American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

Cost Analysis of a Novel Interdisciplinary Model for Advanced Illness Management
Conclusions: Study findings suggest @HOMe Support is associated with reductions in the use and cost for most health services over time. (Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine)
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Hopp, F. P., Trzcinski, E., Roth, R., Deremo, D., Fonger, E., Chiv, S., Paletta, M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Hospice Agencies' Hospital Contract Status and Differing Levels of Hospice Care
In response to a 2011 finding that approximately 27% of Medicare-certified hospices do not provide a single day of general inpatient care (GIP), the authors explored the extent to which hospices have contracts with hospitals for GIP. Using the 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey, we estimated that 1119 (32%) agencies had no contract with any hospitals in 2007 and half of those with no contract did not have a contract with a skilled nursing facility (SNF) either. As a result, these hospices were unable to provide GIP referrals for those in need of inpatient care for acute pain and symptom management. More importantly...
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Chung, K., Richards, N., Burke, S. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Symptoms Other Than Pain in Palliative Care in Portugal
Conclusion: The practice of palliative care in Portugal seems to be similar to those in other countries. (Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine)
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Goncalves, F., Almeida, A., Antunes, C., Cardoso, M., Carvalho, M., Claro, M., Coimbra, F., Diniz, I., Fonseca, B., Fradique, E., Goncalves, E., Goncalves, F., Goncalves, M., Magalhaes, A., Pina, P., Pires, C., Silva, P., Silva, R., Silva, R., Tavares, F. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Factors Associated With Futile End-Of-Life Intensive Care in a Cancer Hospital
Conclusions: We conclude that a significant minority of end-of-life care consists of futile treatments. Strategies to increase Oncologists’ and Critical Care specialists’ alertness to these issues and expand indications of Palliative Care consultations are recommended. (Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine)
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Cruz, V. M. d., Camalionte, L., Caruso, P. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Are Geriatric Medicine Fellows Prepared for the Important Skills of Hospice and Palliative Care?
Many geriatricians care for terminally ill and dying patients, but it is unclear whether the current geriatric medicine fellows receive sufficient training in hospice and palliative care (H&PC). A national cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and June 2011 to determine fellows’ experience and perceived competency with H&PC. Fellows (143 of 298, 48%) and program directors (PDs; 69 of 150, 46%) answered the surveys on paper or online. Three-fourths of the fellows planned to practice H&PC; however, only 35% fellows versus 42% PDs believed that fellows were well prepared in this area. Factors as...
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Cao, Q., Lee, T. J., Hayes, S. M., Nye, A. M., Hamrick, I., Patil, S., Steinweg, K. K. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Evaluation of Hospice Care by Family Members of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Patients
This study relied upon information from the family evaluation of hospice care survey provided by 2980 caregivers, 152 of whom cared for a Hispanic patient and 2828 who cared for a non-Hispanic patient. Caregivers of Hispanic patients were more likely to report that hospice was inconsistent with the patient’s wishes, and that they received more attention than desired for emotional issues. Caregivers of Hispanic patients were also more likely to express that emotional/spiritual forms of support were insufficient. Similar levels of satisfaction were reported for caregivers of Hispanics and non-Hispanics regarding dignit...
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Kirkendall, A., Holland, J. M., Keene, J. R., Luna, N. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

