Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2008
General perceived self-efficacy: validation analysis in Greek cancer patients.
The present study aims to validate the General Perceived Self-efficacy Scale (GSE) in Greek cancer patients. ⋯ These psychometric properties of the Greek version of the GSE showed that it is a valid and reliable measured when administered to cancer patients.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2008
ReviewSurgical and other invasive approaches to recurrent pleural effusion with malignant etiology.
With an increasing number of cancer survivors, the annual incidence of malignant pleural effusions has been rising in recent decades worldwide. Many patients with various forms of cancer develop malignant pleural effusions at some point in their life. Patients most commonly present with progressive dyspnea. ⋯ Pleur-X catheter can reduce hospital stay and adds value to the treatment of patients with trapped lung, who are not appropriate candidates for pleurodesis. Furthermore, a mechanical pleurodesis has been shown to be effective particularly in pleural effusions with lower pH. This article reviews the surgical and other invasive options as well as their technical aspects in the management of recurrent malignant pleural effusions.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2008
A survey of the views of palliative care healthcare professionals towards referring cancer patients to participate in randomized controlled trials in palliative care.
Clinical trials in palliative care (PC), especially randomised controlled trials (RCTs), are notoriously difficult to complete. One perceived challenge is gatekeeping, the reluctance of some healthcare professionals (HCPs) to refer patients for research studies. This study aimed to identify the extent of gatekeeping from palliative RCTs. ⋯ The survey revealed an unwillingness on the part of many HCPs to refer patients for RCTs in PC. It identifies trial-related factors that may encourage or discourage referral. Gatekeeping has the potential block recruitment and introduce a selection bias.