Palliative Inpatients in General Hospitals: A One-Day Observational Study in Belgium
Author Information
Author(s): Desmedt Marianne S, de la Kethulle Yolande L, Deveugele Myriam I, Keirse Emmanuel A, Paulus Dominique J, Menten Johan J, Simoens Steven R, vanden Berghe Paul J, Beguin Claire M
Primary Institution: Université Catholique de Louvain
Hypothesis
What are the characteristics and prevalence of palliative inpatients in Belgian hospitals?
Conclusion
The study found that 9.4% of inpatients were identified as palliative, highlighting the complexity and diversity of care required for this population.
Supporting Evidence
- 9.4% of inpatients were identified as palliative patients.
- 51% of palliative patients had a primary diagnosis of cancer.
- 33% of patients had an estimated life expectancy of less than 3 months.
- 73% of caregivers expected treatment to improve comfort rather than prolong life.
- Antibiotics and transfusions were administered to 90% and 78% of patients, respectively.
Takeaway
In a day, hospitals in Belgium found that about 1 in 10 patients were receiving palliative care, which means they were very sick and needed special help.
Methodology
A one-day observational study was conducted in 14 randomly selected Belgian hospitals, collecting data on palliative patients' characteristics and care plans.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient recruitment and selection, as well as reliance on healthcare providers' definitions of palliative status.
Limitations
The study only captured data from one day and relied solely on healthcare providers' assessments, which may not reflect patient preferences.
Participant Demographics
Of the 249 palliative patients, 55% were female, with a mean age of 72 years, and the majority were older than 65.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
1.360 - 2.279
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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