Related Experiment Videos
The Intensive Palliative Care Unit: Changing Outcomes for Hospitalized Cancer Patients in an Academic Medical Center
Haipeng Zhang1, Constance Barysauskas2, Elizabeth Rickerson1
11 Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts.
Journal of Palliative Medicine
|December 22, 2016
Summary
An intensive palliative care unit (IPCU) for advanced cancer patients clarifies goals of care, improves hospice referrals, and reduces hospital readmissions, enhancing patient outcomes and care coordination.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Advanced cancer patients often face complex symptom management challenges.
- The intensive palliative care unit (IPCU) at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center manages oncology patients with uncontrolled symptoms.
- An interdisciplinary team focuses on symptom management and advance care planning within the IPCU.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate goals-of-care outcomes for patients admitted to the IPCU.
- To analyze healthcare utilization patterns following IPCU admission.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 74 oncology patients admitted to the IPCU in August and September 2013.
- Analysis of patient demographics, treatment intent, chief complaints, code status changes, and discharge dispositions.
Main Results:
- 67 patients received palliative intent care; 7 received curative intent care.
- 87% reported pain as the chief complaint; 25 patients changed code status.
- 88% were discharged alive, with 4% 30-day readmission risk; 49% discharged to hospice.
Conclusions:
- Inpatient palliative care units clarify goals of care for advanced cancer patients.
- IPCU facilitates appropriate hospice referrals and transitions.
- IPCU admission is associated with decreased hospital readmissions.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Continuing Care
2.0K
Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
2.0K
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
808
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
808
01:27Nursing Ethical Principles II
2.4K
Ethical principles are essential in guiding nurses to fulfill their responsibilities, focusing on the quality of nursing care and decision-making. These principles, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity, shape the ethical framework within healthcare settings.
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
2.4K
02:49Cancer Therapies
10.5K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
10.5K
01:13Patient-centered Care
3.2K
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
3.2K
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
4.2K
When developing expected outcomes for a patient care plan, the nurse should adhere to the following recommendations:
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
4.2K