The intricacy of interactions: qualitative exploration of preferences and perceptions of advance care planning among healthcare professionals, patients and those close to them.

Objectives: Advance care planning (ACP) is a way of documenting preferences in case of a change or decline in health verbal discussion and may include a written document. ACP relates not only to treatment preferences but to all aspects of future care such as place of death, plans for dependents and spiritual beliefs. Research has shown that ACP can have a positive impact but needs further understanding to enhance communication and increase uptake.

The juxtaposition of the natural and the medical perspectives in noisy breathing at the end of life.

Background: Noisy breathing is common at the end of life. Management of noisy breathing aims to reduce the noise via repositioning the person, suctioning the person's airways and using antimuscarinic drugs. Dying people are generally thought not to be distressed by noisy breathing at the end of life, but the noise may distress others.

Carer administration of as-needed subcutaneous medication for breakthrough symptoms in people dying at home: the CARiAD feasibility RCT.

Background: Most people who are dying want to be cared for at home, but only half of them achieve this. The likelihood of a home death often depends on the availability of able and willing lay carers. When people who are dying are unable to take oral medication, injectable medication is used.

Percutaneous cervical cordotomy for cancer-related pain: national data.

Objectives: Percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) is an interventional ablative procedure in the armamentarium for cancer pain treatment, but there is limited evidence to support its use. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of PCC.

Methods: Analysis was undertaken of the first national (UK) prospective data repository of adult patients with cancer undergoing PCC for pain treatment.

Percutaneous venting gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy for malignant bowel obstruction: a qualitative study.

Objective: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a complication of advanced malignancy and is associated with a short prognosis. MBO can infrequently be reversed by surgery or stenting. The focus of treatment is usually symptomatic management, of which percutaneous venting gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy (PVG) is one consideration.

Do published patient decision aids for end-of-life care address patients' decision-making needs? A systematic review and critical appraisal.

Background: Many decisions are made by patients in their last months of life, creating complex decision-making needs for these individuals. Identifying whether currently existing patient decision aids address the full range of these patient decision-making needs will better inform end-of-life decision support in clinical practice.

Aims And Design: This systematic review aimed to (a) identify the range of patients' decision-making needs and (b) assess the extent to which patient decision aids address these needs.

CARer-ADministration of as-needed subcutaneous medication for breakthrough symptoms in homebased dying patients (CARiAD): study protocol for a UK-based open randomised pilot trial.

Background: While the majority of seriously ill people wish to die at home, only half achieve this. The likelihood of someone dying at home often depends on the availability of able and willing lay carers to support them. Dying people are usually unable to take oral medication.

Dying at home of cancer: whose needs are being met? The experience of family carers and healthcare professionals (a multiperspective qualitative study).

Objectives: Supporting patients to die in the place of their choosing is an important aspect of end of life care. Our study set out to answer the question: 'How does the home environment influence perceptions of quality of death, and the experience of caring for the dying at home, for family carers and healthcare professionals (HCPs)?

Methods: A qualitative approach, using multiperspective interviews with bereaved family carers (n=15) and a nominated HCP (n=13) ensured depth of insight gained into supporting a home death. The semistructured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework.

Cordotomy in mesothelioma-related pain: a systematic review.

Background: Cordotomy can be effective in relieving pain for patients with mesothelioma, but the evidence to support continued provision is limited. This review forms part of the Invasive Neurodestructive Procedures in Cancer Pain pilot study: The role of cordotomy in mesothelioma-related pain in the UK.

Aim/design: We report on the results of the first comprehensive systematic review of the use of cordotomy in mesothelioma-related pain, with specific reference to effectiveness in relieving pain and safety.