Automated algorithms for identifying patients requiring palliative care: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
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By
February 13, 2026
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Automated EHR algorithms effectively identify patients needing palliative care, enhancing timely interventions.
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The systematic review included seven trials with 125,666 patients, demonstrating significant increases in palliative care consultations.
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Noncancer patients had a risk ratio of 2.19 for consultations, while cancer patients had a risk ratio of 5.31.
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The algorithms also improved do-not-resuscitate documentation, but had marginal effects on hospice use and in-hospital mortality.
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Implementation of these algorithms suggests potential for improved quality of end-of-life care through better advance care planning.
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<h5>Objective:</h5><p>To evaluate the effectiveness of electronic health record (EHR) algorithms in identifying patients with high palliative care needs and facilitating timely interventions.</p><h5>Key Findings:</h5><ul><li>Automated EHR algorithms significantly increased palliative care consultations (noncancer: RR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.12–4.28; cancer: RR, 5.31; 95% CI, 3.49–8.09).</li><li>Increased do-not-resuscitate documentation (RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.17–1.28).</li><li>Marginal effects observed on hospice use and in-hospital mortality.</li><li>No significant effects on ICU admission, length of stay, or family-reported psychological outcomes.</li></ul><h5>Interpretation:</h5><p>Implementation of automated EHR algorithms is associated with higher rates of palliative care consultations and advance care planning documentation, indicating potential to improve end-of-life care.</p><h5>Limitations:</h5><ul><li>Data analyzed were extracted from previously published trials.</li><li>Potential variability in algorithm implementation across different settings may affect generalizability.</li></ul><h5>Conclusion:</h5><p>Automated EHR algorithms can enhance the timeliness and quality of palliative care interventions.</p>
-
1
Automated EHR algorithms effectively identify patients needing palliative care, enhancing timely interventions.
-
2
The systematic review included seven trials with 125,666 patients, demonstrating significant increases in palliative care consultations.
-
3
Noncancer patients had a risk ratio of 2.19 for consultations, while cancer patients had a risk ratio of 5.31.
-
4
The algorithms also improved do-not-resuscitate documentation, but had marginal effects on hospice use and in-hospital mortality.
-
5
Implementation of these algorithms suggests potential for improved quality of end-of-life care through better advance care planning.
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