ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0958-3041
Current Organisations
Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM)
,
Forschungszentrum Jülich
,
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen
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Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-01-2012
DOI: 10.1136/BMJSPCARE-2011-000061
Abstract: To evaluate the views of clinicians and researchers on their use of outcome measures and which questions are most important in palliative and end-of-life care. Online survey of professionals working in clinical care, clinical audit and research in palliative care across Europe and Africa identified through national and international associations and databases. Questions focused on measures used, reasons and which questions were important in two commonly used multidimensional measures, the Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS) and the Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS). The overall completion rate was 59% (392/663). Three outcome measures were commonly used by over one in four respondents for clinical practice and over one in 10 for research: the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), followed by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the POS. Measures were used twice as often in clinical practice as in research. The main uses were similar: assessing patients' symptoms/needs (88% and 85% of POS and STAS users, respectively), monitoring changes (62%, 58%), evaluating care (61%, 48%) and assessing family needs (59%, 60%). Respondents rated the most important questions as pain, symptoms, emotional and family aspects. There were no differences in the choice of the most important questions between doctors and nurses or between researchers and clinicians. In palliative care, outcome measures often used in clinical practice are also often used in research. Questions relating to pain, symptoms, emotional needs and family concerns are consistently considered the most useful and important in palliative patient reported outcome measures (PROMs).
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 03-2011
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-01-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-10-2022
Abstract: Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have transformed the use of mobile electronics and storage technologies. Alongside advances in materials, an in‐depth understanding of the interfacial phenomena and interphase formation mechanisms in LIBs is crucial. Interphases are widely recognized as the most important and the least understood components of LIBs and play a direct role in defining cell performance, cyclability, and safety. This article presents a review of recent developments in vibrational spectroscopy techniques of Raman, infrared, and sum‐frequency generation spectroscopies to probe the fundamental aspects of interphases on the anode and cathode of LIBs. First the vibrational spectroscopy techniques and their relevant technical considerations for interphase characterization are briefly introduced. In the next step, the latest studies on the fundamental properties, composition, and structure of interphases employing vibrational spectroscopy techniques are presented. This review focuses on in situ / operando investigations however, post‐mortem studies are also discussed briefly.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 04-04-2011
Abstract: The Palliative Care Outcome Scale (POS) and the Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS) are outcome measures assessing quality of care in palliative care patients. This review aims to appraise their use in clinical care and research. Five electronic databases were searched (February 2010) for original papers describing the validation or use of POS and/or STAS. Of the 83 papers included, 43 studies were on POS, 39 on STAS and one study using both. Eight STAS studies validated the original version, four an adaptation 20 studies applied the STAS in another culture and 19 in other languages. POS papers reported included: 14 adapted POS versions, 12 translations of the POS and 15 studies of use in different cultures. Both measures have been used in cancer, HIV/AIDS and in mixed groups. POS has also been applied in neurological, kidney, pulmonary and heart disease. Both tools were used in different areas such as the evaluation of care or interventions, description of symptom prevalence and implementation of outcome measures in clinical practice. Overall, they seem to be well accepted tools for outcome measurement in palliative care, both in clinical care and research.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-06-2015
