Journal of palliative medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cost Analysis of a Randomized Trial of Early Palliative Care in Patients with Metastatic Nonsmall-Cell Lung Cancer.
Several trials have shown that integrated palliative and oncology care improves quality of life and mood in patients with advanced cancers. However, the degree to which early involvement of palliative care (PC) in the outpatient setting impacts the cost of care remains unknown. ⋯ The delivery of early PC does not appear to increase overall medical care expenses for patients with metastatic NSCLC. Larger, sufficiently powered cost studies of early PC are needed.
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With improvements in pediatric care and technology, more young adults (YAs) with life-limiting conditions (LLCs) are surviving into adulthood. However, they have limited expectations to live beyond the first decade of adulthood. This study describes the monumental efforts required for YAs with LLCs to achieve their goals in an abbreviated life. ⋯ This study gave voice to those who were previously unheard and demonstrates the monumental hurdles YAs with LLCs face to achieve their goals. A palliative approach to care can mitigate unnecessary hardships and support their goals.
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The oral food intake of terminally ill cancer patients is known to gradually decrease, but there are few reports about how oral intake changes around the terminal stage. It is important to clarify changes in oral food intake, as such changes affect the support and care of terminally ill cancer patients. ⋯ Many terminally ill cancer patients can take food orally up to a few days prior to their death. Therefore, various specialists should support the oral intake of terminally ill cancer patients until immediately before their death.