scholarly journals Palliative care services: Issues and public health challenges

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-15
Author(s):  
Riawati Jahja
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Review Articles ◽  
Palliative Care Services

Trials have demonstrated improvement in patients’ quality of life through palliative care services (PCS). However, many of these trials are limited by their research methodologies. PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched to conduct a systematic review of review articles related to PCS from January 2001 to December 2011. The paper examined evidence from studies on PCS that aimed to improve elderly patients’ end-of-life outcomes by i) systematically reviewing literature on models of palliative care (PC) delivery patients received; ii) exploring methodological issues surrounding recruitment of the patients, implementation of the studies and comparison of health care services; and iii) addressing the costs of care with/without a palliative program. Seventeen trials and three observational studies were selected from nine systematic review articles. Overall, early introduction of PC to patients following identification of their life-limiting conditions and needs re-quires an organized and coordinated care approach to ensure accessibility of these services. The ideal system that offers the potential of improving patients’ quality of life is one that is integrated, interdisciplinary and holistic. Dying is commonly institutionalized; however, providing outreach programs that allow patients to die at their place of wish, such as domiciliary care, offers the potential of addressing the issue of ever-increasing health-care expenditure for the aged. However, further investigation is needed to evaluate the cost effectiveness of these programs. Methodological problems and ethical issues surrounding the study of terminally-ill patients necessitate that researchers use a combination of observational studies and surveillance system over time. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v2i2.15937 South East Asia J Public Health | Jul-Dec 2012 | Vol 2 Issue 2 | 5-15

scholarly journals Content validation of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL with advanced cancer patients and health care professionals from palliative care services in Chile

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslye Rojas-Concha ◽  
Maiken Bang Hansen ◽  
Morten Aagaard Petersen ◽  
Mogens Groenvold
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
Eortc Qlq

Abstract Background: The assessment of patients’ quality of life (QOL) is essential when evaluating the outcome of palliative care; however, no instruments have been validated for measuring symptoms and QOL in patients receiving palliative care in Chile. We aimed to investigate the content validity of the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative Care (QLQ-C15-PAL), replicating the methods used previously to shorten the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) for use among patients in palliative care.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2017 in four palliative care services. Patients with advanced cancer and health care professionals (HCPs) were invited to individual interviews to determine the relevance, appropriateness and relative importance of the 30 items of the QLQ-C30 for evaluating the outcome of palliative care, and whether relevant additional issues should be included. Results: A total of 48 patients and 35 HCPs participated. The most important dimensions selected were pain, physical functioning, sleeping difficulties, emotional functioning, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, and social functioning. Qualitative data identified important additional issues not covered by the questionnaire such as satisfaction with care, emotions and psychological support, as well as linguistic issues in the dyspnea and constipation items. Conclusions: The EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL showed good content validity in the assessment of symptoms and QOL of advanced cancer patients; therefore, we recommend the use of this questionnaire in palliative care in Chile. Dyspnea and constipation items were revised by the EORTC group. More research is needed to add a social dimension for a comprehensive assessment of patients’ QOL.

scholarly journals Content validation of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL with advanced cancer patients and health care professionals from palliative care services in Chile

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslye Rojas-Concha ◽  
Maiken Bang Hansen ◽  
Morten Aagaard Petersen ◽  
Mogens Groenvold
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
Eortc Qlq

Abstract Background The assessment of patients’ quality of life (QOL) is essential when evaluating the outcome of palliative care; however, no instruments have been validated for measuring symptoms and QOL in patients receiving palliative care in Chile. We aimed to investigate the content validity of the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative Care (QLQ-C15-PAL), replicating the methods used previously to shorten the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) for use among patients in palliative care. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2017 in four palliative care services. Patients with advanced cancer and health care professionals (HCPs) were invited to individual interviews to determine the relevance, appropriateness and relative importance of the 30 items of the QLQ-C30 for evaluating the outcome of palliative care, and whether relevant additional issues should be included. Results A total of 48 patients and 35 HCPs participated. The most important dimensions selected were pain, physical functioning, sleeping difficulties, emotional functioning, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, social functioning, lack of appetite, role functioning and constipation. Qualitative data identified important additional issues not covered by the questionnaire such as satisfaction with care, emotions and psychological support, as well as linguistic issues in the dyspnea and constipation items. Conclusions The EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL showed good content validity in the assessment of symptoms and QOL of advanced cancer patients; therefore, we recommend the use of this questionnaire in palliative care in Chile. Dyspnea and constipation items were revised by the EORTC group. More research is needed to add a social dimension for a comprehensive assessment of patients’ QOL.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Palliative Care Professionals and Services: A Mixed-Methods Survey Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912110570
Author(s):  
Wallace Chi Ho Chan ◽  
Raymond Kam Wing Woo ◽  
Denis Ka-Shaw Kwok ◽  
Clare Tsz Kiu Yu ◽  
Lawrence Man-Hon Chiu
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Professional Quality Of Life ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Professional Quality ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
The Impact

Introduction This study aimed to examine the mental health of palliative care professionals in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship of mental health with socio-demographic factors, and the impact of the pandemic on palliative care services. Methods A total of 142 palliative care professionals in Hong Kong participated in an online survey. The questionnaire includes measurements on depression, anxiety, perceived stress, post-traumatic stress, professional quality of life, items that measure the effect of COVID-19 on palliative care services, and one open-ended question for describing how the services were affected. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data about the impact of COVID-19 on palliative care services were analyzed and triangulated using a mixed-methods approach. Results Up to 82%, 43%, and 42% of the participants felt moderately to highly stressed, anxious, and depressed, respectively, during the pandemic. Younger participants tended to have poorer mental health and professional quality of life. Around 82% felt stressed when communicating with patients and family members under the no-visiting policy during the pandemic. More than three-quarters of participants showed lack of confidence in the anti-epidemic policy of the government. Qualitative findings identified 3 themes affecting the provision of palliative care: 1. the tightening of restrictions on visitors; 2. the limited provision of services; and 3. staff deployment. Conclusions Appropriate responses are required to give extra support to palliative care professionals during the pandemic and facilitate their coping with the impact of COVID-19 on the provision of palliative care.

