Journal of palliative medicine
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Prognostic challenges hinder the identification of patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for timely palliative interventions. We postulate that a two-minute derivative (two-minute walking distance [2MWD]) of a standard six-minute walk test (6MWT) can identify frail subjects with poorer survival for early palliative intervention. The primary outcome of interest is mortality at 18 months. Secondary objectives include evaluation of the relationship between the 2MWD and ability to self-care, dyspnea-related disabilities, nutrition, forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), quality of life (QoL), and comorbidity burden. ⋯ 2MWD ≤80 m identifies subjects with higher mortality, greater functional dependence, poorer in nutrition, greater dyspnea, and lower QoL. Incorporation of 2MWD into composite prognostic indices can enhance predictive accuracy and identify patients requiring early proactive palliative interventions.
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The Latin American Association for Palliative Care (ALCP) developed 10 indicators to monitor the development of palliative care. The indicators have been applied across Latin American countries but have not been used internally. ⋯ The ALCP indicators are useful tools for mapping palliative care development within countries. Further work needs to be carried out to increase their specificity and integrate them in policy design and service delivery.
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Out of respect for terminal patients' dignity and to decrease end-of-life suffering, patients in Taiwan can choose to sign do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and use hospice care when they are in a terminal condition. ⋯ The hospice care utilization among terminal cancer patients increased in most specialty departments from 2008 through 2014. The DOS did not increase, but the rate of late referrals increased. Further research should be conducted to investigate the factors behind late referrals and non-growing DOS.
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There is a pressing workforce shortage and leadership scarcity in palliative care to adequately meet the demands of individuals with serious illness and their families. To address this gap, the Cambia Health Foundation launched its Sojourns Scholars Leadership Program in 2014, an initiative designed to identify, cultivate, and advance the next generation of palliative care leaders. This report intends to summarize the second cohort of Sojourns Scholars' projects and their reflection on their leadership needs. ⋯ Providing comprehensive, coordinated care that is high quality, patient and family centered, and readily available depends on strong leadership in palliative care. The Cambia Scholars Program represents a unique opportunity.
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Describe the establishment of the palliative care quality network (PCQN) with guidance on how teams can develop similar collaborations. ⋯ The central tenet of the PCQN is to improve quality of care for patients with serious illness and their families, increase the efficient use of healthcare resources, and support growth and sustainability of PC programs. Building and tending to this community takes time to ensure engagement of all members and remain responsive to evolving needs of patients, families, PC teams, and stakeholders.