Articles: palliative-care.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
Parenteral hydration in dying patients with cancer - a national registry study.
Clinically assisted hydration during end-of-life care among patients with cancer is controversial; practice varies between clinical settings and countries, and there is a lack of evidence. ⋯ There is an association between parenteral hydration and increased breathlessness in patients with cancer. Provision of parenteral hydration is more prevalent in men, younger patients, and those with hematological malignancies or ovarian cancer, and most widespread in acute hospital settings.
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Context: Hospitalized patients who experience unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions face significant challenges, and their family members have unique palliative care needs. Objectives: To identify predictors of palliative care consultation among hospitalized patients with unplanned ICU admissions and to examine the association between palliative care consultation and family outcomes. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients with unplanned ICU admissions at two medical centers in Seattle, WA. ⋯ There was no significant difference in family symptoms of depression or posttraumatic stress based on palliative care consultation status. Conclusions: For patients experiencing unplanned ICU admission, palliative care consultation often happened after transfer and was associated with illness severity, comorbid illness, and hospital site. Patient death was associated with family symptoms of psychological distress.
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Background: Understanding interventions preceding death in children with immunocompromised conditions is important to ensure a peaceful and dignified perideath experience. The aim of this study was to describe the number of interventions performed in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) within the 48 hours before death in this population. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of all children with an underlying oncologic, hematologic, or immunologic diagnosis admitted to the PICU for at least 72 hours between 2014 and 2021. ⋯ Conclusions: Children in the PICU with underlying immunocompromised conditions frequently receive interventions within the 48-hour period preceding death. Palliative care involvement was associated with fewer radiographic studies and fewer occurrences of CPR. The impact of interventions on the dying experience warrants further investigation.
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The Palliative Care Research Cooperative Group (PCRC) formed to lead, catalyze, and empower a community of scientists to build an evidence base to ensure high-quality care and optimal well-being for persons with serious illness and their caregivers. The PCRC grew to 630 members representing 220 distinct sites. ⋯ The PCRC supported the submission of extramural research applications and fostered community through annual meetings, special interest groups, newsletters, and its website. The PCRC filled an important void in serious illness science and set the stage for the next era of advancing serious illness research.
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Background: Palliative care (PC) plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families. In Saudi Arabia, the Reform of Healthcare Vision 2030 has recognized the importance of PC and aimed to enhance its availability and quality. Objectives: This study evaluates the current state of PC in Saudi Arabia post-Vision 2030 reforms. ⋯ The study highlights the substantial need for PC for both cancer and noncancer patients, emphasizing the importance of expanding these services. Conclusions: To further improve PC, policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize resource allocation, health care workforce, and access to pain medications. These efforts will address the growing demand for PC and benefit terminally ill patients and their families in Saudi Arabia.