Journal of palliative medicine
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The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes of cancer patients, their family, and community members in Albania, a post-communist country in Southeast Europe, regarding breaking bad news. ⋯ This survey identified important characteristics of cancer patients, their relatives, and a community-based sample in Albania that could predict the willingness to disclose a fatal diagnosis. Establishment of a formal training of health professionals regarding breaking bad news should be considered in order to ensure a proper approach of communicating diagnosis to cancer patients in transitional Albania.
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and ultimately fatal disease of the pulmonary circulation. There has never been an investigation of the end-of-life symptoms in patients with PAH. In this investigation, we surveyed surrogates of recent decedents with PAH. We evaluate their responses to better understand the end-of-life experience of patients with PAH. ⋯ In this cohort, patients with PAH usually died from their disease, often in the hospital setting with a high symptom burden. Further study will be needed to confirm the findings from this study and to better understand the forces leading to the trends uncovered in this investigation.
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Background music can be used to distract from ordinary sounds and improve wellbeing in patient care areas. Little is known about individuals' attitudes and beliefs about music versus ordinary sound in this setting. ⋯ Background music in patient care areas was preferred to ordinary sound by patients, caregivers and providers. Demographics of the population are strong determinants of music style preferences.
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Studies of advance care planning (ACP) completion rates in HIV-infected persons pre-date the "graying" of the HIV epidemic. We sought to examine current ACP completion rates and factors influencing completion among HIV-infected persons. ⋯ Less than 50% of middle-aged patients in HIV care had documented ACP. In particular, women and those with lower education were at greatest risk of non-completion and may need interventions to improve ACP.