Articles tagged with Terminal Illness
A new, incisionless liver cancer treatment called histotripsy was associated with low rates of laboratory toxicity and procedural complications in a real-world review of 972 patients. However, the study found that 11% of patients died within 30 days, suggesting that advanced cancer and overall disease burden may be contributing factors.
A comprehensive review of 20 years of research involving over 80,000 carers found that many deprioritise and dismiss their own emotional needs, highlighting the need for psychological support-seeking among carers.
A Swedish population-level study found that individuals with a comprehensive understanding of palliative care are more likely to prefer end-of-life care at home or in a hospice. The study also highlights the importance of earlier palliative care initiation to alleviate suffering and promote well-being.
A major new study has found that severe asthma patients are often battling other health conditions, with nearly all suffering from at least one major issue. The study identified three distinct profiles linked to how well asthma is controlled and the treatments needed, offering potential breakthroughs for improving care.
This qualitative study examines the role of prognostic uncertainty in serious illness conversations, finding that it can be a constructive element supporting patient preparation for end-of-life. Clinicians' attentiveness to patients' and caregivers' readiness enabled effective prognostic dialogue, promoting meaningful life continuation.
A new study found significant disparities in Maryland's rural communities, with many cases of Alzheimer's disease remaining undiagnosed. The research highlights the impact of hospital accessibility and poverty rates on health outcomes, particularly for older populations.
A new statewide spatial analysis of Alzheimer's disease reveals significant disparities in rural Maryland, with many cases remaining undiagnosed due to limited access to care. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to address healthcare accessibility gaps in underserved areas.
A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died after consuming beef due to a tick-borne meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick's alpha-gal sugar. Researchers identified the allergy and its link to fatal anaphylaxis, urging physicians to investigate severe abdominal pain after eating red meat in areas with high Lone Star tick populations.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that up to 40% of hospital transfers from nursing homes can be avoided. The study identified common medical conditions linked to unnecessary hospitalizations, including feeding tube complications and urinary tract infections.
A survey of 1408 doctors from 8 jurisdictions found that most would consider assisted dying if faced with advanced cancer or Alzheimer's disease. They predominantly prefer symptom relief over life-sustaining treatments, and their preferences are influenced by local legislation on euthanasia.
A study by the University of Southampton highlights paramedics' struggles with end-of-life care, including insufficient training, access to patient records, and medication administration. Nearly three-quarters of paramedics report not having access to specific medications needed to relieve symptoms at end-of-life.
The Hastings Center's new special report reviews options for supporting better lives of people facing dementia. The report analyzes care inequities and recommends policy changes to reduce financial hardships and social isolation associated with the diagnosis. It also explores emerging topics in health law and healthcare practice.
Researchers have developed a novel virtual reality-based relaxation therapy that helps cancer patients in palliative care manage symptoms and stress better. The therapy, known as FLOW-VRT-Relaxation, combines standard-of-care relaxation techniques with immersive VR experiences to promote psychological states of flourishing.
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
A UK-wide evaluation found that nearly all (93%) of dying hospital patients had demonstrable unmet needs for palliative care. The deficit was more apparent in district general hospitals compared to teaching hospitals and cancer centres.
Researchers surveyed medical staff at a large Japanese children's hospital about their experiences with full-time hospital facility dogs, finding that they improve terminal care and patient cooperation. The study also reveals that HFDs help staff manage workload and encourage children to express themselves more.
Researchers found that a quarter of cancer patients want to know their life expectancy, while almost half want to know about their functional prognosis. The study suggests that doctors should consider various options for informing patients about their future to cater to individual needs.
Researchers studied hospice patients' perceptions of wisdom, finding it to be a continuous recalibration between accepting illness and wanting to grow and change. Participants emphasized the importance of acceptance, gratitude, and positivity in their final days.
Multiple hospitalizations for pneumonia, urinary tract infections, septicemia, and dehydration result in significantly lower survival rates among nursing home residents with moderate to severe cognitive impairment. These findings highlight the need for reevaluation of care goals and resource allocation for this vulnerable population.
A study found that oxygen therapy provides no additional benefit over regular air in relieving persistent breathlessness in patients with life-limiting illness. The researchers suggest less burdensome strategies should be considered for these patients.
A study by the University of Granada found that health professionals have difficulty diagnosing terminal illnesses, particularly in chronic and degenerative cases. This can lead to a lack of palliative care for patients, as they may be deprived from necessary assistance aimed at improving their quality of life.
According to a University of Pittsburgh study, African-American seniors are two times more likely than whites to prefer life-prolonging treatments when faced with a terminal illness. The majority of Medicare beneficiaries surveyed preferred not to die in a hospital or receive life-sustaining measures at the end of life.
Researchers found that humour helps alleviate difficult situations and adds a human dimension to care, with staff using it to promote team relationships and connect with patients. However, humour can also create distance if not used appropriately.