de los cuales un ensayo clínico cumplía los criterios de inclusión. En la misma base de datos, mediante la estrategia de búsqueda: "fatigue, anorexia, cachexia AND cancer" encontramos 106 artículos de los cuales incluimos ocho ensayos clínicos. Como artículo relacionado con la búsqueda anterior incluimos un ensayo clínico más. Además, realizamos una búsqueda de artículos a través de diversas plataformas, e incluimos en la revisión ocho revisiones narrativas y tres ensayos clínicos. CONCLUSIONES: 1) La diversidad de estudios revisados imposibilita la realización de un metanálisis. 2) Las medidas terapéuticas de la caquexia se basan en la modulación metabólica. 3) Sigue siendo controvertida que la utilización de suplementos nutricionales mejore el pronóstico del paciente con enfermedad avanzada. 4) La literatura propone diversos tratamientos para el síndrome de caquexia tumoral, siendo en la actualidad el acetato de megestrol el tratamiento de elección. 5) Existen fármacos en desarrollo, como los miméticos de la ghrelina, que ofrecen resultados prometedores

OBJECTIVE: To review what has been published in the scientific literature about the treatment options of the anorexia- cachexia syndrome in cancer patients. METHOD: We performed a systematic review of the literature. Databases used were: PubMed, Cochrane, Elsevier, Wiley y Google Scholar, with date restriction 01/01/1990-31/12/2015. Languages were English and Spanish, Key words used were: "fatigue, anorexia, cachexia, cancer in English and Spanish. In PubMed, search strategy were: "Tumoral cachexia AND treatment" and "Fatigue, anorexia, cachexia AND cancer". Articles included had to offer information about any treatment option to the cachexia syndrome. Articles including patients suffering from other illness than cancer were excluded. Papers selection was done base on title and abstract information. In some cases the inclusion was done after reading all the content. Information selected was: type of study, inclusion criteria, simple size, type of cancer, type of treatment and results. RESULTS: In PubMed, based on the search strategy: "tumoral cachexia AND treatment" we found 16 papers but only one was included. Based on the search strategy "fatigue, anorexia, cachexia AND cancer" we found 106 papers but only 8 clinical trials were included. Other related articles were included: 4 clinical trials and 8 narrative reviews. CONCLUSION: 1) The methodological differences among the papers reviewed make impossible to develop a methaanalisis. 2) Most of the treatment lines are based on metabolic modulation. 3) It is controversial the use of nutritional supplements to improve prognosis in advanced cancer patient. 4) Among cancer cachexia treatments suggested the megestrol acetate is the election option. 5) New drugs as ghrelin have shown optimistic results

Opioides e insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada: revisión de la literatura / Opioids and advanced heart failure: A literature review

OBJETIVO: Revisar la bibliografía existente relativa al uso de opioides en la insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada. MÉTODO: Revisión de la literatura de las bases de datos: PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, UpToDate y búsqueda manual complementaria. Periodo estudiado: 01/01/2005 a 01/02/2015. Se incluyeron todos los tipos de estudios siempre que analizaran la relación entre insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada y la administración de opioides. Se excluyeron los artículos en los que los opiáceos eran administrados de forma nebulizada. Los parámetros analizados y comparados entre los distintos artículos de la búsqueda fueron: objetivo del estudio, tipo de estudio, muestra de estudio, criterios de inclusión y relación entre los opioides y la insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada. RESULTADOS: Ocho estudios cumplieron los CRITERIOS DE INCLUSIÓN: Se trata de trabajos muy heterogéneos en su metodología, tamaños muestrales y metodología empleada, pero los opiáceos parecen aliviar a los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica sin causar efectos secundarios graves si se dosifican cuidadosamente. CONCLUSIÓN: Los trabajos revisados muestran que son muchos los factores a tener en cuenta en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada. La evidencia disponible es baja con relación a esta entidad y al uso de opioides

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the use of opioids in advanced heart failure. Method: Review of the literature. Sources: PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, UpToDate and complementary manual search. Study period: 01/01/2005 to 01/02/2015. All types of studies were included provided they analyzed the relationship between advanced heart failure and opioid administration. Articles in which opioids were administered nebulised were excluded. The parameters analyzed and compared were: study objective, study type, study sample, inclusion criteria and relationship between opioids and advanced heart failure. RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. All of them were very heterogeneous in their methodology, sample sizes, and RESULTS: However, opioids seem to be helpful in treating dyspnoea in advanced heart failure if they are used carefully. CONCLUSIONS: Opioids are useful in the symptomatic treatment of advanced heart failure but the available evidence is low

Cuestiones bioéticas en la práctica clínica asistencial: a propósito de un caso / Bioethical issues in clinical assistance practice: About a case

OBJETIVO: Ofrecer la sistemática del análisis bioético a partir de un caso clínico. MÉTODO: Tras la exposición del caso clínico se abordan 3 posibles conflictos éticos utilizando como modelo de deliberación la metodología principialista de Diego Gracia. CONCLUSIONES: La atención al final de la vida está jalonada de daciones complejas en las que entran en conflicto valores y perspectivas que deben ser analizadas para que la decisión final sea la mejor

AIM: To show the bioethics analysis procedure based on a case report. METHOD: After the case report we will analyze 3 possible ethical conflicts by using as a deliberation model the principalism methodology by Diego Gracia. CONCLUSIONS: End-of-life care is full of complex decision making processes where values and perspectives must be analysed to arrive at the best decision

Observational study to analyze patterns of treatment of breakthrough dyspnea in cancer patients in clinical practice. / Estudio observacional para analizar las pautas de tratamiento de la disnea irruptiva en pacientes con cáncer en la práctica clínica.

INTRODUCTION: Although breakthrough dyspnea is very frequent in cancer patients, there are no precise recommendations for treating it. The main objective of this study was to analyze what treatments are used in clinical practice for the management of breakthrough dyspnea in cancer patients in Spain and the secondary objectives were to describe the characteristics of cancer patients with breakthrough dyspnea and the attributes of the disorder. METHODS: Cancer patients over 18 years of age, with breakthrough dyspnea and a Karnofsky performance score of ≥30, who were treated at departments of oncology in institutes across Spain were included in this cross-sectional observational study. The characteristics of breakthrough dyspnea, history of treatment, anthropometric variables, Mahler dyspnea index, Borg scale, Edmonton Symptoms Assessment Scale, and patient satisfaction with current breakthrough dyspnea treatment were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of the 149 included patients was 66 years (95% confidence interval: 64.3 to 67.9), and 53 were females (35.6%). The mean breakthrough dyspnea intensity was 5.85 (95% confidence interval 5.48 to 6.22, Borg scale). A total of 55.1% of the first-choice treatments consisted of opioids, followed by oxygen (17.3%). A total of 119 patients (79.9%) received monotherapy for breakthrough dyspnea. Patients presenting with basal dyspnea received oxygen in a greater proportion of cases (21.1% vs 7.4%; p = 0.07). Patients with predictable dyspnea received a greater proportion of opioids (70.9% vs 44.4%; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Opioids constitute first-line therapy for breakthrough dyspnea in routine clinical practice, though the scientific evidence supporting their use is scarce. Further information derived from controlled clinical trials is needed regarding the comparative efficacy of the different treatments in order to justify their use.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Siendo la disnea irruptiva un síntoma muy frecuente en los pacientes oncológicos, no existen recomendaciones precisas para su tratamiento. El objetivo principal del estudio fue analizar qué tratamientos se utilizan en la práctica clínica diaria para el manejo de la disnea irruptiva en pacientes con cáncer en España. Los objetivos secundarios fueron describir las características de los pacientes oncológicos con disnea irruptiva y los atributos de esta alteración. MÉTODOS: Pacientes oncológicos mayores de 18 años, con disnea irruptiva y estado funcional Karnofsky mayor o igual a 30, atendidos en servicios de oncología. Se recogió el historial de tratamientos para la disnea irruptiva y las características de esta patología, variables antropométricas, índice de disnea de Mahler, escala de Borg, escala Edmonton Symptoms Assessment Scale, satisfacción del paciente con el tratamiento actual de la disnea irruptiva. RESULTADOS: La edad media de los 149 pacientes incluidos fue de 66 años (intervalo de confianza 95%: 64,3 a 67,9), siendo mujeres el 35,6% (53). La intensidad media de la disnea irruptiva fue de 5,85 (intervalo de confianza 95%: 5,48 a 6,22 Borg). El 55,1% de los tratamientos de primera opción fueron los opioides, seguidos del oxígeno (17,3%). El 79,9% de los pacientes (119) fueron tratados en monoterapia. En los casos que presentaban disnea basal se administró oxígeno en mayor proporción 21,1% versus 7,4% (p = 0,07). Si la disnea era predecible se administró en mayor proporción opioides, 70,9% versus 44,4% (p = 0,01). CONCLUSIONES: Los opioides constituyen el tratamiento de primera línea de la disnea irruptiva en la práctica clínica habitual; sin embargo, el grado de evidencia científica que justifique su uso es escasa. Se necesita más información procedente de ensayos clínicos controlados en los que se evalúe la eficacia comparativa de diferentes tratamientos.

All with You: a new method for developing compassionate communities-experiences in Spain and Latin-America.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, compassion has motivated the development of programs oriented to create communities and societies involved in the relief of suffering. The development of compassionate communities and cities begins in each one of us, though it relies on organizations, providers and societies as a whole who need tools and methodologies as a part of a set of actions to help compassionate communities and cities to become a reality rooted widely in social values. In order to describe the "All with You®" methodology and its components: a method designed to develop compassionate communities and cities at the end of life that can be extended to organizations, communities, municipalities, cities or countries. In addition, this article tries to describe several experiences from applying the method in different cities and contexts. METHODS: A search of models for the development of compassionate communities was carried out initially to guide the elements and phases that could help to create a systematized method that will help organizations to create compassionate communities. After analysing the results, alliances were established with some of the main promoters at the time in the development of compassionate communities to validate the designed method. The city of Seville (Spain) was selected to validate the phases of the method and analyse the results based on a series of indicators. Finally, the methodology is being spread throughout cities in various countries, and the experiences are being evaluated with common indicators. RESULTS: The "All with You®" method (Todos Contigo® in Spanish) has been developed as a systematic approach that enables anyone interested in building compassionate communities or cities to include all of the elements outlined in the Compassionate City Charter. All with You® is a method that includes eight phases that allows organizations to be guided in the development of compassionate communities and cities towards a certification process that is evaluated through a series of structures, process and results indicators. The main actions of this method are based on social awareness, training, and the implementation of networks of care using innovative elements like Community Promoters and the RedCuida protocol to provide support, backing and care for those who face advanced chronic disease and end of life situations. Several cities in Spain and Latin America have already joined the movement of compassionate cities using this method, including four in Spain (Seville, Badajoz, Getxo and Pamplona), four in Colombia (Cali, Medellin, Fusagasugá and Bogotá) and one in Argentina (Buenos Aires). CONCLUSIONS: The All with You® method has made the development of compassionate communities and cities possible, aligning organizations and cities to promote compassionate acts, and to start creating networks involved in a global community united by a vocation for caring.

