This paper explores the reasons why homeless people do not experience good care at the end of life and demonstrates that there are many opportunities to improve standards of care.
Fulltext available here
A current awareness bulletin produced by the library service at Arthur Rank Hospice
Friday, 16 February 2018
A second class ending: Exploring the barriers and championing outstanding end of life care for people who are homeless (discussion paper)
Care Quality Commission and Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health, November 2017
This paper explores the reasons why homeless people do not experience good care at the end of life and demonstrates that there are many opportunities to improve standards of care.
This paper explores the reasons why homeless people do not experience good care at the end of life and demonstrates that there are many opportunities to improve standards of care.
The effect of relaxation techniques on edema, anxiety and depression in post-mastectomy lymphedema patients undergoing comprehensive decongestive therapy: A clinical trial
PloS One 2018 13 (1): e0190231
Bahareh
Abbasi, Navid Mirzakhany, Leila Angooti Oshnari, Ashkan Irani, Samaneh Hosseinzadeh,
Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, Shahpar Haghighat
This
study aimed to assess the effects of relaxation techniques on the level of edema,
anxiety and depression in women undergoing Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy
(CDT). It concluded that relaxation
techniques reduced the anxiety and depression scores and the volume of edema in
the patients with lymphedema. Further studies are required to determine the cost-effectiveness of this intervention.
Fulltext available in PloS One
Recommendations to reduce inequalities for LGBT people facing advanced illness: ACCESSCare national qualitative interview study
Palliative Medicine; 2018 32(1) p. 23-35
Bristowe, Katherine; Hodson, Matthew; Wee, Bee; Almack, Kathryn; Johnson, Katherine; Daveson, Barbara A; Koffman, Jonathan; McEnhill, Linda; Harding, Richard
ACCESSCare is the first national study to examine in depth the experiences of LGBT people facing advanced illness. It shows that despite recent legislative change, experiences of discrimination and exclusion in health care persist for LGBT people. Ten recommendations, for health-care professionals and services/institutions, are made from the data. These are simple, low cost and offer potential gains in access to, and outcomes of, care for LGBT people.
Bristowe, Katherine; Hodson, Matthew; Wee, Bee; Almack, Kathryn; Johnson, Katherine; Daveson, Barbara A; Koffman, Jonathan; McEnhill, Linda; Harding, Richard
ACCESSCare is the first national study to examine in depth the experiences of LGBT people facing advanced illness. It shows that despite recent legislative change, experiences of discrimination and exclusion in health care persist for LGBT people. Ten recommendations, for health-care professionals and services/institutions, are made from the data. These are simple, low cost and offer potential gains in access to, and outcomes of, care for LGBT people.
End-of-life care for homeless people: A qualitative analysis exploring the challenges to access and provision of palliative care
Palliative Medicine; 2018 32(1) p. 36-45
Shulman, Caroline; Hudson, Briony F; Low, Joseph; Hewett, Nigel; Daley, Julian; Kennedy, Peter; Davis, Sarah; Brophy, Niamh; Howard, Diana; Vivat, Bella; Stone, Patrick
The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of current and formerly homeless people, frontline homelessness staff (from hostels, day centres and outreach teams) and health- and social-care providers, about the challenges of supporting homeless people with advanced ill health, and to make suggestions for improving care. It highlights the complexities of identifying who is palliative and the lack of appropriate services for homeless people who have high support needs, particularly in combination with substance misuse issues. Recommendation include increased collaboration between services, the promotion of in-reach into hostels and greater training and support for all professional groups.
Shulman, Caroline; Hudson, Briony F; Low, Joseph; Hewett, Nigel; Daley, Julian; Kennedy, Peter; Davis, Sarah; Brophy, Niamh; Howard, Diana; Vivat, Bella; Stone, Patrick
The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of current and formerly homeless people, frontline homelessness staff (from hostels, day centres and outreach teams) and health- and social-care providers, about the challenges of supporting homeless people with advanced ill health, and to make suggestions for improving care. It highlights the complexities of identifying who is palliative and the lack of appropriate services for homeless people who have high support needs, particularly in combination with substance misuse issues. Recommendation include increased collaboration between services, the promotion of in-reach into hostels and greater training and support for all professional groups.
