The journal of supportive oncology
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An oral, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device uses radiofrequency identification technology to allow patients direct, controlled access to medication at the bedside. Twenty oncology inpatients participated in a pilot study to evaluate the device's design function and patient, nursing, and pharmacy satisfaction. The referring oncology physicians ordered oral pain tablets or capsules on an as-needed basis; the drugs were dispensed by the device with a specified lockout time interval and with a provision for administration of an immediate dose, if desired. ⋯ Pharmacy staff agreed that the device's disposable medication tray was easy to fill; however, it did not save them time. The results of a Cronbach's-alpha statistic calculated for patient and nursing questionnaires showed these surveys to be reliable tools that featured consistent responses. The overall conclusion from this pilot study was that the oral PCA device was a useful, functional device that should improve pain management in selected patients in the acute care setting.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Symptom clusters in patients with newly-diagnosed brain tumors.
A symptom cluster comprises three or more concurrent symptoms. There is a paucity of symptom cluster research in cancer patients. Data from a previously conducted clinical trial were analyzed to search for symptom clusters. ⋯ Two symptom clusters were identified using exploratory factor analysis--a language cluster including difficulty reading, writing, and finding the right words and a mood cluster including feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depressed mood; these clusters were supported by MDS and cluster analysis. Our results suggest that interventions that target both cognitive function and mood should be considered in this patient population. Further research on symptom clusters in brain tumor patients is needed.