A recent study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine found that living wills often do not accurately reflect patients' actual treatment preferences at the end of life. The authors propose revising living wills to include more realistic scenarios and estimates of treatment effectiveness to guide advance care decisions.
The Alzheimer's Solution proposes community centers for dementia care, addressing the need for novel solutions to address this disease. The centers would provide programs of care, treatment, and prevention, taking a family-oriented and personalized approach.
A study by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals that US cancer centers have varying levels of palliative care programs and services, with NCI-designated centers having more comprehensive programs. Despite the differences, there is strong support for integrating palliative care into oncology care.
A content analysis found that media reports tend to focus on aggressive treatments and survival rates, neglecting discussions of death, palliative care, and adverse events. This study highlights the need for a more balanced approach in cancer news coverage.
A study found significant disparities in palliative care services across US cancer centers, with NCI-designated centers offering more comprehensive programs. The researchers identified barriers such as poor reimbursement and limited institutional resources hindering the delivery of high-quality palliative care.
A study of Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure found that Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to use hospice care compared to white patients. Cultural differences, lack of trust between patients and physicians, and access issues may contribute to these disparities.
A study found that nearly 60% of hospice patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have the shocking function deactivated, despite potential benefits for their quality of life. ICDs can cause physical and psychological distress for patients and their families.
Health care volunteers can make a disaster situation worse if they are not prepared. To optimize their response, they should seek formal training in disaster medicine and register with existing volunteer organizations. They should also consider the physical and emotional challenges of working in disaster areas and be mindful of the nee...
Researchers examine delivery of end-of-life care in Pennsylvania prisons, developing intervention toolkit and educational strategies to address racial/ethnic disparities and optimize patient care. The study aims to provide insights into delivering high-quality healthcare in complex organizations.
A roundtable discussion highlights palliative care's crucial role in evolving health-care reform policy, focusing on changing public perception and educating policymakers. The panel emphasizes the need for proactive education and awareness to demonstrate palliative medicine's value in improving patient outcomes.
A study found that end-of-life care falls short for kidney disease patients, with many lacking adequate support and education. Patients expressed a desire for help planning for the future, pain management, and psychosocial support, but these services were not routinely integrated into their care.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that support of patients' spiritual needs by medical teams is associated with greater use of hospice care, less aggressive treatment, and better quality of life near death. Patients whose spiritual needs were largely or completely supported had scores on average 28% higher in well-being.
A new clinical tool helps determine if kidney disease patients on dialysis are likely to die within the next few months. The model considers a doctor's estimate of prognosis, nutritional status, age, and additional illnesses or conditions.
Researchers found that patients who watched a video illustrating options for end-of-life care were significantly more likely to prefer comfort measures only and decline CPR compared to those in the control group. The study showed that videos can help surmount communication barriers and reinforce patient/doctor discussions.
Groundbreaking studies will help hospice patients and families address unresolved issues before and after a loved one passes away. The research focuses on marshaling patients' inner strengths, such as hope, optimism, and connectedness, to improve psychological outlooks.
Patricia Berry, a renowned palliative care expert, has been inducted into the American Academy of Nursing for her significant contributions to nursing. She will work with other leaders to address healthcare issues and promote humane care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses.
A new study from Columbia University found that US patients are almost five times more likely to spend their last hospital days in the ICU than patients in England. The research also revealed that ICU usage among terminal patients is eight times higher in the US than in England, particularly among those over 85.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dementia is a terminal illness characterized by uncomfortable symptoms and high mortality rates. The research highlights the need for improved palliative care in nursing homes to reduce physical suffering and enhance communication with family members.
Palliative care is crucial for dementia patients as they often suffer from untreated pain and symptoms due to their inability to report their condition. The need for improved symptom management, emotional support, and family support has been emphasized by experts.
The article outlines seven key areas for improving spiritual care, including Spiritual Care Models and Training/Certification. The guidelines provide practical recommendations for implementing spiritual care in palliative care settings.
