International journal of palliative nursing
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Outcome measures are being increasingly used in palliative care. Palliative day care is significantly different to other specialist palliative care settings, as patients may attend for much longer periods of time. The aim of this study was to elicit patients' views on using an adapted version of the Palliative Care Outcome Scale (POS) and to determine its value in identifying their individual needs. ⋯ The focus group discussion was tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Participants found POS to be a useful communication tool, which helped them to identify their individual needs.
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Constipation is a common and well-studied symptom in palliative care. Most previous studies have focused on the frequency and management of constipation. The current study aimed to investigate the lived experience of constipation among cancer patients in palliative hospital-based home care. ⋯ Three themes emerged: bodily suffering; mental preoccupation and a reminder of death; and avoidance and social isolation. The experience of constipation was described as an extensive complete person-experience that must be prevented. To prevent unnecessary suffering nurses need to be proactive in the assessment of constipation.