New study documents need across all diagnoses
of the West, a leading community-based hospice and palliative care
organization in Maricopa County, Arizona, points to a new
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study showing the need for advances in end-of-life care across all
diagnoses, with family-reported quality of end-of-life care
significantly better for patients with cancer and dementia than for
patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiopulmonary failure or
frailty.
Dr. Anil Nanda, medical director, Hospice of the West, states, “Most
people in the United States die of illnesses other than cancer. Yet,
many efforts to improve end-of-life care have focused primarily
on patients with cancer. This study underscores the growing need
for patients with other serious illnesses to receive high-quality
end-of-life care.”
The study determined that the quality advantage for cancer and dementia
patients was mediated by palliative care consultation,
do-not-resuscitate orders and setting of death. Palliative care and
goals-of-care discussions that address code status and preferred setting
of death, particularly for patients with end-organ failure and
frailty, may improve the quality of end-of-life
care for Americans dying with these conditions.
The age adjusted chronic kidney disease death rate for Maricopa County
is 5.3
per 100,000. The prevalence of
heart diseases in Arizona was estimated to be 4,195 per 100,000 people
and the prevalence of stroke in Arizona was estimated to be 2,457 per
100,000 people. Forty million Americans provide unpaid assistance and
support to an aging loved one in the U.S., leading to a rise in
financial and emotional stress.
“Not surprisingly, patient and caregiver satisfaction is waning, with
the exception of those who have accessed hospice, palliative care and
EOL services,” Dr. Nanda adds, “We offer Medicare Advantage Plans,
Accountable Care Organizations, and Integrated Delivery Networks an
opportunity to identify patients with a poor prognosis for every type of
disease earlier to help manage their care and prevent non-beneficial
healthcare services.”
About Hospice of the West
Hospice of the West is a community based Hospice and Palliative Care
organization based in Maricopa County, Arizona and is committed to
serving the unique needs of individuals facing a serious illness and
providing ongoing support to patient families and loved ones. http://hospicewestaz.com/
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