Journal of palliative medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A randomized double-blind crossover comparison of continuous and intermittent subcutaneous administration of opioid for cancer pain.
ABSTRACT Although the preferred route of opioid administration is oral, patients with cancer often require an alternative route. Options include continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) or regularly scheduled intermittent subcutaneous injections (ISCI). CSCI maintains steady drug levels, theoretically avoiding the "bolus effect" of nausea and sedation immediately post-dose, and breakthrough pain prior to the next dose. ⋯ There were no differences between CSCI and ISCI in mean visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, nausea or drowsiness; categorical rating score of pain; number of breakthrough opioid doses per day; global rating of treatment effectiveness; or adverse effects. In all cases, patients and investigators expressed no preference for one modality over another. Further research is required to confirm that opioid administration by CSCI and ISCI provide similar analgesic and adverse effects.
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Classic trajectories of illness at end of life (EOL) suggest different care needs for patients with cancer versus chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and may lead to different experiences of transitions over the course of a life-limiting illness. Patients may experience transitions in different ways than clinicians. No prior studies have examined this issue from patients', families', and clinicians' perspectives. ⋯ This study identified differences in the meaning of transitions for patients versus clinicians and for patients with COPD versus those with cancer. These findings may offer clinicians the opportunity to provide a more patient-centered approach to communication about end-of-life care by acknowledging and addressing transitions in palliative care from the perspective of the patient and family.