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Bader H, Farraj H, Maghnam J, Abu Omar Y. Investigating the therapeutic efficacy of psilocybin in advanced cancer patients: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:908-919. [PMID: 39071471 PMCID: PMC11271737 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i7.908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, is known for its effects on anxiety and depression. It has recently gained increasing interest for its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in patients with advanced cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of psilocybin on adult patients with advanced cancer. AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect of psilocybin in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar for articles published up to February 2023. The reference lists of the included studies were also searched to retrieve possible additional studies. RESULTS A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, comprising 132 participants. The results revealed significant improvements in quality of life, pain control, and anxiety relief following psilocybin-assisted therapy, specifically results on anxiety relief. Pooled effect sizes indicated statistically significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety at both 4 to 4.5 months [35.15 (95%CI: 32.28-38.01)] and 6 to 6.5 months [33.06 (95%CI: 28.73-37.40)]. Post-administration compared to baseline assessments (P < 0.05). Additionally, patients reported sustained improvements in psychological well-being and existential distress following psilocybin therapy. CONCLUSION The findings provided compelling evidence for the potential benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy in improving quality of life, pain control, and anxiety relief in patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husam Bader
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Husam Farraj
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States
| | - Joud Maghnam
- Faculty of Medicine, AL-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt 19110, Jordan
| | - Yazan Abu Omar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
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2
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Lanocha N, Taub S, Webb JA, Wood M, Tate T. It Starts With a Story: A Four-Step Narrative-Based Framework for Serious Illness Conversations. J Palliat Med 2024. [PMID: 38968377 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2024.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: As a key component of advance care planning, serious illness conversations form a core intervention in palliative care. To achieve effective serious illness conversations, acknowledgment and inclusion of patient sense of self and identity are critical. However, no framework exists to describe how goals, values, and choices relate to patient identity. This conceptual gap hinders the advancement of palliative care education and practice. Objective: This philosophical investigation aimed to explicate two items: first, a novel conceptual framework for serious illness conversations; second, a structured approach to optimize these conversations within the palliative care clinical context. Methods: A philosophical and theoretical analysis was performed within an interdisciplinary context, by scholars in palliative care, medical humanities, philosophy, and bioethics. Key literature in psychology, qualitative research on the experience of serious illness, medical ethics, and choice architecture in medical decision-making were reviewed, and a structured conceptual and narrative analysis was performed. Results: An original and innovative identity-centered conceptual framework for serious illness conversations was developed. The framework consists of a four-step, reproducible approach: (1) attend to patient narrative identity, (2) identify values, (3) cocreate goals, and (4) actively promote choices. In short: attend, identify, create, and promote (AICP). Discussion: By using this conceptual framework and four-step approach, clinicians can accomplish goal-concordant serious illness care and build rich clinical relationships that foster trust and goodwill.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Taub
- Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jason A Webb
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Mary Wood
- University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Tyler Tate
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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3
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Garcia ACM, Maia LO, Reed PG. Exploring Psychedelics for Alleviating Existential and Spiritual Suffering in People With Serious Illnesses: Links to the Theory of Self-Transcendence. J Holist Nurs 2024:8980101241257836. [PMID: 38809663 DOI: 10.1177/08980101241257836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The fields of palliative and holistic Nursing are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for the person, emphasizing special attention to the existential and spiritual aspects of care. Psychedelic-assisted therapy has emerged as a promising approach for symptom management in individuals with serious illnesses, particularly those of existential and spiritual origin. People who undergo challenging experiences, as is the case with serious illnesses, often undergo an identity crisis and question the purpose of their lives. Psychedelic therapy, when conducted properly by trained professionals, can facilitate self-exploration and self-transcendence, opening doors to states of expanded consciousness and fostering a profound connection with oneself. This experience can help patients develop a greater sense of self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their existential and spiritual issues, enabling them to find meaning and inner peace. The Theory of Self-Transcendence theory provides a Nursing framework for understanding how psychedelic-assisted therapy can facilitate, through self-transcendence, the journey of spiritual and existential healing, offering the possibility of achieving wellbecoming from a state of vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucas Oliveira Maia
- Federal University of Alfenas University of Campinas Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte
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4
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Bhagavan C, Glue P, Evans W, Reynolds L, Turner T, King C, Russell BR, Morunga E, Mills JL, Layton G, Menkes DB. Effect of MDMA-assisted therapy on mood and anxiety symptoms in advanced-stage cancer (EMMAC): study protocol for a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:336. [PMID: 38773523 PMCID: PMC11110200 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08174-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in patients with terminal illness and multiple challenges exist with timely and effective care in this population. Several centres have reported that one dose of the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin, combined with therapeutic support, improves these symptoms for up to 6 months in this patient group. Drawing upon related therapeutic mechanisms, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy may have the potential to achieve similar, positive mental health outcomes in this group. Preliminary evidence also supports the tolerability of MDMA-assisted therapy for anxiety and depression in advanced-stage cancer. METHODS Up to 32 participants with advanced-stage cancer and associated depression and anxiety will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio into one of two blinded parallel treatment arms. The intervention group will receive 120 mg (+ 60 mg optional supplemental dose) MDMA-assisted therapy. The psychoactive control group will receive 20 mg oral (+ 10 mg optional supplemental dose) methylphenidate-assisted therapy. For each medication-assisted therapy session, participants will undergo two 90-min therapeutic support sessions in the week preceding, and one 90-min support session the day after the experimental session. A battery of measures (mood, anxiety, quality of life, mystical experience, spiritual wellbeing, attitudes towards death, personality traits, holistic health and wellbeing, connectedness, demoralisation, expectations, qualitative data and safety measures) will be assessed at baseline and through to the end of the protocol. Participants will be followed up until either 12 months post-randomisation or death, whichever occurs first. DISCUSSION This study will examine the effect of MDMA-assisted therapy on symptoms of anxiety and depression in advanced-stage cancer. Potential therapeutic implications include establishing the safety and effectiveness of a novel treatment that may relieve mental suffering in patients with life-threatening illness. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registered on Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12619001334190p. Date registered: 30/09/2019. URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378153&showOriginal=true&isReview=true.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranth Bhagavan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Paul Glue
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, 464 Cumberland Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Will Evans
- Mana Health, 7 Ruskin St, Parnell, Auckland, 1052, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Reynolds
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Thivya Turner
- Te Whatu Ora Southern, Dunedin Public Hospital, 201 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Chris King
- Te Whatu Ora Southern, Dunedin Public Hospital, 201 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Bruce R Russell
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, 18 Frederick Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Eva Morunga
- Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Auckland City Hospital, 2 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Jessica Lee Mills
- University of Auckland, 6 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Geoff Layton
- Ashburn Clinic, 496 Taieri Road, Halfway Bush, Dunedin, 9010, New Zealand
| | - David B Menkes
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Waikato Clinical Campus, Peter Rothwell Academic Centre, Pembroke Street, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
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Martins H, Silva RS, Bragança J, Romeiro J, Caldeira S. Spiritual Distress, Hopelessness, and Depression in Palliative Care: Simultaneous Concept Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:960. [PMID: 38786372 PMCID: PMC11121139 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12100960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spiritual distress, hopelessness, and depression are concepts that are often used in palliative care. A simultaneous concept analysis (SCA) of these concepts is needed to clarify the terminology used in palliative care. Therefore, the aim of this study is to conduct a SCA of spiritual distress, hopelessness, and depression in palliative care. A SCA was performed using the methodology of Haase's model. A literature search was conducted in March 2020 and updated in April 2022 and April 2024. The search was performed on the following online databases: CINAHL with Full-Text, MEDLINE with Full-Text, MedicLatina, LILACS, SciELO, and PubMed. The search was achieved without restrictions on the date of publication. A total of 84 articles were included in this study. The results highlight that the three concepts are different but also share some overlapping points. Spiritual distress is embedded in the rupture of their spiritual/religious belief systems, a lack of meaning in life, and existential issues. Hopelessness is a sense of giving up and an inability to control and fix the patient's situation. Finally, depression is a state of sadness with a multi-impaired situation. In conclusion, refining the three concepts in palliative care is essential since it promotes clarification and enhances knowledge development towards intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Martins
- Postdoctoral Program in Integral Human Development, Católica Doctoral School, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Health School, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7800-000 Beja, Portugal
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Rita S. Silva
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Joana Bragança
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Joana Romeiro
- Postdoctoral Program in Integral Human Development, Católica Doctoral School, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Sílvia Caldeira
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (J.B.)
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Guité-Verret A, Boivin J, Hanna AMR, Downar J, Bush SH, Marcoux I, Guay D, Tapp D, Lapenskie J, Gagnon B. Continuous palliative sedation until death: a qualitative study of palliative care clinicians' experiences. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:104. [PMID: 38637812 PMCID: PMC11027280 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01426-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The practice of continuous palliative sedation until death is the subject of much medical and ethical debate, which is reflected in the inconsistency that persists in the literature regarding the definition and indications of palliative sedation. AIM This study aims to gain a better understanding of palliative care clinicians' experiences with continuous palliative sedation. DESIGN We conducted a qualitative study based on focus group discussions. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS We conducted six focus groups with a total of 28 palliative care clinicians (i.e., 15 nurses, 12 physicians, and 1 end-of-life doula) from diverse care settings across Canada, where assisted dying has recently been legalized. RESULTS An interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to consolidate the data into six key themes: responding to suffering; grappling with uncertainty; adapting care to ensure ongoing quality; grounding clinical practice in ethics; combining medical expertise, relational tact, and reflexivity; and offering an alternative to assisted death. CONCLUSIONS Interaction with the patient's family, uncertainty about the patient's prognosis, the concurrent practice of assisted dying, and the treatment of existential suffering influence the quality of sedation and indicate a lack of clear palliative care guidelines. Nevertheless, clinicians exhibit a reflective and adaptive capacity that can facilitate good practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Guité-Verret
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada
| | - Jessica Boivin
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- CHU Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Québec, Canada
| | | | - James Downar
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Shirley H Bush
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Isabelle Marcoux
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Diane Guay
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Diane Tapp
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada
- CHU Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Julie Lapenskie
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Bruno Gagnon
- Réseau Québécois de Recherche en Soins Palliatifs et de fin de vie, Québec, Canada.
- CHU Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Québec, Canada.
