[Family Decision-Making Path for the Referral of Terminal Patients in Tertiary Hospitals].

Objective To gain an in-depth understanding of the motivations,patterns,and related factors in family decision-making regarding the referral of terminal patients in tertiary hospitals. Methods Using purposive sampling,terminal patients and their family members from three tertiary hospitals in Beijing were selected as subjects.Semi-structured interviews were conducted,and the interview data were subjected to thematic analysis. Results Following the saturation principle,a total of 11 patients and 15 family members were included.The interview data were organized and analyzed,yielding six major themes:decision premises,decision patterns,family support,support from the referring hospital's medical team,referral channel conditions,and involvement of volunteer teams and social support.Based on these findings,a flowchart illustrating the family decision-making process for the referral of terminal patients was constructed. Conclusions The study provides a comprehensive analysis of various factors influencing family decision-making in the referral of terminal patients in tertiary hospitals.The results underscore the significance of internal and external factors,emphasizing the integrated impact of decision patterns,family support,medical team support,referral channel conditions,and the involvement of volunteer teams and social support.The research offers profound insights into improving the referral process for terminal patients and enhancing the quality of family decision-making.It provides valuable recommendations for future improvements in medical services and decision support.

Palliative oral care in terminal cancer patients: Integrated review.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care (PC) aims to improve quality of life in patients and its families against life threatening diseases, through suffering's prevention and relief. It is the duty of the dental surgeon to possess the knowledge needed to treat a patient with little life span, in order to establish an adequate treatment plan for each situation. AIM: To synthesize the published evidence on oral conditions, impact, management and challenges in managing oral conditions among palliative patients. METHODS: Articles were selected from PubMed and Scopus electronic platforms, using a research strategy with diverse descriptors related to "palliative care", "cancer" and "oral health". The article's selection was done in two phases. The first one was performed by the main researcher through the reading of the abstracts. In the second phase two researchers selected eligible articles after reading in full those previous selected. Data was tabulated and analyzed, obtaining information about what is found in literature related to this subject and what is necessary to be approached in future researches about PC. RESULTS: As results, the total of 15 articles were eligible, being one a qualitative analysis, 13 (92.8%) clinical trials and one observational study. Of the 15 articles, 8 (53.4%) involved questionnaires, while the rest involved: one systematic review about oral care in a hospital environment, 2 oral exams and oral sample collection, one investigation of terminal patient's (TP) oral assessment records, 2 collection of oral samples and their respective analysis and one treatment of the observed oral complications. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the oral manifestations in oncologic patients in terminal stage are, oral candidiasis, dry mouth, dysphagia, dysgeusia, oral mucositis and orofacial pain. Determining a protocol for the care of these and other complications of cancer - or cancer therapy - based on scientific evidence with the latest cutting-edge research results is of fundamental importance for the multidisciplinary team that works in the care of patients in PC. To prevent complications and its needed to initial the dentist as early as possible as a multidisciplinary member. It has been suggested palliative care protocol based on the up to date literature available for some frequent oral complications in TP with cancer. Other complications in terminal patients and their treatments still need to have further studying.

O Papel da Enfermagem em Cuidados Paliativos com Pacientes Oncológico em Estado Terminal: Revisão de Literatura / The Role of Nursing in Palliative Care with Oncology Patients in Terminal State: Literature Review / El Rol de la Enfermería en los Cuidados Paliativos con Pacientes Oncológicos en Estado Terminal: Revisión de la Literatura

Objetivo: identificar o papel da enfermagem em Cuidados Paliativos aos pacientes oncológicos em estado terminal, com base na literatura recente. Método: A revisão integrativa realizada neste trabalho visou efetuar uma análise do tema de interesse para a área de enfermagem. A partir das bases de dados da SciELO, LILACS e BVS. A busca foi realizada entre setembro de 2021 e maio de 2022, sendo selecionados os artigos disponíveis na íntegra, em português e formato original, o ano de publicação compreende os anos de 2014 a 2021. Resultados: Apontam os sentimentos vividos pela equipe de enfermagem e multidisciplinar bem como as dificuldades enfrentadas por esses profissionais, e a deficiência na formação desses profissionais além dos sentimentos envolvidos tanto na família como nos profissionais e como lidam com a terminalidade. Conclusão: Existe a necessidade de uma visão mais ampla sobre Cuidados Paliativos com início ainda na graduação até as atividades desenvolvidas nos Cuidados Paliativos, a sobrecarga de trabalho enfreada por esses profissionais, e o aspecto psicológico devido ao sentimento experimentado por eles no processo de morte.

