Funk (2023) and colleagues examined different characteristics and preferences for the location of death, with a focus on the meaning and the desire of dying at home. Through virtual interviews with a diverse group of 24 participants, including healthcare professionals and community advocates, the study demonstrated a link between personal Continue reading →

Grief responses differ in severity and duration between individuals. For some individuals, grief can lead to psychological distress, including prolonged grief disorder. Understanding the differences in responses to loss is important to develop tailored care plans for the bereaved individual. Heeke (2023) and colleagues conducted a systematic review to understand the state of Continue reading →

Walker (2023) and colleagues conducted a scoping review to better understand the role of place of death of pediatric palliative care patients. The characteristics of three locations were highlighted: hospitals, homes and hospices. Notably, a preference emerged for the deaths to occur at home, emphasizing the significance of respecting the Continue reading →

The focus on managing both physical and nonphysical pain is central to hospice palliative care. An analysis study performed by Rattner (2023) and colleagues describes the experience of 24 palliative care clinicians across Canada to discover the obstacles in treating nonphysical suffering. It was determined that this type of care Continue reading →

In a recent study, the role of palliative care in post-ICU survivors was explored. Following interviews with 29 physicians, the unanimous agreement emerged that palliative care has a significant impact for these survivors of serious illnesses. Some important targets of these treatments include pain management, adjusting care to the patient’s Continue reading →

In the palliative care setting, paid staff and volunteers form an essential partnership. While volunteers play a crucial role in supporting patients’ families and providing a means of communication, tensions sometimes arise. Oliver (2023) and colleagues explored these dynamics to uncover five important storylines. Topics such as understanding the different Continue reading →

It is estimated that the number of individuals worldwide affected by dementia will reach 152 million by 2050. With an increase in the number of people living with dementia globally, palliative care and end-of-life care are becoming increasingly important in demen­tia care. However, there is a lack of evidence on Continue reading →

Children’s hospice palliative care (or pediatric hospice palliative care) is an active, holistic approach to care which focuses on relieving the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual suffering experienced by children and families who face a life-threatening condition, and helping them fulfill their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual goals. To strengthen Continue reading →

Demand for hospice care increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. DeYoreo and colleagues (2023) examine how the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced the characteristics of patients receiving hospice care, the settings in which they received care, and their care experiences in the United States. Characteristics of hospice decedents were similar in Continue reading →