Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Nov 2001
Review['Caring always'; physicians' expression of condolences to the relatives of patients].
According to the WHO definition, palliative care does not end with the death of the patient, but also includes supporting the family members in dealing with the loss. A recent article refers to the importance of physicians writing letters of condolences. The letter of condolences marks the end of the treatment relationship. ⋯ The letter can also remove any distrust that may exist towards the medical profession. Reasons for not writing a letter of condolences include an own feeling of failure, administrative difficulties, indifference or incapacity. Nevertheless, writing a letter of condolences is an integral part of the care provided by the physician to the patient and his/her relatives.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Nov 2001
Case Reports[Nocturnal back pain; a misdiagnosed symptom of spinal tumor].
Four patients had nocturnal back pain or pain that worsened when lying down. In one of these, a 49-year-old man, the medical history mentioned a malignancy, as a result of which a spinal metastasis was suspected. ⋯ The importance of recognising these early complaints is stressed. Nowadays, MRI is the technique of choice to answer the question whether there is a space occupying process in the spine.