Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Apr 2020
Which symptoms and problems do advanced cancer patients admitted to specialized palliative care report in addition to those included in the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL? A register-based national study.
Patients in palliative care are willing to answer short questionnaires, like the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL; however, patients may suffer from other symptoms and problems (S/Ps) not covered by such questionnaires. Therefore, to identify which other S/Ps patients experience, in addition to those already included in the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL, we developed a brief instrument to supplement this questionnaire named WISP (Write In three Symptoms/Problems), permitting patients to report 1-3 additional S/Ps and their severity. We aim to investigate the nature, prevalence, and severity of S/Ps reported on WISP. ⋯ The WISP instrument strongly improves the recognition of S/Ps by combining standardization with individualization. We recommend its use for comprehensive symptom assessment alongside the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL, and potentially also alongside the EORTC QLQ-C30.
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Support Care Cancer · Mar 2020
Personalized goal for insomnia and clinical response in advanced cancer patients.
The aim of this study was to assess the Personalized Insomnia Intensity Goal (PIIG), the achievement of Personalized Goal Response (PGR), and Patient Global Impression (PGI) after a comprehensive symptom management. ⋯ PGIR and PGI seem to be relevant for evaluating the effects of a comprehensive management of insomnia, suggesting therapeutic decisions according to PIIG. Some factors influencing the individual target and clinical response have been detected.
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Support Care Cancer · Mar 2020
A preliminary study of the effect of naldemedine tosylate on opioid-induced nausea and vomiting.
Opioid-induced nausea and vomiting (OINV) is induced by opioid receptor stimulation of chemoreceptor trigger zones and vestibular apparatus by opioids. Naldemedine tosylate (NALD) is a peripherally acting non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, used for opioid-induced constipation (OIC). However, the effect of NALD on OINV had not yet been investigated. In this retrospective study, we investigated the secondary effects of NALD on OINV. ⋯ For patients with constipation, using NALD at an early stage of opioid initiation might have secondary benefits, such as relief from OINV, besides improvement of OIC. To confirm the effectiveness of NALD for OINV, the symptom grade and intensity during concomitant use of NALD should be observed in a future study.
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Support Care Cancer · Mar 2020
Observational StudyPalliative care needs of advanced cancer patients in the emergency department at the end of life: an observational cohort study.
Patients with advanced cancer commonly visit the emergency department (ED) during the last 3 months of life. Identification of these patients and their palliative care needs help initiating appropriate care according to patients' wishes. Our objective was to provide insight into ED visits of advanced cancer patients at the end of life. ⋯ ED visits of advanced cancer patients often lead to hospitalization and in-hospital deaths. Timely recognition of patients with limited life expectancies and urgent palliative care needs, and awareness among ED staff of the potential of ED-initiated palliative care may improve the end-of-life trajectory of these patients.
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Support Care Cancer · Mar 2020
Content analysis of Advance Directives completed by patients with advanced cancer as part of an Advance Care Planning intervention: insights gained from the ACTION trial.
Writing an Advance Directive (AD) is often seen as a part of Advance Care Planning (ACP). ADs may include specific preferences regarding future care and treatment and information that provides a context for healthcare professionals and relatives in case they have to make decisions for the patient. The aim of this study was to get insight into the content of ADs as completed by patients with advanced cancer who participated in ACP conversations. ⋯ My Preferences forms provide some insights into patients' perspectives and preferences. However, understanding the reasoning behind preferences requires conversations with patients.