The American journal of hospice & palliative care
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · May 2018
Clinical Factors Associated With Adherence to the Premedication Protocol for Withdrawal of Mechanical Ventilation in Terminally Ill Patients: A 4-Year Experience at a Single Medical Center in Asia.
Data on end-of-life care practices in Asia are scarce. This study aimed to analyze the clinical factors associated with the recommended premedication protocol for mechanical ventilation withdrawal, in Taiwan. ⋯ Our data show that adherence to the premedication protocol for mechanical ventilation withdrawal in terminally ill patients was inadequate in Taiwan. Promoting hospice care and educating medical personnel in the compassionate withdrawal of mechanical ventilation, especially in patients with noncancer disease, are warranted.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · May 2018
Treatment of Postherpetic Pain With Scrambler Therapy, a Patient-Specific Neurocutaneous Electrical Stimulation Device.
Postherpetic neuropathy (PHN) is common, severe, and often refractory to treatment. We treated 10 patients with refractory PHN using Scrambler therapy, a neurocutaneous stimulation device that delivers "nonpain" information with surface electrodes. ⋯ Scrambler therapy appears to have a promising effect on PHN, with prompt and continued relief and no side effects. Further research is warranted.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · May 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialA Descriptive Analysis of End-of-Life Conversations With Long-Term Glioblastoma Survivors.
Early, high-quality serious illness (SI) conversations are critical for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) but are often mistimed or mishandled. ⋯ Patients with GBM had multiple goals/priorities with potential treatment implications, but documentation showed SI conversations occurred relatively late and infrequently reflected patient goals/priorities.