Palliative medicine
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Dying with dignity is regarded as a goal of quality end-of-life care. However, the meaning of dying with dignity is ambiguous, and no comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature has been published. ⋯ This review clarified the meaning of dying with dignity and synthesized common aspects of dignity in end-of-life care. Further research is needed to evaluate the meaning of dying with dignity across cultures and to explore individualized dignity-based care.
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Palliative medicine · Mar 2014
I've had a good life, what's left is a bonus: factor analysis of the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale in a palliative care population.
The Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale is an assessment tool commonly used to measure coping in cancer patients, which characterises adaptive coping under the label of 'fighting spirit'. ⋯ Adaptation to advanced cancer differs from adaptation to early stage cancer, comprising a general acceptance of the illness and trying to make the most of the time that is left. Individuals with low social support were less likely to evidence appropriate adaptation to their illness.
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Palliative medicine · Mar 2014
When do people with dementia die peacefully? An analysis of data collected prospectively in long-term care settings.
Little is known about dying peacefully with dementia in long-term care facilities. Dying peacefully may be influenced by characteristics of the palliative care provided and characteristics of the long-term care setting. If so, dying peacefully may serve as a quality indicator for palliative care in dementia. ⋯ Only half of the residents with dementia in Dutch long-term care facilities die peacefully, as perceived by relatives. In addition to residents' optimistic attitude, facility characteristics are associated with dying peacefully, which suggests that 'the percentage of relatives who indicate that the patient died peacefully' can function as a quality indicator.
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Palliative medicine · Mar 2014
White paper defining optimal palliative care in older people with dementia: a Delphi study and recommendations from the European Association for Palliative Care.
Dementia is a life-limiting disease without curative treatments. Patients and families may need palliative care specific to dementia. ⋯ We have provided the first definition of palliative care in dementia based on evidence and consensus, a framework to provide guidance for clinical practice, policy and research.
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Palliative medicine · Mar 2014
After-hours physician care for patients with do-not-resuscitate orders: an observational cohort study.
Medical care at night for patients with do-not-resuscitate orders and the practice patterns of the on-call residents have rarely been reported. ⋯ Abnormal vital sign, rather than symptom, was the leading reason for after-hours calls. The existence of do-not-resuscitate order produced different medical needs and physician workload. Patients with do-not-resuscitate orders accounted for one-third of night calls and nearly half of bedside visits by on-call residents and may require a different care approach.