Psycho-oncology
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No population-based studies conducted outside Western countries have identified determinants of hospice utilization for all ages and cancer groups. ⋯ Despite the 1.33 times increase in hospice utilization among cancer patients who died from 2001 to 2006, only one in six Taiwanese cancer decedents used hospice care in their last year of life. Our findings regarding determinants of hospice utilization should be used by healthcare professionals and policy makers to guide the development of policies and interventions that facilitate prognosis disclosure and EOL care discussions between physicians and patients, especially younger patients, to help the transition from curative to palliative care.
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Arm morbidity post-breast cancer surgery is increasingly being recognized as a chronic problem for some women following breast cancer surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine demographic, disease, and treatment-related predictors of a comprehensive array of chronic arm morbidity (pain, lymphedema, functional disability, and range of motion) post-breast cancer surgery. ⋯ Comprehensive behavioral management and rehabilitation programs are needed to treat arm morbidity following breast cancer surgery. These programs should address the full scope of symptoms and associated psychosocial and functional sequelae.