Palliative Care Research This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 7.

To Explore the Neonatal Nurses’ Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Caring for Dying Neonates in Taiwan
Abstract (1) To explore attitudes and beliefs of neonatal nurses toward nursing care for dying neonates; (2) to estimate the influence of neonatal nurses’ personal and professional characteristics on their attitudes towards end-of life care for dying infants. A cross-sectional design was used. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 80 neonatal nurses. Research setting was four level III NICUs at four medical centers around the central region of Taiwan. Research participants were neonatal nurses who had worked for at least 1 year in one of level III NICUs and had been directly involved with the ...
Source: Maternal and Child Health Journal - November 25, 2012 Category: Health Management Tags: Maternal and Child Health Journal Source Type: research

Cystectomy and urinary diversion in the treatment of bladder cancer without artificial respiration
CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that CSTEA is an effective technique for radical cystectomy, whereby spontaneous breathing and reduced interference with the cardiopulmonary system potentially lower the perioperative risks especially for high-risk patients. We recommend practice of CSTEA for radical cystectomy to further evaluate and monitor the safety, efficacy, outcomes, and complications of CSTEA.
Source: International Braz J Urol - November 23, 2012 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Presentation, management, and outcome of newly diagnosed glioblastoma in elderly patients.
Conclusions The prognosis for GBM worsens with increasing age in elderly patients. With important risks, resection and adjuvant treatment are associated with prolonged survival. Although selection bias cannot be excluded in this retrospective study, advanced age alone should not necessarily preclude optimal resection followed by adjuvant radiochemotherapy. PMID: 23176331 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Neurosurgery - November 23, 2012 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Tanaka S, Meyer FB, Buckner JC, Uhm JH, Yan ES, Parney IF Tags: J Neurosurg Source Type: research

Referral patterns and proximity to palliative care inpatient services by level of socio-economic disadvantage. A national study using spatial analysis
Conclusion: These data suggest that a simple relationship of low socioeconomic status and poor access to a referral-based specialty such as palliative care does not exist. Different patterns of referral and hence different patterns of care emerge.
Source: BMC Health Services Research - November 23, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: David CurrowSamuel AllinghamSonia BirdPatsy YatesJoanne LewisJames DawberKathy Eagar Source Type: research

Emergency department management of undifferentiated abdominal pain with hyoscine butylbromide and paracetamol: a randomised control trial
Conclusion The trial data suggest that oral paracetamol is at least as effective as intravenous hyoscine butylbromide and a combination of both drugs in the management of acute undifferentiated abdominal pain presenting to the ED. Based on these results and factors such as cost and tolerability, we recommend single agent paracetamol as the agent of choice for the management of acute mild to moderate undifferentiated abdominal pain. Trial registration number MHRA Ref: 19717/0226/001-0001; European Clinical Trials Database. EUDRAct No: 2006-005395-40.
Source: Emergency Medicine Journal - November 23, 2012 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Remington-Hobbs, J., Petts, G., Harris, T. Tags: Pain (neurology), Pain (palliative care), Pain (anaesthesia) Original articles Source Type: research

Palliative Medicine and Geriatric Emergency Care: Challenges, Opportunities, and Basic Principles
This article presents an overview of palliative care in the emergency department and describes commonly encountered palliative emergencies, strategies for acute symptom management, communication strategies, and issues related to optimal use of hospice service in the emergency department.
Source: Clinics in Geriatric Medicine - November 22, 2012 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Mark Rosenberg, Sangeeta Lamba, Sumi Misra Source Type: research

Prognostic indicators of 6-month mortality in elderly people with advanced dementia: A systematic review.
Conclusions:Although the majority of studies agreed that the Functional Assessment Staging 7c criterion was not a reliable predictor of 6-month mortality, we found a lack of prognosticator concordance across the literature. Further studies are essential to identify reliable, sensitive, and specific prognosticators, which can be applied to the clinical setting and allow increased availability of palliative care to dementia patients. PMID: 23175514 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Palliative Medicine - November 22, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Brown MA, Sampson EL, Jones L, Barron AM Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research

