Using Audit to Improve End-of-Life Care in a Tertiary Cancer Centre
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Implementing targeted interventions significantly improved end-of-life care (EoLC) quality for cancer patients. Re-auditing demonstrated sustained improvements in patient care and reduced instances of poor end-of-life care.
Area Of Science
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background
- High-quality end-of-life care (EoLC) is crucial in oncology but often overlooked.
- A 2021 audit identified significant EoLC deficits in cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose Of The Study
- To assess the impact of interventions on EoLC quality in a tertiary cancer center.
- To evaluate improvements following the implementation of a proforma, checklist, education, and an expanded committee.
Main Methods
- A retrospective re-audit of 72 patients who died between July 2022 and April 2023.
- Assessment of EoLC quality using Oxford Quality Indicators.
Main Results
- Significant improvement in EoLC quality compared to the initial audit (p=0.021).
- Increased documentation of patient wishes (48.8% vs 24.2%) and pastoral care referrals (68.3% vs 10.6%).
- Reduction in poor EoLC from 21.2% to 8.3%.
Conclusions
- Simple interventions, re-auditing, and interdisciplinary commitment effectively enhance EoLC.
- Sustained improvements in end-of-life care quality are achievable through structured quality initiatives.
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