European journal of cancer care
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This paper discusses the aspects of a small research study, which used mixed research methods. The study concerned group-format supervision as a means of helping five hospice nurses, four women and one man, discuss their work experiences. An aim of the study was to understand something of the professional work of hospice nurses and how they might best be supported. ⋯ The discussion concludes with an appraisal of the potential gains for nurses from clinical supervision in group-format. This paper proposes that supervision groups could help hospice nurses to identify and explore issues related to professional practice. Adequate preparation of nurses, organizational support and the competency of group facilitators should be considered critical to safe and effective management of professional groups.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · May 2006
Use of antiepileptics and tricyclic antidepressants in cancer patients with neuropathic pain.
Using a large US health insurance claims database, we identified all persons aged > or =18 years with > or =2 medical encounters with diagnoses of cancer and > or =2 medical encounters with diagnoses of painful neuropathies in calendar year (CY) 2000; persons with seizure disorders or depression were excluded. We then examined the use of antiepileptics (AEDs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and other pain-related pharmacotherapy among these selected persons, as proxied by pharmacy dispenses. A total of 956 persons were identified who met all entry criteria; 17% received AEDs in CY2000 and 14% received TCAs. ⋯ Patients who received AEDs and/or TCAs were similar in age, gender and the presence of metastases to those who had not received these medications; they were more likely to have received other pain-related therapies, however, including short-acting opioids (73% vs. 53%; P < 0.01) and long-acting opioids (23% vs. 8%; P < 0.01). Use of AEDs and TCAs appears to be relatively low among cancer patients with painful neuropathies. Further research is needed to better understand reasons for this finding, as well as its potential implications for pain management in this patient population.