Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2014
Associations between objectively measured physical activity and quality of life in cancer patients with brain metastases.
Physical activity has demonstrated benefits for quality of life (QoL) and cancer-related fatigue earlier in the cancer trajectory; however, less is known regarding its role in patients with end-stage cancer. ⋯ Sedentary behavior appears to be associated with better physical functioning but worse psychosocial functioning in cancer patients with brain metastases.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2014
Fatigue in family caregivers of adult intensive care unit survivors.
Family caregivers are a vital resource in the recovery of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Of concern, the stress associated with this role can negatively affect caregiver health. Fatigue, an important health indicator, has been identified as a predictor of various illnesses, greater use of health services, and early mortality. Examining the impact of fatigue on caregivers' physical health can assist in identifying critical time points and potential targets for intervention. ⋯ In caregivers of ICU survivors, fatigue is common and potentially linked with poor psychobehavioral responses. Worsening fatigue was associated with greater symptom distress and long-term patient institutionalization.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2014
A pilot study of the experience of family caregivers of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer using a mixed methods approach.
Pancreatic cancer presents a wide spectrum of significant symptomatology. The high symptom burden, coupled with a rapidly fatal diagnosis, limits preparation or time for adjustment for both patients and their family caregivers. From the initial diagnosis and throughout the illness experience, the physical and emotional demands of caregiving can predispose caregivers themselves to illness and a greater risk of mortality. Understanding the negative and positive aspects of caregiving for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer will inform interventions that promote positive caregiver outcomes and support caregivers in their role. ⋯ Findings indicated caregivers' willingness to participate in research, highlighted the negative and positive aspects of the caregiver experience, and reinforced the significance of the future study and the need to develop interventions to support family caregivers in their roles.
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There are few studies that describe cardiac adverse events in patients prescribed methadone for pain management. ⋯ Few cardiac adverse events resulting from methadone use for pain were detected. However, a large proportion of patients were at risk for an adverse event, especially patients who were older and had received ≥ 100 mg/day of methadone.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2014
Relationship between symptom burden, distress, and sense of dignity in terminally ill cancer patients.
Maintaining a sense of dignity in terminally ill patients and enabling a dignified dying are important aims of palliative care. ⋯ Self-perceived dignity in terminally ill cancer patients is significantly associated with physical as well as psychological symptoms, distress, overall condition, performance status, and comorbidities. Knowledge of these specific interactions is essential for adequate, comprehensive palliative care.