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Kastrinos A, Bacharz K, Mroz EL, Fisher CL, Applebaum AJ. A Mixed-Method Examination of Emerging and Young Adult Cancer Caregivers' Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5537. [PMID: 37107819 PMCID: PMC10138842 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Advanced cancer caregivers in emerging and young adulthood (EYACs; ages 18-35) are an understudied yet vulnerable caregiving population. The COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges for advanced cancer caregivers but also created unique contexts from which caregivers sometimes benefited. To understand how the pandemic may have positively and negatively impacted their caregiving and bereavement experiences, we examined EYACs' experiences of caring for and losing a parent with advanced cancer during the pandemic in comparison to those of EYACs with a parent who died outside the context of the pandemic. Eligible EYACs completed an online survey and semi-structured interview. Quantitative analyses compared responses for pre-pandemic EYACS (n = 14) and pandemic EYACs (n = 26). A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts of pandemic EYACS (n = 14) was conducted. Pandemic EYACs experienced non-significant but higher communal coping, benefit finding, negative emotional experiences, and caregiver strain than pre-pandemic EYACs. Thematic analysis revealed that the pandemic negatively affected EYACs' caregiving efficacy, personal well-being, interpersonal dynamics, and bereavement; shifts to remote work and schooling were reported as benefits. The findings can inform the design of resources to support EYACs whose parents died during the pandemic and who are navigating the healthcare system today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kastrinos
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kelsey Bacharz
- Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Emily L. Mroz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Carla L. Fisher
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Allison J. Applebaum
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
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2
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Lai CC, Chen SY, Chen HW, Li HY, Hsu HH, Chen LC, Tang WR. Experiences of oncology healthcare personnel in international medical service quality: a phenomenological study. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:92. [PMID: 37004029 PMCID: PMC10064582 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01249-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the globalization of medical services on the rise, Asia has ascended to a destination of choice for its high-quality medical services at very reasonable rates. Monitoring the quality of the international medical industry is vital to maintain service demand. The experiences of healthcare personnel (HCP) involved in international medical services (IMS) regarding the provision of services to international cancer patients have not yet been discussed. This study aimed to explore oncology HCP experiences of IMS quality in caring for international cancer patients in Taiwan. METHODS Descriptive phenomenological method and were analyzed through Colaizzi's seven-step approach. In this study, 19 respondents were collected data by using in-depth semi-structured interviews. An average interview lasted approximately 45 min. RESULTS Four major themes were identified from the interviews: patient selection, psycho-oncology care, predicaments, and promoting suggestions. Additionally, thirteen subthemes emerged, including necessary selection of patients, reasons for unwillingness to enroll international patients, helpless patients, emotional distress, care with warmth, insufficient manpower, an unfair reward mechanism, poor hardware equipment, the predicaments of oncology care, various publicity strategies, one-on-one service model, design of a designated area, and reasonable benefit distribution. CONCLUSIONS This study explored oncology HCP experiences of IMS quality in caring for international cancer patients, with implications for hospitals in developing high-quality IMS. Due to the fact that IMS is a global trend, HCPs, administrators, and policy-makers are advised to improve the quality of IMS in the oncology department, which has been the least studied field in IMS quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chun Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
- International Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ying Chen
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No.259, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Wei Chen
- International Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Yu Li
- International Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Hao Hsu
- International Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Department of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chin Chen
- Department of Nursing, New Taipei Municipal Tucheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Woung-Ru Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No.259, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.
