(Image: University of Michigan Library Card Catalog by dfulmer / CC BY)
We have updated the Palliverse researchers database and temporarily renamed it “Palliverse peoples database“.
Why, I hear you ask? Continue reading
EQUATOR is a good place to start if you’re struggling with writing up your research protocol or results. The EQUATOR Network (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) provides guidelines for reporting different types of health research. The EQUATOR Network is an international initiative that aims to “achieve accurate, complete, and transparent reporting of all health research studies” and includes researchers, journal editors, peer reviewers, and other relevant bodies. Continue reading
Welcome to this weekend’s reads. People seem to enjoy the cute animal stories, so I’ve included one (near the end, if you want to read it first).
The latest paediatric palliative care video (below) from Little Stars is about treating chronic pain in children. It’s nice to see how the interdisciplinary team interacts with, and respects, the girl in the video.
An article that is all over my social media feeds this week: Knowing How Doctors Die Can Change End of Life Discussions. It also brought back to mind this article on How Doctors Die. (NPR)
“I felt like I was beating up people at the end of their life…I would be doing the CPR with tears coming down sometimes, and saying, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, goodbye.’ Because I knew that it very likely not going to be successful. It just seemed a terrible way to end someone’s life.” Continue reading
Do you like technology? Innovation? Palliative care? Research? Why, these things are what @palliverse is all about – and why you/we are here in the first place!
Guess what? These things are exactly what the #MyPal podcasts from @amaranwosu are all about as well. How about that!
Check it out here and also on iTunes. Be amazed. Happy listening!
Sadly, I am not actually AT ASCO, the annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology which is taking place in Chicago this year.
However thanks to the modern day marvels of social media I was able to watch this lecture by Dr Riedel and a team at Duke University Medical Centre.
Dr Riedel introduced a model where palliative physicians ( “palliatricians”. What do you think? I love a neologism, myself….) co-rounded with the oncologists in the inpatient oncology unit.
Statistically significant reductions in length of stay (LOS), 7 and 30 day readmissions, and ICU admissions were demonstrated. Nurse and doctor satisfaction was increased. Nurses felt the quality of care was improved.
All the medical oncologists surveyed felt that the palliatricians added to the care of the patient and that they learned some stuff about symptom management. I know I learn heaps when I round with medical oncologists! Communication and collaboration was improved.
It was a shame they didn’t look at patient satisfaction, but hopefully that might happen in future.
Seen anything interesting coming out of ASCO this year?
Sonia
Here is a collection of posters from the recent Asia Pacific Hospice Conference in Taipei – primarily by researchers and clinicians from Australia and New Zealand. Enjoy!
Over 1300 delegates from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond congregated in the Taipei International Conference Centre at the beginning of May for the 11th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference (APHC). With a theme of “Transforming Palliative Care”, there was a particular focus on public health and the development of palliative care in countries where it is not yet well established. It was wonderful to meet clinicians, policymakers, teachers and researchers from near and far – from China to the Philippines, Mongolia to Saudi Arabia, Argentina and the United Kingdom – and discuss shared problems and discover new ways of doing things!
(Jacaranda tree in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney)
A comprehensive review of Medicare was announced this week, which has the potential to significantly impact how healthcare is delivered in Australia. Opinions abound (a small sample here, here, here, and here) but details are scarce. This announcement is timely, with the release of Australian Medical Association’s annual report card on public hospital services last week (reactions here and here) and the upcoming launch of Choosing Wisely Australia on April 29th (more on this here, here and here).
Also this week, Queensland and Victoria joined New South Wales in conducting clinical trials on the use medicinal cannabis (other reports here, here and here). Information about the trial and law reform process can be found here, here and here. Palliative Care Australia has also provided a submission.
Other reads:
Finally, it’s ANZAC Day: Lest we forget.
(Image: University of Michigan Library Card Catalog by dfulmer / CC BY)
The latest update of the Palliverse researchers database is here! Our numbers continue to grow and we will be talking about (and hopefully recruiting for) the database as a poster presentation at the upcoming Asia Pacific Hospice Conference in Taipei, Taiwan. Come and say hello in person if you will also be attending!
Once again, if you’ve have any stories associated with the database, we’d love to know! Email us at Palliverse@gmail.com
Happy Easter everyone!
Thanks to everyone who joined us in person or online today for our presentation at the PCRNV Forum. A special mention must go to James for his great webinar effort! Here is the transcript and analytics for you to enjoy! If you would like to join the Researchers Database, please fill in this Database invitation and send it back to us at Palliverse@gmail.com
palliverse.com 