Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
The prevalence of off-label prescribing of transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl in France.
The abuse of opioids and opioid-related harms, including deaths, in the United States are well documented. In the European Union, opioid use has also been increasing, particularly of fentanyl. ⋯ The prevalence of off-label prescribing of TIRF in France is extremely high. A field survey is now needed 1) to better understand why TIRF is used in conditions not indicated in its marketing authorization, and in what clinical situations, and 2) to determine whether the benefit/risk ratio of such use is favorable.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
The Impact of Virtual Interviews on Recruitment in Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Training.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led many leaders to reassess how recruitment into the medical field is conducted. In Hospice and Palliative Medicine, many training programs are moving to virtual recruitment as a more permanent strategy. However, virtual recruitment disproportionately affects smaller training programs as well as those in smaller cities or those whose location is less well-known. ⋯ While acknowledging benefits that can only be achieved in-person, our faculty believe that virtual interviews for future Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellows is an effective and potentially advantageous way to recruit the future work force of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
Delphi Method to Develop a Palliative Care Tool for Children and Families in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In sub-Saharan Africa, there is no standardized approach to pediatric palliative care assessment. Because of this, there is a critical demand for evidence-based assessment tools that identify the specialized needs of children and their families requiring palliative care in developing countries. ⋯ The Delphi method was an effective tool to develop a consensus on a PPC assessment tool to use with children and their families in sub-Saharan Africa. This standardized approach will enable the collection of data to drive outcomes and research.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
Defining Core Competencies and A Call to Action: Dissecting and Embracing the Crucial and Multifaceted Social Work Role in Pediatric Palliative Care.
While social workers are a well-established, part of the pediatric palliative care team, this manuscript presents the first published definition of the core competencies of a pediatric palliative care social worker. National experts in the field, guided by the pediatric special interest group of the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Network (SWHPN), worked together to articulate, and define core competencies. ⋯ They can also support improved interdisciplinary practice by assisting interprofessional colleagues in understanding and articulating the critical role of social workers as part of the PPC team. Additionally, such competencies may contribute to the growing development of role descriptions necessary for the hiring of social workers onto growing PPC teams, while also providing a framework for the creation and support of curricula centered on the subspeciality education and training of the next generation of PPC social workers.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
Brain Death Determination and Communication: An Innovative Approach Using Simulation and Standardized Patients.
Palliative medicine clinicians in hospital settings are often involved in the care of patients dying in critical care settings, with a subset from brain death. Brain death is a complex concept, not only for families, but also for clinicians. There is wide variability in adhering to formalized guidelines for brain death determination. In addition, communication techniques regarding brain death determination are distinct from those used in shared decision-making. There is a need to obtain knowledge and practical skills in brain death determination, including examination and communication. Simulation can provide a low-stakes setting to practice the process of brain death determination and communication. ⋯ Simulation is a practical and constructive method for teaching the challenging concepts and unique communication skills involved in brain death determination.