Journal of palliative medicine
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Although many patients enter hospice close to death, some enroll for more than six months. In 2011 the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required that these long-stay patients receive a face-to-face visit by a physician or nurse practitioner to ensure that they continue to meet eligibility criteria. ⋯ The face-to-face requirement may decrease hospice discharges, contrary to its intention.
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Previous studies have reported survival estimates in palliative populations using the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) (where 100=best status, 0=death). However, little research has examined the association of the PPS with hazard of death in ambulatory populations. ⋯ The PPS was significantly associated with hazard of death in ambulatory cancer patients; the relative hazard of death increased based on lowered PPS scores. Providers should consider broadening its use to include patients throughout their disease trajectory.
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To compare the treatment effect reducing cancer-related multiple breakthrough pain (BTP) between immediate release morphine sulfate (IRMS) and flurbiprofen axetil. ⋯ Flurbiprofen axetil can relieve BTP quickly and effectively.