J Palliat Med [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
What We Do that No One Sees: Working as a Palliative Care Nurse.
Drummond de Carmargo J
J Palliat Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42233174 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Evaluating the Performance of Large Language Models on Palliative Care Test Questions: A Mixed Methods Study.
Chua IS, Lo YT, Liu D … +8 more , Succi MD, Zhang M, Yeh J, Skarf LM, Doyle K, Gundersen DA, Mazzola E, Bates DW
J Palliat Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42231120 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Little is known about large language model (LLM) performance on palliative care (PC)-related knowledge-based tasks. We evaluated two LLMs in answering PC-related test questions and explaining their answer cho...
BACKGROUND: Little is known about large language model (LLM) performance on palliative care (PC)-related knowledge-based tasks. We evaluated two LLMs in answering PC-related test questions and explaining their answer choice rationale. METHODS: LLMs were prompted to answer 25 randomly selected questions from the and provide their answer choice rationale. Three PC educators ranked and rated LLM-generated answer choice explanations versus the test's answer key explanations. Linear fixed-effect models evaluated reviewer ranking, and ordinal logistic regression evaluated reviewer ratings of quality, suitability, accuracy, relevance, and comprehensiveness. RESULTS: Both LLMs answered 96% of selected questions correctly. Reviewers rated LLM-generated explanations more highly than explanations. Five themes emerged from reviewer comments: perceived inaccuracies, clarity of writing, educational value, linguistic style, and miscellaneous. CONCLUSIONS: LLMs demonstrated high answer choice accuracy and generated preferable answer explanations when compared to the answer key.
Early Palliative Care for People with Primary Malignant Brain Tumors: A Systematic Review.
Hall JC, Barrett C, Christensen S … +4 more , Dalton J, Kaplan S, Jones CA, Johnson MO
J Palliat Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42231114 · Publisher ↗
In some populations with advanced cancers, early palliative care (ePC) has been shown to improve quality of life (QoL) and reduce aggressive interventions, but its role and timing in primary malignant brain tumors (PMBT)...
In some populations with advanced cancers, early palliative care (ePC) has been shown to improve quality of life (QoL) and reduce aggressive interventions, but its role and timing in primary malignant brain tumors (PMBT) remains poorly defined. This systematic review assessed existing definitions of ePC in PMBT, trends in its use, and associations between palliative care (PC) timing and patient outcomes. A systematic search was conducted (PROSPERO CRD420251020915). Eligible studies included peer-reviewed, full-text articles reporting outcomes related to PC timing in PMBT. Data on study design, patient characteristics, definitions of ePC, and outcomes were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the risk of bias in non-randomized studies-of interventions tool and the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies, as applicable. Of 5115 references, 5 studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing 11,721 people with PMBT. Most studies were retrospective; one was prospective. Definitions of ePC varied with "early" defined relative to diagnosis, treatment milestones, or death. Across studies, a minority of patients received PC (15%-40%), with most referrals occurring late in the disease course. Earlier PC was associated with reduced aggressiveness of EoL care, decreased health care utilization, and, in some cases, longer survival. Demographic factors were not consistent predictors of ePC referral; comorbidity burden was associated with PC use. The prospective feasibility trial demonstrated structured ePC integration was achievable. Evidence suggests ePC for PMBT is infrequently implemented yet feasible and may reduce aggressive EoL care and improve outcomes. However, definitions of "early" vary. Prospective trials are needed to further define and clarify the impact of ePC integration on QoL, survival, and health care utilization in this population.
Involuntary Starvation for a Good Death: A Position Statement from the Taiwan Academy of Hospice Palliative Medicine.
Shih CY, Hsieh WT, Peng JK … +4 more , Lai YL, Chen CY, Tsai ST, Cheng SY
J Palliat Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42227213 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Implementation of a Serious Illness Conversation Program in a Health System: A Retrospective Observational Study.
Varns G, Sidebottom A, Hentges K … +3 more , Castro-Pearson S, Richardson J, Downing E
J Palliat Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42227198 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Serious illness conversation (SIC) is a structured conversation framework designed to improve shared decision making and promote goal-concordant care with patients anticipating end-of-life care decisions. OBJ...
