Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialEfficacy of short-term life-review interviews on the spiritual well-being of terminally ill cancer patients.
There is a little information about effective psychotherapies to enhance the spiritual well-being of terminally ill cancer patients. ⋯ We conclude that the Short-Term Life Review is effective in improving the spiritual well-being of terminally ill cancer patients, and alleviating psychosocial distress and promoting a good death.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialAssessing and treating pain in hospices: current state of evidence-based practices.
The aim of this study was to report on current provider evidence-based assessment and treatment practices for older adults with cancer in community-based hospice settings. Using the Cancer Pain Practices Index, a tool developed by the researchers to measure evidence-based pain management practices, patients received an average of 32% of those key evidence-based practices (EBPs) that were applicable to their situations. ⋯ Findings highlight positive EBPs and areas for improving the translation of EBPs into practice. Data suggest that cancer pain is not being documented as consistently assessed, reassessed, or treated in a manner consistent with current EBP recommendations for older adults with cancer in community-based hospices.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialDoes the use of a handheld fan improve chronic dyspnea? A randomized, controlled, crossover trial.
Dyspnea is a disabling distressing symptom that is common in advanced disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Current palliative strategies are partially effective in managing this symptom; facial cooling has been shown to reduce the sensation of breathlessness when induced in volunteers but has not been formally investigated in dyspnea associated with disease. ⋯ This study supports the hypothesis that a handheld fan directed to the face reduces the sensation of breathlessness. The fan was acceptable to participants: it is inexpensive, portable, enhances self-efficacy, and available internationally. It should be recommended as part of a palliative management strategy for reducing breathlessness associated with advanced disease.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyMorphine versus midazolam as upfront therapy to control dyspnea perception in cancer patients while its underlying cause is sought or treated.
Cancer patients with dyspnea may be able to have the symptom pharmacologically controlled while its underlying cause is sought or treated. ⋯ Our results suggest that cancer-related dyspnea in ambulatory patients can be pharmacologically treated while its most probable specific cause is sought and/or while an etiology-oriented intervention is implemented. In this setting, midazolam appeared to be a better option than morphine for the immediate and long-term relief of the symptom.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialAnodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the motor cortex ameliorates chronic pain and reduces short intracortical inhibition.
Consecutive sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) may be a suitable therapy to treat chronic pain, as it can modulate neural activities in the stimulated and interconnected regions. ⋯ Results confirm that five daily sessions of tDCS over the hand area of the M1 can produce long-lasting pain relief in patients with chronic pain.