Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2020
Similar levels of symptoms and problems were found among patients referred to specialized palliative care by general practitioners and hospital physicians: A nationwide register-based study of 31,139 cancer patients.
Previous studies suggest that the symptomatology threshold (i.e. the level and types of symptoms) for a referral to specialized palliative care might differ for doctors in different parts of the healthcare system; however, it has not yet been investigated. ⋯ Differences across healthcare sectors in, for example, competences and patient population did not seem to result in different symptomatology thresholds for referring patients to palliative care since only small, and probably not clinically relevant, differences in symptomatology was found across referral sectors.
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2020
'This is your golden time. You enjoy it and you've plenty time for crying after': How dysphagia impacts family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - A qualitative study.
Dysphagia (swallowing impairments) is a well-recognised symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Caring for a person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been recognised as a complex and demanding task. No study to date investigated the impact of dysphagia on the lives of caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ⋯ This study provides a unique contribution in advancing our understanding of the impact of dysphagia on the caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Professionals must explore and recognise the needs of the caregivers and provide them with appropriate support, especially how to manage choking.
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2020
A case series of suprascapular nerve block (with an historical comparator) for shoulder pain in motor neurone disease.
Shoulder pain is a distressing but under-reported and poorly managed symptom in people with motor neurone disease. ⋯ Suprascapular nerve block is a safe, effective therapy for patients with chronic shoulder pain.
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2020
ReviewThe palliative care needs of adults with intellectual disabilities and their access to palliative care services: A systematic review.
There is evidence that people with intellectual disabilities experience healthcare inequalities, including access to specialist palliative care, but to date, there has not been a systematic review of empirical evidence. ⋯ This review highlights the specific problems in providing equitable palliative care for adults with intellectual disabilities, but there is a lack of research into strategies to improve practice. This should be prioritised using methods that include people with intellectual disabilities and families.
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2020
The roles, responsibilities and practices of healthcare assistants in out-of-hours community palliative care: A systematic scoping review.
Access to community palliative care 'out-of-hours' - defined as care provided after the normal hours of work - is advocated globally. Healthcare assistants, who provide care under the direction of a qualified professional, are increasingly employed to help deliver such care, yet there is a little understanding regarding their role, responsibilities or contribution. ⋯ This review highlighted a dearth of evidence relating to the healthcare assistant role in out-of-hours palliative care. Limited evidence suggests they play a role, but that it is hidden and undervalued. Such invisibility will have a significant impact on the planning and delivery of out-of-hours palliative care. Future research is needed on role development for the benefit of patients and caregivers.