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The American Journal of Nursing Nov 2022The need for palliative care in our health care system has exponentially increased in the past few years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging population, and...
The need for palliative care in our health care system has exponentially increased in the past few years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging population, and the increasing number of people living with serious illnesses. While nurses play a critical role in delivering palliative care, many lack confidence and knowledge, causing practice gaps in the clinical and psychological management of seriously ill patients. The collective burden of the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of palliative care education and training, specifically in communication, symptom management, and continuing education. All nurses, including nursing students, transitioning nurses, and practicing nurses, should be trained to offer generalist (or primary) palliative care, in accordance with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. Provision of holistic, relationship-based, and integrated palliative care for patients and their families is an ethical obligation for all nurses.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Palliative Care; Pandemics; COVID-19; Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing; Education, Nursing
PubMed: 36261904
DOI: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000897124.77291.7d -
Current Treatment Options in Oncology May 2022Specialists in palliative care view the family meeting as a means to engage patients and their families in a serious illness discussion that may clarify the values of... (Review)
Review
Specialists in palliative care view the family meeting as a means to engage patients and their families in a serious illness discussion that may clarify the values of patients and caregivers, provide information, determine care preferences, and identify sources of illness-related distress and burden. The family meeting is considered the best practice for achieving patient- and family-centered care in palliative care. Although studies of the family meeting are limited, those extant suggest that these interventions may reduce caregiver distress, mitigate the perception of unmet needs, prepare family members for caregiving, and improve bereavement outcomes. The experience of palliative care specialists further suggests that the family meeting may reinforce the therapeutic alliance with families, promote consensus, and reduce the need for ad hoc meetings. Physician satisfaction may be enhanced when the treatment plan includes the opportunity to show empathy and see the family's perspective-core elements of the clinical approach to the family meeting. In the oncology setting, the potential to achieve these positive outcomes supports the integration of the family meeting into practice. Clinical skills for the planning and running of family meetings should be promoted with consideration of a standardized protocol for routine family meetings at critical points during the illness and its treatment using an interdisciplinary team. Further research is needed to refine understanding of the indications for the family meeting and determine the optimal timing, structure, and staffing models. Outcome studies employing validated measures are needed to better characterize the impact of family meetings on patient and family distress and on treatment outcomes. Although better evidence is needed to guide the future integration of the family meeting into oncology practice, current best practices can be recommended based on available data and the extensive observations of palliative care specialists.
Topics: Caregivers; Family; Humans; Palliative Care; Patient Care Planning
PubMed: 35316479
DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00957-1 -
Nutrients Jan 2021The role of nutritional support for cancer patients in palliative care is still a controversial topic, in part because there is no consensus on the definition of a... (Review)
Review
The role of nutritional support for cancer patients in palliative care is still a controversial topic, in part because there is no consensus on the definition of a palliative care patient because of ambiguity in the common medical use of the adjective palliative. Nonetheless, guidelines recommend assessing nutritional deficiencies in all such patients because, regardless of whether they are still on anticancer treatments or not, malnutrition leads to low performance status, impaired quality of life (QoL), unplanned hospitalizations, and reduced survival. Because nutritional interventions tailored to individual needs may be beneficial, guidelines recommend that if oral food intake remains inadequate despite counseling and oral nutritional supplements, home enteral nutrition or, if this is not sufficient or feasible, home parenteral nutrition (supplemental or total) should be considered in suitable patients. The purpose of this narrative review is to identify in these cancer patients the area of overlapping between the two therapeutic approaches consisting of nutritional support and palliative care in light of the variables that determine its identification (guidelines, evidence, ethics, and law). However, nutritional support for cancer patients in palliative care may be more likely to contribute to improving their QoL when part of a comprehensive early palliative care approach.