Development and evaluation of the Dignity Talk question framework for palliative patients and their families: A mixed-methods study
Palliative Medicine; 2018 32(1) p. 195-205
Guo, Qiaohong; Chochinov, Harvey Max; McClement, Susan; Thompson, Genevieve; Hack, Tom
Effective patient-family communication can reduce patients' psychosocial distress and relieve family members' current suffering and their subsequent grief but terminally ill patients and their family members often experience great difficulty in communicating their true feelings, concerns, and needs to each other. The aims of this study were to develop a novel means of facilitating meaningful conversations for palliative patients and family members, coined Dignity Talk and to explore the anticipated benefits and challenges. The questions were endorsed by a majority of participants who felt that Dignity Talk would be valuable in promoting conversations, enhancing family connections and relationships, enhancing patient sense of value and dignity, promoting effective interaction, and attending to unfinished business.
Guo, Qiaohong; Chochinov, Harvey Max; McClement, Susan; Thompson, Genevieve; Hack, Tom
Effective patient-family communication can reduce patients' psychosocial distress and relieve family members' current suffering and their subsequent grief but terminally ill patients and their family members often experience great difficulty in communicating their true feelings, concerns, and needs to each other. The aims of this study were to develop a novel means of facilitating meaningful conversations for palliative patients and family members, coined Dignity Talk and to explore the anticipated benefits and challenges. The questions were endorsed by a majority of participants who felt that Dignity Talk would be valuable in promoting conversations, enhancing family connections and relationships, enhancing patient sense of value and dignity, promoting effective interaction, and attending to unfinished business.
Pharmacovigilance in hospice/palliative care: net effect of haloperidol for nausea or vomiting
Journal
of Palliative Medicine; 2018 21(1) p. 37-43
Digges,
Madeline; Hussein, Akram; Wilcock, Andrew; Crawford, Gregory B; Boland, Jason
W; Agar, Meera R; Sinnarajah, Aynharan; Currow, David C; Johnson, Miriam J
The objective of this study war to
explore the immediate and short-term net clinical effects of haloperidol when
treating nausea and/or vomiting in palliative care patients. The authors conclude that haloperidol
as an antiemetic provided rapid net clinical benefit with low-grade, short-term
harms.
Drugs for treating opioid-induced constipation: a mixed treatment comparison network meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Journal
of Pain and Symptom Management; Feb 2018; vol. 55 (no. 2); p. 468-479
Sridharan, Kannan; Sivaramakrishnan, Gowri
The objective of this study was to compare available interventions for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation, using principles of network meta-analysis. The authors found the quality of evidence for the comparisons is either low or very low but concluded that subcutaneous methyl naltrexone performed better than other interventions for managing opioid-induced constipation.
Sridharan, Kannan; Sivaramakrishnan, Gowri
The objective of this study was to compare available interventions for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation, using principles of network meta-analysis. The authors found the quality of evidence for the comparisons is either low or very low but concluded that subcutaneous methyl naltrexone performed better than other interventions for managing opioid-induced constipation.
Moral distress at the end of a life: when family and clinicians do not agree on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator deactivation
Journal
of Pain and Symptom Management; 2018 55(2) p. 530-534
Steiner, Jill M; Patton, Kristen K; Prutkin, Jordan M; Kirkpatrick, James N
An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator can serve to avoid sudden death but may lead to a prolonged death from heart failure. Although ethical consensus holds that defibrillator deactivation is legal and ethical, disagreements about life prolongation may complicate decision making. The ethical, technical, and medical complexity involved in the case study presented in this article speaks to the need for clear, prospective communication involving the patient, the patient's family, and members of the care team.
