The American journal of hospice & palliative care最新文献

{"title":"\"Postponing it Any Later Would not be so Great\": A Cognitive Interview Study of How Physicians Decide to Initiate Goals of Care Discussions in the Hospital.","authors":"Elizabeth Chuang, Sabrina Gugliuzza, Ammar Ahmad, Michael Aboodi, Michelle Ng Gong, Amber E Barnato","doi":"10.1177/10499091231222926","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091231222926","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There are missed opportunities to discuss goals and preferences for care with seriously ill patients in the acute care setting. It is unknown which factors most influence clinician decision-making about communication at the point of care.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study utilized a cognitive-interviewing technique to better understand what leads clinicians to decide to have a goals of care (GOC) discussion in the acute care setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A convenience sample of 15 oncologists, intensivists and hospitalists were recruited from a single academic medical center in a large urban area. Participants completed a cognitive interview describing their thought process when deciding whether to engage in GOC discussions in clinical vignettes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>6 interconnected factors emerged as important in determining how likely the physician was to consider engaging in GOC at that time; (1) the participants' mental model of GOC, (2) timing of GOC related to stability, acuity and reversibility of the patient's condition, (3) clinical factors such as uncertainty, prognosis and recency of diagnosis, (4) patient factors including age and emotional state, (5) participants' role on the care team, and (6) clinician factors such as emotion and communication skill level.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Participants were hesitant to commit to the present moment as the right time for GOC discussions based on variations in clinical presentation. Clinical decision support systems that include more targeted information about risk of clinical deterioration and likelihood of reversal of the acute condition may prompt physicians to discuss GOC, but more support for managing discomfort with uncertainty is also needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11182887/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138812115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating Frailty Assessment to Enhance Care in Cancer Patients with Borderline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status.","authors":"Chih-Chung Hsu, Yu-Shin Hung, Shao-Ming Yu, Shun-Wen Hsueh, Wen-Chi Chou","doi":"10.1177/10499091231226062","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091231226062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The (ECOG) performance status (PS) is commonly used to evaluate the functional ability of patients undergoing antitumor therapy. An ECOG PS of 2, indicating patients capable of self-care but restricted strenuous activity, can complicate treatment decisions owing to concerns regarding treatment-related toxicity. We investigated whether frailty assessment could help discriminate treatment tolerance and survival outcomes in patients with an ECOG PS of 2.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We prospectively included 45 consecutive patients, aged ≥65 years, with an ECOG PS of 2, and newly diagnosed solid cancer scheduled for chemotherapy. Frailty was assessed using an eight-indicator geriatric assessment. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) based on frailty status; secondary outcomes included treatment tolerance and toxicity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median patient age was 73 years (range 65-94), and 71% had stage IV disease. Predominant frailty-related deficits were functional decline (96%), malnutrition (78%), and polypharmacy (51%). The median OS was 12.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.8-18.4). Patients with 4-6 deficits had significantly lower OS than those with 1-3 deficits (9.9 months vs. 20.0 months, adjusted hazard ratio 2.51, 95% CI: 1.16-5.44, <i>P</i> = .020). Frailty significantly correlated with reduced 12-week chemotherapy competence (52% vs. 85%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] .14, 95% CI: .03-.70, <i>P</i> = .016) and enhanced risk of unexpected hospitalization (60% vs. 20%, adjusted OR 6.80, 95% CI: 1.64-28.1, <i>P</i> = .008).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings highlight the multifaceted nature of patients with an ECOG PS of 2 and emphasize the importance of frailty assessment for treatment outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139107030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Association Between an Electronic Health Record (EHR)-Embedded Frailty Index and Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Patients with Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer on Immunotherapy: A Brief Report.","authors":"Jennifer Gabbard, Saadia Nur, Beverly J Levine, Thomas W Lycan, Nicholas Pajewski, Erica Frechman, Kathryn E Callahan, Heidi Klepin, Laurie E McLouth","doi":"10.1177/10499091231223964","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091231223964","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background</i></b>: While frailty is a well-established predictor of overall mortality among patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC), its association with patient-reported outcomes is not well-characterized. The goal of this study was to examine the association between an electronic frailty index (eFI) score and patient-reported outcome measures along with