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3
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Applebaum AJ, Sannes T, Mitchell HR, McAndrew NS, Wiener L, Knight JM, Nelson AJ, Gray TF, Fank PM, Lahijani SC, Pozo-Kaderman C, Rueda-Lara M, Miran DM, Landau H, Amonoo HL. Fit for Duty: Lessons Learned from Outpatient and Homebound Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation to Prepare Family Caregivers for Home-Based Care. Transplant Cell Ther 2023; 29:143-150. [PMID: 36572386 PMCID: PMC9780643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, the demand for home-based care has been amplified by the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Home-based care has significant benefits for patients, their families, and healthcare systems, but it relies on the often-invisible workforce of family and friend caregivers who shoulder essential health care responsibilities, frequently with inadequate training and support. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), a potentially curative but intensive treatment for many patients with blood disorders, is being increasingly offered in home-based care settings and necessitates the involvement of family caregivers for significant patient care responsibilities. However, guidelines for supporting and preparing HCT caregivers to effectively care for their loved ones at home have not yet been established. Here, informed by the literature and our collective experience as clinicians and researchers who care for diverse patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing HCT, we provide considerations and recommendations to better support and prepare family caregivers in home-based HCT and, by extension, family caregivers supporting patients with other serious illnesses at home. We suggest tangible ways to screen family caregivers for distress and care delivery challenges, educate and train them to prepare for their caregiving role, and create an infrastructure of support for family caregivers within this emerging care delivery model.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Applebaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
| | - T Sannes
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - H R Mitchell
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York
| | - N S McAndrew
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, Patient Care Research, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - L Wiener
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - J M Knight
- Departments of Psychiatry, Medicine, and Microbiology & Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - A J Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - T F Gray
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - P M Fank
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - S C Lahijani
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Division of Medical Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - C Pozo-Kaderman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - M Rueda-Lara
- University of Miami/Leonard Miller School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - D M Miran
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - H Landau
- Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - H L Amonoo
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Lee LJ, Son H, Wallen GR, Flynn S, Cox R, Yang L, Ross A. Symptom Clusters in Family Caregivers of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients: Loneliness as a Risk Factor. Transplant Cell Ther 2023; 29:50.e1-50.e8. [PMID: 36202335 PMCID: PMC9825650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A symptom cluster is a group of 2 or more symptoms that occur together and are related to each other. Family caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients experience multiple concurrent symptoms, but the majority of symptom research in this population has focused on assessing and managing individual symptoms. The purpose of this analysis was to determine (1) whether clusters of 5 highly prevalent symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment) in allogeneic HSCT caregivers could be identified and (2) which caregiver and patient characteristics influence membership in the identified symptom cluster groups. Baseline cross-sectional data were collected from allogeneic HSCT caregivers participating in a randomized controlled trial at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Measures included the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA), Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), Fatigue Symptom Inventory (MFSI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Cluster analysis was used to identify symptom clusters, and univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were performed to identify factors that contribute to symptom clusters. The average age of caregivers (n = 44) was 45.20 ± 15.05 years; primarily white (52.3%) and female (88.6%) and often the spouse/partner of the patient (50.0%). Two symptom cluster groups were identified: low symptom burden (n = 24; 54.5%) and high symptom burden (n = 20; 45.5%). Caregivers with higher levels of loneliness (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.22; P = .004) were more likely to be in the high symptom burden group. This study provides evidence that 5 symptoms commonly found in family caregivers-fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment-tend to occur in clusters. Therefore, clinicians should be aware that caregivers with 1 or more of these symptoms may be at higher risk for developing the others, and caregivers reporting high levels of loneliness may be at particular risk. Future research is needed to identify novel interventions that target multiple, co-occurring symptoms. Such interventions also might include components that decrease loneliness. © 2022 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena J Lee
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Hyojin Son
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Gwenyth R Wallen
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sharon Flynn
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Robert Cox
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Li Yang
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alyson Ross
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
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Evered J, Andersen L, Foxwell A, Iroegbu C, Whitney C. The impact and implications of virtual supportive cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic: integrating patient and clinician perspectives. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:9945-9952. [PMID: 36208318 PMCID: PMC9547569 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07393-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Many cancer centers made rapid shifts in supportive care delivery modalities at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Improving virtual supportive cancer care requires deeply understanding both patient’s and clinician’s experiences. We aimed to integrate the perspectives of clinicians and patients to describe the transition to virtual supportive cancer care during COVID-19. Methods In clinical-academic partnership between a multi-site cancer care center in the Northeastern USA and a school of nursing, we conducted a study using dimensional analysis method. Theoretical sampling drove recruitment of patients and clinicians who engaged in virtual supportive cancer care from March 15, 2020 to December 15, 2020. In this sub-analysis, we coded the dimensional analysis data from semi-structured interviews using a descriptive approach with inductive conventional content analysis. Results We interviewed 17 clinicians, 18 patients, and 3 care partners about their experiences. We integrate patient and clinician perspectives in four in vivo categories: “When COVID hit,” “Not an IT expert,” “Those little moments,” and “The mothership.” Conclusion The findings uncover shared patient and clinician fears of missing or sub-optimal care at the onset of COVID-19, technological and relational challenges to engaging in care, and the mixed impacts of virtual care on access, convenience, and efficiency. This analysis suggests concrete action items to improve virtual supportive care for patients and clinicians. The findings corroborate the importance of convenience, access, and efficiency as care quality indicators and suggest potential to emphasize the clinician-patient relationship as an additional indicator of care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Evered
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1100 Delaplaine CT, Madison, WI, 53711, USA. .,University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Lucy Andersen
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anessa Foxwell
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christin Iroegbu
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Clare Whitney
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Stony Brook University School of Nursing, Stony Brook, NJ, USA
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Gerlach C, Ullrich A, Berges N, Bausewein C, Oechsle K, Hodiamont F. The Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on the Needs of Non-Infected Patients and Their Families in Palliative Care—Interviews with Those Concerned. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133863. [PMID: 35807148 PMCID: PMC9267922 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During humanitarian crises, such as a pandemic, healthcare systems worldwide face unknown challenges. This study aimed to explore and describe the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the needs of non-infected patients and family caregivers in specialist palliative care, using qualitative, semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis, following the framework approach. Thirty-one interviews were conducted with patients/family caregivers (15/16) in palliative care units/specialist palliative home care (21/10) from June 2020 to January 2021. Well-known needs of patients and family caregivers at the end of life remained during the pandemic. Pandemic- dependent themes were (1) implications of the risk of contagion, (2) impact of the restriction of social interactions, (3) effects on the delivery of healthcare, and (4) changes in the relative’s role as family caregiver. Restriction on visits limited family caregivers’ ability to be present in palliative care units. In specialist palliative home care, family caregivers were concerned about the balance between preserving social contacts at the end of life and preventing infection. Specialist palliative care during a pandemic needs to meet both the well-known needs at the end of life and additional needs in the pandemic context. In particular, attention should be given to the needs and burden of family caregivers, which became more multifaceted with regards to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gerlach
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (A.U.); (K.O.)