Objective: to identify the role of nursing in palliative care for terminally ill cancer patients based on recent literature. Method: an integrative review carried out in this work aimed at an analysis of the topic of interest in the nursing area. From the SciELO, LILACS and BVS databases. The study was carried out between September 2021 and May 2022, with the selection of articles available in full, in Portuguese and in original format, the year of publication comprises the years of search from 2014 to 2021. Results: They point out the feelings experienced by the nursing team and multidisciplinary, as well as difficulties faced by these professionals, and deficient in the training of these professionals in addition to feelings involved both in the family and in the professionals and how they deal with terminality. Conclusion: There is a need for a broader view of Palliative Care starting at graduation until the activities developed in Palliative Care, the overload of work enfreada by these professionals, and the psychological aspect due to the feeling experienced by them in the process of death.

Objetivo: identificar el papel de la enfermería en los cuidados paliativos para pacientes con cáncer en estado terminal, a partir de la literatura reciente. Método: La revisión integradora realizada en este estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar un análisis del tema de interés para el área de enfermería. De las bases de datos de SciELO, LILACS y BVS. La búsqueda se realizó entre septiembre de 2021 y mayo de 2022, y se seleccionaron los artículos disponibles en su totalidad, en portugués y en formato original, el año de publicación comprende los años 2014 a 2021. Resultados: Indican los sentimientos experimentados por el equipo de enfermería y multidisciplinario, así como las dificultades a las que se enfrentan estos profesionales, y la deficiencia en la formación de estos profesionales, además de los sentimientos involucrados tanto en la familia como en los profesionales y cómo tratan la terminalidad. Conclusión: Existe la necesidad de una visión más amplia de los Cuidados Paliativos desde la graduación hasta las actividades desarrolladas en Cuidados Paliativos, la sobrecarga de trabajo enfreda por parte de estos profesionales, y el aspecto psicológico debido al sentimiento experimentado por ellos en el proceso de muerte.

Application of interdisciplinary collaborative hospice care for terminal geriatric cancer patients: a prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Hospice care (HC) is specialized medical care for terminal patients who are nearing the end of life. Interdisciplinary collaborative hospice care (ICHC) is where experts from different disciplines and patients/caregivers form a treatment team to establish shared patient care goals. However, the ICHC efficacy has not been frequently studied in the terminal geriatric cancer patient (TGCP) population. This study aimed to gain insight into ICHC provided to TGCPs by an ICHC team and identify factors to ameliorate multidimensional HC. METHODS: 166 TGCPs were randomized by a computer-generated random number table using an allocation ratio of 1:1. The patients were divided into the ICHC group and life-sustaining treatment (LST) group. The scores of these questionnaires, such as EORTC, QLQ-C30, Hamilton anxiety scale, the median survival time (MST), symptoms improvement, the median average daily cost of drugs (MADDC), the median total cost of drugs (MTDC) in the last 2 days, and medical care satisfaction were observed in both groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the improvement of emotional function and symptoms in the ICHC group were statistically higher than those in the LST group (P < 0.05). The MADDC and the MTDC in the last 2 days were statistically lower in the ICHC group than those in the LSTs group (P < 0.01). In addition, the overall satisfaction situation and the cooperation ability in the ICHC group were statistically higher than those in the LST group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The ICHC could provide TGCPs with coordinated, comfortable, high-quality, and humanistic care.

