Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2021
ReviewWhat are the emotional experiences of being a volunteer in palliative and end-of-life care settings? A systematic review and thematic synthesis.
Previous research has focused on the risks of stress, burnout and the impact on general emotional well-being in paid palliative care staff, however volunteers in patient-facing roles are exposed to similar stressors. Volunteers increasingly provide emotional support to patients and families but receive little formal support for themselves. It is important to understand volunteers' emotional experiences of their role to identify strategies that could be implemented to support them effectively. ⋯ Volunteers face unique challenges but also positive impacts that can affect their emotional well-being. It is important to monitor how volunteers are coping and provide appropriate support.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2021
Physician's communication in code status discussions for terminally ill cancer patients in inpatient hospice/palliative care units in Japan: a nationwide post-bereavement survey.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is one of the most important end-of-life care decisions. However, the experience of bereaved families during code status discussions is not well documented. ⋯ We recommend the development of educational programs for code status discussions to improve the experience of bereaved family members.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2021
The Difficulties in End-of-Life Discussions - Family Inventory (DEOLD-FI): Development and Initial Validation of a Self-Report Questionnaire in a Sample of Terminal Cancer Patients.
Open end-of-life communication is especially important within the patient-family unit of care and can positively affect their medical, psychological, and relational outcomes. Nevertheless, end-of-life discussions are often perceived as difficult and avoided. ⋯ Results provide evidence that the DEOLD-FI is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of difficulties in end-of-life discussions. Benefits for clinical practice and research are discussed.