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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7
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Wang JR, Mendez Araque SJ, Micciche G, McMillan A, Coughlin E, Mattiola R, English D, Kaliebe K. Palliative care patients' attitudes and openness towards psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for existential distress. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1301960. [PMID: 38699449 PMCID: PMC11063770 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1301960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with incurable illnesses often experience existential distress, profoundly impacting their well-being. Current medical approaches have limitations in addressing these burdens. Psilocybin, a promising psychedelic compound, may offer therapeutic benefits. This pilot survey study aimed to investigate the attitudes and openness toward psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAT) among patients with incurable illnesses. The objective is to assess patients' attitudes toward PAT and identify potential barriers and concerns, including exploring the association between beliefs in psilocybin's therapeutic benefits and interest in receiving this treatment. Methods The survey study was conducted at the Tampa General Hospital Palliative Care Outpatient office in the United States. Participants were 32 English-fluent patients, aged 18 or older, with incurable illnesses. The survey included demographic questions, a validated tool to measure existential distress, and questions about knowledge and concerns regarding psilocybin. Attitudes toward PAT and interest in its future use were assessed using Likert scale responses. Results Among the 31 analyzed participants, 51.6% expressed interest in future psilocybin treatment, while 32.3% did not indicate interest. Belief in the psilocybin's therapeutic benefits for stress and anxiety significantly correlated with interest in use. Concerns included risk of psychosis, lack of trained providers, and potential for exploitation. No demographic factors were associated with interest or levels of distress. Conclusions This pilot study provides insights into the attitudes and concerns toward PAT among patients with incurable illnesses. Over half of participants expressed interest. However, concerns regarding its use were identified, with patients' concern for the risk of exploitation associated with PAT as an especially novel concern documented in this patient population. This highlighted the need for further education of risks and benefits or PAT by trained clinicians and rigorous training of clinicians with the establishment of safeguards against exploitation. Further research is necessary to explore the potential benefits of PAT and related non-psilocybin psychedelic compounds in addressing existential distress among patients with incurable illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ruixi Wang
- MD Program, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Samuel J. Mendez Araque
- MD Program, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Gina Micciche
- Undergraduate Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Andrew McMillan
- Undergraduate Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Emily Coughlin
- Department of Medical Education, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Rosalie Mattiola
- MD Program, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Diana English
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Kristopher Kaliebe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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8
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Thomas C, Kulikowksi JD, Breitbart W, Alici Y, Bruera E, Blackler L, Sulmasy DP. Existential suffering as an indication for palliative sedation: Identifying and addressing challenges. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-4. [PMID: 38419195 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Columba Thomas
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Julia D Kulikowksi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - William Breitbart
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yesne Alici
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Liz Blackler
- Ethics Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel P Sulmasy
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Philosophy and the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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9
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Beauverd M, Mazzoli M, Pralong J, Tomczyk M, Eychmüller S, Gaertner J. Palliative sedation - revised recommendations. Swiss Med Wkly 2024; 154:3590. [PMID: 38579308 DOI: 10.57187/s.3590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Palliative sedation is defined as the monitored use of medications intended to induce a state of decreased or absent awareness (unconsciousness) to relieve the burden of otherwise intractable suffering in a manner ethically acceptable to the patient, their family, and healthcare providers. In Switzerland, the prevalence of continuous deep sedation until death increased from 4.7% in 2001 to 17.5% of all deceased in 2013, depending on the research method used and on regional variations. Yet, these numbers may be overestimated due to a lack of understanding of the term "continuous deep sedation" by for example respondents of the questionnaire-based study. Inadequately trained and inexperienced healthcare professionals may incorrectly or inappropriately perform palliative sedation due to uncertainties regarding its definitions and practice. Therefore, the expert members of the Bigorio group and the authors of this manuscript believe that national recommendations should be published and made available to healthcare professionals to provide practical, terminological, and ethical guidance. The Bigorio group is the working group of the Swiss Palliative Care Society whose task is to publish clinical recommendations at a national level in Switzerland. These recommendations aim to provide guidance on the most critical questions and issues related to palliative sedation. The Swiss Society of Palliative Care (palliative.ch) mandated a writing board comprising four clinical experts (three physicians and one ethicist) and two national academic experts to revise the 2005 Bigorio guidelines. A first draft was created based on a narrative literature review, which was internally reviewed by five academic institutions (Lausanne, Geneva, Bern, Zürich, and Basel) and the heads of all working groups of the Swiss Society of Palliative Care before finalising the guidelines. The following themes are discussed regarding palliative sedation: (a) definitions and clinical aspects, (b) the decision-making process, (c) communication with patients and families, (d) patient monitoring, (e) pharmacological approaches, and (f) ethical and controversial issues. Palliative sedation must be practised with clinical and ethical accuracy and competence to avoid harm and ethically questionable use. Specialist palliative care teams should be consulted before initiating palliative sedation to avoid overlooking other potential treatment options for the patient's symptoms and suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Beauverd
- Service de soins palliatifs et de support, Département de médecine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Eychmüller
- Universitäres Zentrum für Palliative Care (UZP), Inselspital, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Gaertner
- Palliative Care Center Hildegard, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Switzerland
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Freitas MJ, Remondes-Costa S, Veiga E, Macedo G, Teixeira RJ, Leite M. Life beyond Loss: A Retrospective Analysis of the Impact of Meaning of Life Therapy on the Grieving Process of Cancer Patients' Family Caregivers. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:471. [PMID: 38391846 PMCID: PMC10887668 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncological disease in the palliative stage is a huge challenge for patients and their family caregivers (FCs) due to the fact that it confronts them with death, as well as physical, psychological, and existential suffering. Meaning of Life Therapy (MLT) is a brief structured psycho-existential intervention aiming to help patients in a meaning-making life review process, promoting end-of-life adaptation. The Life Letter (LL) resulting from MLT is an element that facilitates communication between the patient and their caregivers. The goal of this study was to understand the impact of MLT on the grieving processes of eight FCs and to study their perceptions of the role of the LL on grief through semi-structured interviews. The results of our qualitative analysis indicate that MLT was perceived by the FCs as a positive experience despite the conspiracy of silence being identified as a drawback. The LL was interpreted as a communicational element, promoting emotional closeness with the cancer patients and serving as a valuable tool in the FCs' adaptation to loss. Our research findings show that the needs of FCs, especially after experiencing the loss of their relative, are dynamic and specific. This is why it is urgent to develop interventions that consider the idiosyncrasies of end-of-life cancer patients and their FCs in order to avoid frustrated farewells, lonely deaths, and maladaptive grieving processes. This is the direction in which MLT should evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Freitas
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Sónia Remondes-Costa
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-622 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Elisa Veiga
- Research Centre for Human Development, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gerly Macedo
- Clinical and Health Psychology Unit, Psychiatry and Mental Health Service, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira, 4835-044 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ricardo João Teixeira
- REACH-Mental Health Clinic, 4000-138 Porto, Portugal
- CINEICC (Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuela Leite
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- iHealth4Well-Being-Innovation in Health and Well-Being-Research Unit, Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte, CESPU, 4560-462 Penafiel, Portugal
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11
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Wells A, Muthukumaraswamy APS, Morunga E, Evans W, Cavadino A, Bansal M, Lawrence NJ, Ashley A, Hoeh NR, Sundram F, Applebaum AJ, Parkinson H, Reynolds L. PAM trial protocol: a randomised feasibility study of psychedelic microdosing-assisted meaning-centred psychotherapy in advanced stage cancer patients. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:29. [PMID: 38347582 PMCID: PMC10860284 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01449-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An advanced cancer diagnosis can be associated with a significant profile of distress. Psychedelic compounds have shown clinically significant effects in the treatment of psychological distress in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Given the challenges of delivering timely and effective intervention in the advanced cancer context, it is possible that an alternative, more pragmatic, approach lies in psychedelic 'microdosing'. Microdosing refers to repeated administration of psychedelics in sub-hallucinogenic doses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial comparing psychedelic microdose-assisted-meaning-centred psychotherapy (PA-MCP) to standard meaning-centred psychotherapy (MCP) in New Zealand indigenous (Māori) and non-indigenous people with advanced cancer and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Although MCP is a well-established psychotherapeutic treatment in advanced cancer populations, the potential efficacy and effectiveness of this therapy when delivered alongside a standardised microdose regimen of a psychedelic compound have not been investigated. METHODS Participants with advanced-stage cancer and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (N = 40; 20 Māori, 20 non-Māori) will be randomised under double-blind conditions to receive 7 sessions of MCP alongside 13 doses of either an LSD microdose (4-20 µg) (PA-MCP) or inactive placebo (placebo-MCP). The feasibility, acceptability, and safety of this intervention and physiological and psychological measures will be recorded at baseline, at each session of MCP, and at a 1-month and 6-month follow-up. DISCUSSION Our findings will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a larger randomised controlled trial and provide an initial indication of the potential benefits of psychedelic microdosing for psychological distress in advanced-stage indigenous and non-indigenous cancer patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NZCTR, ACTRN12623000478617. Registered 11 May 2023. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385810&isReview=true .
