End of life issues
Early referral to palliative care
Using a randomised
trial design the aim of this study is to explore the benefits and costs
of referral to palliative care when patients with incurable metastatic
cancer present for treatment to a medical or radiation oncologist.
Patients in the intervention arm see a palliative care nurse, who
triages if further care is needed, and maintains regular contact.
Patients complete questionnaires at monthly intervals throughout their
care. The bereaved carers of patients are contacted for a qualitative
interview to determine the impact of palliative care and views
regarding optimal timing.
Funding:
NHMRC Palliative Care grant
Cancer pain
education for patients
This study is
aiming to determine if an educational intervention (booklet and video)
improves knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management, anxiety
levels, pain scores and quality of life compared with standard care in
Australian patients. The intervention was developed on the basis of the
literature and focus groups held with patients and carers. Recruitment
is ongoing.
Funding: None
Health care professionals’ contact with
relatives after the death of a patient they have personally cared for –
who does it and does it help? Interviews with health care professionals
Palliative care
and oncology health professionals are being interviewed about their
views regarding optimal ways of contacting bereaved relatives of
patients they have personally cared for. Data analysis is in progress.
Funding: None
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