Barriers to Informed refusal in Korea / Obstáculos al rechazo informado en Corea / Barreiras à recusa informada na Coreia

Abstract In South Korea, the legal and cultural environment keeps terminally ill patients from making an informed refusal to a treatment the discontinuation of which can cause death. Act on Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment for Patients in Hospice and Palliative Care or at the End of Life allows several forms of informed refusal, but it is not enough. There is no explicit guarantee, at least under this law, of the right to refuse a treatment given during a period that has not reached an end-of-life process prescribed in the law. Dori, which the family of a terminal patient feels obligated to follow, makes them commit to doing what they believe is right as a family member without asking the patient's intention. Because it reduces the family's motivation to have a difficult talk about death and end-of-life with the patient, the patient is deprived of an opportunity to make a decision based on accurate information. In making a decision for the patient while patient is excluded, the family often ends up choosing a safe decision that puts physical survival first. In conclusion, the culture and the culturally influenced law are making it impractical for terminal patients to make an informed refusal.

Resumen: En Corea del Sur, el entorno legal y cultural impide a los pacientes terminales rechazar con conocimiento de causa un tratamiento cuya interrupción puede causar la muerte. La Ley de Decisiones sobre el Tratamiento de Mantenimiento de la Vida para Pacientes en Hospicio y Cuidados Paliativos o al Final de la Vida permite varias formas de rechazo informado, pero no es suficiente. No se garantiza explícitamente, al menos en esta ley, el derecho a rechazar un tratamiento administrado durante un periodo que no ha llegado a un proceso de final de vida prescrito en la ley. La ley Dori, que la familia de un paciente terminal se siente obligada a seguir, les hace comprometerse a hacer lo que creen correcto como familiares, sin preguntar la intención del paciente. Dado que reduce la motivación de la familia para tener una charla difícil sobre la muerte y el final de la vida con el paciente, éste se ve privado de la oportunidad de tomar una decisión basada en información precisa. Al tomar una decisión por el paciente mientras se le excluye, la familia suele acabar eligiendo una decisión segura que antepone la supervivencia física. En conclusión, la ley, influenciada por la cultura, está haciendo que sea poco práctico para los pacientes terminales hacer un rechazo informado.

Resumo Na Coreia do Sul, o ambiente legal e cultural mantém pacientes com doença terminal à parte de fazer uma recusa informada a um tratamento cuja descontinuação pode causar morte. O Ato sobre Decisões a respeito de Tratamento de Suporte à Vida para Pacientes em Lares de Idosos e Cuidados Paliativos ou ao Fim da Vida permite diversas formas de recusa informada mas não é suficiente. Não há uma garantia explícita, pelo menos sob esta lei, do direito de recusar um dado tratamento durante um período que não alcançou um processo de fim-da-vida prescrito na lei. Dori, que a família de um paciente terminal sente-se obrigada a seguir, faz com que eles se comprometam a fazer o que eles acreditam ser certo como um membro da família, sem perguntar a intenção do paciente. Na medida em que isto reduz a motivação da família em ter uma conversa difícil sobre morte e fim-da-vida com o paciente, o paciente é privado de uma oportunidade de tomar uma decisão baseada em informação precisa. Ao tomar uma decisão pelo paciente enquanto ele é excluído, a família frequentemente termina escolhendo uma decisão segura que coloca a sobrevivência física em primeiro lugar. Em conclusão, a cultura e a lei influenciada pela cultura estão tornando impraticável para pacientes terminais fazer uma recusa informada.

Realizing the Wishes of Terminal Patients: Caregiving Transport Efforts for End of Life in the Kuji Area of Japan.

Background: There are some restrictions in Japan regarding end-of-life care. For example, only physicians can legally issue death certificates. By law, ambulance staff members perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for all patients with cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Therefore, it is difficult to transport patients to hospitals without CPR, even in cases of terminal patients with do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) order. Furthermore, there is no 24-hour home care nursing system in our area. Therefore, terminal patients are unable to spend their last moments at their home in the Kuji area. Objective: To design a system in which terminal patients who wish to spend their final moments at their home can be transported to the hospital without CPR after at-home CPA and a system to avoid confusion between ambulance staff and family members using instructions provided by the physician. Setting/Subjects: The subjects were terminal patients with DNAR order who wanted to stay at home. The instruction to not perform CPR after CPA was created as a document by physicians. Patient information was shared with the fire department; patients were transported to our hospital without CPR after at-home CPA. Results: In total, 26 patients died during the study period; eight received emergency transport to the hospital without CPR after CPA. CPR was not performed for any patient. Conclusion: A system transporting terminal patients without CPR after CPA was necessary in our area. This instruction allows terminal patients to spend their last moments where they wish and avoids unwanted CPR and troubles after CPA.

Opinion of physicians and the general population on the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide / Opinión de médicos y población general sobre la posible legalización de la eutanasia y el suicidio asistido

In some countries, particularly Spain, one of the arguments used to justify the legalization of euthana-sia is that there is a strong social demand for it. To try to ascertain the truth of this statement, we reviewdifferent surveys of physicians and the general public, to determine their opinion on whether or not tolegalize this practice. We found that the percentage of respondents who approve this practice varies wi-dely from one country to another, with some countries in which approval is close to 80% and others inwhich it fails to reach even 40%. It has been suggested that this may be because the questions included inthe various surveys differ greatly, since not all use the word “euthanasia” directly, replacing it with wordsor phrases of similar meaning. Thus, some respondents may not quite identify them with euthanasia. Weconclude that, in the vast majority of countries, there does not seem to be an objective social demand tojustify the legalization of euthanasia.(AU)

En algunos países, particularmente en España, uno de los argumentos utilizados para tratar de justi-ficar la legalización de la eutanasia y el suicidio asistido, es que existe una gran demanda social para ello.Para determinar si esto es o no cierto, hemos evaluado diferentes encuestas realizadas a médicos o públicoen general, para tratar de conocer cuál es la opinión de estos colectivos sobre el tema. Nosotros hemosdetectado que el porcentaje de personas u organismos que aprueban la legalización de la eutanasia varíaampliamente de un país a otro, pues en algunos la contestación afirmativa se acerca al 80% y en otrosdesciende hasta el 40%. En relación que estos resultados discrepantes pueden deberse a las distintas pre-guntas usadas en las encuestas, ya que no todas utilizan la palabra “eutanasia” directamente, sino que laremplazan por otras de similar significado, pero que posiblemente no expresan tan claramente lo que sepregunta. Nosotros concluimos que en la mayoría de los países no existe una clara demanda social que pidala legalización de la eutanasia y el suicidio asistido.(AU)

Based on the analysis of emergency dying patients to explore the demand of emergency palliative care / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the demand and mode of palliative care for emergency dying patients by analyzing the case data of emergency death and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Methods:The data of 776 cases of emergency clinical death and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 687 patients were included with (70.38 ± 16.57) years old, and 49.8% (342/687) of them were 75 years old and above; among them, 36.0% (247/687) patients or their families chose not to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNR) in the last stage of their lives,and 63.2%(156/247) of DNR patients were 75 years old and above. The top four etiology of DNR were cerebral hemorrhage, respiratory failure, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and out of hospital cardiac and respiratory arrest.After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 37.5% (45/120) of the patients' family members chose to give up treatment again. The median stay time of DNR patients in the emergency room was 738.7 minutes.Conclusions:The patients who choosed DNR were mainly 75 years old and above, with cerebral hemorrhage, respiratory failure, multiple organ failure and cardiac and respiratory arrest. The detention of these patients in the emergency room increases the congestion of the emergency room, and at the same time, they can not get a peaceful palliative care environment. It is suggested that emergency medical staff should strengthen the awareness and improve the ability of palliative care. A relative independent area and corresponding soothing palliative treatment and nursing should be given to the DNR patients.

¿La sedación paliativa acorta la vida de los pacientes? / Does Palliative Sedation Shorten the Lives of Patients? / A sedação paliativa encurta a vida dos pacientes?

Resumen El respeto por la vida humana es central en el acto médico. En pacientes terminales, los síntomas refractarios son nicho de sedación paliativa. Este artículo identifica, a partir de evidencia científica, la sobrevida en pacientes con sedación paliativa en comparación con aquellos que no la recibieron. Se realizó búsqueda de revisiones sistemáticas de 2000 a 2016, se analizaron metodológicamente y se compararon los resultados. Por razones metodológicas no se pudo realizar meta-análisis. Se concluye que la sedación paliativa terminal no acorta la vida de los pacientes. Se reformula la aplicación del principio de doble efecto relacionado con el posible acortamiento de la vida; el mal no deseado es la pérdida de la conciencia.

Abstract Respect for human life is central to medicine. In terminal patients, refractory symptoms are a niche of palliative sedation. This paper identifies, based on scientific evidence, the survival in patients who received palliative sedation as compared to those who didn't. We conducted a search for systematic reviews from 2000 to 2016, which were methodologically analyzed, and the results were then compared. For methodological reasons, meta-analysis could not be performed. It is concluded that terminal palliative sedation does not shorten patients' lives. The implementation of the principle of double effect related to the possible shortening of life was reformulated; the unwanted evil is the loss of consciousness.

Resumo O respeito pela vida humana é primordial na atuação médica. Em pacientes terminais, os sintomas refratários são lugar de sedação paliativa. Este artigo identifica, a partir de evidência científica, a sobrevida em pacientes com sedação paliativa em comparação com aqueles que não a receberam. Foi realizada uma busca de revisões sistemáticas de 2000 a 2016, os resultados foram analisados metodologicamente e comparados. Por razões metodológicas, não foi possível realizar metanálise. Conclui-se que a sedação paliativa terminal não encurta a vida dos pacientes. A aplicação do princípio de duplo efeito relacionado com o possível encurtamento da vida é reformulada; o mal indesejado é a perda de consciência.

La mentira, una reivindicación moral. De cómo la mentira es útil en un paciente en etapa terminal / The lie, a moral claim. How lying is useful in a terminally ill patient

Resumen: La mentira es considerada un antivalor moral, siempre tiene una connotación negativa. Sin embargo, su uso está muy extendido desde el punto de vista biológico como mecanismo de supervivencia y en el ser humano incluso desde el punto de vista de integración social. El autoengaño, considerado una manifestación suprema del uso humano de la mentira, tiene estrecha relación con la generación de optimismo y esperanza, las personas con problemas para integrar un autoengaño tienen con más frecuencia alteraciones patológicas en el estado de ánimo, sobre todo depresión. Este artículo analiza desde algunos puntos de vista ético-filosóficos las ventajas y desventajas del uso de la mentira para promover el autoengaño en pacientes con enfermedad terminal.

Abstract: The lie is considered a moral flaw, always has a negative connotation. Nevertheless its use is very extended from the biological point of view as mechanism of survival and in the human being, even from the point of view of social integration. Self-deception, considered a supreme manifestation of the human use of lies, is closely related to the generation of optimism and hope, people with problems to integrate self-deception have more frequently pathological alterations in mood, especially depression. The advantages and disadvantages of the use of lying to promote self-deception in patients with terminal illness are analyzed from some ethical-philosophical points of view.

Conflitos bioéticos: atendimento fisioterapêutico domiciliar a pacientes em condição de terminalidade / Bioethical conflicts: in physiotherapy home care for terminal patients / Conflictos bioéticos: atención fisioterapéutica domiciliaria a pacientes en condiciones terminales

Resumo O debate bioético enseja reflexões que propiciam a compreensão da morte e da terminalidade de modo a assegurar a observância de princípios como respeito à autonomia, beneficência e não maleficência e os direitos humanos. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar conflitos bioéticos no trabalho de fisioterapeutas em atendimento domiciliar a pacientes em condição de terminalidade. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo e descritivo. Dez fisioterapeutas do Distrito Federal participaram, respondendo a entrevista semiestruturada. Duas categorias foram identificadas: "desafios da atuação em domicílio com pacientes em condição de terminalidade"; e "o fisioterapeuta entre o tecnicismo e o humanismo". O estudo descortina conflitos bioéticos potenciais no atendimento a esses pacientes e seus familiares, em que os limites para a utilização dos recursos terapêuticos se traduzem em posturas polarizadas -de aproximação ou distanciamento- e o desafio de promover cuidado pautado na humanização e na dignidade humana.

