Journal of palliative medicine
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Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is a burgeoning treatment with growing interest across a variety of settings and disciplines. Empirical evidence supports PAT as a novel therapeutic approach that provides safe and effective treatment for people suffering from a variety of diagnoses, including treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. ⋯ Despite a well-noted psychedelic renaissance in scholarship and a renewed public interest in the utilization of these medicines, serious illness-specific content to guide PAT applications in hospice and PC clinical settings has been limited. This article offers 10 evidence-informed tips for PC clinicians synthesized through consultation with interdisciplinary and international leading experts in the field with aims to: (1) familiarize PC clinicians and teams with PAT; (2) identify the unique challenges pertaining to this intervention given the current legalities and logistical barriers; (3) discuss therapeutic competencies and considerations for current and future PAT use in PC; and (4) highlight critical approaches to optimize the safety and potential benefits of PAT among patients with serious illness and their caregivers.
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Background: Lack of knowledge of palliative care has been identified as a primary barrier to access to care, with a recent survey reporting that Hispanics have the lowest rate of palliative care knowledge compared with other racial/ethnic groups. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if there were trends toward improved palliative care knowledge after viewing four-minute video of a palliative care patient. Methods: We conducted a pre- and posttest pilot study among 50 Spanish-speaking, hospitalized Hispanic patients 40 years old and older in a large public hospital. ⋯ Intentions to enroll oneself increased from 72% to 92%. Conclusions: Brief exposure to a relatable role model may be effective in improving knowledge and intentions to enroll in palliative care services. More research is needed to determine if these videos are effective in increasing enrollment in palliative care.
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Background: The process of forgiveness is proposed to reduce patient and family conflict and suffering in the face of life-limiting illness. However, it is unclear which theoretical perspectives underpin the concept of forgiveness in palliative care, and how culture may influence it. Objectives: To identify and synthesize primary evidence that underpins the concept of forgiveness within palliative care, and identify theoretical perspectives, including cultural assumptions. ⋯ Conclusion: The synthesized model is based on primary evidence of mixed quality. Future research needs better theoretical conceptualization utilizing cultural perspectives. Forgiveness interventions with consideration of cultural influences are encouraged.
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Background: The overall survival (OS) of hospitalized cancer patients with pressure injury (PI) has not been studied in a large cohort. Objective: To assess risk factors associated with OS of hospitalized cancer patients with PI. Methods: After IRB approval, charts of 445 hospitalized cancer patients with PI were reviewed. ⋯ OS is significantly associated with Braden Scale (BS) Score. The OS time is significantly shorter in patients with advanced disease. Conclusion: Cancer patients with PI have limited OS, especially those with ≤14 BS and advanced diseases.