Impact of a prospective feedback loop aimed at reducing non-beneficial treatments in older people admitted to hospital and potentially nearing the end of life. A cluster stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate if a prospective feedback loop that flags older patients at risk of death can reduce non-beneficial treatment at end of life.

Design

Prospective stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial with usual care and intervention phases.

Setting

Three large tertiary public hospitals in south-east Queensland, Australia.

Participants

14 clinical teams were recruited across the three hospitals. Teams were recruited based on a consistent history of admitting patients aged 75+ years, and needed a nominated lead specialist consultant. Under the care of these teams, there were 4,268 patients (median age 84 years) who were potentially near the end of life and flagged at risk of non-beneficial treatment.

Intervention

The intervention notified clinici

SUBMITTER: White NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11162291 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature