Chapter 6 AI in QOL (quality of living), QOS (quality of sleeping), and QOD (quality of dying)

2021 ◽  
pp. 101-117
2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 376-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARIJE BROUWER ◽  
ELS MAECKELBERGHE ◽  
WILLEMIEN DE WEERD ◽  
EDUARD VERHAGEN

Abstract:In 2002, The Netherlands continued its leadership in developing rules and jurisdiction regarding euthanasia and end-of-life decisions by implementing the Euthanasia Act, which allows euthanasia for patients 12 years of age and older. Subsequently, in 2005, the regulation on active ending of life for newborns was issued. However, more and more physicians and parents have stated that the age gap between these two regulations—children between 1 and 12 years old—is undesirable. These children should have the same right to end their suffering as adults and newborn infants. An extended debate on pediatric euthanasia ensued, and currently the debate is ongoing as to whether legislation should be altered in order to allow pediatric euthanasia. An emerging major question regards the active ending of life in the context of palliative care: How does a request for active ending of life relate to the care that is given to children in the palliative phase? Until now, the distinction between palliative care and end-of-life decisions continues to remain unclear, making any discussion about their mutual in- and exclusiveness hazardous at best. In this report, therefore, we aim to provide insight into the relationship between pediatric palliative care and end-of-life decisions, as understood in the Netherlands. We do so by first providing an overview of the (legal) rules and regulations regarding euthanasia and active ending of life, followed by an analysis of the relationship between these two, using the Dutch National Guidelines for Palliative Care for Children. The results of this analysis revealed two major and related features of palliative care and end-of-life decisions for children: (1) palliative care and end-of-life decisions are part of the same process, one that focuses both on quality of living and quality of dying, and (2) although physicians are seen as ultimately responsible for making end-of-life decisions, the involvement of parents and children in this decision is of the utmost importance and should be regarded as such.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-63
Author(s):  
Rabindra Acharya ◽  
Gopal P. Mahapatra ◽  
Kadamibini Acharya

Human beings have always strived towards excellence and progress since time immemorial. Industrialisation, automation and technological disruptions have led to increased comfort and quality of living of human beings and enhanced output, productivity and efficiency. Consequently, of late, health and wellness are receiving increased attention globally. Stress and stress-related diseases and workplace-related ailments have significantly increased over the last few decades and gained attention from society and industrial organisations. In the recent past, in the coronavirus pandemic context, wellness has been focused upon in many countries, communities and organisations worldwide. Yoga has been part of the Indian ethos for centuries. In this article, the authors discuss the General Yoga Programme (GYP), its broad coverage, and the impact it has had on the participants in terms of their wellness. With the help of a survey of the participants and linking it to relevant literature and research in the field, the authors highlight how GYP is a useful tool for enhancing various wellness dimensions. They recommend that GYP in its simplified form can be extended to the workplace; and also, HR professionals can play a facilitative role in the process.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juanjuan Zhao ◽  
Liming You ◽  
Hongmei Tao ◽  
Frances Kam Yuet Wong

Abstract Background Assessing the quality of structure and process of end-of-life care can help improve outcomes. There was currently no valid tool for this purpose in Mainland China. The aim of this study is to validate the Chinese version of the Care Evaluation Scale (CES). Methods From January to December 2017, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted among bereaved family members of cancer patients from 10 medical institutes. The reliability of the CES was assessed with Cronbach’s α, and structural validity was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was tested by examining the correlation between the CES total score and overall satisfaction with end-of-life care, quality of dying and death, and quality of life. Results A total of 305 valid responses were analyzed. The average CES score was 70.7 ± 16.4, and the Cronbach’s α of the CES was 0.967 (range: 0.802–0.927 for the 10 domains). The fit indices for the 10-factor model of CES were good(root-mean-square error of approximation, 0.047; comparative fit index, 0.952; Tucker–Lewis index, 0.946; standardized root mean square residual, 0.053). The CES total score was highly correlated with overall satisfaction with medical care (r = 0.775, P < 0.01), and moderately correlated with patients’ quality of life (r = 0.579, P < 0.01) and quality of dying and death (r = 0.570, P < 0.01). In addition, few associations between CES total score and demographic characteristics, except for the family members’ age. Conclusions The Chinese version of the CES is a reliable and valid tool to evaluate the quality of structure and process of end-of-life care for patients with cancer from the perspective of bereaved family in Mainland China.


