Articles: palliative-care.
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Gynecologic oncology · May 2002
Trends among gynecologic oncology inpatient deaths: is end-of-life care improving?
The objective was to describe trends over time in key factors surrounding end-of-life care on a gynecologic oncology service at a tertiary cancer center. ⋯ Our data indicate that discussions about DNR orders are occurring earlier in relation to terminal events. However, we could not detect significant changes in the other outcome measures we studied. Major opportunities remain for further enhancements in the realm of advance planning for end-of-life care. Educational opportunities should be offered to physicians regarding communicating with patients about disease progression and end-of-life decision-making.
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Whereas satisfaction is one of the most important outcomes in palliative care settings, there have been no systematic studies investigating the effects of family- and organization-related variables on family satisfaction with care. To clarify factors contributing to family satisfaction with inpatient palliative care services, a cross-sectional mailed survey was performed. A 60-item questionnaire was mailed to 1026 bereaved subjects who had lost family members at one of 37 palliative care units in Japan to evaluate their sociodemographic characteristics and satisfaction levels with care. ⋯ Significant determinants of family satisfaction identified were: nursing system, the number of nurses at night and presence of attending medical social workers (Nursing Care), patient age and the number of physicians (Symptom Palliation), floor space per bed (Facility), duration of admission and presence of attending medical social workers (Availability), patient age, family age, gender and occupational status (Family Care), patient age and the extra charge for a private room (Cost). In conclusion, informal caregivers are generally satisfied with inpatient palliative care services provided by members of the Japanese Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Units. The levels of satisfaction are influenced by various family- and organization-related variables.
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Support Care Cancer · May 2002
The impact of a palliative medicine consultation service in medical oncology.
This prospective study of consecutive patients describes the palliative medicine consult service in a tertiary level cancer center and its impact on patient care. All inpatients/outpatients referred to the Palliative Medicine Program in a 4-month period were enrolled. Data were collected at the initial consultation using standardized forms with spaces for: reason for the consultation, referring service, demographics and history, ECOG performance status, symptoms, prognosis and diagnostic tests, treatment, and care plan. ⋯ Plan of care foresaw outpatient follow-up for 40%, inpatient follow-up for 32%, and transfer to palliative medicine for 27%. In 39% of cases the consults were considered late referrals. New medications suggested were opioids for 46% of patients, antiemetics for 28%, a bowel regimen for 24%, steroids for 15%, and others for 51%. (1) Palliative medicine consultation involves common complex medical, psychological, and social problems. (2) Complex symptomatology in this population is confirmed. (3) Multiple interventions were suggested even at the initial consultation. (4) Important issues such as DNR (do not resuscitate) status, support system, treatment goals, and eligibility for hospice care had often not been addressed.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the adequacy of content related to end-of-life (EOL) care in materials used in the nursing certification process across clinical nursing specialties. Thirty-eight certification examination blueprints, 18 specialty nursing scope and standards of practice documents, and 28 specialty nursing core curriculum text books were analyzed by using descriptive statistics to determine the quantity and quality of content related to nine critical areas of EOL content contained in them. Fifteen (38 per cent) of the certification examination blueprints contained at least one of the critical EOL content areas. ⋯ Expert ratings regarding the overall accuracy, currency, and comprehensiveness of EOL content found in the textbooks were poor to good. An increased focus on EOL care in the nursing specialty certification process is warranted. The content of nursing specialty certification examinations has a direct influence on nursing education as well as a significant impact on nursing practice in clinical specialty areas.