Palliative & supportive care
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Palliat Support Care · Jun 2005
Comparative Study Clinical TrialAssessing symptoms of terminally-ill patients by different raters: a prospective study.
For patients who are terminally ill, the efficiency of symptom management is dependent, among other factors, on an accurate assessment by proxy raters. The aim of this prospective study is to describe differences in symptom severity ratings between patients and their nurses, physicians, and family members during their stay in different departments with acute care, and to identify variables associated with the accuracy of the ratings by others. ⋯ Significant differences for nurses and physicians were found on the sum-score level for psychological and social symptoms, but not for physical and functional symptoms. Family members rated the intensities of the symptoms generally higher than the patients. Suggestions for further analyses are presented and discussed.
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To enhance understanding of the phenomenon of family surrogate decision-making at the end of life (EOL) by means of a systematic review and synthesis of published research reports that address this phenomenon. ⋯ Functioning as a surrogate decision-maker typically places great moral, emotional, and cognitive demands on the family surrogate. Clinicians can provide improved care to both patients and families with better understanding of surrogates' needs and experiences.
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Palliat Support Care · Jun 2005
Factors associated with location of death of children with cancer in palliative care.
The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with location of death of patients receiving palliative care in a pediatric oncology unit. ⋯ In our society we are still not able to provide hospice care or home care for all children, although increasing emphasis has been placed on utilizing local resources. Even though we had increased the number of desired home deaths, it is still a challenge to meet patients and families' requests. A team approach, the recognition of the factors involved, and adequate health and community support have helped us to meet the child and family's needs.
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Palliat Support Care · Jun 2005
Spouse caregivers of terminally-ill cancer patients as cancer patients: a pilot study in a palliative care unit.
It is known that families of terminally-ill cancer patients show levels of emotional and functional disruption and are called "second order patients," however, little is actually known about the health problems of family members, especially in terms of cancer. ⋯ Our findings indicated that some of the spouses of terminally-ill cancer patients are not only "second order patients" but also "cancer patients." Our findings also suggest that some spouses of terminally-ill cancer patients might experience distress both as a cancer patient and as a spouse and may need care both as a cancer patient and as a spouse.