Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Apr 2018
Communication Disparity Between the Bereaved and Others: What Hurts Them and What Is Unhelpful? A Nationwide Study of the Cancer Bereaved.
The importance of communication between the cancer bereaved and others has been emphasized, but little is known about the more problematic aspects of this communication such as "unhelpful communication." ⋯ A number of the bereaved have experienced unhelpful communication regarding advice on dealing with bereavement and cancer. To prevent putting an unnecessary burden on the bereaved with such unhelpful communication, it is essential to understand problematic aspects. Even when people have no intention of hurting the bereaved, some communication may do so. Communication with the bereaved is also a core clinical skill required by health professionals, and further efforts are required to support the grieving process.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Apr 2018
Palliative Care Need and Availability in Four Referral Hospitals in Senegal: Results from a Multicomponent Assessment.
With prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and life expectancy rising in Senegal, the need for palliative care is likely growing. No national palliative care needs assessments have been carried out. ⋯ There is significant need for palliative care in Senegal. Training of health care workers and ensuring availability of relevant medications should be prioritized.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Apr 2018
Family Caregivers' Reflections on Experiences of Assisted Suicide in Switzerland: A Qualitative Interview Study.
Thousands of family members worldwide are annually involved in assisted dying. Family participation in assisted dying has rarely been investigated and families' needs typically are not considered in assisted dying legislation and clinical guidelines. ⋯ Families appeared to be involved in the preparation of assisted suicide along with patients, irrespective of their personal values regarding assisted dying. Support for family members is essential if they are involved in tasks preparatory to assisted suicide. Clinical guidelines and policies concerning assisted dying should acknowledge and address family needs.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Apr 2018
Opioids in the Treatment of Pain. Beliefs, Knowledge, and Attitudes of the General Spanish Population. Identification of Subgroups Through Cluster Analysis.
A lack of information has been found related to patients' perception toward pain management. ⋯ The different perspectives of patients regarding the use of opioids to treat pain should be taken into consideration by the physician when designing strategies to inform patients about the treatment of pain with opioids. This should promote their correct use, specially preventing their misuse.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Apr 2018
Outpatient Pain Medication Use: An Electronic Daily Diary Study in Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Understanding cancer patients' everyday pain experiences and their concomitant use of pain medication may help identify ways to improve pain management among outpatients. ⋯ Our findings provide some evidence that patients with advanced cancer tend to use their pain medications appropriately. Patients with lower pain appear to be taking medications in response to increases in pain, whereas patients whose pain is typically more intense may be relying on other cues to prompt them to take analgesic medication. Clinicians may need to be sensitive to individual differences in the factors associated with pain medication use in daily life.