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Zwanenburg LC, Suijkerbuijk KPM, van Dongen SI, Koldenhof JJ, van Roozendaal AS, van der Lee ML, Schellekens MPJ. Living in the twilight zone: a qualitative study on the experiences of patients with advanced cancer obtaining long-term response to immunotherapy or targeted therapy. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:750-760. [PMID: 36495465 PMCID: PMC11082039 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01306-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The introduction of immunotherapy and targeted therapy has drastically improved the life expectancy of patients with advanced cancer. Despite improved survival, obtaining long-term response can be highly distressing and comes with uncertainties that affect several life domains. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of long-term responders' lived experiences with obtaining long-term response to immunotherapy or targeted therapy. METHODS We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using thematic data analysis. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 patients with advanced melanoma or lung cancer who had a confirmed response to or long-term stable disease while on immunotherapy or targeted therapy. RESULTS Long-term responders are living in a twilight zone, where they neither feel like a patient, nor feel healthy. This impacts their self-image, interactions with their social environment, and feelings of uncertainty. Due to their uncertain life perspective, long-term responders are going back and forth between hope and despair, while they are longing for their 'old' life, several barriers, such as protective behavior of the social environment, force them to adjust to a life with cancer. CONCLUSION Long-term responders are facing many challenges, such as searching for a renewed identity, dealing with ongoing uncertainty, and having to adapt to a new normal. This emphasizes the importance of providing this new patient group with tailored information and support. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Healthcare professionals can support patients by normalizing their feelings and providing space for varying emotions. Using patient-tailored scan frequencies could help temper fear of progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Zwanenburg
- Department of Scientific Research, Helen Dowling Institute: Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
| | - Karijn P M Suijkerbuijk
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre in Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie I van Dongen
- Department of Scientific Research, Helen Dowling Institute: Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - José J Koldenhof
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre in Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne S van Roozendaal
- Department of Scientific Research, Helen Dowling Institute: Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marije L van der Lee
- Department of Scientific Research, Helen Dowling Institute: Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie P J Schellekens
- Department of Scientific Research, Helen Dowling Institute: Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Attieh S, Kilpatrick K, Chênevert D, Pomey MP, Loiselle CG. Measuring Team Functioning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Cancer Care Team Members. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:2623-2633. [PMID: 38828266 PMCID: PMC11141571 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s448985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In a public health crisis such as COVID-19, cancer teams face significant challenges including acute work disruptions, rapid shifts in clinical practice, and burnout. Within this context, it is crucial to explore team functioning from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Objective This quantitative pilot study aimed to 1) measure perceptions of multi-stakeholders on key indicators of team functioning (Team Effectiveness, TE, and Team Relational Coordination, TRC) during COVID-19 and its transition, and 2) document whether patient perceptions of TE/TRC are significantly associated with their cancer care experiences. Methods A descriptive design with repeated measures was used. Through convenience sampling, participants were recruited from two outpatient cancer clinics at a large university-affiliated hospital, in Montréal, Qc, Canada. Sixty-six participants (ie, 13 healthcare professionals, 40 patients, 6 informal caregivers, and 7 volunteers) completed e-measures at T1 (years 2021-2022) and n = 44 at T2 (year 2023). Results At T1, participants reported high perceptions of Team Effectiveness (scale 1 to 6) M = 4.47; SD = 0.7 (Mdn = 4.54; IQR: 4.06-5) and Relational Coordination (scale 1 to 5) M = 3.77; SD = 0.77 (Mdn = 3.81; IQR: 3.12-4.38) with no significant differences in perceptions across the four groups. At T2, no significant changes in TE/TRC perceptions were found. At both time points, patient perceptions of TE/TRC were significantly correlated with positive cancer care experiences (Spearman rank correlation rs ranging from 0.69 and 0.83; p < 0.01). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting perceptions of cancer team functioning amidst the pandemic as reported by multiple stakeholders. Significant relationships between patient perceptions of TE/TRC and their cancer care experiences underscore the importance of including patients' views in team functioning processes. Future work should rely on larger sample sizes to further explore key elements of optimal team functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Attieh
