Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2022
Observational StudyQuality of life in adolescents and young adults: the role of symptom burden.
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer report worse health-related quality of life (HRQOL) than other age groups. Symptom burden is a modifiable predictor of HRQOL. ⋯ The symptom experience among AYAs with advanced cancer is unique. Separate evaluation of AYA's symptoms may optimize management and improve HRQOL.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2022
Provider Perceptions for Withdrawing Life Sustaining Therapies at a Large Pediatric Hospital.
More than 74% of pediatric deaths occur in an intensive care unit (ICU), with 40% occurring after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (WOLST). No needs assessment has described provider needs or suggestions for improving the WOLST process in pediatrics. ⋯ While participants' self-rated confidence was high, it varied between disciplines. Participants identified opportunities for improved communication and planning before a WOLST. Future work includes development and implementation of a best practice guideline to address gaps and standardize care delivery.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2022
Observational StudyAre opioid infusions used inappropriately at end of life? Results from a quality/safety project.
Opioid continuous infusions are commonly used for end-of-life (EOL) symptoms in hospital settings. However, prescribing practices vary, and even the recent literature contains conflicting protocols and guidelines for best practice. ⋯ Potentially inappropriate opioid infusions are prevalent at our hospital, an academic medical center with an active PC team and existing contracts for in-hospital hospice care. Furthermore, potentially inappropriate opioid infusions are associated with increased patient and staff distress. We are developing an interdisciplinary intervention to address this safety issue.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2022
"Calling the Spirit Back:" Spiritual Needs Among Great Plains American Indians.
American Indians (AIs) are disproportionately affected by serious illness such as cancer. Colonization, cultural genocide, and trauma have adversely affected AIs' ability to attain health and well-being, and in many cases led to the loss of the right to practice traditional ceremonies and rituals. Still many AIs describe well-being as being rooted in spirituality. ⋯ It is critical that clinicians caring for AIs with serious illness seek to understand their patients' spiritual beliefs about disease treatment and death and work with them and their families to support quality of life throughout their illness journey. In addition, clinicians must recognize the systemic racism inherent in our healthcare systems, and dismantle cultural clashes and bias for all patients, particularly AIs, who have long suffered from poorer health outcomes.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2022
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyHeterogeneity of treatment effect in a randomized trial of a communication intervention.
Interventions to promote serious illness conversations have shown promise in promoting high-quality care. However, in randomized trials, some participants may benefit more from the intervention than others. ⋯ Identifying heterogeneity of treatment effect can be a valuable exercise following completion of a randomized trial. Interactions between the intervention and patient income and self-assessed health suggest these factors could be used to design more effective interventions to enhance communication about goals of care.