Transscleral Iontophoresis for Noninvasive Ocular Drug Delivery of Macromolecules.

The objectives were to investigate the effect of transscleral iontophoresis of macromolecules and , to study the importance of electroosmosis on macromolecules of low charge to mass ratio, and to evaluate transscleral iontophoresis efficacy in a choroidal neovascularization (CNV) animal model. Through transport experiments, the permeability coefficients of macromolecules [eg, immunoglobulin G (IgG), dextran 70 kDa] were determined under different conditions. The effect of ionic strength formulations and iontophoretic conditions was studied on the distribution of IgG and bevacizumab into the eye .

African American client satisfaction with hospice: a comparison of primary caregiver experiences within and outside of hospice.

This study, conducted within a larger participatory action research project, explored satisfaction with end-of-life care among African Americans in a rural southeastern community. Researchers collaborated with practitioners and the African American community, conducting qualitative interviews with 1 African American hospice patient, 9 primary caregivers of terminally ill patients within hospice, and 10 family caregivers outside of hospice. Results indicated a more positive experience for hospice patients, and that most nonhospice participants preferred hospice after learning about it through the study.

The Social Work Assessment Tool (SWAT).

This paper reports on the last of three National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization initiatives to move hospice and palliative care social workers into the patient/family outcomes arena: the development of the Social Work Assessment Tool. The experience of a team of practitioners and researchers is described, including results of two pilot studies and subsequent SWAT revisions. The major focus is on the current model performance improvement project, in which 19 social workers from 14 hospice and palliative care programs used the SWAT with 101 patients and 81 primary caregivers for a median of 44 days.