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Kelley Kilpatrick
- Susan E. French Chair in Nursing Research and Innovative Practice, Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Chênevert
- Department of Human Resources Management, HEC Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Pascale Pomey
- Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre d’excellence sur le partenariat avec les patients et le public, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, School of Public Health, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Carmen G Loiselle
- Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Segal Cancer Center, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Canada
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Zwanenburg LC, van der Lee ML, Koldenhof JJ, Suijkerbuijk KPM, Schellekens MPJ. What patients with advanced cancer experience as helpful in navigating their life with a long-term response: a qualitative study. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:222. [PMID: 38470541 PMCID: PMC10933145 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08398-2] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite improved survival for people with advanced cancer due to new medical treatments, a growing group of long-term responders (LTRs) has to learn to live with uncertainties that affect several life domains. At the core of their experience, they neither feel like a patient nor feel healthy. Despite growing awareness of LTRs' experiences, learning more about how they cope with their long-term response can provide insight into how to best support them. Our study aimed to gain a deeper understanding what LTRs experience as helpful in navigating life with a long-term response. METHODS We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using thematic data analysis. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 participants with advanced melanoma or lung cancer with confirmed response or long-term stable disease while on immuno- or targeted therapy. RESULTS LTRs reported several strategies to navigate life with a long-term response, for example, by involving the social environment, seeing uncertainty as an opportunity, and being present in the moment. This helped them to reclaim a sense of control, alter their perspective, and reshape their lives according to their values. CONCLUSION Using different coping strategies enables LTRs to acknowledge both their sick and healthy side. Striking a healthy balance between being oriented on feeling sick or feeling healthy can help LTRs and their close others to navigate life with a long-term response. Healthcare professionals can provide support by recognizing whether LTRs are oriented at feeling sick or healthy, and by actively involving close others during medical appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Zwanenburg
- Scientific Research Department, Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Helen Dowling Institute, Professor Bronkhorstlaan 20, 3723MB, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
| | - Marije L van der Lee
- Scientific Research Department, Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Helen Dowling Institute, Professor Bronkhorstlaan 20, 3723MB, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - José J Koldenhof
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre in Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karijn P M Suijkerbuijk
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre in Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie P J Schellekens
- Scientific Research Department, Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Helen Dowling Institute, Professor Bronkhorstlaan 20, 3723MB, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Schulze JB, Coker P, von Känel R, Euler S, Günther MP. Early Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psycho-Oncological Support: A Latent Class Analysis. Oncology 2023; 101:389-396. [PMID: 36977398 PMCID: PMC10871688 DOI: 10.1159/000530353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research suggests a global shortfall of psycho-oncological assessment and care during the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to delayed diagnosis of cancer. The present study is the first to explore the effect of the pandemic on the provision of psycho-oncological care, stage of cancer at first diagnosis, and duration of hospitalizations. METHOD Retrospective latent class analysis of 4,639 electronic patient files with all types, treatment types, and stages of cancer, 370 of which were treated during the pandemic prior to availability of vaccinations. DISCUSSION Latent class analysis identified four subgroups based on differences in screening for distress, provision of psycho-oncological support (consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist), administration of psychotropic medication, use of 1:1 observation, stage of cancer at first diagnosis, and duration of hospitalizations. Yet, the pandemic had no effect on subgrouping. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic had no effect on the provision of psycho-oncological support. CONCLUSION Results are contrary to prior research. The efficiency and quality of procedures implemented to provide psycho-oncological support during and prior to the pandemic are critically reflected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ben Schulze
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Penelope Coker
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Euler
