Journal of palliative medicine
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Background: Alexithymia, or difficulty identifying and describing emotions and sensations, contributes to an increased risk of chronic pain, and low help-seeking. Objective: To investigate whether family caregivers of advanced cancer patients visiting a palliative care department had alexithymia, and whether this was related to their pain intensity, personalized pain goals, and help-seeking for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Design: A single-center cross-sectional survey. ⋯ These participants set higher personal pain goals (lower goals for symptom improvement) than those without alexithymia. We found no difference in personal pain goal response between family caregivers with and without alexithymia. When we examine pain in family members with alexithymia who are caring for cancer patients, we need to recognize that they may set higher personal pain goals and seek less help.
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Thanks to the efforts of many individuals and organizations, the field of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) has undergone unprecedented growth over the last two decades. To meet the needs of seriously ill patients and families in inpatient, outpatient community setting in the future, the field of HPM must develop innovative strategies to expand the specialist workforce pipeline. ⋯ We call for a renewed and coordinated effort to increase the applicant pool for HPM fellowship positions, as well as greater access to specialist HPM training through expanded traditional fellowship programs and innovative specialist training pathways. Without such an expansion, our specialty will struggle to serve those patients and families who need us most.
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Background: Malignant rectal pain (MRP) and tenesmus cause significant morbidity for cancer patients at all stages of disease. There is little evidence to guide management of these symptoms. Objective: The objective of this review was to summarize the existing evidence base for palliative management of MRP and tenesmus outside of standard oncologic or surgical management. Design: A systematic review of PubMed and Embase was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using preselected search terms for publications between 1980 and January 2017. Setting/Subjects: Studies that described management for patients with tenesmoid pain from malignant tumors of the rectum, anus, or perineum were identified. Measurements: The primary outcome was response of pain to treatment. Results: The search produced 1412 titles. ⋯ A variety of treatments were found with most patients receiving interventional procedures, but overall evidence to support any particular intervention is limited and of poor quality. Conclusions: This review highlights the limited current evidence base for medical and interventional treatments for MRP and tenesmus. Further study is needed to clarify the best approach to managing these challenging symptoms.
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Observational Study
Trends in Place of Death in a Super-Aged Society: A Population-Based Study, 1998-2017.
Background: Globally, the number of deaths is estimated to increase to 74 million per year by 2030. Place of death (PoD) is increasingly being recognized as an important aspect of end-of-life care. However, recent trends in PoD in Japan, one of the super-aged societies, are unknown. ⋯ Although the proportion of hospital deaths declined in the second half of the study period, their overall number continued to increase, reflecting an increase in total deaths in Japan. Conclusions: This study highlighted rapid changes in trends in PoD in Japan, and the need to consider affordable end-of-life care in Japan as well as other countries with aging populations. The findings from this long-term epidemiological study provide important insights on this issue.