Abstract: Outcome measurement plays an increasing role in improving the quality, effectiveness, efficiency and availability of palliative care. To provide expert recommendations on outcome measurement in palliative care in clinical practice and research. Developed by a European Association for Palliative Care Task Force, based on literature searches, international expert workshop, development of outcome measurement guidance and international online survey. A subgroup drafted a first version and circulated it twice to the task force. The preliminary final version was circulated to wider expert panel and 28 international experts across 20 European Association for Palliative Care member associations and the European Association for Palliative Care Board of Directors and revised according to their feedback. The final version was approved by the European Association for Palliative Care Board for adoption as an official European Association for Palliative Care position paper. In all, 12 recommendations are proposed covering key parameters of measures, adequate measures for the task, introduction of outcome measurement into practice, and national and international outcome comparisons and benchmarking. Compared to other recommendations, the White Paper covers similar aspects but focuses more on outcome measurement in clinical care and the wider policy impact of implementing outcome measurement in clinical palliative care. Patient-reported outcome measure feedback improves awareness of unmet need and allows professionals to act to address patients’ needs. However, barriers and facilitators have been identified when implementing outcome measurement in clinical care that should be addressed. The White Paper recommends the introduction of outcome measurement into practice and outcomes that allow for national and international comparisons. Outcome measurement is key to understanding different models of care across countries and, ultimately, patient outcome having controlled for differing patients characteristics.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-05-2023
Abstract: Increasing the cell voltage of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is a straightforward approach to increasing their capacity and energy density. However, state‐of‐the‐art cathode materials like LiNi x Mn y Co 1‐x‐y O 2 (NMC) suffer from severe failure mechanisms at high operating voltages, significantly degrading the performance and cycle life of the cells. Notably, an effective cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) mitigates these failure mechanisms. Nevertheless, a deep understanding of the formation mechanisms and properties of the CEI is necessary to tailor effective interphases. This study introduces a promising electrolyte additive for high operating voltage NMC811||graphite cells. Implementing an optimized concentration of 3‐thiophene boronic acid (3‐Thp‐BOH) significantly enhances the cells' performance and reduces capacity fading, resulting in a quadrupled cycle life and a six‐times higher accumulated specific energy. Operando shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) is employed to shed light on the formation mechanism and molecular composition of CEI during cell operation, proving that the presence of the additive results in the formation of a complex 3‐Thp‐BOH‐based polymeric CEI on the NMC811 surface. The CEI investigation is additionally supported by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and highly accurate quantum chemistry modeling of the suggested polymerization mechanisms.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2010
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 27-02-2009
Abstract: Breathlessness is common in advanced disease and can have a devastating impact on patients and carers. Research on the management of breathlessness is challenging. There are relatively few studies, and many studies are limited by inadequate power or design. This paper represents a consensus statement of the National Cancer Research Institute Palliative Care Breathlessness Subgroup. The aims of this paper are to facilitate the design of adequately powered multi-centre interventional studies in breathlessness, to suggest a standardised, rational approach to breathlessness research and to aid future ‘between study’ comparisons. Discussion of the physiology of breathlessness is included.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.PEC.2011.10.004
Abstract: Recent legal changes in Germany make non-compliance with advance directives (ADs) a criminal offence. This article assesses the evidence on attitudes towards, use of, and physician compliance with ADs in Germany. Critical review: studies on ADs, identified from a systematic review of culture and end-of-life care in Germany (11 electronic databases, 3 journals, reference lists, and grey literature), were included. An interpretative synthesis of findings revealed cross-cutting themes. Thirty-two studies (1996-2009) were identified. Key themes were: awareness utilization compliance and bindingness of ADs. There was a positive trend between awareness of ADs and study publication date. Use varied between patient groups (0.3-62%) and was low amongst the general population (2.5-10%). Fears about ADs' purpose and possible abuse were identified. Physician discomfort in discussing ADs and non-compliance were reported. Physicians preferred legally binding ADs, though conflicting results were reported for patients' desired level of bindingness. Although there is increasing awareness of ADs in Germany, there remains low use, poor communication, fears of abuse, some non-compliance and contradictory evidence regarding desired bindingness. Although legal changes will hopefully improve compliance, low awareness, communication difficulties and uncertainties surrounding ADs must be addressed if use is to increase.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-03-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 22-06-2011
