The following lists palliative care research primarily conducted by Australian research groups. The list is based on application of the CareSearch search filter for palliative care to identify articles held within the PubMed database and corresponding to the strongest evidence. Articles have been selected based on relevance and new articles are added on a weekly basis.
Whilst not an exhaustive list, the aim is to keep the community informed by providing a snapshot of recent research findings and planned studies in the Australian setting.
Dharmagunawardene D, Kularatna S, Halahakone U, Purtell L, Bonner A, Healy HG, et al.
Introduction: Kidney failure can be managed either conservatively or via kidney replacement therapy. Kidney supportive care combines the expertise of nephrology with palliative care in a multidisciplinary team with a focus on improving quality of life.
Objective: To identify and appraise evidence-based health system kidney supportive care interventions DESIGN: Systematic review (PROSPERO Registration - CRD42022333650).
Participants: Adults with chronic kidney failure.
Measurements: Six databases were searched, using terms "palliative care" and "chronic kidney disease" for publications between January 2010 and March 2024. The Cochrane "Effective Practice and Organisation of Care" and "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care" domains informed data extraction.
Results: Of the 60 studies included, one-third were randomised controlled trials. The most common "Effective Practice and Organisation of Care" domain described was care delivery (58/60). End-of-life care (33/60), and physical aspects of care (19/60), were commonly described "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care" domains. Multidisciplinary shared care was highlighted in 26 studies. Least described domains were cultural (0/60) and ethical aspects (3/60). Almost 2/3 (39/60) of studies compared the outcomes of kidney supportive care interventions, and the most common outcome assessed was advance care planning (18/39). Key findings reported integrated palliative care reduced hospital admissions and costs, facilitated better patient-clinician communication, and improved symptom management. Gaps were identified in cultural and ethical/legal aspects of care.
Conclusions: The studies highlighted the effectiveness of kidney-supportive care interventions in improving patient outcomes, especially in end-of-life care and symptom management. However, significant existing gaps identified necessitate further research.
Roche N, Darzins S, Oakman J, Stuckey R.
Abstract: Workers employed in clinical healthcare settings often encounter dying and death of patients as a part of their role. This scoping review aimed to explore the physical and psychosocial OHS impacts on health workers exposed to death within their occupational role and their inherent coping strategies. Six electronic databases PsycINFO (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), AMED (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Proquest Social Sciences were searched for peer reviewed research articles published between March 1971 and April 2022. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Three authors independently assessed articles for inclusion. Fifty-three studies with focus settings in hospitals, hospice, general practice and residential care were identified. Five main themes were developed and organized using and ergonomic systems approach: Cultural Environment, Workplace, Job Demands, Impacts and Coping. The findings demonstrate that caring for dying patients, the dead and their families in clinical settings impacts workers emotionally, physically, behaviorally and spiritually.
Last updated 30 April 2024