Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
Review Meta AnalysisThe therapeutic potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies for symptom control in patients diagnosed with serious illness: a systematic review.
People affected by serious illness usually experience suffering in its various dimensions, not only in the physical but also in the psychosocial and spiritual aspects. The interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies as a potential new therapeutic modality has increased since evidence suggests a significant impact of their use on the outcomes of patients with serious illness. ⋯ The evaluated evidence suggests positive effects of psychedelic-assisted therapies for symptom control in patients diagnosed with serious illness, especially regarding symptoms of psychological and spiritual nature.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
ReviewDesigning Psychosocial Intervention Pilot Studies: A Tutorial for Palliative Care Investigators.
This is a tutorial on designing a persuasive pilot study of a psychosocial intervention (e.g., behavioral symptom management) in the palliative care setting. This tutorial is most relevant for early stages of intervention research that aims to progress toward a randomized controlled trial with a high degree of internal validity. Broadly, a pilot study aims to address multiple elements of feasibility and acceptability so that investigators are well positioned for the next study in their program of research. ⋯ We elaborate on these goals by describing an ongoing pilot study testing the feasibility and acceptability of a psychosocial pain management intervention for patients with advanced cancer. Pilot studies are crucial for building a successful program of research, but they are also limited in terms of their sample size and overall objectives. A persuasive pilot study is one that is limited yet useful rather than limited and trivial.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
ReviewProPACC: Protocol for a Trial of Integrated Specialty Palliative Care for Critically Ill Older Adults.
Each year, approximately one million older adults die in American intensive care units (ICUs) or survive with significant functional impairment. Inadequate symptom management, surrogates' psychological distress and inappropriate healthcare use are major concerns. Pioneering work by Dr. J. Randall Curtis paved the way for integrating palliative care (PC) specialists to address these needs, but convincing proof of efficacy has not yet been demonstrated. ⋯ This trial will provide robust evidence about the impact of integrating SPC with critical care on patient, family, and health system outcomes.
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We met each other through academic medicine, in search for answers, and found friendship. Its value in my life was abundant, unearned grace. In Dr. Curtis, I learned the truth of the words of Thomas Mann, "Illness was merely transformed love."
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
ReviewApplication of Critical Race Theory in Palliative Care Research: A Scoping Review.
Structural racism negatively impacts individuals and populations. In the medical literature, including that of palliative care, structural racism's influence on interracial differences in outcomes remains poorly examined. Examining the contribution of structural racism to outcomes is paramount to promoting equity. ⋯ Palliative care research frequently highlights racial differences in outcomes. Articles that examine racial differences often assume that differences need to be fixed but posit reasons for differences without the narratives of those most affected by them.