A Home-Based Palliative Care Consult Service for Veterans. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golden, Adam G.; Antoni, Charles; Gammonley, Denise
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 33:Number 9(2016)
• Page Start: 858
• Page End: 862
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: veterans -- palliative care -- hospice -- end of life -- home care -- advanced illness; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/1049909115595497
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

Abstract

We describe the development and implementation of a home-based palliative care consult service for Veterans with advanced illness. A retrospective chart review was performed on 73 Veterans who received a home-based palliative care consult. Nearly one-third were 80 years of age or older, and nearly one-third had a palliative diagnosis of cancer. The most common interventions of the consult team included discussion of advance directives, completion of a "do not resuscitate" form, reduction/stoppage of at least 1 medication, explanation of diagnosis, referral to home-based primary care program, referral to hospice, and assessment/support for caregiver stress. The home-based consult service was therefore able to address clinical and psychosocial issues that can demonstrate a direct benefit to Veterans, families, and referring clinicians.