Topics: Counseling; Humans; Malnutrition; Neoplasms; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Support; Palliative Care; Quality of Life
PubMed: 33498997
DOI: 10.3390/nu13020306 -
Journal of Palliative Medicine May 2022Pancreatic cancer patients often present with complications, which can impact treatment tolerance. Thus, symptom management is a vital component of treatment in... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Pancreatic cancer patients often present with complications, which can impact treatment tolerance. Thus, symptom management is a vital component of treatment in addition to traditional chemotherapeutics. Concurrent palliative care with an emphasis on aggressive symptom management may sustain both clinical and patient-centered outcomes during treatment. The purpose of this article is to explore the impact of a concurrent palliative care intervention in patients with pancreatic cancer treated on phase I clinical trials. This is a secondary analysis of a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded randomized trial of an advanced practice nurse driven palliative care intervention for solid tumor patients treated on phase I clinical trials. Only pancreatic cancer patients were included in the analysis. Patients received two educational sessions around the quality of life (QOL) domains and completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), patient-reported outcomes version of the common terminology criteria for adverse events (PRO-CTCAE), and the psychological distress thermometer at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks. Mixed model with repeated measures analysis was used to explore outcomes by study arm. Of the 479 patients accrued to the study, 42 were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (26 intervention, 16 usual care). A trend toward improvement in the physical, social, emotional, and functional FACT-G QOL subscales and psychological distress (baseline to 12 weeks) were observed for the intervention arm. Patients reported moderate severity in psychological and physical stress. In this secondary analysis, a nurse-led palliative care intervention may improve the QOL and psychological distress of pancreatic cancer patients. A phase III trial focused on patients with pancreatic cancer is needed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.
Topics: Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing; Humans; Palliative Care; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34704841
DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0187 -
Molecular Oncology Oct 2022New therapeutic approaches can produce promising results even in severely ill cancer patients. But they also pose new challenges with respect to prognostication, as...
New therapeutic approaches can produce promising results even in severely ill cancer patients. But they also pose new challenges with respect to prognostication, as patients who were once not eligible for treatment, due to age or comorbidities, now are. Palliative oncology constitutes a major part of oncological care, with life prolongation and quality of life as its main goals. Palliative care specialists are experts in symptom control and psychosocial and existential support, and the integration of their expertise early on in patient care can prolong survival. In this article, I discuss the need to integrate specialist palliative care into early cancer treatment plans to achieve quality of life for patients. I also discuss the ways in which palliative care specialists balance the benefits of novel treatments against their adverse effects for patients, particularly for the elderly, the frail and those in advance stages of disease. I highlight the need to ensure equal access to palliative care to improve cancer patients' quality of life but also why futile, burdensome treatments should be avoided especially in the frail, elderly patients. Further, I discuss benefits and problems related to nutritional support in patients with cachexia and exemplify why translational research is needed to link basic research with clinical oncology and effective symptom control.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Medical Oncology; Neoplasms; Palliative Care; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35762045
DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13278 -
Current Opinion in Oncology Jul 2021Supportive care services have evolved overtime to meet the growing supportive care need of patients with cancer and their families. In this review, we summarize existing... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Supportive care services have evolved overtime to meet the growing supportive care need of patients with cancer and their families. In this review, we summarize existing definitions of supportive care, highlight empiric studies on supportive care delivery, and propose an integrated conceptual framework on supportive cancer care.
RECENT FINDINGS
Supportive care aims at addressing the patients' physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and informational needs throughout the disease trajectory. Interdisciplinary teams are needed to deliver multidimensional care. Oncology teams have an important role providing supportive care in the front lines and referring patients to supportive care services such as palliative care, social work, rehabilitation, psycho-oncology, and integrative medicine. However, the current model of as needed referral and siloed departments can lead to heterogeneous access and fragmented care. To overcome these challenges, we propose a conceptual model in which supportive care services are organized under one department with a unified approach to patient care, program development, and research. Key features of this model include universal referral, systematic screening, tailored specialist involvement, streamlined care, collaborative teamwork, and enhanced outcomes.
SUMMARY
Further research is needed to develop and test innovative supportive care models that can improve patient outcomes.
