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International Journal of Nursing Studies Mar 2024Patients who are suffering may be commonly encountered in health care. The growing use of telehealth implies that encounters with patients who are suffering may...
BACKGROUND
Patients who are suffering may be commonly encountered in health care. The growing use of telehealth implies that encounters with patients who are suffering may increasingly take place at a distance. "Distant suffering" is a concept coined within sociology to describe the suffering of far-away others. It is conceptualized as a paradox, as distance changes the relation between the witness of suffering and the suffering encountered. Impacts may include a potential detriment to the sufferer and ethical implications for the witness.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the concept of distant suffering and any relevance, implications, or important avenues for potential research within the healthcare sciences.
DESIGN
Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Databases of Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL and PsycInfo were searched for the terms "distant suffering" or "mediated suffering".
REVIEW METHOD
Attributes, surrogate or related terms, antecedents, consequences, and uses of the concept were extracted and synthesized.
RESULTS
Thirty articles published within the past ten years were selected for review from the search results. "Distant suffering" was characterized as comprising 1) mediated far-away suffering, 2) a "recognizer" or witness, and 3) a potential role of a moderator. Antecedents include shared understandings and socially-influenced responses. Consequences include responses like empathy, compassion, pity, also indifference, cynicism and compassion fatigue.
CONCLUSIONS
Further research to explore distant suffering from healthcare sciences' perspective could uncover valuable insights for those suffering, for healthcare workers, and any who are exposed to it. An improved understanding of how distant suffering is conveyed and moderated could enable targeted reduction of exposure or improve response to distant suffering. Such knowledge could help diminish negative consequences for those suffering, for healthcare workers who are caring at a distance for those suffering, or for others who encounter distant suffering in their occupations or in daily life via media, social media, or digital communications.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
New analysis finds that exposure to distant suffering may have important implications for health and health care.
Topics: Humans; Empathy; Health Personnel; Compassion Fatigue; Delivery of Health Care; Telemedicine
PubMed: 38184919
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104672 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Nov 1997Since the 1950s, researchers have attempted to understand reports of distant or "psychic" healing, developing experimental protocols that test the distant healing... (Review)
Review
Since the 1950s, researchers have attempted to understand reports of distant or "psychic" healing, developing experimental protocols that test the distant healing hypothesis by measuring biological changes in a target system while ruling out suggestion or self-regulation as counterexplanations. This article provides a brief overview of these "healing analog" experiments. It also provides a summary and meta-analysis of 30 formal experiments in which self-reported healers, "psychics," and other self-selected volunteers attempted to influence autonomic nervous system activity in a distant person. Results across the experiments showed a significant and characteristic variation during distant intentionality periods, compared with randomly interspersed control periods. Possible alternative explanations for the reported effects are considered. Finally the implications of distant intentionality are discussed for an understanding of the possible mechanisms of distant healing, the nature of the mind-body relationship, and the role of consciousness in the physical world.
Topics: Complementary Therapies; Humans; Mental Healing; Religion and Medicine; Thinking
PubMed: 9375431
DOI: No ID Found -
Cancers Jul 2019Although metastases of ovarian and peritoneal carcinomatosis are most commonly found within the peritoneal cavity, there is a number of other rare distant sites that... (Review)
Review
Although metastases of ovarian and peritoneal carcinomatosis are most commonly found within the peritoneal cavity, there is a number of other rare distant sites that have been reported. Our goal is to provide an evidence-based summary of the available literature considering the rare distant metastatic sites of ovarian and peritoneal carcinomatosis. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted, with Medline/PubMed being searched for cases of rare metastatic disease originated from primary ovarian and peritoneal cancer with related articles up to 2019 including terms such as "ovarian cancer", "metastases", "peritoneal" and others. The most common mechanism of ovarian cancer metastases consists of primarily dissemination within the peritoneal cavity, while, rare and distant sites can either occur at the beginning or during the course of the disease and they are usually associated with hematogenous route and lymphatic invasion, having poor prognosis, with the least common sites being skin, bone, CNS, eye, placenta, central airways, rare lymph nodes, intra-abdominal organs, heart and breast. The occurrence of metastatic sites described in this review represents the most common rare distant metastatic sites, and even though their patterns of metastases are still not fully clarified due to the rarity of the reports, they offer valuable information considering the pathophysiology of the disease.
