Journal of palliative medicine
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Background: Hospital-based support for bereaved parents is regarded as best practice. Little is known about parental perceptions or programmatic potential of online grief support. Objectives: To learn from bereaved parent participants' experiences with an online support group to include perceptions of technology acceptance and group communication dynamics. ⋯ The virtual format was an acceptable modality with perceived supportive interpersonal communication dynamics. Conclusion: Pediatric palliative care teams may consider the offering of online bereavement support groups. Further research is warranted on the impact and outcomes of online bereavement support groups for bereaved parents.
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Background: Individuals experiencing homelessness face increased morbidity and mortality. The Canadian Toronto-based Palliative Education and Care for the Homeless (PEACH) program was launched to better support those experiencing homelessness with life-limiting illness. Objective: To describe the population served by PEACH. ⋯ Locations of death included palliative care unit and hospice (44.4%), hospital (23.8%), supportive housing (12.6%), and shelter (7.9%). Discussion: PEACH serves diverse clientele with unique care needs. This study will inform further palliative care research and interventions for those experiencing homelessness.
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Most patients with cancer-related pain are managed using opioids; cancer-related pain in the setting of pregnancy can be challenging to address owing to risk to the fetus associated with in utero opioid exposure. Buprenorphine is a unique opioid with potential benefits over other opioids for use in pregnancy and is often used for management of cancer-related pain in nonpregnant adults. There are limited data on cancer-related pain management in pregnant patients and no data supporting the use of buprenorphine for cancer-related pain in pregnant patients. This case describes a rapid buprenorphine induction using a microdosing regimen in a pregnant patient and highlights the potential of buprenorphine for cancer-related pain in this population.