J Coast

Use of the EuroQoL among elderly acute care patients

The assessment of the validity and reliability of generic quality of life (QoL) instruments among elderly patient groups has tended to lag behind such assessments in general populations, yet it is an important methodological issue. This paper presents the findings from a study of the use of the EuroQoL among an elderly acute care patient group, focusing particularly on the ability to self-complete, construct validity and sensitivity to change. Two hundred and fourteen UK patients aged 65 years and over, participating in a randomized controlled trial comparing hospital at home and routine hospital care were asked to complete the EuroQoL and a number of other instruments at randomization and at 4 week and 3 month follow-ups. The inability to self-complete the EuroQol was found to be strongly related to both increased age and reduced cognitive function (p < 0.0001). From logistic regression, the expected probability of an acute care patient requiring interview administration at age 65 years is 11%, at age 75 years is 37% and at age 85 years is 73%. The relationships with age and limiting long-standing illness/disability were weaker than expected, but the results obtained from the EuroQoL were highly correlated with those from both the Barthel index and the COOP-WONCA charts where this was anticipated. Preliminary evidence of sensitivity to change was found from descriptive statistics of the changes in scores for four specific subgroups of patients, but the small numbers and high variability in each sub-sample means that this should be interpreted with caution. The most important issue arising from the research concerns the impact of age on the ability to self-complete the EuroQoL questionnaire. It is argued that this research points to the need for rigorous studies (such as randomized controlled trials) to assess the impact of the format of administration of the EuroQoL on the scores obtained.

Assessment and management of constipation for patients receiving palliative care in specialist palliative care settings: A systematic review of the literature:

Background: Constipation is an important issue for patients receiving palliative care within specialist palliative care settings. Questions and ambiguity, however, persist about international best practice and management. Aim: To synthesise the current evidence base on the assessment and management of constipation for palliative care patients within a specialist palliative care setting. Design: This is a systematic review. Data sources: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and Cochrane databases were systematically searched in April 2017 for empirical studies, written in English, on the assessment and management of constipation in specialist palliative care settings, published between 2007 and 2017. Two researchers independently reviewed and critically appraised all studies, conducted data extraction, and undertook a thematic analysis. Results: In total, 13 studies were included in the review comprising randomised trials (n = 3), observational (n = 4) and descriptive studies (n = 6). Most research was conducted in specialist palliative care units, targeting either healthcare professionals or patients. The analysis highlighted a lack of standard definition of constipation, raising questions on the existence and comparability of baseline prevalence figures, the physical and psychological impact on patients, resource impact on staff and service, the subjective and objective methods of assessing constipation, and key aspects of constipation management, including a lack of focus on non-pharmacological management in this setting. Conclusion: The results of this review are being used to inform the development of an educational intervention targeting healthcare professionals. Gaps in the evidence base include lack of consistent definition of constipation, constipation prevention, non-pharmacological management, and the consideration of the management of constipation for the dying patient.

Assessing and managing constipation for patients receiving palliative care in a hospice setting: a systematic review of the literature

Introduction Constipation causes considerable suffering, either as a direct result of physical symptoms or due to related social and psychological problems. Despite this, uncertainty persists about the best management within hospice settings. Aim To synthesise the current evidence base on the assessment and management of constipation for palliative care patients within a hospice setting. Methods A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cinahl, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was undertaken in April 2017 for empirical studies, written in English, on the assessment and management of constipation in the hospice, between 2007 and 2017. Two researchers independently reviewed and critically appraised all studies, conducted data extraction and undertook a thematic analysis. Results Fourteen studies were included in the review including randomised trials (n=3), observational (n=5), and descriptive studies (n=6). The majority of the research was conducted in palliative care units and targeted either healthcare professionals or patients. The analysis highlighted a lack of standard definition of constipation. Clinicians experienced challenges in constipation assessment, with a need to combine patient reports with physical examination. Clinicians focused on pharmacological management, however, consideration around non-pharmacological aspects is also essential. Finally, the need to assess current practice for the management of constipation in light of changing priorities of care at end of life was emphasised. Discussion Supporting clinicians to more effectively assess and manage the complexities of constipation in this setting is essential in improving overall symptom management. Gaps in the evidence base included defining constipation, constipation prevention, non-pharmacological management, and management in the dying patient.