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End-of-life care in a rehabilitation centre for older people in Australia
journal contribution
posted on 2013-09-01, 00:00 authored by H Tan, Robin DigbyRobin Digby, Melissa BloomerMelissa Bloomer, Y Wang, M O'ConnorAIM: To investigate processes at the end of life for patients who died in a subacute evaluation and management facility for older people.
METHODS: A retrospective chart audit for patients (n = 55) who died in the previous 2 years was undertaken, recording a number of significant variables.
RESULTS: Despite diagnosis of comorbid medical conditions, most participants were admitted for improved functioning or assessment for alternative accommodation. Consistent with this focus, the key contact person was most often an allied health team member. Not For Resuscitation order and/or power of attorney documents on admission were uncommon (<30%) as were referrals to palliative care specialist staff (13%), although an end-of-life discussion was recorded (90%) and often included as a new goal of care (71%).
CONCLUSION: Factors likely to improve end-of-life care include advance care planning, earlier recognition of short prognosis and staff education.
METHODS: A retrospective chart audit for patients (n = 55) who died in the previous 2 years was undertaken, recording a number of significant variables.
RESULTS: Despite diagnosis of comorbid medical conditions, most participants were admitted for improved functioning or assessment for alternative accommodation. Consistent with this focus, the key contact person was most often an allied health team member. Not For Resuscitation order and/or power of attorney documents on admission were uncommon (<30%) as were referrals to palliative care specialist staff (13%), although an end-of-life discussion was recorded (90%) and often included as a new goal of care (71%).
CONCLUSION: Factors likely to improve end-of-life care include advance care planning, earlier recognition of short prognosis and staff education.
History
Journal
Australasian journal on ageingVolume
32Issue
3Pagination
184 - 187Publisher
WileyLocation
London, Eng.Publisher DOI
eISSN
1741-6612Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2013, WileyUsage metrics
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No categories selectedKeywords
agedend-of-life carepalliative caresubacute careAdvance Care PlanningAge FactorsAged, 80 and overAgingCause of DeathComorbidityFemaleGeriatricsHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansMalePrognosisQuality ImprovementReferral and ConsultationRehabilitation CentersResuscitation OrdersRetrospective StudiesRisk FactorsTerminal CareThird-Party ConsentTime FactorsVictoriaScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineGeriatrics & GerontologyGerontologyNURSING-HOMESADVANCEIMPLEMENTATION
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