Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2025
Multicenter StudyIdentifying factors associated with disparities in accessing an Integrative Oncology program.
Integrative oncology (IO) programs provide patients with evidence-based complementary medicine therapies within a supportive and palliative cancer care setting. This study retrospectively examined characteristics of patients with lung cancer predicting utilization of a freely-provided IO consultation at two medical centers in Israel. ⋯ The present study suggests that age, gender and culture-related factors (reflected by the patient's primary language) may contribute to disparities in accessing a freely-provided IO consultation, as shown in a diverse population of patients with lung cancer from two medical centers in Israel. Further research is needed to better understand the role of these programs within a diverse, equitable and inclusive setting of effective and safe integrative care of oncology patients.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2025
Multicenter StudyEvaluation of a Reiki Volunteer Program within Two Cancer Infusion Centers.
Reiki is a biofield therapy from Japan currently used in many US hospitals. Evidence supports Reiki's effectiveness for addressing cancer and treatment-related symptoms such as pain and anxiety. However, no study to date has assessed changes in nausea following Reiki received during infusion treatments or assessed patients from multiple healthcare locations. ⋯ Outpatients receiving Reiki during infusion reported clinically significant improvements in all symptoms, high levels of satisfaction, and a qualitatively positive healing experience. More research is needed to assess long term changes following Reiki, including with an expanded program at additional healthcare locations.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2025
Large language models to identify advance care planning in patients with advanced cancer.
Efficiently tracking Advance Care Planning (ACP) documentation in electronic heath records (EHRs) is essential for quality improvement and research efforts. The use of large language models (LLMs) offers a novel approach to this task. ⋯ LLMs can capture ACP domains from EHRs, with sensitivity exceeding NLP methods for complex domains such as goals of care. Future studies should explore approaches for scaling this methodology.
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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.