Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Jul 2013
Uncovering an invisible network of direct caregivers at the end of life: a population study.
Most palliative care research about caregivers relies on reports from spouses or adult children. Some recent clinical reports have noted the assistance provided by other family members and friends. ⋯ This substantial network of caregivers who are mainly invisible to the health team provide the majority of care. Hospice and palliative care services need to create specific ways of identifying and engaging this cohort in order to ensure they are receiving adequate support in the role. Relying on 'next-of-kin' status in research will not identify them.
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Palliative medicine · Jul 2013
Death with dignity from the perspective of the surviving family: a survey study among family caregivers of deceased older adults.
Death with dignity has been identified as important both to patients and their surviving family. While research results have been published on what patients themselves believe may affect the dignity of their deaths, little is known about what family caregivers consider to be a dignified death. ⋯ The physical and psychosocial condition of the patient in combination with care factors contributed to death with dignity from the perspective of the family caregiver. The patient's state of mind during the last phase of life and clear communication on the part of the physician both seem to be of particular importance.
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2013
ReviewDelirium prevalence, incidence, and implications for screening in specialist palliative care inpatient settings: a systematic review.
Delirium is a serious neuropsychiatric syndrome frequently experienced by palliative care inpatients. This syndrome is under-recognized by clinicians. While screening increases recognition, it is not a routine practice. ⋯ The prevalence and incidence of delirium in palliative care inpatient settings supports the need for screening. However, there is limited consensus on assessment measures or knowledge of implications of delirium screening for inpatients and families. Further research is required to develop standardized methods of delirium screening, assessment, and management that are acceptable to inpatients and families.
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2013
Episodes of breathlessness: types and patterns - a qualitative study exploring experiences of patients with advanced diseases.
Despite the high prevalence and impact of episodic breathlessness, information about characteristics and patterns is scarce. ⋯ Patients with advanced disease experience clearly distinguishable types and patterns of episodic breathlessness. The understanding of these will help clinicians to tailor specific management strategies for patients who suffer from episodes of breathlessness.