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Biomedical subjects

E Bruera

Publications and source records attributed to E Bruera.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Interactive collaborative consultation model in end-of-life care.

With interactive communication becoming an engaging and accessible venue, the specialized field of end-of-life care could greatly benefit by utilizing the Internet to ensure comprehensive palliative care for many underserved areas worldwide. Interactive communication can enhance the care of patients with advanced disease and their families by providing practitioners with current research-based information to empower their clinical decision-making. A collaborative consultative Internet relationship can support practitioners in providing comprehensive palliative interventions for their patients in a timely manner. This paper describes the development of the interactive collaborative consultation model and its demonstration between a rural palliative care nurse practitioner and an urban medical research physician. Expert consultation for individual patients through the Internet can help improve access to palliative consultation and, ultimately, enhance the care of many dying persons living within underserved or remote areas worldwide.

Critical Care↗
PubMed2000

How children die in hospital.

A retrospective analysis was performed to describe the course of terminal care provided to dying hospitalized children in terms of symptom assessment and management, and communication and decision-making, at the end of life. Seventy-seven of 236 infants and children who died after hospital admission in Edmonton, Canada between January 1996 and June 1998 met entry criteria. Only children who died after a minimum hospitalization of 24 hours in the case of chronic illness or after a minimum hospitalization of 7 days following an acute event were included. Unanticipated deaths were excluded. Eighty-three percent of children died in intensive care settings (64/77), and 78 % (60/77) were intubated prior to their death. Symptoms were recorded in narrative progress notes. Five of 77 (6%) charts contained specific pain assessment and treatment records. Opioid analgesia was provided in 84 % of all cases (65/77). Six (8 %) patients had do not resuscitate (DNNR) orders preceding final hospital admission and 56/71 (79%) remaining patients had documented discussion resulting in DNR decision during final hospital admission. Median time from DNR to death was < 1 day. Mode of death was withdrawal of therapy in 33/77 (43 %), no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in 26/77 (34 %), andfailed CPR in 13/77 (17%). Five children were declared brain dead. In only one case was there evidence in the medical record of the possibility of death being discussed explicitly with the patient. Decision-making regarding end-of-life issues in this pediatric population was deferred very close to the time of death, and only after no remaining curative therapy was available. Acuity of care was very high prior to death. Children are rarely told that they are dying.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2000

The Pan American Health Organization: its structure and role in the development of a palliative care program for Latin America and the Caribbean.

In recent years palliative care has emerged as a major public health care issue, both in developed and developing countries. The rising number of cancer deaths as a result of increased tobacco consumption, control of other diseases, lack of preventive programs, and the difficulties of accessing curative treatments in many countries have made palliative care and pain relief the appropriate, and in many cases, the only option for patients with advanced disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) and its Regional Office for the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), have promoted palliative care as a component of their cancer control program. Some health care workers and policy makers are not adequately informed about the role that intergovernmental agencies such as WHO and PAHO play in the health care field. This has led to confusion and, in some cases, misjudgment of the organization. This paper summarizes the structure and role of PAHO and, specifically, its participation in the development of a palliative care program for Latin America and the Caribbean. Many health care professionals, administrators, and policy makers are unaware of the organization 's objectives in this area and the tools available to assist in the implementation and development of national programs to care for patients with advanced cancer: The information in this paper is based on data found in the PAHO and WHO web sites, as well as other technical publications from different sources, including individuals not formally associated with WHO or PAHO.

Caribbean Region↗
PubMed2000

Demographic, symptom, and medication profiles of cancer patients seen by a palliative care consult team in a tertiary referral hospital.

In this retrospective study, the charts of 100 consecutive cancer patients who had been referred to a palliative care consult team within a tertiary acute care hospital were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, including reason for admission and disease status upon admission, length of stay, and discharge and admission location, were recorded. Symptom acuity, cognitive status, and risk for substance abuse were evaluated. Medications before and after the consult were tabulated and compared to recommended medications; compliance with the recommendations was assessed. Five patients were not palliative at the time of the consult. Only 46/95 (48%) were known to have untreatable cancer at the time of their admission. The CAGE questionnaire for alcoholism and the Mini-Mental State Questionnaire (MMSQ) were abnormal in 19/78 (24%) and 40/91 (44%), respectively. The most intense symptoms, as measured by the 100-mm scales of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) were fatigue (72 +/- 24), appetite (60 +/- 32), and well-being (50 +/- 29). Eighty-nine of the 95 patients were living at home prior to admission and 34/95 were able to return home. Twenty died during hospitalization, 23 were transferred to a palliative care unit, and the remaining 18 were discharged to another hospital or long-term care. The patient's physician complied with the palliative care consult team's recommendation in 122/137 cases (89%).

