Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialRandomized double-blind trial of sublingual atropine vs. placebo for the management of death rattle.
Noisy breathing because of respiratory tract secretions (RTS), often referred to as "death rattle," occurs in up to half of all dying patients. Despite a lack of evidence showing benefit compared with placebo, antimuscarinic medications have been used in an attempt to decrease noise associated with RTS and to decrease family distress. ⋯ Sublingual atropine given as a single dose was not more effective than placebo in reducing the noise associated with death rattle.
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This short memoir reflects on the experience of a "good daughter" caring for both parents through their late aging and deaths. The memoir contemplates their personalities as expressed in their aging and the "good daughter's" experience in the death room. Those on a similar journey, whether as travelers, guides, or witnesses, may draw comfort, perhaps reassurance, from this account.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jan 2013
ReviewA social capital framework for palliative care: supporting health and well-being for people with life-limiting illness and their carers through social relations and networks.
Social relations and networks are vital for sustaining and enhancing end-of-life care. The social capital concept supports a framework to understand the association between social relations and well-being; yet, to date, there has been very limited investigation of social capital in the palliative care literature. A framework for understanding social contexts in end-of-life care is necessary. ⋯ The social capital concept provides a structure for understanding how the organization and meaning of social contexts can potentially enhance or hinder end-of-life care. Research that identifies specificity in application of social capital concepts is fundamental to issues of access to services, sustaining levels of care, quality of life, and well-being. The importance of "bridged" social capital relations and networks for improved resource acquisition and information flow was identified in the literature and outlined within the palliative care social capital framework. Differential access to social capital by disadvantaged groups provides further impetus to engage a model of social capital for palliative care.