Evaluating the Effectiveness of the SPIKES Model to Break Bad News - A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Breaking bad news to patients and families can be challenging for healthcare providers. The present study conducted a systematic review of the literature to determine if formal communication training using the SPIKES protocol improves learner satisfaction, knowledge, performance, or system outcomes. Method: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus (Nursing & Allied Health Sciences), and PsycINFO Databases were searched with keywords BAD NEWS and SPIKES. Studies were required to have an intervention using the SPIKES model and an outcome that addressed at least one of the four domains of the Kirkpatrick model for evaluating training effectiveness. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to conduct a risk of bias assessment. Due to heterogeneity in the interventions and outcomes, meta-analysis was not undertaken and instead, a narrative synthesis was used with the information provided in the tables to summarise the main findings of the included studies. Results: Of 622 studies screened, 37 publications met the inclusion criteria. Interventions ranged from the use of didactic lecture, role play with standardised patients (SPs), video use, debriefing sessions, and computer simulations. Evaluation tools ranged from pre and post intervention questionnaires, OSCE performance with rating by independent raters and SPs, and reflective essay writing. Conclusions: Our systematic review demonstrated that the SPIKES protocol is associated with improved learner satisfaction, knowledge and performance. None of the studies in our review examined system outcomes. As such, further educational development and research is needed to evaluate the impact of patient outcomes, including the optimal components and length of intervention.

Bioorthogonal control of the phosphorescence and singlet oxygen photosensitisation properties of iridium(III) tetrazine complexes.

In this work, we demonstrate bioorthogonal control of the phosphorescence and singlet oxygen photosensitisation properties of new iridium(iii) tetrazine complexes by different reaction partners; the system was exploited for organelle-specific staining and modulated photocytotoxic activity applications.

A Survey of Knowledge and Attitudes of Nurses About Pain Management in End-Stage Liver Disease in a Geriatric Palliative Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care is often initiated late for patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) with pain being a common morbidity that is under-treated throughout the disease trajectory. When admitted to a palliative care unit (PCU), nurses play a pivotal role and must be highly informed to ensure effective pain management. The aim of this study is to determine the baseline level of knowledge and attitudes of PCU nurses regarding pain management in patients with ESLD. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional self-administered survey design was used for this study. The sample comprised 35 PCU nurses working at a continuing chronic care facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Data on the knowledge and attitudes of the nurses regarding pain management in patients with ESLD, was obtained using a modified version of the "Nurses Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain" (NKASRP) tool. RESULTS: Thirty-one PCU nurses were included for the analysis, giving a response rate of 89%. The mean total percentage score for the nurses on the modified version of the NKASRP was 72%. Only 26% of the nurse participants obtained a passing score of 80% or greater. There were no significant differences in mean total scores by age, gender, years of nursing experience or education level. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provide important information about the inadequate knowledge and attitude in nurses regarding pain management for patients with ESLD. It is suggested that targeted educational programs and quality improvement initiatives in pain management for patients with ESLD could improve knowledge and attitudes for PCU nurses.

Surgical management of bone metastases: quality of evidence and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of metastatic bone disease (MBD) is typically reserved for lesions with the highest risk of fracture. However, the high risk of perioperative complications associated with surgery may outweigh the benefits of improved pain and/or function. The goal of this study was to (1) assess the quality of current evidence in this domain; (2) confirm that surgical management of metastases to the long bones and pelvis/acetabulum provides pain relief and improved function; and (3) assess perioperative morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature for clinical studies that reported pain relief and function outcomes, as well as perioperative complications and mortality, in patients with MBD to the long bones and/or pelvis/acetabulum treated surgically. Multiple databases were searched up to January 2012. Pooled weighted proportions are reported. RESULTS: Forty-five studies were included in the final analysis, with 807 patients. All included studies were level IV with 'moderate' overall quality of evidence using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scale. Pain relief following surgical management of metastases was 93, 91, and 93 % in the humerus, femur, and pelvis/acetabulum, respectively. Maintained or improved function after surgery was seen in 94, 89, and 94 % in the humerus, femur, and pelvis/acetabulum, respectively. Perioperative complications and mortality were 17 and 4 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the inherent limitations of the current evidence, a benefit for the surgical management of bone metastases to the long bones and pelvis/acetabulum is evident; however, there is still substantial risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality that should be considered.