Pain and pain treatments in European palliative care units. A cross sectional survey from the European Association for Palliative Care Research Network

2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 477-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pa Klepstad ◽  
Stein Kaasa ◽  
Nathan Cherny ◽  
Geoffrey Hanks ◽  
Franco de Conno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
European Association ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Research ◽  
Palliative Care Units

Intensity and treatment of symptoms in 3,030 palliative care patients: A cross-sectional survey of the EAPC Research Network

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eivor Alette Laugsand, PhD-student ◽  
Stein Kaasa, MD ◽  
Franco De Conno, MD ◽  
Geoffrey Hanks, MD ◽  
Pål Klepstad, MD
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Symptom Management ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptom Intensity ◽  
Who Pain Ladder ◽  
Prescription Practice

Objective: This study aimed to describe intensity and treatment of symptoms other than pain in European palliative care units.Patients: A total of 3,030 patients, including 2,064 that used an opioid, were included from 143 palliative care centers, in 21 European countries.Results: Pain was treated with analgesics corresponding to the WHO pain ladder step I (n = 374), II (n = 497), and III (n = 1,567). Frequencies of symptoms observed as moderate or severe were for generalized weakness (50 percent), fatigue (48 percent), anxiety (28 percent), anorexia (26 percent), constipation (18 percent), focal weakness (18 percent), depression (18 percent), and dyspnoea (15 percent). When comparing WHO-groups, cancer diagnoses, metastasis sites, countries, and genders, we found that some of the symptom intensities and treatments differed significantly between subgroups. A majority of patients used drugs for symptom management. Still, more than one-third of patients assessed to have moderate or severe constipation did not receive any treatment. The corresponding numbers for depression, confusion, nausea, vomiting, or anxiety were approaching 40 percent and for poor sleep about 50 percent. Prescription practice of antiemetics, laxatives, and psychotropic drugs varied widely between countries both in terms of preparation and percent of patients receiving a specific treatment.Conclusions: This survey shows that clinically relevant symptoms are frequent and that one-third to half of the patients with a symptom observed as moderate or severe do not receive any treatment aimed to reduce the symptom intensity. Several symptoms and treatments differed between WHO-groups, cancer diagnoses, metastasis locations, countries, and genders. Prescription practice varied between countries both in terms of medication administered and percent of patients receiving specific treatment.

scholarly journals Mapping the scope of occupational therapy practice in palliative care: A European Association for Palliative Care cross-sectional survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 960-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail Eva ◽  
Deidre Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
European Association ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Research Activities

Background: Occupational therapists play an integral role in the care of people with life-limiting illnesses. However, little is known about the scope of occupational therapy service provision in palliative care across Europe and factors influencing service delivery. Aim: This study aimed to map the scope of occupational therapy palliative care interventions across Europe and to explore occupational therapists’ perceptions of opportunities and challenges when delivering and developing palliative care services. Design: A 49-item online cross-sectional survey comprised of fixed and free text responses was securely hosted via the European Association for Palliative Care website. Survey design, content and recruitment processes were reviewed and formally approved by the European Association for Palliative Care Board of Directors. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse data. Setting/respondents: Respondents were European occupational therapists whose caseload included palliative care recipients (full-time or part-time). Results: In total, 237 valid responses were analysed. Findings demonstrated a consistency in occupational therapy practice in palliative care between European countries. Clinician time was prioritised towards indirect patient care, with limited involvement in service development, leadership and research. A need for undergraduate and postgraduate education was identified. Organisational expectations and understanding of the scope of the occupational therapy role constrain the delivery of services to support patients and carers. Conclusion: Further development of occupational therapy in palliative care, particularly capacity building in leadership and research activities, is warranted. There is a need for continuing education and awareness raising of the role of occupational therapy in palliative care.

Establishment and preliminary outcomes of a palliative care research network

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Hudson ◽  
Annette Street ◽  
Suzanne Graham ◽  
Sanchia Aranda ◽  
Margaret O'Connor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
The State ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Research ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Collection Strategies

ABSTRACTObjective:The difficulties in conducting palliative care research have been widely acknowledged. In order to generate the evidence needed to underpin palliative care provision, collaborative research is considered essential. Prior to formalizing the development of a research network for the state of Victoria, Australia, a preliminary study was undertaken to ascertain interest and recommendations for the design of such a collaboration.Method:Three data-collection strategies were used: a cross-sectional questionnaire, interviews, and workshops. The questionnaire was completed by multidisciplinary palliative care specialists from across the state (n = 61); interviews were conducted with senior clinicians and academics (n = 21) followed by two stakeholder workshops (n = 29). The questionnaire was constructed specifically for this study, measuring involvement of and perceptions of palliative care research.Results:Both the interview and the questionnaire data demonstrated strong support for a palliative care research network and aided in establishing a research agenda. The stakeholder workshops assisted with strategies for the formation of the Palliative Care Research Network Victoria (PCRNV) and guided the development of the mission and strategic plan.Significance of results:The research and efforts to date to establish the PCRNV are encouraging and provide optimism for the evolution of palliative care research in Australia. The international implications are highlighted.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 pandemic and palliative care units: A cross-sectional survey of the informational needs of caregivers

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632198956
Author(s):  
Ginah Lee Kim ◽  
Anna Berall ◽  
Sandra Gardner ◽  
Jahnel Brookes ◽  
Marsha Natadiria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Informational Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Palliative Care Units

Interfacility transfer communication of multidrug-resistant organism colonization or infection status: Practices and barriers in the acute-care setting

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Katherine D. Ellingson ◽  
Brie N. Noble ◽  
Genevieve L. Buser ◽  
Graham M. Snyder ◽  
Jessina C. McGregor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Care ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Resistant Organism ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Size ◽  
Academic Affiliation ◽  
Healthcare Epidemiology

Abstract Objective: To describe interfacility transfer communication (IFTC) methods for notification of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) status in a diverse sample of acute-care hospitals. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Participants: Hospitals within the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Research Network (SRN). Methods: SRN members completed an electronic survey on protocols and methods for IFTC. We assessed differences in IFTC frequency, barriers, and perceived benefit by presence of an IFTC protocol. Results: Among 136 hospital representatives who were sent the survey, 54 (40%) responded, of whom 72% reported having an IFTC protocol in place. The presence of a protocol did not differ significantly by hospital size, academic affiliation, or international status. Of those with IFTC protocols, 44% reported consistent notification of MDRO status (>75% of the time) to receiving facilities, as opposed to 13% from those with no IFTC protocol (P = .04). Respondents from hospitals with IFTC protocols reported significantly fewer barriers to communication compared to those without (2.8 vs 4.3; P = .03). Overall, however, most respondents (56%) reported a lack of standardization in communication. Presence of an IFTC protocol did not affect whether respondents perceived IFTC protocols as having a significant impact on infection prevention or antimicrobial stewardship. Conclusions: Most respondents reported having an IFTC protocol, which was associated with reduced communication barriers at transfer. Standardization of protocols and clarity about expectations for sending and receipt of information related to MDRO status may facilitate IFTC and promote appropriate and timely infection prevention practices.

Cannabis and End-of-Life Care: A Snapshot of Hospice Planning and Experiences Among Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients With A Terminal Diagnosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912110186
Author(s):  
James Alton Croker ◽  
Julie Bobitt ◽  
Sara Sanders ◽  
Kanika Arora ◽  
Keith Mueller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Fast Track ◽  
Hospice Care ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eol Care

Introduction: Between 2013 and 2019, Illinois limited cannabis access to certified patients enrolled in the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program (IMCP). In 2016, the state instituted a fast-track pathway for terminal patients. The benefits of medicinal cannabis (MC) have clear implications for patients near end-of-life (EOL). However, little is known about how terminal patients engage medical cannabis relative to supportive care. Methods: Anonymous cross-sectional survey data were collected from 342 terminal patients who were already enrolled in ( n = 19) or planning to enroll ( n = 323) in hospice for EOL care. Logistic regression models compare patients in the sample on hospice planning vs. hospice enrollment, use of palliative care vs. hospice care, and use standard care vs non-hospice palliative care. Results: In our sample, cancer patients ( OR = 0.21 (0.11), p < .01), and those who used the fast-track application into the IMCP ( OR = 0.11 (0.06), p < .001) were less likely to be enrolled in hospice. Compared to patients in palliative care, hospice patients were less likely to report cancer as their qualifying condition ( OR = 0.16 (0.11), p < .01), or entered the IMCP via the fast-track ( OR = 0.23 (0.15), p < .05). Discussion: Given low hospice enrollment in a fairly large EOL sample, cannabis use may operate as an alternative to supportive forms of care like hospice and palliation. Clinicians should initiate conversations about cannabis use with their patients while also engaging EOL Care planning discussions as an essential part of the general care plan.

scholarly journals Protocol for a thematic synthesis to identify key themes and messages from a palliative care research network

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Nicholson ◽  
Tara Murphy ◽  
Philip Larkin ◽  
Charles Normand ◽  
Suzanne Guerin
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Care Research

scholarly journals Beyond symptom control: Research in psychosocial and existential issues in palliative care

2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
WILLIAM BREITBART
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
European Association ◽  
Symptom Control ◽  
Official Language ◽  
Research Committee ◽  
Care Research ◽  
The Third ◽  
Control Research ◽  
Existential Issues ◽  
Important Milestone

Stresa, a small town on the shores of the Lago Maggiore, about one hour north of Milan, Italy, was the site of the Third Research Forum of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC). From June 3 through 6, 2004, researchers from all across Europe, as well as investigators from North America, Australia, Japan, and Israel, gathered to review the state of palliative care research and set an agenda for the future. The setting was bucolic and tranquil; the official language was English; the accents were diverse; the accommodations were grand; the ambiance was intimate and insouciant; the dinners were elegant; the dress was stylish; the organization was impeccable; and the scholarship was of the highest level. All this, perhaps, was to be expected of an EAPC event, hosted by an Executive Scientific Committee and Research Committee headed by Franco De Conno of the Instituto di Tumori of Milano, Italy, and his colleagues. What was unexpected, however, was the prominence of research on psychosocial, existential, and spiritual aspects of palliative care at this critically important, international, palliative care research forum. Clearly, 2004 marks an important milestone for the entry of research in psychosocial and existential issues into the mainstream of academic palliative care. Palliative and Supportive Care, having just successfully completed its inaugural year of publication in 2003, is now extraordinarily and uniquely well placed to be the preeminent international palliative care journal for research in the psychosocial, existential, and spiritual aspects of palliative care.

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