Receiving Specialist Palliative Care Research Articles

‘Take more laxatives was their answer to everything’: A qualitative exploration of the patient, carer and healthcare professional experience of constipation in specialist palliative care

Background: Constipation is a major problem for many older adults, more so for those who are receiving specialist palliative care. However, limited research reports the subjective experiences of constipation, despite evidenced differences between the healthcare professional and patient/carer perspective. Aim: The main aim of this study is to explore the experience of how constipation is assessed and managed within specialist palliative care from the patient, carer and healthcare professional perspective. Design: Exploratory, qualitative design, utilising focus groups and interviews, and analysed using thematic analysis. Setting/participants: Six focus groups with 27 healthcare professionals and semi-structured interviews with 13 patients and 5 family caregivers in specialist palliative care units across three regions of the United Kingdom. Results: Constipation impacted physically, psychologically and socially on patients and families; however, they felt staff relegated it on the list of importance. Lifestyle modifications implemented at home were not incorporated into their specialist palliative care plan within the hospice. Comparatively, healthcare professionals saw constipation solely as a physical symptom. Assessment focused on the physical elements of constipation, and management was pharmacologically driven. Healthcare professionals reported patient embarrassment as a barrier to communicating about bowel care, whereas patients wanted staff to initiate communication and discuss constipation openly. Conclusion: Assessment and management of constipation may not yet reflect the holistic palliative care model. A focus on the pharmacological management may result in lifestyle modifications being underutilised. Healthcare professionals also need to be open to initiate communication on bowel care and consider non-pharmacological approaches. It is important that patients and families are supported in self-care management, alongside standardised guidelines for practice and for healthcare professionals to facilitate this.

Phase I cancer trials: a qualitative study of specialist palliative care

ObjectiveIn recent years, a simultaneous care model for advanced cancer patients has been recommended meaning that palliative care services are offered throughout their cancer journey. To inform the successful adoption...

230 The Impact of a Palliative Care ECHO Programme on Symptom Severity Scores and Phases Score in a Nursing Home Population

Abstract Background In Ireland most deaths occur in acute hospitals however 20% of deaths occur in residential facilities. Less than 30% receive specialist palliative care input. ECHO (extension for community healthcare outcomes) is a palliative care education programme consisting of a 10 part lecture series. Twenty nursing homes and 353 staff participated. A phases score is a 5-point rating scale classifying the status of a palliative care patient ranging from stable to bereaved. Methods Data collected by palliative care professionals from September 2017 to December 2018 was analysed. This included demographic features, a phases score and scores for pain, carer stress, spiritual and psychological need. Nursing homes that attended ≤ 3 ECHO sessions were excluded, 15 participating nursing homes were included. Age matched control subjects were selected from non-participating nursing homes on a 2:1 basis. Data was analysed using the paired T Test and Chi squared was analyzed for frequency data. Results There were 40 patients in the intervention group and 80 in the control group. Mean ages were 83yrs and 82yrs respectively. Palliative care referral numbers did not change significantly between the two groups (111 and 114). The Phases score was significantly reduced in the ECHO group compared to controls (P=< 0.007). There was no significant reduction in the phases score in the ECHO group pre and post intervention (P=0.29). There was no difference in Pain scores between groups (P=0.98) Conclusion The ECHO intervention led to a reduction in the overall phases score in participating nursing homes. This was not the result of increased palliative care referrals. We would infer it is a reflection of better control of symptoms overall. We did not demonstrate a significant reduction in individual symptoms. The phases score is an overall representation of a patient’s status. With the expansion of the ECHO programme on-going analysis will be performed.

