2025 August Coffee Chat-August Coffee Chat Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This healthcare-focused session, led by Gina Parisi and Dr. Robin Turner with expert panelists from hospice organizations, centered on the utilization of the Macy catheter for rectal medication administration in hospice and palliative care. The Macy catheter allows effective delivery of immediate-release medications when oral or IV routes are impractical, facilitating symptom control at home or inpatient units. A case study illustrated successful symptom management and transition home for a patient with metastatic cancer. Panelists shared implementation experiences, noting 5-15% of patients in their hospices used it, often overcoming initial family unfamiliarity through education and nurse champions. Advantages include avoiding needles, faster medication absorption compared to suppositories, reduced medication costs and waste, caregiver empowerment through training, and suitability for patients unable to tolerate oral meds. Contraindications are rectal lesions, thrombocytopenia, recent bowel surgery, diarrhea, or compromised rectal mucosa. Some medications like phenytoin or glycopyrrolate are unsuitable rectally due to poor absorption. The session emphasized detailed protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, and resource sharing to improve adoption. The Macy catheter also supports complex cases and medication shortages. Additionally, discussion touched on hospice policies for hospital readmissions, level-of-care determination, and reimbursement challenges. Overall, the Macy catheter presents a valuable, cost-effective tool enhancing end-of-life symptom control and enabling patient-centered care in hospice settings.

Keywords

Macy catheter

rectal medication administration

hospice care

palliative care

symptom management

medication absorption

caregiver training

contraindications

end-of-life care