Palliative care in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Goals of care discussions and beyond

End of Life in Boys and Young Men With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - The Perspective of Dying Men and Their Families: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence

Understanding the perceptions and experiences related to the end of life (EoL) of boys and men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy from their own and/or family perspective is limited based on the available qualitative empirical studies. This systematic review was done with a thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence according to the PRISMA Statement Guidelines and the SPIDER search tool. The review included empirical, qualitative, and relevant full-text studies published in 2000-2023 in the EBSCO Discovery Service, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest databases. From o total of eight included qualitative studies, four main key themes were identified: "Being a parent/caregiver" - psychosocial aspects, needs, and experiences; "Communication about EoL with healthcare and other professionals" - positive experiences and personal shortcomings; "Discussions about…" - the issue of EoL, dying and death; and "End of life" - end-of-life care, planning and the need for palliative care.

Pharmacists are initiators in palliative care for patients with rare diseases

The World Health Organization supports early delivery of palliative care as it reduces unnecessary hospital admissions and the inappropriate use of health care services. A community pharmacist can play a key role in advocating timely access to palliative care. Medication reconciliation must alert them to start communicating with the patient and/or his relatives about refocusing treatment and care as part of palliative and terminal care. Pharmaceutical activities for these patients include dispensing of devices and medicinal products, compounding personalized medication and participating as a member of the Palliative Support Team. Most of the several thousands of rare diseases are caused by genetic defects and up to now have no cure and a late diagnosis.