Exploring the gender dimension of problems and needs of patients receiving specialist palliative care in a German palliative care unit - the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals

BackgroundGender disparities of specific symptoms and problems have frequently been observed in palliative care patients, but research rarely focused on the range of problems and needs affected by gender.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) of a hospital-based palliative care unit to examine gender effects on patients’ problems and needs based on systematically gathered qualitative data. Content analysis was used to identify emerging themes with data coded using MAXQDA.ResultsTen patients (5 female, 5 male) and 17 HCPs (12 female, 5 male) were interviewed. Seven categories of gender-specific problems and needs emerged: “physical symptoms, care and body image”, “psychological symptoms and emotional response”, “interaction with the palliative care team”, “use of professional supportive measures”, “activation of informal social networks”, “decision-making”, and “preservation of autonomy and identity”. Both patients and HCPs felt that female patients adopt more expressive coping strategies, have stronger need for communication with and support of HCPs, and activate an extended social network for support and decision-making. Further, both groups thought that male patients mainly rely on social support from partners, have higher expectations to be cared for at home, and have higher need for preservation of autonomy.ConclusionGender relevantly impacts patients’ problems and needs during palliative care. Therefore, gender-sensitive palliative care that acknowledges the patient’s individual situation and respective ramifications are required.

Examining constipation assessment and management of patients with advanced cancer receiving specialist palliative care: a multi-site retrospective case note review of clinical practice

BackgroundConstipation is a common symptom for patients receiving palliative care. Whilst international clinical guidelines are available on the clinical management of constipation for people with advanced cancer receiving specialist palliative care (SPC), the extent to which the guidelines are implemented in practice is unclear. This study aimed to examine clinical practices for the assessment and management of constipation for patients with advanced cancer within inpatient SPC settings.MethodsA multi-site retrospective case-note review was conducted, consisting of 150 patient case-notes from three inpatient SPC units across the United Kingdom between August 2016 and May 2017. The variables selected for review were determined by the recommendations within the clinical guidelines. Descriptive statistics, cross tabulation, chi square, and bivariate correlations were used to examine clinical practices compared to policy guidelines for the assessment and management of constipation. Reporting was structured by the STROBE checklist for observational research (Additional File 2).ResultsA comprehensive assessment, including a full history and performing a physical exam, was recorded for 109 patients (73%), however, no standardised documentation was utilised. Assessment was nurse led, with variable involvement across sites of other members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Education on prevention was documented in 30 (20%) case-notes, and 53% recorded evidence of non-pharmacological intervention. Age, gender, and reason for admission did not impact on the likelihood of receiving a comprehensive assessment, education, or non-pharmacological intervention, however, significant differences were evident between sites. Pharmacological management was well developed and aligned to the guidelines however, 33% of patient case-notes recorded no information on the titration of laxatives. Twelve percent of patients experienced partial or complete bowel obstruction, and management strategies were variable.ConclusionsConstipation management is driven by a pharmacological approach, with little evidence of the implementation of preventative and non-pharmacological strategies. The nurse plays a key coordinating role in assessment; however, involvement and roles of the wider MDT varies. Accurate recording of care is essential when examining clinical practice and identifying areas for improvement. Further education is needed to equip HCPs with the knowledge and skills to ensure consistency in assessment and implementation of appropriate non-pharmacological/ preventative strategies.

Impact of specialist palliative care delivered over three months prior to death on a colorectal cancer patient’s risk of experiencing aggressive end-of-life care.

6614 Background: More patients are experiencing aggressive end-of-life (EOL) care. This is concerning as aggressive EOL care, on a population level, is associated with poor quality care. Specialist palliative care (PC) has been shown to help relieve EOL symptoms, improve patient quality of life, and reduce aggressive EOL care. This study aimed to estimate the impact of the timing of specialist PC, specifically PC delivered at least 3 months prior to death, on a colorectal cancer (CRC) patient’s risk experiencing aggressive care in the last 30 days of life. Methods: A population-based retrospective cohort study of adult patients who died from CRC in Alberta, Canada from 2011-2015. The Alberta Cancer Registry was used to identify the cohort, which was linked to healthcare resource use data in local, provincial, and national databases. Individuals who died < 30 days from CRC diagnosis were excluded. Patients who accessed any of the provinces specialist PC services were deemed exposed to specialist PC (includes PC consult team, intensive PC unit, palliative home care, hospice). Aggressive EOL care was defined as having experienced at least one of: hospital death, > 1 emergency department visit, > 1 hospital admission, > 14 days of hospitalization, ≥1 intensive care unit admission, ≥1 new chemotherapy program (or any treatment in the last 14 days of life). Logistic regression was used to model factors (specialist PC timing and clinical characteristics) associated with aggressive EOL care. Results: The cohort comprised 2979 patients. Most patients received specialist PC before death (58%); 60% had ≥1 indicator of aggressive EOL care. Relative to patients who received specialist PC > 3 months before death, patients who received specialist PC < 3 months before death were 1.5 times more likely to experience aggressive EOL care (CI: 1.2-1.9). Patients who received no specialist PC were 2.1 times more likely to experience aggressive EOL care (CI: 1.7-2.8). Short disease duration ( < 1 year from diagnosis to death), younger age at death, living in a rural area, and male sex, were also associated with higher odds of experiencing aggressive EOL care. Conclusions: Specialist PC delivered > 3 months before death reduces a CRC patient’s risk of experiencing aggressive EOL care over PC delivered < 3 months before death.