Abstract The bioethical debate gives rise to considerations that foster understanding of death and terminal illness, in order to ensure compliance with principles such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, not maleficence, and human rights. The objective of the study was to analyze bioethical conflicts related to physiotherapy home care for terminal patients. This is a qualitative descriptive study. Ten physiotherapists from the Federal District, Brazil, participated, answering a semi-structured interview. Two categories were identified: "challenges of home care for patients with terminal conditions"; and "polarization of physiotherapists between technicality and humanism". The study reveals potential bioethical conflicts in the care of these patients and their families, in which the limits for the use of therapeutic resources translate into opposite approaches -either attachment or detachment - and the challenge of promoting care guided by humanization and human dignity.

Resumen El debate bioético da lugar a reflexiones que propician la comprensión de la muerte y de la terminalidad, con el fin de garantizar el cumplimiento de los principios como el respeto a la autonomía, la beneficencia y la no maleficencia y los derechos humanos. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los conflictos bioéticos en el trabajo de los fisioterapeutas en la atención domiciliaria a pacientes en situación de terminalidad. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y cualitativo. Participaron diez fisioterapeutas del Distrito Federal, Brasil, respondiendo a una entrevista semiestructurada. Se identificaron dos categorías: "desafíos de la atención domiciliaria con pacientes en condición de terminalidad"; y "el fisioterapeuta entre el tecnicismo y el humanismo". El estudio revela posibles conflictos bioéticos en la atención de estos pacientes y sus familias, donde los límites para el uso de los recursos terapéuticos se traducen en posiciones polarizadas - de aproximación o distanciamiento -y el desafío de promover una atención basada en la humanización y la dignidad humana.

The Palliative Care Information Act and Access to Palliative Care in Terminally ill Patients: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that over 50% of end-of-life discussions take place for the first time in the hospital and that terminally ill patients often have unrealistic views regarding the possible scope of treatment. The Palliative Care information Act (PCIA) was passed in an attempt to address the lack of access for terminally ill patients to palliative care services. A multi-database systematic review was performed on published studies from 2010 to present, and there were none found measuring the effectiveness of the PCIA. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the effect of the PCIA on access to palliative care services. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all terminally ill patients who died at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center from January 2010 to August 2013 in relation to passing of the PCIA. RESULTS: Prelaw (prior to the law passing), 12.3% of the terminal patients received palliative care consults, 25% during the transition period (time between passing of law and when it came into effect) and 37.7% postlaw (after coming into effect) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Legislation can have a significant effect on terminally ill patient's access to palliative care services and can change the culture of a hospital to be more pro-palliative for the appropriate populations.

A atuação do psicólogo no tratamento de pacientes terminais e seus familiares / The role of the psychologist in the treatment of terminal patients and their families

A proximidade com a morte pode trazer angústias e minar a capacidade de uma pessoa suportar um diagnóstico irreversível. Este artigo bibliográfico tem como objetivo compreender como o psicólogo pode ajudar o paciente terminal e seus familiares a elaborar os sentimentos decorrentes dessa situação limite. Este estudo, resultado de leituras e reflexões acerca da atuação do psicólogo no tratamento de pacientes terminais, pautou-se pela seguinte problemática: Qual a importância de um profissional de psicologia em situações de luto iminente? Ao término desta investigação percebeu-se que ele é importante, pois atua 1. Na escuta profissional da família e do paciente terminal; 2. Na decifração de respostas do paciente aos familiares; 3. Na educação de expectativas; etc. Constata-se que a tarefa do psicólogo é a de acolhimento e humanização e que o método utilizado é a escuta e a fala que conduz o paciente e a família a novas percepções e sensações(AU)

Proximity to death can cause distress and undermine one’s ability to bear the pressure of tolerating an irreversible diagnosis. The present work aims to shine light upon the way in which psychologists can help terminal patients and their families to cope with the feelings generated by such a delicate situation. This study, the mature fruit of readings and reflections on the role of the psychologist in the treatment of terminal patients, was oriented by the following question: What is the relevance of a psychology professional in situations of imminent grief? By the end of the research, the conclusion is arrived at that the psychologist is important because he or she: 1. engages in professional analysis of the terminal patient and the patient’s family; 2. interprets the patient’s communication to the family; 3. Communicates parameters for expectations; etc. It is understood that the chief task of the psychologist is to comfort the patients and their families and provide a humanizing element, by listening and speaking, in order to provide new insights and guide sentiments(AU)