A new study found that expanded insurance benefits and comprehensive case management increased hospice care use among patients with advanced illnesses. The study, published in Journal of Palliative Medicine, reported a 70% increase in hospice use and mean number of days in hospice care.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that only half of patients diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer discuss hospice options with their physicians. The study also revealed disparities in hospice discussions among different racial and marital groups, highlighting the need for improved end-of-life care conversations.
The American Cancer Society and National Palliative Care Research Center have awarded $1.5 million in research grants to researchers studying ways to reduce suffering in seriously ill patients and their family caregivers. The studies aim to improve the quality of life for adults and children with chronic illnesses.
Patients with advanced cancer who used religious faith to cope were more likely to receive intensive life-prolonging medical care, according to a study. Positive religious coping was associated with nearly three times the odds of receiving mechanical ventilation and preferring heroic measures.
A study found that patients who had end-of-life conversations with their doctors had significantly lower health-care expenses ($1,876 vs. $2,917) and better quality of life during their final week. The study suggests a strategy to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient care.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that black and Asian patients with terminal cancer use hospice care services less frequently than white and Hispanic patients, despite comparable levels of physical health and income.
A Brown University researcher has developed a user-friendly guide for doctors and patients on choosing high-quality hospice care. The guide emphasizes the importance of
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that end-of-life discussions can lead to improved quality of life for patients and their loved ones. Patients who had these conversations were more likely to accept comfort care and received less aggressive medical treatment.
A new study published in J Palliative Medicine found that more than half of US hospitals offer palliative care services, but availability varies widely across the country. Not-for-profit hospitals and midwestern/western regions have seen significant growth in palliative care adoption.
A new study found that hospitals can save significantly by implementing palliative care programs for seriously ill patients. Savings ranged from $279 to $374 per day and up to $2.5 million annually.
A study found that physician-patient communication training using the Four Habits Model can have a positive impact on the delivery of end-of-life care. The training increased professional satisfaction among physicians and enhanced their ability to express condolences, advance care planning discussions, and manage family emotions.
Dr. Greg Sachs is conducting a two-year pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating an outpatient palliative care program for patients with dementia into primary care practices. The goal is to provide improved symptom management, enhanced family support, and assistance with difficult decision making.
Researchers found that primary care visits in the preceding year are associated with fewer hospital days, lower costs, and less in-hospital death among Medicare beneficiaries. Providing more primary care may improve quality of end-of-life care while reducing time spent in hospitals and overall costs.
International experts call for improved end-of-life care for older people with dementia, citing a need for timely and accurate communication, avoiding aggressive treatments, and promoting multi-disciplinary care. High-quality specialist palliative care services are essential for those dying from end-stage dementia.
Cancer rates are on the rise in Albania, driven by changing lifestyles and limited healthcare resources. The country is seeking international support to tackle the crisis, with organizations like IAEA working to improve cancer control and palliative care.
Palliative care is now considered an integral part of serious respiratory disorders treatment, with individualized and integrated care promoting patient-focused symptom management. The ATS clinical policy statement emphasizes comprehensive care, including professional competence development and education.
A new University of Michigan study finds major gaps in hospice care availability across the US, attributed to low Medicare funding and reliance on charity. The study shows that communities with lower average incomes and education levels have fewer hospices, while areas with higher incomes and educated populations have more.
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.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that expanded palliative care services improve communication between families and caregivers, symptom management, and quality of life for children dying from cancer. The study also revealed a shift in where children are dying, with more dying at home or in hospice care.
A study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine explores the concept of hope in ALS patients, revealing a range of coping capabilities that extend beyond physical disability. The research highlights several themes of hope, including personal fulfillment, social support, and spiritual beliefs.
A Saint Louis University study found that less than a quarter of physicians can accurately predict patients' six-month mortality from heart failure. The study highlights existing knowledge gaps and uncertainty among doctors about end-stage care options, including palliative measures and hospice referrals.
