Managing the effects of cardiac cachexia

Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, Feb 2014, vol. 16, no. 1, p. 15-20

Carlson, Heather, Dahlin, Constance M.

Although cachexia is common in cancer, it is poorly understood in noncancer diagnoses. This article reviews cancer cachexia in cardiac disease. The definition, pathophysiology, and assessment specific to cardiac disease are delineated. Diagnostic workup is discussed and pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions are offered.

Risk factors for developing prolonged grief during bereavement in family carers of cancer patients in palliative care: a longitudinal study

Journal of Pain & Symptom Management, March 2014, vol./is. 47/3(531-41)

Thomas K, Hudson P, Trauer T, Remedios C, Clarke D

This study of 301 carers of patients receiving palliative care was conducted across three palliative care services. The authors found that greater bereavement dependency, a spousal relationship to the patient, greater impact of caring on schedule, poor family functioning, and low levels of optimism were risk factors for prolonged grief symptoms. 

They conclude that screening family carers on entry to palliative care seems to be the most effective way of identifying who has a higher risk of developing PG and recommend screening carers six months after the death of their relative to identify most carers with PG.

Available from Elsevier in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Available in print at Arthur Rank House, Brookfields Hospital

"Spirituality, suffering, and healing": a learning option for Western Australian medical students.

Journal of Pain & Symptom Management, March 2014, vol./is. 47/3(659-65)

Bridge DT, Bennett KS

The authors describe a two week learning option they developed for year 5 medical students which emphasizes learning from the patient and from each other.

Available from Elsevier in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Available in print at Arthur Rank House, Brookfields Hospital

Quality of end-of-life care for those who die at home: views and experiences of bereaved relatives and carers

International Journal of Palliative Nursing, February 2014, vol./is. 20/2(63-7)

Lees C, Mayland C, West A, Germaine A.

This paper reports findings from a study in the North West of England that explored bereaved relatives' and carers' experiences of end-of-life care at home using the Care of the Dying Evaluation (CODE) questionnaire. In general good quality care was provided, but there were times when adequate support was not evident in relation to pain control and what to expect when death was imminent. The study provides useful information for those who provide end-of-life care at home.

Available from EBSCOhost in International Journal of Palliative Nursing

Available in print at Arthur Rank House, Brookfields Hospital

Music therapy: evaluation of staff perceptions at St Christopher’s Hospice

European Journal of Palliative Care, March-April 2014, Vol/iss 21/2 (72-75)
Giorgos Tsiris, Tamsin Dives and Gerry Prince

Research shows that music therapy can help to reduce pain, improve mood, reduce fatigue and facilitate relaxation and physical comfort. Additionally, it is reported to impact positively on people’s quality of life and spiritual well-being. 

The findings of this study are in alignment with, and complementary to, those of other studies that explored staff and patients’ perceptions of music therapy in other palliative care settings. Participants reported that music therapy can impact positively on the emotional, physical, social, environmental, creative and spiritual aspects of patients’ well-being.

Available in print at Arthur Rank House, Brookfields Hospital

The art and science of empathy

European Journal of Palliative Care, March-April 2014, Vol/iss 21/2 (69-71)
Viv Lucas

Empathy is a desirable trait for palliative care professionals to have. But is it innate or can it be taught? Following a review of the literature, Viv Lucas argues it can be both. She concludes that it is an innate capability that can be developed through teaching, training, experience, the arts and literature, and is particularly important in palliative care professionals who, through empathic therapeutic relationships, can help incurable patients to heal. 

Available in print at Arthur Rank House, Brookfields Hospital

Cancer-related fatigue: an updated systematic review of its management

European Journal of Palliative Care, March-April 2014, Vol/iss 21/2 (58-60)
Ollie Minton, Bee Wee and Paddy Stone

In this article, the authors discuss the role of drug and non-drug interventions and the evidence from metaanalyses regarding their effectiveness and potential use in clinical practice.

Available in print at Arthur Rank House, Brookfields Hospital