Journal of palliative medicine
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Stroke is a common cause of long-term disability and death, which leaves many patients with significant and unique palliative care (PC) needs. Shared decision-making for patients with stroke poses distinct challenges due to the sudden nature of stroke, the uncertainty inherent in prognostication around recovery, and the common necessity of relying on surrogates for decision-making. Patients with stroke suffer from frequently underrecognized symptoms, which PC clinicians should feel comfortable identifying and treating. This article provides 10 tips for palliative clinicians to increase their knowledge and comfort in caring for this important population.
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Background: Religion and spirituality (R/S) impact how African Americans (AAs) cope with serious illness, yet are infrequently addressed in patient-clinician communication. Objectives: To explore AAs with advanced heart failure and their family caregivers' (FCGs) preferences about R/S in patient-clinician communication. Methods: An embedded qualitative interview within a parent randomized trial about the role of R/S in the illness experience and in clinician interactions with patients and FCGs in a Southern U. ⋯ Patients' perspectives were as follows: (1) R/S is not discussed in clinical encounters and (2) R/S should be discussed only if patient initiated. FCGs' perspectives about ideal inclusion of R/S represented three main diverging themes: (1) clinicians' R/S communication is not a priority, (2) clinicians should openly acknowledge patients' R/S beliefs, and (3) clinicians should engage in R/S conversations with patients. Conclusion: Key thematic differences about the role of R/S in illness and preferences for incorporating R/S in health care communications reveal important considerations about the need to assess and individualize this aspect of palliative care research and practice.
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Background: Palliative care (PC) programs worldwide are involved in caring for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with other professionals. Objectives: To determine health professionals' perceptions of the contributions of PC in COVID-19 care, and describe its effect on professionals' psychological distress. Design: Cross-sectional study. ⋯ Twenty-five (39%) participants agreed that PC eased distress by communicating with patients, families, and other professionals, providing guidance in difficult conversations and offering companionship. Among respondents, 84% would likely work with PC in the future. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals perceived PC as helpful in caring for patients and families, and in easing their own psychological distress.
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Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented experience that has had profound impact and consequences for health care providers, visitation policies, and procedures. Hospitals and health care facilities were forced to implement changes to visitation policies, in an effort, to minimize transmission of the virus, which unfortunately had negative impact on patients' and family members' well-being as well as moral distress for the staff. Objectives: We present here a case illustration of the impacts of such a response to the pandemic situation at our institution, including challenges for uniformly implementing such a change along with suggestions to support patients during these difficult times. Conclusion: Health care facilities should make efforts to maintain balance between safety precautions and minimizing potential negative impacts on patients, families, and staff by implementing innovative measures to support ongoing communication and access to family support.