Background and objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate palliative decision-making in non- oncological patients who died in an acute care hospital.
Patients and method: 293 patients > 64 years old were analyzed. These patients suffered from dementia (46%), end-stage congestive heart failure (31%) and end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (23%). We evaluated written information about: do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, graduation of therapeutic decisions, information provided to relatives about prognosis, total withdrawal of other drug therapy and provision of terminal care.
Results: DNR orders were specified in 37% of cases, graduation of therapeutic decisions in 18% and knowledge of the prognosis by relatives in 57%. Drug withdrawal was carried out in 56% and palliative care in 65% patients.
Conclusions: Identification and provision of palliative care, in an acute care hospital, of elderly patients at their last admission prior to death because of non-oncological end-stage diseases must be improved.