Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEffect of parenteral hydration therapy based on the Japanese national clinical guideline on quality of life, discomfort, and symptom intensity in patients with advanced cancer.
Although an evidence-based clinical guideline for parenteral hydration therapy was established in Japan, the efficacy of the guideline has not been assessed. ⋯ Guideline-based parenteral hydration therapy contributed to maintaining global QoL and provided satisfaction and a feeling of benefit without increasing discomfort and worsening symptoms and fluid retention signs in patients with advanced cancer.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2012
Meta AnalysisKey characteristics of palliative care studies reported in the specialized literature.
Although research activity in palliative care is rapidly increasing, the composition of published studies--in terms of significant research characteristics--has not yet been well described. ⋯ Although there is a broad range of research undertaken in palliative care, few studies generate high-level evidence, with data showing a relative lack of funding for hospice and palliative care studies.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialExperiences with advanced cancer among Latinas in a public health care system.
Cultural dimensions related to illness are triggered at significant times in an illness trajectory, such as at illness onset or when death approaches. These factors influence views on how illness is understood and managed, which is likely more difficult for minority populations. Although Latinos experience barriers to high-quality health care, late-stage cancer diagnoses, and poor health outcomes, little is known about their experiences with advanced, life-threatening cancers. ⋯ Providers need to become culturally sensitive to the needs of underserved Latinas. Denial or ignorance of these issues can create other problems, such as gaps in patient-centered decision making from diagnosis through the end of life.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2012
Clinical TrialPhysical activity monitoring: a responsive and meaningful patient-centered outcome for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy?
In surgical and clinical oncology, there is a growing need for patient-centered outcomes that are responsive, meaningful, and fit for purpose. ⋯ Objective PA scores correlate significantly with disease stage, functional status, and QoL of patients with cancer. Therefore, activity monitoring can make meaningful objective estimates of patient function in response to cancer and its treatment and may provide surrogate outcomes of QoL.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2012
Clinical TrialInpatient palliative care and patient pain: pre- and post-outcomes.
Hospitalized patients with serious illness often receive inadequate pain and symptom management at the end of life. ⋯ To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to follow IPC patient pain after hospital discharge. Findings support IPC teams' effectiveness in managing pain during hospitalization but suggest a lack of continuity in pain management following discharge. Research exploring IPC patient post-discharge transition experiences will likely improve understanding of post-discharge pain outcomes.