Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Feb 2025
Multicenter Study Observational StudyChanges in perception of prognosis in the last year of life of patients with advanced cancer and its associated factors: Longitudinal results of the eQuiPe study.
Many patients with advanced cancer are unaware of their limited prognosis, however little is known about the change in awareness during the last year of their lives. ⋯ Becoming aware of their limited prognosis may make patients with advanced cancer more receptive to start end-of-life discussions. Although some patients prefer not to know their prognosis, it remains important to respectfully explore their preferences and wishes for end-of-life care.
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2024
Multicenter StudyCOVID-19 in pediatric palliative care patients: Multicenter, retrospective cohort study.
Studies have shown the risk factors for COVID-19 severity in children, including comorbidities, but information on the infection course in children with life-limiting conditions is sparse. ⋯ In the study population initial presentation of COVID-19 was predominantly a mild; however, the small sample size precluded definitive conclusions. For children under palliative care, we should identify if they have an advance care plan for COVID-19, such as desires for intensive care support. Further studies are needed to define the short and long-term effects of COVID-19 in children with life-limiting conditions.
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2024
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyThe impact of regular, low-dose, sustained-release morphine for chronic breathlessness on caregiver burden: An exploratory analysis of the BEAMS trial.
Chronic breathlessness adversely impacts people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their caregivers (family and friends), who may, in turn, experience significant burden due to their caregiving role. Sustained-release morphine may reduce chronic breathlessness in some patients, which may have an impact on caregivers' perceived burden. ⋯ Caregivers reported high levels of caregiver burden, but patients' response to treatment in terms of their symptom and function may influence change in caregiver burden over a three-week period.
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2023
Multicenter Study Observational StudyContinuous and deep sedation until death after a decision to withdraw life-sustaining therapies in intensive care units: A national survey.
Continuous and deep sedation until death is a much highly debated end-of-life practice. France is unique in having a regulatory framework for it. However, there are no data on its practice in intensive care units (ICUs). ⋯ This study shows a poor compliance with the framework for continuous and deep sedation. It highlights the need to formalize it to improve the decision-making process and the match between the intent, the practice and the actual effect.
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Palliative medicine · May 2023
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyMeasurement equivalence of the paper-based and electronic version of the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS): A randomised crossover trial.
The Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) validly and reliably measures symptoms and concerns of those receiving palliative care. ⋯ The very high equivalence in scores and free text between the IPOS and the eIPOS demonstrates that eIPOS is feasible and reliable in an older palliative population.