Howat, A., Veitch, C., and Cairns, W. (2007) A retrospective review of place of death of palliative care patients in regional north Queensland. Palliative Medicine, 21 (1). pp. 41-47.

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Abstract

Background: Palliative care strives to offer patients and their families choice in the location of their management and final terminal care. The place of death has been shown to be related to various patient, carer and health service factors.

Aim: This study explores place of death of palliative care patients in regional north Queensland, and investigates which patient, disease, and other factors impact on place of death.

Methods: All patients under the care of the specialist Palliative Care Service (PCS) at The Townsville Hospital, who died in 2004, were identified. Medical charts for these patients were analysed for various demographic data, disease-related information and place of death.

Results: Some 270 patients were analysed. A total of 162 were male, median age was 72 years, and 146 (54%) were married. Home death rate was 19% (54 patients), with 64% (173) of patients dying in hospital. Factors significantly associated with home death included younger age, married, a diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma, and the involvement of community nurses. There was a trend towards male patients being more likely to die at home. Logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age and community nurse involvement were significantly associated with home death.

Discussion: The results of this study are in keeping with available, largely urban-based literature, with respect to predictive factors of home death. Further prospective study, with an emphasis on choice regarding place of care and GP involvement with palliative care patients, is warranted.

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