Venting gastrostomy at home for symptomatic management of bowel obstruction in advanced/recurrent ovarian malignancy: a case series

Journal of Palliative Medicine, Aug 2015, vol. 18, no. 8, p. 722-728

DeEulis, Timothy G, Yennurajalingam, Sriram

In this case series, the authors describe supportive care outcomes in ovarian cancer patients with malignant bowel obstruction receiving the effects of VG in a community setting. Their results suggest that VG may be beneficial in controlling nausea and vomiting in ovarian cancer patients with MBO and that VG placement with concurrent evacuation of large-volume ascites was associated with minimal complications. 

Patient and caregiver opinions of motivational interviewing techniques in role-played palliative care conversations: a pilot study

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Jul 2015, vol. 50, no. 1, p. 91-98 

Pollak, Kathryn I, Jones, Jacqueline, Lum, Hillary D, De La Cruz, Scott, Felton, Susanne, Gill, Arvin, Kutner, Jean S

The aim of this pilot study was to describe how patients and caregivers perceived MI techniques in palliative care role-play encounters. Qualitative analyses revealed that participants independently identified the following helpful communication elements that are consistent with core MI techniques: reflection and validation of values, support of autonomy and flexibility, and open questions acting as catalysts for discussion. Participants rated the MI-trained physician slightly higher on the perceived empathy scale. The authors conclude that the use of MI techniques shows promise for improving palliative care discussions.

Fulltext available in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Available in print in Arthur Rank House Library, Brookfields Hospital

Spiritual care: which is the best assessment tool for palliative settings?

International journal of palliative nursing, Sep 2015, vol. 21, no. 9, p. 430-438

Blaber, Michael, Jone, June, Willis, Derek

This paper analyses the benefits and drawbacks of using spiritual history-taking tools, considering four of the most widely used tools-FICA, FAITH, SPIRITual and HOPE. The authors conclude that spiritual history-taking tools do have an important role in identifying the spiritual needs of patients at the end of life, with the 'HOPE' tool most comprehensively addressing the spirituality themes identified as important within the healthcare literature.

Fulltext available in International Journal of Palliative Nursing

Available in print in Arthur Rank House Library, Brookfields Hospital

Experiences of hospice inpatient nurses in supporting children before the death of a parent.

International journal of palliative nursing, Sep 2015, vol. 21, no. 9, p. 453-459

Clipsham, Laura, Islam, Zoebia, Faull, Christina

This study provides an insight into how nurses identify the support needs of children, the barriers and facilitators to providing support and the impact on the nurses of their involvement in supporting the children.  The authors conclude that formal training and readily available resources help nurses working with children.

Fulltext available in International Journal of Palliative Nursing

Available in pront in Arthur Rank House Library, Brookfields Hospital

Evidence-based guidelines for pressure ulcer management at the end of life

International journal of palliative nursing, May 2015, vol. 21, no. 5, p. 225-232

Langemo, Diane, Haesler, Emily, Naylor, Wayne, Tippett, Aletha, Young, Trudie

This article discusses patient and risk assessment, prevention and care for pressure ulcers for the palliative care patient and the recommendations given in the palliative care section of the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Clinical Practice Guideline 

Fulltext  available International Journal of Palliative Nursing

Available in print in Arthur Rank House Library, Brookfields Hospital

Hospice nurses' views on single nurse administration of controlled drugs

International journal of palliative nursing, Jul 2015, vol. 21, no. 7, p. 319-327

Taylor, Vanessa, Middleton-Green, Laura, Carding, Sally, Perkins, Paul

The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of nurses who had implemented single nurse dispensing and administration of controlled drugs (SNAD). Overall the nurses felt that SNAD benefited patients and families because it minimised interruptions and enabled them to respond more quickly to requests from patients. However, concerns were raised about competence in drug calculations and the impact of inexperience or tiredness.

Fulltext available in International Journal of Palliative Nursing

Available in print in Arthur Rank House Library, Brookfields Hospital

The role of airflow for the relief of chronic refractory breathlessness

Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care, Sep 2015, vol. 9, no. 3, p. 206-211

Swan, Flavia, Booth, Sara

The authors conclude that there is sufficient review evidence available to suggest that airflow from the hand-held fan or medical air can provide clinically relevant and discernible relief of chronic refractory breathlessness at rest in patients with advanced diseases. Emerging evidence indicates that airflow from the hand-held fan may also have an important role with exertion-induced breathlessness.

Fulltext available in Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care