Continuity of care and treatment intensity at the end of life in Swiss cancer patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Continuity of care (COC) was shown to be associated with fewer hospitalizations. We aimed to evaluate whether COC was associated with intensive intervention(s) at the end of life (IEOL), a preference-sensitive outcome, in cancer patients.

Methods

The study is based on claims data of patients with incident use of anti-neoplastics in Switzerland. COC Index, Usual Provider Continuity score, Sequential Continuity index and Modified Modified Continuity Index were calculated based on consultations with the usual ambulatory care physician. Treatment intensity was evaluated in the last 6 months of life, and COC was evaluated in months 18-6 before death in those who died between 24 and 54 months after incident cancer. IEOL comprised life-sustaining interventions (cardiac c

SUBMITTER: Bahler C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10234661 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature