Vitamin D levels in hospice in-patients.
BMJ Support Palliat Care
; 2021 Nov 15.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2324576
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was obtained alongside routine blood tests in all suitable patients admitted to the St Cuthbert's Hospice Inpatient Unit for a period of 12 months. Supplementation was offered to exclude vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency as a contributor to the complex pain and symptom profile of our patients.METHODS:
During admission, and alongside routine blood tests, a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D test was requested for suitable patients. Supplementation was offered to patients with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D less than 50 nmol/L.RESULTS:
This audit identified that 79.73% of patients assessed had a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 50 nmol/L and were therefore insufficient or deficient in vitamin D. The results of the audit were discussed within the clinical team at the hospice and guidance changed to obtain serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in all suitable patients. A reaudit highlighted that some patients were missed from testing and therefore reminders were sent to the clinical team.CONCLUSIONS:
Most patients admitted to St Cuthbert's Hospice had either insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D. It seems reasonable for all suitable palliative care patients to have their vitamin D level checked and to be started on a suitable dose of vitamin D replacement therapy.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Bmjspcare-2021-003113
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