End-of-Life Trajectories of Patients With Hematological Malignancies and Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors Visiting the Emergency Department: The Need for a Proactive Integrated Care Approach

Author:

Verhoef Mary-Joanne1ORCID,de Nijs Ellen J. M.1,Ootjers Claudia S.2,Fiocco Marta34,Fogteloo Anne J.5,Heringhaus Christian6,Marijnen Corrie A. M.7,Horeweg Nanda7,der Linden Yvette M. van17

Affiliation:

1. Center of Expertise Palliative Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands

2. Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands

3. Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands

4. Mathematical Institute, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands

5. Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands

6. Department of Emergency Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands

7. Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands

Abstract

Purpose: Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) have more unpredictable disease trajectories compared to patients with advanced solid tumors (STs) and miss opportunities for a palliative care approach. They often undergo intensive disease-directed treatments until the end of life with frequent emergency department (ED) visits and in-hospital deaths. Insight into end-of-life trajectories and quality of end-of-life care can support arranging appropriate care according to patients’ wishes. Method: Mortality follow-back study to compare of end-of-life trajectories of HM and ST patients who died <3 months after their ED visit. Five indicators based on Earle et al. for quality of end-of-life care were assessed: intensive anticancer treatment <3 months, ED visits <6 months, in-hospital death, death in the intensive care unit (ICU), and in-hospice death. Results: We included 78 HM patients and 420 ST patients, with a median age of 63 years; 35% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 3-4. At the ED, common symptoms were dyspnea (22%), pain (18%), and fever (11%). After ED visit, 91% of HM patients versus 76% of ST patients were hospitalized ( P = .001). Median survival was 17 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15-19): 15 days in HM patients (95% CI: 10-20) versus 18 days in ST patients (95% CI: 15-21), P = .028. Compared to ST patients, HM patients more often died in hospital (68% vs 30%, P < .0001) and in the ICU or ED (30% vs 3%, P < .0001). Conclusion: Because end-of-life care is more aggressive in HM patients compared to ST patients, a proactive integrated care approach with early start of palliative care alongside curative care is warranted. Timely discussions with patients and family about advance care planning and end-of-life choices can avoid inappropriate care at the end of life.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

General Medicine

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