Attitudes, beliefs and perceptions regarding truth disclosure of cancer-related information in the Middle East: A review.
Abstract The aim of this review is to evaluate the current status concerning attitudes, beliefs and/or practices of patients, family members, health professionals and/or caregivers regarding truth disclosure about a cancer diagnosis in the Greater Middle East countries. A search was done via MedLine for all publications related to this review objective. 55 publications were included emanating from Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates. In the Greater Middle East region, a diagnosis of cancer is still mixed with social stigma and misperceptio...
Source: Palliative and Supportive Care - November 22, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Bou Khalil R Tags: Palliat Support Care Source Type: research

The Israel Cancer Association's role as a volunteer organization in forecasting, establishing, implementing and upgrading palliative care services in Israel.
Abstract The Israel Cancer Association has contributed, as a key player, to the establishment and upgrade of palliative care in Israel. The aim of this article is to describe the involvement and contribution of the ICA, as a volunteer organization, from a clinical, educational, legal, and organizational perspective. Another main goal of this survey is to shed light on the palliative care network in Israel, in each one of these infrastructures. PMID: 23171783 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Palliative and Supportive Care - November 22, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Kislev L, Yaffe A, Ziv M, Waller A Tags: Palliat Support Care Source Type: research

A review of cognitive therapy in acute medical settings. Part I: Therapy model and assessment.
Abstract Introduction: Although cognitive therapy (CT) has established outpatient utility, there is no integrative framework for using CT in acute medical settings where most psychosomatic medicine (P-M) clinicians practice. Biopsychosocial complexity challenges P-M clinicians who want to use CT as the a priori psychotherapeutic modality. For example, how should clinicians modify the data gathering and formulation process to support CT in acute settings? Method: Narrative review methodology is used to describe the framework for a CT informed interview, formulation, and assessment in...
Source: Palliative and Supportive Care - November 22, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Levin TT, White CA, Kissane DW Tags: Palliat Support Care Source Type: research

Teaching cross-cultural aspects of mourning: A Hindu perspective on death and dying.
PMID: 23171885 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Palliative and Supportive Care - November 22, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Bhuvaneswar CG, Stern TA Tags: Palliat Support Care Source Type: research

Reduction in circulating pro‐angiogenic and pro‐inflammatory factors is related to improved outcomes in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine and intravenous omega‐3 fish oil
DiscussionTreatment with gemcitabine plus i.v. n‐3FA may reduce concentrations of CAF which may be associated with an improved outcome. Baseline IL‐6 and ‐8 may be surrogate markers for outcome in patients with APC treated with this regimen.
Source: HPB: official journal of the International Hepato Pancreat Biliary Association - November 22, 2012 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Ali Arshad, Wen Y. Chung, William Steward, Matthew S. Metcalfe, Ashley R. Dennison Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Successful Long‐Term Management of Aneurysm‐Associated Chronic Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation with Low Molecular Weight Heparin
We present a case of aneurysm‐associated DIC successfully managed with low molecular weight heparin. (J Card Surg 2012;27:730‐735)
Source: Journal of Cardiac Surgery - November 22, 2012 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Julia H. Perry, Harold L. Lazar, Karen Quillen, J. Mark Sloan Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

The perspectives of bereaved family carers on dying at home: the study protocol of 'unpacking the home: family carers' reflections on dying at home
This study will seek to take a qualitative approach by explicitly recognising that family carers are central to the experience of dying at home for older people, and they have needs that may be amenable to support and anticipatory planning. The strengths of this study, which include its interdisciplinary and participatory approach, and in-depth data collection and analysis methods, will be explored. The limitations and challenges of this research will also be considered. This study seeks to make recommendations that will ensure that family carers receive appropriate and adequate support in caring for their loved ones at the end of life.
Source: BMC Palliative Care - Latest articles - November 22, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Sheila PayneSarah BrearleyChristine MilliganDavid SeamarkCarol ThomasXu WangSusan BlakeMary Turner Source Type: research

A last good-bye.
PMID: 23136184 [PubMed - in process]
Source: The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care - November 21, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Nenner F Tags: Am J Hosp Palliat Care Source Type: research

