The American journal of hospice & palliative care
-
Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Nov 2001
Comparative StudyNot ready for hospice: characteristics of patients in a pre-hospice program.
There are many patients with terminal illness for whom hospice care would be appropriate, but they either never enroll or enroll very late. In a pre-hospice program designed to help patients make the transition into hospice, we observed that many patients did not make the transition. ⋯ Many patients died in this program that was designed only for transition to hospice. We found statistically significant differences characterizing the groups associated with transferring to hospice. Further studies to find out why these differences exist will be important in order to provide excellent end-of-life care for more people.
-
Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Nov 2001
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialThe use of transdermal fentanyl in pediatric oncology palliative care.
Transdermal fentanyl offers a noninvasive approach to the management of patients with opioid dependent and stable, chronic cancer pain. The transdermal delivery system offers distinct advantages where oral administration of opioids is difficult as a consequence of progressive disease and in patients whose compliance with oral medications is poor. ⋯ Fentanyl was well tolerated and provided effective pain relief for 11 of 13 patients. Overall, patients and parents experienced satisfaction with fentanyl, both in terms of pain relief and improvement in quality of life.
-
Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Nov 2001
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialThe effects of single-session music therapy interventions on the observed and self-reported levels of pain control, physical comfort, and relaxation of hospice patients.
This article describes the process and results of a three-month music therapy clinical effectiveness study conducted with terminally ill patients. The purpose of this study was to quantify and evaluate the effectiveness of single-session music therapy interventions with hospice patients in three patient problem areas: pain control; physical comfort; and relaxation. Data from a total of 90 sessions conducted with a total of 80 subjects served by Hospice of Palm Beach County, Florida, were included in the study. ⋯ Tables illustrate pre- to post-session changes in levels of all three variables from both session and data-collection scenarios. Copies of the data-collection forms are also included in the Appendix. The discussion section addresses limitations of this study and suggestions for future studies.
-
Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Sep 2001
Assessment of delirium in advanced cancer: the use of the bedside confusion scale.
We conducted a prospective assessment of 50 consecutive admissions to an acute palliative medicine unit, using the bedside confusion scale (BSCS). Information including age, gender, diagnosis, and the presence or absence of brain metastasis was collected. Possible predisposing factors for delirium were recorded. ⋯ Forty percent of those that were delirious received haloperidol as symptomatic treatment. The BSCS is simple, portable, valid, quick, and easy to use by any medical team member. Delirium is common in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer.