Articles: palliative-care.
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Support Care Cancer · Dec 2012
Multicenter StudyA survey of the sedation practice of Portuguese palliative care teams.
The purpose of this study is to study the practice of sedation by Portuguese palliative care teams. ⋯ There is a substantial variation in the sedation rate among the teams. One of the most important aspects was the decision-making process which should be object of reflection and discussion in the teams.
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BMJ Support Palliat Care · Dec 2012
Multicenter Study Observational StudyStructure, organisation and clinical outcomes in cancer patients of hospital support teams in Spain.
To describe the structure, characteristics of patients and basic clinical outcomes in cancer patients receiving care from palliative care hospital support teams (HSTs) in Spain. ⋯ Palliative intervention of HSTs is characterised by being adjusted to patient needs and short duration. Their care was focused on the preterminal phase of cancer patients of moderate-high complexity.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Nov 2012
Multicenter StudyQuality of life after palliative radiation therapy for patients with painful bone metastases: results of an international study validating the EORTC QLQ-BM22.
Radiation therapy (RT) is an effective method of palliating painful bone metastases and can improve function and reduce analgesic requirements. In advanced cancer patients, quality of life (QOL) is the primary outcome of interest over traditional endpoints such as survival. The purpose of our study was to compare bone metastasis-specific QOL scores among patients who responded differently to palliative RT. ⋯ Patients who report pain relief after palliative RT also have better QOL with respect to bone metastasis-specific issues. The QLQ-BM22 and QLQ-C30 are able to discriminate among patients with varying responses and are recommended for use in future bone metastasis clinical trials.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2012
Multicenter StudyComputer-based symptom assessment is feasible in patients with advanced cancer: results from an international multicenter study, the EPCRC-CSA.
Symptom assessment by computers is only effective if it provides valid results and is perceived as useful for clinical use by the end users: patients and health care providers. ⋯ The high completion rate shows that symptom assessment by computers is feasible in patients with advanced cancer. However, reduced performance status reduces compliance and increases the need for assistance. Future work should aim at identifying the minimum set of valid screening questions and refine the software to optimize symptom assessment and reduce respondent burden in frail patients.
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Multicenter Study
Pharmacovigilance in hospice/palliative care: rapid report of net clinical effect of metoclopramide.
Understanding the performance of prescribed medications in day-to-day practice is important to minimize harm, maximize clinical benefits, and, eventually, better target the people who are most likely to benefit, especially in hospice/palliative care where there may be limited time to optimize prescribing. Metoclopramide, a benzamide prokinetic antiemetic, is widely used for a number of indications including nausea, vomiting, hiccups, and reflux. It has recently had a new "black box" warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration in relation to tardive dyskinesia to limit use to 12 weeks. ⋯ Overall, one in three people gained net clinical benefit at one week. Limiting effects include side-effects that need to be sought actively in clinical care.