Journal of palliative medicine
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A wide range of palliative care services has been implemented in Catalonia over the past 20 years. Quantitative and qualitative differences in the organization of palliative care services between districts and settings can result in wide variability in the quality of these services, and their accessibility. ⋯ We conclude that benchmark methodology is valuable in acquiring data for use in improving palliative care organization for patients' benefit.
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Multicenter Study
Preferences of patients with advanced lung cancer regarding the involvement of family and others in medical decision-making.
To explore the preferences of competent patients with advanced lung cancer regarding involvement of family and/or others in their medical decision-making, and their future preferences in case of loss of competence. ⋯ The majority of patients with lung cancer wanted family involvement in decision-making, and almost all did so in case of future loss of competence. However, as half of the patients changed their minds over time about the degree of family involvement they wanted if they lost competence, physicians should regularly rediscuss a patient's preferences.
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To explore factors that influence how informal caregivers manage medications as part of caring for hospice patients. ⋯ Our findings suggest additional intervention points, beyond knowledge and skill building, that could be addressed to support caregivers in executing medication responsibilities at home for hospice patients.
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Comparative Study
Understanding breathlessness: cross-sectional comparison of symptom burden and palliative care needs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer.
Little is known about symptom burden and palliative care needs of breathless patients with advanced cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Symptom burden and palliative care needs of breathless patients with severe COPD are considerable and as high as among patients with advanced primary and secondary lung cancer although patients with COPD have a longer survival.