Psychologist Liesbeth van Vliet, anthropologist Annemarie Samuels and other experts have proposed a framework to guide clinicians in respecting the preferences of patients in terms of how much information they want about their health status. "Information isn't neutral. How you say something, who says it and the context in which that conversation takes place all have an effect on the impact," van Vliet said. The framework is described in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management in Advanced Cancers coaching program may improve resilience and hope among adolescents and young adults with advanced cancer. The program includes sessions on stress management, goal setting, cognitive reframing and meaning-making, as well as a family meeting and an optional session on advance care planning.

Acupuncture may offer modest relief for lower back pain, according to a study in JAMA Network Open involving 800 older adults. About 40% of participants reported at least a 30% improvement in pain and disability over 12 months with acupuncture.

The Milburn family of Springfield, Ill., is sharing their experience after daughter Lottie was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome, a condition sometimes known as childhood Alzheimer's. The 4-year-old had been regressing in her communication skills, and her mother, Abby, said a video online helped her recognize symptoms of the disorder. The family hopes to participate in a gene therapy trial. For now, they want to help Lottie be happy.

A study in JAMA Pediatrics found that children experiencing pain related to sickle cell disease were less likely to be hospitalized if they received opioid pain medication within 60 minutes of arriving in the emergency department. The data, covering 9,233 ED visits, indicates that timely pain management can reduce hospital admissions and support national guidelines.

A meta-analysis of 31 clinical trials found patient-reported outcomes have independent prognostic value for overall survival in cancer patients, researchers reported in JAMA Oncology. Higher scores in physical and role functioning were linked to better survival, while symptoms such as nausea and pain were associated with poor outcomes. Researchers say the findings highlight the "unique prognostic value" of patient-reported outcomes.

A survey of 1,615 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease revealed significant impacts on daily and emotional health, yet also found communication gaps with health care providers. Published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation, the survey found fewer than half of patients said they shared many details of their symptoms with clinicians. "The treatment of COPD keeps changing, as well as the health care environment, so it is important to understand what is currently happening," said David Mannino of the foundation.