prognostic awareness among patients with mNSCLC receiving immunotherapy. <b><i>Methods</i></b>: In a cross-sectional study, patients with mNSCLC who were on immunotherapy completed the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and the National Cancer Institute Patient Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE). We utilized bivariate analyses to compare quality of life, symptoms, supportive services, and prognostic awareness among 3 groups defined by e-frailty status. <b><i>Results</i></b>: Sixty patients (mean age 62.5 years, 75% Caucasian, 60% women) participated. Most patients were pre-frail (68%), with 13% being frail and 18% non-frail. Pre-frail and frail patients had significantly lower physical function scores (mean 83.9 fit vs 74.8 pre-frail vs 60.0 frail, <i>P</i> = .04) and higher rates of self-reported pain (75% frail vs 41.5% pre-frail vs 18.2% fit; <i>P</i> = .04) compared to non-frail patients. We found no differences in palliative referral rates. <b><i>Conclusion</i></b>: Pre-frail and frail mNSCLC patients identified by the eFI have higher rates of pain and physical functional impairments than non-frail patients. These findings highlight the importance of emphasizing preventive interventions targeting social needs, functional limitations, and pain management, especially among pre-frail patients to reduce further decline.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11192858/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138833765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uncovering Patient and Caregiver Goals for Goal-Concordant Care in Kidney Therapy Decisions.","authors":"Ramya Sampath, Sandhya Seshadri, Tramanh Phan, Rebecca Allen, Paul R Duberstein, Fahad Saeed","doi":"10.1177/10499091241227242","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091241227242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>In kidney therapy (KT) decisions, goal-concordant decision-making is recognized to be important, yet alignment with patients' goals during dialysis initiation is not always achieved.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore older patients' and caregivers' hopes, goals, and fears related to KT and communication of these elements with members of their health care team.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study included patients aged ≥75 years with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤25 mL/min/1.73 m2 and their caregivers enrolled in a palliative care intervention for KT decision-making. Patients and caregivers were asked open-ended questions about their hopes, goals, and fears related to KT decisions. A survey assessed if patients shared their goals with members of their health care team. Qualitative data underwent content analysis, supplemented by demographic descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of patients (n = 26) was 82.7 (±5.7) years, and caregivers (n = 15) had a mean age of 66.4 (±13.7) years. Among the participants, 13 patients and 11 caregivers were women, and 20 patients and 12 caregivers were White. Four themes emerged: (1) Maintaining things as good as they are by avoiding dialysis-related burdens; (2) seeking longevity while avoiding dialysis; (3) avoiding pain, symptoms, and body disfigurement; and (4) deferring decision-making. Patients rarely had shared their goals with the key members of their health care team.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients and caregivers prioritize maintaining quality of life, deferring decision-making regarding dialysis, and avoiding dialysis-related burdens. These goals are often unshared with their family and health care teams. Given our aging population, urgent action is needed to educate clinicians to actively explore and engage with patient goals in KT decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11231053/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139405737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In-Hospital Code Status Updates: Trends Over Time and the Impact of COVID-19.","authors":"Amirreza Sahebi-Fakhrabad, Eda Kemahlioglu-Ziya, Robert Handfield, Stacy Wood, Mehul D Patel, Cristen P Page, Lydia Chang","doi":"10.1177/10499091231222188","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091231222188","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The primary objective was to evaluate if the percentage of patients with missing or inaccurate code status documentation at a Trauma Level 1 hospital could be reduced through daily updates. The secondary objective was to examine if patient preferences for DNR changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study, spanning March 2019 to December 2022, compared the code status in ICU and ED patients drawn from two data sets. The first was based on historical electronic medical records (EHR), and the second involved daily updates of code status following patient admission.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Implementing daily updates upon admission was more effective in ICUs than in the ED in reducing missing code status documentation. Around 20% of patients without a specific code status chose DNR under the new system. During COVID-19, a decrease in ICU patients choosing DNR and an increase in full code (FC) choices were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the importance of regular updates and discussions regarding code status to enhance patient care and resource allocation in ICU and ED settings. The COVID-19 pandemic's influence on shifting patient preferences towards full code status underscores the need for adaptable documentation practices. Emphasizing patient education about DNR implications and benefits is key to supporting informed decisions that reflect individual health contexts and values. This approach will help balance the considerations for DNR and full code choices, especially during health care crises.