Article
Clinical Neurology
Jenny T. van der Steen, Miharu Nakanishi, Lieve van den Block, Paola Di Giulio, Silvia Gonella, Juergen In Der Schmitten, Rebecca L. Sudore, Karen Harrison Dening, Deborah Parker, Ninoslav Mimica, Iva Holmerova, Philip Larkin, Sandra Martins Pereira, Judith A. C. Rietjens, Ida J. Korfage
Summary: This study aimed to conceptualize advance care planning for dementia through a Delphi study, focusing on defining the concept and identifying key issues such as capacity, family, and engagement. The results highlighted the importance of communication and relationship-centered approach for ACP in dementia.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Sean Patrick Nordt, John M. Ryan, Daniel Kelly, Abdubadie Kutubi, Renad Saleh, Caitriona Quinn, Tariq Al Kharusi, Eoin J. Tiernan
Summary: This study aims to identify and assess the frequency of presenting complaints, primary diagnosis, triage acuity, and need for admission among palliative care patients in an Irish setting. The findings can help minimize unnecessary emergency department visits and improve patient care and quality of life.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Sophie Stoesslein, Julia D. Gramm, Hans-Ulrich Bender, Petra Mueller, Dorothee Rabenhorst, Gian Domenico Borasio, Monika Fuehrer
Summary: Only a few acute hospital inpatient units are dedicated to pediatric palliative care (PPC) patients. This study analyzed the patient and care characteristics on a specialized acute PPC inpatient unit (PPCU) and found that the patients had a wide range of ages and varying lengths of stay. The majority of patients suffered from neurological diseases or congenital abnormalities, while oncological diseases were rare. Acute symptoms such as dyspnea, pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms were prevalent among the patients.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Minoh Ko, Sunghwan Kim, Sung Yun Suh, Yoon Sook Cho, In-Wha Kim, Shin Hye Yoo, Ju-Yeun Lee, Jung Mi Oh
Summary: This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of a pharmacist-led deprescribing service for terminal cancer patients. The results showed that the service effectively reduced the use of preventive medications and resolved medication-related problems. Pharmacists' interventions were well accepted.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Rita Carrilho Pichel, Alexandra Araujo, Vital Da Silva Domingues, Jorge Nunes Santos, Elga Freire, Ana Sofia Mendes, Raquel Romao, Antonio Araujo
Summary: Esophageal cancer is a leading cause of death, and most patients are not candidates for curative or systemic palliative treatment. This review aims to provide recommendations for the best supportive care for esophageal cancer, focusing on the management of its most common symptoms and complications.
Article
Oncology
Yan-Mei Dai, Ya-Ting Huang, Min-Yu Lai, Hsueh-Erh Liu, Chih-Chung Shiao
Summary: In a study on palliative care for terminal cancer patients, initiating HSC 8-60 days before death can improve QOC, while initiating HSC 15-90 days before death can save medical expenses.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wendy English, Jackie Robinson, Merryn Gott
Summary: This study used interviews with patients and family members to explore their perceptions of rapport in interactions with health professionals and developed a conceptual definition of rapport based on their experiences. The importance score for this study is 8 out of 10.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Manisha Verma, Mayur Brahmania, Brett E. Fortune, Sumeet K. Asrani, Michael Fuchs, Michael L. Volk
Summary: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a burdensome illness that affects patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system. The current healthcare system in the United States is inadequate in meeting the needs of CLD patients and controlling costs. Shifting the care paradigm to a patient-centered and value-based system is crucial, and can be achieved through elements such as integrated practice units, meaningful patient-reported outcomes, enabling technology, bundled care payments, integrating palliative care, and formalizing centers of excellence.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mairead Moloney, Owen Doody, Martina O'Reilly, Michael Lucey, Joanne Callinan, Chris Exton, Simon Colreavy, Frances O'Mahony, Pauline Meskell, Alice Coffey
Summary: This scoping review aims to explore the use of virtual reality in palliative care and identify evidence related to patient outcomes that could support its practical application. There is currently limited research in this area, highlighting the need for further studies to support the use of virtual reality in palliative care.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Trevor Morey, Mary Scott, Stephanie Saunders, Jaymie Varenbut, Michelle Howard, Peter Tanuseputro, Colleen Webber, Tieghan Killackey, Kirsten Wentlandt, Camilla Zimmermann, Mark Bernstein, Natalie Ernecoff, Amy Hsu, Sarina Isenberg
Summary: The study found that patients and caregivers valued continuity of care differently depending on their stage of transition from hospital to home-based palliative care. Continuity of care was perceived in three ways: as consistency of information exchange in hospital, as consistency of treatments during the transition, and as having consistent providers in home-based palliative care.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ana Rute Preis Silva, Augusto Vanni Bodanezi, Emanuely Silva Chrun, Mariah Luz Lisboa, Alessandra R. de Camargo, Etiene Andrade Munhoz
Summary: This study synthesized the published evidence on oral conditions, impact, management, and challenges among palliative patients. The results revealed that oral manifestations in terminal oncologic patients include oral candidiasis, dry mouth, dysphagia, dysgeusia, oral mucositis, and orofacial pain. Establishing a protocol based on scientific evidence is crucial for the multidisciplinary team involved in the care of patients in palliative care.
