The American journal of hospice & palliative care最新文献

{"title":"Intensity of Care at the End-of-Life in Pediatrics: A Single Center Analysis With Implications for Advanced Care Planning in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Kim Sadler, Lama Altarifi, Steven Callaghan, Saadiya Khan, Khaled AlGhamdi, Tareq Mohammed Alayed, Raghad Alhuthil, Abdulrahman Amer Alshehri, Maryam A Altassan, Musab Aldhari, Haifaa Hamzah Hussain, Mohammed Baragaa","doi":"10.1177/10499091251339615","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091251339615","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Advances in medicine have altered the progression of several pediatric disorders. However, this progress also comes with medical, economic, and ethical challenges, which can negatively affect children's quality of life. <b>Objective:</b> This study examines the quality of care of children with malignant and non-malignant conditions at the end of life. <b>Design:</b> A two-year cohort retrospective analysis was conducted. <b>Setting/Subjects:</b> The study included all children who died between December 1, 2021, and December 1, 2023, in a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia. <b>Measurements:</b> Data included. information on children's demographics, medical history, EOL care, and healthcare services utilization. <b>Results:</b> A total of 302 deaths were analyzed, 42% of infants. The most frequent conditions were cardiac diseases (30.1%) and malignancy (20.9%). Two-thirds had a Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation (DNAR) (66.6%), with most officialized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Two-thirds had no advanced directives (66.9%). A majority of children died in the ICU (64.6%), with a significant number receiving intensive care until the very end of life. The Palliative Care Team was involved in only 27.9% of cases, with a median of 47 days between referral and death. <b>Conclusion:</b> These findings highlight the paucity of advanced care planning, delays in goals of care discussion at the end of life, and suboptimal use of specialized palliative care resources early in the disease trajectory. These gaps impact children's symptom burden, family psychological distress, and unattained children and families' last wishes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":" ","pages":"568-577"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144096617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-Care for Psychosocial and Palliative Care Clinicians: Stakeholder-Informed Recommendations for Medical Education and Clinical Training.","authors":"Greta J Khanna, Timothy S Sannes, Douglas E Brandoff, Jane deLima Thomas, Richard E Leiter, Sue E Morris","doi":"10.1177/10499091251339745","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091251339745","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundDespite overwhelming evidence for work-related stress and burnout, health care clinicians receive little training in self-care.ObjectivesWe explored training and current self-care satisfaction of psychosocial and palliative care clinicians.DesignForty-one psychosocial and palliative care clinicians (18 physicians, 16 social workers, and 7 others [nurse practitioners, psychologists, pharmacists, and physician assistants]) who care for adult oncology patients at a large U.S. academic cancer center, completed an online survey about well-being, including their prior training, current satisfaction, and barriers to self-care.ResultsThis cross-sectional mixed-methods study found that clinicians felt that their graduate training did not prepare them very well to look after themselves in their professional roles (<i>m =</i> 1.71 [<i>SD</i> = 1.25]), where zero corresponded to \"not well at all\" and 4 to \"extremely well.\" Open-ended responses highlighted potential gaps in self-care training: (1) Institutional support; (2) Information and education; (3) Self-care techniques and support; (4) Expectations; and (5) Managing boundaries. Clinicians rated their satisfaction with their current self-care practices as \"moderately satisfied\" (<i>m</i> = 2.10 [<i>SD</i> = 0.92]). Participants also noted barriers to self-care: (1) Time; (2) Competing demands and priorities between work and home; (3) Work culture, including pace and load; (4) Energy, motivation, and awareness; and (5) New methods and tools.ConclusionsThe findings highlight gaps in clinical education and training about self-care practices for health care clinicians, especially for those who care for seriously ill and dying patients. We discuss training implications and propose possible interventions, to strengthen the existing models of self-care for health care clinicians.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":" ","pages":"578-584"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144036361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychosocial Screening by Inpatient Palliative Care Teams: Patient Characteristics and Outcomes.","authors":"Chelsea K Brown, Laura A Schoenherr, Steven Z Pantilat, Cara L Wallace, Bridget Sumser, Sarah Peck, David L O'Riordan","doi":"10.1177/10499091251343213","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091251343213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Context:</b> Palliative care (PC) teams are structured as interprofessional so that patient and caregiver distress can be assessed and treated across all bio-psychosocial-spiritual-cultural domains. The National Consensus Project's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care call for all PC team members to be competent at <i>screening</i> patients for psychosocial needs so that urgent referrals can be appropriately triaged to a PC social worker for follow-up assessment and intervention. <b>Objectives:</b> To