Publications by authors named "Andrzej Stachowiak"

Background:: The provision of care for dying cancer patients varies on a global basis. In order to improve care, we need to be able to evaluate the current level of care. One method of assessment is to use the views from the bereaved relatives.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: The main task of palliative care units is to provide a dignified life for people with advanced progressive chronic disease through appropriate symptom management, communication between medical specialists and the patient and his family, as well as the coordination of care. Many palliative care units struggle with low incomes from the National Health Fund (NHF), which causes serious economic problems. The aim of the study was to estimate of direct and administrative costs of care and the actual cost per patient per day in selected palliative care units and comparison of the results to the valuation of the NHF.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Immediate-release morphine sulfate (IRMS) remains the standard treatment for breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP), but its onset of effect does not match the rapid onset and short duration of most BTCP episodes.

Objective: This study will evaluate the efficacy/tolerability of fentanyl pectin nasal spray (FPNS) compared with IRMS for BTCP.

Methods: Patients (n = 110) experiencing one to four BTCP episodes/day while taking ≥ 60 mg/day oral morphine (or equivalent) for background cancer pain entered a double-blind, double-dummy (DB/DD), multiple-crossover study.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF