European journal of cancer care
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Jul 2005
An evaluation of the domiciliary occupational therapy service in palliative cancer care in a community trust: a patient and carers perspective.
In the past 20 years there has been considerable growth in the provision of palliative care services. The shift in emphasis from hospice and hospital care to the development of community services has been significant. This enables people to be cared for at home and is in keeping with Government agenda. ⋯ A structured interview was carried out with both the patients and their carers to obtain views. Results suggest that although both patients and their carers value the service provided and report high levels of satisfaction, there are gaps identified in service provision and a lack of clear information among patients and their carers about the role of the occupational therapist and the range of services they can provide. There is a need to build upon the good work being done by domiciliary occupational therapists in the area of palliative cancer care and increase education and resources to ensure that a patient-centred, holistic, approach to care is used, addressing both the needs of the patient and their carers.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · May 2005
Case ReportsSimultaneous bilateral trochanteric fractures during squatting in a patient with multiple myeloma.
Pathologic bone fractures are usually confined to the trunk in multiple myeloma (MM). But bilateral trochanteric fractures have not been reported in patients with MM before. Radiographic, histological and immunoelectrophoresis revealed typical features of MM. This report points out the importance of physical rehabilitation of patients in addition to chemotherapy in adaptation to the activities of daily living.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · May 2005
Case ReportsUse of a Port-a-Cath system in the home setting for the treatment of symptomatic recurrent malignant pleural effusion.
Symptomatic malignant pleural effusions represent a common problem in metastatic cancers and are associated with a significant morbidity. Pleurodesis still remains the primary therapy of choice. ⋯ We describe two cases where an implantable PORT-A-CATH system is used for regular drainage of the pleural effusion. The main advantage of this technique is the fact that the procedure of drainage can be performed by a nurse in the home setting.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Dec 2004
Early detection and prevention of delirium in older patients with cancer.
Delirium poses a common and multifactorial complication in older patients with cancer. Delirium independently contributes to poorer clinical outcomes and impedes communication between patients with cancer, their family and health care providers. Because of its clinical impact and potential reversibility, efforts for prevention, early recognition or prompt treatment are critical. ⋯ Yet, failure to determine an individual's risk for delirium can initiate the cascade of negative events causing additional distress for patients, family and health care providers alike. Therefore, parameters for determining an individual's risk for delirium and guidelines for the routine and systematic assessment of cognitive functioning are provided to form a basis for the prompt and accurate diagnosis of delirium. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of delirium are also discussed.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Sep 2004
The association of cigarette smoking and anxiety, depression and fears of recurrence in patients following treatment of oral and oropharyngeal malignancy.
Psychological factors, including distress and fears of recurrence, may be implicated in explaining why head and neck oncology patients continue or refrain from smoking. The aim was to determine the role of psychological factors in understanding smoking behaviour in a consecutive group of cancer patients attending a Regional Maxillofacial Unit over an assessment period of 12 months. A consecutive sample (n = 87) was assessed at 3, 7, 11 and 15 months following initial treatment. ⋯ Previous duration of tobacco consumption prior to illness predicted psychological distress in abstainers (standardized coefficient = 0.29, n = 30, P < 0.036). In conclusion, past and current smoking behaviour is associated with psychological distress in patients with oral and oropharyngeal malignancy in their first 15 months of recovery following initial treatment. This behaviour successfully identified a psychologically at-risk group.