Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
Tai Chi and aerobic exercise on cancer-related dyspnea in advanced lung cancer patients: A randomized clinical trial.
Dyspnea, a prevalent and debilitating symptom in patients with advanced lung cancer, negatively affects symptom burden and prognosis. Physical activity has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing dyspnea. ⋯ In this three-arm trial, we conducted a secondary data analysis to examine the effects of Tai Chi and aerobic exercise on cancer-related dyspnea in patients with advanced lung cancer. Both exercise modalities demonstrated effectiveness in reducing dyspnea severity, with Tai Chi exhibiting greater effect.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
Should subanaesthetic ketamine be considered when managing opioid refractory cancer pain?
In the cancer pain setting, ketamine has been typically employed as a co-analgesic for opioid refractory and neuropathic pain. One controversial topic is whether subanaesthetic ketamine be considered when managing opioid refractory cancer pain. In this "Controversies in Palliative Care" article, three clinicians independently answer this question. ⋯ Three independent clinicians reported a divergence of opinion regarding the usefulness of subanaesthetic ketamine for managing opioid refractory cancer pain. All investigators acknowledged the lack of high-quality trials. All agreed on the need for adequately powered trials, the development of standardized methodology, and the exploration of any patient sub-populations that may benefit from ketamine for cancer related pain.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
ReviewThe wish to hasten death in patients with life-limiting conditions. A systematic overview.
A systematic review of the wish to hasten death among people with life-limiting conditions was published in 2011. Since then, other reviews and primary studies have been published that have added to knowledge regarding the conceptual definition, aetiology and assessment of the wish to hasten death. ⋯ This overview underscores the need for clinical strategies that can identify different manifestations of the wish to hasten death among people with life-limiting conditions.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
Chatbot Performance in Defining and Differentiating Palliative Care, Supportive Care, Hospice Care.
Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot platforms are increasingly used by patients as sources of information. However, there is limited data on the performance of these platforms, especially regarding palliative care terms. ⋯ We identified important concerns regarding the accuracy, comprehensiveness, reliability, and readability of outputs from AI platforms. Further research is needed to improve their performance.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, chronic, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disorder of central nervous system, determined by an auto-immune dysfunction. Severe disability generally occurs in patients with progressive forms of MS that typically develop either after an earlier relapsing phase or less commonly from disease onset. Despite advances in research to slow the progression of MS, this condition remains a life-limiting disease with symptoms impacting negatively the lives of patients and caregivers. ⋯ An early palliative care approach aims to improve the palliative care skills and competencies of health professionals caring for the patients since the early stage of disease, including those who are actively undergoing disease-targeted therapies, rather than merely providing end-of-life care.