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Moritz Philipp Günther
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Evered J, Andersen L, Foxwell A, Iroegbu C, Whitney C. Clinician-Patient Relationships in Virtual Care: A Dimensional Analysis of the Symbolic World of Cancer Care. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:284-296. [PMID: 36718991 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231153793] [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] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Rapid uptake of telehealth technologies has shifted clinician-patient relationships, a well-studied topic of sociological inquiry. The purpose of this dimensional analysis study was to understand the symbolic interaction of clinicians and patients within virtual supportive cancer care. Seventeen clinicians, eighteen patients, and three care partners receiving or providing care at a multi-site cancer center in the United States participated in interviews. Our analysis of supportive cancer care experiences reveals a key tension: clinicians need to rely on patients in order to share clinical tasks in a virtual care setting but can be reluctant to do so. We posit that dimming the light on cancer is a process that enables clinicians to overcome their reluctance to engage in clinician-patient task sharing by strengthening the relationship. Taken together, these findings reconceptualize the symbolic interaction of the clinician-patient relationship and highlight opportunities to actualize models of relationship-centered virtual care. We discuss implications for clinical practice, ethical relational care, and the literature on clinician-patient relationships and trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Evered
- 16142University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- 5228University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lucy Andersen
- 16142University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anessa Foxwell
- 16142University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christin Iroegbu
- 16142University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Clare Whitney
- 16142University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- 16038Stony Brook University School of Nursing, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Street RL, Treiman K, Wu Q, Kranzler EC, Moultrie R, Mack N, Garcia R. Managing uncertainty and responding to difficult emotions: Cancer patients' perspectives on clinician response during the COVID-19 pandemic. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2137-2144. [PMID: 35393231 PMCID: PMC8968177 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients undergoing cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic have experienced stress and uncertainty with respect to disruptions in cancer care and COVID-19 related risks. We examined whether clinicians' responsiveness to patients' uncertainty and difficult emotions were associated with better health and well-being. METHODS Patients were recruited from cancer support communities and a market research firm. Respondents assessed clinicians communication that addressed uncertainty and difficult emotions. Health status measures included mental and physical health, coping during the pandemic, and psychological distress. RESULTS 317 respondents participated in the study. Patients' perceptions of their clinicians responsiveness to patient uncertainty and negative emotions were associated with better mental health, physical health, coping, and less psychological distress (all p-values <0.001). Respondents with greater self-efficacy and social support also reported better health. CONCLUSION Even when controlling for patients' personal and health-related characteristics, clinicians' communication addressing patients' uncertainty and difficult emotions predicted better health, better coping, and less psychological distress. Access to social support and self-efficacy also were associated with better health status. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Clinicians' communication focused on helping with uncertainty and difficult emotions is important to cancer patients, especially during the pandemic. Clinicians should also direct patients to resources for social support and patient empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elissa C Kranzler
- Cancer Support Community (Formerly), Currently Fors Marsh Group, USA
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Street RL, Finset A. Two years with COVID-19: New - and old - challenges for health communication research. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:261-264. [PMID: 35120714 PMCID: PMC8805952 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Street
- Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
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8
