Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2016
ReviewThe bereavement experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans* people who have lost a partner: A systematic review, thematic synthesis and modelling of the literature.
Socially excluded populations have poorer access to care; however, little attention has been paid to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans* people. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans* people are at increased risk of certain life-limiting illnesses and may not receive the care and support they need at the end of life and into bereavement. ⋯ There is a need for healthcare providers to avoid hetero-normative assumptions; be mindful of additional stressors in bereavement for lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans* people; and consider additional sources of support to deliver individualised holistic care.
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2016
ReviewPatient and caregiver perspectives on managing pain in advanced cancer: A qualitative longitudinal study.
Despite advances in treatment of pain in advanced cancer, it remains a major source of suffering with adverse effects on patients' life quality. There is increasing understanding of its multi-dimensional nature and the variable responsiveness of medication to complex pain. Less clear is how patients and their caregivers respond to and manage pain complexity. ⋯ The complex and dynamic nature of pain and how it was understood shaped help-seeking and pain management. Variable effectiveness of pain relief for different pain types were challenging for patients and professionals in achieving relief.
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2016
Factors influencing the initiation of intensive care in elderly patients and their families: A retrospective cohort study.
The number of elderly patients admitted to the intensive care unit is constantly growing. However, a decision regarding intensive care in these populations remains a challenge. ⋯ The initiation of intensive care in elderly patients was influenced not only by medical conditions but also by the patient's economic status and the number of family members involved in the decision-making process.
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2016
Predictors of place of death in South West Scotland 2000-2010: Retrospective cohort study.
Surveys suggest most people would prefer to die in their own home. ⋯ The proportion of people dying at home fell during our survey. Place of death was strongly associated with age, calendar year and cause of death. A mismatch remains between stated preference for place of death and where death occurs.