Journal of palliative medicine
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Prior research indicates that hospice and palliative care delivered in outpatient settings are associated with reduced hospital readmissions for cancer patients. However, little is known about how inpatient palliative care affects readmissions in oncology. ⋯ The effect of inpatient palliative care on readmissions in oncology is largely driven by hospice enrollment. Strategies that combine palliative care consultation with hospice discharge may decrease hospital readmissions and improve cancer care quality.
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Our aim was to obtain initial estimates of the effect of a palliative care and medical oncology co-rounding model on hospital length of stay, proportion of patients reviewed by specialist palliative care (SPC), and proportion of patients who were readmitted within 7 and 30 days of hospital discharge. ⋯ In our target population, the co-rounding model was associated with a shorter hospital length of stay.
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To describe prevalence and content of AD documentation among NH residents by dementia stage. ⋯ While dementia severity was associated with greater likelihood of having documented any AD, almost 4 in 10 residents with dementia lacked any AD. Effective outreach may focus efforts on subgroups with lower odds of any AD or living wills, including non-white, less educated, and unmarried NH residents. A greater understanding of how such factors impact care planning will help to address barriers to patient-centered care for this population.
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With the increase in elderly population, life-threatening chronic diseases are increasing, simultaneously increasing the need for palliative care centers (PCCs). ⋯ The results of this study revealed some basic factors that affect LOS in PCCs. However, there may be much variation in the data obtained with the various reasons for which this patient group is admitted to a PCC.
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Education, Training, and Mentorship of Caregivers of Canadians Experiencing a Life-Limiting Illness.
Research suggests that caregiver preparedness is essential to minimizing the negative impacts of caregiving. Not being prepared is associated with fear, anxiety, stress, and feelings of insufficiency/uncertainty specific to the caregiver role. ⋯ The palliative navigator approach is a key role in the education, training, and mentorship of caregivers.