Added Value of Early Consultation of an Inpatient Palliative Care Team in Hospitalized Older Patients With High Symptom Burden: A Prospective Comparative Study

M.W. Naaktgeboren, F.J.H. Magdelijns, D.J.A. Janssen, M.H.J. van den Beuken-van Everdingen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background:It is estimated that in 2050 one quarter of the population in Europe will be aged 65 years and older. Although the added value of a palliative care team is emphasized in the literature, the impact of the palliative care team on the symptom burden in older non-cancer patients is not yet well established.Objectives:To structurally measure symptoms and to investigate whether proactive consultation with a palliative care team results in improvement of symptoms.Design:This study has a prospective comparative design.Setting/Participants:Older patients, admitted to a Dutch University Medical Centre for who a health care professional had a negative response to the Surprise Question, were selected.Measurements, Results:In period one, 59 patients completed the Utrecht Symptom Diary (USD) at day one of admission and after 7 days. In period 2 (n = 60), the same procedure was followed; additionally, the palliative care team was consulted for patients with high USD-scores. Significant improvement on the USD Total Distress Score (TSDS) was observed in both groups without a difference between the 2 periods. This study showed an association between consultation of the palliative care team and improvement on USD TSDS (adjusted odds ratio: 4.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.816-13.198), despite low follow-up rate of advices (approximately 50%).Conclusions:This study emphasizes the importance of creating awareness for consulting the palliative care team. Further research should focus on assessing the reason behind the low follow-up rate of the advice given and understanding the specific advices contributing to symptom improvement.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1049909120982606
Pages (from-to)1258-1264
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine
Volume38
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2021

Keywords

  • palliative care
  • terminal care
  • comparative effectiveness research
  • elderly
  • consultation

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