Journal of palliative medicine
Audio Summaries

"We Talk About Everything": Experiences with Digital Health Communication in Palliative Care

May 8, 2026

The authors aimed to assess patient and caregiver experiences with digital communication tools in outpatient palliative care. Through qualitative interviews, they identified key themes, including the distinct roles of video and in-person visits, the potential for building trust via video, and the high engagement with patient portals despite usability challenges. The findings suggest a need for a flexible approach to care and advocate for improved digital tool usability and permanent telehealth extensions.

Cultural Adaptation and Pilot Implementation of Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Emergency Physicians (EPEC-EM) for Emergency Medicine Practice in Japan

May 7, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the feasibility of culturally adapting the U.S.-developed Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Emergency Medicine (EPEC-EM) program for emergency physicians in Japan, addressing the need for formal palliative care training amidst an aging population. Through an iterative process, they adapted and piloted three specific modules, enhancing their clarity and cultural relevance for Japanese practitioners. The study concludes that this adaptation process lays the groundwork for developing a tailored curriculum for broader implementation in Japan.

Bereaved Caregiver Perspectives on Quality of Care at the End of Life Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

May 7, 2026

The authors aimed to understand bereaved caregivers' perspectives on the quality of end-of-life care for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. Through a survey of 200 caregivers, they found that while relationships with clinicians were rated highly, psychosocial and spiritual care received lower ratings, highlighting the need for improved support in these areas. The findings emphasize the importance of aligning care delivery with the priorities of patients and families during this critical time.

Implementation of Structured Oncologist Communication Skills Training within the Improving Goal Concordant Care Initiative: Lessons Learned and Future Progress

May 7, 2026

This study investigates the implementation and effectiveness of structured communication skills training (CST) for oncology clinicians as part of the Improving Goal Concordant Care (IGCC) initiative across ten cancer centers. The findings indicate that CST can be successfully scaled, with high completion rates and positive impacts on clinician self-efficacy and distress levels, highlighting the importance of leadership support and incentives in overcoming barriers to implementation.

Left Behind: Addressing the Impact of Family Separation Due to Immigration Policies on the Suffering of Patients with Advanced Cancer

May 7, 2026

The authors investigate how family separation due to immigration policies exacerbates psychological suffering in patients with advanced cancer. Through two case studies, they highlight the challenges faced by patients who are isolated from key family members, which complicates their palliative care experience. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing support systems, including virtual family involvement and community advocacy, to mitigate these adverse effects.

A Nomogram Integrating CRP, eGFR, and BADL Scores for Predicting Short-Term Survival in Palliative Care Patients

May 4, 2026

The authors aimed to develop a nomogram that integrates objective biomarkers (C-reactive protein and estimated glomerular filtration rate) and functional status (Barthel Activities of Daily Living score) to predict short-term survival in palliative care patients. Their model demonstrated strong predictive performance and clinical utility, offering a reliable tool for guiding personalized care decisions in a diverse patient population.

Top Ten Tips All Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Care

May 4, 2026

The authors aim to provide palliative care clinicians with practical guidance for managing patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, which present significant challenges due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. They present a "Top Ten Tips" framework that addresses key issues such as recognizing clinician emotional responses, assessing medical severity, and employing trauma-informed care, ultimately seeking to enhance the confidence and effectiveness of clinicians in this complex area of care.

Patient Navigation for the Care Needs of Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review

May 1, 2026

This scoping review investigates the role of patient navigation interventions in addressing the ongoing care needs of cancer survivors, particularly in under-resourced settings. The authors synthesize findings from 17 studies, highlighting the diverse characteristics of navigation programs and their effectiveness in improving patient-reported outcomes, care coordination, and psychosocial support. The review emphasizes the necessity for flexible, culturally responsive navigation models and the importance of standardized training and sustainable reimbursement to enhance equity in cancer care.

Palliative Care Research in Heart Failure: A Bibliometric Review

Apr 29, 2026

This bibliometric review aims to analyze the current research landscape in palliative care for heart failure (HF), focusing on publication trends, collaboration patterns, and thematic areas of interest. The study reveals a steady increase in scholarly output, with a shift from basic disease management to more complex issues like care coordination and ethical considerations in advanced therapeutics. The authors suggest that future research should incorporate implementation science to enhance the integration of palliative care into clinical practice for HF patients.

Patterns of Goals-of-Care Documentation in the Outpatient Oncology Setting: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Older Adults with Advanced Cancer

Apr 28, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the prevalence of goals-of-care documentation (GOCC) among older adults with advanced cancer in an outpatient oncology setting and to identify patient-level factors associated with such documentation. They found that only 43% of the 7,743 patients studied had documented GOCC, with notable differences in age, marital status, and mortality rates between those with and without documentation. This highlights a significant gap in the documentation of patient values and preferences, indicating a need for improved practices in routine cancer care.