Topics: Delivery of Health Care; Humans; Integrative Oncology; Neoplasms; Palliative Care
PubMed: 33720070
DOI: 10.1097/CCO.0000000000000733 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Mar 2020Hematologic malignancies are a heterogeneous group of diseases with unique illness trajectories, treatment paradigms, and potential for curability, which affect... (Review)
Review
Hematologic malignancies are a heterogeneous group of diseases with unique illness trajectories, treatment paradigms, and potential for curability, which affect patients' palliative and end-of-life care needs. Patients with hematologic malignancies endure immense physical and psychological symptoms because of both their illness and often intensive treatments that result in significant toxicities and adverse effects. Compared with patients with solid tumors, those with hematologic malignancies also experience high rates of hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and in-hospital deaths and low rates of referral to hospice as well as shorter hospice length of stay. In addition, patients with hematologic malignancies harbor substantial misperceptions about treatment risks and benefits and frequently overestimate their prognosis. Even survivors of hematologic malignancies struggle with late effects, post-treatment complications, and post-traumatic stress symptoms that can significantly diminish their quality of life. Despite these substantial unmet needs, specialty palliative care services are infrequently consulted for the care of patients with hematologic malignancies. Several illness-specific, cultural, and system-based barriers to palliative care integration and optimal end-of-life care exist in this population. However, recent evidence has demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of integrating palliative care to improve the quality of life and care of patients with hematologic malignancies and their caregivers. More research is needed to develop and test population-specific palliative and supportive care interventions to ensure generalizability and to define a sustainable clinical delivery model. Future work also should focus on identifying moderators and mediators of the effect of integrated palliative care models on patient-reported outcomes and on developing less resource-intensive integrated care models to address the diverse needs of this population.
Topics: Caregivers; Family; Hematologic Neoplasms; Humans; Palliative Care; Prognosis; Quality of Life; Social Support; Terminal Care
PubMed: 32023164
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.18.02386 -
JAMA Internal Medicine Nov 2021Guidelines recommend early specialty palliative care for all patients with advanced cancer, but most patients lack access to such services. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
Guidelines recommend early specialty palliative care for all patients with advanced cancer, but most patients lack access to such services.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of CONNECT (Care Management by Oncology Nurses to Address Supportive Care Needs), a primary palliative care intervention delivered by oncology nurses, on patient outcomes.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This cluster randomized clinical trial of the CONNECT intervention vs standard care was conducted from July 25, 2016, to October 6, 2020. Participants were adult patients with metastatic solid tumors who were undergoing oncological care and for whom an oncologist would agree with the statement "would not be surprised if the patient died in the next year." The trial was conducted at 17 community oncology practices in western Pennsylvania. Data analyses adhered to the intention-to-treat principle.
INTERVENTIONS
The CONNECT intervention included 3 monthly visits with an existing infusion room nurse who was trained to address symptoms, provide emotional support, engage in advance care planning, and coordinate care.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was quality of life. At baseline and 3 months, participants completed assessments of quality of life (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative care: score range, 0-184, with higher scores indicating better quality of life), symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale: score range, 0-90, with higher scores indicating greater symptom burden), and mood symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]: score range, 0-21, with higher scores indicating substantial anxiety and depression). Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate adjusted mean differences in 3-month outcomes. Preplanned, intensity-adjusted analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
A total of 672 patients were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 69.3 [10.2] years; 360 women [53.6%]). The mean (SD) number of CONNECT visits completed was 2.2 (1.0). At 3 months, no difference in mean (SD) quality-of-life score was found between the CONNECT and standard care groups (130.7 [28.2] vs 134.1 [28.1]; adjusted mean difference, 1.20; 95% CI, -2.75 to 5.15; P = .55). Similarly, there was no difference between groups in 3-month mean (SD) symptom burden (23.2 [16.6] vs 24.0 [16.1]; adjusted mean difference, -2.64; 95% CI, -5.85 to 0.58; P = .11) or mood symptoms (HADS depression subscale score: 5.1 [3.4] vs 4.8 [3.7], adjusted mean difference, -0.08 [95% CI, -0.71 to 0.57], P = .82; HADS anxiety subscale score: 5.7 [3.9] vs 5.4 [4.2], adjusted mean difference, -0.31 [95% CI, -0.96 to 0.33], P = .34). Intensity-adjusted analyses revealed a larger estimated treatment effect for patients who received a full dose (3 visits) of the CONNECT intervention.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This cluster randomized clinical trial found that a primary palliative care intervention that was delivered by oncology nurses did not improve patient-reported outcomes at 3 months. Primary palliative care interventions with a higher dose intensity may be beneficial for most patients with advanced cancer who lack access to palliative care specialists.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02712229.