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138812694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Visitor Restrictions on the Pain and Psychological Wellbeing of Palliative Care Patients: A Cohort Study.","authors":"Yiran Tu, Mark Tacey, Jaclyn Yoong","doi":"10.1177/10499091241227241","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091241227241","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> Palliative care patients with advanced or life-threatening illnesses in hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to be affected by visitor restrictions (VR). We aimed to explore the impact of VR on patients' levels of physical pain and psychological distress. <b>Design:</b> Retrospective cohort study comparing two cohorts of patients admitted to a palliative care unit in a major metropolitan hospital in Australia; the first cohort from 1 April to 30 June 2019 (pre-pandemic; n = 96), and the second from 1 April to 30 June 2020 (during pandemic; n = 95). <b>Methods:</b> Patient-rated pain scores (using the Symptom Assessment Scale; SAS) and clinician-rated pain and psychological/spiritual severity scores (using the Palliative Care Problem Severity Score; PCPSS) on admission and on discharge or death were compared between pre-pandemic and pandemic cohorts. Discharge pain scores and change in scores from admission to discharge were also assessed via multivariable analyses. <b>Results:</b> Case-mix of patients in both cohorts were similar. After adjusting for demographics and functional status, pain scores in the pandemic cohort were higher for patients deceased on discharge, compared to the pre-pandemic cohort (SAS: coefficient = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.09 to 1.64, <i>P</i> = 0.029; PCPSS: coefficient = 0.24, 95%CI: -0.07 to 0.86, <i>P</i> = 0.131, respectively). Differences in SAS and PCPSS pain and psychological/spiritual scores for those discharged alive were not statistically significant. <b>Conclusion:</b> Among palliative care inpatients affected by VR, we observed higher pain scores for patients discharged deceased; suggesting that VR may have impacted the physical wellbeing (pain) of these patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139492877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Aggressive End-of-Life Treatments Among Inpatients With Cancer and Non-cancer Diseases Using a Japanese National Claims Database.","authors":"Shintaro Togashi, Kento Masukawa, Maho Aoyama, Kazuki Sato, Mitsunori Miyashita","doi":"10.1177/10499091231216888","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091231216888","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To describe aggressive treatments at end-of-life among inpatients with cancer and non-cancer diseases and to evaluate factors associated with these treatments using the Japanese national database (NDB). We conducted a retrospective cohort study among inpatients aged ≥ 20 years who died between 2012 and 2015 using a sampling dataset of NDB. The outcome was the proportion of aggressive treatments in the last 14 days of life. We considered the underlying causes of death as cancer, dementia/senility, and heart, cerebrovascular, renal, liver, respiratory, and neurodegenerative diseases. We analyzed 54,105 inpatients, with underlying cause of death distributed as follows: cancer, 24.9%; heart disease, 16.5%; respiratory disease, 12.3%; and cerebrovascular disease, 9.7%. The proportion of intensive care unit (ICU) admission was 9.7%, being the highest in heart disease (20.5%), followed by cerebrovascular diseases (12.6%), and least in dementia/senility (.6%). The proportion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 19.6%, being the highest in heart disease (38.1%), followed by renal diseases (19.5%), and least in cancer (6.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that having heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, younger age, less comorbidities, and shorter length of stay were associated with an increasing risk of aggressive treatments in the last 14 days of life. The proportion of aggressive treatments at the end-of-life varies depending on the disease; additionally, these treatments were associated with having heart diseases, younger age, less comorbidity, and shorter length of stay. Our findings may help develop and set benchmarks for quality indicators at the end-of-life for patients with non-cancer diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138465296","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Determinants of Inpatient Palliative Care Use in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer.","authors":"Osayande Osagiede, Kapil Nayar, Massimo Raimondo, Vivek Kumbhari, Frank J Lukens","doi":"10.1177/10499091231218257","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091231218257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Symptom burden management is a major goal of pancreatic cancer care given that most patients are diagnosed late. Early palliative care is recommended in addition to concurrent active treatment; however, disparities exist. We sought to determine the factors associated with inpatient palliative treatment among pancreatic cancer patients and compare treatment outcomes in terms of mortality, discharge disposition and resource utilization.