A qualitative study: Professionals' experiences of advance care planning in dementia and palliative care, 'a good idea in theory but ...'
Conclusions:This study has identified the professional, organisational and legal factors that influence advance care planning implementation; professional training should target these specific areas. There is an urgent need for standardisation of advance care planning documentation. Greater clarity is also required on the roles and responsibilities of different professional groups. More complex aspects of advance care planning may be better carried out by those with specialist skills and experience than by generalists caring for a wide range of patient groups with different disease trajectories. PMID: 23175508 [PubMed ...
Source: Palliative Medicine - November 21, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Robinson L, Dickinson C, Bamford C, Clark A, Hughes J, Exley C Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research

Hospice experiences and approaches to support and assess family caregivers in managing medications for home hospice patients: A providers survey.
Conclusions:Supporting caregivers in medication management is considered important, yet challenging, to hospice providers. Additional resources may be needed to help providers consistently and effectively teach, support, and assess caregivers' medication management. PMID: 23175509 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Palliative Medicine - November 21, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Joyce BT, Lau DT Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research

Influences on the decision to prescribe or administer anticholinergic drugs to treat death rattle: A focus group study.
Conclusion:The study raises questions about the routine inclusion of anticholinergic treatment in UK end of life care pathways for the treatment of death rattle. PMID: 23175510 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Palliative Medicine - November 21, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Hirsch CA, Marriott JF, Faull CM Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research

Off-label prescribing in palliative care: A survey of independent prescribers.
Conclusions:Compared to before and to nurse and pharmacist prescribers, doctors appear better able to adhere to their regulatory body guidance. Given that all the independent prescribers in palliative care can prescribe the same drugs, consistent regulatory guidance is required. PMID: 23175511 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Palliative Medicine - November 21, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Culshaw J, Kendall D, Wilcock A Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research

An educational package that supports laycarers to safely manage breakthrough subcutaneous injections for home-based palliative care patients: Development and evaluation of a service quality improvement.
Conclusions:In terms of the palliative patient's illness trajectory, consensus was that the time for package introduction depended upon each particular clinical situation and laycarer. Nursing opinion was divided concerning whether it is safe and appropriate for laycarers to manage subcutaneous injections. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates that the package supports laycarers to manage subcutaneous medications. This has important implications for families, services and health-care systems. PMID: 23175512 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Palliative Medicine - November 21, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Healy S, Israel F, Charles MA, Reymond L Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research

Neuropathic cancer pain: Prevalence, severity, analgesics and impact from the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative-Computerised Symptom Assessment study.
Conclusions:Neuropathic cancer pain is associated with a negative impact on daily living and greater analgesic requirements than nociceptive cancer pain. Validated assessment methods are needed to enable early identification of neuropathic cancer pain, leading to more appropriate treatment and reduced burden on patients. PMID: 23175513 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Palliative Medicine - November 21, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Rayment C, Hjermstad MJ, Aass N, Kaasa S, Caraceni A, Strasser F, Heitzer E, Fainsinger R, Bennett MI, On behalf of the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative (EPCRC) Tags: Palliat Med Source Type: research

Exploring perceptions of psychological services in a children's hospice in the United Kingdom.
Abstract Background: The provision of emotional and psychological support for all family members who need it is an essential element of holistic palliative care. Within East Anglia's Children's Hospice, teams of professionally trained and experienced workers offer psychosocial support to all family members at all times during the child's and family's journey. However, the effectiveness and appropriateness of current psychosocial provision is unclear, as is the requirement for any additional psychological services. Objective: The purpose of this study was to elicit perceptions about ...
Source: Palliative and Supportive Care - November 21, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Wray J, Lindsay B, Crozier K, Andrews L, Leeson J Tags: Palliat Support Care Source Type: research