understand patient characteristics and PC outcomes of hospitalized patients who are screened for psychosocial needs and subsequently receive psychosocial interventions during inpatient PC consultation. <b>Methods:</b> We analyzed data from 44,586 inpatient palliative care consultations by 11 Palliative Care Quality Network (PCQN) teams across various states between 01/01/2017 and 12/31/2021. <b>Results:</b> Overall, 81.5% (n = 36,332) of consults included a screen for psychosocial needs. Of those patients with an identified psychosocial need, (n = 25,661), 91.6% (n = 23,503) received a psychosocial intervention. Patients who spoke Spanish were less likely to receive a psychosocial screen than English-speaking patients (OR = 0.62, CI = 0.54-0.71). Patients who screened positive for a psychosocial need and identified as Hispanic/Latinx were less likely than those who identified as White to receive a follow-up psychosocial intervention (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.57-0.80). <b>Conclusion:</b> 4 out of 5 patients were screened for psychosocial needs. When a psychosocial need was identified, the majority of patients received a follow-up psychosocial intervention. There was disparate delivery of psychosocial care for patients who identify as Hispanic/Latinx and/or Spanish-speaking, indicating a key area for improvement and further exploration.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":" ","pages":"595-605"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unmet Needs of Palliative Cancer Patients: A Grounded Theory Study.","authors":"Ilaria Basile, Letteria Consolo, Anita Bellani, Daniele Rusconi, Simonetta Zappata, Augusto Caraceni, Maura Lusignani","doi":"10.1177/10499091251336452","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091251336452","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAdult patients in oncological palliative care often do not readily express their concerns to physicians or nurses, leading to the oversight of needs that remain unexplored and require additional support. These needs that remain unaddressed are classified as unmet needs.AimThis study aimed to construct a conceptual framework of the unmet needs of cancer patients in palliative care settings. <i>Method:</i> Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eligible patients until theoretical saturation was reached, as outlined by the methodology. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed through two coding cycles: line-by-line coding and focused coding, using NVIVO 14 software.Setting/participantsA total of 29 patients were recruited from home palliative care, hospice, and outpatient settings at the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori of Milan's Palliative Care - Hospice, Pain Therapy, and Rehabilitation Complex Unit.ResultsThis process led to the identification of five categories: Seeking Empowerment Through Daily Support, Need to Contain the Risk of Losing Dignity, Support in Managing the Progression of the Disease, Understanding and Openness to the Future, and Seeking Existential Support, along with a core category defined as the Need for Acknowledgment. The core category encompasses patients' need to express their most intimate needs, emphasizing how crucial it is for them to be seen and understood not only as individuals facing illness but as people with unique, complex life stories.ConclusionsThe conceptual model developed enabled the identification of these hidden needs, providing a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological dimensions that shape the experience of advanced illness.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":" ","pages":"585-594"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053869/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144060074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Prevalence of Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults Residing in Rural Utah Communities.","authors":"Lynn F Reinke, Malek Alnajar, Xiaoming Sheng, Katherine Supiano","doi":"10.1177/10499091251337722","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091251337722","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An estimated 24% of community-dwelling older adults experience social isolation defined as infrequent social contact or having few social relationships, and 35% of adults aged >45 report being lonely, a subjective feeling of isolation or lack of social contact. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with poor physical and mental health. The purpose of our study was to assess the prevalence of social isolation and loneliness among older adults receiving home health services in rural Utah communities. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 41 persons at the onset of enrollment in home care services in 2 rural counties in Utah. We assessed loneliness, social support and quality of life using validated surveys. We conducted descriptive statistics to describe the participants demographics and Pearson's Correlation Coefficients to assess a relationship between loneliness and quality of life and satisfaction with health. Participants were predominately older, with an average age of 75.6 years (range 59-93 years.) The majority of participants were female 27 (65.8%) and identified as White 36 (87.8%). Overall, the average loneliness score was 1.51 (0.67 SD) indicating the prevalence of loneliness was low among our study population. We found statistically significant correlation among participants who rated their loneliness higher with lower rates of satisfaction with their health and overall quality of life. Future research is needed with larger sample sizes to validate our findings which may inform policy changes including standardizing assessment of social isolation and loneliness