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Street RL, Treiman K, Kranzler EC, Moultrie R, Arena L, Mack N, Garcia R. Oncology patients' communication experiences during COVID-19: comparing telehealth consultations to in-person visits. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:4769-4780. [PMID: 35141772 PMCID: PMC9046548 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-06897-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic created significant disruptions in cancer care, much of which was transitioned to telehealth. Because telehealth alters the way clinicians and patients interact with one another, this investigation examined patients' perceptions of their communication with clinicians during the pandemic. METHOD Patients were recruited from the Cancer Support Community, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and a market research firm to participate in an online survey. In addition to demographic and health-related information, respondents completed measures of patient-centered communication and evaluated how their communication in telehealth sessions compared with in-person visits. RESULTS From October to December 2020, 227 respondents (65.6% female, 64.6% Non-Hispanic White, 33.5% had 6 or more telehealth sessions, 55% were 50 or older) reported having some of their cancer care provided via telehealth. Respondents who were of racial/ethnic minorities, male, had more telehealth sessions, or had poorer mental health reported less patient-centered communication with clinicians. Most patients thought communication in telehealth sessions was "about the same" as in-person visits with respect to good communication (59%). However, patients thinking communication in telehealth sessions was "better" than in-person visits were more likely to be Hispanic (49%), Non-Hispanic Black (41%), under 50 years of age (32%), male (40%), and had more telehealth sessions (34%). CONCLUSION Respondents reporting less patient-centered communication during the pandemic-e.g., persons of racial/ethnic minorities and males-were also more likely to evaluate communication in telehealth sessions as better than in-person visits. Further research is needed to understand reasons underlying this finding. Cancer care clinicians should take into account patient preferences regarding telehealth care, which may be particularly important for racial and ethnic minority patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elissa C Kranzler
- Cancer Support Community (formerly), currently Fors Marsh Group, Arlington, VA, USA
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Elkrief A, Wu JT, Jani C, Enriquez KT, Glover M, Shah MR, Shaikh HG, Beeghly-Fadiel A, French B, Jhawar SR, Johnson DB, McKay RR, Rivera DR, Reuben DY, Shah S, Tinianov SL, Vinh DC, Mishra S, Warner JL. Learning through a Pandemic: The Current State of Knowledge on COVID-19 and Cancer. Cancer Discov 2021; 12:303-330. [PMID: 34893494 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has left patients with current or past history of cancer facing disparate consequences at every stage of the cancer trajectory. This comprehensive review offers a landscape analysis of the current state of the literature on COVID-19 and cancer including the immune response to COVID-19, risk factors for severe disease, and impact of anticancer therapies. We also review the latest data on treatment of COVID-19 and vaccination safety and efficacy in patients with cancer, as well as impact of the pandemic on cancer care, including the urgent need for rapid evidence generation and real-world study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Elkrief
- Hemato-Oncology, University of Montreal Research Center (CRCHUM)
| | | | | | - Kyle T Enriquez
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
| | | | - Mansi R Shah
- Division of Blood Disorders, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
| | | | | | | | - Sachin R Jhawar
- Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Y Reuben
- Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Sanjay Mishra
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Jeremy L Warner
- Medicine and Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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Singh S, Fletcher GG, Yao X, Sussman J. Virtual Care in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:3488-3506. [PMID: 34590602 PMCID: PMC8482228 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28050301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Virtual care in cancer care existed in a limited fashion globally before the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly driven by geographic constraints. The pandemic has required dramatic shifts in health care delivery, including cancer care. We conducted a systematic review of comparative studies evaluating virtual versus in-person care in patients with cancer. Embase, APA PsycInfo, Ovid MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for literature from January 2015 to 6 August 2020. We adhered to PRISMA guidelines and used the modified GRADE approach to evaluate the data. We included 34 full-text publications of 10 randomized controlled trials, 13 non-randomized comparative studies, and 5 ongoing randomized controlled trials. Evidence was divided into studies that provide psychosocial or genetic counselling and those that provide or assess medical and supportive care. The limited data in this review support that in the general field of psychological counselling, virtual or remote counselling can be equivalent to in-person counselling. In the area of genetic counselling, telephone counselling was more convenient and noninferior to usual care for all outcomes (knowledge, decision conflict, cancer distress, perceived stress, genetic counseling satisfaction). There are few data for clinical outcomes and supportive care. Future research should assess the role of virtual care in these areas. Protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD42020202871.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simron Singh
- Person-Centred Care, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada;
| | - Glenn G. Fletcher
- Program in Evidence-Based Care, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (G.G.F.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xiaomei Yao
- Program in Evidence-Based Care, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (G.G.F.); (X.Y.)