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesha Wells
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - A P Suresh Muthukumaraswamy
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Eva Morunga
- Cancer Support Service, Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland City Hospital, Te Whatu Ora2 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
- The University of Auckland, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Will Evans
- Mana Health, 7 Ruskin Street, Parnell, Auckland, 1052, New Zealand
| | - Alana Cavadino
- School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Mahima Bansal
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Nicola J Lawrence
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
- Te Pūriri o Te Ora - Regional Cancer and Blood, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, 2 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Amanda Ashley
- Te Pūriri o Te Ora - Regional Cancer and Blood, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, 2 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
- Harbour Cancer and Wellness, 212 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland, 0627, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas R Hoeh
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Frederick Sundram
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Allison J Applebaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA
| | - Hineatua Parkinson
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland Central, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Reynolds
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
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Panjwani AA, Applebaum AJ, Revenson TA, Erblich J, Rosenfeld B. Intolerance of uncertainty, experiential avoidance, and trust in physician: a moderated mediation analysis of emotional distress in advanced cancer. J Behav Med 2024; 47:71-81. [PMID: 37285106 PMCID: PMC10942744 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-023-00419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We tested whether patients' trust in physician moderated the hypothesized indirect association between intolerance of uncertainty (IU; inability to tolerate the unknown) and emotional distress through the mediator, experiential avoidance (EA; efforts to avoid negative emotions, thoughts, or memories), in patients with advanced cancer. The sample included 108 adults with Stage III or IV cancer (53% female; Mage = 63 years) recruited from a metropolitan cancer center. All constructs were measured by standardized self-report instruments. The PROCESS macro for SPSS tested the moderated mediation model. IU evidenced significant direct and indirect relationships with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Trust in physician moderated the indirect relationship between IU and anxiety (not depressive symptoms), albeit in an unexpected direction. Specifically, the indirect relationship between IU and anxiety symptoms through EA was significant for those with moderate to high physician trust but not low trust. Controlling for gender or income did not change the pattern of findings. IU and EA may be key intervention targets, particularly in acceptance-or meaning-based interventions for patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza A Panjwani
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 12th Fl, 620 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Allison J Applebaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, US
| | - Tracey A Revenson
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College & The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, US
| | - Joel Erblich
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College & The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, US
| | - Barry Rosenfeld
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, US
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, US
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Plourde L, Chang SL, Farzin H, Gagnon P, Hébert J, Foxman R, Deschamps P, Provost F, Masse-Grenier M, Stephan JF, Cheung K, Joly Y, Fallu JS, Dorval M. Social acceptability of psilocybin-assisted therapy for existential distress at the end of life: A population-based survey. Palliat Med 2024; 38:272-278. [PMID: 38253521 PMCID: PMC10865753 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231222430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, there is a growing interest in the potential benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy to treat existential distress at the end of life. However, the social acceptability of this therapy is not yet well known. AIM This study assesses the social acceptability of the medical use of psilocybin to treat existential distress at the end of life. DESIGN An online survey was conducted in Canada between November 23 and December 4, 2022. The questionnaire included items pertaining to perceptions, attitudes and concerns towards psilocybin-assisted therapy to treat existential distress at the end of life. PARTICIPANTS The sample (n = 2800) was stratified by province, age and sex. Participants were adults from four provinces of Canada: Québec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. RESULTS Overall, 79.3% considered psilocybin-assisted therapy a reasonable medical choice for a patient suffering from existential distress at the end of life, 84.8% agreed that the public health system should cover the costs of the intervention and 63.3% would welcome the legalisation of psilocybin for medical purposes. Previous psilocybin use (p < 0.0001, for all dependent variables), exposure to palliative care (p < 0.05, for all dependent variables) and a progressive political orientation (p < 0.05, for all dependent variables) were associated with more favourable attitudes towards psilocybin-assisted therapy at the end of life. CONCLUSION The social acceptability of psilocybin-assisted therapy for existential distress at the end of life is rather high in Canada. These findings may contribute to efforts to mobilise resources and improve access to this emerging therapy in palliative and end of life care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Plourde
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Oncology Division, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Sue-Ling Chang
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Oncology Division, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Houman Farzin
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Gagnon
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Oncology Division, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Johanne Hébert
- Department of Health Sciences, UQAR, Lévis, Rimouski, QC, Canada
- CISSS of Chaudière-Appalaches Research Center, Lévis, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - François Provost
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Oncology Division, Québec City, QC, Canada
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Marianne Masse-Grenier
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Oncology Division, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Yann Joly
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Sébastien Fallu
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Center for Public Health Research (CReSP), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Institut universitaire sur les dépendances (IUD), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Dorval
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Oncology Division, Québec City, QC, Canada
- CISSS of Chaudière-Appalaches Research Center, Lévis, QC, Canada
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14
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Quah ELY, Chua KZY, Lin CKR, Vijayan AV, Abdul Hamid NAB, Owyong JLJ, Satku N, Woong N, Lim C, Phua GLG, Ong EK, Fong W, Krishna LKR. The role of patients' stories in medicine: a systematic scoping review. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:199. [PMID: 38087237 PMCID: PMC10714554 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01319-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients' stories provide Palliative Care physicians with a glimpse into the former's lives and their psycho-emotional, sociocultural, and contextual considerations. Yet, few physicians are trained to interpret and apply patients' stories in their practice. Inherent variability in how stories are transmitted and interpreted raises questions over their potential effects on care. Amidst a dearth of accounts in Palliative Care, we map current use of patient stories to guide the training, assessment, and oversight of this 'care influencing' practice in medicine. METHODS This systematic scoping review was guided by the Systematic Evidence-Based Approach (SEBA) to ensure a reproducible and structured approach. The themes and categories identified through the Split Approach's concurrent and independent thematic and directed content analyses provided a comprehensive sketch of the included articles. The Jigsaw Perspective combined the themes and categories identified. The last stage of SEBA compared these results with two recent reviews of storytelling to ensure consistency of the domains created that guided the discussion. RESULTS Ten thousand two hundred seven articles were reviewed, 963 full text articles were evaluated, and 199 articles were included. The four domains identified were study characteristics, benefits, approaches, and positive effects and concerns. CONCLUSION Stories support patient-centered, personalized, and holistic clinical care. However, variability in the stories, their interpretations and use in care decisions underscore the need for further study on the structuring, teaching, assessing, and delivery of this 'care influencing' practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Li Ying Quah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Level 11 NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Keith Zi Yuan Chua
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Level 11 NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Casper Keegan Ronggui Lin
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, National University of Singapore, Blk MD11, 10 Medical Drive, #02-03, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Division of Outpatient Pharmacy, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Andrew Vimal Vijayan
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Nur Amira Binte Abdul Hamid
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Jasmine Lerk Juan Owyong
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Neeta Satku
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Level 11 NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, National University of Singapore, Blk MD11, 10 Medical Drive, #02-03, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Natalie Woong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Crystal Lim
- Medical Social Services, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Gillian Li Gek Phua
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Eng Koon Ong
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Assisi Hospice, 832 Thomson Road, Singapore, 574627, Singapore
| | - Warren Fong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Level 11 NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, 16 College Road, Block 6 Level 9, Singapore, 169854, Singapore
| | - Lalit Kumar Radha Krishna
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Level 11 NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore.
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, National University of Singapore, Blk MD11, 10 Medical Drive, #02-03, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore.
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
- Palliative Care Institute Liverpool, Academic Palliative & End of Life Care Centre, University of Liverpool, 200 London Rd, Liverpool, L3 9TA, UK.
- PalC, The Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education, PalC C/O Dover Park Hospice, 10 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308436, Singapore.
- Health Data Science, University of Liverpool, Whelan Building The Quadrangle, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK.
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Maeda S, Morita T, Yokomichi N, Imai K, Tsuneto S, Maeda I, Miura T, Ishiki H, Otani H, Hatano Y, Mori M. Continuous Deep Sedation for Psycho-Existential Suffering: A Multicenter Nationwide Study. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1501-1509. [PMID: 37289183 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is ongoing debate on whether continuous deep sedation (CDS) for psycho-existential suffering is appropriate. Objective: We aimed to (1) clarify clinical practice of CDS for psycho-existential suffering and (2) assess its impact on patients' survival. Methods: Advanced cancer patients admitted to 23 palliative care units in 2017 were consecutively enrolled. We compared patients' characteristics, CDS practices, and survival between those receiving CDS for psycho-existential suffering ± physical symptoms and only for physical symptoms. Results: Of 164 patients analyzed, 14 (8.5%) received CDS for psycho-existential suffering ± physical symptoms and only one of them (0.6%) solely for psycho-existential suffering. Patients receiving CDS for psycho-existential suffering, compared with those only for physical symptoms, were likely to have no specific religion (p = 0.025), and desired (78.6% vs. 22.0%, respectively; p < 0.001) and requested a hastened death more frequently (57.1% vs. 10.0%, respectively; p < 0.001). All of them had a poor physical condition with limited estimated survival, and mostly (71%) received intermittent sedation before CDS. CDS for psycho-existential suffering caused greater physicians' discomfort (p = 0.037), and lasted for longer (p = 0.029). Dependency, loss of autonomy, and hopelessness were common reasons for psycho-existential suffering that required CDS. The survival time after CDS initiation was longer in patients receiving it for psycho-existential suffering (log-rank, p = 0.021). Conclusion: CDS was applied to patients who suffered from psycho-existential suffering, which often associated with desire or request for a hastened death. Further studies and debate are warranted to develop feasible treatment strategies for psycho-existential suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Maeda
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Research Association for Community Health, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Care, Senri-Chuo Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Miura
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroto Ishiki
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Otani
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, St. Mary's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Hatano
- Department of Palliative Care, Daini Kyoritsu Hospital, Kawanishi, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
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16
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Tarbi EC, Broden EG, Rosa WE, Hayden A, Morgan BE. Existential Care in Daily Nursing Practice. Am J Nurs 2023; 123:42-48. [PMID: 37732668 PMCID: PMC10805359 DOI: 10.1097/01.naj.0000979092.39243.d4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Relationship-centered palliative nursing during serious illness requires existential care. Yet, multilevel systemic barriers hinder nurses' ability to provide this care. The authors suggest ways to navigate these barriers, highlighting existential care priorities that nurses can attend to in their daily practice. These include 1) maintaining a strengths-based orientation, 2) taking a life course perspective, 3) grounding care firmly in relationships, and 4) responding moment to moment. They propose that by emphasizing existential care in palliative nursing, we can create a more compassionate and human-centered health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise C Tarbi
