The American journal of hospice & palliative care
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Jun 2013
The effects of the Palliative Medicine Consultation on the DNR status of African Americans in a safety-net hospital.
To examine the effectiveness of palliative medicine consultation on completion of advance directives/do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders by racial/ethnic minorities. ⋯ Palliative medicine consultations resulted in timely completion of DNR orders and were positively associated with DNR election and hospice enrollment.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · May 2013
Clinical TrialContinuous subcutaneous infusion of compound oxycodone for the relief of dyspnea in patients with terminally ill cancer: a retrospective study.
Pain and dyspnea are the most prevalent and distressing symptoms in patients with terminally ill cancer. Evidences have accumulated for the effects of morphine on dyspnea, whereas little is known about the effects of oxycodone on dyspnea. We investigated the effectiveness of oxycodone for dyspnea in patients with terminally ill cancer. ⋯ The effect on dyspnea was less conspicuous than pain, yet iOC was effective for dyspnea with varying degrees. None of the adverse effects observed were serious. These results suggest that continuous subcutaneous administration of oxycodone could be one of the reasonable alternatives in the management of dyspnea in patients with terminally ill cancer.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · May 2013
Usefulness of Palliative Prognostic Index for patient with advanced cancer in home care setting.
This study aimed to clarify the accuracy of the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) for advanced cancer patients in home care settings. ⋯ The sensitivity of the PPI for advanced cancer patients in home care settings was lower than reported for those in palliative care units. Development of prognostic tools suitable for home care settings is needed.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · May 2013
Critical care nurses' perception of barriers and supportive behaviors in end-of-life care.
To investigate critical care nurses' perceptions of barriers and supportive behaviors in providing end of life (EOL) care to dying patients and their families. ⋯ There is a need to allow the family unlimited access to the dying patient, involve them in patient care and provide them with a private place for grieving.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · May 2013
Hospice and palliative social workers' engagement in life review interventions.
Life review (LR) interventions are typically used with older adults and those nearing end of life to identify unresolved conflicts/issues, examine accomplishments, and leave lasting legacies. This study investigated the extent that hospice and palliative social workers engaged in LR with patients and their families. ⋯ Barriers to implementation included high caseloads/lack of time, acuity of patients, and short lengths of stay. The opportunity for many individuals to bring closure at the end of life may be lost due to limited access to LR interventions.