Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Oct 2015
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Observational StudyAccuracy of a Diagnostic Algorithm to Diagnose Breakthrough Cancer Pain as Compared with Clinical Assessment.
Breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) is a heterogeneous condition, and there are no internationally agreed standardized criteria to diagnose it. There are published algorithms to assist with diagnosis, but these differ in content. There are no comparative data to support use. ⋯ The diagnostic breakthrough pain algorithm had a good positive predictive value but limited sensitivity using a cutoff score of "mild" to define controlled background pain. When the cutoff level was changed to moderate, the sensitivity increased, but specificity reduced. A comprehensive clinical assessment remains the preferred method to diagnose BTCP.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Oct 2015
Multicenter StudyUse of the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale in Palliative Care: A Rasch Evaluation Study.
Studies have shown that family carers who feel more prepared for the caregiver role tend to have more favorable experiences. Valid and reliable methods are needed to identify family carers who may be less prepared for the role of supporting a person who needs palliative care. ⋯ The PCS is valid for use among family carers in palliative care. Data provide support for its use across age and gender groups as well as across the two language versions.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Oct 2015
A Quantitative Study of Triggered Palliative Care Consultation for Hospitalized Patients With Advanced Cancer.
Unplanned cancer-related hospital admissions often herald entry into the final phase of life. Hospitalized patients with advanced cancer have a high symptom burden and a short life expectancy, which may warrant palliative care intervention. ⋯ Although TPCC was viewed favorably, implementation was logistically challenging because of short stays, high-acuity symptoms, and individual provider resistance. TPCC improved patients' understanding of their cancer. This population demonstrates high palliative care needs, warranting further research into how best to deliver care.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Oct 2015
Multicenter StudyMedical Oncology Patients: Are They Offered Help and Does It Provide Relief?
Identifying modifiable gaps in the symptom management pathway, as perceived by patients, is the first step to relieving patient suffering. ⋯ Quality improvement initiatives must focus primarily on improving providers' awareness of their patients' symptoms and ensuring that patients are subsequently offered help.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Oct 2015
Palliative Care Medical Education in European Universities: A Descriptive Study and Numerical Scoring System Proposal for Assessing Educational Development.
The lack of palliative medicine (PM) education has been identified as a barrier to the development of the discipline. A number of international institutions have called for its implementation within undergraduate medical curricula. ⋯ PM is taught in a substantial number of undergraduate medical programs at European universities, and a qualified teaching structure is emerging; however, there is a wide variation in the level of PM educational development between individual countries.