Abstract: Objective: To examine and compare doctors’ and nurses’ views and experiences regarding outcome measurement in palliative care, including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods: A web-based survey developed through expert review and piloting was conducted in Europe and Africa with palliative care professionals working in clinical care, audit and research. Results: The overall participation rate was 42% (663/1592) and the overall completion rate was 59% (392/663). Of these respondents, 196 were doctors (51% male, mean 47 years) and 104 were nurses (84% female, mean 45 years). Doctors’ most common reported reasons for not using tools were time constraints followed by lack of training. For nurses, it was lack of training followed by time constraints. Provision of information and guidance influenced willingness to use measures. For those that used tools, most reported favourable outcome measurement experiences. Both prioritized brief PROMs, and measures that included physical and psychological domains. For clinical purposes, the main advantage for doctors was assessment/screening, and clinical decision making for nurses. For research, doctors were most influenced by a measure’s comparability with national/international literature followed by its validation in palliative care. For nurses, validation in palliative care was followed by tool access. Conclusion: Overall these respondents shared similar views and experiences, and both were influenced by similar factors. Multidisciplinary outcome measurement education and training is feasible and required. Multidimensional and brief PROMs that include physical and psychological domains need to be prioritized, and access to freely available, validated and translated tools is needed to ensure cross-national comparisons and coordination of international research.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 20-02-2013
Abstract: The Council of Europe has recommended that member states of European Union encourage their citizens to make decisions about their healthcare before they lose capacity to do so. However, it is unclear whether the public wants to make such decisions beforehand. To examine public preferences for self-involvement in end-of-life care decision-making and identify associated factors. A population-based survey with 9344 adults in England, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Across countries, 74% preferred self-involvement when capable 44% preferred self-involvement when incapable through, for ex le, a living will. Four factors were associated with a preference for self-involvement across capacity and incapacity scenarios, respectively: higher educational attainment ((odds ratio = 1.93–2.77), (odds ratio = 1.33–1.80)) female gender ((odds ratio = 1.27, 95% confidence interval = 1.14–1.41), (odds ratio = 1.30, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–1.42)) younger-middle age ((30–59 years: odds ratio = 1.24–1.40), (50–59 years: odds ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.04–1.46)) and valuing quality over quantity of life or valuing both equally ((odds ratio = 1.49–1.58), (odds ratio = 1.35–1.53)). Those with increased financial hardship (odds ratio = 0.64–0.83) and a preference to die in hospital (not a palliative care unit) (odds ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = 0.60–0.88), a nursing home or residential care (odds ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = 0.54–0.99) were less likely to prefer self-involvement when capable. For the incapacity scenario, single people were more likely to prefer self-involvement (odds ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = 1.18–1.53). Self-involvement in decision-making is important to the European public. However, a large proportion of the public prefer to not make decisions about their care in advance of incapacity. Financial hardship, educational attainment, age, and preferences regarding quality and quantity of life require further examination these factors should be considered in relation to policy.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPAINSYMMAN.2011.06.008
Abstract: As the European population ages and the number of cancer deaths annually increases, there is an urgent requirement to provide high-quality, effective care. The measurement of outcomes in advanced disease is complex, and to conduct comparative research and meta-analyses, appropriate tool selection is essential. This study aimed to identify the outcome tools currently in use in end-of-life care (both clinically and for research) across Europe and investigate the preferred features of outcome tools from the perspective of those who select and apply them. A pan-European Internet-based survey of tool users was conducted in research and clinical populations. Respondents were asked to identify the tools they are using and describe ideal features of the measures. The study was conducted in accordance with guidance for best practice in web-based research. Of the 311 participants who completed a survey, 99 tools in clinical care and audit, and 94 in research, were cited by less than 10 participants. Further data revealed that respondents require the number of potential tools to be rationalized and that brief tools are favored. The selection of valid and appropriate tools for palliative care populations requires expert guidance and support to ensure that clinicians and researchers are collecting data that have validity and potential for comparison within and between populations and countries.
