Journal of palliative medicine
-
This article outlines the development and implementation of a consensus development conference (CDC). ⋯ This article also details the background information and guiding principles on which the Palliative Care Matters initiative was formed. A Canadian Reference Working Group was formed to develop the Palliative Care Matters guiding principles into six scientific questions. The scientific articles in this supplemental issue each present evidence and expert recommendations that speak to one of the Palliative Care Matters scientific questions.
-
Multicenter Study
Pharmacovigilance in Hospice/Palliative Care: Net Effect of Haloperidol for Nausea or Vomiting.
Haloperidol is widely prescribed as an antiemetic in patients receiving palliative care, but there is limited evidence to support and refine its use. ⋯ Haloperidol as an antiemetic provided rapid net clinical benefit with low-grade, short-term harms.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
A Pilot Trial of Early Specialty Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Challenges Encountered and Lessons Learned.
Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer suffer from high morbidity and mortality. Specialty palliative care may improve quality of life. ⋯ A randomized trial of early palliative care for advanced pancreatic cancer did not achieve feasibility goals. Integrating palliative care within oncology clinics may increase acceptability and perceived effectiveness.
-
The home is an important and often preferable setting of palliative care. While much research has demonstrated the benefits of specialized palliative homecare on patient and system outcomes, there has been little delineation of the underlying components of these efficacious programs. We synthesized the essential elements of palliative homecare from a combined review of successful programs, perspectives of patients and caregivers, and views of healthcare providers in palliative care. ⋯ Our metasynthesis of effective palliative homecare models, as well as, the values of those who use and provide these services, illuminates the underpinning elements of quality home-based care for patients with a life-limiting illness. However, the application of these elements must be relevant to the local community context. To create impactful, sustainable homecare programs, it is critical to capitalize on existing processes, partnerships, and assets.