Exploring Misconceptions of Palliative Care Among Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a burdensome form of liver cancer with an increasing global prevalence. Emerging evidence has shown that early palliative care introduction at diagnosis of any life-limiting illness improves patient and carer outcomes. Despite this, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma usually receive palliative care late.

The impact of frailty on survival times up to one year among patients admitted to ICU with in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a serious medical emergency. When IHCA occurs in patients with frailty, short-term survival is poor. However, the impact of frailty on long-term survival is unknown.

Unsuspected finding of right coronary artery occlusion on nongated CT chest.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality globally. This occurs due to occlusion of the coronary artery resulting in ischemia of the cardiac muscles. Typical symptoms include chest pain and discomfort.

Impact of Co-occurring Cancer-Related and Wound-Specific Symptoms on Functional Performance Among Patients With Advanced Cancer and Malignant Fungating Wounds: An Exploratory, Observational Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of co-occurring symptoms in patients with advanced cancer and malignant fungating wounds (MFWs) on palliative and functional performance, and the feasibility of collecting self-reported data in this population.

Design: This was an exploratory, observational study. Quantitative surveys and qualitative semistructured interviews using a phenomenological approach were employed.

Subcutaneous ketamine infusion in palliative patients for major depressive disorder (SKIPMDD)-Phase II single-arm open-label feasibility study.

Background: Ketamine at subanaesthetic dosages (≤0.5mg/kg) exhibits rapid onset (over hours to days) antidepressant effects against major depressive disorder in people who are otherwise well. However, its safety, tolerability and efficacy are not known for major depressive disorder in people with advanced life-limiting illnesses.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in the critically ill using the PrismaLung+ device.

Background: Several extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCOR) devices are currently in use with variable efficacy and safety profiles. PrismaLung+ is an ECCOR device that was recently introduced into clinical practice. It is a minimally invasive, low flow device that provides partial respiratory support with or without renal replacement therapy.

The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Meningococcal Vaccination Awareness, Delivery, and Coverage in Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review.

Vaccines remain a fundamental intervention for preventing illness and death. In the United States, suboptimal vaccine uptake in adolescents and young adults has been observed for meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines, particularly among marginalized communities, despite current recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. A systematic literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE and MEDLINE In-Process, Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases to identify both drivers of, and barriers to, MenACWY and MenB vaccine uptake in adolescents and young adults.

Our dementia challenge: arise palliative care.

While many of the maladies of the 20th century are steadily coming under control, the march of neurodegenerative disorders continues largely unchecked. Dementias are an exemplar of such disorders; their incidence and prevalence continue to rise, in large part due to a steadily ageing population worldwide. They represent a group of chronic, progressive and, ultimately, fatal neurodegenerative diseases.

Barriers to palliative care in hepatocellular carcinoma: A review of the literature.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly and burdensome form of liver cancer with an increasing global prevalence. Its course is unpredictable as it frequently occurs in the context of underlying end-stage liver disease, and the associated symptoms and adverse effects of treatment cause severe suffering for patients. Palliative care (PC) is a medical specialty that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their carers in the context of life-limiting illness.

Colonoscopy quality of GP endoscopists in three rural hospitals in Queensland, Australia.

Background And Objectives: Rural general practitioners (GPs) are responsible for delivering primary and secondary care to rural populations in Australia. There is limited literature investigating the performance of GP endoscopists. The aim of this study was to investigate the colonoscopy performance of three GP endoscopists in rural Queensland against current Australian quality indicator (QI) standards.

Respiratory system mechanics, gas exchange, and outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The association of respiratory mechanics, particularly respiratory system static compliance (C), with severity of hypoxaemia in patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been widely debated, with some studies reporting distinct ARDS phenotypes based on C. Ascertaining whether such phenotypes exist is important, because they might indicate the need for ventilation strategies that differ from those used in patients with ARDS due to other causes. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between Dec 1, 2019, and March 14, 2022, we evaluated respiratory system mechanics, ventilator parameters, gas exchange parameters, and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS.

Patient engagement and cultural sensitivity as a strategy to improve health inequities: The solutions are as simple as they are complex.

The SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has shed a bright light on the long-standing health inequities experienced by Blacks across the United States. The need to promote the health and well-being for the Black population has been highlighted. Culturally sensitive patient engagement approach designed to value the Black population is essential.

The Accuracy of Self-Perception of Obesity in a Rural Australian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Obesity is a major public health concern. Accurate perception of body weight may be critical to the successful adoption of weight loss behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of self-perception of BMI class.

SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk to healthcare workers performing tracheostomies: a systematic review.

Background: Tracheostomy is a commonly performed procedure in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) receiving mechanical ventilation (MV). This review aims to investigate the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from patients to healthcare workers (HCWs) when tracheostomies are performed.

Methods: This systematic review used the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis framework.

Intraperitoneal Instillation of Local Anesthetic (IPILA) in Bariatric Surgery and the Effect on Post-operative Pain Scores: a Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Effective analgesia after bariatric procedures is vital as it can reduce post-operative opioid use. This leads to less nausea which may be associated with shorter post-operative length of stay (LOS). Understanding analgesic requirements in patients with obesity is important due to the varied physiology and increased number of comorbidities.

Motor neuron disease: The last 12 months.

Background: For patients with motor neuron disease (MND), the final 12 months of life can be a tumultuous period, with rapid and significant losses in function and independence, regular contact with the health system and carer stress.

Objective: The aim of this article is to provide an outline of the challenges encountered during the last 12 months of life and the role of the specialised multidisciplinary team in managing the challenges that may arise.

Discussion: While MND remains rare overall, it is likely that most general practitioners (GPs) will encounter at least one patient with MND during their career.

A Decade of Studying Drivers of Disparities in End-of-Life Care for Black Americans: Using the NIMHD Framework for Health Disparities Research to Map the Path Ahead.

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the existing literature on racial disparities in quality of palliative and end-of-life care and to demonstrate gaps in the exploration of underlying mechanisms that produce these disparities.

Background: Countless studies over several decades have revealed that our healthcare system in the United States consistently produces poorer quality end-of-life care for Black compared with White patients. Effective interventions to reduce these disparities are sparse and hindered by a limited understanding of the root causes of these disparities.

Frailty and mortality associations in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Observational data during the pandemic have demonstrated mixed associations between frailty and mortality.

Aim: To examine associations between frailty and short-term mortality in patients hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase and the COVID-19 living systematic review from 1 December 2019 to 15 July 2021.