Characteristics of Subjects Who Died of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Andalusia in 2010 and 2011.
J Palliat Med. 2013 Nov 9;
Authors: López-Campos JL, Ruiz-Ramos M, Mendez C, García-León J
Abstract
Abstract Background: The place of death is an important consideration in the end-of-life care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: This study aimed to describe the place of death for patients with COPD in Andalusia (Spain) and the determinants of death at home compared to death outside of home. Design: This observational study analyzed place of death from death certificates for the years 2010 and 2011 in Andalusia, Spain (over 8 million inhabitants, 17.8% of the Spanish population). Measurements: Death certificates obtained from the Institute of Statistics and Cartography of Andalusia were used to describe where patients with COPD died. All deaths with ICD-10 codes J40 to J44 or J47 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision) were included for the years 2010 and 2011. Upon review of the death certificates, the following data were recorded: age, sex, marital status, rural areas, and place of death. Results: Out of a total of 119,589 decedents, the research team retrieved the place of death for 4983 subjects. The chance of dying at home was higher for COPD patients aged ≥89 years and for females. Married and widowed persons had a greater likelihood of dying at home than singles. Moreover, the likelihood of death at home was higher for individuals residing in rural areas. Conclusions: Age, sex, marital status, and rural areas of residence determine where COPD patients will end their life in Andalusia. Knowledge about place of death and its determinants will facilitate the planning of health care palliative services.
PMID: 24206007 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]