Use of Electronic Health Records to Identify Factors Related to Skin Changes in Terminal Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of skin changes at life's end (SCALE) among hospice patients and identify associated factors.

METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of demographic data, medical history, Braden Scale assessment scores, Charlson Comorbidity Index, symptom records, and medical treatments of patients admitted to a local teaching hospital's hospice unit between May 2019 and April 2021.

RESULTS: Most (79%) of the 300 hospice patients included in the study had cancer. Of the 181 patients who died, 49 (60.3%) had SCALE. Logistic regression analysis revealed that greater variations in Braden Scale scores from admission to predeath (odds ratio, 1.188; 95% CI, 1.014-1.392; P = .033), higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group grades (odds ratio, 1.965; 95% CI, 1.241-3.109; P = .004), and elevated Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (odds ratio, 1.514; 95% CI, 1.237-1.854; P < .001) significantly increased the likelihood of developing SCALE.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the occurrence of SCALE may serve as a valuable clinical indicator for healthcare professionals to recognize that a patient is approaching the end of life. Consequently, the care approach should prioritize pain relief and promote comfort rather than wound healing in this patient population. These results provide evidence to support the integration of SCALE-related training programs for hospice care, which can increase healthcare professionals' awareness and understanding of SCALE. Ultimately, the implementation of such training programs may lead to more appropriate care for hospice patients with SCALE, enhancing their quality of life at the end of life.