Abstract
Letters to the Editor
Study of the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of the Portuguese Patient Dignity Question in increasing the sense of dignity of palliative patients cared for in Palliative Care. (page 1062)
Brief Reports
Retrospective review of medical records to understand variables and comorbid illnesses associated with do-not-resuscitate orders placed on patients after intracerebral hemorrhage. (page 1161)
Fast Facts and Concepts
Pain Management Considerations in Older Adults #356 (page 1185)
Safety Considerations When Using Opioids for Older Adults #357 (page 1187)
Personal Reflection
We were not called to be the provider who rushes their patient to the operating room to remove some offending organ or to snake a catheter through someone's arteries to force open a stenotic orifice. No, we sit down with individuals; meet them wherever they are physically and emotionally and risk revealing some of our humanity. (page 1189)
Case Discussions in Palliative Medicine
Review and discussion of clinical reasoning underlying the management of a hospitalized patient with nonconvulsive status epilepticus whose goals of care transitioned to comfort. (page 1195)
Book and Media Reviews
(page 1199)
Recent Literature
(page 1200)
Best Supportive Care Checklist
The authors developed a consensus-based checklist for standardizing and documenting best supportive care. In this feasibility study, oncologists and palliative care physicians rated the checklist very helpful and easy to use, with only minor impacts on workflow. (page 1074)
Racial Differences in Advance Care Planning
In a statewide survey, researchers found racial and ethnic minorities may be disadvantaged in the quality of serious illness care they receive when they are unable to make decisions for themselves, as most had not talked to anyone about their goals, values, or preferences for care. (page 1078)
Analyzing Family Conferences
In this prospective observational study, researchers analyzed 78 family conferences (FCs) with a palliative care team during a first-time consult. They found FCs usually included sons and daughters and typically lasted 45 minutes at the patient's bedside. Nearly all families found the FC valuable, and their distress decreased or remained stable after the FC. (page 1086)
Bereavement Calls
The authors conducted interviews with bereaved caregivers who reported that contact from clinicians after their loved one's death was well received, and may be missed if not provided. They advocate for integration of bereavement contact into routine supportive care by clinicians. (page 1137)
Training for Direct Care Workers
This descriptive study shows that community agencies serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities may not be equipped to provide palliative care when needed. The authors advocate for training of direct care workers as well as addressing organizational barriers. (page 1094)
Cancer Care at End of Life in India
Researchers studied the use of cancer-directed therapy and/or referral to palliative care for end-stage patients at a low-resource government hospital in India. (page 1100)
Prescribing Practices in Artificial Hydration
In an online survey, palliative care physicians in Australia and New Zealand reported lower use of artificial hydration for dying patients than their international counterparts. (page 1145)