Timing and Outcome of Referral to the First Stand-Alone Palliative Care Center in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the Palliative Care Center of Kuwait. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al-Saleh, Khaled; Al-Awadi, Ahmad; Soliman, Najla A.; Mostafa, Sobhy; Mostafa, Mohammad; Mostafa, Wafaa; Alsirafy, Samy A.
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 34:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 325
• Page End: 329
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: palliative care -- cancer -- eastern mediterranean region -- kuwait -- referral timing -- palliative performance scale; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/1049909115625959
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

Abstract

Background: Compared to other regions of the world, palliative care (PC) in the Eastern Mediterranean region is at an earlier stage of development. The Palliative Care Center of Kuwait (PCC-K) was established a few years ago as the first stand-alone PC center in the region. This study was conducted to investigate the timing of referral to the PCC-K and its outcome. Methods: Retrospective review of referrals to the PCC-K during its first 3 years of action. Late referral was defined as referral during the last 30 days of life. Results: During the3-year period, 498 patients with cancer were referred to the PCC-K of whom 467 were eligible for analysis. Referral was considered late in 58% of patients. Nononcology facilities were more likely to refer patients late when compared to oncology facilities ( P = .033). The palliative performance scale (PPS) was ≤30 in 59% of late referrals and 21% in earlier referrals ( P < .001). Among 467 referred patients, 342 (73%) were eligible for transfer to the PCC-K, 102 (22%) were ineligible, and 23 (5%) died before assessment by the PCC-K consultation team. From the 342 eligible patients, the family caregivers refused the transfer of 64 (19%) patients to the PCC-K. Conclusion: Patients are frequently referred late to the PCC-K. Further research to identify barriers to PC and its early integration in Kuwait is required. The PPS may be useful in identifying late referrals.