Palliative & supportive care
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Palliat Support Care · Sep 2005
Comparative StudyDoes ethnicity matter? Bereavement outcomes in two ethnic groups living in the United Kingdom.
Sociologists, anthropologists, and psychologists agree that grief is a universal phenomenon. Reactions to it are, however, socially constructed and patterned. ⋯ This study has observed higher psychological morbidity among the bereaved Caribbean individuals. Family doctors are a source of support for three-quarters of respondents, and they may need to focus on the needs of black and minority ethnic minorities.
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Palliat Support Care · Sep 2005
Health-related quality of life and enrollment in phase 1 trials in children with incurable cancer.
To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children eligible for Phase 1 trials and the reasons why families consider participating in these trials. ⋯ Normalcy and control are key end-of-life HRQOL components, and hope for life is a main reason for participating in Phase 1 trials.
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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.