PALLIATIVE CARE

This study tested a music therapy program called Meraki for cancer patients receiving palliative care. The goal was to see if three music sessions could improve emotional well-being, reduce anxiety and depression, and boost quality of life. Researchers enrolled 80 patients and me…

This study tested a problem-solving therapy program for family caregivers of people with cancer who were receiving palliative care. Over 500 caregivers took part to see if the therapy could reduce their anxiety and depression. The goal was to improve caregivers' emotional well-be…

This study tested whether a gentle, light-touch therapy (therapeutic touch) could help advanced cancer patients in palliative care sleep better and feel less tired. Sixty-one patients were randomly assigned to receive either 5 days of 10-15 minute touch sessions or standard care.…

This study tested whether watching calming nature scenes together in virtual reality could help hospice patients and their caregivers feel better. 26 patient-caregiver pairs tried the shared VR experience. Researchers measured changes in quality of life, fear of death, and pain, …

This study tested a program called Advanced Heart Care at Home (AHCAH) that brings heart failure and palliative care into patients' homes. Doctors of 709 seriously ill heart failure patients were randomly assigned to either usual care or a 'nudge' encouraging them to enroll their…

This study tested whether sodium oxybate works better than midazolam for providing comfort sedation to people in the final days of life. It involved 22 patients in a palliative care unit who were suffering despite the best standard care. The goal was to see which drug more effect…

This study tested whether a special 'constipation insole' based on reflexology could help ease constipation in 139 adults receiving palliative care. Participants in the experimental group walked with the insole for 20 minutes daily for four weeks, while the control group walked t…

This study tested a short-term talking therapy (psychodynamic psychotherapy) for 24 adults with advanced solid tumors and high psychological distress. The goal was to see if the therapy is safe, acceptable, and feasible, not to cure the cancer. Results will help design larger stu…

This study looked at whether listening to relaxing Turkish music for 30 minutes could help cancer patients in palliative care feel less pain and anxiety. 32 patients took part, with half listening to music and the other half resting quietly. The researchers measured pain, anxiety…

This pilot study tested a clinical decision-support system called MuSt-PC, designed to help doctors and nurses manage multiple symptoms in patients receiving palliative care. 44 adults with life-limiting illnesses and at least two moderate-to-severe symptoms participated. The stu…

This study tested a computer alert that reminds doctors to provide palliative care for seriously ill patients in the hospital. Over 18,800 adults at high risk of dying within six months took part across six hospitals. The goal was to see if the alert helps patients spend more day…

This study tested a communication tool called 'Best Case/Worst Case' for older adults with advanced kidney disease. Doctors were trained to discuss best, worst, and most likely outcomes for treatment options. The goal was to see if this approach helps patients receive more pallia…

This study looked at whether a frailty index (a score based on health problems) can predict the risk of dying within one year for older adults (65+) who receive hospital-level care at home. Researchers followed 2,610 patients and compared the frailty score to another common measu…

This study looked at the emotional and practical challenges faced by patients with incurable cancer and their caregivers when planning to return home for end-of-life care. Researchers measured how each person perceived the burden, using surveys and statistical analysis to find fa…

This study tested a special training program for oncology nurses in Oman to help them care for patients with serious cancer and those nearing the end of life. 189 nurses took part, with some receiving the training and others continuing their usual work. The program aimed to impro…

This study tested a Turkish version of the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale (RDOS) in 100 adult palliative care patients who cannot describe their breathing trouble. The scale uses eight physical signs like heart rate and restlessness to rate distress. The goal was to see i…

This study tested whether showing videos about care options to hospitalized patients aged 65 and older, or those with dementia, helps them make better advance care plans. Over 11,000 patients took part at two hospitals. The goal was to see if these video discussions lead to more …

This study tested whether giving cancer patients and their families a booklet of questions before a palliative care consultation helps them ask more questions or express more concerns. 121 adults with metastatic cancer and limited life expectancy took part. The booklet covered ei…

This study tested whether a special education program for caregivers of stroke patients with swallowing problems (dysphagia) could improve caregiver knowledge, reduce their burden, and improve the patient's nutrition and quality of life. 84 caregivers were split into two groups: …