Primary Bilateral Seminal Vesicle Carcinoma: Description of a Case and Literature Review
This report presents a case of a 56-year-old man with right renal agenesis and intermittent hematospermia and bilateral cystic masses of the seminal vesicles. Transrectal biopsies of the cystic lesion revealed a papillary clear cell adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymphoadenectomy. Lymph node metastases were found on histological examination. The patient received 4 cycles of chemotherapy and pelvic radiotherapy. He remains disease free 21 months after surgery. Radiological imaging in patients with hematospermia and hematuria will allow disease detection at earlier stages. Immunohistoc...
Source: International Journal of Surgical Pathology - November 21, 2012 Category: Pathology Authors: Campobasso, D., Fornia, S., Ferretti, S., Maestroni, U., Cortellini, P. Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Efficacy and safety of bendamustine for the treatment of patients with recurring Hodgkin lymphoma
We report on 41 such patients who received bendamustine hydrochloride, a bifunctional mechlorethamine derivative mechanistically unrelated to traditional alkylators, after a median of four prior chemotherapy lines, including SCT in 85% of cases. Bendamustine was given at doses of 90–120 mg/m2 every 21 or 28 d. At first assessment (2–4 cycles), the overall response rate (ORR) was 78% with 12 (29%) complete (CR) and 20 (49%) partial responses (PR). Upon treatment prolongation to 6–8 courses, 40% of PRs progressed, yielding a final ORR of 58% with 31% of CRs. Eight patients (two CRs, six PRs) were subsequently allotra...
Source: British Journal of Haematology - November 20, 2012 Category: Hematology Authors: Gaetano Corazzelli, Francesco Angrilli, Alfonso D'Arco, Felicetto Ferrara, Pellegrino Musto, Attilio Guarini, Maria Christina Cox, Caterina Stelitano, Sergio Storti, Emilio Iannitto, Simona Falorio, Catello Califano, Alfonso Amore, Manuela Arcamone, Rosar Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

A Model for Emergency Department End‐of‐life Communications After Acute Devastating Events—Part II: Moving From Resuscitative to End‐of‐life or Palliative Treatment
Abstract The model for emergency department (ED) end‐of‐life communications after acute devastating events addresses decision‐making capacity, surrogates, and advance directives, including legal definitions and application of these steps. Part II concerns communications moving from resuscitative to palliative and end‐of‐life treatments. After completing the steps involved in determining decision‐making, emergency physicians (EPs) should consider starting palliative measures versus continuing resuscitative treatment. As communications related to these end‐of‐life decisions increasingly fall within the scope ...
Source: Academic Emergency Medicine - November 20, 2012 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Walter E. Limehouse, V. Ramana Feeser, Kelly J. Bookman, Arthur Derse Tags: Special Contribution Source Type: research

The clinical use of Kampo medicines (traditional Japanese herbal treatments) for controlling cancer patients' symptoms in Japan: a national cross-sectional survey
Conclusions: To increase the clinical use of Kampo medicines, more evidence from clinical studies is necessary. In addition, their mechanisms of action should be clarified through laboratory studies.
Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - November 20, 2012 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Satoru IwaseTakuhiro YamaguchiTempei MiyajiKiyoshi TerawakiAkio InuiYasuhito Uezono Source Type: research

Opportunity lost: End‐of‐life discussions in cancer patients who die in the hospital
CONCLUSION:The majority of patients with advanced cancer are considered to have decisional capacity at the time of their terminal hospitalization. Many lose decisional capacity before having an end‐of‐life discussion and have surrogate decision‐makers participate in these discussions. These patients received more aggressive life‐sustaining treatments prior to death and represent a missed opportunity to improve end‐of‐life care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012; © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Source: Journal of Hospital Medicine - November 20, 2012 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Mark C. Zaros, J. Randall Curtis, Maria J. Silveira, Joann G. Elmore Tags: Original Research Source Type: research

Homogeneity Index: An objective tool for assessment of conformal radiation treatments
This study was undertaken to analyze HI in our patients using various formulae and to find out the co-relation between HI and prescribed dose, target volume and target location. A retrospective review of 99 patients was performed. HI was calculated using five different formulae (A-E). The patients were divided in five groups each, based on prescribed dose, target volume and target location and mean HI of each group was analysed to find the co-relation between these factors and HI. When there were multiple target volumes the primary target volume was studied. The statistical calculation was done using SPSS version 16.0. Nin...
Source: Journal of Medical Physics - November 20, 2012 Category: Physics Authors: Tejinder KatariaKuldeep SharmaVikraman SubramaniKP KarrthickShyam S Bisht Source Type: research

