Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2023
Multicenter Study Observational StudySystemic opioids for dyspnea in cancer patients: A real-world observational study.
Although Systemic opioids are recommended as a pharmacological treatment for cancer-related dyspnea, their effectiveness and safety needs to be investigated in a real-world context OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of systemic regular opioids for dyspnea in cancer patients, in the real-world palliative care practice. ⋯ Regular systemic opioids were effective for dyspnea in real-world cancer patients.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2023
Music Therapy Intervention to Reduce Caregiver Distress at End of Life: A Feasibility Study.
Music therapy (MT) can relieve distressing end-of-life symptoms, but little is known regarding its effect on caregivers who are at risk for emotional distress as their loved ones approach death. ⋯ Research on MT is feasible for caregivers of inpatient hospice patients.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialMassage Therapy for Hospitalized Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Massage therapy is increasingly used in palliative settings to improve quality of life (QoL) and symptom burden; however, the optimal massage "dosage" remains unclear. ⋯ Massage therapy in complex patients with advanced illness was beneficial beyond dosage. Findings support session length (10 or 20 minutes) was predictive of short-term improvements while treatment frequency (once or three consecutive days) predicted sustained improvement at follow-up.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2023
Case ReportsPainting and Poetry from a Bereaved Family and the Caring Physician.
This is a case description and personal account shared by a palliative care physician whose team provided specialist palliative care support to a patient who attempted immolation. This case depicts a family at risk of complicated grief due to the violent nature of self-inflicted burns and the lingering social stigmatization of suicide. Here, we explore important psycho-emotional considerations and share our experience using art and poetry to build therapeutic connections with the grieving family.