Articles: palliative-care.
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Multicenter Study
Intensity and treatment of symptoms in 3,030 palliative care patients: a cross-sectional survey of the EAPC Research Network.
This study aimed to describe intensity and treatment of symptoms other than pain in European palliative care units. ⋯ This survey shows that clinically relevant symptoms are frequent and that one-third to half of the patients with a symptom observed as moderate or severe do not receive any treatment aimed to reduce the symptom intensity. Several symptoms and treatments differed between WHO-groups, cancer diagnoses, metastasis locations, countries, and genders. Prescription practice varied between countries both in terms of medication administered and percent of patients receiving specific treatment.
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Palliative medicine · Dec 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyDo case conferences between general practitioners and specialist palliative care services improve quality of life? A randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN 52269003).
Australian palliative care is delivered by general practitioners (GPs) and specialist palliative care teams. Patient outcomes should improve if they work in formal partnership. We conducted a multi-centred randomised controlled trial of specialist- GP case conferences, with the GP participating by teleconference, or usual care and communication methods. ⋯ The case conference group showed better maintenance of some physical and mental health measures of QoL in the 35 days before death. Case conferences may improve clinical relationships and care plans at referral, which are not implemented until severe symptoms develop. Case conferences between GPs and specialist palliative care services may be warranted for palliative care patients.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 2008
Multicenter Study Controlled Clinical TrialTreatment efficacy of neural blockade in specialized palliative care services in Japan: a multicenter audit survey.
More than 85% of cancer-related pain is pharmacologically controllable, but some patients require interventional treatments. Although audit assessment of these interventions is of importance to clarify the types of patients likely to receive benefits, there have been no multicenter studies in Japan. The primary aims of this study were (1) to clarify the frequency of neural blockade in certified palliative care units and palliative care teams, (2) determine the efficacy of interventions, and (3) explore the predictors of successful or unsuccessful intervention. ⋯ There were no significant correlations of changes in pain intensity with the performance status or previous opioid consumption. In conclusion, neural blockade was performed in 3.8% of cancer patients who received specialized palliative care services in Japan. Neural blockade could contribute to the improvement of pain intensity, performance service status, and opioid consumption without unpredictable serious side effects.
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This paper is a report of a study to explore link nurses' views and experiences regarding the development, barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the role in palliative care in the nursing home. ⋯ Whilst palliative care link nurses can improve care for residents in nursing homes, consideration must be given to overcome the types of barriers identified in order to enable the link nurse system to function effectively.
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Palliative medicine · Oct 2008
Multicenter StudyA report on location of death in paediatric palliative care between home, hospice and hospital.
This retrospective study analysed data for 703 children who died from 2000 to 2006 to examine where children with a broad range of progressive, life-limiting illnesses actually die when families are able to access hospital, paediatric hospice facility and care at home. There was an overall even distribution for location of death in which 35.1% of children died at home, 32.1% died in a paediatric hospice facility, 31.9% in hospital and 0.9% at another location. ⋯ Our results suggest that the choice of families for end-of-life care is equally divided amongst all three options. Given the increasing numbers of children's hospices worldwide, these findings are important for clinicians, care managers and researchers who plan, provide and evaluate the care of children with life-limiting illness.