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Cachexia and asthenia in cancer patients.

Over the past 10 years, there have been major advances in the understanding of cancer cachexia and asthenia. These common complications of cancer are now thought to be the consequences of complex interactions between host, tumour, and psychosocial factors. Cachexia and asthenia commonly coexist, but they can occur independently of each other. Recently identified tumour-derived factors cause lipolysis and protein catabolism. Cytokines produced by the host in response to tumour presence cause metabolic abnormalities, which result in decreased protein and lipid synthesis, increased lipolysis, and anorexia. Many other factors contribute to asthenia, such as anaemia, autonomic failure, and muscular abnormalities. Future research should clarify optimum management. The way forward seems to lie in a multidimensional approach with combined therapy to manage both cancer cachexia and asthenia.

Asthenia↗
PubMed2000

The impact of a regional palliative care program on the cost of palliative care delivery.

In July 1995 the Edmonton Regional Palliative Care Program (ERPCP) was established in the City of Edmonton to increase the access of patients with terminal cancer to palliative care services, decrease the number of cancer deaths in acute-care facilities, and increase the participation of family physicians in the care of terminally ill patients. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the cost of implementation of the ERPCP and savings in acute-care facility costs after its implementation. We did this by comparing the cost of care for patients during 1992-93 (prior to the ERPCP) and 1996-97 (with the ERPCP). The main outcome measures were the cost of care and the total hospital stay in days for all patients during their last acute-care hospital admission. The increased funding for the ERPCP was offset by a significant decrease in the overall cost of palliative care in the acute-care facilities. There was a substantial decrease in the palliative care costs in acute facilities from 11,963,846 dollars in 1992/93 to 3,449,055 dollars in 1996/97. This can be explained by the significant decrease in the number of palliative care patient days in acute-care facilities from 22,608 during 1992/93 to 6085 during 1996/97. Physician billings were slightly higher for 1996 as compared to 1992. In 1992, 90% (195,117/427,780) of the billings were made by the specialists (internists, surgeons, and other specialists), while in 1996/97 67% (359,869/537,342) of the payments were made to primary care practitioners (p < 0.0001). Overall, there were estimated saving of 1,650,689 dollars for palliative care costs in 1996/97 as compared to 1992/93. Our results suggest that the establishment of an integrated palliative care program reduced the cost of care. Prospective cost measurement studies are required.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Attitudes and beliefs of palliative care physicians regarding communication with terminally ill cancer patients.

The subject of communication between palliative care physicians and their patients regarding their diagnosis and prognosis has not been extensively researched. The purpose of this survey was to compare the attitudes and beliefs of palliative care specialists regarding communication with the terminally ill in Europe, South America, and Canada. A sample of palliative care physicians from South America (Argentina and Brazil), French-speaking Europe, and Canada were identified, and posted a questionnaire. Physicians who stated that they practised palliative care at least 30% of their time were considered evaluable as palliative care specialists. Of a total of 272 questionnaires, 228 were returned (84%); and 182/228 (81%) respondents were considered to be palliative care specialists. Palliative care physicians in all three regions believed that cancer patients should be informed of their diagnosis and the terminal nature of their illness. Physicians reported that at least 60% of their patients knew their diagnosis and the terminal stage of their illness in 52% and 24% of cases in South America, and 69% and 38% of cases in Europe, respectively. All physicians agreed that 'do not resuscitate' orders should be present, and should be discussed with the patient in all cases. While 93% of Canadian physicians stated that at least 60% of their patients wanted to know about the terminal stage of their illness, only 18% of South American, and 26% of European physicians said this (P < 0.001). Similar results were found when the physicians were asked the percentage of families who want patients to know the terminal stage of their illness. However, almost all of the physicians agreed that if they had terminal cancer they would like to know. There was a significant association between patient based decision-making and female sex (P = 0.007), older age (P = 0.04), and physicians from Canada and South America (P < 0.001). Finally, in their daily decision making, South American physicians were significantly more likely to support beneficence and justice as compared with autonomy. Canadian physicians were more likely to support autonomy as compared with beneficence. In summary, our findings suggest that there are major regional differences in the attitudes and beliefs of physicians regarding communication at the end of life. More research is badly needed on the attitudes and beliefs of patients, families, and health care professionals in different regions of the world.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2000

Survival prediction in terminal cancer patients: a systematic review of the medical literature.

