A phenomenological three-parameter model for predicting the extent of outpatient palliative care.

Whether a patient receives general or specialized outpatient palliative cancer care rarely follows clear criteria, leading to undertreatment or overtreatment. Detailed scores exist to predict prognosis, but not treatment requirements, leaving caregivers to follow their intuition. As a phenomenological indicator incorporating possibly important subjective information, intuition may in fact be a helpful tool.

["If they were to stop coming, I'd panic" : Palliative care networks from the perspectives of patients and informal care givers].

Objective: This study examines the perspectives of patients and family caregivers on outpatient palliative care networks. It contrasts primary palliative care (AAPV) and specialized outpatient care (SAPV) services, particularly in regard to pain management.

Methods: The study is based on 27 semi-structured, problem-focussed interviews with 21 patients and 19 informal caregivers.

Inpatient or day clinic treatment? Results of a multi-site-study.

Objective: This naturalistic study aimed to identify criteria which are of relevance for making a decision as to whether inpatient or day hospital treatment is indicated.

Methods: In 567 patients who were consecutively admitted to 10 departments of psychosomatic medicine (day hospital or inpatient setting) in Germany, symptom severity at admission and discharge was measured (Symptom-Check-List-90-R, Global Assessment of Functioning). Before admission, clinicians rated aspects that might be important for differential indication (Rating Scale of Indication Criteria).

[Differential indication of inpatient and day clinic treatment in psychosomatics].

Aim of the "DINSTAP"-study is to identify criteria that are of importance for a decision between inpatient or day clinic treatment in patients that are usually admitted to psychosomatic clinics in Germany. 299 inpatient and 268 day clinic treatment episodes from 10 clinics were included in the study. Next to basic data and diagnosis, severity of symptoms and impairment were evaluated (pre, post).