Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2012
Case ReportsTo drain or not to drain: an evidence-based approach to palliative procedures for the management of malignant pleural effusions.
Malignant pleural effusions are often symptomatic and diagnosed late in the course of cancer. The optimal management strategy is controversial and includes both invasive and non-invasive strategies. Practitioners have the option of invasive procedures such as intermittent drainage or more permanent catheter drainage to confirm malignancy and to palliate symptoms. ⋯ We performed a literature review to examine the available evidence for catheter drainage of malignant pleural effusions in advanced cancer and reviewed alternative management strategies for the management of dyspnea. We provide a clinical case within the context of the research evidence for invasive and non-invasive management strategies. Our intent is to help inform decision making of patients and families in collaboration with their health care practitioners and interventionists by weighing the risks and benefits of catheter drainage versus alternative medical management strategies for malignant pleural effusions.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2012
Prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with chronic pain with and without neuropathic characteristics in São Luís, Brazil.
Chronic pain (CP) with and without neuropathic characteristics is a public health problem. This is the first population-based study in South America, and the third in the world, to use the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) tool in epidemiologic studies. ⋯ CP with and without neuropathic characteristics is a public health problem in Brazil, with high prevalence and great influence on people's daily lives.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2012
Good end-of-life care: perspectives of middle-aged and older Singaporeans.
Understanding preferences for end-of-life care is important for planning and improving services that provide such care. However, little is known about the perspective of Singaporeans regarding good end-of-life care. ⋯ Eight components of good end-of-life care involving the person, family, and health services were identified among middle-aged and older Singaporeans. A focus on better management of pain, training of caregivers and doctors, shared decision making, and availability of affordable care may improve care at the end of life.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2012
Case ReportsLife is uncertain. death is certain. Buddhism and palliative care.
It is part of a palliative care assessment to identify patients' spiritual needs. According to Buddhism, suffering is inherent to all human beings. ⋯ Buddhist teachings may lead to a more profound understanding of incurable diseases and offer patients the means by which to focus their minds while dealing with physical symptoms and ailments. This might not only be beneficial to followers of Buddhism but to all patients.