Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2014
A psychometric evaluation of the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-palliative care (FACIT-Pal) scale with palliative care samples in three African countries.
Although sub-Saharan Africa suffers the greatest burden of progressive illness, there are few outcome measures with adequate properties to measure needs and outcomes. ⋯ The FACIT-Pal is a reliable multidimensional scale for people with life-limiting incurable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, and the observed factors are interpretable and clinically meaningful.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialNeurolytic sympathectomy in the management of cancer pain-time effect: a prospective, randomized multicenter study.
Sympathectomy is currently used as the fourth step of the modified World Health Organization (WHO) analgesic ladder. Sympathectomy can be performed early, before the second step on the ladder. ⋯ Sympathectomy before Step 2 on the WHO analgesic ladder seems to lead to better pain control, less opioid consumption, and better quality of life in cancer patients.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialPain medication management processes used by oncology outpatients and family caregivers part I: health systems contexts.
Oncology patients with persistent pain treated in outpatient settings and their family caregivers have significant responsibility for managing pain medications. However, little is known about their practical day-to-day experiences with pain medication management. ⋯ Health systems issues related to access to needed analgesics, medication safety in outpatient settings, and the effort expended by oncology patients and their family caregivers require more attention in future research and health-care reform initiatives.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialPre-emptive value of methylprednisolone intravenous infusion in patients with vertebral metastases. A double-blind randomized study.
The vertebral column is the most common site of bone metastases irrespective of the primary tumor. Vertebral metastases are a major cause of motor deficit of the lower extremities. The use of radiotherapy is the treatment of choice in these patients. A temporary worsening of pain shortly during the course of palliative radiotherapy is clinically a common problem. Steroid infusion has well-documented neuroprotective effects. ⋯ Pre-emptive methylprednisolone infusion is an effective prophylactic agent in the prevention of radiation-induced pain flare and improves functional motor status after short-term radiotherapy in patients with vertebral metastases.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2014
Comparative StudyImproving communication on hope in palliative care. A qualitative study of palliative care professionals' metaphors of hope: grip, source, tune, and vision.
Hope is important in palliative care. However, palliative care professionals' perspectives on hope are not well understood. Metaphors of hope are a way of better understanding these perspectives. ⋯ Our findings help to increase the understanding of hope and contribute to improving communication skills in palliative care professionals.