Improving the waiting times within a hospice breathlessness service

BackgroundBreathlessness, a common symptom in advanced disease, is a distressing, complex symptom that can profoundly affect the quality of one’s life. Evidence suggests that specialist palliative care breathlessness intervention services...

Socioeconomic position and use of healthcare in the last year of life: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundLow socioeconomic position (SEP) is recognized as a risk factor for worse health outcomes. How socioeconomic factors influence end-of-life care, and the magnitude of their effect, is not understood. This review aimed to synthesise and quantify the associations between measures of SEP and use of healthcare in the last year of life.Methods and findingsMEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ASSIA databases were searched without language restrictions from inception to 1 February 2019. We included empirical observational studies from high-income countries reporting an association between SEP (e.g., income, education, occupation, private medical insurance status, housing tenure, housing quality, or area-based deprivation) and place of death, plus use of acute care, specialist and nonspecialist end-of-life care, advance care planning, and quality of care in the last year of life. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). The overall strength and direction of associations was summarised, and where sufficient comparable data were available, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were pooled and dose-response meta-regression performed.A total of 209 studies were included (mean NOS quality score of 4.8); 112 high- to medium-quality observational studies were used in the meta-synthesis and meta-analysis (53.5% from North America, 31.0% from Europe, 8.5% from Australia, and 7.0% from Asia). Compared to people living in the least deprived neighbourhoods, people living in the most deprived neighbourhoods were more likely to die in hospital versus home (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.23–1.38, p < 0.001), to receive acute hospital-based care in the last 3 months of life (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08–1.25, p < 0.001), and to not receive specialist palliative care (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07–1.19, p < 0.001). For every quintile increase in area deprivation, hospital versus home death was more likely (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05–1.08, p < 0.001), and not receiving specialist palliative care was more likely (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.05, p < 0.001). Compared to the most educated (qualifications or years of education completed), the least educated people were more likely to not receive specialist palliative care (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.07–1.49, p = 0.005).The observational nature of the studies included and the focus on high-income countries limit the conclusions of this review.ConclusionsIn high-income countries, low SEP is a risk factor for hospital death as well as other indicators of potentially poor-quality end-of-life care, with evidence of a dose response indicating that inequality persists across the social stratum. These findings should stimulate widespread efforts to reduce socioeconomic inequality towards the end of life.

Specialist palliative care support is associated with improved pain relief at home during the last 3\u2009months of life in patients with advanced disease: analysis of 5-year data from the national survey of bereaved people (VOICES)

BackgroundStudies have shown that more than half of patients with advanced progressive diseases approaching the end-of-life report pain and that pain relief for these patients is poorest at home compared to other care settings such as acute care facilities and hospice. Although home is the most common preferred place of death, the majority of deaths occur outside the home. Specialist palliative care is associated with improved quality of life, but systematic reviews of RCTs have failed to show a consistent association with better pain relief. The aim of this study was to examine the factors associated with good pain relief at home in the last 3 months of life for people with advanced progressive disease.MethodsData were obtained from the National Bereavement Survey in England, a cross-sectional post-bereavement survey of a stratified random sample of 246,763 deaths which were registered in England from 2011 to 2015. From 110,311 completed surveys (45% response rate), the analysis was based on individual-level data from 43,509 decedents who were cared for at home before death.ResultsDecedents who experienced good pain relief at home before death were significantly more likely to have received specialist palliative care (adjusted OR = 2.67; 95% CI, 2.62 to 2.72) and to have a recorded preferred place of death (adjusted OR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.84 to 1.90) compared to those who did not. Good pain relief was more likely to be reported by a spouse or partner of the decedents compared to reports from their son or daughter (adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI, 1.47 to 1.53).ConclusionThis study indicates that patients at home who are approaching the end-of-life experience substantially better pain relief if they receive specialist palliative care and their preferred place of death is recorded regardless of their disease aetiology.