BACKGROUND: Serious illness conversation (SIC) is a structured conversation framework designed to improve shared decision making and promote goal-concordant care with patients anticipating end-of-life care decisions. OBJECTIVE: Examine reach, timeliness, and quality of SIC implementation across a health system after implementation of a SIC Program (SICP). Examine factors associated with SIC completion for eligible patients. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study of decedents eligible for SIC from 2022 to 2024 in a large health system in the United States. MEASUREMENTS: Proportion of eligible patients with a documented SIC, demographic and clinical characteristics, timing of SIC relative to eligibility and death, number, and quality of SIC sessions. RESULTS: About 7424 patients met the inclusion criteria, and half (49.5%) of those had SIC documentation. Of those, mean number of SICs was 3.6 (SD 5.56). First documented SIC included defined quality components 31.1% of the time. Factors associated with SIC included palliative care visits (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.84, 2.78), a primary care provider in the system (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.59, 1.96), and an inpatient admission with discharge to home care (OR 2.36, 95% CI 2.07, 2.70). Patients with dementia (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.51, 0.66) were less likely to have SIC. CONCLUSION: Systemwide implementation of an SICP engaged half of eligible patients; many of those had multiple documented conversations prior to death. More work is needed to engage eligible patients, especially those with dementia, and to improve conversation quality.
From Silent Grief to Supported Care: Recognizing Pediatric Postmortem Care as Professional Bereavement.
Septiana NZ, Rahayu DS, Andrianie S … +2 more , Bariyyah K, Isrofin B
J Palliat Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42227186 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Cancer Mortality as a Proxy for Palliative Care Need in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A 22-Year Population-Level Trend Analysis.
Alzahrani M, Alabbasi A, Sayes M … +2 more , Alzahrani Z, Sultan FA
J Palliat Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 42227184 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Population-level data on palliative care need remain limited in many regions. Cancer mortality is commonly used as a proxy indicator of population-level palliative care demand. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)...
BACKGROUND: Population-level data on palliative care need remain limited in many regions. Cancer mortality is commonly used as a proxy indicator of population-level palliative care demand. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have undergone rapid demographic and epidemiological transition, highlighting the need for evidence-informed planning. OBJECTIVES: To examine long-term trends in cancer mortality across six GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman) and assess implications for palliative care planning. DESIGN: Ecological time-trend analysis. SETTING/SUBJECTS: National mortality data from six GCC countries (2000-2022). MEASUREMENTS: Age-standardized cancer mortality rates (ICD-10 C00-C97) were obtained from the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory. Trends were evaluated using annual percentage change estimates, segmented (joinpoint) regression, and models accounting for between-country variability. RESULTS: Data availability varied substantially across countries. Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar had sufficient longitudinal data and demonstrated statistically significant declines in age-standardized cancer mortality ( < 0.001), with the largest reduction observed in Bahrain. Nonlinear, phase-dependent trends were identified. Countries with limited data were analyzed descriptively. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer mortality trends in GCC countries vary according to data completeness. Declining mortality does not necessarily indicate reduced palliative care need. Cancer mortality remains a pragmatic population-level indicator for planning in settings with limited direct measures of need. Strengthening mortality surveillance and integrating palliative care into national cancer control strategies are essential.
Assessment of Respiratory Distress Using the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale: Exploratory Analysis of Its Relationship with Functional Status and Symptoms in Patients with Cancer Receiving Palliative Care.
Allende-Pérez S, Campbell M, Saldivar-Ruiz AL … +4 more , Cruz-Sánchez JJ, Toledo-Tinajero OM, Monreal-Carrillo EA, Cabrera-Galeana P
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42219719 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Dyspnea is a common and distressing symptom in patients with cancer, particularly in advanced stages and lung cancer. It is associated with poor quality of life and is often challenging to manage. The Respi...
INTRODUCTION: Dyspnea is a common and distressing symptom in patients with cancer, particularly in advanced stages and lung cancer. It is associated with poor quality of life and is often challenging to manage. The Respiratory Distress Observation Scale (RDOS) is a validated tool for assessing dyspnea in noncommunicative patients. OBJECTIVES: To assess the validity of the RDOS by comparing it with patient-reported dyspnea using the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) in patients with cancer receiving palliative care (PC), and to explore associations with functional status. DESIGN: Observational, cross-sectional study. SETTING/SUBJECTS: The study was conducted at the National Cancer Institute (INCan) in Mexico City from October 2022 to February 2023. A total of 194 adult cancer patients with dyspnea receiving PC were included. MEASUREMENTS: RDOS, ESAS-r, and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores were assessed. Analyses included Spearman's correlation and comparisons across KPS groups. RESULTS: Median RDOS score was 5 (interquartile range 3-9), with 36.1% experiencing severe dyspnea. Higher RDOS scores were observed in patients with KPS ≤40. RDOS scores correlated significantly with ESAS-r dyspnea, insomnia, and drowsiness. Agreement between RDOS and ESAS-r was higher in moderate/severe cases (79.08%) than in none/mild (63.41%). Notably, 36.59% of patients rated as mild by ESAS-r were classified as moderate/severe by RDOS. CONCLUSION: RDOS is a valuable tool for detecting respiratory distress in cancer patients unable to self-report. Early identification and comprehensive management of dyspnea are crucial, particularly in patients with compromised functional status, or advanced disease, and those vulnerable to undetection because of inability to self-report distress.
Mapping Temporal Dynamics in Hospice Research: A Topic Modeling Analysis of PubMed Abstracts.
Kim M, Bae M, Lee H … +3 more , Mun M, Woo K, Kim A
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42219718 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Hospice care has expanded significantly in recent decades; however, few studies have systematically examined how research themes in this field have evolved over time. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore t...
BACKGROUND: Hospice care has expanded significantly in recent decades; however, few studies have systematically examined how research themes in this field have evolved over time. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the temporal dynamics of hospice care research using topic modeling, identifying emerging and declining areas of focus. METHODS: A total of 14,862 hospice-related articles published up to April 2025 were retrieved from PubMed. Topic modeling analysis was conducted using Latent Dirichlet Allocation to extract thematic structures across the corpus. The optimal number of topics was determined using perplexity, the elbow method, and coherence scores. Temporal trends were assessed across four stages defined by major World Health Organization milestones: the (1) Foundation (≤2001), (2) Expansion (2002-2013), (3) Institutionalization (2014-2019), and (4) Post-pandemic Transition (2020-2025) periods. RESULTS: Ten major research topics were identified, including caregiver support, advance care planning, access to hospice care, and mortality trends. Topic prevalence shifted over time, with increased attention to caregiver support and advance care planning during the Expansion and Institutionalization periods and heightened focus on access to care and mortality trends during the Post-pandemic Transition period. CONCLUSION: Hospice research has shifted from foundational and conceptual inquiries to more applied and policy-oriented themes. The findings reflect the field's growing institutionalization and underscore the need for sustained research targeting underserved areas to promote equity and responsiveness in end-of-life care.
Music Therapy Combined with Virtual Reality Reduces Prevalent Symptoms in Adult Patients with Advanced Cancer: Randomized Clinical Trial.
Iturri A, Bertella A, Dóvidas MN … +2 more , Spector J, Alonso Babarro A
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42219716 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Music therapy (MT) and virtual reality (VR) are increasingly being used in palliative care for symptom management, though evidence quality remains low. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to assess the effec...
BACKGROUND: Music therapy (MT) and virtual reality (VR) are increasingly being used in palliative care for symptom management, though evidence quality remains low. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to assess the effect of combined MT + VR on the main symptom in palliative cancer patients. DESIGN: This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design based on a randomized controlled clinical trial, integrating quantitative outcomes with qualitative patient experiences. MEASUREMENTS: The main symptom was the symptom rated as most severe by the patient on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Revised (ESAS-r) scale. Secondary outcomes included the global ESAS-r score, anxiety (additionally measured with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State [STAI-S]), emotional distress (DME scale), and heart rate. All variables were assessed at three time points: baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and 24 hours post-intervention (T3). PATIENTS AND SETTINGS: Adult patients attended by palliative care with advanced cancer at a university hospital in Argentina. RESULTS: Sixty patients completed the protocol. Significant differences between baseline (T1) and immediate post-intervention (T2) were observed when comparing the MT + VR condition to the control group for the main symptom (1.5 vs. 0, < 0.001); global symptom score (9 vs. 0.5, < 0.001); and anxiety (0.2 vs. 0.1, < 0.001). No significant differences were found between groups at 24 hours post-intervention (T3) compared with baseline. Several categories of interest emerged: (a) affective states, (b) projections, and (c) transcendental experiences. CONCLUSION: The combination of MT + VR improved the main symptom, as compared with the control group. Patient perceptions add valuable information about the factors that influenced this difference.
