Journal of pain and symptom management
-
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, chronic, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disorder of central nervous system, determined by an auto-immune dysfunction. Severe disability generally occurs in patients with progressive forms of MS that typically develop either after an earlier relapsing phase or less commonly from disease onset. Despite advances in research to slow the progression of MS, this condition remains a life-limiting disease with symptoms impacting negatively the lives of patients and caregivers. ⋯ An early palliative care approach aims to improve the palliative care skills and competencies of health professionals caring for the patients since the early stage of disease, including those who are actively undergoing disease-targeted therapies, rather than merely providing end-of-life care.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
Chatbot Performance in Defining and Differentiating Palliative Care, Supportive Care, Hospice Care.
Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot platforms are increasingly used by patients as sources of information. However, there is limited data on the performance of these platforms, especially regarding palliative care terms. ⋯ We identified important concerns regarding the accuracy, comprehensiveness, reliability, and readability of outputs from AI platforms. Further research is needed to improve their performance.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
National Palliative Care Strategy in a conflict affected country: a Jordanian demonstration project.
Palliative care (PC) integration is vital, as endorsed by the World Health Organization. Yet, Jordan, a Middle Eastern country with limited resources, faces ongoing challenges despite efforts to improve palliative and home care. Establishing a national PC strategic framework, with government and stakeholder consensus, is essential for ensuring universal access to high-quality palliative care. However, processes for achieving this, particularly in the Middle East, are underreported. ⋯ Jordan's collaborative development of the inaugural National Palliative and Home Care Strategic Framework, endorsed by the government and stakeholders, provides a comprehensive roadmap for PC advancement. While it promises improved services, effective solutions to workforce and opioid access issues are crucial for successful implementation.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
Measures of Patient and Surrogate Preparedness for End-of-Life Decision-Making.
Reliable and valid measures are critical in accurately assessing outcomes of advance care planning interventions (ACP) for end-of-life (EOL) decision-making. ⋯ The preparedness scales demonstrated strong psychometric properties. Future studies should examine scale performance in other populations.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · May 2024
Parenteral hydration in dying patients with cancer - a national registry study.
Clinically assisted hydration during end-of-life care among patients with cancer is controversial; practice varies between clinical settings and countries, and there is a lack of evidence. ⋯ There is an association between parenteral hydration and increased breathlessness in patients with cancer. Provision of parenteral hydration is more prevalent in men, younger patients, and those with hematological malignancies or ovarian cancer, and most widespread in acute hospital settings.