Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2010
ReviewEvaluation of quality-of-life measures for use in palliative care: a systematic review.
In this literature review we evaluated the feasibility and clinimetric quality of quality-of-life (QoL) measurement instruments suitable for use in palliative care. ⋯ Many measurement instruments were identified, but most had not yet been adequately evaluated. The evaluation of existing instruments with good content validity should have priority over the development of new instruments.
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2010
Room for improvement? A quality-of-life assessment in patients with malignant bowel obstruction.
This prospective study followed 35 patients admitted to hospital with malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) to evaluate quality of life (QOL). Subjects completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL) at recruitment, and at one week, one month and three months. The highest ranked ESAS scores at recruitment (which was generally 18-36 hours post admission to hospital) included loss of appetite (median=7.5), fatigue (6.5) and overall well-being (6.0). ⋯ Psychological functioning appeared to be worsening by three months and at no time did activity level improve significantly. The overall QOL score was extremely poor at baseline (6.0 median) improving to 3.3 at one month (median fall=1.0, p<0.05) and 3.4 at three months. Further work should address the lack of improvement in activity and apparent deterioration in psychological functioning after one month.
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2010
Can you hear me now? The experience of a deaf family member surrounding the death of loved ones.
Individuals who are Deaf face challenges both similar and unique from those faced by hearing individuals when a family member is dying. This study was guided by the question, ''What are the challenges faced by a Deaf family member when a loved one is dying?'' ⋯ These findings provide a framework for future research concerning the needs of Deaf individuals facing the end of life and provide guidance for clinicians.