Practice Analysis of Care, Paraclinical Exams and Treatments Received by Geriatric Patients Both During the Last Week and the Last 24 Hours of Their Lives.
This study focused on understanding the care given to older patients (aged 75 and over) during their last week and final 24 hours of life at a specific hospital in France. Doctors often need to decide when to shift from active treatments, like blood tests or X-rays, to care that focuses purely on comfort. Researchers reviewed patient records to see when these active treatments were stopped before death. They also looked for reasons why some patients might have received active care for longer, delaying the switch to comfort-focused care. The aim was to learn more about how decisions around end-of-life care are made for older people.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called a 'Practice Analysis,' looked closely at the care received by older patients during their very last days. When someone is reaching the end of their life, doctors and families often face difficult decisions about their care. A key part of this is knowing when to stop treatments that might be uncomfortable or won't change the outcome, and instead focus entirely on making the patient as comfortable as possible.
The researchers reviewed hospital records to see what kind of medical checks (like blood tests or X-rays) and treatments patients received in their final week and last 24 hours. They wanted to understand when doctors typically stopped these active treatments and shifted to what's known as 'comfort care,' which prioritises pain relief and overall well-being.
They also hoped to find out if there were particular reasons or patient situations that might lead to active treatments continuing for longer than expected. By understanding these patterns, the study aims to help doctors make better decisions about end-of-life care for older patients, ensuring they receive the most appropriate and compassionate care.
Key takeaways
- This study reviewed past medical records of elderly patients.
- It focused on understanding care given in the last week and day of life.
- Researchers wanted to see when active medical treatments were replaced by comfort care.
- The goal was to improve future end-of-life care decisions for older people.
- No new patients or treatments were involved; it was an analysis of existing data.
Who may be eligible?
To be included in this study, patients had to be an older person, specifically aged 75 or above. They must have also sadly passed away while being cared for in a short-stay geriatric (elderly care) ward at Saint-Etienne University Hospital in France.
This study specifically looked at patients who were already receiving care and had passed away, so it wasn't a study where new patients joined or received new treatments.
Patients who were younger than 75 years old were not included in this study, nor were patients who died in other hospital departments or at different hospitals.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Did the person pass away at Saint-Etienne University Hospital?
- Were they in a geriatric (elderly care) short-stay ward?
- Were they 75 years old or older at the time of their death?
- Did their care information exist in hospital records?
What does participation involve?
This was a historical study, meaning researchers looked back at information already collected from patient medical records. Therefore, no new patients are being asked to take part. No visits, assessments, medications, or follow-up appointments were required from patients or their families. The researchers simply reviewed existing data. The study didn't directly involve patients or their families in real-time, but rather used anonymised information from those who had already passed away.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CHU Saint-EtienneVerified postcodeSaint-Etienne, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'end-of-life care'?
End-of-life care is support and medical care given to people who are nearing the end of their life. It focuses on making them as comfortable as possible, managing pain, and supporting their family.
What does 'comfort care' mean?
Comfort care, also known as palliative care, means focusing entirely on making a person feel comfortable and at peace, rather than trying to cure their illness. This includes managing pain, nausea, and other symptoms.
Why is it important to know when to stop active treatments?
Sometimes, active treatments like blood tests or X-rays can become uncomfortable or stressful for a patient who is very unwell and nearing the end of their life. Deciding when to stop these allows care to shift completely to comfort and dignity.
Was this study about trying new medicines?
No, this study wasn't about trying new medicines or treatments. It looked at the routine care that was already being given to patients in a hospital setting.
What will happen with the results of this study?
The results will help doctors understand more about how end-of-life care is currently given to older patients, which can inform guidelines and improve care in the future.
How to find out more
Ludovic LAFAIE, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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