Transfusions in the Last 2 Weeks of Life Methodology
Short description of Indicator | Percentage of decedents in each malignant hematology (MH) sub-group (acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL], acute myeloid leukemia [AML], diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL], multiple myeloma [MM]) who received a transfusion in the last 2 weeks of life |
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Rationale for measurement | Blood transfusions are a particularly important intervention for people with blood cancers. In addition, the last 2 weeks of life is a period of high health care utilization for many decedents (e.g., emergency department visits, hospitalizations). Little is known about use and appropriateness of transfusion support at end of life in blood cancer patients. For many patients who are designated end of life or palliative prior to death, blood transfusions may be an appropriate component of their care if the transfusions decrease symptoms and maintain the individual’s quality of life. Tracking transfusions may help to identify changes in patterns of care for these end-of-life patients. |
Evidence/references for rationale | Literature to support this indicator:
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Calculations for the indicator | Decedents with at least 1 blood transfusion in the last 14 days of life / Number of decedents with the specific disease = Percentage of decedents in each malignant hematology sub-group who received a blood transfusion in the last 2 weeks of life.
Analysis:
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Standardized Rate Calculation | N/A |
Unit | N/A |
Data sources |
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Time Frame | 2014 to 2018 |
Geographic Scale | Provincial |
Denominator description | All decedents who were diagnosed with the malignant hematology disease sub-group |
Numerator description | Decedents who received a blood transfusion in the last 14 days of life |
Considerations | N/A |
Data availability & limitations |
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