Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2013
A new model for breaking bad news to people with intellectual disabilities.
To develop a model for breaking bad news that meets the needs of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). ⋯ Patients who have IDs do not easily process verbal information in a clinical setting. The new model for breaking bad news to people with IDs needs to be tested in practice using robust outcome measures. The model's relevance to wider patient groups should also be evaluated.
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2013
Extent of palliative care need in the acute hospital setting: a survey of two acute hospitals in the UK.
In common with international health policy, The End of Life Care Strategy for England has highlighted the delivery of high quality palliative care in the acute hospital setting as an area of priority. ⋯ The results reveal that according to the GSF prognostic guide, over a third of hospital in-patients meet the criteria for palliative care need. Consensus between medical staff, nursing staff and the GSF was poor regarding the identification of patients with palliative care needs. This has significant implications for patient care, and draws into question the utility of the GSF in the hospital setting.
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Palliative medicine · Jan 2013
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) management in palliative care units and hospices in Germany: a nationwide survey on patient isolation policies and quality of life.
For palliative care settings, little is known about the benefits of specific methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus containment regimens and the burdens patient isolation imposes on affected patients, their families, and professional caregivers. ⋯ Rigorously applied MRSA protocols impose significant burdens at the end of life. Research on clinical outcomes including quality of life may identify interventions of questionable benefit. The issue of handling MRSA should be studied as a model for the management of other highly complex conditions and special needs such as patient isolation.
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Palliative medicine · Dec 2012
ReviewUsing observation as a data collection method to help understand patient and professional roles and actions in palliative care settings.
Observational research methods are important for understanding people's actions, roles and behaviour. However, these techniques are underused generally in healthcare research, including research in the palliative care field. ⋯ Qualitative observational data collection methods can contribute to theoretical and conceptual development and the explanation of social processes in palliative care. In particular this contribution to understanding care structures and processes should improve understanding of patients' experiences of their care journey and thus impact on care outcomes.
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Palliative medicine · Dec 2012
Qualitative evaluation of a problem-solving intervention for informal hospice caregivers.
Informal hospice caregivers may experience compromised well-being as a result of significant stress. Although quite limited, problem-solving interventions with this population have garnered empirical support for improved caregiver well-being. ⋯ The study findings provide much needed depth to the field's understanding of problem-solving interventions for informal hospice caregivers and can be used to enhance existing support services.