Articles: palliative-care.
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Multicenter Study
What oncologists tell patients about survival benefits of palliative chemotherapy and implications for informed consent: qualitative study.
To examine how much oncologists tell patients about the survival benefit of palliative chemotherapy during consultations at which decisions about treatment are made. ⋯ Most patients were not given clear information about the survival gain of palliative chemotherapy. To aid decision making and informed consent, we recommend that oncologists sensitively describe the benefits and limitations of this treatment, including survival gain.
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Palliative medicine · Dec 2007
Multicenter StudyOfficial certification of doctors working in palliative medicine in Europe: data from an EAPC study in 52 European countries.
There is an increasing move to recognize palliative medicine as an area of certificated specialization. Drawing on a survey of palliative care provision in the World Health Organization European region, an overview of palliative care specialization and accreditation practices was presented. Within an international survey to key experts in palliative care carried out in 2005, conducted in 52 countries, a question about the certification for palliative care professionals was included. ⋯ Across countries there is disparity in the certification criteria followed and considerable variability in the demands that are made in order to achieve certification. Further studies are needed to focus in depth on palliative medicine certification and accreditation across Europe. Establishing uniform approaches to certification for palliative medicine in different European countries will contribute to wider take-up of specialty status and the improved recognition of palliative care as a discipline.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Nov 2007
Multicenter StudyA population-based study of the fractionation of palliative radiotherapy for bone metastasis in Ontario.
To describe the use of palliative radiotherapy (PRT) for bone metastases in Ontario between 1984 and 2001 and identify factors associated with the choice of fractionation. ⋯ Despite increasing evidence of the effectiveness of single-fraction PRT for bone metastases, most patients continued to receive fractionated PRT throughout the two decades of this study. Single fractions were used more frequently when waiting times were longer. There was persistent, unexplained variation in the fractionation of PRT among different centers.
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Opioids are commonly used in both cancer and noncancer pain. Many patients who require opioids have renal impairment. This can adversely influence the safety of opioids in these patients. ⋯ Consensus guidelines drawing on expertise from both palliative and renal physicians are needed to promote safer use of opioids in this vulnerable patient group.
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Although intravenous midazolam and flunitrazepam are frequently administered for primary insomnia in Japan, there is no empirical study on their efficacy and safety. ⋯ Intravenous midazolam and flunitrazepam appeared to be almost equal about efficacy and safety for primary insomnia, but flunitrazepam is less expensive and shows lower risk of tolerance development. A future prospective comparison study is necessary.