Assisted ventilation in motor neurone disease during inpatient palliative care: barriers and utilisation

ObjectivesAn increasing number of patients with motor neuron disease (MND) in the UK and Ireland use assisted ventilation, and a small proportion of these use long-term tracheostomy ventilation (TV).1 2...

The pattern and timing of changes in preferred place of death for patients admitted to a community specialist palliative care service

For patients receiving palliative care, expressing a preferred place of death (PPD) reduces anxiety and depression and increases the likelihood of achieving their preference. However, during the course of a life-limiting illness, patients commonly change their PPD at least once prior to death. The aim of this study was to identify the pattern and timing of how patients (and families) receiving specialist palliative care change their PPD over time. A retrospective chart audit was conducted of patients who died over a 7-month period whilst in the care of a metropolitan-based Community Specialist Palliative Care Service where PPD is routinely recorded every time a discussion on the topic occurs. These discussions are triggered by various factors which highlight the need to re-assess or confirm PPD. Results showed that 80% of patients achieved their PPD. There was no change to PPD in 64% of patients after the initial assessment, while 36% changed preferences once (27%), twice (8%) or three times (1%). Symptom management (10%) and family requests (30%) were cited as reasons for changing PPD. This study highlights that providers should revisit end-of-life discussions with patients along the disease trajectory and facilitate the consideration of all possible places for a good and safe death and the different scenarios that may influence patient decisions.

Finding a ‘new normal’ following acute illness: A qualitative study of influences on frail older people’s care preferences

Background: The frail older population is growing, and many frail older people have episodes of acute illness. Patient preferences are increasingly considered important in the delivery of person-centred care and may change following acute illness. Aim: To explore influences on the care preferences of frail older people with recent acute illness. Design: Qualitative in-depth individual interviews, with thematic analysis. Setting/participants: Maximum variation sample of 18 patients and 7 nominated family carers from a prospective cohort study of people aged over 65, scoring ⩾5 on the Clinical Frailty Scale, and with recent acute illness, who were not receiving specialist palliative care. Median patient age was 84 (inter-quartile range 81–87), 53% female. Median frailty score 6 (inter-quartile range 5–7). Results: Key influences on preferences were illness and care context, particularly hospital care; adaptation to changing health; achieving normality and social context. Participants focused on the outcomes of their care; hence, whether care was likely to help them ‘get back to normal’, or alternatively ‘find a new normal’ influenced preferences. For some, acute illness inhibited preference formation. Participants’ social context and the people available to provide support influenced place of care preferences. We combined these findings to model influences on preferences. Conclusion: ‘Getting back to normal’ or ‘finding a new normal’ are key focuses for frail older people when considering their preferences. Following acute illness, clinicians should discuss preferences and care planning in terms of an achievable normal, and carefully consider the social context. Longitudinal research is needed to explore the influences on preferences over time.