The clinical significance of studies on survival predictors in terminal cancer patients is hindered by both methodological limitations and the difficulty of finding common predictors for all final events in cancer related deaths. To evaluate the published medical literature concerned with the survival of patients with terminal cancer and identify potential prognostic factors, major electronic databases including MEDLINE (1966-), CANCERLIT (1983-) and EMBASE (1988-) were searched up to September 1999. Studies were included in our review if published in English, were cohort studies, addressed the identification of clinical prognostic factors for survival and looked at samples with median survival of < or = 3 months. Data extracted from selected papers included: sample size, median survival, type of study, sampling frame, cohort type, type of statistical analysis (univariate or multivariate), choice of models and underlying assumptions, predictors examined and their reported level of statistical significance. A total of 24 studies were found and reviewed. On the basis of these studies, performance status and the presence of cognitive failure, weight loss, dysphagia, anorexia and dyspnoea appear to be independent survival predictors in this population. Clinical estimation of survival by the treating physician appeared independently associated with survival but the magnitude of the association generally appeared small. Clinical predictions should be considered as one of many criteria, rather than as a unique criterion by which to choose therapeutic interventions or health care programmes for terminally ill cancer patients. The use of convenient samples as opposed to more representative inception cohorts, the inclusion of different variables in the statistical analyses and inappropriate statistical methods appear to be major limitations of the reviewed literature. Methodological improvements in the design and conduction of future studies may reduce the prognostic uncertainty in this population.

Data Collection↗
PubMed2000

Inter-rater reliability of formally trained and self-trained raters using the Edmonton Functional Assessment Tool.

The primary objective of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability of the revised version of the Edmonton Functional Assessment Tool (EFAT-2). A second objective was to determine whether both formally trained and self-trained therapists had an acceptable level of inter-rater reliability. The EFAT-2 was administered to consenting palliative care patients by one of two independent physical therapist rater pairs; one pair self-trained (R1, R2) and the other formally trained (R3, R4). The intraclass correlation [ICC (1,1)] for R1, R2 was 0.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-0.99] and for R3, R4 was 0.95 (95% CI 0.90-0.98). The standard error of measurement was 1.09 and 1.44, respectively. The Kappa statistic for the rater pairs on individual EFAT items ranged from 0.17 to 0.96. The results suggest that both formally trained and self-trained therapists obtain an acceptable level of inter-rater reliability when using the EFAT-2.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Communication between primary care physicians and radiation oncologists regarding patients with cancer treated with palliative radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the satisfaction and information needs of primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding communication with radiation oncologists (ROs), with respect to patients who receive palliative radiotherapy (RT). A selected objective was to evaluate the agreement between PCPs' expectations and the content of the RO letter sent after completion of RT. PCPs' knowledge of the role of palliative RT and their awareness of available patient support services were also determined. METHODS: The PCPs of patients discharged from the Cross Cancer Institute after receiving palliative RT were surveyed using a mail-out questionnaire. Questions regarding communication, RT knowledge, and awareness of support services were asked. The corresponding RO letter was reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 148 PCPs were identified and were mailed questionnaires, with 114 (77%) responding. Overall, 80% (87 of 109) of PCPs found the RO letter to be useful in patient management. However, there was poor (< 53%) agreement between PCPs' expectations and the actual content of the RO letter. Knowledge of the indications and effectiveness of palliative RT was limited, with PCPs obtaining a median score of 4 of a possible 8. Only 27% (31 of 114) of PCPs were aware of all five of the patient support services listed. CONCLUSION: Results show that although the majority of PCPs found the RO letter useful, they believed that the letter lacked important information while containing unnecessary details. Communication between PCPs and ROs needs improvement, especially considering that PCPs seem to have limited knowledge of palliative RT.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Drug interactions in palliative care.

