Development of a practice guideline for optimal symptom relief for patients with pneumonia and dementia in nursing homes using a Delphi study

Tessa van der Maaden*, Jenny T. van der Steen, Henrica C. W. de Vet, Wilco P. Achterberg, Froukje Boersma, Jos M. G. A. Schols, Jos F. J. M. van Berkel, David R. Mehr, Marcel Arcand, Andy I. M. Hoepelman, Raymond T. C. M. Koopmans, Cees M. P. M. Hertogh

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a practice guideline for a structured and consensus-based approach to relieve symptoms of pneumonia in patients with dementia in nursing homes.

MethodsA five-round Delphi study involving a panel consisting of 24 experts was conducted. An initial version of the practice guideline was developed with leading representatives of Dutch University Medical Centers with a department for elderly care medicine, based on existing guidelines for palliative care. The experts evaluated the initial version, after which we identified topics that reflected the main divergences. The experts rated their agreement with statements that addressed the main divergences on a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was determined according to pre-defined criteria. The practice guideline was then revised according to the final decisions made by the project group and the representatives.

ResultsThe response rate for the expert panel was 67%. Main divergences included the applicability of guidelines for palliative care to patients with dementia and pneumonia in long-term care and the appropriateness of specific pharmacological treatment of dyspnea and coughing. Moderate consensus was reached for 80% of the statements. Major revisions included adding pharmacological treatment for coughing and recommending opioid rotation in the case of opioid-induced delirium. Two areas of divergent opinion remained: the usefulness of oxygen administration and treatment of rattling breath. The project group made the final decision in these areas.

ConclusionsWe developed a mostly consensus-based practice guideline for patients with dementia and pneumonia and mapped controversial issues for future investigation. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)487-496
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume30
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2015

Keywords

  • nursing homes
  • dementia
  • pneumonia
  • Delphi study
  • quality improvement
  • practice guideline
  • CLINICAL-USEFULNESS
  • PALLIATIVE CARE
  • PAIN ASSESSMENT
  • OLDER-PEOPLE
  • DOUBLE-BLIND
  • HEALTH-CARE
  • PHYSICIAN
  • CONSENSUS
  • RECOMMENDATIONS
  • NETHERLANDS

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