Effect of Speciallist Palliative Care Service on End-of Life Care in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

Previous research demonstrated that patients with hematologic malignancies have a high probability receiving intensive care at their end-of-life (EOL). In this study, we assessed EOL quality measures in patients with hematologic malignancies before and after starting the provision of a specialist palliative care service.We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Komaki City Hospital. Provision of the specialist palliative care service was started in our hospital on April 1, 2012. We reviewed the medical records of all adult patients who died of hematologic malignancies between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2017. Patients who had been cared for in the Departments of Hematology and Palliative Care were included. This study was approved by the institutional review board of Komaki City Hospital. We assessed the prevalence and trends of multiple measures of intensive EOL care established in the peer-reviewed literature. Intensive EOL care was defined as the occurrence of at least one of the following acts: 1) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the last 30 days of life, 2) intubation in the last 30 days of life, 3) intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the last 30 days of life, 4) chemotherapy use within the last 14 days of life, 5) receiving red cell transfusions within the 7 days before death, and 6) receiving platelet transfusion within the 7 days before death. Analysis of frequencies was performed using Fisher's exact test for 2 x 2 tables. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to test for trends over time.A total of 351 consecutive patients who died from hematologic malignancies were identified: 176 before and 175 after April 1, 2012. The median age at death was 73 years old. These included 150 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 113 with acute myeloid leukemia, 63 with multiple myeloma, 11 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 8 with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 5 with Hodgkin lymphoma. A total of 69 (39%) received specialist palliative care consultation and 24 (14%) died in the palliative care unit (PCU) after April 2012. Deaths in the PCU increased from 1 (2%) in 2012 to 8 (27%) in 2016 (P for trend <0.001). The median time from palliative care referral to death was 26 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 10-49 days). The length of stay in the PCU was 16 days (IQR: 9.5-22.5 days).Cases of CPR in the last 30 days of life decreased from 4 (13%) in 2007 to 0 in 2016 (P for trend <0.001). Intubations in the last 30 days of life also decreased from 2 (6%) in 2007 to 1 (3%) in 2016 (P for trend 0.046). Platelet transfusions within 7 days before death decreased from 18 (56%) in 2007 to 14 (47%) in 2016 (P for trend 0.031). There were no significant decreases in ICU admissions in the last 30 days of life, chemotherapy use within the last 14 days of life, or receiving red cell transfusions within 7 days before death from 2007 to 2016. Patients receiving at least one act of intensive EOL care significantly decreased from 23 (72%) in 2007 to 19 (63%) in 2016 (P for trend 0.019).Compared with patients with acute leukemia (AL), those with malignant lymphoma (ML) were more likely to receive specialist palliative care consultation (49% vs. 27%, respectively; P=0.010) and die in the PCU (21% vs. 5%, respectively; P=0.007). In patients with ML, deaths in the PCU increased from 1 (5%) in 2012 to 7 (50%) in 2016 (P for trend <0.001).In patients with ML, cases of chemotherapy use within the last 14 days of life decreased from 5 (22%) in 2007 to 2 (14%) in 2016 (P for trend 0.030). Patients with ML who received palliative care consultation were less likely to receive platelet transfusion within 7 days before death compared with those who did not (28% vs. 51%, respectively; P=0.041). In patients with ML, those receiving at least one act of intensive EOL care significantly decreased from 11 (65%) in 2007 to 5 (35%) in 2016 (P for trend <0.001). In patients with AL, there was no significant difference in chemotherapy use within the last 14 days of life or receiving transfusions within 7 days before death between patients who received specialist palliative care and those who did not. All patients with AL received at least one act of intensive EOL care in 2016.These findings suggest that specialist palliative care improved the quality of EOL care in patients with hematologic malignancies, especially in those with ML. However, in patients with AL, EOL care is still suboptimal with the provision of specialist palliative care. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Which patients with heart failure should receive specialist palliative care?

AimsWe investigated which patients with heart failure (HF) should receive specialist palliative care (SPC) by first creating a definition of need for SPC in patients hospitalised with HF using patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and then testing this definition using the outcome of days alive and out of hospital (DAOH). We also evaluated which baseline variables predicted need for SPC and whether those with this need received SPC.Methods and resultsPROMs assessing quality of life (QoL), symptoms, and mood were administered at baseline and every 4 months. SPC need was defined as persistently severe impairment of any PROM without improvement (or severe impairment immediately preceding death). We then tested whether need for SPC, so defined, was reflected in DAOH, a measure which combines length of stay, days of hospital re‐admission, and days lost due to death. Of 272 patients recruited, 74 (27%) met the definition of SPC needs. These patients lived one third fewer DAOH than those without SPC need (and less than a quarter of QoL‐adjusted DAOH). A Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) summary score of <29 identified patients who subsequently had SPC needs (area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.78). Twenty‐four per cent of patients with SPC needs actually received SPC (n = 18).ConclusionsA quarter of patients hospitalised with HF had a need for SPC and were identified by a low KCCQ score on admission. Those with SPC need spent many fewer DAOH and their DAOH were of significantly worse quality. Very few patients with SPC needs accessed SPC services.

