Anette Fosse1, Margrethe Aase Schaufel2, Sabine Ruths3, Kirsti Malterud4. 1. Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Health Research, Bergen, Norway; Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. Electronic address: anettfos@online.no. 2. Department of Pulmonary Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. 3. Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Health Research, Bergen, Norway; Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. 4. Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Health Research, Bergen, Norway; Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Research Unit for General Practice, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Synthesize research about patients' and relatives' expectations and experiences on how doctors can improve end-of-life care in nursing homes. METHODS: We systematically searched qualitative studies in English in seven databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Ageline, Cochrane Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Trials). We included 14 publications in the analysis with meta-ethnography. RESULTS: Patients and families emphasized the importance of health personnel anticipating illness trajectories and recognizing the information and palliation needed. Family members who became proxy decision-makers reported uncertainty and distress when guidance from health personnel was lacking. They worried about staff shortage and emphasized doctor availability. Relatives and health personnel seldom recognized patients' ability to consent, and patients' preferences were not always recognized. CONCLUSION: Nursing home patients and their relatives wanted doctors more involved in end-of-life care. They expected doctors to acknowledge their preferences and provide guidance and symptom relief. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: High-quality end-of-life care in nursing homes relies on organization, funding and skilled staff, including available doctors who are able to recognize illness trajectories and perform individualized Advance Care Planning.
OBJECTIVE: Synthesize research about patients' and relatives' expectations and experiences on how doctors can improve end-of-life care in nursing homes. METHODS: We systematically searched qualitative studies in English in seven databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Ageline, Cochrane Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Trials). We included 14 publications in the analysis with meta-ethnography. RESULTS:Patients and families emphasized the importance of health personnel anticipating illness trajectories and recognizing the information and palliation needed. Family members who became proxy decision-makers reported uncertainty and distress when guidance from health personnel was lacking. They worried about staff shortage and emphasized doctor availability. Relatives and health personnel seldom recognized patients' ability to consent, and patients' preferences were not always recognized. CONCLUSION: Nursing home patients and their relatives wanted doctors more involved in end-of-life care. They expected doctors to acknowledge their preferences and provide guidance and symptom relief. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: High-quality end-of-life care in nursing homes relies on organization, funding and skilled staff, including available doctors who are able to recognize illness trajectories and perform individualized Advance Care Planning.
Authors: Nan Greenwood; Emma Menzies-Gow; David Nilsson; Dawn Aubrey; Claire L Emery; Angela Richardson Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2018-06-04 Impact factor: 2.692