Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jul 2018
Prevalence of Dyspnea Among Hospitalized Patients at the Time of Admission.
Dyspnea is an uncomfortable and distressing sensation experienced by hospitalized patients. ⋯ Dyspnea is a common symptom among all hospitalized patients. Routine documentation of dyspnea is feasible in a large tertiary care center.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jul 2018
Validation of the Simplified Chinese Version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form Among Cancer Patients.
Comprehensive symptom assessment is crucial for symptom management. The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF) has been validated for symptom assessment in cancer patients, but there is no simplified Chinese version. ⋯ The MSAS-SF-SC demonstrated good psychometric properties and is culturally adapted. The instrument could be a valuable tool for Chinese health care professionals and researchers.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jul 2018
Associations Between Perceived Stress and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Otoxicity in Adult Cancer Survivors.
The most common adverse effects from neurotoxic chemotherapy are chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN), hearing loss, and tinnitus. Although associations between perceived stress and persistent pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus are documented, no studies have examined these associations in cancer survivors who received neurotoxic chemotherapy. ⋯ These findings suggest that increased levels of perceived stress are associated with the most common chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicities.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jul 2018
Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Telehealth Program in a Rural Palliative Care Population: TapCloud for Palliative Care.
The impact of telehealth and remote patient monitoring has not been well established in palliative care populations in rural communities. ⋯ This is one of the first articles to describe a telehealth palliative care program and to demonstrate acceptability, feasibility, and usability as well as describe symptom outcomes and hospice transitions.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jul 2018
Impact of Ambiguous and Restrictive Regulations on Opioid-Prescribing Practice in Georgia.
Chronic pain management with opioids in incurable patients remains a challenge of modern medicine regardless of the evidence-based effectiveness of opioids and recommendations of authorities such as the World Health Organization and International Narcotics Control Board. Many countries, including Georgia, maintain overly restrictive regulations that contribute to inadequate pain management. ⋯ Ambiguous legislation negatively influences opioid-prescribing practice. Most of the physicians believe that the legislation is restrictive. Physicians who have better medical and legal knowledge and understanding are controlled and investigated more because of their opioid-prescribing practice. Physicians who are concerned that they might be investigated are less inclined to prescribe opioids or use liberalized regulations.