Opioid-Induced Constipation and Acupuncture: A Case Discussion.

Background: Use of acupuncture for treatment of functional constipation is well studied; however, studies examining use of acupuncture for opioid-induced constipation are limited.

Case Description: A 70-year-old woman with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma discovered after presentation to the emergency room with severe back pain. Pain management required use of opioids, escalating to effect.

Reconnecting: Strategies for Supporting Isolated Older Adults during COVID-19 through Tele-palliative Care.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented levels of social isolation which has negatively impacted older patients in particular on multiple levels. We present a case of an older patient with several complex psychosocial issues who was hospitalized and died from COVID-19. The social isolation required during the pandemic compounded patient and family stressors and diminished the patient's access to clinicians and to his usual support network and coping strategies.