Potentially Inappropriate Treatments at the End of Life in Nursing Home Residents: Findings From the PACE Cross-Sectional Study in Six European Countries

Context Certain treatments are potentially inappropriate when administered to nursing homes residents at the end of life and should be carefully considered. An international comparison allows insight into common issues country-specific challenges end-of-life care in helps direct health-care policy this area. Objectives To estimate prevalence last week home analyze differences between countries. Methods A cross-sectional study deceased (2015) six European countries: Belgium (Flanders), England, Finland, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland. Potentially included enteral administration nutrition, parental artificial fluids, resuscitation, ventilation, blood transfusion, chemotherapy/radiotherapy, dialysis, surgery, antibiotics, statins, antidiabetics, new oral anticoagulants. Nurses were questioned about whether these life. Results We 1384 from 322 homes. In most countries, rarely used, with a maximum 18.3% receiving least one treatment Exceptions antibiotics all countries (between 11.3% 45% Poland), nutrition hydration Poland (54.3%) Italy (41%) antidiabetics (19.7%). Conclusion Although was generally low, frequently prescribed food/fluids high, possibly reflecting country legislation, organization culture, palliative competences staff.