Atención domiciliaria especializada en pacientes con demencia / Specialized home care for patients with dementia

OBJETIVO: Analizar las características de los pacientes con demencia atendidos por un equipo de soporte de atención domiciliaria y establecer si existen diferencias en cuanto a la actuación en pacientes con otras enfermedades. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio analítico prospectivo, comparativo de 2 cohortes de pacientes atendidos en sus domicilios (una afecta de demencia y la segunda sin dicho antecedente), comparando edad, sexo, cuidador principal, número de visitas y tiempo de seguimiento, motivo de alta, antecedentes médicos, índices de Barthel previo a intervención y en la primera visita del equipo de soporte de atención domiciliaria, cuestionario de Pfeiffer, tipo de demencia y escala Global Deterioration Scale de Reisberg, número de fármacos previos, presencia de síntomas (dolor, disnea, náuseas, ansiedad, depresión, insomnio, agitación) tratamiento de síntomas o modificación de tratamiento previo, necesidad de sedación. Análisis de datos con programa SPSS 15.0. RESULTADOS: Del total de pacientes atendidos (N=638), 195 constituyeron la cohorte de pacientes con demencia (30,7%). La causa más frecuente fue demencia vascular 40,4% (N=74). El Global Deterioration Scale medio resultó 6±1,05, con una puntuación media de 8,87 errores en el test de Pfeiffer y con un índice de Barthel medio de 11,9±23. En pacientes sin demencia, se obtienen diferencias significativas en cuanto a la situación funcional y cognitiva (índice de Barthel de 52,34±38 y test de Pfeiffer con una puntuación media de 1,48±3,2 (p < 0,001)). El paciente con demencia, más frecuentemente institucionalizado (el 37,9% frente a 11,8% en no dementes), presenta en mayor cuantía síndrome de inmovilidad (70,3 frente al 24%) y presencia de úlceras por presión (el 19,6 frente al 3,9%), menor presencia de clínica salvo agitación y menor necesidad de sedación paliativa (el 8,2 frente al 20,4%). Son pacientes con una menor mortalidad el 31,8 frente al 53,1%) y una menor necesidad de hospitalización (el 6,7 frente al 17,5%), sin evidenciarse diferencias en la actividad asistencial. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros resultados muestran que estos pacientes presentan un perfil sintomático y funcional lentamente progresivo que requerirá una atención centrada en los momentos de crisis, pudiendo disminuir ingresos hospitalarios mediante un adecuado control de síntomas

OBJECTIVE: to Analyze the characteristics of patients with dementia attended by a home care support team and to establish whether there are differences from patients with other diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, comparative analytical study of 2 cohorts of patients attended at home, one with dementia and one without, comparing age, sex, principal caregiver, number of visits and time of follow-up, reason for discharge, medical comorbidity, Barthel index prior to intervention and on the first home care support team visit, Pfeiffer questionnaire, type of dementia and Global Deterioration Scale of Reisberg, amount of previous medication, presence of symptoms (pain, dyspnoea, nausea, anxiety, depression, insomnia, agitation) treatment of symptoms or modification of previous treatment, need for sedation. Data analysis with SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: Of all patients attended (N=638), 195 comprised the cohort of patients with dementia (30.7%). The most common cause was vascular dementia 40.4% (N=74). The average Global Deterioration Scale was 6±1.05, with an average score of 8.87 errors in the Pfeiffer test and average Barthel index of 11.9± 23. In the patients without dementia, significant differences were obtained in terms of functional and cognitive status (Barthel index of 52.34±38 and Pfeiffer test with an average score of 1.48 ±3.2 (P<.001)). The patients with dementia, most commonly institutionalised (37.9% versus 11.8% in non-demented), presented a greater amount of immobility syndrome (70.3% versus 24%) and pressure ulcers (19.6% compared to 3.9%), fewer symptoms other than agitation and less need for palliative sedation (8.2% versus 20.4%). These are patients with lower mortality 31.8% versus 53.1%) and a reduced need for hospitalisation (6.7% versus 17.5%), with no differences in clinical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that these patients have a slowly progressive symptomatic and functional profile that will require attention at times of crisis, hospital admissions could be reduced by adequate control of symptoms

Declive funcional y presencia de síntomas en cuidados paliativos: ¿causa o consecuencia? / Functional decline and presence of symptoms in palliative care: cause or consequence?

