Journal of palliative medicine
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Advances in the field of medicine have improved the overall life expectancy in children. Consequently, many children with previously lethal diseases now live into adulthood. ⋯ This report will summarize the urgency for proper transition modalities and then introduce palliative care as a proposed solution for current challenges in transition. Along the way, it will touch on financial and workforce obstacles to this solution and will offer a potential funding option.
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Comparative Study
Outlooks on palliative care: a crosscultural perspective.
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Although most hospice care occurs in the home, a growing number of patients utilize inpatient hospice settings. An inpatient hospice stay requires one or more transitions in care settings, although little is known about these transitions. ⋯ Understanding how care planning, increased needs, and phases of care influence decisions about transitioning patients to inpatient hospice can guide IDT members in minimizing transitions and providing a more seamless continuum of hospice care.
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In September 2013 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report on the quality of cancer care in the United States. We report here on the recommendations of the IOM report and the implications for the palliative care community. ⋯ Quality cancer care depends on the integration of quality palliative care. The palliative care community can use this IOM report to guide their collaboration with oncology and to enhance the quality of care provided to cancer patients and their families.
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Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience substantial symptom burden, psychological and social morbidity. The experience of this illness has an impact beyond the patient. ⋯ The impact of caring borne by family carers is substantial and life changing. Health professionals may assist carers in their role through acknowledgement, facilitating recognition of the changes that have occurred (and their implications), and enabling creative adaptive responses for carers. Such assistance is likely to enhance the ability of carers to continue in this demanding role.