Steiner, Jill M; Patton, Kristen K; Prutkin, Jordan M; Kirkpatrick, James N
An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator can serve to avoid sudden death but may lead to a prolonged death from heart failure. Although ethical consensus holds that defibrillator deactivation is legal and ethical, disagreements about life prolongation may complicate decision making. The ethical, technical, and medical complexity involved in the case study presented in this article speaks to the need for clear, prospective communication involving the patient, the patient's family, and members of the care team.
Addressing a patient's hope for a miracle
Journal
of Pain and Symptom Management; 2018 55(2) p. 535-539
Shinall, Myrick C; Stahl, Devan; Bibler, Trevor M
Ill patients may make decisions to continue aggressive life-prolonging care based on hope for a miraculous recovery, and clinicians can find goals of care discussions with these patients extremely challenging.This case presents a typology of ways patients express hope for a miracle along with analysis of the motivations and beliefs underlying such hopes and suggestions for tailored responses by palliative care providers.
Shinall, Myrick C; Stahl, Devan; Bibler, Trevor M
Ill patients may make decisions to continue aggressive life-prolonging care based on hope for a miraculous recovery, and clinicians can find goals of care discussions with these patients extremely challenging.This case presents a typology of ways patients express hope for a miracle along with analysis of the motivations and beliefs underlying such hopes and suggestions for tailored responses by palliative care providers.
The development of a 'wet leg' pathway for chronic oedema
International Journal of Palliative Nursing; 2018 24(1) p. 40-46
Morgan, Karen; Thomas, Melanie
This article presents the Chronic Oedema 'Wet Leg' Pathway which provides nurses and therapists with clear guidelines to support prompt, efficient and effective management of all patients with chronic oedema and wet legs.
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Morgan, Karen; Thomas, Melanie
This article presents the Chronic Oedema 'Wet Leg' Pathway which provides nurses and therapists with clear guidelines to support prompt, efficient and effective management of all patients with chronic oedema and wet legs.
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Psychological impairments burden and spirituality in caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients
European Journal of Cancer Care; 2018 27(1)
Lai, C; Luciani, M; Di Mario, C; Galli, F; Morelli, E; Ginobbi, P; Aceto, P; Lombardo, L
Spirituality is mostly studied in the context of terminally ill patients but this study investigates the association between spirituality, burden, and psychological state in caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients. The authors conclude that in these caregivers, higher levels of intrinsic spirituality predicted a higher amount of time devote to caregiving, and also protected against the emotional distress linked to providing assistance.
Lai, C; Luciani, M; Di Mario, C; Galli, F; Morelli, E; Ginobbi, P; Aceto, P; Lombardo, L
Spirituality is mostly studied in the context of terminally ill patients but this study investigates the association between spirituality, burden, and psychological state in caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients. The authors conclude that in these caregivers, higher levels of intrinsic spirituality predicted a higher amount of time devote to caregiving, and also protected against the emotional distress linked to providing assistance.
Wednesday, 14 February 2018
Acupuncture in hospice settings: A qualitative exploration of patients' experiences
European Journal of Cancer Care; January 2018
McPhail, P; Sandhu, H; Dale, J; Stewart-Brown, S
The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences of acupuncture in the hospice setting. Acupuncture was found to be a highly acceptable, accessible and popular treatment with positive holistic effects reported across the domains of physical, mental and spiritual health and no serious adverse effects.
McPhail, P; Sandhu, H; Dale, J; Stewart-Brown, S
The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences of acupuncture in the hospice setting. Acupuncture was found to be a highly acceptable, accessible and popular treatment with positive holistic effects reported across the domains of physical, mental and spiritual health and no serious adverse effects.
The acceptability and potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in improving psychological well-being for adults with advanced cancer: A systematic review
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice; February 2018 30 p.68-78
Zimmermann, Fernanda F; Burrell, Beverley; Jordan, Jennifer
This systematic review aims to describe, evaluate and synthesize the acceptability and potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for the psychological well-being of people with advanced cancers. It concludes that there is evidence of acceptability and of effectiveness, indicating potential benefit for this population.
