Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2022
Telemedicine utilization in the ambulatory palliative care setting: Are there disparities?
Given a shortage of specialty palliative care clinicians and geographic variation in availability, telemedicine has been proposed as one way to improve access to palliative care services for patients with cancer. However, the enduring digital divide raises questions about whether unequal access will exacerbate healthcare disparities. ⋯ Our study reveals disparities in telemedicine utilization in the ambulatory palliative care setting for patients with cancer who are male, Spanish-speaking, uninsured, or do not have an activated patient portal. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can better meet the palliative care needs of patients with cancer through telemedicine only if equity is kept at the forefront of our discussions.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2022
Attitudes of Physicians toward Palliative Care in Intensive Care Units: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan.
Palliative care is an essential component of comprehensive care for patients with critical illnesses. In Japan, little is known about palliative care in intensive care units (ICUs), and palliative care approaches are not widespread. ⋯ These data suggest a need for primary palliative care education in ICUs and improved access to specialized palliative care consultations.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2022
An Evaluation of Publicly Available Smartphone Apps to Support Unpaid Cancer Caregivers.
With advancements in mobile technology and increased access to smartphones, the use of Mobile Health applications (apps) has surged. These apps provide an innovative avenue for supporting cancer caregivers who face increasing burden and lack formal support; however, the quality of these apps has not been formally evaluated. ⋯ Superior cluster apps scored acceptably for quality and privacy and low for security and usefulness. Findings will assist clinicians, caregivers, and families identify apps to support cancer caregivers.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2022
One Size Doesn't Fit All in Early Pediatric Oncology Bereavement Support.
Parents who experience the death of a child have significantly higher rates of psychological distress compared to non-bereaved parents. The effectiveness of current bereavement supports, and ideal types and timing of future supportive interventions aimed at improving negative sequalae are relatively unknown. ⋯ Bereaved parents identified many supportive needs, most of which already exist at the community and institution level. Suggestions outlined by parents may provide a useful framework for developing novel supportive interventions and ways to tailor strategies to support bereaved parents. Researchers must continue to seek feedback from bereaved parents and families about their met and unmet needs and use this information to design early supportive bereavement interventions.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2022
Spiritual Well-Being and Associated Factors in Dutch Patients With Advanced Cancer.
Palliative care aims to support patients' spiritual needs with the intention of promoting their spiritual well-being (SWB), an important dimension of quality of life. SWB is one of the less-studied dimensions of QoL, particularly in a secular country such as the Netherlands. ⋯ Dutch patients with advanced cancer experience medium to low levels of Meaning, Peace, and Faith. More attention for their SWB is warranted.