Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · May 2018
Using the 'Social Marketing Mix Framework' to explore recruitment barriers and facilitators in palliative care randomised controlled trials? A narrative synthesis review.
Effective recruitment to randomised controlled trials is critically important for a robust, trustworthy evidence base in palliative care. Many trials fail to achieve recruitment targets, but the reasons for this are poorly understood. Understanding barriers and facilitators is a critical step in designing optimal recruitment strategies. ⋯ The 'Social Marketing Mix Framework' can help guide researchers when planning and implementing their recruitment strategy but suggested strategies need to be tested within embedded clinical trials. The findings of this review are applicable to all palliative care research and not just randomised controlled trials.
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Palliative medicine · May 2018
Cancer patients' experiences of living with venous thromboembolism: A systematic review and qualitative thematic synthesis.
Cancer-associated thrombosis is common. Recommended treatment is daily injected low-molecular-weight heparin for 6 months. Most studies focus on prophylaxis and treatment; few have explored the patients' experience. ⋯ The cancer journey is difficult in itself, but thrombosis was an additional, frightening and unexpected burden. Although the association between cancer and thromboembolism is well-known, cancer patients are not routinely educated about the risk or warning symptoms/signs of thromboembolism which may otherwise be misattributed to the cancer by patient and clinician alike. This systematic review highlights the impact of cancer-associated thrombosis on the lives of cancer patients, and calls for education for patients and clinicians to be part of routine care and further work to address this patient priority.
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Palliative medicine · May 2018
Assessment and management of constipation for patients receiving palliative care in specialist palliative care settings: A systematic review of the literature.
Constipation is an important issue for patients receiving palliative care within specialist palliative care settings. Questions and ambiguity, however, persist about international best practice and management. ⋯ The results of this review are being used to inform the development of an educational intervention targeting healthcare professionals. Gaps in the evidence base include lack of consistent definition of constipation, constipation prevention, non-pharmacological management, and the consideration of the management of constipation for the dying patient.