Fotemustine Chemoembolization of Hepatic Metastases From Uveal Melanoma: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis
CONCLUSION. TACE of hepatic metastasis from uveal melanoma with fotemustine is well tolerated, and the survival rates in this study (mean, 28.7 months) are among the longest reported.
Source: American Journal of Roentgenology - November 20, 2012 Category: Radiology Authors: Edelhauser, G., Schicher, N., Berzaczy, D., Beitzke, D., Hoeller, C., Lammer, J., Funovics, M. Tags: Vascular and Interventional Radiology Source Type: research

Tetralogy of Fallot with Atrioventricular Canal Defect: One Patch Repair
The incidence of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) among patients with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is estimated to be about 6% to 10%. This combination of lesions poses certain unique structural and physiological challenges to the surgeon. Opinions differ regarding the timing of surgery—including the need for a palliative systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt prior to complete repair, the use of a single versus multiple patches to address the septal defects, the surgical approach to relieve right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction, and the effects of performing a transannular patch (TAP).
Source: Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery: A Comparative Atlas - November 19, 2012 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Ashok Muralidaran, V. Mohan Reddy Tags: Congenital Surgery - J. William Gaynor, Associate Editor Source Type: research

Functional status, life-space mobility, and quality of life: a longitudinal mediation analysis
Conclusions These results support a mediating role for life-space mobility in the relationship between functional status and HRQoL. Functional status limitations might cause diminished HRQoL in part by limiting mobility. Mobility limitations may precede functional status limitations in addition to being a consequence thereof. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-12DOI 10.1007/s11136-012-0315-3Authors John P. Bentley, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Faser Hall 235, University, MS 38677, USACynthia J. Brown, Birmingham VA Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, CH19 Suite 20...
Source: Quality of Life Research - November 19, 2012 Category: Health Management Tags: Quality of Life Research Source Type: research

Improving access to specialist multidisciplinary palliative care consultation for rural cancer patients by videoconferencing: report of a pilot project
Conclusion Delivery of specialist multidisciplinary PC consultation by videoconferencing is feasible, may improve symptoms, results in cost savings to patients and families, and is satisfactory to users. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00520-012-1649-7Authors Sharon M. Watanabe, Department of Symptom Control and Palliative Care, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaAlysa Fairchild, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, CanadaEdith Pituskin, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cross ...
Source: Supportive Care in Cancer - November 19, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Supportive Care in Cancer Source Type: research

Determinants of anxiety in patients with advanced somatic disease: differences and similarities between patients undergoing renal replacement therapies and patients suffering from cancer
Conclusion In patients with advanced somatic disease (ESRD and end-stage breast cancer), non-constructive strategies of coping with the disease require further evaluation and possibly psychological support. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Nephrology - Original PaperPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s11255-012-0326-6Authors Justyna Janiszewska, Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębinki 2, 80-211 Gdańsk, PolandMonika Lichodziejewska-Niemierko, Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębinki 2, 80-211 Gdańsk, PolandJustyna Gołębiewska, Department of ...
Source: International Urology and Nephrology - November 19, 2012 Category: Urology & Nephrology Tags: International Urology and Nephrology Source Type: research

Osteochondral tissue engineering: Current strategies and challenges.
Abstract Osteochondral defect management and repair remain a significant challenge in orthopedic surgery. Osteochondral defects contain damage to both the articular cartilage as well as the underlying subchondral bone. In order to repair an osteochondral defect the needs of the bone, cartilage and the bone-cartilage interface must be taken into account. Current clinical treatments for the repair of osteochondral defects have only been palliative, not curative. Tissue engineering has emerged as a potential alternative as it can be effectively used to regenerate bone, cartilage and the bone-cartilage interface. Sever...
Source: Biotechnology Advances - November 19, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Nukavarapu SP, Dorcemus DL Tags: Biotechnol Adv Source Type: research

