Journal of palliative medicine
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Background: Accurate prognosis in terminal cancer patients is useful to improve their quality of life and also to decide the cessation of fluid administration. Nonetheless, few prognostic indicators are available for prediction of such a short-term life expectancy. Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score in identifying terminal cancer patients who have a life expectancy less than two weeks. ⋯ CRP/Alb ≥4.4, PNI <30, FIB-4 ≥ 9.4, and ALBI ≥ -1.26 were significantly associated with the transition from the first half to the second half of terminal four weeks. Of those prognostic indicators, three and four combinations provided significantly reliable estimation of a life expectancy less than two weeks. Conclusions: CRP/Alb, PNI, FIB-4, ALBI, and their combinations are considered to help identify cancer patients who have a life expectancy less than two weeks, which is useful to make appropriate end-stage treatment decisions, for example, cessation of artificial hydration therapy.
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Background: Little is known about antibiotic prescribing on hospice admission despite known risks and limited evidence for potential benefits. Objective: To describe the frequency and characteristics of patients prescribed antibiotics on hospice admission. Design: Cross-sectional study. ⋯ Conclusions: Approximately 9% of hospice patients had an antibiotic prescription on hospice admission. Patients referred to hospice from a hospital, those receiving care in a noninpatient hospice facility, and those with liver disease or HIV/AIDS were more likely to have an antibiotic prescription. These results may inform future antimicrobial stewardship interventions among patients transitioning to hospice care.
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How do we build on the proven successes of hospice and palliative care and build clinical programs to serve those who need it in the context of real-world health care? Experiences with glide pathways have clearly shown that changes in financial incentives must always be implemented with counterbalancing measures that ensure that seriously ill patients are getting high-quality care consistent with their goals and values. There are quality measures for quality improvement and there are quality measures for accountability or transparency. We must balance any financial incentives with concrete quality measures that act as a check and balance to the care that is being provided. ⋯ Much research is needed to advance the craft of hospice and palliative care if the field is to move forward at scale in a timely manner. We need to democratize research and engage both "small r" and a "big R" researchers in the manner of other subspecialties such as oncology and cardiology. Future research should focus on building innovative systems and models of care to uncover needs of seriously ill patients and their caregivers and effectively cater to those needs.