Development and feasibility of a Swallowing intervention Package (SiP) for patients receiving radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer-the SiP study protocol.

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, and the functional, psychological and social consequences of HNC cancer and its treatment can be severe and chronic. Dysphagia (swallowing problems) affects up to two thirds of patients undergoing combined chemoradiotherapy. Recent reviews suggest that prophylactic swallowing exercises may improve a range of short- and long-term outcomes; however, the importance of psychological and behavioural factors on adherence to swallowing exercises has not been adequately studied.

Predictors of quality of life in head and neck cancer survivors up to 5 years after end of treatment: a cross-sectional survey.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess quality of life (QoL) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors and determine factors predictive of poor QoL in the first 5 years after the end of treatment.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey, including the Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors (QLACS) measure, was sent to HNC survivors in three Scottish health regions, with responses linked to routinely collected clinical data. Independent sample t tests, ANOVAs, Pearson correlations and multiple hierarchical regressions were used to explore associations between and to determine the contribution made by demographic, lifestyle and clinical factors to predicting 'generic' and 'cancer-specific' quality of life.

Pediatric teledermatology consultations: relationship between provided data and diagnosis.

There is a shortage of pediatric dermatologists. Teledermatology has emerged as a tool to facilitate access to dermatologists. Many questions remain regarding how to optimize consultations in order to provide the best diagnosis and management recommendations.

Complementary and alternative medicine use and adherence with pediatric asthma treatment.

Background And Objective: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for pediatric asthma is increasing. The authors of previous studies linked CAM use with decreased adherence to conventional asthma medicines; however, these studies were limited by cross-sectional design. Our objective was to assess the effect of starting CAM on pediatric adherence with daily asthma medications.

Barriers to palliative care for children: perceptions of pediatric health care providers.

Objective: The goal was to explore barriers to palliative care experienced by pediatric health care providers caring for seriously ill children.

Methods: This study explored pediatric provider perceptions of end-of-life care in an academic children's hospital, with the goal of describing perceived barriers to end-of-life care for children and their families. The report focuses on the responses of nurses (n = 117) and physicians (n = 81).