Benefits of emergency department-initiated goals of care conversations and palliative care consultations among older adults with chronic or serious life-limiting illnesses

Benefits of emergency department-initiated goals of care conversations and palliative care consultations among older adults with chronic or serious life-limiting illnesses
Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open; by Jennifer Johnson, Timmy Li, Megan Mandile, Santiago Lopez, Molly McCann-Pineo, Landon Witz, Payal Sud; 8/25
Initiating goals of care (GOC) conversations and palliative care consultations in emergency departments (EDs), compared with inpatient settings, may be associated with improved outcomes among older adults with chronic or serious life-limiting illnesses. ED-initiated GOC conversations were associated with approximately 3-day shorter hospitalizations and a $2689 contribution margin increase, suggesting increased health care cost savings. ED-initiated palliative care consultations were associated with approximately 7-day shorter hospitalizations, 6 fewer excess days in acute care, 1 fewer intensive care day, and higher odds of hospice discharge. Starting these discussions earlier in the ED may help hospitals optimize resources while ensuring treatment aligns with patients’ palliative needs and care preferences.