Implementation of a Complementary and Integrative Medicine Service on a Palliative Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Center in Switzerland.
Werner K, Feuz M, Theile G … +3 more , Hertler C, Blum D, Schettle M
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42219715 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Complementary therapies are gaining interest in palliative care. This study investigated the implementation of a complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) service on a palliative care unit of a Tertiary Ca...
BACKGROUND: Complementary therapies are gaining interest in palliative care. This study investigated the implementation of a complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) service on a palliative care unit of a Tertiary Care Center in Switzerland. AIM: This study aims to explore how health care professionals, patients, and family members perceive complementary medicine in specialized palliative care, identify related challenges and opportunities, and develop strategies for their effective and sustainable implementation into routine practice. METHODS: In a first step, to check acceptability, in 2016, an interview study was carried out by conducting qualitative interviews with nurses, physicians and patients, and their relatives. In a second step, based on the results of the structured interviews, CIM experts developed complementary nursing interventions followed by an educational program and establishing CIM service on the ward. RESULTS: Eight nurses, six doctors, four patients, and three relatives were interviewed. The interviews revealed a generally positive attitude among all stakeholders with high acceptability. Key challenges faced by medical staff included time management, training needs, and interdisciplinary communication. Patients and relatives emphasized the need for CIM to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and enhance confidence in integrated care. The developed nursing interventions include selected measures (wraps/compresses and rhythmic embrocations) targeting common symptoms like pain, nausea, anxiety, and respiratory distress. To ensure quality control and sustainability, the concept also features an organizational framework, regular specialist training, and a detailed manual and accessible videos, along with guidelines for documentation and quality assurance. CONCLUSION: Medical professionals, patients, and relatives viewed the implementation of complementary nursing interventions as beneficial for enhancing symptom management in palliative care. Establishing appropriate framework conditions based on current implementation research is essential, and further research on effectiveness and long-term implementation is needed.
Narrative Medicine to Enhance the Well-Being of Caregivers in the Care of Pediatric Patients with Complex or Serious Illnesses: A Systematic Review.
Sebastiani A, Tiozzo E, Marti F … +2 more , Salata M, Facchinetti G
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42219714 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Being the caregiver of a pediatric patient with a complex or serious illness can be emotionally intense and stressful. Caregiver burden significantly affects the biopsychosocial well-being of both the child a...
BACKGROUND: Being the caregiver of a pediatric patient with a complex or serious illness can be emotionally intense and stressful. Caregiver burden significantly affects the biopsychosocial well-being of both the child and the caregiver. Interventions such as Narrative Medicine (NM) may help alleviate this burden by enhancing emotional resilience and strengthening support networks. OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to explore which NM interventions can reduce the emotional burden of caregivers of pediatric patients under the age of 18. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted to examine the benefits of NM interventions on caregiver well-being. Primary studies were included if they described NM interventions involving active written narration by caregivers (e.g., diaries, digital writing). Studies relying solely on oral storytelling or third-party facilitation (e.g., interviews, dignity therapy) were excluded. Only studies in English or Italian were considered; studies focusing on adult patients or targeting the patient rather than the caregiver were excluded. The review followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and APA PsycInfo in July 2024 with no time limits. Study quality was assessed using JBI and NIH tools, and data were synthesized narratively and in tables. RESULTS: The search identified 1078 unique references. After screening, four studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions ranged from narrative diaries in pediatric intensive care units to online journaling. All studies showed feasibility and acceptability, with reported benefits including emotional expression, perceived support, improved coping, and greater self-reflection. Most participants were women (85%), although the review included all caregivers regardless of gender. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, NM appears to be a promising tool to support caregivers of pediatric patients with complex or serious conditions. While preliminary findings are encouraging, further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes. Structured workshops and the involvement of NM facilitators may further support caregiver well-being and reduce psychological burden.
