Journal of palliative medicine
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Background: Patients requiring home-based palliative care have advanced complex illnesses with functional limitations and decline. This retrospective study reviewed caregiver administration of subcutaneous (SQ) medications and fluids when symptom control could not be achieved using the oral route. Methods: Medical records from September 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018 were reviewed for 272 consecutive patients who received SQ administration of medications or fluids at a home-based palliative care program. ⋯ Hydromorphone was the most common opioid used (57%), followed by morphine (35%). The median length of stay in the program was 24 days (interquartile range: 11-60). Conclusions: SQ administration of medications and fluids by nonprofessional caregivers trained by health care professionals is feasible and promising, but additional testing is needed.
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Background: Children and adolescents with serious conditions may benefit from simultaneous hospice and palliative care. Although the Affordable Care Act covers concurrent care, uptake has been limited. Limited descriptive data exist on receiving simultaneous community hospice and pediatric palliative care. ⋯ Measurement: Demographic and clinical data extracted from the electronic medical record. Results: Data characterizing the population receiving simultaneous care are presented; compared with those receiving either hospice or palliative care at home, the only significant differences were a greater proportion of decedent children and greater billable hours. Conclusions: Findings support the lack of meaningful distinction between hospice and palliative care in pediatrics.
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People of the Pentecostal faith are a grouping of Protestant Christians. Pentecostals are a growing group not only in the United States, but also worldwide. ⋯ This article offers 10 recommendations for clinicians to better understand and support Pentecostal patients and families. These overarching concepts of Pentecostal faith and practices are presented as a point of initiation for further exploration of the support that may be needed, and not as a comprehensive guide.