Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2007
Implementing a resuscitation policy for patients at the end of life in an acute hospital setting: qualitative study.
To explore attitudes and experiences of doctors and nurses regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation for patients with end stage illness in an acute hospital. ⋯ The findings indicate a need for ongoing staff support and training in applying resuscitation policy to decisions for patients with end stage illness in an acute hospital. They support suggestions that reviews of local resuscitation policy and of national guidelines should be undertaken with openness and honesty regarding the goals, opportunities and difficulties involved in trying to deliver good end of life care in local settings.
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2007
An evaluation of a physiotherapy led non-pharmacological breathlessness programme for patients with intrathoracic malignancy.
The outcomes of the first 4 years of a physiotherapy led non-pharmacological breathlessness management programme for patients with intrathoracic malignancy are described. Of the 169 patients enrolling, only 14 completed the full 4-week programme. All reported improvements in some parameters measured though these did not reach statistical significance. ⋯ Objective post intervention scores could not be made in this group, but anecdotal quotes suggested benefit. In a group whose natural history is a relentless deterioration over a period of months, pre- and post-intervention symptom scoring is difficult to achieve. It is suggested that a qualitative approach might be more sensitive at identifying which aspects of the service are most appropriate.