Journal of palliative medicine
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Background: Palliative care literature indicates a dearth of programs addressing the psychosocial needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Objectives: This study assessed patient-reported experiences of a palliative care peer support program, analyzed psychometric qualities of the program evaluation, and examined associations with quality-of-life scores to assess validity and potential impact on aspects of AYA quality of life. Design: This retrospective, cross-sectional study described self-reported Streetlight program evaluation and quality of life of AYA patients, exploratory factor analysis of survey responses, and analysis of associations with quality of life. ⋯ Analyses identified three factors explaining 61% of variance in Streetlight program evaluation responses: "Friendships and Support" (26%); "Coping, Family, and Providers" (20%); and "Diversion and Respect" (15%). Significant positive associations were found between Streetlight evaluation scores and YQOL-SF Belief in Self and Family factor scores, as well as between Streetlight evaluation Friendships and Support factor scores, and YQOL-SF total and factor-specific scores. Conclusions: Results suggest that the Streetlight program is a viable model to facilitate positive experiences, opportunities for socialization, and meaningful peer support for AYA patients.
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Background: As patients live longer with stage IV nonsmall cell lung cancer, correlates of end-of-life (EOL) care and experience are increasingly relevant. Methods: We, therefore, prospectively examined associations among psychospirituality (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being), discussions around fear of death and disease progression, and hospital-based EOL care in patients and caregivers. Patients additionally reported symptom burden (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Lung Cancer total) and quality of life (QOL) (quality-of-life at EOL). ⋯ Caregiver spiritual well-being (r = 0.34, p = 0.02) and depression (r = -0.31, p = 0.03) were associated with EOL care metrics. Patients who "held back" more of their fear of death or disease progression experienced greater symptom burden (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and poorer QOL (r = -0.44, p < 0.001). Conclusion: For couples facing prolonged metastatic disease, psychospirituality is highly relevant to EOL care with potential sequelae of withholding one's fear regarding death or disease progression.
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Context: A daily nine-item "Handbook for Self-Care at Work" was created to increase the well-being and satisfaction of the staff at the department of palliative care of a tertiary oncological center in the United States. Objectives: To evaluate the perceived usefulness of and adherence to the Handbook. Design, Setting and Participants: An anonymous survey was conducted among the palliative care staff asking for the frequency of utilization and the perception of usefulness of the Handbook. ⋯ During the COVID-19 pandemic, 32 (82%) respondents found the Handbook to be as/somewhat more/much more useful, and 29 (75%) were able to adhere to the items as/somewhat more/much more often than before. Conclusion: Most respondents found the Handbook useful and were able to accomplish the items most of the days. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff felt that the Handbook was more useful.
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Case Reports
Buprenorphine-Naloxone in the Setting of Kratom Withdrawal, Opioid Use Disorder, and Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma.
Management of cancer-associated pain warrants consideration of many factors, including characterization and etiology of the pain, socioeconomic factors, medication tolerance, and substance use history. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an herbal substance with stimulant and analgesic properties that is becoming a popular drug in the United States. In this report, we present a patient with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) who had been using high doses of kratom to alleviate progressive chest pain and dyspnea secondary to newly diagnosed stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. ⋯ His kratom withdrawal and cancer-associated symptoms were successfully managed with buprenorphine-naloxone. Providers should obtain a careful history of novel substance use such as kratom. Furthermore, buprenorphine-naloxone is a safe and effective option to simultaneously manage kratom withdrawal and cancer-associated pain.
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Objective: This report describes a hospice-supported no-fee program to support patients living with all levels of dementia and their caregivers. Background: Our medical system struggles to serve the rapidly increasing numbers of patients with dementia. Hospice of the Valley developed a low-cost six-month program to reduce caregiver stress and reduce neurobehavioral disturbances of patients living with dementia, reduce costs for insurers, and increase hospice referrals. ⋯ Twenty-five percent of participants were admitted to hospice. Discussion: The Supportive Care for Dementia program was welcomed by community physicians, leading to improved supportive care and increased hospice referrals. The program is replicable and has been adopted by one health plan and is being evaluated by others.