Introducción. Diversas publicaciones han relacionado el declive funcional con la aparición de síntomas, especialmente psicológicos o psiquiátricos, como ansiedad y depresión. Por otra parte, un trastorno depresivo inicial o previo al declive funcional también suele empeorarlo. Nos planteamos conocer la relación entre la existencia de declive funcional medido mediante descenso en índice de Barthel (IB) y la presencia de síntomas. Material y métodos. Estudio analítico prospectivo con los pacientes derivados a un Equipo de Soporte para Atención Domiciliaria (ESAD). Resultados. Seiscientos treinta y ocho casos, 53,9% (N=344) hombres, 56% (N=357) oncológicos y 44% (N=281) no oncológicos. La edad media fue 79,64 ± 10,8 años. Obtuvimos diferencias significativas (p<0,001) en declive funcional medido mediante descenso medio en el IB entre pacientes oncológicos (34,4) y no oncológicos (12,12). Encontramos diferencias significativas (p<0,001) en todos los síntomas registrados (dolor, disnea, anorexia, náuseas, ansiedad, depresión e insomnio) con mayor frecuencia en pacientes oncológicos, salvo en el caso de la agitación psicomotriz. En pacientes con mayor grado de declive funcional, con descensos en IB superior a 20 puntos, se detectó mayor presencia de síntomas. Salvo determinados analgésicos, no hubo diferencias en los tratamientos previos; sí encontramos diferencias en diversos tratamientos pautados por el ESAD. Conclusiones. La existencia de declive funcional y su grado pueden verse relacionados con la aparición de síntomas, especialmente en el paciente oncológico (AU)

Introduction. Several publications have related functional decline to the appearance of symptoms, especially psychiatric or psychological ones, such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, an initial depressive disorder or prior to functional decline usually worsens it. It was decided to investigate the relationship between the presence of functional decline, measured by a decrease in the Barthel index (BI), and the presence of symptoms. Material and methods. A prospective analytical study conducted on patients referred to a Home Care Support Team (HCST). Results. The study included 638 cases, of which 53.9% (N=344) were male, 56% (N=357) with cancer and 44% (N=281) geriatric. The mean age was 79.64 years+- 10.8. Significant differences (P<.001) were found in functional decline measured by mean decline in the BI between cancer (34.4) and non-cancer patients (12.12). Significant differences (P<.001) were also found in all recorded symptoms (pain, dyspnoea, anorexia, nausea, anxiety, depression, and insomnia), more frequently in cancer patients, except psychomotor agitation. A higher presence of symptoms was detected in patients with greater functional decline, with decreases in BI above 20 points. There were no differences in previous treatments, except in certain analgesics. Differences were found in the different treatments prescribed by HCST. Conclusions. The presence of functional decline and its level may be related to the appearance of symptoms, especially in cancer patients (AU)

[Functional decline and presence of symptoms in palliative care: Cause or consequence?] / Declive funcional y presencia de síntomas en cuidados paliativos: ¿causa o consecuencia?

INTRODUCTION: Several publications have related functional decline to the appearance of symptoms, especially psychiatric or psychological ones, such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, an initial depressive disorder or prior to functional decline usually worsens it. It was decided to investigate the relationship between the presence of functional decline, measured by a decrease in the Barthel index (BI), and the presence of symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective analytical study conducted on patients referred to a Home Care Support Team (HCST). RESULTS: The study included 638 cases, of which 53.9% (N=344) were male, 56% (N=357) with cancer and 44% (N=281) geriatric. The mean age was 79.64 years+- 10.8. Significant differences (P<.001) were found in functional decline measured by mean decline in the BI between cancer (34.4) and non-cancer patients (12.12). Significant differences (P<.001) were also found in all recorded symptoms (pain, dyspnoea, anorexia, nausea, anxiety, depression, and insomnia), more frequently in cancer patients, except psychomotor agitation. A higher presence of symptoms was detected in patients with greater functional decline, with decreases in BI above 20 points. There were no differences in previous treatments, except in certain analgesics. Differences were found in the different treatments prescribed by HCST. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of functional decline and its level may be related to the appearance of symptoms, especially in cancer patients.

