Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Oct 2022
Paracentesis for cancer-related ascites in palliative care: An international, prospective cohort study.
Paracentesis is commonly undertaken in patients with cancer-related ascites. ⋯ Most patients obtained rapid benefits from paracentesis. Harms were less frequent and generally mild, but occasionally serious and fatal. Our findings help inform clinician-patient discussions about the potential outcomes of paracentesis in this frail population.
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Palliative medicine · Oct 2022
Is the use of palliative care services increasing? A comparison of current versus historical palliative care access using health service datasets for patients with cancer.
Mature evidence exists supporting the integration of palliative care in cancer care, but translation of evidence into practice is less well understood. ⋯ Despite established benefits of early palliative care, the important task of translation of this evidence into practice remains.
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Palliative medicine · Oct 2022
'Mum, I think we might ring the ambulance, okay?' A qualitative exploration of bereaved family members' experiences of emergency ambulance care at the end of life.
In the context of a sudden or unexpected event, people with a life-limiting illness and their family caregivers may be dependent on emergency ambulance services. ⋯ The generalist palliative care provided by emergency ambulance personnel is a vital service for patients in the last year of life, and their caregivers. This must be acknowledged in palliative care policy and supported with training, specialist consultation and adequate resources.
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Palliative medicine · Oct 2022
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in cancer pain: A database analysis to determine recruitment feasibility for a clinical trial.
Insufficient evidence exists to support or refute use of NSAIDs for managing cancer pain. Palliative physicians support a placebo-controlled trial of NSAIDs as strong opioid adjuncts for cancer-induced bone pain as the most pragmatic design to benefit clinical practice. ⋯ Patient numbers at a regional radiotherapy centre support the feasibility of trial recruitment. Available serology and co-morbidity data suggest two-thirds may be suitable for NSAID prescription.
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Palliative medicine · Oct 2022
Evaluating a partnership model of hospice enabled dementia care: A three-phased monitoring, focus group and interview study.
People with dementia and their caregivers often lack equitable access to hospice care which is a concern internationally. Domains of best practice in palliative care for this population exist and hospices are urged to become dementia friendly. ⋯ Positive outcomes resulted from this best practice model; achievement of preferred place of care and death at home, dual benefits of therapies for patients and families and partnership in cross working and learning between services. Replication of this model should be considered internationally.