Mending the heart and mind during times of loss: a review of interventions to improve emotional well-being during spousal bereavement

Bereavement Care, 2018 37(2) p. 44-54
Shahane, Anoushka D.; Fagundes, Christopher P.; Denny, Bryan T.

In this paper the authors review evidence from existing pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment approaches for normal bereavement, complicated grief, and bereavement-related depression, and look ahead to promising future interventions.

End-of-life decision-making for people in a minimally conscious state: A review of the application of the mental capacity act 2005

Indian Journal of Palliative Care, 2018 24(3) p 334-344
Curtice, Martin; Two, Jessica; Packer, Jonathan

This article provides an overview of key sections of the Mental Capacity Act applied in end-of-life minimally conscious state cases and reviews seminal cases elucidating how the Act has been applied. It further describes the evolution of how courts have interpreted the doctrine of best interests when considering withholding or withdrawing clinically assisted nutrition and hydration and other life-sustaining treatments.

Fulltext available in Indian Journal of Palliative Care

A purpose-designed monofilament-fibre pad for debridement of hard-to-reach wounds: experience in clinical practice

Journal of Wound Care, 2018 23(7) p 421-425
Dissemond, Joachim; Eberlein, Thomas; Bültemann, Anke; Riepe, Gunnar; Stoffels, Ingo; Stephen-Haynes, Jackie; Roes, Claas; Martin, Abel

This multicentre, international user test was performed by experienced physicians and nurses in Germany and the UK, who used the monofilament-fibre pad in their clinical practice, after which they completed an evaluation questionnaire. The monofilament-fibre pad effectively, easily and safely removed slough and debris from wounds of various aetiologies and was effective in wounds of different shapes, such as in cavity wounds and those in hard-to-reach locations, and compared favourably to standard methods of debridgement.

Medicinal cannabinoids in palliative care

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2018 June
Meera Agar

There is strong public support for the availability of medicinal cannabis, particularly for people with palliative diagnoses, though clinical data to date has been inconclusive in key symptoms such as pain and nausea, and data from other settings such as chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting not readily extrapolated. In people with refractory symptoms, the consideration of unregistered products or off‐label prescribing should be guided by the potential influences of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and drug–drug interactions, supported by an informed discussion with the patient, and regular review of net clinical benefit.

Fulltext available in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Difficulties for a practitioner preparing a family for the death of a parent: a narrative inquiry

Mortality, 2018 23(3) p 247-260
Macpherson, Catriona

A practitioner inquiry within an NHS specialist palliative care context used narrative methods to explore difficulties faced by practitioners when assisting a family in the process of preparing a child for the death of a parent.

Psychological interventions in palliative care

Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 2018 31(5) p 389-395
Pia von Blanckenburg, Nico Leppin

This paper provides an update on recent studies about psychological interventions in palliative (mainly cancer) care with a focus on physical, psychological, spiritual, and social aspects.

Advance care planning in dementia: recommendations for healthcare professionals

BMC Palliative Care, June 2018 
Ruth Piers, Gwenda Albers, Joni Gilissen, et al

No high-quality guidelines are available for ACP in dementia care.  The authors aimed to develop evidence-based clinical recommendations to guide professionals across settings in the practical application of ACP for people living with dementia.

Fulltext available in BMC Palliative Care