Zimmermann, Fernanda F; Burrell, Beverley; Jordan, Jennifer
This systematic review aims to describe, evaluate and synthesize the acceptability and potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for the psychological well-being of people with advanced cancers. It concludes that there is evidence of acceptability and of effectiveness, indicating potential benefit for this population.
Psychological ideas in palliative care: behaviour change
European
Journal of Palliative Care; 2017 24(6) p. 260-265
Strachan, Jenny
There is little written about behaviour change in palliative care settings. In this article Jenny Strachan examines how encouraging patients to change certain types of behaviour – such as non-compliance with medicines, persistent reassurance seeking and strain in family relationships – comes down to understanding and adjusting the relationship between the behaviour and its reinforcers.
Fulltext available in European Journal of Palliative Care
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Strachan, Jenny
There is little written about behaviour change in palliative care settings. In this article Jenny Strachan examines how encouraging patients to change certain types of behaviour – such as non-compliance with medicines, persistent reassurance seeking and strain in family relationships – comes down to understanding and adjusting the relationship between the behaviour and its reinforcers.
Fulltext available in European Journal of Palliative Care
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
What do patients with cancer and their families value most at the end of life? A critical analysis of advance care planning
International Journal of Palliative Nursing; 2017 23(12) p. 596-604
Johnson, Stephanie B; Butow, Phyllis N; Kerridge, Ian; Tattersall, Martin Hn
The findings from this study suggest that models of ACP which are constructed around patients' 'rights' to determine what happens to their bodies may do little to enhance the quality of EoL care, as patients value veracity, trust and comfort at the EoL more than autonomy. Quality EoL care should focus on paying increased attention to the relational and social aspects of care.
Johnson, Stephanie B; Butow, Phyllis N; Kerridge, Ian; Tattersall, Martin Hn
The findings from this study suggest that models of ACP which are constructed around patients' 'rights' to determine what happens to their bodies may do little to enhance the quality of EoL care, as patients value veracity, trust and comfort at the EoL more than autonomy. Quality EoL care should focus on paying increased attention to the relational and social aspects of care.
'A strange kind of balance': inpatient hospice volunteers' views on role preparation and training
Progress
in Palliative Care; 2017 25(6) p. 279-285
Dean, Antonia; Willis, Susan
In the UK, there have been calls for the development of a core curriculum for hospice volunteers but debate exists around the potential for unnecessary 'professionalization' of volunteers. This qualitative, focus group study explores the views of UK inpatient hospice volunteers regarding initial training for role preparation. This study will inform local practice, shaping the education and support of future volunteers, and adds to the wider evidence-base surrounding the development of this crucial group within the hospice workforce.
Fulltext available in Progress in Palliative Care
Dean, Antonia; Willis, Susan
In the UK, there have been calls for the development of a core curriculum for hospice volunteers but debate exists around the potential for unnecessary 'professionalization' of volunteers. This qualitative, focus group study explores the views of UK inpatient hospice volunteers regarding initial training for role preparation. This study will inform local practice, shaping the education and support of future volunteers, and adds to the wider evidence-base surrounding the development of this crucial group within the hospice workforce.
Fulltext available in Progress in Palliative Care
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Fear in palliative care
Progress
in Palliative Care; 2017 25(6) p 273-278
Macleod, A. D.
In this article the author discusses the difference between fear and anxiety and considers the limited literature on the management of fear in terminally ill patients.
Fulltext available in Progress in Palliative Care
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Macleod, A. D.
In this article the author discusses the difference between fear and anxiety and considers the limited literature on the management of fear in terminally ill patients.
Fulltext available in Progress in Palliative Care
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Hidden losses and ‘forgotten’ suffering: the bereavement experiences of British Romany Gypsies and Travellers
Bereavement Care; Dec 2017; 36(3) p94-102
Rogers, Carol; Greenfields, Margaret
This paper presents a narrative review of the literature illustrated by quotes from a from a recently completed study that examines the bereavement support needs of Gypsies and Travellers and best practice for organisations seeking to support these ‘hard to reach’ populations.