- Elise C. Tarbi is an assistant professor in the Department of Nursing at the University of Vermont in Burlington. Elizabeth G. Broden is a fellow in the Yale National Clinician Scholars Program in New Haven, CT, and has received funding from a National Institutes of Health training grant (5T32HS017589) to the Yale School of Public Health. William E. Rosa is assistant attending behavioral scientist, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City. Adam Hayden is an independent scholar and unaffiliated patient advocate. Brianna E. Morgan is a postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health in New York City. Contact author: Elise C. Tarbi, . The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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17
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Kelly C, Kynoch K, Ramis MA. Implementing Dignity Therapy Service into an Acute Cancer Care Setting - A Feasibility Study. J Palliat Care 2023; 38:456-464. [PMID: 36740947 DOI: 10.1177/08258597231154221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Dignity therapy is a short-term psychotherapy used to help patients at end of life through addressing distress and enhancing dignity. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of introducing dignity therapy into a hospital-based cancer care service. Methods: A feasibility study was undertaken using a randomised controlled trial design. Participants were adult patients receiving systemic treatment for cancer or haematological malignancy with palliative intent, within an Australian ambulatory cancer treatment centre. Outcomes of interest were patient distress levels and feasibility of intervention delivery. Participants completed two self-reported distress scales at recruitment and four weeks following (control group) or one month after intervention delivery (intervention group). Patients receiving the intervention also completed the dignity therapy patient feedback questionnaire. Feasibility was measured by collecting data on time required to implement the intervention with subsequent crude cost estimates calculated. Study procedures are reported according to CONSORT guidance. Results: Fifteen patients were recruited for the study. Participants in the intervention group reported small but significantly different lower distress scores than those in the control group at 4 weeks. The time taken to deliver the intervention ranged from 5.5 to 11 h with subsequent cost dependent on the remuneration of the dignity therapy therapist. Conclusions: Findings support other studies on the benefit to patients from delivering a dignity therapy intervention at end of life. Feasibility is influenced by multidisciplinary team support, resource availability and the designated therapist delivering the intervention. Larger sample sizes are needed to ascertain effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Kelly
- Mater Health, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kathryn Kynoch
- Mater Health and Queensland Centre for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Newstead, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mary-Anne Ramis
- Mater Health and Queensland Centre for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Newstead, Brisbane, Australia
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18
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Heikkinen PJ, Roberts B. I see you: a Chaplain case study on existential distress and transdisciplinary support. J Health Care Chaplain 2023; 29:381-398. [PMID: 35895688 DOI: 10.1080/08854726.2022.2097780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
In the setting of major disease progression coupled with active pain, hospitalized patients may become disconnected from their metanarratives and personal grounding. Transdisciplinary palliative care teams are poised to foster patients' connection with their metanarratives by collaborating across areas of expertise to establish goals of care and manage total pain. This case study demonstrates: (1) the unique value of the palliative Chaplain in journeying with the patient through existential distress towards self-discovery, and (2) the role of the palliative chaplain in encouraging a transdisciplinary approach to total pain within a palliative care team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Heikkinen
- Department of Spiritual Care, Chaplaincy Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Palliative Care Program, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Roberts
- Palliative Care Program, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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19
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Turner JH. Solace for the Cankered Soul. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2023; 38:425-430. [PMID: 36961444 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2023.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The scourge of cancer mortally wounds the soul. From the time of diagnosis, the spiritual shock should be recognized, acknowledged, and addressed in concert with the personalized management strategy for the tumor. Optimal cancer care treats both body and soul. Psycho-oncology theory defines existential issues and spirituality in conceptually ambiguous terms but, in reality, such afflictions of the spirit cause great suffering in cancer patients. Patients often seek reassurance that their life has purpose and meaning, and the provision of emotional and soulful support from their oncologist is of inestimable importance to spiritual well-being. In addition to the time and resource constraints of daily clinical practice, recent challenges to the personal doctor-patient relationship include e-medicine and virtual clinical encounters, and the potential disruption to be wrought by new generation artificial intelligence. These obstacles are addressed with a view to the physician being able to continue to provide empathic compassionate care. The art of Kintsugi is invoked to offer a metaphor for restoration of the soul afflicted by cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Harvey Turner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group, Murdoch, Australia
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Lojo-Cruz C, Mora-Delgado J, Rivas Jiménez V, Carmona Espinazo F, López-Sáez JB. Survival Outcomes in Palliative Sedation Based on Referring Versus On-Call Physician Prescription. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5187. [PMID: 37629229 PMCID: PMC10455353 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study sought to determine the survival duration of patients who underwent palliative sedation, comparing those who received prescriptions from referring physicians versus on-call physicians. It included all patients over 18 years old who died in the Palliative Care, Internal Medicine, and Oncology units at the Hospital Universitario of Jerez de la Frontera between 1 January 2019, and 31 December 2019. Various factors were analyzed, including age, gender, oncological or non-oncological disease, type of primary tumor and refractory symptoms. Statistical analysis was employed to compare survival times between patients who received palliative sedation from referring physicians and those prescribed by on-call physicians, while accounting for other potential confounding variables. This study revealed that the median survival time after the initiation of palliative sedation was 25 h, with an interquartile range of 8 to 48 h. Notably, if the sedation was prescribed by referring physicians, the median survival time was 30 h, while it decreased to 17 h when prescribed by on-call physicians (RR 0.357; 95% CI 0.146-0.873; p = 0.024). Furthermore, dyspnea as a refractory symptom was associated with a shorter survival time (RR 0.307; 95% CI 0.095-0.985; p = 0.047). The findings suggest that the on-call physician often administered palliative sedation to rapidly deteriorating patients, particularly those experiencing dyspnea, which likely contributed to the shorter survival time following sedation initiation. This study underscores the importance of careful patient selection and prompt initiation of palliative sedation to alleviate suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lojo-Cruz
- Internal Medicine and Palliative Care Clinical Management Unit, Hospital Universitario de Jerez de la Frontera, Ronda de Circunvalación S/N, 11407 Jerez de la Frontera, Spain; (C.L.-C.); (V.R.J.)
| | - Juan Mora-Delgado
- Internal Medicine and Palliative Care Clinical Management Unit, Hospital Universitario de Jerez de la Frontera, Ronda de Circunvalación S/N, 11407 Jerez de la Frontera, Spain; (C.L.-C.); (V.R.J.)
| | - Víctor Rivas Jiménez
- Internal Medicine and Palliative Care Clinical Management Unit, Hospital Universitario de Jerez de la Frontera, Ronda de Circunvalación S/N, 11407 Jerez de la Frontera, Spain; (C.L.-C.); (V.R.J.)
| | - Fernando Carmona Espinazo
- Internal Medicine and Palliative Care Clinical Management Unit, Hospital Universitario de Puerta del Mar, Avenida Ana de Viya 21, 11009 Cádiz, Spain;
| | - Juan-Bosco López-Sáez
- Internal Medicine and Palliative Care Clinical Management Unit, Hospital Universitario de Puerto Real, Calle Romería 7, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain;
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Alladin A, Khawand-Azoulai M, Lipman K, Bland S, Ferrari C, Drice J, Van Zuilen MH. Analysis of Student Reflections on "What Matters Most" to Palliative Care Patients: A Narrative Medicine Exercise. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1115-1120. [PMID: 37083420 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Effective communication with ill patients requires practice, yet, the traditional history overlooks patients' personal stories. This information is vital to determining goals of care and facilitates partnership by building trust. Objective: We implemented a narrative medicine exercise for students during their palliative medicine rotation to highlight humanism. Impact was determined through thematic analysis of students' reflections. Design: Students elicited "what matters most" to patients, transcribing this plus a personal reflection. Using an inductive and iterative approach, 100 reflections were analyzed, developing codes then broader themes. Results: Four main themes (Getting to know the patient, Student Reaction, Building-blocks of patient-physician relationship, Student Personal Insights) were identified, with 15 subthemes. Conclusion: The power of uncovering patients' backgrounds and values was demonstrated, reinforcing a palliative medicine approach. Analysis showed a positive impact and the possibility of change to future practice. The intervention was feasible, well received, and encouraged reflection on the physician-patient relationship beyond the medical domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Alladin
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mariana Khawand-Azoulai
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kyra Lipman
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sarah Bland
- Department of Medical Education, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Corinne Ferrari
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jenny Drice
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medical Education, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Nigam K, Curseen KA, Beaussant Y. Psychedelics and Related Pharmacotherapies as Integrative Medicine for Older Adults in Palliative Care. Clin Geriatr Med 2023; 39:423-436. [PMID: 37385694 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Psychological distress at the end of life is a common experience that lacks effective treatments. This is in part due to the multidimensional nature of psychological distress at the end of life, encompassing an interplay between psychosocial and existential distress as well as physical symptom burden. Research shows that psychedelic-assisted therapy is an effective treatment of end of life distress. Ketamine and cannabis may help with quick and effective treatment of symptom burden at the end of life. Although these novel interventions show promise, further data is needed, particularly in elderly populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Nigam
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School.
| | - Kimberly A Curseen
- Division of Palliative Care, Emory University, 1821 Clifton Road, NE, Suite 1017, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Yvan Beaussant
- Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 375 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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23
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Edberg AK, Trogu G, Manattini A, Renn-Żurek A, Modrzejewska DM, Woźnicka EB, Popovici S, Pintilie L, Beck I, Virbalienė A, Šiurienė A. Existential Loneliness Among Older People from the Perspective of Health Care Professionals: A European Multicenter Study. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:2241-2252. [PMID: 37359147 PMCID: PMC10290471 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s408547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Health care professionals (HCPs) encounter different forms of loneliness in their work. It is essential that they have the courage, skills, and tools to deal with loneliness, in particular with existential loneliness (EL) which relates to meaning in life and the fundamentals of living and dying. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate HCPs' views on loneliness among older people and their understanding, perception, and professional experience of EL in older people. Materials and Methods In all, 139 HCPs from five European countries participated in audio-recorded focus group and individual interviews. The transcribed materials were locally analyzed using a predefined template. The participating countries' results were then translated, merged, and inductively analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results Participants described different forms of loneliness - a negative form that is unwanted and causes suffering, and a positive form where solitude is desired and sought. The results showed that the HCPs' knowledge and understanding of EL varied. The HCPs mainly related EL to different types of loss, eg loss of autonomy, independence, hope, and faith, and to concern alienation, guilt, regret and remorse, and concerns about the future. Discussion and Conclusions The HCPs expressed a need to improve their sensitivity and self-confidence to engage in existential conversations. They also stated the need to increase their knowledge and understanding of aging, death, and dying. Based on these results, a training program aimed to increase knowledge and understanding of older people's situation has been developed. The program includes practical training in conversations about emotional and existential aspects, based on recurrent reflections on the topics presented. The program is available at: www.aloneproject.eu.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giusy Trogu
- Anziani e non solo Societá Cooperativa Sociale, Carpi, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Liliana Pintilie
- Executive Office of the Order of General Nurses, Midwives and Nurses in Romania, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ingela Beck
- Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
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Illueca M, Bradshaw YS, Carr DB. Spiritual Pain: A Symptom in Search of a Clinical Definition. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:1920-1932. [PMID: 36083524 PMCID: PMC9461389 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01645-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a literature search to identify and compare definitions of the experiential dimension of spiritual pain. Key databases were searched, up to the year 2021 inclusive, for papers with a definition of "spiritual" or "existential" pain/distress in a clinical setting. Of 144 hits, seven papers provided theoretical definitions/descriptions; none incorporated clinical observations or underlying pathophysiological constructs. Based on these findings, we propose a new definition for "spiritual pain" as a "self-identified experience of personal discomfort, or actual or potential harm, triggered by a threat to a person's relationship with God or a higher power." Our updated definition can inform future studies in pain assessment and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Illueca
- The Episcopal Diocese of Delaware, 913 Wilson Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19806, USA.
