Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2018
Factors Associated With Symptom Relief in End-of-Life Care in Residential Care Homes: A National Register-Based Study.
Residential care homes (RCHs) are a common place of death. Previous studies have reported a high prevalence of symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath among residents in the last week of life. ⋯ Our results indicate that use of a validated pain assessment scale, assessment of oral health, and prescribed pro re nata injections for pain, nausea, and anxiety might offer a way to improve symptom relief. These clinical tools and medications should be implemented in the care of the dying in RCHs, and controlled trials should be undertaken to prove the effect.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2018
Comparative Study Observational StudyCharacteristics of Unscheduled and Scheduled Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic Patients at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.
There is limited literature regarding outpatient palliative care and factors associated with unscheduled clinic visits. ⋯ Unscheduled new FU patients have higher levels of physical and psychosocial distress and higher opioid intake. Outpatient palliative care centers should consider providing opportunities for walk-in visits for timely management and close monitoring of such patients.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2018
Observational Study Pragmatic Clinical TrialA Pragmatic Evaluation of Symptom Distress After Group Meditation for Cancer Patients and Caregivers: A Preliminary Report.
Complementary health approaches such as meditation may help improve cancer patient and caregiver symptoms, yet little research has examined the clinical application of these programs. ⋯ A single meditation group class offered as part of clinical care resulted in relief of multiple self-reported symptoms in both patients and caregivers.