Exploring the Expanded Role of Pharmacists in Advance Care Planning.

Purpose: Advance care planning (ACP) is a clinical skill that can be taught. An opportunity exists to teach how to conduct ACP to clinicians not typically engaged in these conversations to increase the likelihood that patients and caregivers engage in ACP. We conducted a prospective study exploring the feasibility of a pharmacist-led ACP intervention.

Evidence-based Palliative Care Approaches to Non-pain Physical Symptom Management in Cancer Patients.

Objective: To review effective approaches for non-pain symptom management for cancer patients focusing on treatment of nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, anorexia/cachexia, fatigue, and dyspnea.

Data Sources: Peer-reviewed articles, clinical practice guidelines, professional organization position statements.

Conclusion: Oncology nurses are key advocates for optimal symptom management.

Addressing Hereditary Cancer Risk at the End of Life.

Oncology guidelines clearly outline evidence-based recommendations for patients with newly diagnosed cancer to help oncologists determine which patients are appropriate for a genetic assessment. Ideally, patients with newly diagnosed cancer, who have personal or family histories suggestive of hereditary cancer predisposition, are referred for genetics work up in the nonurgent setting. However, in some cases, a genetics work up is delayed until the end of life.