Wilcock, A., Crosby, V., Hussain, A. et al. (8 more authors) (2016) Lung cancer diagnosed following an emergency admission: Mixed methods study of the management, outcomes and needs and experiences of patients and carers. Respiratory Medicine, 114. pp. 38-45. ISSN 0954-6111
Abstract
Background In the UK, although 40% of patients with lung cancer are diagnosed following an emergency admission (EA), data is limited on their needs and experiences as they progress through diagnostic and treatment pathways. Methods Prospective data collection using medical records, questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Multivariate logistic regression explored associations between diagnosis following EA and aspects of interest. Questionnaire responses with 95% confidence intervals were compared with local and national datasets. A grounded theory approach identified patient and carer themes. Results Of 401 patients, 154 (38%) were diagnosed following EA; 37 patients and six carers completed questionnaires and 13 patients and 10 carers were interviewed. Compared to those diagnosed electively, EA patients adjusted results found no difference in treatment recommendation, treatment intent or place of death. Time to diagnosis, review, or treatment was 7-14 days quicker but fewer EA patients had a lung cancer nurse present at diagnosis (37% vs. 62%). Palliative care needs were high (median [IQR] 21 [13-25] distressing or bothersome symptoms/issues) and various information and support needs unmet. Interviews highlighted in particular, perceived delays in obtaining investigations/specialist referral and factors influencing success or failure of the cough campaign. Conclusions Presentation as an EA does not appear to confer any inherent disadvantage regarding progress through lung cancer diagnostic and treatment pathways. However, given the frequent combination of advanced disease, poor performance status and prognosis, together with the high level of need and reported short-fall in care, we suggest that a specialist palliative care assessment is routinely offered.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2016 Elsevier. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Respiratory Medicine. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. Article available under the terms of the CC-BY-NC-ND licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) |
Keywords: | Lung cancer; Non-small cell lung cancer; Palliative care; Small cell lung cancer |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Nursing and Midwifery (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 21 Apr 2016 10:20 |
Last Modified: | 06 Nov 2017 09:51 |
Published Version: | https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2016.03.006 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.rmed.2016.03.006 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:98794 |