Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Dec 2015
Pilot Study of a Brief Behavioral Intervention for Dyspnea in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer.
Dyspnea is a common symptom in patients with advanced cancer that interferes with functional ability and quality of life (QOL). Although few evidence-based treatments for dyspnea exist, prior studies show support for nonpharmacological interventions that include elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy. ⋯ In this sample of patients with advanced lung cancer and dyspnea, we observed a high completion rate for the two-session behavioral intervention. Patients also reported improvements in dyspnea, QOL, and mood. Follow-up randomized controlled trials are needed to examine the efficacy of brief behavioral interventions for cancer-related dyspnea.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Dec 2015
Interventions Associated with the Management of Suspected Infections in Advanced Dementia.
Nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia are commonly suspected of having infections. Most episodes are treated with antimicrobials, although evidence supporting bacterial infections is often lacking. The extent to which other interventions are used in managing suspected infections is unknown. ⋯ NH residents with advanced dementia frequently experience potentially burdensome interventions when suspected of having an infection. Advance directives to limit such interventions may be appropriate for residents whose goal of care is comfort.
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Therapeutic Reviews aim to provide essential independent information for health professionals about drugs used in palliative and hospice care. Additional content is available on www.palliativedrugs.com. Country-specific books (Hospice and Palliative Care Formulary USA, and Palliative Care Formulary, British and Canadian editions) are also available and can be ordered from www.palliativedrugs.com. The series editors welcome feedback on the articles (hq@palliativedrugs.com).
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Dec 2015
The Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Age in Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.
There is controversy around the association between depressive symptoms and age in adult cancer patients. ⋯ The finding that depressive symptoms in cancer patients decreased with age was concordant with our first hypothesis, but the second hypothesis was not supported. Younger cancer patients were vulnerable to depressive symptoms and should be monitored carefully. Further studies using more representative samples are needed to examine in detail the association between depressive symptoms and age in older cancer patients.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Dec 2015
Understanding What Influences the Health-Related Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients: A Collaborative Study in England and Ireland.
The international cohort of hemodialysis patients is aging and increasing in number. Nephrologists have a therapeutic relationship with their patients that may span decades. Often overlooked components of chronic disease management include symptom control and assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). ⋯ These findings illustrate the high symptom burden and poor HRQoL of the hemodialysis population. Emphasis during clinical reviews on pain assessment and on assessing mobility plus interventions, such as pain management and physiotherapy/occupational therapy, are practical ways for renal teams to help improve patients' quality of life.