Rogers, Carol; Greenfields, Margaret
This paper presents a narrative review of the literature illustrated by quotes from a from a recently completed study that examines the bereavement support needs of Gypsies and Travellers and best practice for organisations seeking to support these ‘hard to reach’ populations.
"Unexpected and distressing": understanding and improving the experience of transferring palliative care inpatients to residential care
Journal
of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care; 2017 13(2-3) p193-204
Kallianis, Voula; Joubert, Lynette; Gorman, Sue; Posenelli, Sonia; Lethborg, Carolyn
When a patient no longer requires specialist palliative care services, transfer from an inpatient palliative care facility to residential care may be necessary. This research explored the impact of this transition on the patient and their families and on the interdisciplinary health care team treating the patient and makes recommendations for best managing the transition.
Kallianis, Voula; Joubert, Lynette; Gorman, Sue; Posenelli, Sonia; Lethborg, Carolyn
When a patient no longer requires specialist palliative care services, transfer from an inpatient palliative care facility to residential care may be necessary. This research explored the impact of this transition on the patient and their families and on the interdisciplinary health care team treating the patient and makes recommendations for best managing the transition.
Tuesday, 21 November 2017
Family Anticipatory Grief: An Integrative Literature Review
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, September 2017, 34(8) 774-85
Coelho A, Barbosa A.
Uncertainty persists in
anticipatory grief (AG) literature, concerning its definition and basic characteristics. This review synthesizes recent research in order to develop
further knowledge about the family experience of AG during a patient's end of
life. Ten themes were identified, which
correspond to AG nuclear characteristics, contributing to a deeper
conceptualization of the term and to a more sensitive clinical practice.
The good of gardening: cultivating wellbeing at home and in hospices
Marie Curie, October 2017
A new joint campaign between Marie Curie, the UK’s leading terminal illness charity, and the National Garden Scheme, launches this week. The campaign, ‘The Good of Gardening’, aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of gardening for people living with terminal illnesses, and their families.
It follows a report published last year by the King’s Fund, and commissioned by the National Garden Scheme, that summarised research evidence linking gardens and gardening to a range of physical and psychological wellbeing benefits.
The good of gardening - cultivating wellbeing at home and in hospices
A new joint campaign between Marie Curie, the UK’s leading terminal illness charity, and the National Garden Scheme, launches this week. The campaign, ‘The Good of Gardening’, aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of gardening for people living with terminal illnesses, and their families.
It follows a report published last year by the King’s Fund, and commissioned by the National Garden Scheme, that summarised research evidence linking gardens and gardening to a range of physical and psychological wellbeing benefits.
The good of gardening - cultivating wellbeing at home and in hospices
Sexual well-being in cancer and palliative care: an assessment of healthcare professionals' current practice and training needs
BMJ supportive & palliative care; Sep 2017; 7(3) 251-54
Gleeson,
Aoife; Hazell, Emily
This study aimed to identify the current practice of healthcare professionals working with cancer and palliative care patients in Wales in relation to sexual well-being and to ascertain their need for training.
Fulltext available in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Improving malodour management in advanced cancer: a 10-year retrospective study of topical, oral and maintenance metronidazole
BMJ supportive & palliative care; Sep 2017; vol.
7 (no. 3); p. 286-291
George, Reena; Prasoona, Thotampuri Shanthi; Kandasamy, Ramu; Cherian, Renitha; Celine, Thangarathi; Jeba, Jenifer; Murali, Shakila; Mathew, David
Following a case note review of 179 patients examining the relative effectiveness of topical or oral metronidazole used for
malodour in necrotic cancers, the authors suggest that their data support formulary guidelines recommending maintenance
metronidazole for recurrent malodour. They propose a protocol for metronidazole usage in managing malodour.
