Journal of palliative medicine
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Dementia is a progressive terminal illness which requires decisions around aggressiveness of care. ⋯ Even among patients with advanced cognitive and functional impairment, ICU utilization in the last 30 days increased and varied by geographic region.
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End-of-life dreams and visions (ELDVs) have been well documented throughout history and across cultures. The impact of pre-death experiences on dying individuals and their loved ones can be profoundly meaningful. ⋯ ELDVs are commonly experienced phenomena during the dying process, characterized by a consistent sense of realism and marked emotional significance. These dreams/visions may be a profound source of potential meaning and comfort for the dying, and therefore warrant clinical attention and further research.
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Pediatric palliative care is an evolving specialty that aims to improve the lives of children with a life-limiting condition. As an emerging specialty, there is much to be learned about service provision and the expected outcomes that can be achieved. Additionally, quantification of the needs for pediatric palliative care is complicated by the uncertainty of defining the population that requires care. ⋯ The importance of a population-based approach to pediatric palliative care in a state that is geographically large and diverse like Queensland is highlighted. This article may provide valuable information to other health care providers who care for children with life-limiting illnesses.
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Patient safety is a concern in medicine, and the prevention of medical errors remains a challenge. The definition and understanding of an error is particularly difficult in palliative care, with scarce empirical evidence about the nature and causes of medical errors in that discipline. ⋯ Data showed that medical errors in palliative care, as seen by professionals in the field, primarily affect medication and communication, and miscommunication and system failures are perceived as the leading causes of errors. A better understanding of the characteristics of errors within palliative care and further qualitative research are warranted to prevent errors and enhance patient safety.