Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2015
The importance of good death components among cancer patients, the general population, oncologists, and oncology nurses in Japan: patients prefer "fighting against cancer".
The objectives of this study were to compare the importance of components of a good death among cancer patients, the general population, oncologists, and oncology nurses, and explore which patients preferred "fighting against cancer." ⋯ The importance of good death components differed between groups. Medical professionals should be aware of the diversity of values surrounding death and assess the patient's values and discuss them to support his or her quality of life. In addition, the development of care and a medical/social system to maintain hope and pleasure after failure of anticancer treatment is necessary.
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Support Care Cancer · Jan 2015
End-of-life characteristics and palliative care provision for elderly patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia.
End-of-life care characteristics and palliative care (PC) utilization of elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients have rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cause of death, place of death and PC utilization of older adults (age 60 years or above) suffering from AML. ⋯ Elderly AML patients carry dismal prognosis with their final phase of disease mostly hospitalized in acute care settings. Infections and bleeding could complicate course of illness and lead to rapid deterioration. PC collaboration remains important in psychosocial support and coverage of dying AML patients in non-hospice settings.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2014
Comparative StudyFace-validation of quality indicators for the organization of palliative care in hospitals in Indonesia: a contribution to quality improvement.
Quality indicators (QIs) for the organization of palliative care (PC) can contribute to quality improvement as they assess the key elements for adequate organization of care. They might differ between health care organization, cultures and economic resources. The aim of this study was face-validate an Indonesian set of QIs based on a European set, to compare the two sets of QIs and to test the applicability of Indonesian set. ⋯ We found that most QIs for the organization of PC developed for European countries were also considered face-valid for Indonesian hospitals. The top 10 QIs were applicable in Indonesia. This suggests that most of the organizational QIs are universal rather than country specific. The Indonesian set of QIs should be considered as a first step in developing, testing, and implementing a set of QIs for PC in Indonesia. We recommend validation in other Asian regions.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2014
Decision making at the end of life--cancer patients' and their caregivers' views on artificial nutrition and hydration.
Deciding on artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) at the end of life (EoL) may cause concerns in patients and their family caregivers but there is scarce evidence regarding their preferences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of factors associated with ANH decision making. ⋯ Cancer patients and their relatives have similar preferences regarding ANH at the EoL, but relatives are reluctant to withhold AH if deciding for their loved one. While patients seem to be confident with ANH decision making, their caregivers may particularly benefit from discussing ANH options to dissipate fears.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2014
The dyadic effects of coping and resilience on psychological distress for cancer survivor couples.
This study aimed to examine the actor and partner effects of coping and resilience characteristics on psychological distress in cancer survivors and their spouses and to examine the mediating role of resilience characteristics in the relationship between coping and psychological distress. ⋯ Our findings provide insight into the relationships between coping, resilience characteristics, and psychological distress at the individual and dyadic levels. Enhancing cancer survivors' and their spouses' positive thoughts and available external resources can improve resilience and, in turn, reduce their psychological distress of couples coping with cancer.