| | - Ylisabyth S Bradshaw
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Daniel B Carr
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
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Yang CH, Chen PJ, Mori M, Morita T, Cheng SY, Suh SY, Kim SH, Yokomichi N, Imai K, Ito S, Yamaguchi T, Hiratsuka Y, Tsuneto S, Maeda S. Cross-cultural comparison of continuous deep sedation for advanced cancer patients in East Asian countries: prospective cohort study. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2023:7145896. [PMID: 37114920 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyad037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cultural, social, and legal factors have been known to affect physicians' practice of continuous deep sedation. There have been few quantitative studies to compare continuous deep sedation practice in Asian countries. We aimed to describe and compare clinical characteristics of continuous deep sedation in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. METHODS Patients with advanced cancer admitted to participating palliative care units were enrolled from January 2017 to September 2018. We evaluated and compared (i) the prevalence of continuous deep sedation, (ii) the characteristics of sedated and non-sedated groups in each country, and (iii) continuous deep sedation administration patterns among the three countries. RESULTS A total of 2158 participants were included in our analysis, and 264 received continuous deep sedation. The continuous deep sedation prevalence was 10, 16 and 22% in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, respectively. Delirium was the most frequent target symptom in all countries, along with dyspnoea (in Japan) and psychological symptoms (in Korea). Midazolam was most frequently used in Japan and Taiwan, but not in Korea (P < 0.001). Among the patients receiving continuous deep sedation, the hydration amount on the final day was significantly different, with median volumes of 200, 500 and 0 mL in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, respectively (P < 0.001). In Korea, 33% of the continuous deep sedation administration caused a high degree of physicians' discomfort, but 3% in Japan and 5% in Taiwan (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Clinical practices of continuous deep sedation and physicians' discomfort related to continuous deep sedation initiation highly varied across countries. We need to develop optimal decision-making models of continuous deep sedation and hydration during continuous deep sedation in each country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiu-Hsien Yang
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Jen Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Shao-Yi Cheng
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sang-Yeon Suh
- Department of Family Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea
- Department of Medicine, Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun-Hyun Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Satoko Ito
- Hospice, The Japan Baptist Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yusuke Hiratsuka
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sayaka Maeda
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
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Garcia ACM, Schneiders M, da Mota KS, da Conceição VM, Kissane DW. Demoralization and spirituality in oncology: an integrative systematic review. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:259. [PMID: 37052721 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07722-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize the scientific findings on demoralization and spirituality in the oncology context. METHODS This is an integrative systematic review, in line with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, as proposed by Whittemore and Knalf (2005). The MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, APA PsycNet, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and LILACS databases were searched without limitations regarding language or year of publication. The studies were screened for inclusion according to the predefined eligibility criteria. Data extraction and evidence quality assessment were performed. RESULTS Out of the 1587 articles evaluated, 10 studies were included in this review. In general, it was found that demoralization tends to increase with the proximity of death and seems to be inversely related to spirituality, with spiritual well-being being a protective factor against demoralization, while the non-fulfillment of spiritual needs is related to increased demoralization in people with cancer. Furthermore, even among caregivers of people with advanced cancer, demoralization seems to be associated, among other factors, with spiritual suffering. These results should be analyzed with caution, considering that the studies included in this review are all observational studies, which prevents establishing cause and effect relationships. CONCLUSIONS Demoralization tends to increase with growing frailty and the proximity of death in people with cancer, and it seems to be inversely related to spirituality, both in these patients and in their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia Mesquita Garcia
- Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care, School of Nursing, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Gabriel Monteiro da Silva Street, 700, Centro, Alfenas, MG, 37130-001, Brazil.
| | - Milena Schneiders
- Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care, School of Nursing, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Gabriel Monteiro da Silva Street, 700, Centro, Alfenas, MG, 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Kárita Santos da Mota
- Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care, School of Nursing, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Gabriel Monteiro da Silva Street, 700, Centro, Alfenas, MG, 37130-001, Brazil
- University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vander Monteiro da Conceição
- Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care, School of Nursing, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Gabriel Monteiro da Silva Street, 700, Centro, Alfenas, MG, 37130-001, Brazil
- Department of Nursing, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, Brazil
| | - David W Kissane
- University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Australia
- Cunningham Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Szalmuk Family Psycho Oncology Research Unit, Cabrini Health and Monash Partner's Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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Emmerich N, Chapman M. Suffering, existential distress and temporality in the provision of terminal sedation. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023; 49:263-264. [PMID: 36878674 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2023-109018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Emmerich
- The School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Michael Chapman
- The School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Palliative Care, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Taking care of who cares: Evaluation of a training program for home palliative care professionals. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-5. [PMID: 36852885 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate an enrichment training program targeted at home palliative care professionals in terms of its effects and participants' satisfaction. The program had 2 main aims: give voice to professionals' emotional fatigue and promote their personal resources. METHODS One hundred twenty-three home palliative care professionals participated in 12 parallel training courses; each course consisted of four 3-hour meetings led by 2 trainers and involved about 10-15 participants. The program adopted the method and tools typical of the enrichment approach, with the insertion of an art therapy exercise in the central meetings. The topics addressed were the following: emotional awareness in care relationship; the recognition of the needs of the patient, the family, and the professional himself; the inevitability of the death of the patient; and the challenges and resources of the multidisciplinary care team. At the first (T1) and last (T2) meetings, participants filled in a self-report questionnaire assessing work emotional fatigue, empowerment, generativity, and satisfaction with the course. RESULTS Participants were highly satisfied with the course. They reported a higher level of work emotional fatigue and a higher perception of personal resources, in terms of empowerment (both individual-oriented and relationship-oriented) and generativity at the end of the program than before. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Results confirm the need to provide home palliative care professionals with trainings in which they can express, share, and deal with personal and professional needs. This course gave voice to professionals' work emotional fatigue and promoted their personal resources, while enhancing collaboration in the multidisciplinary team.
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Arantzamendi M, Aparicio M, Centeno C, Sánchez-Migallón S, Riojas M, De Julián V, Crespo M. A reflection on the essence of gratitude in palliative care: healing in severe disease and professional affirmation through accompanying patients until the end. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524221147538. [PMID: 36654664 PMCID: PMC9841837 DOI: 10.1177/26323524221147538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gratitude has sparked interest in the world of health. It is considered as a personality characteristic or as an emotion. However, little has been explored in the context of the interpersonal relationship of caring. An exploration in the context of end of life is ground-breaking. Objectives This study analyses and reflects on the object of gratitude from the perspective of both the persons being cared for and the professionals providing health care. What are patients and their family members grateful for in palliative care? What is the reason for gratitude? What do these health professionals perceive when there is gratitude? These questions were answered considering the gratitude generated in health care encounters, not gratitude as personality trait. Methods The phenomenological approach was used starting from lived clinical experiences. In the light of the dialogue between clinical experiences and philosophy, this study proposes an explanation of the 'real' or essential object of gratitude in palliative care. It was conducted within the context of palliative care. The study materials were manifestations of gratitude expressed or felt in clinical encounters and published in newspapers or shared in daily encounters. These were the basis for analysis and reflection and interdisciplinary dialogue. Findings The analyses performed indicated healing or deep relief in serious diseases as objects of gratitude according to patients' perspective, and professional self-affirmation until the end according to the professionals' perspective. Conclusion The two perspectives shared an important common fact, namely, the need to consider the persons in their entirety, and the importance of not losing sight of the value they have. This concept would characterize the nature of gratitude, its object being the 'objective good' for patients, family members, and palliative care professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Aparicio
- St Christopher’s Hospice, London, UK,ATLANTES Global Observatory of Palliative Care, Institute for Culture and Society, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Centeno
- ATLANTES Global Observatory of Palliative Care, Institute for Culture and Society, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Departamento de Medicina Paliativa, Pamplona, Spain,IdISNA-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Medicina Paliativa, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sergio Sánchez-Migallón
- ATLANTES Global Observatory of Palliative Care, Institute for Culture and Society, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Facultad Eclesiástica de Filosofía, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mariana Riojas
- ATLANTES Global Observatory of Palliative Care, Institute for Culture and Society, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, México
| | - Victoria De Julián
- ATLANTES Global Observatory of Palliative Care, Institute for Culture and Society, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mariano Crespo
- ATLANTES Global Observatory of Palliative Care, Institute for Culture and Society, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Departamento de Filosofía, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Tark A, Estrada LV, Stone PW, Baernholdt M, Buck HG. Systematic review of conceptual and theoretical frameworks used in palliative care and end-of-life care research studies. Palliat Med 2023; 37:10-25. [PMID: 36081200 PMCID: PMC10790406 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221122268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frameworks are the conceptual underpinnings of the study. Both conceptual and theoretical frameworks are often used in palliative and end-of-life care studies to help with study design, guide, and conduct investigations. While an increasing number of investigators have included frameworks in their study, to date, there has not been a comprehensive review of frameworks that were utilized in palliative and end-of-life care research studies. AIM To summarize conceptual and theoretical frameworks used in palliative and end-of-life care research studies. And to synthesize which of eight domains from the National Consensus Project's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care (fourth edition) each framework belongs to. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Four electronic databases (EMBASE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, PsychINFO, and PubMed) were searched from July 2010 to September 2021. RESULTS A total 2231 citations were retrieved, of which 44 articles met eligibility. Across primary studies, 33,801 study participants were captured. Twenty-six investigators (59.1%) proposed previously unpublished frameworks. In 10 studies, investigators modified existing frameworks, mainly to overcome inherent limitations. In eight studies, investigators utilized existing frameworks referenced in previously published studies. There were eight orientations identified among 44 frameworks we reviewed (e.g. system, patient, patient-doctor). CONCLUSIONS We examined palliative and end-of-life research studies to identify and characterize conceptual or theoretical frameworks proposed or utilized. Of 44 frameworks we reviewed, 21 studies (47.7%) were aligned with a Clinical Practice Guideline's single domain, while the rest two or more of eight guidelines in quality palliative care domains.