Memoir of “A Good Daughter”
Editors' Note:: All too often, we can get caught up in the tangles of reductionist thinking to simplify rushed clinical settings. Conversations with family members might be focused on accomplishing our necessary goals: pain management of their loved ones, advance directives, the shift to focus on comfort, sharing probabilities about the success of further interventions, and so forth. And although all this is excellent practice, we may inadvertently miss the sacred moments in our patients' illnesses and dying. We may fail to notice the family members' angst or confusion over their own efforts to care for their loved ones. C...
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - November 19, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Carolyn T. Brown Tags: Humanities: Art, Language, and Spirituality in Health Care Source Type: research

Dancing Around Death: Hospitalist-Patient Communication About Serious Illness
Hospital physicians care for most seriously ill patients in the United States. We employed dimensional analysis to describe communication about death and dying in audio-recorded admission encounters between seriously ill patients and hospitalists. Acknowledging or not acknowledging the possibility of dying emerged as a key process. Acknowledgment was rare, and depended on synergistic communication behaviors between patient and physician. Facilitators included patients cuing for information and disclosing emotional distress, and physicians exploring the patient’s understanding of his or her illness and emotional distr...
Source: Qualitative Health Research - November 19, 2012 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Anderson, W. G., Kools, S., Lyndon, A. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Patterns of paediatric analgesic use in Africa: a systematic review
We conducted a systematic literature review with two objectives: (1) to assess reported patterns of analgesic use in African children and compare these observed patterns to the analgesics given in the WHO Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc); and (2) to summarise outcomes related to effectiveness, adverse events, cost and accessibility of these analgesics. Eligible participants were children (≤12 years) living in any African country who received an analgesic administered with the intention of relieving pain in any setting. Thirty-four peer-reviewed, observational studies representing 7772 African children were a...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - November 19, 2012 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Madadi, P., Enato, E. F. O., Fulga, S., Umeoduagu, C. C., MacLeod, S. M., Koren, G., Einarson, T. R. Tags: Journalology, Pain (neurology), Hospice, Pain (palliative care), Unwanted effects / adverse reactions, Pain (anaesthesia) Drug therapy Source Type: research

Needless pain in African children: an affront to human dignity
In Africa the HIV epidemic laid bare the huge need for palliative care and pain control. Families and health workers were faced with looking after the sick in homes and hospitals that were ill prepared and ill equipped to manage chronic symptoms, especially pain. Most clinicians and nurses had little experience or training in palliative care or the use of analgesia. Oral morphine was seldom available, intramuscular pethidine pro re nata (prn) was used, mainly post operatively, and many children suffered silently and stoically. Health workers were demoralised by the inability to relieve suffering. Local individuals, to thei...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - November 19, 2012 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Molyneux, E. Tags: Immunology (including allergy), HIV/AIDS, Pain (neurology), Child abuse, Child health, Hospice, Pain (palliative care), Sexual health Drug therapy Source Type: research

Palliative Care in the Patient-Centered Medical Home.
Abstract There are few published data on the delivery of palliative care services in the outpatient setting and virtually none on either the integration of palliative care into primary care practice or its applicability to innovative models of health care delivery, such as the patient-centered medical home and accountable care organizations. In this article, new topics for health services delivery research are suggested. Because of the lack of data, the article draws on information collected from inpatient palliative care delivery and includes anecdotal experiences from the outpatient pain medicine and palliative c...
Source: Primary Care - November 16, 2012 Category: Primary Care Authors: Wallenstein DJ Tags: Prim Care Source Type: research

[Editorial] The misrepresentation of palliative care in the UK
The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient ( LCP) was developed during the late 1990s at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in conjunction with the Marie Curie Hospice to provide the best quality palliative care to patients in all care settings. The pathway ensures patients do not receive unnecessary medical procedures and medications that do not confer benefit, as well as consideration of their physical, social, spiritual, and psychological needs. The LCP is widely recognised in the UK and abroad as a model of best practice to ensure access to a dignified, painless, and comfortable death.
Source: LANCET - November 16, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: The Lancet Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Swiss primary care: room for improvement.
CONCLUSION: Gaps between current care and recommended best practice exist in Swiss primary care COPD management. Promoting and implementing evidence-based frameworks for developing high quality care for patients with COPD are necessary. PMID: 23114004 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Quality in Primary Care - November 16, 2012 Category: Primary Care Authors: Steurer-Stey C, Dallalana K, Jungi M, Rosemann T Tags: Qual Prim Care Source Type: research

