Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2015
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyNeuropathic Symptoms and Their Risk Factors in Medical Oncology Outpatients With Colorectal vs. Breast, Lung, or Prostate Cancer: Results From a Prospective Multicenter Study.
Few studies have examined the prevalence and severity of treatment-induced neuropathic symptoms in patients across different cancer types. ⋯ Patients with CRC experience significantly higher rates of N/T but comparable neuropathic pain, relative to patients with other cancers. Awareness of the prevalence and severity of neuropathic symptoms and their associated risk factors in this patient population is critical for both clinicians and patients.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyFeasibility of Conducting a Palliative Care Randomized Controlled Trial in Children With Advanced Cancer: Assessment of the PediQUEST Study.
Pediatric palliative care randomized controlled trials (PPC-RCTs) are uncommon. ⋯ A PPC-RCT in children with advanced cancer was feasible, post-inclusion retention adequate; many families participated for altruistic reasons. Strategies that may further PPC-RCT feasibility include: increasing target population through large multicenter studies, approaching sicker patients, preventing exclusion of certain patient groups, and improving data collection at end of life.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2015
Comparative StudyDifferences in Performance Status Assessment Among Palliative Care Specialists, Nurses, and Medical Oncologists.
The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) is one of the most commonly used assessments in oncology and palliative care (PC). However, the interobserver differences between medical oncologists and PC specialists have never been reported. ⋯ ECOG PS assessments by PC specialists and nurses were significantly higher than those of medical oncologists. Systematic efforts to increase regular interdisciplinary communications may help to bridge this gap.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2015
Improving End-of-Life Communication and Decision Making: The Development of a Conceptual Framework and Quality Indicators.
The goal of end-of-life (EOL) communication and decision making is to create a shared understanding about a person's values and treatment preferences that will lead to a plan of care that is consistent with these values and preferences. Improvements in communication and decision making at the EOL have been identified as a high priority from a patient and family point of view. ⋯ We have developed definitions, a conceptual framework, and quality indicators that researchers and health care decision makers can use to evaluate and improve the quality of EOL communication and decision making.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2015
An Assessment of Hospital-Based Palliative Care in Maryland: Infrastructure, Barriers, and Opportunities.
Maryland recently passed legislation mandating that hospitals with more than 50 beds have palliative care (PC) programs. Although the state's health agency can play a key role in ensuring successful implementation of this measure, there is little actionable information from which it can guide resource allocation for enhancing PC delivery statewide. ⋯ Systematic collection of state-level PC infrastructure data can be used to guide state health agencies' understanding of extant resources and challenges, using those data to determine resource allocation to promote the timely receipt of PC for patients and families.