Frequência de sintomas no último ano de vida de idosos de baixa renda em São Paulo: estudo transversal com cuidadores informais / Frequency of symptoms in the last year of life of underprivileged elders in São Paulo: a cross-sectional study with informal caregivers

O crescimento da população idosa brasileira fez aumentar a prevalência de doenças crônicas e o número de pessoas sofrendo de diversos sintomas ao final da vida. Este estudo objetivou entrevistar cuidadores de idosos falecidos, investigando a presença, intensidade e duração de sintomas no último ano, e se os mesmos foram tratados. Arrolaram-se idosos por inquérito domiciliar de base populacional em setores de baixa renda do Butantã, São Paulo. Eram elegíveis os idosos falecidos durante o período de dois anos de seguimento. Oitenta e um cuidadores foram entrevistados entre três e 16 meses pós-óbito e responderam um questionário sobre onze sintomas. Os sintomas mais referidos foram dor (78 por cento), fadiga (68 por cento), dispnéia (60 por cento), depressão e anorexia (58 por cento cada). Dor, dispnéia e fadiga foram os mais intensos. Dor, fadiga e depressão duraram 6 meses ou mais. Ficaram sem tratamento 79 por cento dos idosos com depressão, 77 por cento daqueles com incontinência urinária e 67 por cento daqueles com ansiedade. É necessário implementar conceitos e ações de cuidados paliativos para dar aos idosos mais dignidade e qualidade ao final da vida.

The Brazilian population of elders is growing, resulting in high prevalences of chronic diseases and people facing distressing symptoms in their last years. This study aimed at interviewing family caregivers of deceased elders to investigate the presence, severity and duration of common symptoms in the last year, as well as whether the symptoms were managed or not. Elders were enrolled in a population-based study in deprived areas of Butantã, São Paulo. After a two-year follow-up, any death was eligible for the study. Eighty-one caregivers were interviewed between three and sixteen months after elder's death and answered a questionnaire on eleven symptoms. The most commonly reported symptoms were pain (78%), fatigue (68%), dyspnea (60%), depression, and anorexia (58% each). Pain, dyspnea and fatigue were the most severe. Pain, fatigue and depression lasted 6 months or more. No treatment was received for depression (79%), urinary incontinence (77%) and anxiety (67%). The implementation of palliative care concepts and actions is mandatory to provide Brazilian elders with dignity and better quality at the end of life.

The Withdrawal of Life-sustaining Management for Dying Patients: A Study in Judicial Precedents Worldwide

The decision to withdrawal of life-sustaining management for dying patients is one of the most difficult challenges in modern medical ethics. Due to the advances in medical science and technology, terminally ill patients can survive longer than ever expected before. More specifically, artificial ventilation, nutrition, and recently developed drugs constitute the cores of life -sustaining management for dying patients. The issues of patients' autonomy, medical paternalism and sanctity of life are related with this particular problem. Korean Supreme Court recently approved the request of a permanent vegetative status patients' family to terminate the artificial ventilation and allow the patient to die. Korean Medical Association is currently seeking to establish the guideline. Korean government and parliament are also looking for a way to enact the law. However, religious sector including Catholic Church and a significant proportion of the population have opposed the legalization of euthanasia. A careful study in other countries' legislations related to the care for dying patients would help to establish the consensus in the nation.

A Multiple Factor Study on the Quality of Life in Hospitalized Elderly Terminal Patients / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective: To study the quality of life (QOL) and its influencing factors of elderly hospitalized terminal patients. Methods: The scale of Life Quality, Social Support Inventory, Life Satisfaction Index A(LSIA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HAD), degree of pain (Verbal Report Scale, VRS) and Activities of Daily Living(ADL) were administered in 152 elderly hospitalized terminal patients. Results: 1)The total score of each scale was QOL 36.9?7.4, ADL56.27?34.5,Social Support 40.0?6.3, HAD(A)8.9?4.1,HAD(D)11.2?4.9,LSIA 11.6?3.9?2)Pearson's correlation showed that QOL scores were negatively correlated with degree of pain (r=-0.54,P