Palliative Care Meetings Do Not Improve Family-Patient Centered Outcomes of Critically Ill

Family caregivers of patients with chronic critical illness (CCI) suffer psychological distress, anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Anxiety and depression symptoms in caregivers of patients with chronic critical illness failed to improve with additional support by palliative care specialists, according to new research presented at the ATS 2016 International Conference.

Patients also saw little benefit as the additional support did not lead to reduced time on a breathing machine or in the hospital.

Cultural Values Of Latinos Have a Major Impact On Their Palliative Care Preferences
The Latinos prefer an earlier discussion about their end-of-life care with their family and healthcare providers before they become seriously ill.

‘Additional informational and emotional support from palliative care specialists failed to improve family outcomes of chronically critically ill patients.’

"Family members indicated that they were satisfied with the information and support provided by the ICU physicians, and this may explain why the additional support from palliative care specialists did not improve family or patient outcomes," said Shannon Carson, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The study enrolled 256 adult patients and their caregivers from medical ICUS at three tertiary care centers and one community hospital. To be eligible, patients had to require at least seven days of mechanical ventilation. Patients were randomized to either usual care or two meetings with a palliative care physician and nurse practitioner.

Given that palliative care specialists, who are trained to provide emotional support and share difficult information, are routinely consulted to provide family support and facilitate goals of care discussions for chronically critically ill patients, the authors wanted to determine if these specialists would help to reduce psychological stress for families.

Palliative Care, Hospices Should be Available Locally
Stories of people surviving cancer are often told, but the main concern is about the system in place for those who are diagnosed and have no chance of survival.

"Findings of our study indicate that routine referral of these patients for palliative care consultation does not improve psychological distress for families as compared to effective communication by ICU physicians," said Dr. Carson. "ICU physicians should continue to make communication and support for family decision-makers an important part of their practice in the ICU. They should meet with families early and provide additional support as needed. Support for this physician effort by insurers is a good use of resources."

The Goal of Palliative Care is to Prevent, Relieve Suffering
Experts assert that the goal of palliative care is to prevent and relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for those facing complex illnesses.

Source-Newswise

End-Of-Life Care For Inmates Is Important
In 15 years, the US prison population experienced a 282% increase in the number of inmates 55 and older. Since then hospice care in prison has also increased.