Search results for "FSK"
showing 10 items of 38 documents
Symptom Expression in Patients with Advanced Cancer Admitted to an Acute Supportive/Palliative Care Unit With and Without Delirium
2018
Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between delirium and symptom expression in patients with advanced cancer admitted to an acute supportive/palliative care unit (ASPCU). Methods A consecutive sample of patients with advanced cancer who were admitted to an ASPCU was prospectively assessed for a period of 10 months. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the MDAS (Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale) were measured at admission (T0) and after 7 days of palliative care (T7). Results Two hundred forty-six patients had complete data regarding MDAS measurements, at either T0 and T7. Of these, 75 (30.5%) and 63 patients (25.6%) had delirium at T0 and aft…
Tapentadol at medium to high doses in patients previously receiving strong opioids for the management of cancer pain.
2014
Abstract Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of tapentadol (TP) for a period of 4 weeks in patients who were already treated by opioids. Methods: A convenience sample of 30 patients was selected for a prospective observational cohort study. Cancer patients who were receiving at least 60 mg of oral morphine equivalents were selected. Patients discontinued their previous opioid analgesics before starting TP, in doses calculated according the previous opioid consumption (1:3.3 ratio with oral morphine equivalents). The subsequent doses were changed according to the patients' needs for a period of 4 weeks. Oral morphine was offered as a breakthr…
Epidemiology and Characteristics of Episodic Breathlessness in Advanced Cancer Patients. An Observational Study
2016
Abstract Context Episodic breathlessness is a relevant aspect in patients with advanced cancer. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the different aspects of this clinical phenomenon. Methods A consecutive sample of patients with advanced cancer admitted to different settings for a period of six months was surveyed. The presence of background breathlessness and episodic breathlessness, their intensity (numerical scale 0–10), and drugs used for treatment were collected. Factors inducing episodic breathlessness and its influence on daily activities were investigated. Results Of 921 patients, 29.3% ( n = 269) had breathlessness and 134 patients (49.8%) were receiving drugs for backg…
Barriers and Adherence to Pain Management in Advanced Cancer Patients
2020
Aim To assess patients' barriers to pain management and analgesic medication adherence in patients with advanced cancer. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study in patients with advanced cancer receiving chronic opioid therapy. Age, gender, cancer diagnosis, Karnofsky level, and educational status were recorded. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS), Barriers Questionnaire II (BQ-II), Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were the measurement instruments used. Results One-hundred-thirteen patients were analyzed. The mean age was 68 (±13) years, and …
Emergencies in patients with advanced cancer followed at home.
2012
Abstract CONTEXT: Patients with advanced cancer stay at home for most of their time, and acute problems may occur during home care. Caregivers may call medical services for an emergency, which can result in patients being admitted to the hospital. No data exist on emergencies in patients followed by a home care team. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this multicenter prospective study was to assess the frequency, reasons for, and subsequent course of emergency calls for patients followed at home by a palliative care team. METHODS: A consecutive sample of patients admitted to home care programs was surveyed for a period of seven months. Epidemiological data, and characteristics of emergency calls and o…
Delirium assessed by Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale in advanced cancer patients admitted to an acute palliative/supportive care unit
2017
Background: Delirium is often unrecognized in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of delirium assessed by the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) and possible associated factors on admission to an acute palliative/supportive care unit (APSCU). The secondary outcome was to assess changes in MDAS and symptom burden at time of discharge. Methods: A consecutive sample of advanced cancer patients who were admitted to an APSCU was prospectively assessed for a period of 10 months. Patient demographics, including age, gender, primary diagnosis, Karnofsky status, stage of disease, and educational level were collected. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (…
The course of symptom frequency and intensity in advanced cancer patients followed at home
2000
Four hundred consecutive patients who were referred to a home palliative care program were prospectively surveyed to estimate the prevalence and severity of common symptoms according to the changes in the performance status. Patients were admitted for the presence of different symptoms and psychosocial support. Common symptoms included in a standard form were rated for severity (absent 0, mild 1, moderate 2, severe 3) for each visit. Pain intensity was rated on a numerical scale (0-10). For each level of Karnofsky performance score (K), the frequency and the worse symptom intensity were recorded until patient's death. Data from 370 patients were analyzed. Pain was effectively controlled. In…
The frequency of alcoholism in patients with advanced cancer admitted to an acute palliative care unit and a home care program
2015
Abstract Context Cancer patients with a history of alcoholism may be problematic. The frequency of alcoholism among patients with advanced cancer has never been reported in Italy or other European countries. Objectives The aim of this prospective study was to determine the frequency of alcoholism, assessed with a simple and validated instrument, among patients with advanced cancer who were referred to two different palliative care settings: an acute inpatient palliative care unit (PCU) of a comprehensive cancer center in a metropolitan area and a home care program (HCP) in a territorial district, localized in the mountains of Italy. Methods A consecutive sample of patients admitted to an in…
Evaluating Dance Consumption through the Experiential Value Approach
2018
Purpose – The experiential paradigm has been confirmed as a valuable means to explore and understand people’s consumption of cultural services, thus drawing an increasing interest in the marketing and consumer behavior literature. In this context, consumers’ behavioral decisions are considered not as merely functional but also strongly influenced by emotional dimensions and intrinsic aspects. As consumption of arts is strongly associated with feelings, the experiential approach is a valuable lens for exploring and understanding individuals who consume cultural services. This paper therefore adopts the experiential approach to assess dance as a consumption experience, which is meant to be in…
Orphan symptoms in advanced cancer patients followed at home
2013
Abstract Orphan symptoms are rarely assessed, particularly at home. The aim of this multicenter prospective study was to assess the prevalence of these symptoms and eventual factors possibly associated in advanced cancer patients at admission of a home care program. A prospective study was performed at three home care programs in Italy. Patients' data were collected, including age, sex, diagnosis, and Karnofsky status. Possible contributing factors were analyzed; preexisting neurological diseases, cerebral metastases, hyperthermia, diabetes, a state of dehydration clinically evident and/or oliguria, possible biochemical parameters when available, data regarding recent chemotherapy, opioids …