Sexual Health and Relationship Quality in Advanced Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Dyadic Analysis of Heterosexual Couples in Malaysia.
Ho JFV, Goh PH, Mustafa H … +4 more , Cheong MWL, Lee QY, Wong PL, Yaakup H
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42198940 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Sexual health is an important component of quality of life and relationship quality in advanced cancer patients, yet research on this domain remains limited in the Asian context. OBJECTIVES: To examine how ev...
BACKGROUND: Sexual health is an important component of quality of life and relationship quality in advanced cancer patients, yet research on this domain remains limited in the Asian context. OBJECTIVES: To examine how evaluations of sexual satisfaction and frequency of intimacy behaviors are associated with relationship satisfaction and emotional closeness in advanced cancer dyads. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey study involving patient-partner dyads. SETTING/SUBJECTS: Adult patients with advanced cancer and their partners in an oncology clinic in Malaysia. MEASUREMENTS: Measures of sexual health (sexual satisfaction, frequency of sexual activity, and frequency of nonsexual physical affection) and relationship quality (relationship satisfaction and emotional closeness) were analyzed using descriptive and correlational analyses and dyadic analysis. RESULTS: Responses from 49 patients (mean age 44.7 ± 11.0 years) and their 49 partners (mean age: 45.1 ± 11.4 years) were analyzed. Both patients and partners reported high sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and emotional closeness. Only patients' evaluation of sexual satisfaction was positively correlated with their relationship satisfaction ( = 0.54, < 0.001, partial = 0.70). Patients' evaluations of sexual and nonsexual physical affection behavior frequencies were not associated with relationship quality. Partners' evaluations of sexual satisfaction and intimacy behavior frequencies were not correlated with patients' evaluations of emotional closeness and relationship satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Relationship satisfaction is linked to subjective sexual satisfaction more than frequency of sexual behaviors among advanced cancer patients. Interventions should prioritize individual perceptions and dyadic communication over behavioral targets. Future research with more diverse cohorts is needed to generalize these findings across varying cultural and relationship contexts.
Designing an Artificial Intelligence Transcription Tool to Support Multimodal Serious Illness Communication: Institutional Experience and Best Practices.
Murdaugh K, Kwok IB
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42198934 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Communication during serious illness is often complex, emotionally charged, and cognitively demanding, particularly for patients and families with limited health literacy, sensory impairments, or language bar...
BACKGROUND: Communication during serious illness is often complex, emotionally charged, and cognitively demanding, particularly for patients and families with limited health literacy, sensory impairments, or language barriers. Existing communication supports inadequately address diverse information-processing needs, underscoring the need for thoughtfully designed, technology-enabled interventions. LOCAL PROBLEM: Within inpatient palliative care settings, family meetings frequently convey high-stakes information without a durable, accessible record of the conversation for patients and caregivers. This limitation may exacerbate disparities in understanding, recall, and decision making, especially for individuals who benefit from visual or multimodal communication supports. METHODS: We employed a multiphase, iterative development and rapid refinement process to design an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled communication support tool that generates written transcripts of palliative care family meetings. Development was guided by ethical principles, user-centered design, and early engagement with institutional data security, privacy, and regulatory leadership. The interdisciplinary development team included palliative care physicians, gerontologists, and a physician with training in public health who led the computational development. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention involved the development of a multimodal communication tool that produces AI-generated written transcripts of clinician-led family meetings, designed to supplement-not replace-verbal communication. Development occurred in collaboration with institutional IT, privacy, and security leadership to enable future integration into existing clinical workflows and governance structures, while supporting transparency, clinician oversight, and institutional compliance. RESULTS: The development process demonstrated that generation of high-quality, AI-generated written transcripts of family meetings is feasible within inpatient palliative care settings and institutional data security architectures. Early co-development with clinical leadership and regulatory stakeholders streamlined implementation while maintaining ethical and institutional safeguards. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of the rapid evolution of AI technologies, clinically led, ethically grounded development of AI-generated written transcripts for serious illness communication, involving institutional IT, privacy and security leadership, clinicians, patients, and caregivers, is feasible and may enhance accessible, patient-centered communication.
