Journal of palliative medicine
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To explore factors that influence how informal caregivers manage medications as part of caring for hospice patients. ⋯ Our findings suggest additional intervention points, beyond knowledge and skill building, that could be addressed to support caregivers in executing medication responsibilities at home for hospice patients.
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Comparative Study
Understanding breathlessness: cross-sectional comparison of symptom burden and palliative care needs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer.
Little is known about symptom burden and palliative care needs of breathless patients with advanced cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Symptom burden and palliative care needs of breathless patients with severe COPD are considerable and as high as among patients with advanced primary and secondary lung cancer although patients with COPD have a longer survival.
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The intensive care unit (ICU) experience has been reported to cause adverse health effects in families during and after the ICU stay. The objective of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in relatives of patients 90 days after ICU discharge or death. ⋯ The SF-36 showed evidence of impaired mental health in relatives of ICU patients 90 days after discharge. Better end-of-life care, psychiatric support after the ICU experience, and better conflict prevention and resolution are potential targets for improvement.
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When a patient receives the diagnosis of an incurable cancer, their loved ones have to face the fact that life will change. Realizing that the time together is with someone who is going to die, loved ones have to cope with the situation. ⋯ The study shows that the manner in which the coping strategies are used is individual and also depends on how loved ones can cope with the concept of a dying person with whom they are very close. When loved ones have a need for support outside their personal network, it is important to understand that this need is directly related to coping strategies and that it is not a result of denial.
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Little is known about the existing barriers to cooperation among health professionals in basic level palliative care for terminally ill patients with cancer in primary health care. ⋯ The study indicates problems with respect to both the organization of the basic level palliative home care and the working culture among health professionals. The main issues: distribution of tasks, information exchange, availability, respect, and personal acquaintance are pivotal to improve the delivery of palliative home care, to training in palliative care and warrant future research.