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Yu V, Yilmaz S, Freitag J, Loh KP, Kehoe L, Digiovanni G, Bauer J, Sanapala C, Epstein RM, Yousefi-Nooraie R, Mohile S. The role of social networks in prognostic understanding of older adults with advanced cancer. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 106:135-141. [PMID: 36270857 PMCID: PMC10069282 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Explore how older patients utilize their social networks to inform prognostic understanding. METHODS In a pilot study of adults (≥65 years old) with advanced cancer, 16 patients completed surveys, social network maps, and semi-structured interviews exploring with whom they preferred to communicate about their illness. Interviews were analyzed using open-coding, and codes were categorized into emergent themes. Social network maps and themes were analyzed via mixed-methods social network analysis (MMSNA). Three case examples with diverse network characteristics and communication patterns were selected for further analysis. RESULTS Three overarching themes (i.e., prognostic understanding, social support, and therapeutic alliance) revealed that patients' prognostic understanding was strongly influenced by the quality of the social support patients perceived from members of their social networks. Patients demonstrated prognostic understanding when they reported close relationships and open communication with their network members. Case examples revealed some ways that patients sought information and had better sense of their prognosis when they had supportive social networks. CONCLUSION Findings illustrate how understanding social networks may provide information on how older adults with cancer seek, share, and process prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Yu
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sule Yilmaz
- Department of Surgery, Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Jorie Freitag
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kah Poh Loh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Lee Kehoe
- Department of Surgery, Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Grace Digiovanni
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Bauer
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Chandrika Sanapala
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ronald M Epstein
- Department of Family Medicine Research, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Reza Yousefi-Nooraie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Supriya Mohile
- Geriatric Oncology Research, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
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Okyere J, Kissah-Korsah K. Benefits of integrating palliative care: a qualitative exploration of the perspectives of palliative care providers in a tertiary health facility in Ghana. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524231163199. [PMID: 37009633 PMCID: PMC10064158 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231163199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Integration of palliative care (PC) services entails combining administrative, organisational, clinical and service elements to ensure continuity of care between all parties participating in the care network of patients. There is a need to understand the benefits of integrating PC to inform policy making and advance advocacy, especially in resource-constrained settings such as Ghana where PC is sub-optimally implemented. Yet, existing research in Ghana is sparse on what benefits are likely to be experienced as a result of integrating PC. Objective The study explored service providers' perspectives on the benefits of integrating PC in Ghana. Design The design was an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design. Methods A total of seven in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview guides. The data were managed using NVivo-12. Inductive thematic analysis was carried out following Haase's modification of Colaizzi's approach to qualitative research analysis. The study follows the COREQ guidelines and the ICMJE recommendations. Result Two main themes emerged: patient-related outcomes, and system/institution-related outcomes. For the patient-related outcomes, the following sub-themes emerged: restored hope, appreciated care and better preparation for the end of life (EoL). The emerging sub-themes under the system/institution-related outcomes include the following: early initiation of care, enhanced communication between primary healthcare providers and the PC team and strengthening staff capacity to provide PC services. Conclusion In conclusion, there are substantial benefits to be experienced from integrating PC. For the patients, it would restore shattered hopes, result in appreciated care and better preparation for the EoL. For the healthcare system, it would promote early initiation of care, enhance communication between primary healthcare providers and the PC team and strengthen service providers' capacity to provide PC services. This study, thus, furthers the case for a more integrated PC service in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kwaku Kissah-Korsah
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Gaignard ME, Pautex S, Hurst S. Existential suffering as a motive for assisted suicide: Difficulties, acceptability, management and roles from the perspectives of Swiss professionals. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284698. [PMID: 37083894 PMCID: PMC10121014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existential suffering is often a part of the requests for assisted suicide (AS). Its definitions have gained in clarity recently and refer to a distress arising from an inner realization that life has lost its meaning. There is however a lack of consensus on how to manage existential suffering, especially in a country where AS is legal and little is known about the difficulties faced by professionals confronted with these situations. OBJECTIVES To explore the perspectives of Swiss professionals involved in end-of-life care and AS on the management of existential suffering when it is part of AS requests, taking into account the question of roles, as well as on the difficulties they encounter along the way and their views on the acceptability of existential suffering as a motive for AS. METHODS A qualitative study based on face-to-face interviews was performed among twenty-five participants from the fields of palliative and primary care as well as from EXIT right-to-die organization. A semi-structured interview guide exploring four themes was used. Elements from the grounded theory approach were applied. RESULTS Almost all participants reported experiencing difficulties when facing existential suffering. Opinions regarding the acceptability of existential suffering in accessing AS were divided. Concerning its management, participants referred to the notion of being present, showing respect, seeking to understand the causes of suffering, helping give meaning, working together, psychological support, spiritual support, relieving physical symptoms and palliative sedation. CONCLUSION This study offers a unique opportunity to reflect on what are desirable responses to existential suffering when it is part of AS requests. Existential suffering is plural and implies a multiplicity of responses as well. These situations remain however difficult and controversial according to Swiss professionals. Clinicians' education should further address these issues and give professionals the tools to better take care of these people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Estelle Gaignard
- Institute for Ethics, History and the Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Pautex
- Division of Palliative Medicine Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samia Hurst
- Institute for Ethics, History and the Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Wierstra IR, Liefbroer AI, Post L, Tromp T, Körver J. Addressing spiritual needs in palliative care: proposal for a narrative and interfaith spiritual care intervention for chaplaincy. J Health Care Chaplain 2023; 29:64-77. [PMID: 34923933 DOI: 10.1080/08854726.2021.2015055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Although many recognize the importance of addressing the spiritual domain in palliative care, empirically grounded interventions designed to alleviate spiritual needs for patients in palliative care are remarkably scarce. In this paper we argue that the development of such interventions for chaplains is important in order to improve spiritual care in a (post)secular and religiously plural context. We therefore propose an interfaith chaplain-led spiritual care intervention for home-based palliative care that addresses patients' spiritual needs. The intervention is based on elements of spiritual care interventions that have been investigated among other populations. Three important characteristics of the proposed intervention are (1) life review; (2) materiality, ritual and embodiment; and (3) imagination. The aim of this intervention is to improve palliative patients' spiritual wellbeing. It is anticipated that such a structured intervention could assist in improving spiritual care in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris R Wierstra
- Department of Practical Theology and Religious Studies, Tilburg School of Catholic Theology, Tilburg University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Chair group Humanist Chaplaincy Studies for a Plural Society, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anke I Liefbroer
- Department of Practical Theology and Religious Studies, Tilburg School of Catholic Theology, Tilburg University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Religion and Theology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lenneke Post
- Faculty of Religion and Theology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Spiritual Care, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs Tromp
- Department of Practical Theology, Protestant Theological University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques Körver
- Department of Practical Theology and Religious Studies, Tilburg School of Catholic Theology, Tilburg University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,University Center for Chaplaincy Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Leidl BF, Fox-Davis D, Walker FO, Gabbard J, Marterre B. Layers of Loss: A Scoping Review and Taxonomy of HD Caregivers' Spiritual Suffering, Grief/Loss and Coping Strategies. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:e29-e50. [PMID: 36198334 PMCID: PMC9790041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Huntington's disease (HD), an incurable, multi-generational, autosomal dominant disorder, creating unique challenges and a myriad of spiritually-related stressors in those affected and their familial caregivers. Spiritual suffering, experiences of grief/loss, and coping strategies have not been systematically studied in HD caregivers. OBJECTIVES To comprehensively define spiritual suffering, grief/loss, and coping strategies used by HD caregivers. METHODS A PRISMA-ScR scoping literature review was conducted. Data from included research articles were organized thematically using induction and open coding. A grounded, deductive approach was used to delineate a demarcated taxonomy of themes, which encompasses all three over-arching domains. Four reviewers, employing a modified Delphi approach, ascertained which themes were demonstrated by research participants in each study. RESULTS 36 of 583 articles met the review criteria; none were published in the palliative care literature. Investigations primarily focused on intrapersonal (self-image) distress and existential angst; only rarely looking deeper into divine/transpersonal suffering, disrupted religious relationships, or meaning distress. HD caregivers experience profound grief/loss, expressed as disenfranchised grief that is associated with the ambiguous loss of their loved one, loss of family structure, social connectedness, and personal losses. Half of the studies reported maladaptive HD caregiver coping strategies-characterized by dysfunctional escape schemes; in contrast, transcendent/creative strategies were often unexplored. CONCLUSION HD caregivers experience prolonged grief and other forms of spiritual suffering as they progressively lose their loved ones and disruption to their own lives. With an improved assessment tool, teams with spiritual and palliative care experts will better be able to support HD family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Faith Leidl
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, (B.F.L., B.M.) Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | | | - Francis O Walker
- Department of Neurology, Emeritus, Winston-Salem, (F.O.W.) North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer Gabbard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatrics (Palliative Care), (J.G., B.M.) Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Buddy Marterre
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, (B.F.L., B.M.) Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatrics (Palliative Care), (J.G., B.M.) Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of General Surgery, (B.M.) Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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Beaudry JS. Death as "benefit" in the context of non-voluntary euthanasia. THEORETICAL MEDICINE AND BIOETHICS 2022; 43:329-354. [PMID: 36227395 DOI: 10.1007/s11017-022-09597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
I offer a principled objection to arguments in favour of legalizing non-voluntary euthanasia on the basis of the principle of beneficence. The objection is that the status of death as a benefit to people who cannot formulate a desire to die is more problematic than pain management care. I ground this objection on epistemic and political arguments. Namely, I argue that death is relatively more unknowable, and the benefits it confers more subjectively debatable, than pain management. I am not primarily referring to the claim that it is difficult to make comparisons between live and post-mortem states, but rather to the fact that it is epistemically and metaphysically problematic to impute a "life-worse-than-death" or a state of "suffering-calling-for-death" to people who cannot subjectively wish to die, as though this kind of suffering were a medically observable fact rather than a belief- and value-laden notion. On the contrary, people enduring similar causes of pain may have different experiences of suffering and views on how it affects the worthwhileness of their existence or the desirability of death or of continuing their lives. The projection of a "suffering-calling-for-death" onto infants or people with severe intellectual disabilities may not be indefensible, but it is more controversial than judging that pain management will improve their well-being from the perspective of beneficence. My argument also relies on our society's liberal endeavour to avoid endorsing unverifiable beliefs about life and death or controversial conceptions of the good life. My goal is not to suggest we should not attend the suffering of cognitively disabled people. On the contrary, I only cast doubt on too quick an assumption that ending their lives is the best way of caring for them, when robust palliative treatments are available. Moreover, I express the concern that a lack of attention to distinctions between "pain-calling-for-relief" and "suffering-calling-for-death" may be based on ableist projections and assumptions. I conclude that it is imperative to continue research into the nature of pain and suffering experienced by individuals with mental or cognitive impairments preventing them from expressing autonomous wishes about the kind of treatment that would most benefit them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas-Sébastien Beaudry
- Faculty of Law and School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Hanna JR, McConnell T, Harrison C, Patynowska KA, Finucane AM, Hudson B, Paradine S, McCullagh A, Reid J. 'There's something about admitting that you are lonely' - prevalence, impact and solutions to loneliness in terminal illness: An explanatory sequential multi-methods study. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1483-1492. [PMID: 36081273 PMCID: PMC9749015 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221122269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is a prevalent societal issue and can impact on a person's physical and mental health. It is unclear how loneliness impacts on end of life experiences or how such feelings can be alleviated. AIM To explore the perceived prevalence, impact and possible solutions to loneliness among people who are terminally ill and their carers in Northern Ireland through the lens of health and social care professionals. DESIGN An explanatory multi-method study. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS An online survey (n = 68, response rate 30%) followed by three online focus groups with palliative and end of life care health and social care professionals (n = 14). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS Loneliness was perceived by professionals as highly prevalent for people with a terminal illness (92.6%) and their carers (86.8%). Loneliness was considered a taboo subject and impacts on symptoms including pain and breathlessness and overall wellbeing at end of life. Social support was viewed as central towards alleviating feelings of loneliness and promoting connectedness at end of life. Four themes were identified: (1) the stigma of loneliness, (2) COVID-19: The loneliness pandemic (3) impact of loneliness across physical and mental health domains and (4) the power of social networks. CONCLUSION There is a need for greater investment for social support initiatives to tackle experiences of loneliness at end of life. These services must be co-produced with people impacted by terminal illness to ensure they meet the needs of this population.