- Department of Palliative Care, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-6221-56-310-683
| | - Anneke Ullrich
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (A.U.); (K.O.)
| | - Natalie Berges
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany; (N.B.); (C.B.); (F.H.)
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany; (N.B.); (C.B.); (F.H.)
| | - Karin Oechsle
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Hematology and BMT, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (A.U.); (K.O.)
| | - Farina Hodiamont
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany; (N.B.); (C.B.); (F.H.)
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7
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McAndrew NS, Strong Y, Morris KJ, Sannes TS, Pirl WF, Cole S, Mohanraj L, Knight JM. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients and psycho-oncology providers: Perspectives, observations, and experiences of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) membership. Psychooncology 2022; 31:1031-1040. [PMID: 35102653 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand: (1) psycho-oncology providersX2019; perspectives on and observations of the psychological responses of their cancer patients during the pandemic, and (2) psycho-oncology providersX2019; own experiences delivering care. METHODS In this concurrent mixed methods study, a survey was distributed to psychosocial providers who were members of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS). Survey respondents were invited to participate in a one-on-one audio-recorded interview via phone or secure ZoomX00AE;. RESULTS 76 self-identified psycho-oncology providers responded to the survey and 11 participated in a one-on-one interview. Approximately half reported that patients responded in unique ways to COVID-19 stress relative to other populations. Three themes emerged from qualitative analyses: (1) unique burden on patients, (2) cancer patientsX2019; pandemic response and its relationship to their cancer experience, and (3) unexpected positive changes. Providers emphasized that the cancer experience may have prepared patients for the existential distress of the pandemic and described patientsX2019; resiliency. Two themes emerged regarding delivery of care: (1) new professional and personal challenges and (2) provider resiliency. CONCLUSIONS Although providers observed that the pandemic placed new burdens on patients, they emphasized that the cancer experience may have prepared patients for the existential distress of the pandemic and described patientsX2019; resiliency. To overcome challenges, psycho-oncology providers used innovative strategies to support patients and foster their own mental health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S McAndrew
- University of Wisconsin X02013; Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, United States.,Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, United States
| | | | | | - Timothy S Sannes
- Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - William F Pirl
- Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Steve Cole
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Lathika Mohanraj
- Department of Adult Health and Nursing Systems, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, United States
| | - Jennifer M Knight
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Psychiatry, Medicine, and Microbiology & Immunology, Milwaukee, WI, USA, United States, United States
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8
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The effect of anxiety and spiritual well-being on the care burden of caregivers of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:1863-1872. [PMID: 34613473 PMCID: PMC8493049 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06611-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the caregivers of people with all chronic diseases, including people with cancer (PWC). This study was conducted to determine the impact of anxiety and spiritual well-being on the care burden of caregivers of PWC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design This cross-sectional descriptive study included 250 caregivers of hematology and oncology patients registered with a cancer support association. All participants completed the following self-report questionnaires: the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI). Results Most (82.4%) of the caregivers expressed fear that their patient may contract COVID-19, and 42.0% stated that they had difficulty getting to the hospital. The caregivers’ mean ZBI score was 21.06 ± 14.64, their mean GAD-7 score was 14.51 ± 6.02, and their mean SWBS score was 111.50 ± 16.84. According to the results of regression analysis, SWBS and GAD-7 scores had a significant effect on the ZBI score (p < 0.05). Conclusion In this study, anxiety explained most of the care burden during COVID-19. Therefore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be beneficial to implement practices to promote spirituality and reduce anxiety in caregivers of PWC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-021-06611-0.
