Articles: palliative-care.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2000
Meta AnalysisComplementary and alternative medicine in the management of pain, dyspnea, and nausea and vomiting near the end of life. A systematic review.
To review the evidence for efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities in treating pain, dyspnea, and nausea and vomiting in patients near the end of life, original articles were evaluated following a search through MEDLINE, CancerLIT, AIDSLINE, PsycLIT, CINAHL, and Social Work Abstracts databases. Search terms included alternative medicine, palliative care, pain, dyspnea, and nausea. Two independent reviewers extracted data, including study design, subjects, sample size, age, response rate, CAM modality, and outcomes. ⋯ Because of publication bias, trials on CAM modalities may not be found on routine literature searches. Despite the paucity of controlled trials, there are data to support the use of some CAM modalities in terminally ill patients. This review generated evidence-based recommendations and identified areas for future research.
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Review Case Reports
Pain management in palliative care. Reviewing the issues.
Cancer pain remains significantly undertreated despite being one of the most prevalent and feared symptoms associated with cancer. Approximately 90% of patients can have their cancer pain controlled through relatively simple measures. ⋯ Each component of the pain experience is addressed using a four point approach to pain and involves pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures. The general practitioner's role is pivotal in optimal cancer pain management. This is the first of two articles by Kiran Virik and Paul Clare on pain management in palliative care. The second, outlining treatment options, will appear in the December issue of Australian Family Physician.
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Suffering threatens the integrity of the person, never more so in palliative care than when existential distress is left unaddressed. ⋯ Each existential challenge operates across a spectrum of response from successful adaptation to morbid complication. Clinical responses to such predicaments and their complications described herein, are exemplified by the demoralisation syndrome and its treatment. Boundary violations that arise from a 'burnt out' clinician can be avoided. Our goal is to ameliorate suffering and help our patients accomplish a more peaceful journey during their dying.
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Oncology nursing forum · Nov 2000
Comparative StudyHospice and hospital oncology unit nurses: a comparative survey of knowledge and attitudes about cancer pain.
To identify knowledge strengths and weaknesses and misperceptions about cancer pain management between two groups of registered nurses in different settings. ⋯ Further research is needed regarding nurses' pain management behavior and outcomes of pain management education in various settings.
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To examine the factors influencing healthcare for the elderly and the terminally ill in modern health care. ⋯ Among the most critical areas to consider in improving end-of-life care are encouraging patients to make known their wishes, respecting patients' concerns about quality of life, and promoting continuity and skill in end-of-life care.