Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialThe meaning of parenteral hydration to family caregivers and patients with advanced cancer receiving hospice care.
In the U.S., patients with advanced cancer who are dehydrated or have decreased oral intake almost always receive parenteral hydration in acute care facilities but rarely in the hospice setting. ⋯ These findings differ from traditional hospice beliefs that dehydration enhances patient comfort, given that patients and their families in the study viewed fluids as enhancing comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Discussion with patients and families about their preferences for hydration may help tailor care plans to meet specific patient needs.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialComparisons of exercise dose and symptom severity between exercisers and nonexercisers in women during and after cancer treatment.
Although numerous studies of the efficacy of exercise are reported, few studies have evaluated changes in characteristics of exercise dose in women with cancer both during and after cancer treatment. ⋯ Both during and after cancer treatment, achieving or maintaining exercise guideline levels were met by most patients. Further study is needed to examine the link between exercise dose and symptom severity.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialInfluence of patient coaching on analgesic treatment adjustment: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
For patients with cancer-related pain and their physicians, routine oncology visits are an opportunity to adjust the analgesic regimen and secure better pain control. However, treatment intensification occurs haphazardly in practice. ⋯ TEC increases the likelihood of self-reported, physician-directed adjustments in analgesic prescribing, and treatment intensification is associated with better cancer pain outcomes.