PubMed: 31344859
DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081044 -
Science China. Life Sciences Mar 2018Distant hybridization refers to crosses between two different species, genera, or higher-ranking taxa, which can break species limits, increase genetic variation, and... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
Distant hybridization refers to crosses between two different species, genera, or higher-ranking taxa, which can break species limits, increase genetic variation, and combine the biological characteristics of existing species. It is an important way of creating genetic variation, fertile strains, and excellent characteristics in new strains and populations. Combining analyses and summaries from many inter-related documents in plants and animals, both domestic and international, including examples and long-standing research on distant hybridization in fish from our laboratory, we summarize and compare the similarities and differences in plant and animal distant hybridization. In addition, we analyze and review the biological characteristics of their different ploidy progenies and the possible causes of disparity in survival rates. Mechanisms of sterility in animal and plant distant hybrids are also discussed, and research methods for the study of biological characteristics of hybrids, including morphology, cytology, and molecular cytogenetics are presented. This paper aims to provide comprehensive research materials and to systematically compare the general and specific characteristics of plant and animal hybrids with regards to reproduction, genetics, growth traits, and other biological characteristics. It is hoped that this paper will have great theoretical and practical significance for the study of genetic breeding and biological evolution of plant and animal distant hybridization.
Topics: Animals; Breeding; Fishes; Genetic Variation; Hybridization, Genetic; Phenotype; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Plants; Ploidies; Reproduction; Reproductive Isolation
PubMed: 28861869
DOI: 10.1007/s11427-017-9094-2 -
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift Apr 2003To update our published systematic review of clinical trials of distant healing. (Review)
Review
AIM
To update our published systematic review of clinical trials of distant healing.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and personal files.
STUDY SELECTION
Any type of clinical study of any type of distant healing published between 2000 and December 2002.
DATA EXTRACTION
For each included study, essential data were extracted and summarised in narrative form.
RESULTS
8 non-randomised and 9 randomised clinical trials were located. The majority of the rigorous trials do not to support the hypothesis that distant healing has specific therapeutic effects. The results of two studies furthermore suggest that distant healing can be associated with adverse effects.
CONCLUSION
Since the publication of our previous systematic review in 2000, several rigorous new studies have emerged. Collectively they shift the weight of the evidence against the notion that distant healing is more than a placebo.
Topics: Clinical Trials as Topic; Faith Healing; Humans; Mental Healing; Placebo Effect; Therapeutic Touch; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 12778776
DOI: 10.1007/BF03040322 -
ORL; Journal For Oto-rhino-laryngology... 2001Thyroid cancer represents a unique biological tumor where even with the high incidence of distant metastases, the overall prognosis is not as poor as many other human... (Review)
Review
Thyroid cancer represents a unique biological tumor where even with the high incidence of distant metastases, the overall prognosis is not as poor as many other human cancers. The overall long-term survival in patients presenting initially with distant metastasis is approximately 50%. The overall incidence of distant metastases varies between 10 and 35%, depending upon the histology. The overall incidence is directly related to various histologies - being least in papillary thyroid carcinoma (10%) and highest in Hürthle cell tumor (33%). The incidence of distant metastases is also very high in patients with medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancer. The incidence of distant metastases at the time of initial presentation in differentiated thyroid cancer is approximately 4%. In high-risk patients - especially in patients with extrathyroidal extension or massive nodal metastasis - the distant metastases can be evaluated after total thyroidectomy with radioactive iodine ablation. Pulmonary metastases are very common in young individuals, but they are extremely well treated and the mortality from distant metastases in this group is very low. However, distant metastases in patients with poorly-differentiated carcinoma have a poor prognosis. In high-risk patients, generally a total thyroidectomy should be undertaken so that the patient can undergo radioactive iodine dosimetry and ablation as indicated. The surveillance in patients with thyroid cancer includes: close clinical follow-up, chest X-ray, and radioactive iodine dosimetry. Thyroglobulin is commonly used as a prognostic marker in patients having undergone total thyroidectomy. The incidence of distant metastases in medullary thyroid cancer is high, mainly to the lung and liver. Persistent hypercalcitonemia is an indication of regional or distant metastases. A variety of diagnostic tests are helpful, such as octreotide scanning, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scan. Laparoscopy to evaluate the surface of the liver is also an important investigation to detect distant metastases. The incidence of distant metastases is very high in patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer, but most of the time the outcome depends on the locoregional recurrence and massive disease in the central compartment. The parathyroid cancer is quite rare, less than 1%, in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy. The diagnosis of parathyroid cancer is made by pathological features but the most certain method of diagnosis of a malignant tumor of the parathyroid is the identification of secondary deposits. The incidence of distant metastasis is difficult to determine due to the rarity of this condition, but the most common site is the lung. Patients with distant metastasis have recurrent progressive hypercalcemia along with high parathormone level.
