Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Feb 2025
ReviewDeep continuous sedation until death and experience of relatives and healthcare providers: a systematic review.
Continuous deep sedation until death (CDS) is a procedure commonly used in palliative care to alleviate refractory symptoms in terminally ill patients. This systematic review aims to explore the experiences of both healthcare providers (HCPs) and relatives regarding the use of CDS, highlighting emotional, ethical, and practical implications. ⋯ CDS can alleviate suffering but raises ethical and communication challenges for both families and healthcare providers. Clearer guidelines, enhanced support systems, and improved communication strategies are essential for better CDS practices.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Feb 2025
To identify relatives at risk for Prolonged Grief Disorder symptomatology: A cross-sectional study.
While most bereaved can navigate a death-related loss, some face persistent and disabling challenges, a condition known as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). Early identification of PGD can prevent adverse health outcomes. The effectiveness of healthcare providers' clinical intuition versus relatives' self-report surveys in estimating the risk of developing PGD remains uncertain. ⋯ The Pre-Loss Grief-12 accurately predicted PGD symptomatology seven months post-loss, while clinical intuition did not perform better than chance. Future research should compare the predictive value of self-report data with clinical interviews.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Feb 2025
Uncovering Structurally Differential Care: Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Perspectives Caring for African American Families.
Psychosocial intervention studies aimed at reducing stress among parents of children with cancer have historically included insufficient samples of African American parents. Pediatric oncology nurses are uniquely positioned to identify and address parent psychosocial needs. However, research exploring their perspectives to serve as psychosocial interventionists specifically for African American families of children with cancer is limited. ⋯ This sample of pediatric oncology nurses described experiences that either bolstered or obstructed their psychosocial care provision, signaling potential opportunities for nurse-targeted interventions that may reduce factors contributing to disparities in the psychosocial care for African American families of children with cancer.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Feb 2025
Patient-rated acceptability of automatic palliative care referral: a prospective cohort study.
Timely palliative care can alleviate distress after diagnosis of an incurable cancer. However, late referrals to palliative care continue, reflecting various provider and patient barriers. ⋯ These unsolicited phone calls offering SPC consultation were highly acceptable to patients/caregivers, and most agreed to the consultation. Implementing routine calls offering SPC consultation may be a timely alternative to awaiting conventional oncologist referral.