Publisher: European Respiratory Society (ERS)
Date: 31-12-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2013
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 03-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPAINSYMMAN.2011.09.013
Abstract: Culture has a profound influence on our understanding of what is appropriate care for patients at the end of life (EoL), but the evidence base is largely nonexistent. An international workshop was organized to compile a research agenda for cultural issues in EoL research, and assess challenges and implications of the integration of the culture concept in different contexts. Participant experts were identified from the expert network established through an Internet-based call for expertise on culture and EoL care and from meetings. The workshop comprised presentations of research priorities from country and disciplinary perspectives, and group discussions. Analysis used all data gathered in the workshop and applied standard qualitative techniques. Thirty experts participated in the workshop and identified the following priorities for cross-cultural research: 1) clarifying the concepts of culture and cultural competence 2) defining EoL in a context of social and cultural ersity, with a focus on concepts of EoL care and bioethics, experiences of receiving and giving EoL care, and care practices in different settings and 3) developing appropriate methodologies and outcome measurements that address ersity. This first pan-European meeting compiled a research agenda, identifying key areas for future research focusing on culture, ersity, and their operationalization. This requires international and multidisciplinary collaboration, which is necessary in the current efforts to synthesize best practices in EoL care.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 23-05-2013
Abstract: Health-care costs are growing, with little population-based data about people’s priorities for end-of-life care, to guide service development and aid discussions. We examined variations in people’s priorities for treatment, care and information across seven European countries. Telephone survey of a random s le of households we asked respondents their priorities if ‘faced with a serious illness, like cancer, with limited time to live’ and used multivariable logistic regressions to identify associated factors. Members of the general public aged ≥16 years residing in England, Flanders, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. In total, 9344 in iduals were interviewed. Most people chose ‘improve quality of life for the time they had left’, ranging from 57% (95% confidence interval: 55%–60%, Italy) to 81% (95% confidence interval: 79%–83%, Spain). Only 2% (95% confidence interval: 1%–3%, England) to 6% (95% confidence interval: 4%–7%, Flanders) said extending life was most important, and 15% (95% confidence interval: 13%–17%, Spain) to 40% (95% confidence interval: 37%–43%, Italy) said quality and extension were equally important. Prioritising quality of life was associated with higher education in all countries (odds ratio = 1.3 (Flanders) to 7.9 (Italy)), experience of caregiving or bereavement (England, Germany, Portugal), prioritising pain/symptom control over having a positive attitude and preferring death in a hospice alliative care unit. Those prioritising extending life had the highest home death preference of all groups. Health status did not affect priorities. Across all countries, extending life was prioritised by a minority, regardless of health status. Treatment and care needs to be reoriented with patient education and palliative care becoming mainstream for serious conditions such as cancer.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.1002/PON.3283
Abstract: With increasing European cancer deaths, clinicians must manage information regarding poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine European citizens' preferences, within a scenario of serious illness such as cancer with less than a year to live, for information disclosure regarding poor prognosis, the likely symptoms and problems, and the care options available, to measure variations between countries and to identify factors associated with preferences. A population-based cross-national telephone survey using random digit dialling in seven countries was conducted. Among 9344 respondents, data revealed an international preference (73.9%) to always be informed in the scenario of having a serious illness such as cancer with less than a year to live. This varied from 67.6% in Italy to 80.7% in Flanders. A minority (21.1%) did not want such information unless they ask, or at all. People younger than 70 years (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.62-0.83, p < 0.001), men (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10-1.37, p < 0.001), those with experience of illness (OR = 1.20. 