Supporting Families of Distressed Patients and Circumventing Rectal Route Stigma

The Macy Cather helped this patient quickly reach a state of comfort and allowed the family and patient to experience a state of peace during this difficult transition.

Gail

Registered Nurse, San Diego, California

Kay’s Nursing Background and Introduction to the Macy Catheter

I have been a nurse since 1986. My experience has ranged from med/surg, geriatrics, oncology, pediatrics, homecare and now hospice, where I have worked for the past 3 years.

I originally learned about the Macy Catheter through an in-service at the facility where I work.

My team and I were excited to use the Macy Catheter to assist with symptom control necessary for the 10-20% of patients whose oral route is compromised at end of life.

90-Year-Old Patient in Severe Pain

I was taking care of a 90-year-old female patient diagnosed with End Stage Alzheimer’s and Osteoarthritis.

Unfortunately, the patient had been experiencing severe pain, agitation, and constipation that were difficult to control due to the patient’s severe dysphagia.

The patient was refusing to open her mouth and was frequently spitting out her medications.

The patient’s daughter was becoming increasingly distressed witnessing her mother’s severe discomfort and frequent moaning.

Introducing the Rectal Route in the Right Way

I immediately introduced the option of the Macy Catheter when I first witnessed the patient’s level of pain and agitation.

Initially, the daughter was reluctant to try the catheter with her mom because she was worried it would be uncomfortable and was unsure about having a catheter inserted rectally.

Over the course of a few days, I continued to educate the patient’s daughter about the advantages of the Macy Catheter and that it was very easy to insert and not uncomfortable.

I pointed out to the daughter and other family members that we had nothing to lose because the patient was so uncomfortable with what we were currently doing. The patient had lost the ability to swallow and suppositories were ineffective and agitating.

After providing education, the patient’s daughter decided the Macy Catheter was a good option for her mom.

The Appreciation that Comes with Quick Palliation

I was able to quickly insert the catheter and administer Morphine and Haldol with no sign of discomfort.

Within 20-30 minutes of administering the medications, the patient was resting comfortably. The patient was able to keep the catheter in for 3 days until she died peacefully at home.

The patient’s daughter and family were extremely thankful for the comfort that the Macy Catheter facilitated over the last days of the patients life. The daughter even wrote a letter of appreciation to our agency thanking us for the care her mom received.

The Macy Catheter helped this patient quickly reach a state of comfort and allowed the family and patient to experience a state of peace during this difficult transition.

Rectal Catheter Enables Patient to Build Log Cabin While on Hospice Care

Rectal Catheter Enables Patient to Build Log Cabin While on Hospice Care

Rectal Catheter is the Most Dignified Administration Option

Rectal Catheter is the Most Dignified Administration Option

Rectal Catheter Provides More Reliable and Dignified Administration Than Sublingual

Rectal Catheter Provides More Reliable and Dignified Administration Than Sublingual

Rectal Catheter is More Effective Than Pain Pumps & Sublingual

Rectal Catheter is More Effective Than Pain Pumps & Sublingual

Rectal Catheter Decreases Cost & Nursing Time at Unity Hospice

Rectal Catheter Decreases Cost & Nursing Time at Unity Hospice

Hospice Director Champions Rectal Catheter After Device Helps His Mom

Hospice Director Champions Rectal Catheter After Device Helps His Mom

Rectal Catheter Empowers Both Nurses and Families at Unity Hospice

Rectal Catheter Empowers Both Nurses and Families at Unity Hospice

Rectal Catheter Helps Patients Remain in Their Setting of Choice

Rectal Catheter Helps Patients Remain in Their Setting of Choice

A Hospice Nurse Explains How a Rectal Catheter Empowers Nurses

A Hospice Nurse Explains How a Rectal Catheter Empowers Nurses

Rectal Catheter Reduces Cost While Improving Patient Care

Rectal Catheter Reduces Cost While Improving Patient Care

The Rectal Route– More Dignified than Sublingual

The Rectal Route– More Dignified than Sublingual

Navigating a Medication Shortage Using a Rectal Catheter

Navigating a Medication Shortage Using a Rectal Catheter

Rectal Catheter Proves More Effective Than Sublingual Administration

Rectal Catheter Proves More Effective Than Sublingual Administration

Caregiver’s Burden of Care Decreased by Rectal Catheter

Caregiver’s Burden of Care Decreased by Rectal Catheter

Rectal Route Proves Simpler and More Effective Than Oral

Rectal Route Proves Simpler and More Effective Than Oral

How to Introduce a Rectal Catheter to Concerned Caregivers

How to Introduce a Rectal Catheter to Concerned Caregivers

Hospice Nurse Finds Rectal Catheter More Effective Than IV

Hospice Nurse Finds Rectal Catheter More Effective Than IV

VP of Clinical Excellence Advocates for Rectal Catheter

VP of Clinical Excellence Advocates for Rectal Catheter

Patients are willing to try the rectal route. Are nurses?

Patients are willing to try the rectal route. Are nurses?

If Your Patient Can’t Swallow, Try the Rectal Route

If Your Patient Can’t Swallow, Try the Rectal Route

Using a Rectal Catheter Despite Cultural Pushback

Using a Rectal Catheter Despite Cultural Pushback

Trying the Rectal Route Because It Works

Trying the Rectal Route Because It Works

Reduce Medication Waste by Trying the Rectal Route

Reduce Medication Waste by Trying the Rectal Route

Rectal Catheter Allows for More Caregiver Involvement

Rectal Catheter Allows for More Caregiver Involvement

Patient’s wish to receive hydration and remain at home realized by using the Macy Catheter

Patient’s wish to receive hydration and remain at home realized by using the Macy Catheter

Rectal Catheter Allows Patients to Remain in Their Setting of Choice

Rectal Catheter Allows Patients to Remain in Their Setting of Choice

Gastroparesis Patient Controls Her Own Pain and Nausea Using the Macy Catheter

Gastroparesis Patient Controls Her Own Pain and Nausea Using the Macy Catheter

Resolving Status Epilepticus in Minutes and Allowing for Caregiver Involvement at the Bedside

Resolving Status Epilepticus in Minutes and Allowing for Caregiver Involvement at the Bedside

Supporting Families of Distressed Patients and Circumventing Rectal Route Stigma

Supporting Families of Distressed Patients and Circumventing Rectal Route Stigma

Nausea Resolved in 20 Minutes Without the Oral Route

Nausea Resolved in 20 Minutes Without the Oral Route

The More Dignified Way: Pain Controlled in 20 Minutes

The More Dignified Way: Pain Controlled in 20 Minutes

The Easy Route: Distress Controlled in 10 Minutes

The Easy Route: Distress Controlled in 10 Minutes

Wondering how quick palliation could trim your agency’s budget?