and offering person-centered interventions to prevent the physical and psychological consequences of social isolation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":" ","pages":"622-629"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hospice Use by Cause of Death: A Cohort Study Using Utah Population Database.","authors":"Rebecca L Utz, Michael Hollingshaus, Attrayee Bandyopadhyay, Kathie Supiano, Margaret Clayton, Katherine A Ornstein, Djin Tay, Eli Iacob, Ken Smith, Caroline Stephens","doi":"10.1177/10499091251338254","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091251338254","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeIllnesses such as cancer often follow a predictable trajectory of decline, while others, such as Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), follow a more dwindling and protracted decline. Hospice, a form of EOL palliative care for individuals with less than 6 months of remaining life, was originally created for patients with life-limiting cancer but is increasingly used by all patients with all types of life-limiting diagnoses. This study assesses whether hospice use differs by the underlying cause of death and whether current hospice eligibility and practices provide optimal EOL to all causes of death.MethodBased on data from 17,321 hospice users drawn from the Caregiver Population Science (C-PopS) decedent cohort of the Utah Population Database (UPDB), we used multinomial regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier Survival Curves to model hospice length-of-stay by cause of death, in order to identify patterns of hospice use by patients who have different underlying causes of death.Major FindingsNon-cancer decedents were more likely to have sub-optimal patterns of hospice care, including <i>minimal use</i>, lasting less than a week, and <i>extended use</i>, lasting more than 6 months. Stroke decedents were the most likely to have <i>minimal-use</i> patterns of hospice, whereas dementia and COPD decedents were most likely to have <i>extended use</i>.ConclusionNew models of hospice-like EOL care that can accommodate both short-term and long-term palliative care needs may help meet the diverse needs of patients and families facing different EOL trajectories associated with common causes of death.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":" ","pages":"613-621"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advance Care Planning Engagement of Older Adults in the Emergency Department.","authors":"Adrian D Haimovich, Kenji Numata, Justin Wolozin, Zara Foroohar, Carlo Ottanelli, Ryan C Burke, Erin K Kross, Rebecca L Sudore, Nathan I Shapiro, Mara A Schonberg, Kei Ouchi","doi":"10.1177/10499091251338252","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091251338252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAdvance care planning (ACP) helps older adults make end-of-life medical decisions. While ACP discussions are associated with improved patient outcomes, overall engagement remains low in the emergency department (ED).ObjectivesThis study assessed ACP engagement in older ED patients.MethodsWe conducted a questionnaire study among adults ≥65 in a Boston ED (July-Oct 2023). Our primary outcome was ACP Engagement as measured by a validated 9-item instrument with three ACP self- efficacy and six ACP readiness questions. Secondary outcomes included participants' preferences for learning about five ACP topics in the ED-medical decision makers, what matters most, leeway and flexibility for decision makers, sharing wishes, and asking questions)-as well as their favored learning formats (eg, pamphlets, videos, clinician conversations). Each was rated on a 5-point Likert scale. We examined the relationship between ACP engagement and existing electronic health record (EHR) documentation.ResultsNinety-nine older adults participated (mean age 75.5; 53.5% women). On the 9-item ACP Engagement Survey, participants reported high overall scores with a mean of 4.1 (95% CI: 4.0-4.2). Among ACP readiness topics, 80 (81.6%) named a decision-maker; 37 (40.2%) discussed end-of-life wishes with doctors. Participants preferred ED team conversations. Among the 51 participants who reported having signed paperwork regarding end-of-life wishes, only 7 (13.7%) had forms documented in the EHR.ConclusionsAmong older adults in a large Boston-based ED, ACP engagement was high, but few patients had documentation of end-of-life wishes available in the EHR. Findings highlight the need for better ACP documentation in EDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":" ","pages":"606-612"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12377290/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144050937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex and Racial/Ethnic Differences in End-of-Life Care in Texan Medicare Colorectal Cancer Decedents.","authors":"Myrna Katalina Serna, Bethany Leach, Efstathia Polychronopoulou, Sean O'Mahoney, Mukaila Raji, Yong-Fang Kuo","doi":"10.1177/10499091251344948","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091251344948","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThere are known sex and racial/ethnic differences in colorectal cancer care. The purpose of this study is to investigate these differences in end-of-life health care utilization, advance care planning, and associated outcomes among Texan Medicare colorectal cancer decedents.MethodsIn this retrospective case control study, we used the Texas Cancer Registry linked with Medicare data for patients (n = 5757) aged ≥66 years who died 6 months to 5 years after receiving a diagnosis of primary colorectal cancer from 2010-2018. We used chi-square tests, t-tests, or ANOVA as appropriate for outcomes in the last 30 days of life to assess sex and racial/ethnic differences. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess differences in the odds of inpatient admission and hospice enrollment.ResultsSignificantly more female decedents were hospice enrolled. Non-Hispanic Black decedents, and to a lesser extent Hispanic decedents, had greater health care utilization, including inpatient stays, and less hospice enrollment compared to non-Hispanic White decedents. Advance care planning was low (≤2.2%) across all groups, with no significant differences. Multivariable logistic regression models showed that female decedents had greater odds of hospice enrollment compared to male decedents, and non-Hispanic Black decedents had greater odds of inpatient stays and decreased odds of hospice enrollment compared to non-Hispanic White decedents.ConclusionSex and racial/ethnic disparities in care highlight opportunities for process and quality improvement and suggest a need for practice changes to improve access to quality end-of-life care. More work is needed to incorporate advance care planning and billing into regular workflows.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":" ","pages":"630-638"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053865/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144136633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nutritional Interventions in Advanced Cancer: Scoping Review.","authors":"Aynur Aktas, Shirley Thomas, Michelle Barrett, Jessica Sui, Jake Waldman, Ciarán Kenny, Jessica Eustice-Cook, Kunal C Kadakia, Declan Walsh","doi":"10.1177/10499091251335249","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091251335249","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> It is unclear what evidence supports nutritional advice received by those with advanced cancer. In advanced cancer, the benefits of nutritional interventions are less clear, with no consensus about effectiveness. This uncertainty is compounded by the heterogeneity of nutritional interventions and absence of cohesive, evidence-based approaches. Intervention diversity highlights the need to summarize current dietary and nutritional approaches and their evidence base. <b>Objective:</b> To map and summarize the current evidence base for nutritional interventions in advanced cancer. <b>Methods:</b> A systematic search included studies on nutritional interventions in adults with advanced cancer, excluding enteral/parenteral nutrition. Five databases (CINAHL Ultimate, Embase, Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science) were searched from inception until 10/20/2023. Four researchers undertook screening and data extraction. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the studies, data synthesis was narrative. <b>Results:</b> The databases search yielded 3290 records. Fifty additional publications were identified through manual searches. Title/abstract screening identified 253 articles for full-text screening, 35 of which met inclusion criteria. Of these, 25 (69%) were randomized controlled trials. The studies were separated into 5 themes: (1) nutraceutical and herbal interventions, (2) ketogenic diet, (3) nutrition advice/support, (4) oral nutrition supplements, (5) other nutritional interventions. Outcome measures reported included anthropometry, biological markers, feasibility, performance status, quality of life, survival, and treatment tolerability. Most provided information about weight and energy intake and a few reported lean body mass. Although some reported positive outcomes, evidence is insufficient for definitive recommendations for any of those interventions. <b>Conclusions:</b> Our scoping review provided limited evidence for various nutritional interventions and dietary approaches. Dietary advice and oral nutritional supplements sometimes appeared to enhance treatment tolerance and improve nutritional status; impact on overall survival was inconsistent. Nutraceutical and herbal interventions showed limited clinical benefits despite apparent biological activity. The variability in outcomes underscores the need for personalized nutritional strategies that consider individual patient factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":" ","pages":"668-688"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144045020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-Pharmacologic Modalities in Hospice Care: The Use of a Rubik's Cube for Anxiety and Depression: A Case Study.","authors":"David B Brecher, David Anthony Johnson","doi":"10.1177/10499091251330875","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10499091251330875","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Psychological issues, especially anxiety and depression, are commonly seen in patients receiving Hospice care. In this case study we report on a 72 year-old male Veteran with metastatic hepatic carcinoma who has been placed in a Veterans Affairs Community Living Center (CLC) for end-of-life care. His flat affect was initially addressed by the Hospice team with psychiatric support and medication. Although suicidal ideation was not present, the Veteran did not want to leave his room or interact with others, and unfortunately, medication, natural light, massage and music were not effective in minimizing his symptoms. Our chaplain offered spiritual support and demonstrated his use of a Rubik's Cube in the hope of reducing the Veteran's stress. The Veteran was fascinated with the Rubik's Cube and the experience helped him become more interactive with staff and fellow patients. Can a Rubik's Cube be another non-pharmacological treatment option?</p>","PeriodicalId":94222,"journal":{"name":"The American journal of hospice & palliative care","volume":" ","pages":"689-691"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143702585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}