95% CI 1.01-1.43, p < 0.05) and with more education (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.09-1.32, p < 0.001) were more likely to want to know of limited time left. The models confirmed the influence of four factors in more than one country (age, gender, education and most concerning problem) and added 11 country-specific factors to which national policies and clinical practice should respond. These findings confirm a majority public preference to be informed in a scenario of poor prognosis. Policy clinical practice should facilitate elucidation and delivery of preferences. Evidence for effective communication skills-building interventions for clinicians is required.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-01-2012
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-03-2019
Abstract: Chronic breathlessness is a neglected symptom of advanced diseases. To examine the effect of airflow for chronic breathlessness relief. Exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis. Medline, CINAHL, AMED and Cochrane databases were searched (1985–2018) for observational studies or randomised controlled trials of airflow as intervention or comparator. Selection against predefined inclusion criteria, quality appraisal and data extraction was conducted by two independent reviewers with access to a third for unresolved differences. ‘Before and after’ breathlessness measures from airflow arms were analysed. Meta-analysis was carried out where possible. In all, 16 of 78 studies (n = 929) were included: 11 randomised controlled trials of oxygen versus medical air, 4 randomised controlled trials and 1 fan cohort study. Three meta-analyses were possible: (1) Fan at rest in three studies (n = 111) offered significant benefit for breathlessness intensity (0–100 mm visual analogue scale and 0–10 numerical rating scale), mean difference −11.17 (95% confidence intervals (CI) −16.60 to −5.74), p = 0.06 I 2 64%. (2) Medical air via nasal cannulae at rest in two studies (n = 89) improved breathlessness intensity (visual analogue scale), mean difference −12.0 mm, 95% CI −7.4 to −16.6, p 0.0001 I 2 = 0%. (3) Medical airflow during a constant load exercise test before and after rehabilitation (n = 29) in two studies improved breathlessness intensity (modified Borg scale, 0–10), mean difference −2.9, 95% CI −3.2 to −2.7, p 0.0001 I 2 = 0%. Airflow appears to offer meaningful relief of chronic breathlessness and should be considered as an adjunct treatment in the management of breathlessness.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-02-2014
Abstract: One of the barriers identified in palliative care research is the lack of common criteria to describe the population. The aim of this Delphi process was to obtain consensus on a basic set of core variables to describe or classify a palliative care cancer population. This was a five-step international Delphi exercise. A total of 117 experts were invited to participate. Based on a literature review and analyses of existing minimum datasets for national databases, a list of 18 proposed variables was presented in the first Delphi round. The two first rounds focused on which variables to include, and several new variables were proposed. The three last Delphi rounds focused on how the agreed variables should be recorded. Consensus was defined as at least 70% agreement. A total of 64 experts from 30 countries participated. High consensus was reached on 31 variables, ided between a ‘patient form’ – date of birth, gender, living situation, education, ethnicity and 12 symptoms – and a ‘health-care personnel form’ – patient’s date of birth, principal diagnosis, date of the principal diagnosis, stage of the cancer disease, site of metastases, present anticancer treatment, main additional diagnoses, stage of the additional diagnoses, medication, weight loss, performance status, cognitive impairment, place of care and provision of care. It was more difficult to agree upon how to record the variables, but consensus was reached on all except ethnicity, vomiting and weight loss. Consensus was reached on a set of core variables and how they should be recorded.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-11-2010
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-03-2013
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-2005
DOI: 10.1191/0269216305PM1054OA
