International journal of palliative nursing
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Terminally ill prison inmates have a right to all aspects of health care including palliative care provision. However, there are numerous difficulties in providing palliative care to high-security prisoners in the UK. ⋯ Dying prisoners need companionship and to be shown respect and compassion to avoid feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Inmate volunteers can provide an invaluable source of support and friendship for the terminally ill prisoner, helping to improve quality of life.
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This article is a sequel to 'Spirituality in palliative care: what language do we need?' (Byrne, 2002). It looks at the language of pastoral care, its place in palliative settings and how it is regarded by patients and carers. ⋯ The role of the chaplain in spiritual care is also assessed, and an ability to move beyond the boundaries of their own denominational position addressed. Several components of the language of pastoral care are identified.
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Constipation is an unpleasant and distressing symptom that many palliative care patients may experience, often having a profound effect on their quality of life. The many management options available reflect the multifactorial nature of constipation. ⋯ Advances in the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of constipation are reviewed and discussed in the light of relevant research. Further discussion includes definitions, incidence and causes of constipation in palliative care.
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A lack of comprehensive and effective palliative care is clearly evident in a number of studies describing the end of life for patients with advanced heart failure. These patients have been portrayed as experiencing a wide array of poorly managed symptoms. ⋯ Nurses must manage care beyond the illness trajectory from an emphasis of palliative care as each of these patients may face significant illness burden and even sudden death. The purpose of this paper is to: discuss the current status of palliative care for patients with advanced heart failure; explain the basic pathophysiology and resulting signs and symptoms of advanced heart failure; describe pharmacological and non-pharmacological symptom management strategies for patients with advanced heart failure.