Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2014
Imminence of death among hospital inpatients: Prevalent cohort study.
There is a dearth of evidence on the proportion of the hospital population at any one time, that is in the last year of life, and therefore on how hospital policies and services can be oriented to their needs. ⋯ Large numbers of hospital inpatients have entered the last year of their lives. Such data could assist in advocacy for these patients and should influence end-of-life care strategies in hospital.
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2014
Prognostic indicators for children and young people at the end of life: A Delphi study.
Recognizing transitions in end of life care for children is difficult and hinders communication and care planning. ⋯ This study provides important insight into which signs and symptoms are considered most valuable in identifying children approaching the end of the life.
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2014
Early identification of palliative care needs by family physicians: A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators from the perspective of family physicians, community nurses, and patients.
There is a growing recognition that a palliative care approach should be initiated early and not just in the terminal phase for patients with life-limiting diseases. Family physicians then play a central role in identifying and managing palliative care needs, but appear to not identify them accurately or in a timely manner. ⋯ The current practice of palliative care in Belgium is far from the presently considered ideal palliative care approaches. Facilitators such as proactive communication and communication tools could contribute to the development of guidelines for family physicians and policymakers in primary care.