Abstract: The Research Network of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) performed a survey of 3030 cancer patients from 143 palliative care centres in 21 European countries. The survey addressed pain intensity and the use of non-opioid analgesics, adjuvant analgesics and opioids. Patients were treated with analgesics corresponding to the WHO pain ladder step I (n / 855), step II (n / 509) and step III (n / 1589). The investigators assessed 32% of the patients as having moderate or severe pain. In general there were small differences between pain intensities across different countries. Cancer primary sites and the presence of metastasis had only minor influences on pain intensity. The most frequently used nonopioid analgesics were NSAIDs (26%) and paracetamol (23%). Adjuvant analgesics or coanalgesics used by / 1% of the patients were corticosteroids (39%), tricylic antidepressants (11%), gabapentin (5%), bisphosphonates (4%), clonazepam (2%), carbamazepine (4%) and phenytoin (2%). The use of non-opioid analgesics and co-analgesics varied widely between countries. Opioids administered for mild to moderate pain were codeine (8%), tramadol (8%), dextropropoxyphene (5%) and dihydrocodeine (2%). Morphine was the most frequently used opioid for moderate to severe pain (oral normal release morphine: 21% oral sustained-release morphine: 19% iv or sc morphine: 10%). Other opioids for moderate to severe pain were transdermal fentanyl (14%), oxycodone (4%), methadone (2%), diamorphine (2%) and hydromorphone (1%). We observed large variations in the use of opioids across countries. Finally, we observed that only a minority of the patients who used morphine needed very high doses.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-03-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-012-1436-5
Abstract: Patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) plays an increasing role in palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care but their use in EOL care and research remains varied and inconsistent. We aimed to facilitate pan-European collaboration to improve PROMs in palliative and EOL care and research. The study includes a workshop with experts experienced in using PROMs in clinical care and research from Europe, North America, and Africa. Information from presentations, and plenary and group discussions was analysed using content analysis for extracting the main themes. Thirty-two professionals from 15 countries and eight different professional backgrounds participated in the workshop. The discussion identified: 1) the need for standardisation with improvement of existing PROMs, e.g., with a modular system and an optional item pool 2) the aspects of further development with a multi-professional approach taking into account cultural sensitivity especially for translated versions and 3) the need for guidance, training, and resources. An international network for sharing concepts, experiences, and solutions could enhance these steps of further development. PROMs must be based on rigorous scientific methods and respond to patient complexity. Coordinated pan-European collaboration including researchers and clinicians is required to develop and attain quality care and systematic research in outcome measurement in palliative and EOL care.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-07-2023
Abstract: Effective electrolyte compositions are of primary importance in raising the performance of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Recently, fluorinated cyclic phosphazenes in combination with fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) have been introduced as promising electrolyte additives, which can decompose to form an effective dense, uniform, and thin protective layer on the surface of electrodes. Although the basic electrochemical aspects of cyclic fluorinated phosphazenes combined with FEC were introduced, it is still unclear how these two compounds interact constructively during operation. This study investigates the complementary effect of FEC and ethoxy(pentafluoro)cyclotriphosphazene (EtPFPN) in aprotic organic electrolyte in LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O ∥ SiO x /C full cells. The formation mechanism of lithium ethyl methyl carbonate (LEMC)‐EtPFPN interphasial intermediate products and the reaction mechanism of lithium alkoxide with EtPFPN are proposed and supported by Density Functional Theory calculations. A novel property of FEC is also discussed here, called molecular‐cling‐effect (MCE). To the best knowledge, the MCE has not been reported in the literature, although FEC belongs to one of the most investigated electrolyte additives. The beneficial MCE of FEC toward the sub‐sufficient solid‐electrolyte interphase forming additive compound EtPFPN is investigated via gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, gas chromatography high resolution‐accurate mass spectrometry, in situ shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
Publisher: OAE Publishing Inc.
