Factors influencing death at home in terminally ill patients with cancer: systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To determine the relative influence of different factors on place of death in patients with cancer.

Data sources

Four electronic databases-Medline (1966-2004), PsycINFO (1972-2004), CINAHL (1982-2004), and ASSIA (1987-2004); previous contacts with key experts; hand search of six relevant journals.

Review methods

We generated a conceptual model, against which studies were analysed. Included studies had original data on risk factors for place of death among patients, > 80% of whom had cancer. Strength of evidence was assigned according to the quantity and quality of studies and consistency of findings. Odds ratios for home death were plotted for factors with high strength evidence.

Results

58 studies were included, with over 1.5 million patients from 1

SUBMITTER: Gomes B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1388126 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature