Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
Chatbot Performance in Defining and Differentiating Palliative Care, Supportive Care, Hospice Care.
Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot platforms are increasingly used by patients as sources of information. However, there is limited data on the performance of these platforms, especially regarding palliative care terms. ⋯ We identified important concerns regarding the accuracy, comprehensiveness, reliability, and readability of outputs from AI platforms. Further research is needed to improve their performance.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
ReviewShould cannabis be used for anorexia in patients with cancer?
Healthcare professionals are frequently asked about the benefits of cannabis for appetite or anorexia-cachexia syndrome. In popular culture, cannabis has a reputation of causing an increased hunger, slang termed "the munchies," so many patients consume this with the hope that it may improve the loss of appetite associated with serious illness such as cancer. There have only been a few randomized, controlled trials studying the controversial question as to if cannabis improves appetite. ⋯ Due to regulation barriers, the studies have use synthetic products, not the products that represent what is more commonly used in the population, often whole flower smoked, vaporized or oral products. Despite the popularity of cannabis in culture, often touted as a panacea for all maladies, the evidence and education for several adverse effects and potential drug interactions have has yet to catch up with the cultural craze. International cannabis experts in the United States and Australia do not routinely certify patients for medical cannabis off trial for anorexia-cachexia, but one expert in Canada would consider use in selected cancer patients.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, chronic, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disorder of central nervous system, determined by an auto-immune dysfunction. Severe disability generally occurs in patients with progressive forms of MS that typically develop either after an earlier relapsing phase or less commonly from disease onset. Despite advances in research to slow the progression of MS, this condition remains a life-limiting disease with symptoms impacting negatively the lives of patients and caregivers. ⋯ An early palliative care approach aims to improve the palliative care skills and competencies of health professionals caring for the patients since the early stage of disease, including those who are actively undergoing disease-targeted therapies, rather than merely providing end-of-life care.