Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2019
Case ReportsShould we include monitors to improve assessment of awareness and pain in unconscious palliatively sedated patients? A case report.
Awareness and pain during palliative sedation is typically assessed by observational scales, but the use of such scales has been put into question. ⋯ This case demonstrates the feasibility and potential advantages of using monitoring devices to objectify assessments of pain and discomfort in palliatively sedated patients.
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2019
The trajectory of functional decline over the last 4 months of life in a palliative care population: A prospective, consecutive cohort study.
Understanding current patterns of functional decline will inform patient care and has health service and resource implications. ⋯ Two simplified trajectories of functional decline in the last 4 months of life were identified for five patient cohorts. Both trajectories present opportunities to plan for responsive healthcare that will support patients and families.
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2019
The experience of family caregivers of patients with cancer in an Asian country: A grounded theory approach.
Strong family bonds are part of the Indonesian culture. Family members of patients with cancer are intensively involved in caring, also in hospitals. This is considered "normal": a societal and religious obligation. The values underpinning this might influence families' perception of it. ⋯ We developed a model of family caregivers' experiences from a country where caregiving is deeply rooted in religion and culture. The model might also be useful in other cultural contexts. Our model shows that the spiritual domain, not only for the patient but also for the family caregivers, should be structurally addressed by professional caregivers.
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Palliative medicine · Jun 2019
Meta AnalysisAirflow relieves chronic breathlessness in people with advanced disease: An exploratory systematic review and meta-analyses.
Chronic breathlessness is a neglected symptom of advanced diseases. ⋯ Airflow appears to offer meaningful relief of chronic breathlessness and should be considered as an adjunct treatment in the management of breathlessness.