PURPOSE: This review of drug interactions in palliative care examines the relevant literature in this area and summarizes the information on interactions of drugs, nutrients, and natural products that are used in the palliative care setting. Particular emphasis is placed on describing the newer information on the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system and the interactions of opioids, antidepressants, and the antitussive, dextromethorphan. METHODS: We performed a search of the MEDLINE database of the time period from 1966 until April 1998, using medical subject headings such as the names of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other relevant medications in palliative care. Literature reviewed included both human and animal articles as well as non-English literature. Bibliographies of these articles and the personal libraries of several palliative care specialists were reviewed. Software developed by The Medical Letter-The Drug Interaction Program was also used. RESULTS: Drug interactions can be categorized in several ways. Drug-drug interactions are the most well known and can be kinetic, dynamic, or pharmaceutical. Pharmacokinetic interactions can involve CYP 2D6, which acts on drugs such as codeine and is responsible for its conversion to morphine. Poor metabolizers, either genotypic or due to phenocopying, are at risk for undertreatment if not recognized. Pharmacodynamic interactions with dextromethorphan may produce serotonin syndrome. CONCLUSION: Drug interactions are important in palliative care as in other aspects of medicine. These interactions are similar to those seen in other areas of medical care but have significant consequences in pain management. Failure to recognize these interactions can lead to either overdosing or undertreatment.

Drug Interactions↗
PubMed2000

Potential novel uses of thalidomide: focus on palliative care.

Thalidomide, after being banned from the market in the early 1960s because of the worldwide teratogenesis disaster, is currently being rediscovered because of its multiple therapeutic effects in various serious diseases and symptoms. Original studies examined the anxiolytic, mild hypnotic, anti-emetic and adjuvant analgesic properties of this drug. Subsequently, thalidomide was found to be highly effective in managing the cutaneous manifestations of leprosy (erythema nodosum leprosum) and even to be superior to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in controlling leprosy-associated fever. Recent research shows promising results with thalidomide in patients with progressive bodyweight loss related to advanced cancer and HIV infection. Thalidomide therapy of diseases such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, aphthous ulcers in HIV syndrome and Behcet's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, graft-versus-host disease, pyoderma gangrenosum, inflammatory bowel disease, Sjögren's syndrome, lupus erythematosus and a variety of solid tumours is currently being explored. Furthermore, in preliminary studies, thalidomide has been found to be effective in several syndromes related to advanced cancer, such as the cancer cachexia syndrome, chronic nausea, insomnia, profuse sweating and pain. Whether thalidomide has a therapeutic effect on neoplastic fever has yet to be elucidated. These intriguing features make the use of the drug potentially attractive for palliative care. In addition, by a distinct mechanism of action compared with most other drugs, thalidomide offers the possibility of combined treatment with other agents with non-overlapping toxicities. The mechanism of action of thalidomide is probably based on the suppression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and the modulation of interleukins. However, it is not possible to identify a single dominant mechanism, since the action of cytokines and the effect of thalidomide appear to be complex. This review article discusses the original uses and teratogenic effects of thalidomide within its historical context and, linking recent research at the molecular level with clinical findings, aims to provide the reader with insight into the current understanding of its biological actions, toxicities and potential benefits.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗
PubMed2000

Predictors of home death in palliative care cancer patients.

With recent changes in health care there is greater emphasis on providing care at home, including the support of families to enable more home deaths. Since a home death may not be practical or desirable in every family situation, there is a need for an objective way to assess the viability of a home death in each individual family situation. The purpose of this study was to describe the relative role of predictors of home death in a cohort of palliative care patients with advanced cancer. A questionnaire was created as a means of assessing the viability of a home death. Five questions were included. Ninety questionnaires were administered by home care coordinators. A follow-up questionnaire was administered to record the place of death. Of the 73 evaluable patients, 34 (47%) died at home and 39 (53%) died in hospital or hospice. The desire for a home death by both the patient and the caregiver, support of a family physician, and presence of more than one caregiver were all significantly associated with a home death. Logistic regression identified a desire for home death by both the patient and the caregiver as the main predictive factor for a home death. The presence of more than one caregiver was also predictive of home death. The questionnaire is simple and, if our results are confirmed, it can be used for predicting those who will not have a home death.

Aged↗