Journal of palliative medicine
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It is well known that cancer greatly affects not only patients but also their families. However, few studies on caregivers' quality of life have been conducted within the Asian population. ⋯ Having a reason and purpose for living, which is an aspect of spirituality, was a relevant factor in the spousal caregivers' QOL. Future research is needed to confirm the association between spirituality and caregivers' QOL and whether interventions supporting spirituality could improve their QOL.
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Prognostic scoring systems are increasingly used in cancer care. One of these systems is the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) which is based on clinical findings. Few studies validated the PPI in different settings. Our aim was to test the predictive value of the PPI in an acute cancer care setting. ⋯ The results suggest that the PPI may be helpful for oncologists in predicting survival and in-hospital mortality of patients with advanced cancer in the acute care setting.
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Comparative Study
The role of race and ethnicity in predicting length of hospice care among older adults.
The purpose of the study was to examine both direct and interactive roles of race/ethnicity with patients' characteristics (age, gender, relationship with caregiver, diagnosis, referral source, and payment type) in predicting length of hospice care. ⋯ In this limited sample of hospice patients, length of stay was longer for minority patients than white patients.
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Review
Dyspnea review for the palliative care professional: treatment goals and therapeutic options.
Although dyspnea is frequently encountered in the palliative care setting, its optimal management remains uncertain. Clinical approaches begin with accurate assessment, as delineated in part one of this two-part series. ⋯ In this setting, current evidence supports the use of oral or parenteral opioids as the mainstay of dyspnea management, and of inhaled furosemide and anxiolytics as adjuncts. Nonpharmacologic interventions such as acupuncture and pulmonary rehabilitation have potential effectiveness, although further research is needed, and use of a simple fan warrants consideration given its potential benefit and minimal burden and cost.