Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Jul 2022
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of a theory-based advance care planning intervention for nursing homes: A cluster randomized controlled trial.
Uptake of advance care planning in routine nursing home care is low. Through extensive literature review, theoretical development, and stakeholder involvement, we developed the ACP+ intervention. ⋯ The ACP+ intervention for nursing homes improved care staff's self-efficacy but not their knowledge concerning advance care planning. Considering the comprehensive and multi-component approach used, these effects were smaller than expected. Reasons for this may be related to the chosen follow-up period, outcomes and measurements, or to the intervention itself and its implementation.
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Palliative medicine · Mar 2022
Randomized Controlled TrialEvaluation of a WeChat-based Dyadic Life Review Program for people with advanced cancer and family caregivers: A mixed-method feasibility study.
Cancer not only affects cancer patients' quality of life but also their family caregivers'. A WeChat-based Dyadic Life Review Program was developed by our research team for people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers to improve their quality of life. ⋯ The WeChat-based Dyadic Life Review Program is feasible and acceptable for people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers. It has the potential to improve their quality of life, adaptability and cohesion, and reduce family caregivers' care burden.
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Palliative medicine · Dec 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialVirtual reality for pain management in advanced heart failure: A randomized controlled study.
Hospitalized patients with advanced heart failure often experience acute and/or chronic pain. While virtual reality has been extensively studied across a wide range of clinical settings, no studies have yet evaluated potential impact on pain management on this patient population. ⋯ Virtual reality may be an effective nonpharmacologic adjuvant pain management intervention in hospitalized patients with heart failure.
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Palliative medicine · Sep 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialComparing the effect of a consult model versus an integrated palliative care and medical oncology co-rounding model on health care utilization in an acute hospital - an open-label stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial.
The benefit of specialist palliative care for cancer inpatients is established, but the best method to deliver specialist palliative care is unknown. ⋯ The co-rounding model was associated with a shorter hospital length of stay. Readmissions within 30 days and access to specialist palliative care were similar.
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Palliative medicine · Jul 2021
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyLessons from the COVID-19 pandemic for improving outpatient neuropalliative care: A qualitative study of patient and caregiver perspectives.
COVID-19 has impacted persons with serious illness, including those with chronic, neurodegenerative conditions. While there are several reports on COVID-19's impact on inpatient palliative care, literature is limited about the impact on outpatient care which may be more relevant for these patients. ⋯ Patients and caregivers have unmet care needs because of the pandemic, exacerbated by social isolation. While telemedicine has helped improve access to healthcare, patients and caregivers perceive clear limitations compared to in-person services. Changes in society and healthcare delivery in response to COVID-19 highlight ongoing and novel gaps that must be addressed to optimize future outpatient palliative care for neurologic illness.