Journal of palliative medicine
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Palliative care consultation teams (PCCTs) are being established in cancer centers for the management of patients' physical and psychosocial distress. As clinical findings of these teams have been reported infrequently, we aim to describe the experience of our high-volume inpatient PCCT. ⋯ These results provide insight into the demand and utility of this service for those considering the establishment of a PCCT.
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Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting congenital disease, with most patients dying at a young age of progressive lung disease. Lung transplantation offers hope for many but may not occur. There is little to guide the provision of palliative care to this young population who maintain hope in the possibility of lung transplantation. ⋯ We conclude that the circumstances surrounding the death of patients with CF holds challenges for their effective palliative care. CF patients continue life prolonging and preventative treatments until the last hours of life. There is an urgent need to examine palliative care approaches that may usefully coexist with maintaining transplantation options in the end-of-life care of this population.
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The importance of communication in close, personal relationships has been well-documented. At the end of life, communication, social relationships, and spirituality seem to have greater importance. Some studies suggest that the quality of life at the end of life (QOLEOL) involves these components. ⋯ The knowledge gained through this investigation laid the groundwork for future studies in identifying the importance of explicitly assessing relationships and supporting patients and families in their communication. In order to learn more about this phenomenon and establish a foundation for intervention, confirmation is required regarding the connections between the spiritual and social domains, the relationships between the specific communicative acts and the QOLEOL, as well as establishment of valid measurement approaches.
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Most referrals to palliative care and hospice occur late in the trajectory of the disease although an earlier intervention could decrease patients' symptom distress. The purpose of this study was to determine the interval between first palliative care consult (PC1) and death (D) in patients diagnosed with advanced cancer (aCA) at our comprehensive cancer center and if such interval has increased over time. ⋯ The first palliative care consultation to death interval has decreased over time at our center. Education is needed among our referring physicians for earlier access to palliative care. Prospective studies are needed to establish the appropriate timing of the first palliative care consultation.