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News Digest for Palliative Care Professionals: May 2025

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The May digest offers valuable insights for palliative care professionals across diverse settings. Psychologists and spiritual care providers will uncover new evidence regarding the impact of faith and religiosity on depression among patients with advanced illness. Paediatric teams will benefit from international recommendations concerning sleep problems, as well as from comparative analysis of early and late palliative referrals in paediatric oncology. Hospice leaders are encouraged to reflect on the mission and meaning of hospice work through a series of innovative interviews. Lastly, a case study illustrates how yoga can enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in advanced cancer care.

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Faith as a Coping Mechanism

Depression is prevalent among individuals with chronic illnesses such as cancer, often driven by treatment side effects and psychological distress. This article examines how religious patients, particularly those rooted in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, perceive and manage depression through their faith. High levels of internalised religiosity — where faith acts as a profound motivator — were linked to quicker remission in elderly hospitalised patients. The study provides psychosocial professionals with practical insights into how spiritual coping mechanisms may bolster mental health and promote resilience, meaning, and peace in palliative care settings.
Guidance on Sleep Problems in Paediatric Palliative Care

Up to 80% of children with palliative care needs experience sleep disturbances; however, understanding how to manage these issues has been limited. This consensus statement outlines key definitions, assessment methods, and treatment strategies developed by international experts. It offers a structured approach to addressing the complex interplay of the physical, psychological, and environmental causes of sleep disruption. The article provides clear, actionable guidance for clinicians working in paediatric palliative care.
Finding Hospice Futures: A Journey in Four Parts

Through in-depth interviews with 31 hospice CEOs across England, this four-part series examines the philosophical and strategic future of hospice care. Using the STR-V (Semiotic Tension Recognition) method, the author reveals patterns in how hospice leaders conceptualise the purpose of hospices, their essence, ownership of death, and their evolution. The insights challenge prevailing assumptions and provide a framework for critical reflection among healthcare leaders striving to develop sustainable hospice systems.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Never Too Early for Palliative Care in Paediatric Oncology

This case study compares four scenarios of integrating palliative care in paediatric oncology—from early referral and active treatment to late integration and end-of-life care. It highlights how early palliative involvement improves communication, symptom management, and psychosocial support. It also addresses the common fear among parents that palliative care excludes curative efforts. Clarity regarding team roles and transparent communication with families are key to building trust and effective collaboration.
Case Report on Yoga in Palliative Care

This detailed case report examines the integration of yoga therapy into palliative care for a woman with metastatic cancer. After a month of guided practice, the patient reported up to 62% improvement in selected well-being indicators. The article presents an individualised exercise plan, the patient’s reflections, and the broader implications of yoga as a holistic intervention addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. While further research is necessary, this study offers a compelling starting point for incorporating yoga into multidisciplinary care.
2025-05-27 10:14 Digest