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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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
HAprog: a new prognostic application to assist oncologists in routine care.
More patients are seeing palliative care (PC) earlier in the disease trajectory. The Barretos Prognostic Nomogram (BPN) was designed to fill the gap of survival prognostication for patients with advanced cancer and months of life expectancy. However, its routine use is limited by the common need for a ruler and calculator. Additionally, the BPN requires blood tests. ⋯ The new models that integrate HAprog are refined prognostic tools with adequate calibration and discrimination properties. It has potential practical impact for the oncologist dealing with outpatients with advanced cancer during the decision-making process.