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective study of 22,053 pancreatic cancers using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (January - December 2020). Patient and hospital characteristics, mortality, discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), hospital costs and charges were compared between pancreatic cancer patients based on palliative treatment. Multivariate regression was used to evaluate patient and hospital characteristics and outcomes associated with palliative treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total number of 3839 (17.4%) patients received palliative care. Patients who received palliative care were more likely to be older, Medicaid insured, and nonobese. Patients were less likely to receive palliative care if they are males, Medicare insured, had a lower Charlson comorbidity score, or treated in Urban nonteaching hospitals. Patients who received palliative care displayed higher odds of in-hospital mortality and prolonged LOS. The adjusted additional mean hospital cost and charges in patients who received palliative care were lower by $1459, and $4222 respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Inpatient palliative treatment in pancreatic cancer patients is associated with an older age, a higher comorbidity burden, non-obesity, insurance status and urban teaching hospitals. Our study suggests that inpatient palliative treatment decreased hospital resource utilization without prolonging survival.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138296835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions on Use of Opioids in Palliative Care of Dyspnoea in Patients with Fibrotic interstitial lung disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Camilla Yde Hvelplund, Birgit Refsgaard, Elisabeth Bendstrup","doi":"10.1177/10499091241227556","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091241227556","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and fibrotic interstitial lung disease suffer from severe dyspnea and reduced quality of life, despite receiving optimal disease-modifying treatment for their illness. Studies have suggested that these patients may benefit from treatment with low-dose opioids. However, many patients decline opioid treatment. This has led to patients not receiving proper palliative treatment of their lung disease.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To identify potential barriers that prevent patients from receiving adequate palliative care with opioids and enable doctors to address patients' concerns.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was done using NVivo.</p><p><strong>Setting/participants: </strong>Patients were recruited when scheduled for out-patient follow-up at Center for Rare Lung Diseases or at the COPD clinic, Aarhus University Hospital. Eligible patients were 18 years of age, did not currently receive opioids or had ever received opioids for dyspnea.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 28 patients participated. One patient was excluded before final analysis of 27 patients. Four themes were identified: Fear of side-effects, Need for more information, Stigma of opioids association with severe illness and dying, and No discernible barriers. Furthermore, three sub-themes to Fear of side-effects were identified: Fear of addiction, concern for sedative effect, and fear for loss of mobility due to inability to drive a car. The most expressed concern was Fear of side-effects, especially addiction.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pre-conceived notions about opioids prevent some patients with chronic obstructive lung disease or interstitial lung disease from receiving palliative care for breathlessness.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139704316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ecology of End-of-life Medical Care for Advanced Cancer Patients in China.","authors":"Fei Yang, Anli Leng, Jun Jing, Mary Miller, Bee Wee","doi":"10.1177/10499091231219254","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091231219254","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Approximately 30% of global cancer-related deaths occur in mainland China. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the end-of-life care-seeking behavior of patients with advanced cancer in China. Our study was to investigate end-of-life care-seeking behavior and to quantify the association between sociodemographic characteristics and the location and pattern of end-of-life care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a mortality follow-back survey using caregivers' interviews to estimate the number of individuals pre 1000 who died between 2013 and 2021 in the last 3 months of life. We collected data on hospitalization, outpatient visits, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, palliative care and hospice utilization, and place of death, stratified by age, gender, marital status, household income, residential zone, insurance type, and the primary end-of-life decision-maker of the decedents.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We analyzed data from 857 deceased cancer patients, representing an average of 1000 individuals. Among these patients, 861 experienced at least moderate or more severe pain, 774 were hospitalized at least once, 468 received intensive treatment, 389 had at least one outpatient visit, 270 died in the hospital, 236 received cardiopulmonary resuscitation and 99 received specialist hospice care.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study provides insights into the end-of-life care-seeking behavior of advanced cancer patients in China and our findings serve as a useful benchmark for estimating the use of end-of-life medical care. It highlights the need for the establishment of an accessible and patient-centered palliative care and hospice system.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138453431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}