European journal of pain : EJP
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Suicidal thinking (ST) is common in people with chronic pain. It is relevant as it can be associated with suicidal attempts, and typically reflects significant suffering. While little is known about the psychological processes that contribute to ST, current psychological models, such as the Psychological Flexibility (PF) model, could help guide further investigation. This study investigates relations between ST and components of PF in chronic pain. ⋯ This study provides evidence that components of psychological flexibility are associated with a reduced frequency of suicidal thinking in people with chronic pain. Treatments targeting psychological flexibility may help mitigate the impact of chronic pain on suicidal thinking.
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Pain is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) appears to be a feasible questionnaire to assess this symptom. However, the reliability and validity of the BPI have not been determined in individuals with COPD. This study aimed to determine the internal consistency, test-retest reliability and validity (construct, convergent, divergent and discriminant) of the BPI in individuals with COPD. ⋯ This study formally established the reliability and validity of the BPI in individuals with COPD, which have not been determined in this patient group. The results of this study provide strong evidence that assessment results from this pain questionnaire are reliable and valid.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of orofacial thermal sensitivity assessed with simple devices and sophisticated equipment.
Simple thermal devices providing reliable data are needed to detect somatosensory disturbances in non-specialized clinical settings. Currently, evidence is lacking about their use. Therefore, the aim was to compare the assessment of perceived thermal sensitivity/pain in healthy humans with a state-of-the-art thermotester and with simple inexpensive customized thermal aluminium devices. ⋯ This study indicates that simple thermal devices to some extent can be used in a comparable way with sophisticated thermal stimulators. Therefore, they can be useful in clinical practice, where access to further equipment is lacking.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison between radiofrequency ablation and chemical neurolysis of thoracic splanchnic nerves for the management of abdominal cancer pain, randomized trial.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the splanchnic nerves has been reported as a predictable and safe technique for abdominal pain management. We compare between RFA and chemical neurolysis of bilateral thoracic splanchnic nerves in the management of refractory cancer pain. ⋯ Radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves is safe and effective for relieving upper abdominal cancer pain.
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Multicenter Study
Effect of patient and nurse ethnicity on emergency department analgesia for children with appendicitis in israeli government hospitals.
Ethnicity is a risk factor for disparate Emergency Department (ED) analgesia. We aimed to explore ethnic variations in the administration of ED analgesia to children with acute appendicitis in Israeli government hospitals. ⋯ Emergency Department analgesia for children with acute appendicitis in Israeli government hospitals is markedly low. Patient-provider ethnic discordance may negatively influence the provision of analgesia. Significant efforts should be undertaken in order to increase analgesia provision rates and reduce social inequality.