Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Apr 2021
ReviewFatigue in advanced disease associated with palliative care: A systematic review of non-pharmacological treatments.
Fatigue is a common complaint reported by patients with advanced disease, impacting their daily activities and quality of life. The pathophysiology is incompletely understood, and evidence-based treatment approaches are needed. ⋯ Physical exercise should be considered as a measure to reduce fatigue in patients with advanced cancer, but data on other advanced diseases is lacking. Due to the differences between studies, no clear recommendations can be made with respect to the best type of physical therapy. Restoration exercise and psycho-educational therapy are promising treatment options, although further research is needed.
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Palliative medicine · Apr 2021
ReviewFatigue in advanced disease associated with palliative care: A systematic review of non-pharmacological treatments.
Fatigue is a common complaint reported by patients with advanced disease, impacting their daily activities and quality of life. The pathophysiology is incompletely understood, and evidence-based treatment approaches are needed. ⋯ Physical exercise should be considered as a measure to reduce fatigue in patients with advanced cancer, but data on other advanced diseases is lacking. Due to the differences between studies, no clear recommendations can be made with respect to the best type of physical therapy. Restoration exercise and psycho-educational therapy are promising treatment options, although further research is needed.
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Palliative medicine · Apr 2021
What defines the comprehensive assessment of needs in palliative care? An integrative systematic review.
The comprehensive assessment of needs in palliative care identifies where patients most want attention to guide clinical decisions that tailor care provision from their first encounters. ⋯ The assessment of needs in palliative care is comprehensive but lacks consensus on the needs and domains that should be assessed by the palliative care team. Future studies should better define what needs can be standardized into the assessment to improve process of care and patient satisfaction.
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Palliative medicine · Apr 2021
Meta AnalysisThe effectiveness of hope-fostering interventions in palliative care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The concept of hope is an important theme in chronic illness and palliative care and has been associated with increased psycho-spiritual well-being and quality of life. Psycho-spiritual interventions have been described in this population, but no systematic review of hope-enhancing interventions or hopelessness-reducing interventions has been conducted for persons with palliative care diseases. ⋯ Evidence suggests that interventions can be effective in increasing hope in palliative care patients.
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Palliative medicine · Apr 2021
Delirium screening tools validated in the context of palliative care: A systematic review.
Delirium is a distressing neuropsychiatric disorder affecting patients in palliative care. Although many delirium screening tools exist, their utility, and validation within palliative care settings has not undergone systematic review. ⋯ The processes of selecting a delirium screening tool and determining optimal screening practices in palliative care are complex. One tool is unlikely to fit the needs of the entire palliative care population across all palliative care settings. Further research should be directed at evaluating and/or adapting screening tools and practices to fit the needs of specific palliative care settings and populations.