Journal of palliative medicine
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Uncontrolled pain remains prevalent in patients with advanced cancer and has been associated with worse quality of life and greater health care utilization. Poor adherence to analgesics may represent a modifiable barrier to pain management. ⋯ Our results demonstrate the feasibility of integrating self-report assessments of LA opioid adherence into a thoracic oncology clinic. Patients reported high adherence, but more than one-quarter did not accurately report the prescribed frequency of daily doses. Understanding of LA opioid regimens may be a critical indicator of adherence in patients with advanced cancer.
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Anger toward God is a common form of spiritual struggle, one that people often experience when they see God as responsible for severe harm or suffering. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, correlates, and preferred coping strategies associated with anger toward God among family members of hospice patients. ⋯ Anger toward God is an important spiritual issue among family members of hospice patients, one that is commonly experienced and linked with depressive symptoms. It is valuable for hospice staff to be informed about the issue of anger toward God, especially because many family members reported interest in talking with hospice team members about such conflicts.
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Delirium in terminally ill cancer patients causes considerable distress to family members. The aim was to determine the family-perceived usefulness of a leaflet about delirium in terminally ill cancer patients. ⋯ The leaflet about delirium was evaluated as useful for family members. This leaflet could help family members cope with a difficult situation by facilitating accurate understanding of the situation and by helping family members understand what they could do for the patient. More comprehensive intervention programs should be developed and tested in the future.