Author(s):  
Daniel Gutiérrez-Sánchez ◽  
Rafael Gómez-García ◽  
Isabel María López-Medina ◽  
Antonio I. Cuesta-Vargas

Background: The mini-suffering state examination is a valid and reliable measure that have been used to assess suffering in patients with advanced cancer. The aim of this study was to carry out a psychometric analysis of the Spanish version of the mini-suffering state examination. Method: A validation study was conducted. Seventy-two informal caregivers of deceased patients in palliative care were included in this study. A psychometric testing of content validity, internal consistency, and convergent validity with the Spanish version of the quality of dying and death questionnaire was performed. Results: The original instrument was modified to be used by informal caregivers. The content validity was acceptable (0.96), and the internal consistency was moderate (α = 0.67). Convergent validity was demonstrated (r = −0.64). Conclusion: The Spanish modified version of the MSSE showed satisfactory measurement properties. The Spanish modified version of MSSE can be useful to facilitate screening, monitor progress, and guide treatment decisions in end-of-life cancer patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Yi Wu ◽  
Ping-Jen Chen ◽  
Tzu-Lin Ho ◽  
Wen-Yuan Lin ◽  
Shao-Yi Cheng

Abstract Background Artificial nutrition and hydration do not prolong survival or improve clinical symptoms of terminally ill cancer patients. Nonetheless, little is known about the effect of artificial hydration (AH) alone on patients’ survival, symptoms or quality of dying. This study explored the relationship between AH and survival, symptoms and quality of dying among terminally ill cancer patients. Methods A pilot prospective, observational study was conducted in the palliative care units of three tertiary hospitals in Taiwan between October 2016 and December 2017. A total of 100 patients were included and classified into the hydration and non-hydration group using 400 mL of fluid per day as the cut-off point. The quality of dying was measured by the Good Death Scale (GDS). Multivariate analyses using Cox’s proportional hazards model were used to assess the survival status of patients, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for within-group analyses and the Mann-Whitney U test for between-groups analyses to evaluate changes in symptoms between day 0 and 7 in both groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the predictors of a good death. Results There were no differences in survival (p = 0.337) or symptom improvement between the hydration and non-hydration group, however, patients with AH had higher GDS scores. Conclusions AH did not prolong survival nor significantly improve dehydration symptoms of terminally ill cancer patients but it may influence the quality of dying. Communication with patients and their families on the effect of AH may help them better prepared for the end-of-life experience.


2018 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 376-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rik T. Gerritsen ◽  
Hanne Irene Jensen ◽  
Matty Koopmans ◽  
J. Randall Curtis ◽  
Lois Downey ◽  
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Keyword(s):  

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Murni Zainal ◽  
Azhan Abdul Aziz

Tiny homes are defined as a small dwelling in the form of a moveable unit, cabin or detached house which is sized to meet its occupants’ needs. Besides affordability, sustainability and minimalist lifestyle, the occupants’ demand for a cosy environment with a window or porch overlooking a garden. The objectives of the study are to investigate the benefits of utilising nature and serenity in promoting a supportive environment to achieve user well-being. Quantitative methodology was applied in this study using three case studies (CS1 at Urban area: Prototype Model of Microhouse, CS2 at Sub urban area: The Cabin Boutique Resort and SC3 at Outskirts area: Meraki Tiny House). The tool, ``Perceived Sensory Dimensions “(PSDs)” was used for respondents to evaluate the surrounding environment of the case studies by showing photos of two sensory dimension models (PSDs Nature and Serene). Close-ended questionnaires were distributed to the 21 respondents from the millennials group, to rate each perception for each case study. The results have shown that a natural and serene environment for CS3 is most preferred because of the aspirational quality of its PSDs, followed by CS2 and CS1.


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