Developing a complex intervention to support timely engagement with palliative care for patients with advanced cancer in primary and secondary care in the UK: a study protocol

IntroductionFor patients with advanced cancer, timely access to palliative care can improve quality of life and enable patients to participate in decisions about their end-of-life care. However, in a UK...

How do patients with cancer pain view community pharmacy services? An interview study

Pain experienced by many patients with advanced cancer is often not well controlled and community pharmacists are potentially well placed to provide support. The study objective was to explore the views and experiences of patients with advanced cancer about community pharmacies, their services and attitudes towards having a community pharmacist pain medicines consultation. Purposive sampling of GP clinical information systems was used to recruit patients with advanced cancer, living in the community and receiving opioid analgesics in one area of England, UK between January 2015 and July 2016. Thirteen patients had a semi-structured interview which was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed deductively and inductively using Framework analysis and incorporating new themes as they emerged. The framework comprised Pain management, Experiences and expectations, Access to care and Communication. All patients reported using one regular community pharmacy citing convenience, service and staff friendliness as influential factors. The idea of a community pharmacy medicines consultation was acceptable to most patients. The idea of telephone consultations was positively received but electronic media such as Skype was not feasible or acceptable for most. Patients perceived a hierarchy of health professionals with specialist palliative care nurses at the top (due to their combined knowledge of their condition and medicines) followed by GPs then pharmacists. Patients receiving specialist palliative care described pain that was better controlled than those who were not. They thought medicines consultations with a pharmacist could be useful for patients before referral for palliative care. There is a need for pain medicines support for patients with advanced cancer, and unmet need appears greater for those not under the care of specialist services. Medicines consultations, in principle, are acceptable to patients both in person and by telephone, and the latter was perceived to be of particular benefit to patients less able to leave the house.

Abstract B41: An evaluation of palliative care needs among South African patients attending oncology services in a metropolitan setting

Abstract Introduction: Research shows that patients in Africa with advanced cancer who are receiving palliative care have a higher symptom prevalence than that reported from the developed world. It is evident that few cancer patients in South Africa receive specialist palliative care at the end of their lives and few studies document the symptom burden experienced by cancer patients in South Africa. This study investigates the prevalence of symptoms experienced by patients with advanced cancer presenting to two oncology services in Cape Town and identifies palliative care needs. Methodology: The study population was patients aged 18 years or older who had a diagnosis of cancer of stage 3 or 4. The primary cancer groups were breast, prostate, oesophageal, lung, cervical, colon, rectal cancers and sarcomas and head and neck tumors. All patients who met the criteria and were referred were approached and invited to take part in the study. For those consenting to participate, a single interview was held during which demographic information and disease-related data were recorded and the questionnaires were completed. The tools used have been previously been applied in South African populations and have sound psychometric properties. They are: the APCA African Palliative Outcome Scale (APCA POS), the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form (MSAS-SF), the Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Depression (CES-D) and the Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group Performance Scale (ECOG). All tools were appropriately translated. Informal family caregivers were invited to participate in the three APCA POS questions for caregivers, if the participant agreed. Findings: Drowsiness, pain, lack of energy and shortness of breath were among the most prevalent physical symptoms. Fatigue (63%) and pain (61%) were reported by well over half of participants. The most prevalent physical symptoms were considered burdensome by the majority of the affected participants. Psychological symptoms were also prevalent, namely worrying (51%), feeling nervous (44%), feeling sad (41%) and feeling irritable (40%). More than 25% of participants who reported worrying or feeling nervous, experienced these symptoms frequently or almost constantly. Despite this, over 60% of the participants were found not to be at risk of depression according to the CES-D and felt life was worthwhile and felt at peace. Just over 10% of participants were found to be at risk of major depression. Physical and psychological symptoms occur at all levels of functional status. Conclusion: There is a high burden of palliative care need in this population. Citation Format: Lindsay Farrant, Richard Harding, Rene Krause, David Anderson, Jeanette Parkes, Liz Gwyther. An evaluation of palliative care needs among South African patients attending oncology services in a metropolitan setting [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR International Conference: New Frontiers in Cancer Research; 2017 Jan 18-22; Cape Town, South Africa. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(22 Suppl):Abstract nr B41.

