Journal of palliative medicine
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Palliative care services are lacking in rural hospitals. Implementing palliative care services in rural and remote areas requires knowledge of available resources, specific barriers, and a commitment from the hospital and community. ⋯ It is imperative for quality of care that rural hospitals have practitioners who are up to date on current evidence and practice within a palliative care framework. Unique challenges exist to implementing palliative care services in rural hospitals. Opportunities for informing rural areas focus around utilizing existing hospice resources and relationships, and favoring Web-based classes and online courses. The development of a multifaceted intervention to facilitate education about palliative care and cultivate palliative care services in rural settings is indicated.
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Palliative care physicians are increasingly being asked to provide end-of-life (EOL) care for children. Yet very little is known about physicians' level of comfort and willingness to do so. ⋯ Palliative physicians tend to be willing to care for children, but perceive their level of training to be insufficient. Although additional training is endorsed, physicians favored real-time support and mentorship from a pediatric expert.
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Anatomopathological studies that described the immediate causes of death of patients with advanced cancer were first published approximately 20 years ago. ⋯ The results of this retrospective study demonstrate that causes of death did not change with the modification of our practice. The high rate of pulmonary infection and embolism in this population, including in patients who received broad spectrum and prophylactic anticoagulation should encourage us to pursue other prospective studies to actually demonstrate the benefit of these treatments in this population.