Topics: Anxiety; Depression; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Needs Assessment; Neoplasms; Nurse's Role; Oncology Nursing; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Palliative Care; Patient Outcome Assessment; Quality of Life; Symptom Assessment
PubMed: 34515737
DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.5185 -
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management May 2022Since the publication of the IMPaCCT project in 2007, much effort has been made to develop new approaches to pediatric palliative care (PPC). Fifteen years later, it is...
CONTEXT
Since the publication of the IMPaCCT project in 2007, much effort has been made to develop new approaches to pediatric palliative care (PPC). Fifteen years later, it is time to redefine the standards in PPC.
OBJECTIVES
An international group of experts in PPC has revised the standards in PPC through the GO-PPaCS project (Global Overview - PPC Standards). The goal was to update the PPC standards considering the specificity of different settings, resources, and emerging challenges. The present document is intended to reach all people directly or indirectly involved in PPC.
METHODS
A literature review in MEDLINE was conducted to expand on the fundamental points and current standards on PPC and to cover an international setting. The literature search (updated on the 15th of April 2021) was carried out using different combinations of keywords and focusing on papers published in English over the past 5 years (2016-2020), but older articles were considered when relevant. The consensus on the fundamental points, standards of care and paper contents was reached by open discussion.
RESULTS
Fundamental points were defined regarding the definition of PPC, eligibility criteria and the magnitude of the need for PPC, while standards were redefined for the following six areas: 1) clinical, developmental, psychological, social, ethical and spiritual needs; 2) end-of-life care; 3) care models and settings of care; 4) PPC in humanitarian emergencies; 5) care tools; and 6) education and training for healthcare providers.
CONCLUSION
The present document, developed with the contribution of an international group of experts from different countries, experiences and models of care, provides fundamental points and standards for a wider implementation of PPC worldwide.
Topics: Child; Health Personnel; Hospice Care; Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing; Humans; Palliative Care; Terminal Care
PubMed: 35031506
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.12.031 -
BMC Palliative Care Dec 2019Despite improvements in medical care, patients with advanced cancer still experience substantial symptom distress. There is increasing interest in the use of medicinal... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Oral medicinal cannabinoids to relieve symptom burden in the palliative care of patients with advanced cancer: a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial of efficacy and safety of cannabidiol (CBD).
BACKGROUND
Despite improvements in medical care, patients with advanced cancer still experience substantial symptom distress. There is increasing interest in the use of medicinal cannabinoids, but there is little high quality evidence to guide clinicians. This study aims to define the role of cannabidiol (CBD) in the management of symptom burden in patients with advanced cancer undergoing standard palliative care.
METHODS AND DESIGN
This study is a multicentre, randomised, placebo controlled, two arm, parallel trial of escalating doses of oral CBD. It will compare efficacy and safety outcomes of a titrated dose of CBD (100 mg/mL formulation, dose range 50 mg to 600 mg per day) against placebo. There is a 2-week patient determined titration phase, using escalating doses of CBD or placebo to reach a dose that achieves symptom relief with tolerable side effects. This is then followed by a further 2-week assessment period on the stable dose determined in collaboration with clinicians.
DISCUSSION
A major strength of this study is that it will target symptom burden as a whole, rather than just individual symptoms, in an attempt to describe the general improvement in wellbeing previously reported by some patients in open label, non controlled trials of medicinal cannabis. Randomisation with placebo is essential because of the well-documented over reporting of benefit in uncontrolled trials and high placebo response rates in cancer pain trials. This will be the first placebo controlled clinical trial to evaluate rigorously the efficacy, safety and acceptability of CBD for symptom relief in advanced cancer patients. This study will provide the medical community with evidence to present to patients wishing to access medicinal cannabis for their cancer related symptoms.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ALCTRN12618001220257 Registered 20/07/2018.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Cannabidiol; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Medical Marijuana; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Palliative Care; Placebos; Syndrome
PubMed: 31810437
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0494-6