Have We Improved Pain Control in Cancer Patients? A Multicenter Study of Ambulatory and Hospitalized Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Pain in cancer patients is recognized as a major health problem, yet few studies of both inpatient and outpatient populations have been carried out. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to assess the frequency, type, and characteristics of pain in adult cancer patients, including both inpatients and outpatients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 1064 adult cancer patients (437 outpatients and 627 inpatients) from 44 hospitals and/or long-term-care centers in Catalonia, Spain. Cancer patients suffering from pain of any etiology for ≥2 weeks and/or under analgesic treatment ≥2 weeks were enrolled. Demographic and pain data were collected. The Spanish version of the Brief Pain Inventory was used to assess pain. RESULTS: Pain frequency was 55.3%. Pain was less frequent in outpatients than inpatients (41.6% versus 64.7%; p<0.001), although median pain duration was longer in outpatients (20 versus 6 weeks; p<0.001). Pain was assessable in 333 patients, and intensity was similar in both out- and inpatients; however, outpatients reported less improvement, less pain interference with daily life, and less pain related to the cancer per se. In both groups, patients with multiple myeloma (73%), breast (65%), and lung cancer (61%) were most likely to report pain. CONCLUSIONS: Pain in cancer patients, both ambulatory and hospitalized, remains a challenge for health care professionals, health administrators, and stakeholders. Our study reveals the high level of pain and distress that cancer patients continue to suffer, a problem that is particularly notable in outpatients due to the intensity and duration of the pain.

Validación de un modelo pronóstico de supervivencia basado en parámetros biológicos para pacientes con cáncer terminal atendidos en ámbito domiciliario / Validation of a survival prognostic score based on biological parameters in terminal cancer patients assisted by a Home Care Support Team

Introducción La atención domiciliaria es una modalidad asistencial cada vez más demandada por los pacientes en situación terminal. Conocer el tiempo de supervivencia permitiría a los equipos asistenciales elaborar planes de cuidados adecuados y afrontar mejor dilemas éticos. No existen suficientes herramientas predictivas de supervivencia en estos pacientes en su atención domiciliaria. Objetivo Comprobar la validez y aplicación de una herramienta pronóstica diseñada en medio hospitalario con parámetros biológicos para su aplicación en domicilio. Material y método Estudio analítico, observacional y prospectivo en pacientes oncológicos terminales atendidos por un Equipo de Soporte de Atención Domiciliaria desde 1/10/03 a 7/11/05. A quienes cumplieron criterios de inclusión, previo consentimiento informado, se les extrajo sangre para la determinación de unos parámetros analíticos. Se analizó el significado pronóstico de las variables obtenidas para supervivencia igual o inferior a 30 días. El modelo predictivo a validar está representado por una ecuación logística. Se (..) (AU)

Introduction Home care is a health care service that is in increasing demand for terminally ill patients. Knowing survival time would help health care teams to develop appropriate care plans, and to deal with ethical dilemmas. There are not sufficient predictive tools for survival prognosis in those patients. Objective To verify the validity and application of a prognostic tool designed for a hospital, with analytical parameters for its application in the home setting. Materials and methods Prospective, observational and analytical study on patients with terminal cancer cared by a home care support team from 10/1/03 to 7/11/05. A blood sample was taken for the analysis of laboratory tests on those patients with, inclusion criteria and prior informed consent. Prognostic significance of the variables obtained for a survival equal to or less than 30 days was analysed. The predictive model to validate was represented by a logistic equation. Its predictive capacity was analysed by calculating the ROC and its corresponding AUC with a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe model and the prognostic equation of Nabal and col. were applied in 80 patients. This collect information associated with cachexia-anorexia syndrome and the organs involved. Only leukocytes and neutrophils showed a statistically significant difference for survival equal to or less than 30 days. Conclusions The sample size was small due to the difficulty of working in the home. The results do not agree with other models, questioning the validity of this tool in our environment. More studies that adjust the methodology developed in the field of home care are required (AU)