The American journal of hospice & palliative care
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Sep 2015
ReviewPalliative Sedation: An Analysis of International Guidelines and Position Statements.
To describe the suggested clinical practice of palliative sedation as it is presented in the literature and discuss available guidelines for its use. ⋯ The development and implementation of institutional-based guidelines with clear stance on the discussed variances is necessary for consistency in practice. Data on provision of palliative sedation after implementation of guidelines needs to be collected and disseminated for a better understanding of the current practice in the United States.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Sep 2015
Knowledge About Hospice Care and Beliefs About Pain Management: Exploring Differences Between Hispanics and Non-Hispanics.
Among Hispanics, incomplete knowledge about hospice care may explain low rates of utilization and culturally-specific beliefs about pain and pain treatments may contribute to disparities in pain management. ⋯ Despite the increasing knowledge of hospice care among Hispanics, specific information about the scope of services remains limited. Cultural beliefs about pain management, along with inadequate knowledge of the role of pain management at end of life, persist.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Sep 2015
Chronic Pain and Risk Factors for Opioid Misuse in a Palliative Care Clinic.
To describe the prevalence of chronic pain and the risk of opioid misuse in a palliative care clinic. ⋯ Chronic pain and indicators of opioid misuse risk were prevalent. Outpatient palliative care practices should develop policies to address these issues.
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The effectiveness of the step II of the World Health Organization analgesic ladder including tramadol has been questioned recently. ⋯ The data suggest that tramadol may have a role to play in the treatment of pain in palliative care.