British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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Neuropathic pain is thought to affect up to 8% of the adult population in the UK. The condition can severely impact on patients' quality of life and can be difficult to treat. The capsaicin 8% patch has been developed to directly target the source of peripheral neuropathic pain and has been shown to provide pain relief for up to 3 months from a single 30- or 60-minute application. ⋯ In this article the authors describe the optimal patch application procedure from their real-world clinical experience and provide recommendations on how to optimize the therapeutic benefit of the patch. Other key aspects of the application procedure are also addressed, including the importance of patient management, the ideal treatment setting, the best way to manage application-associated discomfort and post-treatment care. The observations and learning that the authors have gained from their clinical experience with the capsaicin 8% patch will help others to maximize the benefit gained with this novel treatment option.
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The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) for the dying patient is an integrated care pathway that was developed to assist non-specialist palliative care staff care for dying patients in acute clinical areas. The LCP has generated numerous debates among health professionals regarding its strengths and weaknesses. ⋯ Despite the attention that has surrounded the LCP there is limited evidence to suggest that it improves end-of-life care. This article examines the evidence in relation to the LCP as a tool to improve palliative care for dying patients and their families in non-specialized palliative care practice.