A Cross-Sectional Street Survey Examining a Preference for Truth-Telling in Serious Illness and End-of-Life in Maputo City Province.
Heller LD, McPherson ML, Wright P … +4 more , Namisango E, McCord J, Alexander C, Cagle J
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42198925 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Little is known about how Mozambicans feel about end-of-life preferences, especially their preferences for truth-telling in serious illness. AIM: To understand the end-of-life preferences and priorities of Mo...
BACKGROUND: Little is known about how Mozambicans feel about end-of-life preferences, especially their preferences for truth-telling in serious illness. AIM: To understand the end-of-life preferences and priorities of Mozambicans in Maputo City Province and their preferences for truth-telling in serious illness. DESIGN: A face-to-face community-based street survey was performed with Mozambican nationals, aged ≥18, and fluent in Portuguese. METHODS: Using convenience sampling, structured interviews investigated preferences in a hypothetical scenario of serious illness such as cancer. Descriptive analysis examined variations. General data were collected about illness understanding/steps in treatment, experiences/preferences with death, preferences in decision making, and end-of-life priorities. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: The sample ( = 397) was stratified by province, age, and gender. Participants were from five districts of Maputo City Province. RESULTS: The primary analysis was truth-telling. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the influence of age, gender, education, religion, and ethnicity on preferences for truth-telling. There was a statistically significant association with higher education and all variables examined: assessing the association between education/religion and the preference for truth-telling over all other responses (OR = 3.6, = 0.002), as well as, education/religion and the preference of truth-telling to the individual, versus family (OR = 3.627, = 0.020), and the association between education/ethnicity and the preference of telling-telling to the individual, not family (OR = 3.832, = 0.015). Catholics were more likely to desire truth-telling to the individual versus family (OR = 2.975, = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Those with higher education and Christian religion were more likely to desire doctors to tell the truth about diagnosis.
Evaluation of the Forced Inspiratory Suction and Swallow Tool for Chemotherapy-Induced Hiccups.
Kishi Y, Fujimoto H, Kobayashi T … +7 more , Tomaru A, Oka S, Ishinaga H, Ueda K, Hirata T, Sakaguchi M, Kako J
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42198921 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced hiccups (CIH) impair quality of life in patients with cancer, yet effective nonpharmacological management is limited. The Forced Inspiratory Suction and Swallow Tool (FISST) has shown eff...
BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced hiccups (CIH) impair quality of life in patients with cancer, yet effective nonpharmacological management is limited. The Forced Inspiratory Suction and Swallow Tool (FISST) has shown efficacy in healthy individuals. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the FISST for chemotherapy-induced hiccups (CIH). DESIGN: This was a prospective observational study. SETTING/SUBJECTS: This study enrolled 44 hospitalized patients receiving chemotherapy at a single center in Japan; patients who developed hiccups during hospitalization were included in the analysis. MEASUREMENTS: Hiccup frequency, distress (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS] 0-10), and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: Three patients were excluded owing to aspiration during the practice session, and 19/41 who developed hiccups were analyzed. Median hiccup frequency decreased from 6.0 to 0.3 episodes/min. Median NRS scores decreased from 4.0 to 0. One patient experienced transient aspiration during FISST use. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: The FISST may be a simple, self-administered option for CIH, warranting cautious use and further controlled evaluation.
Cannabidiol and Cancer Survivors: Utilization and Experiences.
Salz T, Mishra Meza A, Chino F … +7 more , Furberg H, Raghunathan NJ, Jinna S, Brens J, Lapen K, Mao JJ, Korenstein D
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42198914 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The benefits and harms of cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis constituent with minimal psychoactive effects, are unknown in cancer populations. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe CBD experiences among people currentl...
BACKGROUND: The benefits and harms of cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis constituent with minimal psychoactive effects, are unknown in cancer populations. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe CBD experiences among people currently or recently treated for cancer (survivors). DESIGN: We conducted a survey eliciting experiences with, and attitudes toward, CBD. SETTINGS/PARTICIPANTS: Survivors of 9 different cancers treated at a cancer center completed the survey. MEASUREMENTS: Proportions for each survey item were reported. Bivariate logistic regression models compared survivor characteristics between CBD users and nonusers. RESULTS: Among 1258 respondents, 18% percent ( = 226) used CBD after cancer diagnosis. Most survivors who used CBD did so to relieve symptoms (90%, 204/226), most commonly pain (55%, 125/226); difficulty sleeping (47%, 107/226); stress, anxiety, or depression (35%, 80/226); and neuropathy (18%, 40/226). Most survivors who used CBD for symptom relief reported improvement, ranging from 60% reporting improvement in neuropathy (24/40) to 85% reporting improvement in energy or fatigue (17/20). Almost half of those who used CBD (104/223, 47%) stopped early, most commonly because it did not help (31/104, 30%). In unadjusted analyses, CBD users were more likely to be young or have brain or gastrointestinal cancer, compared to non-users ( < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: In a large sample of survivors, about a fifth used CBD, primarily for symptom relief of distress (stress, anxiety, or depression), sleep, pain, and neuropathy, and more than half of survivors reported at least some benefit for each concern. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CBD with regard to these common symptoms.
Racially and Ethnically Marginalized Patients' Perspectives on Nurse-Led Serious Illness Conversations.
Tabata-Kelly M, Sheu C, Bulger AL … +6 more , Ruan M, Bullock K, Gray TF, Healy BJ, Wichmann L, Bernacki RE
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42198911 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Although racial and ethnic disparities in serious illness conversations have been documented, the experiences of racially and ethnically marginalized patients in nurse-led conversations remain underexplored....
BACKGROUND: Although racial and ethnic disparities in serious illness conversations have been documented, the experiences of racially and ethnically marginalized patients in nurse-led conversations remain underexplored. AIM: To explore racially and ethnically marginalized patients' experiences of nurse-led serious illness conversations and their engagement in discussions about goals and future care. DESIGN: A mixed-methods convergent study using surveys and semi-structured interviews. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Racially and ethnically marginalized patients ≥18 years old from a single U.S. health care system. MEASUREMENTS: The Advance Care Planning Engagement Survey, Serious Illness Conversation Patient Experience Survey, and semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Fifteen patients participated in the study. Participants felt confident engaging in advance care planning (mean: 4.35/5.00) but were less ready to act (mean: 3.40/5.00). Nearly half reported that nurse-led serious illness conversations increased hopefulness about their quality of life, closeness with the nurse, sense of control over medical decisions, and understanding of their future health. The mean "heard and understood" score was 3.00, indicating that nurse-led conversations moderately helped participants feel heard and understood. Integrated analysis showed that nurse-led serious illness conversations supported participants feel comfortable and confident engaging in discussions about their goals and future care. Nurse-led conversations also helped foster a better understanding of participants' future health. However, confidence did not translate into readiness in the context of multifaceted distress. DISCUSSION: Nurse-led serious illness conversations facilitated greater confidence among racially and ethnically marginalized patients to discuss their goals and future care and fostered understanding of their future health; however, additional support is needed to address multifaceted distress affecting readiness.
Hawaii's CMS-Approved Community-Based Palliative Care Benefit: A Model for State Medicaid Innovation.
Chapman IJ, Saetz RS
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42178775 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Hawaii implemented a statewide Community Palliative Care benefit in 2025 under its Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration waiver to expand access to interdisciplinary palliative care for Medicaid beneficiaries w...
BACKGROUND: Hawaii implemented a statewide Community Palliative Care benefit in 2025 under its Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration waiver to expand access to interdisciplinary palliative care for Medicaid beneficiaries with serious illnesses. METHODS: This policy analysis synthesizes federal and state policy documents, implementation guidance, and relevant literature to describe the development, operational design, and implementation strategy of the benefit. RESULTS: The benefit establishes standardized eligibility criteria, interdisciplinary staffing expectations, unified documentation standards, and a blended reimbursement model. Development incorporated extensive stakeholder engagement, including clinicians, managed care organizations, hospice programs, and community organizations. CONCLUSIONS: Hawaii's model provides a structured statewide framework for Medicaid-covered community-based palliative care and offers lessons for other states seeking to expand access to serious illness care.
When Care Persists Beyond Intervention.
Augusto-Rodrigues M, Geber-Júnior JC
J Palliat Med · 2026 May · PMID 42178760 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe