Journal of palliative medicine
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There is limited information available about the role and effect of a palliative care consultation service (mobile team, MT) in patient care. The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to determine the characteristics, findings, and outcomes of patients referred to MT in a comprehensive cancer center and to thereby gain information about its role in this setting. ⋯ The MT had a positive impact on these patients' care in terms of clinical findings and outcomes. Further investigations are warranted.
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To report on implementation of a Veterans Affairs (VA) network-wide, standardized, high-quality palliative care (PC) program using a Web-based PC Report Card for performance monitoring and improvement. ⋯ All the sites established PC teams and the number of consultations showed a sustained increase over baseline in 2002. All sites improved on the key process measures captured by the Report Card.
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Good communication is a fundamental skill for all palliative care clinicians. Patients present with varied desires, beliefs, and cultural practices, and navigating these issues presents clinicians with unique challenges. ⋯ In addition, it reviews the literature regarding cultural aspects of care for terminally ill patients and their families and offers strategies for engaging them. Through good communication practices, clinicians can help to avoid conflict and understand patients' desires for end of life care.
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Physician cultural sensitivity is particularly important for end-of-life care. This study correlates physicians' own racial background, clinical experience, and cultural sensitivity training with their attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge of advance care planning issues for African American patients. ⋯ The majority of the physicians surveyed routinely provide end-of-life care and believe they are aware of racial differences in advance care planning. Yet, most were unfamiliar with specific end-of-life preferences of African American patients. We advocate for further research and cultural sensitivity training to improve end-of-life care for African American patients.