Palliative & supportive care
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Palliat Support Care · Apr 2015
Frequency and factors associated with falls in patients with advanced cancer presenting to an outpatient supportive care clinic.
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and factors associated with fall episodes in advanced cancer patients. ⋯ We conclude that 31 of 384 patients (8%) with advanced cancer receiving outpatient supportive care reported falls in the previous month. Patients with assistive devices, taking zolpidem, and with a higher MDAS score, and a positive delirium screening reported more frequent falls. Further studies are warranted.
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Palliat Support Care · Apr 2015
Self-reported sleep disturbance in patients with advanced cancer: Frequency, intensity, and factors associated with response to outpatient supportive care consultation--A preliminary report.
Self-reported sleep disturbance (SD) is a distressing symptom in patients with advanced cancer. There are limited data on the treatment of SD and predictors to response of SD to outpatient supportive care clinic (OPC) consultation. The aims of our study was to determine the frequency, intensity, and correlates of SD as assessed with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) sleep item at the time of initial consultation and identify the predictors of improvement in SD at follow-up. ⋯ Both the frequency and severity of SD were high. Response to supportive care consultation was substantial. The severity of SD and anxiety at the initial visit predicted a response at first follow-up. Further research is needed.
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Palliat Support Care · Apr 2015
Psychologists involved in cancer palliative care in Japan: A nationwide survey.
The aim of this study was to clarify, using a nationwide survey, what is perceived as necessary knowledge and skills for psychologists involved in cancer palliative care in Japan, the expectations of medical staff members, and the degree to which these expectations are met. ⋯ Our results show that many psychologists in cancer palliative care feel unable to respond to the expectations at their current workplace and that they require more adequate knowledge and skills related to cancer palliative care to work effectively. No other nationwide surveys have generated this type of information in Japan, so we believe that the results of our study are uniquely important.
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Palliat Support Care · Apr 2015
Verbalized desire for death or euthanasia in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care.
We aimed to address the prevalence of desire-to-die statements (DDSs) among terminally ill cancer patients in an acute palliative care unit. We also intended to compare the underlying differences between those patients who make desire-to-die comments (DDCs) and those who make desire-for-euthanasia comments (EUCs). ⋯ Almost 10% of the population receiving specific oncological palliative care made a DDC (7.3%) or EUC (2.5%). The worst well-being score was lower in the EUC group. The reasons for both a DDC and EUC were mainly nonphysical. We find that emotional and spiritual issues should be identified and effectively addressed when responding to a DDS in terminally ill cancer patients.
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Palliat Support Care · Apr 2015
Where to die? That is the question: A study of cancer patients in Israel.
Most patients prefer to die at home, but barely 30% do so. This study examines the variables contributing to dying at home. ⋯ The findings suggest that dying at home requires maintaining continued care for the patient and family in a community context.