Articles: palliative-care.
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Palliative medicine · May 2023
ReviewExercise interventions for advanced cancer palliative care patients: A systematic literature review and descriptive evidence synthesis of randomized controlled trials.
Exercise is often recommended for cancer patients. However, for advanced cancer palliative care patients, it is unclear whether exercise, as a lifestyle intervention, is beneficial for palliative outcomes. ⋯ Current randomized controlled trials regarding effects of exercise interventions on palliative outcomes for advanced cancer patients show great variability. While studies show promise, no generalizable conclusions can be made. Further research is needed.
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Palliative medicine · May 2023
Antibiotic therapy is associated with adverse drug events among older adults with advanced cancer: A cohort study.
Older adults with advanced cancer are exposed to antibiotics but estimates of adverse drug events associated with antibiotic therapy are lacking. ⋯ Antibiotic therapy was independently associated with adverse drug events in hospitalized older adults with advanced cancer. These findings may inform antibiotic decision-making among palliative care providers.
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Background: Palliative care literature indicates a dearth of programs addressing the psychosocial needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Objectives: This study assessed patient-reported experiences of a palliative care peer support program, analyzed psychometric qualities of the program evaluation, and examined associations with quality-of-life scores to assess validity and potential impact on aspects of AYA quality of life. Design: This retrospective, cross-sectional study described self-reported Streetlight program evaluation and quality of life of AYA patients, exploratory factor analysis of survey responses, and analysis of associations with quality of life. ⋯ Analyses identified three factors explaining 61% of variance in Streetlight program evaluation responses: "Friendships and Support" (26%); "Coping, Family, and Providers" (20%); and "Diversion and Respect" (15%). Significant positive associations were found between Streetlight evaluation scores and YQOL-SF Belief in Self and Family factor scores, as well as between Streetlight evaluation Friendships and Support factor scores, and YQOL-SF total and factor-specific scores. Conclusions: Results suggest that the Streetlight program is a viable model to facilitate positive experiences, opportunities for socialization, and meaningful peer support for AYA patients.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2023
Parent and provider perspectives of a hospital-based bereavement support program in paediatric palliative care.
Bereavement is an individuated, nuanced experience, and its expression is different for each parent who has cared for a dying child. Evidence highlights support is valuable to navigate this loss. ⋯ Bereavement care to navigate the devastating loss of a child is of paramount importance and can offer significant and beneficial resources for families. Findings have supported service development in a major tertiary paediatric hospital facilitating improved access for families, particularly for those in regional and rural locations.
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Palliative medicine · May 2023
Implementation of clinical guidelines in specialized palliative care-results from a national improvement project: A national register-based study.
Knowledge about the process and the results of the implementation of clinical guidelines to improve palliative care is limited. A national project aimed at improving the quality of life of advanced cancer patients admitted to specialized palliative care services in Denmark by implementing clinical guidelines for the treatment of pain, dyspnea, constipation, and depression. ⋯ Implementing clinical guidelines was more successful for physical symptoms than for depression. The project generated national data on interventions provided when guidelines were followed, which may be used to understand differences in care and outcomes.