Beernaert K, Cohen J, Deliens L, Devroey D, Vanthomme K, Pardon K, Van den Block L. Referral to palliative care in COPD and other chronic diseases: a population-based study. Respir Med. 2013 Nov;107(11):1731-9.
Eerste auteur: Beernaert K.
Jaar: 2013
Type: Publicatie
Medline
Abstract:
Aim: To describe how patients with COPD, heart failure, dementia and cancer differ in frequency and timing of referral to palliative care services.
Methods: We performed a population-based study with the Sentinel Network of General Practitioners in Belgium. Of 2,405 registered deaths
respectively 5%, 4% and 28% were identified as from COPD, heart failure or cancer and 14% were diagnosed with severe dementia. GPs reported use
and timing of palliative care services and treatment goals in the final three months of life.
Results: Patients with COPD (20%) were less likely than those with heart failure (34%), severe dementia (37%) or cancer (60%) to be referred to
palliative care services (p<.001). The median days between referral and death was respectively 10, 12, 14 and 20. Patients with COPD who were not
referred more often received treatment with a curative or life-prolonging goal and less often with a palliative or comfort goal than did the other patients
who were not referred.
Conclusion: Patients with COPD are underserved in terms of palliative care compared to those with other life-threatening diseases. Awareness of
palliative care as an option for patients with COPD needs to increase in palliative care services, physicians and the general public.
Trefwoorden: COPD, dementia, heart failure, neoplasms, palliative care, referral and consultation