Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyHow many people need palliative care? A study developing and comparing methods for population-based estimates.
Understanding the need for palliative care is essential in planning services. ⋯ Death registration data using both underlying and contributory causes can give reliable estimates of the population-based need for palliative care, without needing symptom or hospital activity data. In high-income countries, 69%-82% of those who die need palliative care.
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyWhat do patients with advanced incurable cancer want from the management of their pain? A qualitative study.
Pain is one of the most frequent symptoms among patients with metastatic cancer, yet little is known about what patients with advanced cancer want from the management of their pain. Measuring the effectiveness of the management of pain is challenging as it is a subjective phenomenon and a multifaceted process. Determining how we currently define whether a patient with pain due to advanced cancer has controlled pain (or not) is important, particularly from the patient's perspective. ⋯ Patients determined whether their pain was 'controlled' by whether or not they were able to perform activities or tasks and maintain relationships with family or friends, which determined themselves as individuals. Numerical rating scales did not appear to be useful for patients in measuring whether they are able to perform these activities or maintain a sense of control and independence. Individualised goal/task/role/activity setting for patients with advanced cancer pain may be useful to allow patients themselves to determine what they want from the 'management' of their pain.
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2014
Family members' perceptions of inpatient palliative care consult services: a qualitative study.
Family members are commonly involved in end-of-life decision making and typically involved in inpatient palliative care consultations. Although much research has documented patient outcomes following inpatient palliative care consultation, little is known about family member perceptions of the consultation. ⋯ Family members report discussion with the inpatient palliative care team results in improved communication and knowledge, which contributes to decision-making ability. However, palliative care consultation may be improved by developing stronger protocols for introducing palliative care and by including the attending physician in the process to preclude conflicting, inconsistent information and recommendations.