Effect of palliative care services on quality of life over time among gynecologic oncology patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 162 ◽  
pp. S145-S146
Author(s):  
Niyazi Kilic ◽  
Julia Ritchie ◽  
Ashley Haggerty ◽  
Emily Ko ◽  
Ashley Graul
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Gynecologic Oncology ◽  
Oncology Patients ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
Over Time

Palliative care

2007 ◽  
pp. 159-168
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
Life Threatening

Background 160 Interface between cancer and palliative care services 162 Caring for dying people 164 Bereavement 166 Models of bereavement 167 Support for the bereaved 168 The practice of palliative care aims to enhance the quality of life of people experiencing life-threatening illnesses and their families. The principles on which palliative care is based suggest that it...

Palliative Care in Heart Transplantation

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-146
Author(s):  
Melissa I. Owen ◽  
Lynne T. Braun ◽  
Rebekah J. Hamilton ◽  
Kathleen L. Grady ◽  
Rebecca A. Gary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Heart Transplant ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Transplant Patients ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Palliative Care Services

The purpose of this article is to describe palliative care incorporation within the care of heart transplant patients. Palliative care is a holistic approach to care that includes symptom management and goal setting to improve patients’ quality of life. Palliative care is designed to be used with patients who have chronic illness that impacts quality of life and should be incorporated early in the disease. All providers have a responsibility to be knowledgeable in palliative care approaches and to know when to refer a patient for specialty palliative care services. This article will describe palliative care, research study findings, and current professional guideline recommendations for patients. The article also describes challenges and barriers to the use of palliative care in heart transplant patients and strategies to address these challenges and barriers.

Interpreting in palliative care: A systematic review of the impact of interpreters on the delivery of palliative care services to cancer patients with limited English proficiency.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 123-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milagros Silva ◽  
Margaux Genoff ◽  
Alexandra Zaballa ◽  
Stacy Marie Stabler ◽  
Francesca Gany ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Limited English Proficiency ◽  
Goals Of Care ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
The Impact

123 Background: According to the 2011 U.S. Census 60% of people living in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home, and of these approximately 40% have limited English proficiency (LEP). Language barriers can affect the health outcomes of LEP patients and the use of trained interpreters can improve patient-physician communication. Since effective communication is the cornerstone of delivering adequate palliative care, a systematic review was conducted to determine the impact of interpreters on the delivery of palliative care services to LEP patients with cancer. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature search in all available languages of 6 databases from 1966 and 2013. Studies evaluated interpreter interventions for LEP patients receiving palliative care services. Of 38 references, 11 articles were found by multiple reviewers to meet inclusion criteria. Data were collected on the study design, size, comparison groups, outcomes, and interpreter characteristics. Results: A total of 6 qualitative and 5 quantitative studies assessed the use of interpreters. All studies found that the quality of care provided to LEP patients receiving palliative services is affected by communication. Most studies showed that when no trained interpreters were used, LEP patients and families had inadequate understanding about their diagnosis or prognosis during goals of care conversations, and worse symptom management at end of life including pain and anxiety. Half of the studies concluded that trained interpreters are not utilized adequately and several suggested that pre-meetings between clinicians and interpreters are important to discuss topics and terminology to be used during goals of care conversations. Conclusions: Published studies show worse outcomes during end of life care and goals of care discussions when trained interpreters are not used. Moreover, trained interpreters are not being used appropriately in the field. More clinically relevant studies are needed to improve the quality of care provided to LEP patients and families receiving palliative services.

scholarly journals Patients with advanced cancer: when, why, and how to refer to palliative care services

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Courteau ◽  
G. Chaput ◽  
L. Musgrave ◽  
A. Khadoury
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Spiritual Support ◽  
Early Introduction ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Life Threatening Illness ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
Primary Focus

Palliative care (pc) is a fundamental component of the cancer care trajectory. Its primary focus is on “the quality of life of people who have a life-threatening illness, and includes pain and symptom management, skilled psychosocial, emotional and spiritual support” to patients and loved ones. Palliative care includes, but is not limited to, end-of-life care. The benefits of early introduction of pc services in the care trajectory of patients with advanced cancer are well known, as indicated by improved quality of life, satisfaction with care, and a potential for increased survival. In turn, early referral of patients with advanced cancer to pc services is strongly recommended. So when, how, and why should patients with advanced cancer be referred to pc services? In this article, we summarize evidence to address these questions about early pc referral:■ What are the known benefits?■ What is the “ideal” pc referral timing?■ What are the barriers?■ Which strategies can optimize integration of pc into oncology care?■ Which communication tools can facilitate skillful introduction of pc to patients?

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