Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Mar 2014
Observations of professional-patient relationships: a mixed-methods study exploring whether familiarity is a condition for nurses' provision of psychosocial support.
There is a popular belief that the professional-patient relationship is a prerequisite in the provision of psychosocial support. Studies suggest that professionals must know, or be familiar with, a patient in order to effectively provide psychosocial support. ⋯ Psychosocial support can be provided on a patient's first contact with a clinician and does not rely on building a professional-patient relationship. This suggests that high-quality psychosocial care can be provided in the short time frame available to palliative care clinicians.
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Palliative medicine · Mar 2014
Dying at home: a qualitative study of the perspectives of older South Asians living in the United Kingdom.
South Asians constitute the single largest ethnic minority group in the United Kingdom, yet little is known about their perspectives on, and experiences of, end-of-life care. ⋯ Older people of South Asian ethnicity living in East London perceive home as more than a physical location for dying relatives. They make efforts to adhere, and also adapt, to important social and cultural values relating to death and dying as part of the wider challenge of living in an emigrant society.
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Palliative medicine · Mar 2014
Exploring public awareness and perceptions of palliative care: a qualitative study.
Research suggests that the public appear to be confused about the meaning of palliative care. Given the ageing population and associated increase in the number of patients requiring palliative care, it is vital to explore the public's understanding of this concept. Health-promoting palliative care seeks to translate hospice and palliative care ideals into broader public health practice. ⋯ Experience of palliative care generates understanding in the general public who also have ideas for increasing knowledge and awareness. The findings can inform policymakers about strategies to raise public awareness of palliative care.
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Palliative medicine · Mar 2014
Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully (CALM): phase 2 trial of a brief individual psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer.
Advanced cancer brings substantial physical and psychosocial challenges that may contribute to emotional distress and diminish well-being. In this study, we present preliminary data concerning the effectiveness of a new brief individual psychotherapy, Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully (CALM), designed to help individuals cope with this circumstance. ⋯ CALM may be a feasible intervention to benefit patients with advanced cancer. The results are encouraging, despite attrition and small effect sizes, and support further study.