Journal of palliative medicine
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Hospice provides intensive end-of-life care to patients and their families delivered by an interdisciplinary team of nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers, and physicians. Significant gaps remain about how team members respond to diverse needs of patients and families, especially in the last week of life. ⋯ This study provides important information to help hospices align the interdisciplinary team configuration with the timing of team member visits, to better meet the needs of the patients and families they serve.
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The high prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients with cancer can be explained by reasons such as growing scientific evidence and improved regulation. However, subjective considerations are also relevant for practicing CAM and perceiving its effectiveness. The current study aimed at qualitatively estimating patients' prior beliefs and expectations, as well as their level of satisfaction after the treatment. ⋯ CAM sessions encouraged emotional and relational aspects in patients' perspectives, which may be highly relevant for their coping process. Encouraging personal motives may increase treatment efficacy and ensure optimal use of health care resources.
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Retracted Publication
Adherence to Adjuvant Neuropathic Pain Medications in a Palliative Care Clinic.
Currently, few studies exist on patient adherence to adjuvant neuropathic pain (NP) medications in the palliative care setting. ⋯ Results indicated that the MPR might be a more accurate measure of adherence than patient self-report. More research is needed to assess and improve adherence with NP medications in the outpatient palliative care setting.
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Irrreversible interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Palliative care needs of patients and caregivers are not routinely assessed; there is no tool to identify needs and triage support in clinical practice. ⋯ The NAT:PD-ILD appears to have face and content validity. The inclusion of the family caregiver in the consultation as someone with their own needs as well as a source of information was welcomed. Reliability testing and construct validation of the tool are ongoing.
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An estimated 6,000 to 18,000 additional hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) physicians are needed in the United States. A source could be the military graduate medical education system where 15% of U.S. medical residents are trained. A community-based hospice and palliative care organization created a one-week rotation for military residents including participation in interdisciplinary group visits at patients' homes, facilities, and an inpatient hospice unit. ⋯ A one-week community hospice rotation for medical military residents impacts participant's knowledge of and attitudes toward HPM.