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Cross-sectional study of palliative care to hospitalised patients with COVID-19
Irish Medical Journal ; 114(9), 2021.
Article in English | GIM | ID: covidwho-1837217
ABSTRACT

Aims:

To describe the characteristics, symptoms and outcomes for patients with COVID-19 referred to a hospital-based specialist palliative care service and to describe communication and visiting practices.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study, which is a part of the ANTICIPATE study project.

Results:

50 patients were referred;49 included in analysis. 38 patients died. 27 patients were male;median age was 81 years. On referral, median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 6;median Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status score was 20%. Median number of days from referral to death was 2. Common baseline symptoms (n) were dyspnoea (35), agitation (23), and pain (13). Opioids (100%), benzodiazepines (97.1%) and neuroleptics (61.8%) were most commonly used medications to achieve symptom control. 13/19 patients with serial data had a decrease in Palliative Care Problem Severity Score. 26 patients received a family visit before death;8 had virtual forms of contact. 9 patients had family present at time of death.

Conclusion:

The short interval from referral to Specialist Palliative Care and death indicates the need for prompt service response. Data on visiting highlights challenges of providing psychosocial support.
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Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: GIM Type of study: Observational study / Randomized controlled trials Language: English Journal: Irish Medical Journal Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: GIM Type of study: Observational study / Randomized controlled trials Language: English Journal: Irish Medical Journal Year: 2021 Document Type: Article