Articles: palliative-care.
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Background: Patients with neurologic impairment (NI) experience gastrointestinal symptoms as one of three common problems associated with NI, including occasional persistent total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use. Objective: To describe the incidence of persistent TPN use in patients with NI. Design: Retrospective chart review on patients 0-38 years old enrolled in the Complex Health Care Program from January 2011 to October 2015. ⋯ Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a substantial population of patients with NI and surgical feeding tube are affected by persistent feeding intolerance. We propose that persistent TPN use may be a risk factor for mortality. Additional research is needed to delineate relationships between persistent TPN use, hospitalizations, and mortality.
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Introduction: Despite increasing evidence of the benefits of spiritual care and nurses' efforts to incorporate spiritual interventions into palliative care and clinical practice, the role of spirituality is not well understood and implemented. There are divergent meanings and practices within and across countries. Understanding the delivery of spiritual interventions may lead to improved patient outcomes. ⋯ Studies showed that spiritual interventions are associated with improved psychological and spiritual patient outcomes. The studies' different methodological approaches and the lack of detail made it challenging to compare, replicate, and validate the applicability and circumstances under which the interventions are effective. Further studies utilizing rigorous methods with operationalized definitions of spiritual nursing care are recommended.