Feasibility and effectiveness of a two-tiered intervention involving training and a new consultation model for patients with palliative care needs in primary care: A before-after study.
Carlos Seiça Cardoso, Filipe Prazeres, Bárbara Oliveiros, Cátia Nunes, Pedro Simões, Carolina Aires, Patrícia Rita, Joana Penetra, Paulo Lopes, Sara Alcobia, Sara Baptista, Carla Venâncio, Barbara Gomes
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Evidence suggests that involving General Practitioners in the care of patients with palliative care needs may improve patient outcomes.
Aim: To evaluate whether a two-tiered intervention involving training in palliative care and a new consultation model in primary care for patients with palliative care needs is feasible and could reduce patients' symptom burden.
Design: Before-after study including an internal pilot.
Setting/participants: Nine general practitioners working in a health region in Portugal and 53 patients with palliative care needs from their patient lists were recruited. General Practitioners received training in palliative care and used a new primary palliative care consultation model, with medical consultations every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was physical symptom burden, self-reported using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) patient version (min.0-max.1000). Secondary outcomes included emotional symptoms (min.0-max.400) and communication/practical issues (min.0-max.300).
Results: Of the 35/53 patients completed the 12-week intervention (mean age 72.53 years, SD = 13.45; 54.7% female). All had advanced disease: one third had cancer (n = 13), one third had congestive heart failure (n = 12); others had chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After the 12 weeks of intervention, there was a reduction in physical symptom burden [mean difference from baseline of 71.42 (95%CI 37.01-105.85) with a medium-large effect size (0.71], and in emotional symptom burden [mean difference 42.86 (95%CI 16.14-69.58), with a medium effect size (0.55)]. No difference was found for communication/practical issues.
Conclusions: Our intervention can be effective in reducing patients' physical and emotional symptoms.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID - NCT05244590. Registration: 14th February 2022.
期刊介绍:
Palliative Medicine is a highly ranked, peer reviewed scholarly journal dedicated to improving knowledge and clinical practice in the palliative care of patients with far advanced disease. This outstanding journal features editorials, original papers, review articles, case reports, correspondence and book reviews. Essential reading for all members of the palliative care team. This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).