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.20517/ENERGYMATER.2023.07
Abstract: Research on lithium metal as a high-capacity anode for future lithium metal batteries (LMBs) is currently at an all-time high. To date, the different influences of a highly pure argon glovebox (GB) and an industry-relevant ambient dry room (DR) atmosphere have received little attention in the scientific community. In this paper, we report on the impact of in coin cell atmosphere (ICCA) on the performance of an LMB as well as its interphase characteristics and properties in combination with three organic carbonate-based electrolytes with and without two well-known interphase-forming additives, namely fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC). The results obtained from this carefully executed systematic study show a substantial impact of the ICCA on solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) resistance (RSEI) and lithium stripping lating homogeneity. In a transition metal cathode (NMC811) containing LMBs, a DR ICCA results in an up to 50% increase in lifetime due to the improved chemical composition of the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). Furthermore, different impacts on electrode characteristics and cell performance were observed depending on the utilized functional additive. Since this study focuses on a largely overlooked influential factor of LMB performance, it highlights the importance of comparability and transparency in published research and the importance of taking differences between research and industrial environments into consideration in the aim of establishing and commercializing LMB cell components.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2014
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 19-07-2012
DOI: 10.1136/POSTGRADMEDJ-2011-000061REP
Abstract: To evaluate the views of clinicians and researchers on their use of outcome measures and which questions are most important in palliative and end-of-life care. Online survey of professionals working in clinical care, clinical audit and research in palliative care across Europe and Africa identified through national and international associations and databases. Questions focused on measures used, reasons and which questions were important in two commonly used multidimensional measures, the Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS) and the Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS). The overall completion rate was 59% (392/663). Three outcome measures were commonly used by over one in four respondents for clinical practice and over one in 10 for research: the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), followed by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the POS. Measures were used twice as often in clinical practice as in research. The main uses were similar: assessing patients' symptoms/needs (88% and 85% of POS and STAS users, respectively), monitoring changes (62%, 58%), evaluating care (61%, 48%) and assessing family needs (59%, 60%). Respondents rated the most important questions as pain, symptoms, emotional and family aspects. There were no differences in the choice of the most important questions between doctors and nurses or between researchers and clinicians. In palliative care, outcome measures often used in clinical practice are also often used in research. Questions relating to pain, symptoms, emotional needs and family concerns are consistently considered the most useful and important in palliative patient reported outcome measures (PROMs).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
Abstract: Cancer end-of-life care (EoLC) policies assume people want to die at home. We aimed to examine variations in preferences for place of death cross-nationally. A telephone survey of a random s le of in iduals aged ≥16 in England, Flanders, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. We determined where people would prefer to die if they had a serious illness such as advanced cancer, facilitating circumstances, personal values and experiences of illness, death and dying. Of 9344 participants, between 51% (95% CI: 48% to 54%) in Portugal and 84% (95% CI: 82% to 86%) in the Netherlands would prefer to die at home. Cross-national analysis found there to be an influence of circumstances and values but not of experiences of illness, death and dying. Four factors were associated with a preference for home death in more than one country: younger age up to 70+ (Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain), increased importance of dying in the preferred place (England, Germany, Portugal, Spain), prioritizing keeping a positive attitude (Germany, Spain) and wanting to involve family in decisions if incapable (Flanders, Portugal). At least two-thirds of people prefer a home death in all but one country studied. The strong association with personal values suggests keeping home care at the heart of cancer EoLC.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPAINSYMMAN.2014.07.010
Abstract: Patient-centered outcome measures (PCOMs) are an important way of promoting patient-professional communication. However, evidence regarding their implementation in palliative care is limited, as is evidence of the impact on care quality and outcomes. The aim was to systematically review evidence on capture and feedback of PCOMs in palliative care populations and determine the effects on processes and outcomes of care. We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, BNI, PsycINFO, and gray literature from 1985 to October 2013 for peer-reviewed articles focusing on collection, transfer, and feedback of PCOMs in palliative care populations. Two researchers independently reviewed all included articles. Review articles, feasibility studies, and those not measuring PCOMs in clinical practice were excluded. We quality assessed articles using modified Edwards criteria and undertook narrative synthesis. One hundred eighty-four articles used 122 different PCOMs in 70,466 patients. Of these, 16 articles corresponding to 13 studies met the full inclusion criteria. Most evidence was from outpatient oncology. There was strong evidence for an impact of PCOMs feedback on processes of care including better symptom recognition, more discussion of quality of life, and increased referrals based on PCOMs reporting. There was evidence of improved emotional and psychological patient outcomes but no effect on overall quality of life or symptom burden. In palliative care populations, PCOMs feedback improves awareness of unmet need and allows professionals to act to address patients' needs. It consequently benefits patients' emotional and psychological quality of life. However, more high-quality evidence is needed in noncancer populations and across a wider range of settings.
No related grants have been discovered for Claudia Bausewein.