Cancer risk increases with age, yet elderly nursing home residents receive relatively few cancer care services. According to a recent study, only 28% of patients with late-stage cancer received hospice care, highlighting the need for further investigation into cancer care in this population.
The UIC Center for End-of-Life Transition Research will conduct four studies on topics such as advanced heart failure, oral health in terminally ill cancer patients, and suicide prevention among Asian American college students. The center aims to advance the science of end-of-life care for people of all ages.
The Brown University team will collect data on nursing homes across the US to analyze state policies and their impact on long-term care. The goal is to develop sound state policies based on real data to ensure elderly Americans receive high-quality, cost-effective care.
A recent Yale University study found that 16% of chronically ill elderly patients refuse recommended medical and surgical interventions. The most frequently refused treatments were cardiac catheterization and surgery, with a combined refusal rate over 10%. Patients who refused treatments often cited fear of side effects as the primary ...
A new study by Brown University researchers found that one in 10 hospice patients are referred 'too late' for services, resulting in unmet needs. Families who reported having a loved one referred 'too late' were dissatisfied with the care received and reported more pain management problems.
Research grants aim to reduce suffering for seriously ill patients and their caregivers, with studies focusing on communication, treatment advances, and caregiving support. The initiative supports clinician investigators conducting patient-oriented research in palliative care.
Researchers found that higher levels of hopefulness among pediatric nurses correlate with greater comfort and competence in providing palliative care. Nurses who received more palliative care education reported being more hopeful and confident in their abilities.
A study by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers found that black patients are more likely to prefer life-sustaining care when faced with an incurable illness or serious disabilities. In contrast, white patients were less inclined to accept such care. The differences in attitudes suggest a need for healthcare policies sens...
A study by CQU's International Program for Psycho-Social Health Research (IPP-SHR) revealed that standardised questionnaires in hospice practice negatively impacted upon patients' and carers' experiences and wellbeing. Informal conversation was seen as a flexible, sensitive, and consumer-focused alternative to questionnaire use.
A Northwestern University study found that over 90% of patients support designating a proxy for health care, but less than 26% had previously been asked. The researchers advocate for routine identification of proxies to promote advance care planning and improve patient outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that older people and those with chronic illnesses have the highest rates of end-of-life intensive care unit (ICU) use. The study also found that expanding alternative health care settings, such as nursing homes or hospice care, might be a more cost-effective way to fund end-of-life care.
A study of 80 moderately obese patients found that laparoscopic gastric banding led to a significant average weight loss of 21.6 percent, compared to 5.5 percent in the nonsurgical group. Lifestyle modification can also achieve up to 10 percent weight loss.
A study of focus groups with 73 participants found diverse views on healthcare, spirituality, family, and dying among different racial and ethnic groups. Cultural values and Western medical system's limitations influence these differences.
Researchers found that a structured psychoeducational intervention improved caregiver quality of life and reduced distress for those caring for terminally ill cancer patients. The study suggests expanding end-of-life care studies to include other populations.
A new study reveals that palliative care programs are increasingly available in US hospitals, particularly in larger institutions and those affiliated with not-for-profit organizations. The growing demand for quality of life and relief from suffering is driving the expansion of these programs.
Children with advanced cancer can make informed decisions about their treatment, prioritizing the needs of others. The study found that 95% of participants cited caring for others as a factor in their decision-making, highlighting the importance of relationship-based end-of-life care.
A randomized trial found that promoting communication about hospice increased enrollment in 20-25% of patients within 30 days, while also providing more comprehensive end-of-life care. Intervention residents had higher rated family satisfaction and lower acute care admissions.
A two-year project at the University of Edinburgh aims to understand the cultural practices and needs of Sikh and Muslim patients nearing the end of life. The study will explore how caregivers can better support these communities, highlighting the importance of transcultural training for healthcare professionals.
A new study reveals that referrals to palliative care come too late to improve quality of life for cancer patients. Researchers surveyed 318 family members and found that only 48% thought referral timing was appropriate, while most believed care was given too late.