Journal of palliative medicine
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Importance: A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that palliative care was not associated with improvement in quality of life (QOL) in terminal noncancer illness. Among potential reasons for a null effect, it is unclear if patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) measuring QOL were derived or validated among populations with advanced life-limiting illness (ALLI). Objective: To systematically review the derivation and validation of QOL PROMs from a recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) of palliative care interventions in people with terminal noncancer illness. ⋯ QOL PROMs such as Quality of Life at End of Life, EuroQoL-5 Dimension 5-level, and 36-item Short Form Survey demonstrated validity in more than one terminal noncancer illness. Conclusions: Most QOL PROMs that measured the effect of palliative care on QOL in RCTs were neither derived nor validated in an ALLI population. These findings raise questions about the inferences that palliative care does not improve QOL among people with terminal noncancer illness.
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Background: Understanding the principles and practice of research by health care professionals helps to improve the evidence base for palliative care practice and service delivery. Research is a core competency in palliative care that enables the identification and addressing of problems for patients and their families, establishes best practice and improves ways to manage pain, other symptoms, and concerns. This work was undertaken in the research for all palliative care clinicians (RESPACC) Erasmus+ project. ⋯ In the consultation process 6 of the 17 competencies were considered as required by each individual team member, and 3 to be present within the palliative care team. Conclusion: Using a multi-method approach, the first Palliative Care Research Framework identifying core research competencies for palliative care clinicians has been developed. The aim of the framework was not to transform palliative care clinicians into researchers, but to ensure that clinicians understand the important role of research and its integration into clinical practice.
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Introduction: Due to their remote location, rural-dwelling family caregivers (FCGs) experience geographic and psychosocial challenges when providing home-based palliative and end-of-life (PEOL) care for their care recipient. Limited research has evaluated the social and environmental factors that may compound FCG burden and contribute to adverse emotional health outcomes among rural-dwelling PEOL FCGs. Objective: To characterize the social determinants of health (SDOH) that affect the provision of PEOL care among rural-dwelling FCGs, along with symptoms of anxiety and depression. ⋯ The presence of community support promoted hospice use and facilitated the provision of care. Conclusions: FCGs are vulnerable to adverse emotional health when providing home-based PEOL care. Research is needed to develop supportive interventions (e.g., digital health) for rural-dwelling FCGs.
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Background: Palliative care, a cornerstone of comprehensive healthcare, prioritizes quality of life for individuals with life-threatening illnesses. Aromatherapy, with its holistic approach and patient-reported benefits, emerges as a promising complementary therapy for managing symptoms and enhancing well-being in palliative care. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of aromatherapy interventions in symptom management, with a focus on pain, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbances among palliative care patients. ⋯ Conclusion: This systematic review underscores the potential of aromatherapy as a complementary intervention in palliative care. While the findings support its efficacy in symptom management, methodological inconsistencies across studies warrant further research. Standardized approaches and larger trials are essential to validate the tailored effectiveness of aromatherapy for different symptoms encountered in palliative care, ultimately enhancing its clinical utility and integration into therapeutic practices.
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Multicenter Study
Continuous Deep Sedation Until Death of Children at the End of Life: French Physicians' Opinions.
Objectives: To evaluate physicians' opinions concerning continuous deep sedation until death (CDSUD) and implementation of Claeys-Leonetti; a law intended to be applicable to all patients, but without a specific framework for children thus giving rise to ethically and legally complex situations. The secondary objective was to identify if physicians' characteristics could influence their opinions. Study Design: This was a national, multicenter, noninterventional cross-sectional survey from January 30, 2020, until March 1, 2020. ⋯ Respondents were in favor of adolescents' decision-making autonomy and their access to drafting advance directives. The child's best interest prevailed in case of objection by parents, except in situations outside the law's framework or in cases of disagreement within the health care team. Conclusion: Results of our study showed differences in the interpretation of the law concerning the CDSUD application framework and provide elements for reflection, which may ultimately contribute to the development of specific guidelines in CDSUD in children at the end of life.