Palliative care for people living with end-stage pulmonary disease.

Twenty years ago, the case was made for people with life-limiting medical conditions other than cancer to receive specialist palliative care services. The recommendation came from the National Council for Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care Services ( Addington Hall, 1998 ). Since then, research and practice have developed to make this a reality. We now see people with non-curative medical conditions, often referred to as being in the end stages of their chronic condition, receiving care and treatment by palliative care practitioners. There is, however, a long way to go before the rhetoric of 'palliative care for all' becomes a reality. Few people with end-stage pulmonary disease have access to hospice and specialist palliative care services. This article focuses on end-stage pulmonary disease, a term that encompasses all non-malignant, chronic lung conditions that progress to end-of-life care. An overview of the pathophysiology of the condition is given. Focus is placed on the stages of the disease and common patient problems, using case studies to highlight how the disease processes develop to become end stage and require palliative care. The article highlights the need for care planning at the end of life and the palliative care measures required to ensure good quality care centred on both physical and psychosocial aspects.

Prevalence of hyponatremia in inpatients with incurable and life-limiting diseases and its association with physical symptoms-a retrospective descriptive study.

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte abnormality seen in hospitalized patients. It may cause a variety of symptoms and is associated with longer hospitalizations and higher mortality. However, to date, only little is known about the extent of hyponatremia in patients with incurable diseases and whether it is associated with physical symptoms in this patient group. This study aims to describe the prevalence of hyponatremia, associated symptoms, and symptom intensity in inpatients with hyponatremia receiving specialist palliative care (SPC). This is a retrospective study. Demographic and clinical data as well as symptoms, scored symptom intensity, and laboratory values were collected. All inpatients of a large German University Hospital receiving SPC in 2013 with documented sodium values were included. In 2013, 789 inpatients received SPC of which 710 had documented sodium values. The prevalence of hyponatremia was 38.7% (275/710). A mild degree showed 220 (31,0%), 44 (6.2%) had a moderate, and 11 (1.6%) a severe form. Hyponatremia patients experienced significantly more symptoms than normonatremic patients (mean=7.71 vs 6.63; p<0.001). Breathlessness, depressiveness, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, and weakness were significantly more frequent in patients with hyponatremia. Furthermore, hyponatremia severity was associated with higher symptom intensity (mean=13.29 vs 11.28; p<0.001). More than one third of all SPC patients showed a hyponatremia, and the hyponatremia grade was associated with symptom burden and symptom intensity. A prospective analysis is needed to further examine this association and the possible influence of hyponatremia correction on symptom burden reduction.

Access to specialist palliative care services by people with severe and persistent mental illness: A retrospective cohort study.

Compared to the general population, people with pre-existing serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) have higher rates of physical illness and die at an earlier age, raising questions about their palliative and end-of-life care needs when they are diagnosed with an incurable physical illness. In the present study, we explored access to specialist palliative care services within one New Zealand health district. Routinely-collected, de-identified patient information on a cohort of people diagnosed with SPMI, and receiving specialist palliative care services from the Capital and Coast District Health Board (CCDHB), was compared to the general population from the same health district. People with SPMI are 3.5 times less likely to receive specialist palliative services compared to the general population from the Capital and Coast District Health Board. The proportion of people identifying as Māori is 1.2 times higher in the SPMI cohort than the general CCDHB population. The SPMI cohort experiences a higher level of deprivation compared to the general population in the CCDHB. The present study confirms that those diagnosed with an SPMI are less likely to use specialist palliative care services at the end of life. Research using a national dataset is needed to determine whether the study findings are applicable to the national population.