The American journal of hospice & palliative care
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Feb 2012
The relationship between cancer pain and quality of life in patients newly admitted to Wuhan Hospice Center of China.
To evaluate the relationship between pain and quality of life (QoL) in patients newly admitted to Wuhan Hospice Center, China. A total of 1,634 patients were analyzed in this retrospective study. A Numerical Rating Scale and Chinese-QoL instrument were used to assess pain score and QoL, respectively. ⋯ But there was no correlation with support from society, understanding of cancer, or attitude toward treatment. In our study, the relationship between pain and QoL was found to be reciprocal. The staff can offer a multidisciplinary care perspective for improving hospice care for this special group of population.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Dec 2011
Case ReportsTaking care of a dying grandparent: case studies of grandchildren in the hospice caregiver role.
This study aims to provide insight into the role of grandchildren as informal hospice caregivers. It presents 4 cases that highlight the challenges and perceptions of grandchildren who care for a grandparent at the end of life. ⋯ Although each caregiver presented unique individual experiences, several themes are common among the family caregivers including fatigue, stress, guilt, and loss of the "grandchild" identity. Grandchildren caregivers often take care of 3 generations (grandparents, parents, and children) and in many cases need additional assistance to help them overcome the challenges associated with managing a household, career, family, and caregiving roles.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Dec 2011
A month in an acute palliative care unit: clinical interventions and financial outcomes.
Few cancer centers have developed acute palliative care units (APCUs). The purpose of this study is to highlight clinical interventions and financial outcomes during a typical 1-month period on an APCU. ⋯ The APCU model is designed for the care of very complex advanced cancer patients. Palliative interventions are given simultaneously with other medical interventions. The APCU is labor intensive and well reimbursed.
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Am J Hosp Palliat Care · Dec 2011
Documentation of information and care planning for patients with advanced cancer: associations with patient characteristics and utilization of hospital care.
We evaluated the association between patient characteristics, utilization of care, and documentation of information and care planning. ⋯ Black race was associated with higher odds of hospice discussion and referral in a primarily Medicaid population. Additional research is needed to explore variations in physician-patient discussion about hospice among different patient populations.