The American journal of hospice & palliative care
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Dec 2016
Observational StudyA Protocol for the Control of Agitation in Palliative Care.
Agitation is a distressing and dangerous behavior for all involved. ⋯ From those results, it can be said that this protocol is effective and safe.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Dec 2016
Barriers to the Collaboration Between Hematologists and Palliative Care Teams on Relapse or Refractory Leukemia and Malignant Lymphoma Patients' Care: A Qualitative Study.
Palliative care service (PCS) has been shown to be utilized less in patients with leukemia and malignant lymphoma than in those with solid tumors. Previous studies have suggested hematologists' limited awareness of PCS as one of the reason for low PCS referral in hematology. However, little is known about such an awareness and potential barriers to collaboration between hematologists and PCS. ⋯ We have identified hematologists' and palliative care specialists' perceptions of the HPCT's roles and the barriers to their collaboration. A better understanding of such barriers may lead to effective collaboration between hematologists and the HPCT.
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Home health services in the United States(US) have been on a rise. Hospice patients cope with diverse physical and pain symptoms; medical devices are used for symptom management to improve their quality-of-care at end-of-life. ⋯ In conclusion, the study highlights medical device use in home hospice care for end-of-life symptom management. It noted the significant use of IV infusion pumps and patient controlled analgesia. Conversely, there is little use of TPN or CPAP in patients with anorexia or dyspnea. While missing data on critical symptom evaluations regrettably raises questions about the validity of the study, the NHHCS serves as an important reservoir of data on the growing population of home hospice patients.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Dec 2016
Fatigue in Patients With Advanced Terminal Cancer Correlates With Inflammation, Poor Quality of Life and Sleep, and Anxiety/Depression.
To assess which laboratory and clinical factors are associated with fatigue in patients with terminal cancer. ⋯ In patients with advanced cancer, fatigue is a common symptom associated with the presence of inflammation, poor quality of sleep, depression/anxiety, and poor quality of life.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Dec 2016
Climbing Back Up the Mountain: Reflections From an Exploration of End-of-Life Needs of Persons Living With HIV/AIDS in Appalachian Tennessee.
Little is known about the health access and end-of-life (EOL) concerns of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Appalachia, where religious and cultural values are largely traditional. A qualitative, descriptive study with 9 participants was undertaken to assess EOL care needs among those from South Central Appalachian PLWHA. The focus of the study was to examine subjective data regarding EOL needs assessment related to advanced care planning. ⋯ Strong spiritual images were contrasted with a common avoidance and disdain of organized religion. Findings were used in refining plans for a larger study of EOL care needs and concerns on the population of PLWHA in 2 Southern Appalachian states. Comparison with other research and insights for providers is included.