End-of-life care pathways for improving outcomes in caring for the dying

Raymond J. Chan, Joan Webster

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

54 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: This is an updated version of a Cochrane review first published in Issue 1, 2010 of The Cochrane Library. In many clinical areas, integrated care pathways are utilised as structured multidisciplinary care plans that detail essential steps in caring for patients with specific clinical problems. In particular, care pathways for the dying have been developed as a model to improve care of patients who are in the last days of life. The care pathways were designed with an aim of ensuring that the most appropriate management occurs at the most appropriate time and that it is provided by the most appropriate health professional. There have been sustained concerns about the safety of implementing end-of-life care pathways, particularly in the UK. Therefore, there is a significant need for clinicians and policy makers to be informed about the effects of end-of-life care pathways with a systematic review. Objectives: To assess the effects of end-of-life care pathways, compared with usual care (no pathway) or with care guided by another end-of-life care pathway across all healthcare settings (e.g. hospitals, residential aged care facilities, community). In particular, we aimed to assess the effects on symptom severity and quality of life of people who are dying; those related to the care such as families, carers and health professionals; or a combination of these. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Issue 6, 2013), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, review articles and reference lists of relevant articles.We conducted the original search in September 2009, and the updated search in June 2013. Selection criteria All randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomised trial or high-quality controlled before-and-after studies comparing use versus non-use of an end-of-life care pathway in caring for the dying. Data collection and analysis Two review authors assessed the results of the searches against the predetermined criteria for inclusion. Main results The original review identified 920 titles. The updated search found 2042 potentially relevant titles (including the original 920), but no additional studies met criteria for inclusion in the review update.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberCD008006
JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Volume2013
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Nov 2013
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2013 The Cochrane Collaboration.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'End-of-life care pathways for improving outcomes in caring for the dying'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this