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Women's Health and Education Center (WHEC)

Gynecologic Oncology

List of Articles

  • End-of-Life Care: Symptom Management (Part 2)
    The purpose of this document is the best management of symptoms in end-of-life situations. Before initiating a symptom management approach, pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic, clinicians should allow patients time to express their thoughts and concerns. This simple step has led to better outcomes and when carried out in a supportive environment, has been almost as effective as more advanced techniques. Continual reassessment of symptoms is necessary to ensure adequate management of symptoms. It may be helpful for patients or a family member to keep a pain or symptom diary to note which measures have or have not provided relief and the duration of relief. This information will help clinicians deter­mine the efficacy of specific therapeutic options and modify the treatment plan as necessary. The discussion of interventions in this document focuses on the care of adults. This document discusses the symptoms: Anorexia and Cachexia, Diarrhea; Sleep Disturbances; and Delirium.

  • End-of-Life Care: Symptom Management (Part 3)
    This course is designed to bridge the gap in knowledge of palliative care by providing an overview of the concept of palliative care and a discussion of the benefits and barriers to optimum palliative care at the end of life. Before initiating a symptom management approach, pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic, clinicians should allow patients time to express their thoughts and concerns. This simple step has led to better outcomes and when carried out in a supportive environment, has been almost as effective as more advanced techniques. Continual reassessment of symptoms is necessary to ensure adequate management of symptoms. It may be helpful for patients or a family member to keep a pain or symptom diary to note which measures have or have not provided relief and the duration of relief. This information will help clinicians deter­mine the efficacy of specific therapeutic options and modify the treatment plan as necessary. The discussion of interventions in this document focuses on the care of adults. The issue of physician-assisted-suicide or euthanasia is likely to remain high on the medico-legal or ethical agendas of many countries in coming years. One reason, according to some experts, is a growing insistence among patients in many countries on having the final say – in all senses of the word “final” – about their medical treatment. Another reason is that people are living longer and because of medical advances increasing numbers are surviving with debilitating conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. The evidence of more than a dozen years’ experience in Oregon and two years’ data from Washington state suggests that legalized physician-assisted death provides an appropriate and ethically acceptable choice to patients who wish it and who qualify under the statutory guidelines. Along with science, empathy – the humanistic dimension – remains critical. This document discusses the symptoms: Psychosocial Care; Anxiety; Depression, Spiritual Needs; Imminent Death and Physician-Assisted Suicide.

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