Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Feb 2012
Longitudinal follow-up study using the distress and impact thermometer in an outpatient chemotherapy setting.
Although the combined use of the Impact Thermometer (IT) with the Distress Thermometer (DT), DIT, is reported to be a validated screening tool for clinically significant psychological distress in cancer patients, its longitudinal changes in the outpatient chemotherapy setting have not been examined. ⋯ The distress evaluated by DIT can change on sequential measurements within short time intervals. Further study is needed to determine the appropriate use of the DIT for the screening and monitoring of psychological distress in an outpatient chemotherapy setting.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Feb 2012
Identification of factors associated with fatigue in advanced cancer: a subset analysis of the European palliative care research collaborative computerized symptom assessment data set.
This is a subset analysis of fatigue data and associated clinical variables collected as part of the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative Computerized Symptom Assessment (CSA) study. The overall aim of CSA was to determine the prevalence of common symptoms in a mixed advanced cancer group using an electronic data collection system. ⋯ Severe fatigue is linked with treatment history and hemoglobin levels rather than CRP, mood, and other common symptoms in a mixed advanced cancer group.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Feb 2012
A scale for measuring feelings of support and security regarding cancer care in a region of Japan: a potential new endpoint of cancer care.
Having a sense of security about the availability of care is important for cancer patients and their families. ⋯ A new scale that evaluates sense of security with regard to cancer care was developed. Future studies should examine whether establishing a regional health care system that provides quality palliative care could improve the sense of security of the general population.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Feb 2012
Prevalence of secondary lymphedema in patients with head and neck cancer.
Because surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy disrupt lymphatic structures, damage soft tissue leading to scar tissue formation and fibrosis, and further affect lymphatic function, patients with head and neck cancer may be at high risk for developing secondary lymphedema. Yet, no published data are available regarding the prevalence of secondary lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment. ⋯ Lymphedema is a common late effect in patients with head and neck cancer, and it develops in multiple external and internal anatomical locations. During physical examination and endoscopic procedures, clinicians should assess patients with head and neck cancer for late-effect lymphedema. Referral for treatment should be considered when lymphedema is noted. Research is needed to examine risk factors of lymphedema in patients with head and neck cancer and its effects on patients' symptoms, function, and quality of life.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Feb 2012
Drug disposal among hospice home care nurses: a pilot study of current practice and attitudes.
It is the role of the hospice home care nurse to dispose of unused medications after a patient's death. However, the methods of disposal, the nurses' attitudes, and beliefs regarding the environmental and health effects of disposal practices, as well as the knowledge of applicable federal guidelines, are unknown. ⋯ Findings from this study suggest further education, practice, and research directions.