Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2013
Surrogate decision-making in Korean patients with advanced cancer: a longitudinal study.
Although surrogate decision-making in cancer patients is well-known, few studies investigating the prevalence of surrogate decision-making over time have been reported. The objectives of this study were to investigate the level of surrogate decision-making in advanced cancer patients over time and the impact of demographic and clinical variables on surrogate decision-making. ⋯ Surrogate decision-making was frequently observed among Korean cancer patients in this study, especially when the patient's death was imminent, and for decisions related to end-of-life care. Surrogates were also frequently involved in decisions for elderly or rapidly deteriorating patients. Healthcare professionals should consider the significant role of familial surrogates in the end-of-life period; comprehensive approaches are needed to preserve the best interest of the patients.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2013
Impact of pneumonia on hyperactive delirium in end-stage lung cancer patients.
Patients with incurable lung cancer often receive palliative care. Hyperactive delirium is a burden not only for the patient's family but also for caregivers. There are no reports describing the risk factors for delirium among lung cancer patients. The present study investigated the frequency of incidence and risk factors for hyperactive delirium among end-stage lung cancer patients. ⋯ Pneumonia was identified as a significant risk factor for the development of hyperactive delirium among end-stage lung cancer patients.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2013
Clinical TrialA positive psychological intervention using virtual reality for patients with advanced cancer in a hospital setting: a pilot study to assess feasibility.
This study presents data on the feasibility and possible benefits of a psychological intervention that uses virtual reality to induce positive emotions on adult hospitalized patients with metastatic cancer. The patient's satisfaction and perceived utility was also examined. ⋯ The intervention was positively assessed and rated as minimally uncomfortable. Future actions are discussed as well as the need to implement brief interventions that take into account the patients' medical state and physical discomfort level, especially with those in the advanced stages of disease.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2013
Feasibility of EASE: a psychosocial program to improve symptom management in head and neck cancer patients.
Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients experience multiple physical and psychosocial symptoms associated with their cancer treatment. The Easing and Alleviating Symptoms during Treatment (EASE) study utilized a mixed methods design to examine the feasibility of a tailored telephone-based coping and stress management intervention to improve symptom management and psychosocial care among HNC patients. ⋯ This pilot study demonstrated that the EASE intervention is feasible and acceptable to HNC cancer patients undergoing treatment. The study findings revealed some challenges of implementing a psychosocial intervention in HNC patients and inform future intervention studies with this population.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2013
Laxative prescriptions to cancer outpatients receiving opioids: a study from the Norwegian prescription database.
During opioid treatment of cancer pain, constipation is one of the most prevalent and bothersome side effects. Guidelines suggest that treatment with laxatives should be initiated when opioid therapy is started. ⋯ Of those who started directly on a strong opioid, only one fourth received laxatives concomitantly with the first opioid, and nearly half did not receive laxatives at all. These findings indicate that the current guidelines are not followed.