Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2020
Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory MFI-20, Derived from Seven Samples.
Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients suffering from chronic diseases. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) is often used to measure fatigue. The aim of this article was to test the scale structure of the questionnaire. ⋯ The factorial validity of the MFI-20 is insufficient, an issue which is due, at least in part, to the inclusion of positively and negatively oriented items. Nevertheless, we recommend maintaining the scale structure of the MFI-20 and not searching for alternative structures.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2020
When patients take charge of opioids: Self-management concerns and practices among cancer outpatients in the context of opioid crisis.
With concerns about opioid prescribing practices prominent in the professional and lay literature, there is less focus on patients' self-management of opioids for cancer pain and potential safety risks. ⋯ Risks related to self-management of opioids among cancer outpatients, including potential overdose risks, need urgent attention. Interventions are needed for improving clinician-patient communication, patient education, safety, and access to effective nonopioid alternatives.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2020
Medical Aid in Dying, Hastened Death and Suicide: A Qualitative Study of Hospice Professionals' Experiences from Washington State.
Many jurisdictions around the world have passed medical aid in dying (MAID) laws allowing competent eligible individuals facing life-limiting illness to self-administer prescribed medication to control timing of death. These laws do not prevent some patients who are receiving hospice services from dying by suicide without assistance. ⋯ Suicide and hastened deaths continue to be an unexamined cause of death for some home hospice patients who may have requested MAID. Open communication and increased education and training is needed for palliative care professionals regarding legal options, issues of suicide, and suicide assessment.