The American journal of hospice & palliative care
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Feb 2016
ReviewPalliative Care Issues in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Evidenced-Based Review.
As palliative care physicians become increasingly involved in the care of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), they will be asked to provide guidance regarding the use of supplements, diet, exercise, and other common preventive medicine interventions. Moreover, palliative care physicians have a crucial role assisting patients with ALS in addressing health care decisions to maximize quality of life and cope with a rapidly disabling disease. It is therefore important for palliative care physicians to be familiar with commonly encountered palliative care issues in ALS. This article provides an evidenced-based review of palliative care options not usually addressed in national and international ALS guidelines.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Feb 2016
ReviewA Review of the Construct of Demoralization: History, Definitions, and Future Directions for Palliative Care.
Demoralization has been the subject of discussion in relation to end-of-life care. It is characterized by hopelessness and helplessness due to a loss of purpose and meaning. The purpose of this review was to consolidate the conceptual understanding of demoralization and argue for its existence as a psychiatric syndrome. ⋯ Recent definitions of demoralization are described and differentiated from similar constructs. Future directions are highlighted, specifically in relation to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of demoralization in palliative care. Overall, demoralization is a clinically useful construct for those facing existential threat, guiding the clinician toward efforts to restore morale, meaning, and purpose.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Feb 2016
Knowledge About Hospice: Exploring Misconceptions, Attitudes, and Preferences for Care.
Poor knowledge and misperceptions about hospice are believed to be common, but there is scant evidence about the public's understanding of hospice. ⋯ Despite relatively high hospice awareness and favorability, myths and misperceptions about hospice still abound--and may drive ethnic disparities in end-of-life care. Educational interventions and future study are needed.