BMJ supportive & palliative care
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BMJ Support Palliat Care · Jun 2016
Treatment approaches of palliative medicine specialists for depression in the palliative care setting: findings from a qualitative, in-depth interview study.
Treatment of depression in the palliative care setting is complicated by varied treatment preferences, a small body of research, and unique challenges associated with the end-of-life. Little is known about the treatment practices of medical practitioners in this setting. ⋯ Palliative medicine specialists' treatment approaches are linked to their concepts of and causal explanations for depression. Future treatment guidelines could aim to consider specific varieties of depression, be more differentiated in treatment modality and type, and consider decision-shaping factors. Continuing mental health education and the incorporation of psychiatry and psychology into palliative care services may have enduring benefits.
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BMJ Support Palliat Care · Jun 2016
Improving confidence and competence of healthcare professionals in end-of-life care: an evaluation of the 'Transforming End of Life Care' course at an acute hospital trust.
UK policymakers, clinicians and public wish to see improvements in end-of-life care (EoLC). However, healthcare professionals' skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality care are often lacking. Since May 2012, palliative care staff in an inner-city tertiary hospital have run a 2-day Transforming End of Life Care (TEoLC) course to improve EoLC confidence, and competence among hospital and community staff. ⋯ The TEoLC course improved participants' self-rated confidence, competence and knowledge in EoLC. Findings have utility beyond the UK in light of the international policy recommendations to improve the palliative care skills of generalist healthcare providers.