Abstract
There are multiple gaps in providing palliative care to older adults with advanced chronic illness symptoms who never get connected to hospice or palliative care programs. Using a pre- and posttest design via a retrospective chart review, this study found the symptoms, interventions, and responses to interventions that older patients with end-stage chronic illness experienced. Findings revealed symptoms similar to those listed by End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium, including fatigue/weakness, anorexia/cachexia, sadness/depression, dyspnea, nausea and vomiting, anxiety/fear, confusion/delirium, diarrhea, constipation, and pain. A significant difference (t = 5.538, P < .0001) in long-term care nurses' pre- and posttest mean scores also was determined. The results indicated that in this convenience sample, older adults have several burdensome symptoms that palliative care programs could potentially improve. Being aware of frequently observed symptoms in long-term care agencies can assist in anticipating what other long-term care older adults may experience. Results can help to prevent or lessen symptoms and promote best practices for older adult symptom management.