Journal of pain and symptom management
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · Jan 2025
ReviewRacism in Pediatric Serious Illness and Palliative Care: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Research.
Racial disparities in health outcomes have historically impacted Black and Native American children with serious illness, yet little is known about how racism shapes the healthcare experiences of these families. To improve care experiences for this population, we must understand the myriad of ways that racism may impact their experiences with serious illness. ⋯ Our findings highlight the pressing need for further qualitative research to explore the lived experiences of racially minoritized families-especially studies focusing on the experiences of Native American families.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · Jan 2025
ReviewEffectiveness of music therapy, aromatherapy, and massage therapy on people in palliative care with end-of-life needs: A systematic review.
Music therapy, aromatherapy and massage therapy are widely used in palliative care in patients near end-of-life with the aim to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life (QoL). Recent research shows an increase in popularity and use of complementary and integrative medicine however a more thorough evidence base about their usefulness is required. ⋯ Main results found that music and massage therapy had the most potential benefits on a range of outcome parameters, including pain and QoL. Future studies may consider using more qualitative and/or mixed methods to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of treatment.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · Jan 2025
Discussion of Spirituality in Family Conferences of Infants with Neurologic Conditions.
Spirituality serves as a mechanism to understand and cope with serious illness, yet little is known about how families and clinicians incorporate spirituality in pediatric family conferences. ⋯ Spirituality was discussed in approximately one-third of family conferences. Clinician engagement with spirituality discussion was variable. These findings highlight a need for training on when and how to discuss spirituality in conversations with families of seriously ill infants.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · Jan 2025
Improving hospital palliative care between COVID-19 waves: A retrospective cohort study.
A specialist palliative care service in an acute hospital characterized care patterns during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were delayed referrals for minoritized ethnic groups. COVID-19 treatments (dexamethasone, anticoagulation, remdesivir) alongside service changes were introduced in the second wave. ⋯ Our findings have the potential to inform strategies that improve palliative care response and equity beyond COVID-19, and in future pandemics or crises.
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · Jan 2025
Advance Care Planning Bundle: Using Technical and Adaptive Solutions to Promote Goal Concordant Care.
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is critical to achieve goal-aligned care for patients. However, optimal implementation requires complex coordination and alignment across a healthcare system. ⋯ Implementation of technical and adaptive tools as a bundle for Advance Care Planning shows promise to improve and sustain goal-aligned care. Quality Improvement in ACP is a complex, iterative process involving both structural change and behavioral adaptation.