A Study of Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Volunteers' Attitudes Toward Physician-Assisted Suicide
The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of hospice palliative care (HPC) volunteers who provide in-home support (n = 47) and members of the community (n = 58) toward the issue of physician-assisted suicide (PAS). On the first part of the survey, participants responded to 15 items designed to assess their attitudes toward PAS. An examination of individual items revealed differences in opinions among members of both the groups. Responses to additional questions revealed that the majority of volunteers and community members (1) support legalizing PAS; (2) would choose HPC over PAS for themselves if they were te...
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Claxton-Oldfield, S., Miller, K. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate in the Treatment of Dyspnea on Exertion in Patients With Advanced Cancer
Conclusion: It could not be demonstrated that the OTFC improved exertion dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer. A placebo effect was observed in all the patients. (Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine)
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Pinna, M. A. C., Bruera, E., Moralo, M. J. R., Correas, M. A. S., Vargas, R. M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Terminally Ill African American Elders' Access to and Use of Hospice Care
The underuse of hospice care by terminally ill African American elders suggests they are suffering when hospice care could offer quality end of life care. Guided by the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, this study sought understanding of structural barriers faced when seeking access to hospice care and reasons for using it when access is possible. Data was collected through interviews with 28 African American hospice patients. Themes from directed content analysis provide insights into strategies used to overcome access barriers posed by income, health insurance and administrative procedure, as well as the role ...
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Noh, H., Schroepfer, T. A. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Barriers to Employment of African American Professionals in Hospice: A Qualitative Study With African American Social Work Students
A major barrier to African American hospice utilization is the lack of African American hospice professionals. This qualitative study with 10 female African American social work students in a Midwestern university explored whether the participants were interested in hospice employment. Results provided information about reasons for the overall lack of diversity in hospice, reasons for the lack of African American staff in hospice, reasons for the lack of African American patients in hospice, and avenues toward knowledge about hospice by African American professionals. Barriers to African American employment included a lack...
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Munoz, B., Garrett, E., Reese, D., Roberts, M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Palliative Care Consultation Versus Palliative Care Unit: Which Is Associated With Shorter Terminal Hospitalization Length of Stay Among Patients With Cancer?
We describe the terminal hospitalization LoS of patients with cancer managed by a hospital-based palliative care (PC) program comprising a palliative care consultation (PCC) service and an inpatient palliative care unit (PCU). A total of 328 in-hospital cancer deaths were divided into 2 groups. The PCU group included patients admitted by the PC team directly to the PCU. The PCC group included patients admitted by other specialties and referred to the PCC team. The LoS of the PCU group was significantly shorter than that of the PCC group (9.9 [±9.4] vs 17.8 [±19.7] days, respectively; P < .001). Direct term...
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Alsirafy, S. A., Abou-Alia, A. M., Ghanem, H. M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

End-of-Life Dreams and Visions: A Qualitative Perspective From Hospice Patients
This study uniquely examined patient dreams and visions from their personal perspective. This article reports the qualitative findings from dreams and visions of 63 hospice patients. Inductive content analysis was used to examine the content and subjective significance of ELDVs. Six categories emerged: comforting presence, preparing to go, watching or engaging with the deceased, loved ones waiting, distressing experiences, and unfinished business. (Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine)
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Nosek, C. L., Kerr, C. W., Woodworth, J., Wright, S. T., Grant, P. C., Kuszczak, S. M., Banas, A., Luczkiewicz, D. L., Depner, R. M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Communication About Advance Directives and End-of-Life Care Options Among Internal Medicine Residents
Conclusions: Modest improvements were made over time in trainees’ exposure to EOL discussions; however, many residents remain uncomfortable and conflicted with having EOL care discussions with their patients. More effective training approaches in EOL communication are needed to train the next generation of internists. (Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine)
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Rhodes, R. L., Tindall, K., Xuan, L., Paulk, M. E., Halm, E. A. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

A Structured End-of-Life Curriculum for Neonatal-Perinatal Postdoctoral Fellows
Death in tertiary care neonatal intensive care units is a common occurrence. Despite recent advances in pediatric palliative education, evidence indicates that physicians are poorly prepared to care for dying infants and their families. Numerous organizations recommend increased training in palliative and end-of-life care for pediatric physicians. The purpose of this study is to develop a structured end-of-life curriculum for neonatal–perinatal postdoctoral fellows based on previously established principles and curricular guidelines on end-of-life care in the pediatric setting. Results demonstrate statistically signi...
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - April 12, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Harris, L. L., Placencia, F. X., Arnold, J. L., Minard, C. G., Harris, T. B., Haidet, P. M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in a Palliative Care Unit: When Delirium Is a Seizure
We present a case of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), which multiple reports have shown to be a rarely contemplated cause of impaired consciousness. A concise review of NCSE follows, with emphasis on conditions that present similarly, precipitating factors, diagnostic and therapeutic considerations, and prognostic implications. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus is a reversible cause of altered consciousness, particularly when recognized promptly. In a palliative care unit, treatment should ultimately be guided by the patient’s goals of care. (Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine)
Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - February 11, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Samala, R. V., Parala-Metz, A., Davis, M. P. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research