Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · May 2021
Advance care planning and end-of-life care in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: The perspective of relatives.
Little is known about the last phase of life of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators and the practice of advance care planning in this population. ⋯ Implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation was discussed with a minority of patients. Device shocks were reported to be distressing to patients and relatives. Relatives of patients with a deactivated device reported a higher quality of death compared to relatives of patients with an active device.
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Palliative medicine · May 2021
'Living in parallel worlds' - bereaved parents' experience of family life when a parent with dependent children is at end of life from cancer: A qualitative study.
When a parent of dependent children (<18 years old) is at end of life from cancer, this has a profound impact on the family. Children less prepared for the death of a parent are more susceptive to poorer psychosocial adjustment in later life. There is a lack of understanding from the literature surrounding what support parents require, and how they navigate this end of life experience. ⋯ Amidst challenges, clinicians should provide parents with clear information surrounding a poor prognosis, so families can plan and prepare for parental death. There is a need for healthcare professionals to engage, encourage and equip parents, as they prepare their children throughout the end of life experience for the inevitable death of a parent.