WORLD JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CASES
(2023)
Article
Ethics
Laura Gilbertson, Julian Savulescu, Justin Oakley, Dominic Wilkinson
Summary: Despite advances in palliative care, some patients still suffer significantly at the end of life. Terminal Sedation (TS) and Expanded TS (ETS) are used to alleviate suffering in dying patients, with ETS being used in cases that fall outside the usual limits. This paper explores and defends the moral permissibility of ETS in jurisdictions where assisted dying is lawful.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Grecia Lined Aldana, Onyinyechi Vanessa Evoh, Akhila Reddy
Summary: Telemedicine has become an important platform for delivering high-quality interdisciplinary virtual care to cancer patients, especially in providing palliative care.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Anne M. Walling, Katherine Ast, Jordan M. Harrison, Sydney M. Dy, Mary Ersek, Laura C. Hanson, Arif H. Kamal, Christine S. Ritchie, Joan M. Teno, Joseph D. Rotella, Vyjeyanthi S. Periyakoil, Sangeeta C. Ahluwalia
Summary: This study developed and tested two patient-reported measures to assess the quality of Palliative care. The development process involved patient engagement and feedback. The measures addressed the gaps in research and received endorsement from the National Quality Forum.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Katharina Linse, Elisa Aust, Rene Guenther, Andreas Hermann
Summary: Multidimensional socio-medical care with early integration of palliative principles is strongly recommended in ALS. Specialized palliative care improves end-of-life outcomes for patients and reduces burden on caregivers. However, deficits in socio-medical care and lack of caregiver support are common, leading to negative health outcomes and increased caregiver burden.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Ans Vangrunderbeek, Ann Raveel, Catharina Mathei, Herwig Claeys, Bert Aertgeerts, Geertruida Bekkering
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness and predictors of success of a Belgian online help programme for alcohol misuse. Both guided and unguided internet interventions were found to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption, with better results in the guided intervention. Factors such as higher baseline alcohol consumption, personal goal to quit, absence of drug use, and higher number of completed assignments predicted a higher chance of treatment response.
INTERNET INTERVENTIONS-THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN MENTAL AND BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Tim Boogaerts, Maarten Quireyns, Maarten De Prins, Bram Pussig, Hans De Loof, Catharina Mathei, Bert Aertgeerts, Virginie Van Coppenolle, Erik Fransen, Adrian Covaci, Alexander L. N. van Nuijs
Summary: This study examined the changes in stimulant use during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). The results showed an increase in amphetamine and cocaine use during the lockdown period, while the consumption of MDMA remained stable. The study suggests that strict restrictive measures had limited impact on stimulant consumption.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jan De Lepeleire
Summary: The maturity of integrated care in Belgium is low due to complex organization, lack of leadership and finances, abundance of pilot projects, long implementation and change processes, provider-driven healthcare system, and different cultures of action. However, new projects and ongoing research offer opportunities to overcome these barriers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tim Boogaerts, Maarten Quireyns, Florence Maes, Maria Laimou-Geraniou, Natan Van Wichelen, Ester Heath, Bram Pussig, Bert Aertgeerts, Adrian Covaci, Alexander L. N. van Nuijs
Summary: Wastewater-based epidemiology analyzes biomarkers in wastewater to gain evidence-based information about various lifestyles and health aspects of a population. Due to the complexity and trace level occurrence of biomarkers in wastewater, sensitive analytical procedures are crucial. To improve its value, more compounds, locations, and samples need to be analyzed.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Primary Health Care
Simon Gabriel Beerten, Catharina Mathei, Bert Aertgeerts
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tim Boogaerts, Xander Bertels, Bram Pussig, Maarten Quireyns, Louis Toebosch, Natan Van Wichelen, Catalina Dumitrascu, Catherina Mathei, Lies Lahousse, Bert Aertgeerts, Hans De Loof, Adrian Covaci, Alexander L. N. van Nuijs
Summary: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a method to monitor alcohol consumption in the general population by measuring biomarker concentrations in wastewater. This study analyzed wastewater samples from a university city in Belgium and found temporal trends in alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the effect of policy measures on alcohol consumption.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Medical Informatics
Pieter Van Bostraeten, Bert Aertgeerts, Geertruida Bekkering, Nicolas Delvaux, Anna Haers, Matisse Vanheeswyck, Alexander Vandekendelaere, Niels van der Auwera, Charlotte Dijckmans, Elise Ostyn, Willem Soontjens, Wout Matthysen, Noemie Schenk, Lien Mertens, Jasmien Jaeken, Thomas Agoritsas, Mieke Vermandere
Summary: This study examined the experiences of general practitioners (GPs) and patients in using five decision aids in primary care. The results showed that the use of these aids can enhance patient involvement and decision making. However, difficulties in understanding certain information and the suitability of the aids for all patients were identified as potential barriers.