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van Meurs J, Wichmann AB, van Mierlo P, van Dongen R, van de Geer J, Vissers K, Leget C, Engels Y. Identifying, exploring and integrating the spiritual dimension in proactive care planning: A mixed methods evaluation of a communication training intervention for multidisciplinary palliative care teams. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1493-1503. [PMID: 36305616 PMCID: PMC9749014 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221122367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients receiving palliative care value attention given to their spiritual needs. However, these needs often remain unexplored as healthcare professionals lack the skills to identify and explore them and to integrate this information into care plans. AIM To evaluate the effects of an interactive communication training intervention for palliative care teams in order to identify and explore the spiritual dimension and integrate it in patients' care plans. DESIGN A mixed methods pre-post study, including self-assessment questionnaires, evaluation of videos with simulated consultations (applied competence) and medical record review (implementation). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Three palliative care teams including nurses (N = 21), physicians (N = 14) and spiritual caregivers (N = 3). RESULTS The questionnaires showed an improvement on 'Patient and family-centred communication' of the End-of-life professional caregiver survey (+0.37, p < 0.01; the 8-item S-EOLC (+0.54, p < 0.01) and regarding the Spiritual Care Competence Scale, on the three subscales used (+0.27, p < 0.01, +0.29, p < 0.01 and +0.32, p < 0.01). Video evaluations showed increased attention being paid to patient's aims and needs. The medical record review showed an increase in anticipation on the non-somatic dimension (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-4.3, p < 0.05) and, using the Mount Vernon Cancer Network assessment tool, addressing spiritual issues (OR: 10.9, 95% CI: 3.7-39.5, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our training intervention resulted in increased palliative care professionals' competence in identifying and exploring patients' spiritual issues, and their integration in multidimensional proactive palliative care plans. The intervention directly addresses patients' spiritual concerns and adds value to their palliative care plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline van Meurs
- Department of Spiritual and Pastoral Care & Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne B Wichmann
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia van Mierlo
- Department of Geriatrics & Centre of Supportive and Palliative Care, Rijnstate Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Robert van Dongen
- Department of Pain Management and Palliative Care, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joep van de Geer
- Chaplain at Academic Hospice Demeter, Bilthoven and Policy Advisor Spiritual Care in Palliative Care at Agora, The Netherlands
| | - Kris Vissers
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Leget
- Department of Care and Welfare, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Engels
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Schipper S, Nigam K, Piechotta V, Ljuslin M, Beaussant Y, Schwarzer G, Boehlke C. Psychedelic/entactogen‐assisted therapy for treatment of anxiety, depression and existential distress in adult palliative care. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2022; 2022:CD015383. [PMCID: PMC9677948 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the benefits and harms of psychedelic/entactogen‐assisted therapy compared to placebo or active comparators (e.g. antidepressants) for treatment of anxiety, depression, and existential distress in adult palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kabir Nigam
- Department of PsychiatryBrigham and Women’s HospitalBostonUSA
| | - Vanessa Piechotta
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cochrane HaematologyFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Michael Ljuslin
- Palliative Medicine Division, Department of Rehabilitation and GeriatricsGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative CareDana-Farber Cancer InstituteBostonUSA,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUSA
| | - Yvan Beaussant
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative CareDana-Farber Cancer InstituteBostonUSA
| | - Guido Schwarzer
- Institute of Medical Biometry and StatisticsFaculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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Sjöberg M, Rasmussen BH, Edberg AK, Beck I. Existential aspects documented in older people’s patient records in the context of specialized palliative care: a retrospective review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1356. [PMID: 36384554 PMCID: PMC9667671 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08753-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Documentation of older people’s end-of-life care should cover the care given and provide an overview of their entire situation. Older people approaching the end of life often have complex symptoms, live with bodily losses, and face an unknown future in which existential aspects come to the forefront. Knowledge of the existential aspects recorded in palliative care documentation is sparse and merits improvement. This knowledge is relevant to the development of more holistic documentation and is necessary in order to promote reflection on and discussion of documentation of the sensitive existential considerations arising in palliative care. The aim of this study was to describe the documentation of existential aspects in the patient records of older people receiving specialized palliative care. Methods Data were obtained from a retrospective review of the free-text notes in 84 records of randomly selected patients aged ≥75 years enrolled in specialized palliative care units who died in 2017. The notes were analysed using an inductive qualitative content analysis. Results The notes documented existential aspects in terms of connotations of well-being and ill-being. Documented existential aspects were related to the patients’ autonomy concerning loss of freedom and self-determination, social connectedness concerning loneliness and communion, emotional state concerning anxiety and inner peace, and state of being concerning despair and hope. The notes on existential aspects were, however, not recorded in a structured way and no care plans related to existential aspects were found. Conclusions Existential aspects concerning both ill-being and well-being were sparsely and unsystematically documented in older people’s patient records, but when notes were extracted from these records and analysed, patterns became evident. Existential aspects form an important basis for delivering person-centred palliative care. There is a need to develop structured documentation concerning existential aspects; otherwise, patients’ thoughts and concerns may remain unknown to healthcare professionals.
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Pergolizzi D, Crespo I. The past and future of uncertainty in advanced illness: a systematic scoping review of underlying cognitive processes. ANXIETY, STRESS, & COPING 2022; 36:415-433. [DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2134566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Denise Pergolizzi
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Crespo
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
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Larsen BH, Lundeby T, Gulbrandsen P, Førde R, Gerwing J. Physicians' responses to advanced cancer patients' existential concerns: A video-based analysis. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:3062-3070. [PMID: 35738963 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In a recent study, we explored what kind of existential concerns patients with advanced cancer disclose during a routine hospital consultation and how they communicate such concerns. The current study builds on these results, investigating how the physicians responded to those concerns. METHODS We analyzed video-recorded hospital consultations involving adult patients with advanced cancer. The study has a qualitative and exploratory design, using procedures from microanalysis of face-to-face-dialogue. RESULTS We identified 185 immediate physician-responses to the 127 patient existential utterances we had previously identified. The responses demonstrated three approaches: giving the patient control over the content, providing support, and taking control over the content. The latter was by far the most common, through which the physicians habitually kept the discussion around biomedical aspects and rarely pursued the patients' existential concerns. CONCLUSIONS Although the physicians, to some extent, allowed the patients to talk freely about their concerns, they systematically failed to acknowledge and address the patients' existential concerns. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Physicians should be attentive to their possible habit of steering the agenda towards biomedical topics, hence, avoiding patients' existential concerns. Initiatives cultivating behavior enhancing person-centered and existential communication should be implemented in clinical practice and medical training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Hofset Larsen
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Division of Health Services Research and psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tonje Lundeby
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Pål Gulbrandsen
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway; Division of Health Services Research and psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Reidun Førde
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jennifer Gerwing
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway.