Topics: Carcinoma; Carcinoma, Medullary; Humans; Neoplasm Metastasis; Parathyroid Neoplasms; Prognosis; Thyroid Neoplasms
PubMed: 11408821
DOI: 10.1159/000055749 -
ORL; Journal For Oto-rhino-laryngology... 2001Distant metastases related to lip carcinomas occur very exceptionally (0.5-2%) and can be expected in cases of advanced tumors with advanced regional disease. Distant... (Review)
Review
Distant metastases related to lip carcinomas occur very exceptionally (0.5-2%) and can be expected in cases of advanced tumors with advanced regional disease. Distant metastases from oral cavity carcinomas vary over a broad interval (8-17%) and depend also on the stage of disease. The knowledge of the presence of distant metastases is vital for the planning of further treatment. From a clinical point of view, patients with lip and oral cavity can be divided into a group where the risk of distant metastases is low, and into a high-risk one. In low-risk group patients (stages I, II and III) the risk of the incidence of distant metastases is 3%, and the diagnostic approach should consist of an X-ray of the lungs and liver tests. Further examinations are necessary if there are symptoms suggesting the presence of distant metastases or previous examinations are abnormal. The high-risk group (stage IV) and all patients with locoregional relapse have a risk of distant metastases of approximately 10% and the best treatment consists of a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. If a PET scanner is not available it is recommended to run a computed tomography scan of the lungs and liver tests. If any clinical investigation is abnormal further tests are necessary.
Topics: Bone Neoplasms; Brain Neoplasms; Heart Neoplasms; Humans; Incidence; Kidney Neoplasms; Lip Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphatic Metastasis; Mouth Neoplasms; Neoplasm Metastasis
PubMed: 11408816
DOI: 10.1159/000055744 -
Journal of International Society of... 2016Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been estimated to be the sixth most common cancer worldwide. The distant metastasis plays a critical role in the management and... (Review)
Review
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been estimated to be the sixth most common cancer worldwide. The distant metastasis plays a critical role in the management and prognosis in oral cancer patients. Regarding the distant metastasis from the oral cancer, the hypopharynx is the most common primary site, followed by the base of tongue and anterior tongue. The present review article analyzes the characteristics of the distant metastases from the oral cavity from 1937 to 2015.
PubMed: 27583211
DOI: 10.4103/2231-0762.186805 -
Netherlands Heart Journal : Monthly... Oct 2023Infective endocarditis is a severe and potentially lethal cardiac disease. Recognition of the clinical features of endocarditis, such as distant embolisation, and...
BACKGROUND
Infective endocarditis is a severe and potentially lethal cardiac disease. Recognition of the clinical features of endocarditis, such as distant embolisation, and adequate treatment should be initiated promptly given the grim perspective of upcoming virulent pathogens.
METHODS
We report on our registry-based experience with outcomes of consecutive patients with infective endocarditis with distant embolisation. We aimed to describe the patient characteristics of infective endocarditis complicated by distant organ embolisation and the safety aspects of continuing endocarditis treatment at home in these patients.
RESULTS
From November 2018 through April 2022, 157 consecutive patients were diagnosed with infective endocarditis. Of them, 38 patients (24%) experienced distant embolisation, either in the cerebrum (n = 18), a visceral organ (n = 5), the lungs (n = 7) or the myocardium (n = 8). Pathogens identified in blood cultures were predominantly streptococcal variants (43%), with only one culture-negative endocarditis case. Of the 18 patients with cerebral embolisation, 12 had neurological complaints and most often discrete abnormal findings on neurological examination. Six of the 8 cardiac embolism patients experienced chest pain before admission. Visceral organ and pulmonary embolism occurred silently. Of the 38 patients with distant embolisation, 17 could be discharged earlier by providing antibiotic treatment at home without complications.
CONCLUSION
This registry-based single-centre experience showed an incidence of distant embolisation in daily care of 24%. Cerebral and coronary embolisation provoked symptoms, while visceral emboli remained silent. Pulmonary emboli may present with inflammatory signs. Distant embolisation was not in itself a contra-indication for outpatient endocarditis@home treatment.
PubMed: 36995641
DOI: 10.1007/s12471-023-01771-6 -
Global Advances in Health and Medicine Nov 2015This article provides a broad overview of "distant healing intention" (DHI) therapies, ie, intentional healing modalities claimed to transcend the usual constraints of... (Review)
Review
This article provides a broad overview of "distant healing intention" (DHI) therapies, ie, intentional healing modalities claimed to transcend the usual constraints of distance through space or time. We provide a summary of previous reviews and meta-analyses that have explored a diverse array of DHI modalities, outcome measures, and experimental protocols. While some significant experimental effects have been observed, the evidence to date does not yet provide confidence in its clinical efficacy. The purported "nonlocal" nature of DHI raises significant methodological and theoretical challenges. We recommend several avenues for improving future research.
PubMed: 26665044
DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2015.012.suppl