Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2015
Independent Validation of the Japanese Version of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL for Patients With Advanced Cancer.
Although the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 15-Palliative Care (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) have been examined previously, that study had several limitations, for example, small sample size. ⋯ The Japanese version of EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL has sufficient validity, acceptable reliability, and feasibility for patients with advanced cancer.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2015
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of octreotide in malignant bowel obstruction.
Does octreotide reduce vomiting in cancer-associated bowel obstruction? ⋯ Although there was no reduction in the number of days free of vomiting, the multivariate analysis suggests that further study of somatostatin analogues in this setting is warranted.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2015
Comparative StudyComparative analysis of specialization in palliative medicine processes within the World Health Organization European region.
Palliative medicine (PM), still in the development phase, is a new, growing specialty aimed at caring for both oncology and non-oncology patients. There is still confusion about the training offered in the various European PM certification programs. ⋯ PM is growing as a specialization field in Europe. Processes leading to certification are generally long and require substantial clinical training. The POSPM education plans are heterogeneous. The European Association for Palliative Care should commit to establishing common learning standards, leading to additional European-based recognition of expertise in PM.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2015
A population-based cross-sectional study that defined normative population data for the Life-Space Mobility Assessment-composite score.
Mobility is linked to health status and quality of life. Life-Space Mobility Assessment (LSMA; range 0-120) measures the spatial extent of people's excursion and physical support needs over the preceding month. ⋯ Having controlled for known confounders, the male/female difference cannot be easily explained. These data will help to contextualize studies in the future that use the LSMA-C score.
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Previous research documents the under-utilization of hospice services by minority ethnic groups, but less data exist for Asian and Hispanic Americans. It is unclear whether these low utilization rates are a result of attitudinal or information barriers, or both. ⋯ When surveyed in their preferred language, Asian and Hispanic adults reported variable levels of familiarity with hospice services. Most responded positively to receiving future information and would tell friends and family members about hospice.