The role of emergency departments, or EDs, is evolving beyond just providing emergent care to patients. A recent study conducted by researchers at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences revealed that EDs are increasingly becoming a crucial touchpoint for hospice and palliative care (HPC) referrals and consultations.
Published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, the study examined 8,055 ED-initiated HPC consultations at five Henry Ford Health EDs in the metro Detroit area from 2016 to 2023. The findings shed light on significant trends in HPC consultations initiated in the ED.
Palliative care accounted for 58% of all HPC consultations, indicating a shift towards proactive clinical assessment and management for palliative care patients from the ED. Historically, HPC needs were often addressed only after patients were admitted to the hospital or discharged to community-based services. During the study period, hospice referrals decreased while palliative care referrals increased, showcasing a changing landscape in end-of-life care.
The study also highlighted a 173.6% increase in HPC consultations in EDs in the five years following the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge in consults underscores the growing awareness of the crucial role of palliative care, especially in light of the increased demand for end-of-life care during the pandemic.
Dr. Fabrice Mowbray, the study’s lead author and director of the Data Center at the Michigan State University College of Nursing, emphasized the importance of enhancing access to HPC consults in both ED and inpatient settings to improve patient care and quality of life during the end stage of a patient’s life. The study also referenced a broader cultural shift towards palliative care teams in U.S. hospitals, further supporting the need for increased focus on palliative care in healthcare settings.
Dr. Satheesh Gunaga, the paper’s lead author and an emergency care physician at Henry Ford Health, stressed the significance of research in improving the lives of vulnerable patients with life-limiting illnesses. As the demand for palliative care in the ED continues to rise, healthcare providers must prioritize policy, education, and research efforts to enhance care for this patient population.
In conclusion, the study’s findings underscore the critical role of EDs in facilitating HPC consultations and referrals. By recognizing the importance of palliative care in providing holistic and compassionate end-of-life care, healthcare systems can better support patients and their families during challenging times.