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9
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Binswanger J, Kohl C, Behling F, Noell S, Hirsch S, Hickmann AK, Tatagiba MS, Tabatabai G, Hippler M, Renovanz M. Neuro-oncological patients' and caregivers' psychosocial burden during the COVID-19 pandemic-A prospective study with qualitative content analysis. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1502-1513. [PMID: 33938076 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic may reinforce psychosocial distress of neuro-oncological patients. We aimed to (1) differentiate the burden caused by the pandemic versus the tumor and (2) establish topics relevant for brain tumor patients (BTPs) and caregivers. METHODS Patients and caregivers were prospectively assessed from April 2020-July 2020 by a 10-item comprising interview over the phone, including qualitative and quantitative questions. They were quantitatively evaluated i.a. by the distress thermometer (DT, score 1-10). The qualitative questions were analyzed using structured content analysis: The interview questions defined the main categories. Subcategories were derived by an inductive approach assessing the frequency of patients' and caregivers' answers. RESULTS A total of 69 patients and 20 caregivers were interviewed; n = 36 were female (49%), mean age was 53 years (range 32-81). Patients' disease-related DT scores were higher than the COVID-19-related DT scores: the median of the disease-related DT score was 7 (range 2-10) versus median of COVID-19-related distress: 5.0 (range 2-7). Caregivers perceived a higher burden due to the disease (DT median disease: 8; range 2-10 vs. DT pandemic: 3, range 0-10). A total of five main and 21 subcategories were elaborated, most frequently mentioned were "restrictions in public and private affairs" (28%), "changes in the psychological well-being" (23%), "limited social interaction by contact restriction" (25%). Subcategories relevant for caregivers were similar to those of BTPs. CONCLUSION A considerable proportion of patients and caregivers still perceived the brain tumor disease as more burdensome than the pandemic. We established main and subcategories of interview items possibly of great relevance to patients during these difficult times, which could be implemented in the content-related adaption of the psychosocial assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Binswanger
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Kohl
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Behling
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susan Noell
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sophie Hirsch
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anne-Katrin Hickmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitat St Gallen Bibliothek, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marcos Soares Tatagiba
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ghazaleh Tabatabai
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melina Hippler
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mirjam Renovanz
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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10
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Sousa H, Frontini R, Ribeiro O, Paúl C, Costa E, Amado L, Miranda V, Ribeiro F, Figueiredo D. Caring for patients with end-stage renal disease during COVID-19 lockdown: What (additional) challenges to family caregivers? Scand J Caring Sci 2021; 36:215-224. [PMID: 33778978 PMCID: PMC8251279 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Caring for a patient with end‐stage renal disease undergoing in‐centre haemodialysis can be a stressful experience, likely to involve significant burden. Within the context of the new coronavirus pandemic, these patients are highly vulnerable to infection by COVID‐19, which might increase the care demands and burden of family caregivers. Aim This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of family caregivers of non‐COVID‐19 patients with end‐stage renal disease undergoing in‐centre haemodialysis during the COVID‐19 lockdown. Study design A qualitative study was performed with a purposive sample. Methods Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with 19 family caregivers (50.7 ± 14 years old) of patients undergoing in‐centre haemodialysis in April 2020. Findings Four major themes were identified: (1) emotional distress; (2) changes in caregiving responsibilities; (3) educational and supportive needs; and (4) coping strategies to deal with the outbreak and with the lockdown. Discussion The findings suggest that family caregivers of patients undergoing in‐centre haemodialysis have to manage several additional care responsibilities due to COVID‐19 lockdown. The dialysis team should consider the development of educational and supportive interventions to meet family caregivers’ needs, mitigate emotional distress, fears and concerns, and prevent caregiver burden during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Sousa
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS.UA), School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (Campus Universitário de Santiago), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Roberta Frontini
- Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechcare), Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal.,CIEQV - Life Quality Research Center, Santarém, Portugal
| | - Oscar Ribeiro
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS.UA), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro (Campus Universitário de Santiago), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Constança Paúl
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228), Porto, Portugal
| | - Elísio Costa
- Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences (UCIBIO - REQUIMTE), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228), Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | - Fernando Ribeiro
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED), School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (Campus Universitário de Santiago), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniela Figueiredo
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS.UA), School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (Campus Universitário de Santiago), Aveiro, Portugal
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