Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2016
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyTai Chi Exercise for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients with Lung Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese health-promoting exercise. It has been shown to enhance mental health and improve psychological condition. ⋯ Tai Chi is an effective intervention for managing cancer-related fatigue in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy, especially for decreasing general fatigue and physical fatigue, and increasing vigor.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2016
Multicenter StudyICU Bedside Nurses' Involvement in Palliative Care Communication: A Multicenter Survey.
Successful and sustained integration of palliative care into the intensive care unit (ICU) requires the active engagement of bedside nurses. ⋯ ICU bedside nurses see their involvement in discussions of prognosis, goals of care, and palliative care as a key element of overall quality of patient care. Based on the barriers participants identified regarding their engagement, interventions are needed to ensure that nurses have the education, opportunities, and support to actively participate in these discussions.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2016
Effective Management of Breathlessness in Advanced Cancer Patients with a Program-Based, Multidisciplinary Approach: The "SOB Program" in Hong Kong.
Breathlessness is common in patients with advanced cancer. Using a multidisciplinary approach for relieving this challenging symptom was believed to be just a theory. The "SOB Program" was implemented in our institution in March 2013. ⋯ A multidisciplinary approach for breathlessness control is both feasible and practical. Similar services can be promoted in other palliative care centers.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Mar 2016
Comparative StudyThe Influence of Low Salivary Flow Rates on the Absorption of a Sublingual Fentanyl Citrate Formulation for Breakthrough Cancer Pain.
Salivary gland hypofunction may affect the absorption of drugs through the oral mucosa, which in turn may affect their clinical efficacy (e.g., onset of action). ⋯ The pharmacokinetics of the sublingual fentanyl orally disintegrating tablet appear to be negatively affected by the presence of salivary gland hypofunction, although the moistening of the oral cavity before dosing results in a pharmacokinetic profile similar to that seen with the giving of pilocarpine hydrochloride.
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The maintenance of dignity is an important concept in palliative care, and the loss of dignity is a significant concern among patients with advanced cancer. ⋯ The prevalence of a problematic loss of dignity among patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is at least as high as among those receiving palliative cancer care. Loss of dignity may represent a concern among people with medical illnesses more broadly, and not just in the context of "death with dignity" at the end of life. Furthermore, interdisciplinary care may help to restore a sense of dignity to those individuals who are able to participate in rehabilitation.