Journal of palliative medicine
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Background: Long-term neurological conditions include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's-related diseases, and motor neurone disease. National and international guidelines recommend a palliative approach for advancing neurological disease, but there is little research describing and comparing the palliative care needs of these patients side by side. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the symptom burden and psychological distress of patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's-related diseases, and motor neurone disease. ⋯ It is unclear how to address these needs. The answer likely lies in a collaborative approach between neurology, palliative care, psychology, and specialized allied health professionals. Future work should focus on investigating this.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Family Caregiver Communication and Perceptions of Involvement in Hospice Care.
Background: The burden of caregiving for family members is significant and becomes particularly challenging at end of life, with negative effects on mental health, including anxiety and depression. Research has shown caregivers need better communication with their health care team. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between hospice team communication with caregivers and caregiver involvement in care. ⋯ Results: Caregiver-centered communication was positively associated with perceptions of involvement in care. Conclusion: Skilled communication between hospice clinicians and family caregivers is critical in helping family members perception they are involved in the care of their loved one. There could be similar benefit in caregiver-centered communication during cancer treatment as well.
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Context: Hospitalized patients who experience unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions face significant challenges, and their family members have unique palliative care needs. Objectives: To identify predictors of palliative care consultation among hospitalized patients with unplanned ICU admissions and to examine the association between palliative care consultation and family outcomes. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients with unplanned ICU admissions at two medical centers in Seattle, WA. ⋯ There was no significant difference in family symptoms of depression or posttraumatic stress based on palliative care consultation status. Conclusions: For patients experiencing unplanned ICU admission, palliative care consultation often happened after transfer and was associated with illness severity, comorbid illness, and hospital site. Patient death was associated with family symptoms of psychological distress.
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Background: Understanding interventions preceding death in children with immunocompromised conditions is important to ensure a peaceful and dignified perideath experience. The aim of this study was to describe the number of interventions performed in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) within the 48 hours before death in this population. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of all children with an underlying oncologic, hematologic, or immunologic diagnosis admitted to the PICU for at least 72 hours between 2014 and 2021. ⋯ Conclusions: Children in the PICU with underlying immunocompromised conditions frequently receive interventions within the 48-hour period preceding death. Palliative care involvement was associated with fewer radiographic studies and fewer occurrences of CPR. The impact of interventions on the dying experience warrants further investigation.
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Background: Palliative care (PC) plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families. In Saudi Arabia, the Reform of Healthcare Vision 2030 has recognized the importance of PC and aimed to enhance its availability and quality. Objectives: This study evaluates the current state of PC in Saudi Arabia post-Vision 2030 reforms. ⋯ The study highlights the substantial need for PC for both cancer and noncancer patients, emphasizing the importance of expanding these services. Conclusions: To further improve PC, policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize resource allocation, health care workforce, and access to pain medications. These efforts will address the growing demand for PC and benefit terminally ill patients and their families in Saudi Arabia.