Clinical Outcomes of Start-Low, Go-Slow Methadone Initiation for Cancer-Related Pain: What's the Hurry?

Background: Methadone has been shown to be effective for cancer pain. Most published switching methods are complete in less than three days, requiring very close supervision, usually in an inpatient setting. This need for hospitalization is a barrier to access.

Modification of oral dosage forms for the older adult: An Irish prevalence study.

Age-related pharmacological changes complicate oral dosage form (ODF) suitability for older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of ODF for older adults by determining the prevalence of ODF modifications in an aged care facility in Ireland. Drug charts for eligible patients were obtained.

Interviews with Irish healthcare workers from different disciplines about palliative care for people with Parkinson's disease: a definite role but uncertainty around terminology and timing.

Background: An integrated palliative care approach is recommended in all life-limiting diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). However research shows that people with PD have unmet palliative care needs. The study aimed to explore multidisciplinary healthcare workers' (HCWs) views on palliative care for people with PD, identifying perceived barriers and facilitators.

Survey of Health Care Workers Suggests Unmet Palliative Care Needs in Parkinson's Disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and previous training of Irish health care workers (HCWs) in palliative care in end-stage Parkinson's disease (PD). A survey was distributed to HCWs, including neurologists, geriatricians, general practitioners, nurses, and allied health professionals, in acute and community settings in the Republic of Ireland. Three-hundred and six surveys were returned (32% average response rate).

Place of care: from referral to specialist palliative care until death.

Background: While there are many poorly standardised studies focusing on place of death, there are limited data on place(s) of care during the final stages of disease.

Aim: This study aims to identify where patients are cared for in the interval from referral to specialist palliative care until death.

Methods: All patients who died while under the care of a specialist palliative care service over a 6-month period were considered.