Fulltext available in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
The mourning process of older people with dementia who lost their spouse
Journal of Advanced Nursing; Sep 2017; 73(9) 2143-2155
Watanabe, Akiko; Suwa, Sayuri
In this study, the authors aimed to explore the mourning process of people with dementia who have lost their
spouse using family caregivers' and professionals' perspectives and devise
grief care for people with dementia.
Friday, 17 November 2017
Palliative care for people with advanced major neuro-cognitive disorders
International Journal of Palliative Nursing; Oct
2017; vol. 23 (no. 10); p. 502-510
In this article, the authors discuss the major
neuro-cognitive disorders. Palliative and end-of-life care, including
legal and ethical issues, common symptoms and nursing problems, are addressed. The needs of
family and lay caregivers, who form an important part of the overall experience
of major neuro-cognitive disorders, are also highlighted.
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
A meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of kinesiology taping in the management of cancer-related lymphoedema
European Journal of Cancer Care; Sep 2017; 26(5)
This
review aims to determine the effectiveness and safety of kinesiotaping (KT) in
the management of CRL compared to compression bandaging or hosiery.
Pharmacology of cough in palliative care
Current opinion in supportive and palliative care;
Sep 2017; 11(3);147-151
The purpose of
the review is to assess the current evidence relating to the pharmacological
management of cough. Its findings will aid practitioners' understanding of cough in a variety of settings, including palliative care.
Palliative and end-of-life care for adults with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a rapid review focusing on patient and family caregiver perspectives
Current opinion in supportive and palliative care;
Dec 2017; vol. 11 (no. 4); p. 315-327
The review identified areas of unmet need across physical, psychosocial and spiritual domains, particularly in relation to appropriate and timely conversations. There have been positive developments in the care and treatment of COPD and some evidence about the use of technology in end-stage COPD.
Evaluation of a low-light intervention - starlight therapy - for agitation, anxiety, restlessness, sleep disturbances, dyspnea, and pain at end of life
Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing; Jun
2017; vol. 19 (no. 3); p. 214-220
Emerson, Kathleen; Murphy, Mary; Quinlin, Linda; O'Malley, Patricia; Hayes, Kathleen
This research was conducted in Ohio and assessed the effectiveness
of Starlight Therapy in treating the negative symptoms associated with end of
life. The
study of 40 patients found the Starlight Therapy effective in treating the
symptoms of anxiety, agitation, dyspnea, insomnia, and pain in 90% of the
patients within a 30-minute period.
The (Palliative) care of Huntington’s disease
Progress in Palliative Care; Aug 2017; 25(4) 165-170
Care for Huntington's disease is palliative from diagnosis. Based upon a
review of literature and extensive clinical experience this article provides an overview of the
palliative care issues facing patients and their families.
Fulltext available in Progress in Palliative Care
Available in print in the Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Physiotherapy programme reduces fatigue in patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care: randomized controlled trial
Supportive Care in Cancer; Sep 2017; 25(9) 2899-2908
Pyszora, Anna; Budzyński, Jacek; Wójcik, Agnieszka;
Prokop, Anna; Krajnik, Małgorzata; Budzyński, Jacek; Wójcik, Agnieszka;
Krajnik, Małgorzata
This trial involved 60 patients. The
physiotherapy programme included active exercises, myofascial release
and PNF techniques and was found to have beneficial effects on cancer related fatigue and other symptoms in
patients with advanced cancer who received palliative care. The authors conclude that the results suggest physiotherapy is a safe and effective method of CRF management.
A systematic review of religious beliefs about major end-of-life issues in the five major world religions
Supportive and Palliative Care 2017 15(5) 609-22
Rajshekhar Chakraborty, Areej R. El-Jawahri, Mark
R. Litzow, Karen L Syrjala, Aric D. Parnes, Shahrukh K. Hashmi
The objective of this study was to
examine the religious/spiritual beliefs of followers of the five major world
religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism) about frequently encountered medical situations at the end of life
(EoL).
