Benjamin Hudson1,2, Victoria Hunt1, Andrea Waylen3, Catherine Anne McCune1, Julia Verne4, Karen Forbes1,2. 1. 1 University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK. 2. 2 Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. 3. 3 Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. 4. 4 Public Health England, Bristol, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Liver disease represents the third commonest cause of death in adults of working age and is associated with an extensive illness burden towards the end of life. Despite this, patients rarely receive palliative care and are unlikely to be involved in advance care planning discussions. Evidence addressing how existing services meet end-of-life needs, and exploring attitudes of patients and carers towards palliative care, is lacking. AIM: To explore the needs of patients and carers with liver disease towards the end of life, evaluate how existing services meet need, and examine patient and carer attitudes towards palliative care. DESIGN: Qualitative study - semi-structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis. Settings/participants: A total of 17 participants (12 patients, 5 bereaved carers) recruited from University Hospitals Bristol. RESULTS: Participants described escalating physical, psychological and social needs as liver disease progressed, including disabling symptoms, emotional distress and uncertainty, addiction, financial hardship and social isolation. End-of-life needs were incompatible with the healthcare services available to address them; these were heavily centred in secondary care, focussed on disease modification at the expense of symptom control and provided limited support after curative options were exhausted. Attitudes towards palliative care were mixed, however, participants valued opportunities to express future care preferences (particularly relating to avoidance of hospital admission towards the end of life) and an increased focus on symptomatic and logistical aspects of care. CONCLUSION: The needs of patients with liver disease and their carers are frequently incompatible with the healthcare services available to them towards the end of life. Novel strategies, which recognise the life-limiting nature of liver disease explicitly and improve coordination with community services, are required if end-of-life care is to improve.
BACKGROUND:Liver disease represents the third commonest cause of death in adults of working age and is associated with an extensive illness burden towards the end of life. Despite this, patients rarely receive palliative care and are unlikely to be involved in advance care planning discussions. Evidence addressing how existing services meet end-of-life needs, and exploring attitudes of patients and carers towards palliative care, is lacking. AIM: To explore the needs of patients and carers with liver disease towards the end of life, evaluate how existing services meet need, and examine patient and carer attitudes towards palliative care. DESIGN: Qualitative study - semi-structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis. Settings/participants: A total of 17 participants (12 patients, 5 bereaved carers) recruited from University Hospitals Bristol. RESULTS:Participants described escalating physical, psychological and social needs as liver disease progressed, including disabling symptoms, emotional distress and uncertainty, addiction, financial hardship and social isolation. End-of-life needs were incompatible with the healthcare services available to address them; these were heavily centred in secondary care, focussed on disease modification at the expense of symptom control and provided limited support after curative options were exhausted. Attitudes towards palliative care were mixed, however, participants valued opportunities to express future care preferences (particularly relating to avoidance of hospital admission towards the end of life) and an increased focus on symptomatic and logistical aspects of care. CONCLUSION: The needs of patients with liver disease and their carers are frequently incompatible with the healthcare services available to them towards the end of life. Novel strategies, which recognise the life-limiting nature of liver disease explicitly and improve coordination with community services, are required if end-of-life care is to improve.
Entities:
Keywords:
Caregivers; cirrhosis; end of life; health services; liver disease; palliative care; qualitative research; supportive care
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Authors: Joseph T S Low; Sarah Davis; Lynda Greenslade; Cathy Carroll; Rachel Craig; Jo Wilson; Jennifer-Louise Clancy; Aileen Marshall; Douglas Thorburn; Patrick Stone Journal: J Clin Gastroenterol Date: 2020 Nov/Dec Impact factor: 3.174