Articles: palliative-care.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, chronic, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disorder of central nervous system, determined by an auto-immune dysfunction. Severe disability generally occurs in patients with progressive forms of MS that typically develop either after an earlier relapsing phase or less commonly from disease onset. Despite advances in research to slow the progression of MS, this condition remains a life-limiting disease with symptoms impacting negatively the lives of patients and caregivers. ⋯ An early palliative care approach aims to improve the palliative care skills and competencies of health professionals caring for the patients since the early stage of disease, including those who are actively undergoing disease-targeted therapies, rather than merely providing end-of-life care.
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Internal medicine journal · May 2024
Patients' perception of the benefits of palliative systemic therapy for advanced cancer.
Patients with advanced cancer who misunderstand their prognosis and chance of cure tend to overestimate the likely benefits of palliative systemic therapy. ⋯ At least 20% of patients receiving systemic therapy for advanced cancer reported an expectation of cure. Most patients and oncologists value QOL and LOL equally when making treatment decisions.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
National Palliative Care Strategy in a conflict affected country: a Jordanian demonstration project.
Palliative care (PC) integration is vital, as endorsed by the World Health Organization. Yet, Jordan, a Middle Eastern country with limited resources, faces ongoing challenges despite efforts to improve palliative and home care. Establishing a national PC strategic framework, with government and stakeholder consensus, is essential for ensuring universal access to high-quality palliative care. However, processes for achieving this, particularly in the Middle East, are underreported. ⋯ Jordan's collaborative development of the inaugural National Palliative and Home Care Strategic Framework, endorsed by the government and stakeholders, provides a comprehensive roadmap for PC advancement. While it promises improved services, effective solutions to workforce and opioid access issues are crucial for successful implementation.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
Difficulties of Cancer Patients' Relatives in End-of-Life Discussions: Validation of a Questionnaire.
Despite the potential benefits and the desire for end-of-life communication, it rarely occurs in the familial context. Relatives play a significant role in the communication process; thus, it is crucial to understand the difficulties that they face. ⋯ The results indicate that the DEOLD-FI-r is a valid and reliable instrument for the systematic assessment of difficulties in family end-of-life communication. By focusing on relatives, it complements the already validated patient-version.