BMC MEDICAL INFORMATICS AND DECISION MAKING
(2023)
Article
Virology
Annabel Rector, Mandy Bloemen, Marijn Thijssen, Leen Delang, Joren Raymenants, Jonathan Thibaut, Bram Pussig, Lore Fondu, Bert Aertgeerts, Marc Van Ranst, Chris Van Geet, Jef Arnout, Elke Wollants
Summary: Wastewater surveillance is crucial in managing the global COVID-19 pandemic, serving as an early warning system for outbreaks and a tool to track the circulation of specific variants. This study used various wastewater collection points in Leuven to investigate the application of wastewater surveillance. Wastewater samples were collected and analyzed using RT-qPCR to quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and specific mutations were detected to identify circulating variants. The study found that wastewater SARS-CoV-2 concentration preceded peaks in positive cases and detected the presence of different variants simultaneously during the transition period. Wastewater-based surveillance is a valuable tool for monitoring virus circulation and variants in larger populations.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tim Boogaerts, Maarten Quireyns, Hans De Loof, Xander Bertels, Natan Van Wichelen, Bram Pussig, Jan Saevels, Lies Lahousse, Pauline Bonmariage, Wouter Hamelinck, Bert Aertgeerts, Adrian Covaci, Alexander L. N. van Nuijs
Summary: Wastewater-based epidemiology analyzes human metabolic biomarkers in wastewater to study the presence of xenobiotics. It complements existing drug utilization methods and provides objective spatio-temporal information on pharmaceutical consumption in the general population.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Xiaoqian Zhang, Xiaoli Zuo, Catharina Mathei, Bert Aertgeerts, Masoud Afnan, Tang Li, Frank Buntinx, Mieke Vermandere
Summary: This study examines the benefits of a postpartum rehabilitation program (PPR) in Chinese hospitals for postpartum depression (PPD) and the influencing factors for PPD among Chinese women during the first six weeks after childbirth. The results show that the PPR program has a positive effect on preventing PPD and diastasis recti.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xiaoqian Zhang, Chun Wang, Xiaoli Zuo, Bert Aertgeerts, Frank Buntinx, Tang Li, Mieke Vermandere
Summary: This meta-analysis investigated the association between postpartum depression symptoms (PPDS) and the COVID-19 pandemic by comparing data before and during the pandemic. The results showed that the prevalence of PPDS increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among those with long-term follow-up and a higher likelihood of depression. Studies conducted in Asia demonstrated a significant negative impact of the pandemic on PPDS.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jan Vandamme, Simon Gabriel Beerten, Jonas Crevecoeur, Steve Van den Bulck, Bert Aertgeerts, Nicolas Delvaux, Gijs Van Pottelbergh, Mieke Vermandere, Laura Tops, Thomas Neyens, Bert Vaes
Summary: This study aimed to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in general practice. The results showed a relative increase in the registrations of mental health problems and an increase in care provision for patients with mental health problems in the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Low socioeconomic status remained a determining factor for more care provision, but care provision significantly dropped in people with mental health problems and low SES.
JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Leen De Coninck, Anja Declercq, Leen Bouckaert, Carola Dopp, Maud J. L. Graff, Bert Aertgeerts
Summary: This study explored the perspectives of primary care professionals on inter-professional collaboration in the care of the frail older population. Despite the willingness of healthcare professionals to collaborate, there is limited inter-professional collaboration in practice.
Article
Pediatrics
Marjolijn Jamaer, Jef van den Eynde, Bert Aertgeerts, Jaan Toelen
Summary: Child abuse and neglect is a common and underreported worldwide issue. Health care providers, particularly trainees in family medicine and pediatrics, play a crucial role in identifying and reporting cases of child abuse. This study examined the knowledge of Belgian trainees in recognizing the clinical signs of child abuse and distinguishing them from other conditions. The results showed that although the overall knowledge was good, there is still room for improvement.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yuliang Xiang, Lei Gan, Heyue Du, Qiukui Hao, Bert Aertgeerts, Sheyu Li, Ming Hu
Summary: Based on a simulation study in the Chinese healthcare system, adding ezetimibe as an add-on therapy to high-dose statins is more cost-effective compared to adding PCSK9 inhibitors or using both drugs for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in Chinese adults.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN HEALTH CARE
(2023)