scholarly journals Depression in palliative care patients: a survey of assessment and treatment practices of Australian and New Zealand palliative care specialists

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay Porche ◽  
Liz Reymond ◽  
John O' Callaghan ◽  
Margaret Charles

Objective To explore the practices of members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM) in assessing and treating depression in palliative care patients. Methods Semistructured questionnaires were forwarded to ANZSPM members in consecutive mail-outs to survey diagnostic and treatment practices for depression. Results The response rate was 62.3%. The median prevalence of depression, as perceived by respondents, in the present respondent patient populations was 20% (range 0%–90%); 57.1% of respondents always assessed for depression, whereas 42.9% assessed for depression sometimes. The majority (98.9%) of respondents relied on clinical interviews to assess depression; non-somatic symptoms of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria were more useful than somatic symptoms. The depression screening tools most frequently used were one- and two-item questions. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods were used to treat depression, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors the most frequently prescribed medications. Psycho-educational and supportive counselling were the most frequently used non-pharmacological interventions. Nominated measures to augment depression management included improving access to psychiatry, psychology and other allied health services, the development of a screening tool specific to palliative care patients and associated guidelines for depression management. Conclusions This is the first Australasian study to explore the practice of medical practitioners regarding depression in palliative patients. Incorporation of screening tool questions into palliative care assessment interviews may warrant future research. What is known about the topic? Depression in palliative care patients has a negative impact on quality of life; however, little is known about how Australasian palliative care medical practitioners manage depression in this patient population. What does this paper add? To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first Australasian study that explores the practices of local palliative care specialists in the management of depression in palliative patients. What are the implications for practitioners? Overall management of depression in palliative care populations by Australasian practitioners is similar to that of their European colleagues. Consensus is that for assessment of depression in palliative patients, non-somatic symptoms of DSM-IV criteria are more useful than somatic symptoms. Practitioners report the need for improved access to psychiatric, psychological and other support services, for a palliative care-specific depression screening tool and for depression management guidelines applicable to palliative care patients.

Author(s):  
Ng Huey ◽  
Ng Guan ◽  
Jesjeet Gill ◽  
Koh Hui ◽  
Ahmad Sulaiman ◽  
...  

A valid method to diagnose depression in palliative care has not been established. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of depression and the discriminant validity of the items of four sets of diagnostic criteria in palliative care. This is a cross-sectional study on 240 palliative care patients where the presence of depression was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM–IV Criteria, Modified DSM–IV Criteria, Cavanaugh Criteria, and Endicott’s Criteria’s. Anxiety, depression, and distress were measured with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Distress Thermometer. The prevalence of depression among the palliative care patients was highest based on the Modified DSM–IV Criteria (23.3%), followed by the Endicott’s Criteria (13.8%), DSM–IV Criteria (9.2%), and Cavanaugh Criteria (5%). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the depressive symptoms showed by DSM–IV item 1 (dysphoric mood), item 2 (loss of interest or pleasure), and Endicott’s criteria item 8 (brooding, self-pity, or pessimism) among the palliative patients, even after adjustment for the anxiety symptoms and distress level. We found that dysphoric mood, loss of interest, and pessimism are the main features of depression in palliative patients. These symptoms should be given more attention in identifying depression in palliative care patients.


2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (56) ◽  
pp. 301-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makilim Nunes Baptista ◽  
Juliana Oliveira Gomes ◽  
Adriana Munhoz Carneiro

This study’s objective was to analyze the diagnostic capabilities of a depression screening scale. For that, this scale was administered along with two diagnostic instruments, namely, the structured clinical interview from the DSM-IV (SCID-CV) and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), which are considered to be the gold standard for diagnosing depressive disorders. Participants were 22 subjects diagnosed by psychiatrists with Major Depressive Disorder. The EBADEP-A correctly identified cases of depression, showing a high correlation with the HAM-D, which indicates the scale correctly captures most depressive symptoms, even though it was initially used as a depression-screening tool.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasan Adibi ◽  
Nilmini Wichramasinghe