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Kodeih F, Schildt H, Lawrence TB. Countering Indeterminate Temporariness: Sheltering work in refugee camps. ORGANIZATION STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/01708406221116600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The experience of temporariness is increasingly prevalent across the world, both for transient populations such as refugees and in work life characterized by precarious employment relationships. In this article, we examine how local institutional work can shape people’s experience of indeterminate temporariness and mitigate its pernicious effects. Our qualitative, inductive study is set in refugee camps in Lebanon, where indeterminate temporariness created an oppressive experience of time among Syrian refugees. We document the efforts of an NGO to help refugees rebuild meaningful lives by developing small-scale entrepreneurial ventures – efforts we conceptualize as ‘sheltering work’. Our analysis points to the potential for sheltering work to alleviate the oppressive effects of temporariness by bounding, containing, and structuring individuals’ day-to-day lives. Although sheltering work reshaped refugees’ experience of time, it did not eradicate the oppressive effects of indeterminate temporariness; instead, oppressive and reclaimed experiences of time coexisted, with individuals shifting between them. Our study theorizes sheltering work as a potent form of modest, local institutional work in the face of immutable institutions, and elaborates how individual experiences of time influence embedded agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Kodeih
- IESEG School of Management, France and Aalto University, Finland
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Alqudah A, Qnais EY, Wedyan MA, Oqal M, Alqudah M, AbuDalo R, AL-Hashimi N. Ceratonia siliqua leaves ethanol extracts exert anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10400. [PMID: 36090223 PMCID: PMC9449564 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ceratonia siliqua L. (Leguminosae) has neuroprotective, mutagenic, hypotensive, anti-bacterial, hypoglycaemic, and anti-inflammatory effects through extracts from its leaves. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the anti-nociceptive activity of ethanol extracts of Ceratonia siliqua leaves. Methods Ethanol extract of Ceratonia siliqua leaves were studied using well-established animal models of inflammation and pain. A hot plate latency assay (55 °C) was used to assess the analgesic effect of 10, 31.6, 100, and 316 mg/kg doses of ethanol extracts in addition to paw licking time in early and late phase using a formalin-induced paw licking assay test. Paw oedema induction using carrageenan and cotton pellet granuloma assays were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of 10, 31.6, 100, and 316 mg/kg doses of ethanol extract. Results The ethanol extract of Ceratonia siliqua leaves reduces paw licking time in early and late phase after formalin injection. The same effect was also observed when the hotplate test was performed. Ethanol extract of Ceratonia siliqua leaves caused dose dependent inhibition in paw oedema after the injection of carrageenan and cotton pellet granuloma in mice. These effects were not antagonized when opioid receptors were blocked by naloxone (5 mg/kg). The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract of Ceratonia siliqua leaves showed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids. Conclusion The present data indicate that ethanol extract of Ceratonia siliqua leaves might possess anti-inflammatory and anti-nociception properties and should be considered for further therapeutic research.
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Larsen BH, Lundeby T, Gerwing J, Gulbrandsen P, Førde R. "Eh - What type of cells are these - flourishing in the liver?" Cancer patients' disclosure of existential concerns in routine hospital consultations. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2019-2026. [PMID: 34839995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advanced cancer poses a threat to all aspects of being, potentially causing existential suffering. We explore what kind of existential concerns patients with advanced cancer disclose during a routine hospital consultation, and how they communicate such concerns. METHODS We analyzed thirteen video-recorded hospital consultations involving adult patients with advanced cancer. The study has a qualitative and exploratory design, using procedures from microanalysis of face-to-face-dialogue. RESULTS Nearly all patients disclosed how the illness experience included losses and threats of loss that are strongly associated with existential suffering, displaying uncertainty about future and insecurity about self and coping. Patients usually disclosed existential concerns uninvited, but they did so indirectly and subtly, typically hiding concerns in biomedical terms or conveying them with hesitation and very little emotion. CONCLUSIONS Patients may have existential concerns they want to address, but they may be uncertain whether these are issues they can discuss with the physician. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health professionals should be attentive to underlying existential messages embedded in the patient's questions and concerns. Acknowledging these existential concerns provides an opportunity to briefly explore the patient's needs and may direct how the physician tailors information and support to promote coping, autonomy, and existential health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Hofset Larsen
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tonje Lundeby
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jennifer Gerwing
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway.
| | - Pål Gulbrandsen
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway; Division of Health Services Research and psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Reidun Førde
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Ann-Yi S, Bruera E. Psychological Aspects of Care in Cancer Patients in the Last Weeks/Days of Life. Cancer Res Treat 2022; 54:651-660. [PMID: 35790196 PMCID: PMC9296948 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2022.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Palliative care is comprised of an interdisciplinary team (IDT) approach with members from different disciplines who collaboratively work together to reduce multidimensional components of pain and suffering and improve quality of life for patients coping with a terminal illness. Psychosocial team members are integral to the palliative care IDT and provide expertise in assessment and empirically validated interventions to address psychological distress. The following paper will provide a review of different facets of psychological distress experienced by advanced cancer patients such as psychological disorders, existential distress, spiritual distress, caregiver distress, parental distress, and grief. Finally, an overview of commonly used screening and assessment tools as well as psychological interventions relevant for the palliative care population is presented.
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Yue Z. The Making of Imago Hominis: Can We Produce Artificial Companions by Programming Sentience into Robots? New Bioeth 2022; 28:168-185. [PMID: 35420976 DOI: 10.1080/20502877.2022.2062945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This essay discusses sentient robot (SR) research through the lens of suffering. First three kinds of suffering are considered: physical, psychological, and existential. Physical pain is shown to be primarily subjective, and distinctive psychological and existential sufferings probably do exist, which are neither reducible to neurobiological events, nor replicable through algorithms. The current stage of SR research is then reviewed. Many creative proposals are presented, together with some philosophical and technical challenges posed by other scholars. I then offer my critique of SR research, claiming that it is based on a superficial understanding of suffering and unjustified philosophical presuppositions, namely, reductive physicalism. Without the capability to suffer, robots probably cannot love in any real sense, and no meaningful relationship may be developed between such a robot and a human. Therefore, we are probably unable to produce sentient robots that can become our companions (friends, lovers, etc.).
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Mailhot MG, Léonard G, Gadoury-Sansfaçon GP, Stout D, Ellefsen É. A Scoping Review on the Experience of Participating in Dignity Therapy for Adults at the End of Life. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1143-1150. [PMID: 35593917 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As the proportion of aging population is increasing, so is the need for palliative care services. The end of life is marked by suffering and currently it is not well addressed in palliative care. Dignity therapy (DT) is one of the most popular therapies aimed at reducing suffering at the life and yet the quantitative evidence supporting its effectiveness is mixed. Also, no study has looked extensively at the qualitative literature. Objective: To describe the experience of participating in DT for adults in end of life. Design: A scoping review was conducted on the experience of DT among adults at their end of life. We searched electronic databases between 2002 and 2020. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted, and coded the data. They were analyzed using a thematic framework approach. Results: Twelve articles were included in the final analysis and were published between 2010 and 2019. The articles originated from the United States (3), Canada (3), Poland (2), Australia (2), the United Kingdom (2), Italy (1), and Germany (1). Two main categories of themes emerged from our analysis: themes mentioned during the DT intervention and themes following the DT intervention. The primary themes found during the DT intervention are discussions relating to the end of life, reflection on life, and creating a life narrative. The themes found following the DT intervention are that it opened a reflection on the past, that this was a helpful intervention, and that it was difficult, but important. Conclusions: Few qualitative studies assessed the experience of participating in DT following the intervention. This gap in the literature could explain the difficulties we currently have in understanding the effects of DT. Future studies should aim to assess how the effects of DT are perceived by patients after the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mael Gagnon Mailhot
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Léonard
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.,Rehabilitation School, Research Center on Aging, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Dale Stout
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Bishop's University, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Édith Ellefsen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Fang C, Tanaka M. An exploration of person-centred approach in end-of-life care policies in England and Japan. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:68. [PMID: 35538473 PMCID: PMC9092845 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00965-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence has suggested that a person-centred approach (PCA) is beneficial not only for improving care outcomes but also for mitigating the pressure on public health systems. However, policy implementation gaps have prevented the translation of this complex framework into useful practical, ethical and moral stances for end-of-life care (EOLC). This article aims to explore the meaning and implications of person-centredness in EOLC policy discourses. Methods By perceiving policy documents as a medium embodied with socio-political and cultural norms, we analysed how PCA in EOLC is constructed within specific socio-cultural contexts and the implications of these contexts on resultant care. Focusing on England and Japan, we conducted a critical policy analysis to examine and compare key policy and legal documents released between 2000 and 2019 in these two post-industrial and socio-culturally distinctive countries. Results Our analysis found that the PCA is mobilised in policy discourses primarily through three interconnected dimensions: individual, relational and existential. While acknowledging that both countries have developed varied policy and legal mechanisms to emphasise holistic and integrated care with respect to these three dimensions, we also identified significant gaps in the pol icies both within and between England and Japan. They include ambiguity in defining patients’ best interests, fragmented support for social and family care and the neglect of existential needs. Conclusions This cross-cultural analysis has revealed the complex nature of discourses around PCA in English and Japanese EOLC policies, which often concentrate on the multifaceted aspects of experiences as one approaches the end of life. Despite this, we argue that a more holistic construction of PCA is needed in EOLC policies not only in England and Japan but also more broadly, to encapsulate the richness of end-of-life experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Fang
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences and Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Miho Tanaka
- Japan Medical Association Research Institute, 2-28-16 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8621, Japan.,Graduate School of Core Ethics and Frontier Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 56-1 Tojiin Kitamachi, Kita Ward, 603-8577, Kyoto, Japan
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Edelen MO, Rodriguez A, Huang W, Gramling R, Ahluwalia SC. A novel Scale to Assess Palliative Care Patients' Experience of Feeling Heard and Understood. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:689-697.e1. [PMID: 35017018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patient experience of palliative care serves as an important indicator of quality and patient-centeredness. OBJECTIVES To develop a novel patient-reported scale measuring ambulatory palliative care patients' experience of feeling heard and understood by their providers. METHODS We used self-reported patient experience data collected via mixed-mode survey administration. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and an expert panel ranking exercise to reduce the 10-item set based on underlying dimensionality. We then used item response theory (IRT) to calibrate remaining items based on psychometric properties and test information and precision. We considered item-level fit and examined the standardized local dependence chi-square statistics. We evaluated candidate items for differential item functioning by survey mode. We evaluated the test-retest reliability and validity of the final scale. RESULTS The EFA yielded a single factor (9/10 items had loadings > 0.80 on the single factor). We removed two items with the lowest factor loadings and ranked by the expert panel as being least reflective of the overall construct. IRT calibration of the remaining eight items showed high slopes (range 2.66 - 5.18); location parameters were all negative (range -0.90 - -0.36). We removed two more items based on local dependence indices and item-level fit. Combining psychometric information with the expert ratings we established the final 4-item scale, which was reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84; polychoric correlation coefficient = 0.72) and had good convergent validity. CONCLUSIONS This novel multi-item Feeling Heard and Understood scale can be used to measure and improve ambulatory palliative care patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria O Edelen
- Behavioral & Policy Sciences Department, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony Rodriguez
- Behavioral & Policy Sciences Department, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Behavioral & Policy Sciences Department, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Gramling
- University of Vermont, Department of Family Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Sangeeta C Ahluwalia
- Behavioral & Policy Sciences Department, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA.
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