Relationship between palliative care consultation service and end-of-life outcomes

Palliative care consultation service (PCCS) is currently utilized to provide care to terminal patients in Taiwan. However, there is little research on the relationship between PCCS and end-of-life outcomes. This study aimed to elucidate the association between PCCS and end-of-life outcomes in terminal cancer patients.

Retrospective chart reviews of terminal cancer patients who consulted the PCCS of a medical center in Taiwan from January 2007 to December 2012 were performed. Data on 1369 patients were recorded, which included details of outcomes such as discharge from hospital, transfer to hospice ward, and death after PCCS termination. Other variables such as demographics, disease-related information, symptoms, and psychosocial needs were also evaluated. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate the adjusted odds ratios and related 95% confidence intervals.

The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, timing of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) signature, constipation, and spiritual problems experienced by the patients were important predictors for terminal cancer patients who were discharged from the hospital or had expired at the time of PCCS termination. Age, gender, primary cancer diagnosis, timing of DNR signature, constipation, and other physical symptoms were the key predictors for patients who were transferred to the hospice ward or had expired.

This study confirms the outcomes of PCCS and highlights the important predictors for patients at PCCS termination. These factors can be targeted to improve and enhance the quality of PCCS rendered in the future.