Factors Associated with Length of Stay at Home in the Final Month of Life among Advanced Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review.

BACKGROUND

Living at home is an important factor for maintaining high quality of life among patients. Many studies have discussed parameters associated with place of death, but no studies have yet clarified which factors influence the length of stay at home during the end of life.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing the amount of time spent at home during the final month of life among patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted for 415 patients with advanced cancer. Multivariate multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine relationships between the length of stay at home during the final month of life and variables measuring patient's background (four indicators), family structure (three indicators) cancer type (four types), chief complaint at initial palliative care referral (seven indicators), and medical interventions (three factors).

RESULTS

The multiple linear regression predicting time spent at home in the last month of life yielded partial regression coefficients of 4.2 for past outpatient palliative care services (OPCS) (p < 0.001) and 3.3 for in-home nurse visits (p = 0.003).

DISCUSSION: The most influential factor for length of stay at home in the final month of life was a history of OPCS. Many patients with advanced cancer who receive chemotherapy without OPCS spend time as inpatients after an initial period at home. Palliative care interventions for outpatients effectively enable patients with advanced cancer to adapt and continue living at home.