Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2020
Measuring Self-Efficacy and Readiness for Advance Care Planning in Chinese Older Adults.
Self-efficacy and readiness for advance care planning (ACP) is underresearched in the Chinese population given that these are novel concepts in the culture. ⋯ The Chinese readiness and self-efficacy subscales of the ACP Engagement Survey are valid and reliable tools for assessing the preparedness of the Chinese older adults for ACP.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2020
Identification of symptom clusters and their influencing factors in subgroups of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Chinese population.
Limited studies have identified symptom clusters (SCs) and their risk factors and the relationships with inflammatory biomarkers in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). ⋯ Symptoms experienced by patients with AECOPD were grouped into specific clusters. Targeted interventions should be performed based on SCs, and influencing factors and biological mechanisms should be considered when providing individualized approaches and interventions.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2020
"A Qualitative Study on the Experiences and Reflections of Junior Doctors during a Palliative Care Rotation: Perceptions of Challenges and Lessons learnt".
Doctors caring for patients with life-limiting illness are often exposed to emotional distress. ⋯ A palliative care rotation exposes junior doctors to emotionally overwhelming experiences. With proper guidance, this exposure is useful in teaching junior doctors important coping strategies, allowing learning to occur at a deeper level.
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Anxiety in patients with cancer is highly prevalent; yet it remains underestimated and inadequately assessed. Little is known about predictors for anxiety in hospitalized patients with cancer. Insight in predictors should improve recognition and enable a targeted approach. ⋯ We found a high prevalence of anxiety in hospitalized patients with cancer. It is recommended to explore anxiety in hospitalized patients with cancer, in particular when they experience depressed mood. Structural use of a symptom diary during hospitalization facilitates the recognition of anxiety and concurrent symptoms.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Sep 2020
Strengths, Gaps, and Opportunities: Results of a Statewide Community Needs Assessment of Pediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Resources.
Pediatric palliative care (PPC) can improve quality of life of children with life-threatening conditions and their families. However, PPC resources vary by state and within a state, and PPC resources and personnel are often inequitably distributed toward urban areas with major hospital systems. A community needs assessment (CNA) that evaluates the current status of PPC and pediatric hospice care can help identify gaps and opportunities to improve PPC access. ⋯ In Georgia, this assessment provides the foundation for next steps in coordinated efforts between hospital-based clinicians, state hospice and palliative care organizations, and state policy makers to ultimately expand PPC care available to children and families.