Music therapy for palliative care: A realist review
Supportive and Palliative Care 2017 15(4) 454-64
The authors wanted to explore how music therapy benefits patients receiving palliative care and the barriers and facilitators to its implementation. They found that it may be an effective non-pharmacological aid to managing distressing physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual symptoms. They also identified the contexts in which music therapy was successfully introduced.
Fulltext available in Palliative and Supportive Care
Tracey McConnell, Sam Porter
The authors wanted to explore how music therapy benefits patients receiving palliative care and the barriers and facilitators to its implementation. They found that it may be an effective non-pharmacological aid to managing distressing physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual symptoms. They also identified the contexts in which music therapy was successfully introduced.
Fulltext available in Palliative and Supportive Care
Friday, 10 November 2017
Safe use of subcutaneous diphenhydramine in the inpatient hospice unit
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 2017 34(10) p954-957
Chen A1, Loquias EJ1, Roshan R, Levene R, Zelhof R, Hickey T, Cooney GA, Gonzalez F.
Although commonly administered in an impatient setting via the subcutaneous (SC) route, outside the hospice setting subcutaneous DPH has not been widely
used, primarily because of a handful of case reports published in the 1990s
that report skin necrosis following subcutaneous administration of DPH for local
anesthesia.
In this study a total of 648 diphenhydramine subcutaneous injections were administered
in 109 individual patients. None of the patients were reported to have an
adverse cutaneous reaction. The authors suggest that this review demonstrates that subcutaneous diphenhydramine injection is a safe
alternative to oral and other parenteral routes, and may be particularly
valuable in terminally ill patients, who are often unable to swallow and are
without IV access.
Wednesday, 18 October 2017
Palliative care in interstitial lung disease: living well
| The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 12 October 2017 Professor Michael Kreuter, et al This review discusses the urgent need for the involvement of palliative care in all stages of interstitial lung disease, the specific problems that require palliative intervention, when it should be initiated, obstacles to effective palliative care and research priorities. Palliative care in interstitial lung disease: living well |
The state of hospice services in England 2014 to 2017
Care Quality Commission, 2017
This report presents the findings from CQC’s initial programme of comprehensive inspections of hospice services.
This report presents the findings from CQC’s initial programme of comprehensive inspections of hospice services.
Friday, 6 October 2017
One year on: the government response to the review of choice in end of life care
| Department of Health, 21st September 2017 This report sets out the progress the national end of life care programme board has made in implementing the government’s choice commitment. Access the report here |
Wednesday, 26 July 2017
Does respite care address the needs of palliative care service users and carers? Their perspectives and experiences
International Journal of Palliative Nursing; Apr 2017; vol. 23 (4) p 174-185
Wolkowski, Anna; Carr, Susan M
Wolkowski, Anna; Carr, Susan M
This research revealed that although there is a need for respite care and that it's valued by service users and carers, there are some fundamental tensions in service models which limit its potential. The authors conclude that reframing respite care as an empathic response within a new palliative care approach is needed.
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Towards a model of loss navigation in adolescence
Death Studies; May 2017; vol. 41 (5) p 291-302
Lytje, Martin
Lytje, Martin
The Model of Loss Navigation in Adolescence was developed from a focus group study with 39 Danish adolescents (aged 9-17). Centered on the three factors--Being Different, Being in Control, and Being in Grief--the model highlights the social conventions children have to navigate and how these influence both their day-to-day lives and their road to recovery.
Withdrawal of ventilation at the patient's request in MND: a retrospective exploration of the ethical and legal issues that have arisen for doctors in the UK
BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, 2017 June 7(2) pp 189-196
Kay Phelps; Emma Regen; David Oliver; Chris McDermott
Kay Phelps; Emma Regen; David Oliver; Chris McDermott
Although clinicians were clear about the legality of withdrawal of treatment in theory,
the practice led to ethical and moral uncertainty and mixed feelings, with many
respondents experiencing negative reactions from other healthcare
professionals. The authors conclude that more guidance, open discussion about the ethical issues and education to support professionals is needed.
Fulltext available in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
Fulltext available in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care
Available in print in Arthur Rank Hospice Library, Cambridge
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