Palliative Sedation: Further Evidence Needs to Be Accompanied by Ethical Guidance to Ensure Professional Practice at the End of Life [CORRESPONDENCE]
Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology - November 16, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Schildmann, Vollmann, Schildmann Tags: CORRESPONDENCE Source Type: research

Screening Instruments for Depression in Advanced Cancer Patients: What Do We Actually Measure?
ConclusionScreening tools for the detection of depression in patients with advanced cancer may not provide an accurate evaluation of depression. These tools seem to measure physical symptom burden as well, especially when patients suffer from symptoms of the clusters fatigue/anorexia/cachexia, neuropsychology, debility, or pain. In this study, the BDI‐II cognitive subscale seems to differentiate best from somatic symptom burden.
Source: Pain Practice - November 16, 2012 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Franca Warmenhoven, Chris Weel, Kris Vissers, Judith Prins Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Selection Bias in Family Reports on End of Life with Dementia in Nursing Homes
Journal of Palliative Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Journal of Palliative Medicine - November 15, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Tags: article Source Type: research

Melatonin as Adjuvant Cancer Care With and Without Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials
Conclusion. MLT may benefit cancer patients who are also receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, supportive therapy, or palliative therapy by improving survival and ameliorating the side effects of chemotherapy.
Source: Integrative Cancer Therapies - November 15, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Seely, D., Wu, P., Fritz, H., Kennedy, D. A., Tsui, T., Seely, A. J. E., Mills, E. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

GP guide to drugs used in palliative care: psychostimulants
Abstract This is the third in a short series of articles that focus on what GPs should consider when monitoring and prescribing specialist‐initiated palliative‐care drugs. Here, the authors summarise the key issues around the shortterm use of psychostimulants in palliative care.
Source: Prescriber - November 15, 2012 Category: Primary Care Authors: Rachel Howard, Paul Howard Tags: Drug points Source Type: research

Pros and Cons of Prognostic Disclosure to Japanese Cancer Patients and Their Families from the Family's Point of View
Journal of Palliative Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Journal of Palliative Medicine - November 14, 2012 Category: Palliative Care Tags: article Source Type: research

Supportive care and not only palliative care in the route of cancer patients
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00520-012-1658-6Authors Andrea Antonuzzo, U.O. Oncologia Medica 1—Polo Oncologico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, ItalyMaurizio Lucchesi, U.O. Oncologia Medica 2—Polo Oncologico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, ItalyIsa Maura Brunetti, U.O. Oncologia Medica 1—Polo Oncologico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, ItalyLuca Galli, U.O. Oncologia Medica 2—Polo Oncologico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, ItalyEnrico Vasile, U.O. Oncologia Me...
Source: Supportive Care in Cancer - November 14, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Supportive Care in Cancer Source Type: research

Predictors of high score patient-reported barriers to controlling cancer pain: a preliminary report
Conclusions Depression was associated with high barrier score in patients with cancer pain. Management of cancer pain should include screening for depression, and management of depression could reduce patient-reported barriers to pain management. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00520-012-1646-xAuthors Jung Hye Kwon, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of KoreaSung Yong Oh, Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of KoreaGary C...
Source: Supportive Care in Cancer - November 14, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Supportive Care in Cancer Source Type: research

In search of the sixth vital sign: cancer care in Romania
Conclusions Cancer is an unmet psychosocial challenge to patients and to the specialized services, regardless of care type. The urgency of psychosocial screening in the Romanian cancer care system is revealed. Based on these findings, there is a need for psychosocial screening and related supportive care services that need to be integrated into Romania’s cancer care programs. A recommendation is to pilot psychosocial and supportive care model within the four regional cancer care institutions. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00520-012-1657-7Authors Csaba ...
Source: Supportive Care in Cancer - November 14, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Supportive Care in Cancer Source Type: research