Retrospective analysis of an inpatient palliative care program

Purpose of Project: To conduct a retrospective analysis of an inpatient palliative care program to ascertain whether the presence and timing of the palliative consult had a significant effect on key markers of hospital utilization. Methodology: A retrospective chart review was conducted on a purposeful sample of adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) over a six-month period. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate whether the presence and timing of the palliative consult had a significant effect on hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, number of specialty consults, completion of advanced directives, discharge disposition, and hospital readmission rates. Results: Patients who received a palliative care consult during their ICU admission had statistically significant longer hospital and ICU lengths of stay compared to those who did not receive a consult. There was also a statistically significant association between palliative care consultation and increased rates of advanced directive completion, greater utilization of specialty consults, and differences in discharge disposition. However, no statistically significant effect was found between the presence of a palliative care consult and hospital readmission rates. Implications for Practice: The findings of this quality improvement project highlight the value of regularly evaluating the impact of palliative care services on patient outcomes. Ongoing assessment is crucial for guiding program development, informing strategic expansion, and ensuring the effective allocation of resources.