BACKGROUND Disease screening identifies a disease in an individual/community at an early stage to prevent or treat the condition effectively. The current COVID-19 pandemic has restricted hospital visits for screening and other healthcare services resulting in the disruption of screening for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and CVD. Smartphone technologies, coupled with built-in sensors and wireless technologies, enable the smartphone to function as a device for disease screening and monitoring with negligible additional costs. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to evaluate the use of smartphone applications (apps) in the disease screening and acceptability of this technology in the medical and healthcare sectors. METHODS We followed a systematic review process to assess the scope for the app in the disease screening process. Four databases (Medline complete, Web of Science, Embase, and Proquest) were searched. Articles published in English and examining the use of the app in disease screening were included. Primary outcomes for the research articles and their statistically significant Results showed that app-based screening group had significant (OR:1.7, 95% CI: 1.2–2.4) eye care utilisation compared to their traditional screening counterparts. A good correlation between clinical Snellen and smartphone visual acuity measurements (ρ=.91) is observed. For depression screening, the ROC curve is .8012, indicating that mental-health ratings are comparable to Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) results, and could be used as a depression screening tool in practice. Although the findings of cognitive impairment suggest that the digital-version readings are similar to the standard paper-version readings, the participants preferred devices with larger screen (e.g. tablet). Also, the smartphone-compatible oximeter is a weak predictor to detect central sleep apnoea in stable heart failure participants. value, where applicable are presented and discussed. RESULTS Results showed that app-based screening group had significant (OR:1.7, 95% CI: 1.2–2.4) eye care utilisation compared to their traditional screening counterparts. A good correlation between clinical Snellen and smartphone visual acuity measurements (ρ=.91) is observed. For depression screening, the ROC curve is .8012, indicating that mental-health ratings are comparable to Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) results, and could be used as a depression screening tool in practice. Although the findings of cognitive impairment suggest that the digital-version readings are similar to the standard paper-version readings, the participants preferred devices with larger screen (e.g. tablet). Also, the smartphone-compatible oximeter is a weak predictor to detect central sleep apnoea in stable heart failure participants. CONCLUSIONS The review observed a significant statistical relationship between the app and standard clinical screening. Critical considerations when designing, developing, and deploying smartphone solutions is laid forth to provide equitable healthcare solutions without barriers. Furthermore, the findings might increase the research prospects to evaluate smartphone solutions as valid and reliable screening solutions.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Leonor Grijó ◽  
Carolina Tojal ◽  
Francisca Rego

Abstract Objective Dignity therapy (DT) is a kind of psychotherapy that identifies the main concerns of end-of-life patients that affect their perception of dignity and helps them to find a new meaning in life. Most prior studies on DT analyze outcomes for palliative care patients. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the outcomes of DT in palliative care patients’ family members. Method In June 2020, a bibliographic search was performed using the terms “Dignity Therapy” and “Palliative Care” in the following databases: Cochrane library, TRIP database, PUBMED, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge. Of the 294 articles found, 8 met the selection criteria and were considered in the present study. No articles were excluded based on their publication date. Results Family members generally believe that DT helps them to better prepare the patient's end-of-life and overcome the bereavement phase. The legacy document was considered a source of comfort, and most would recommend DT to other people in their situation. DT is generally considered as important as any other aspect of the patient's treatment. Significance of results There is evidence of the benefits of DT for palliative patients’ family members. However, there are still few studies that evaluate these outcomes. The existing evidence is poorly generalized, and thus, further studies are needed to deeply explore the benefits of this therapy both for patients and their families.


2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Margaret Muircroft ◽  
Judy McKimm ◽  
Leeroy William ◽  
Roderick Duncan MacLeod
Keyword(s):  

2011 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjeev Sockalingam ◽  
Diana Blank ◽  
Abdulqader Al Jarad ◽  
Fahad Alosaimi ◽  
Gideon Hirschfield ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. A17-A17
Author(s):  
Jennie Helmer ◽  
Leon Baranowski ◽  
Richard Armour ◽  
John Tallon ◽  
David Williscroft ◽  
...  

Background/Research ObjectivesParamedic services have experienced a steadily increasing demand from palliative patients accessing 911 during times of acute crisis, and not wishing subsequent conveyance to ED. Early data indicates that many of these patients are NOT already connected to palliative care teams.To address this demand and to connect patients to care, BCEHS introduced the Assess, See, Treat and Refer (ASTAR)-Palliative Clinical Pathway. Objectives are to reduce patient conveyance to ED, reduce hospitalizations and improve patient care through referral after non-conveyance.InterventionParamedic activation of the ASTaR Palliative Clinical Pathway results in referral of non-conveyed palliative patients to local Home and Community Care teams and BCEHS paramedics. The referral occurs within 1-6 hours of paramedic contact and follow up occurs over the next 24-48 hours by telephone. This referral action provides safe, effective, patient-centred care for non-conveyed patients, and also fills a gap for connecting patients to local palliative care teams.ImpactA retrospective case review of 183 cases was conducted. Symptom improvement was achieved in 70% of cases, the ED non-conveyance rate was 19%, and the time on task when palliative patients were treated at home and not conveyed was 37% less (52 minutes) than if palliative patients were transported (82 minutes). All 183 patients were connected to either the local home and community care team or BCEHS Rural Advanced Care Community Paramedics (RACCP).Lessons LearnedPalliative patients frequently call 911 for help during acute crisis events and many of these patients do not wish conveyance to ED. The introduction of the ASTaR palliative clinical pathway provided safety netting and referral to appropriate care teams.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-39
Author(s):  
Steven L. Proctor ◽  
Norman G. Hoffmann ◽  
Albert M. Kopak

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