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Jonathan Sussman
- Program in Evidence-Based Care, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (G.G.F.); (X.Y.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-905-387-9495
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Estapé T, Phillip EJ, Bergerot CD. Use of telehealth and eHealth technologies in patient care by psycho-oncology service providers in low-middle-income countries during the COVID-19. Psychooncology 2021; 31:334-337. [PMID: 34467589 PMCID: PMC8646277 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A high number of mental health cancer care providers from low–middle‐income countries (LMICs) reported that they are working during the COVID‐19 as both clinicians and researchers Less than 50% of providers surveyed were taking care of patients with comorbid cancer and COVID‐19. They also reported that this pandemic had drastically impacted the number of patients seen per week Due to COVID‐19, mental health cancer care providers from LMICs had to incorporate technology into their practice (with and without the support from an institution). Telephone, videoconferencing, text messages, and telehealth have been great resources by which to offer psychosocial support to their patients Notably, despite the fact that mental health cancer care providers from LMICs have been able to offer eHealth interventions during the pandemic, they are experiencing notable challenges in delivering this type of intervention, often due to limited technology resources in their countries The vast majority of mental health cancer providers from LMICs would like to be trained to offer eHealth interventions and to develop this type of supportive care resource in their countries
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Estapé
- Psychosocial Oncology Department, FEFOC Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Errol J Phillip
- Medical School, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Ben-Arye E, Keshet Y, Gressel O, Tapiro Y, Lavie O, Samuels N. Being in touch: narrative assessment of patients receiving online integrative oncology treatments during COVID-19. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:4819-4825. [PMID: 33538895 PMCID: PMC7859467 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective We examined the qualitative impact of an online integrative oncology (IO) treatment program, designed in response to the restrictions created by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Patients undergoing chemotherapy were seen by an integrative physician (IP), together co-designing an IO treatment program of ≥ 6 weekly treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life (QoL). IO practitioners guided patients and their caregivers online in self-treatment with manual/touch, movement, and/or mind-body modalities. Narratives of both patients and IO practitioners were analyzed for systematic coding, identifying barriers and advantages of the online treatment program. Results Narratives obtained from 30 patients and eight IO-trained practitioners were examined. The patients had undergone 169 online IO sessions with a total of 327 IO interventions during the 3-month study period. Patient narratives included reflections on both non-specific effects (e.g., less of a “sense of isolation”) and specific QoL-related outcomes with the online intervention. IO practitioner narratives focused on barriers to providing manual-movement and mind-body modalities, suggesting practical recommendations on how to address specific QoL-related outcomes using the online IO “toolbox.” Conclusions Effective online IO practitioner-guided treatments are feasible and may induce both specific and non-specific QoL-related effects. Future research needs to explore online IO interventions for additional situations in which access to IO care is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Ben-Arye
- Integrative Oncology Program, The Oncology Service, Lin, Carmel, and Zebulun Medical Centers, Clalit Health Services, 35 Rothschild St, Haifa, Israel.
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Yael Keshet
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Western Galilee Academic College, Galilee, Israel
| | - Orit Gressel
- Integrative Oncology Program, The Oncology Service, Lin, Carmel, and Zebulun Medical Centers, Clalit Health Services, 35 Rothschild St, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yehudit Tapiro
- Integrative Oncology Program, The Oncology Service, Lin, Carmel, and Zebulun Medical Centers, Clalit Health Services, 35 Rothschild St, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofer Lavie
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Carmel Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Noah Samuels
- Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine, Shaarei Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Alom S, Chiu CM, Jha A, Lai SHD, Yau THL, Harky A. The Effects of COVID-19 on Cancer Care Provision: A Systematic Review. Cancer Control 2021; 28:1073274821997425. [PMID: 33631953 PMCID: PMC8482720 DOI: 10.1177/1073274821997425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review aims to gather primary data from cancer institutions that have implemented changes to cancer service provision amid the COVID-19 outbreak to inform future intervention and health care facility response strategies. A comprehensive literature search was done on Global Health Medline and EMBASE using pertinent key words and MeSH terms relating to COVID-19 and Cancer service provision. A total of 72 articles were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. Following the narrative synthesis that was conducted of the literature, 6 core themes that encompassed common cancer service intervention adopted by institutions were identified: (1) Testing and Tracking, (2) Outreach and Communication, (3) Protection, (4) Social Distancing (5) Treatment Management, (6) Service Restructuring. Since cancer patients are a high-risk population amid the COVID-19 pandemic, these areas of targeted intervention can be used to inform necessary actions in institutions facing similar risks, based on previous learning from numerous cancer centers globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiha Alom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Equal contribution
| | - Chun Ming Chiu
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, East Sussex, UK
- Equal contribution
| | - Ashwarya Jha
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Thomas Ho Lai Yau
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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van der Lee ML, Schellekens MPJ. Bridging the distance: Continuing psycho-oncological care via video-consults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychooncology 2020; 29:1421-1423. [PMID: 32658316 PMCID: PMC7405124 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marije L van der Lee
- Scientific Research, Helen Dowling Institute, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic disorders (CoRPS), Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie P J Schellekens
- Scientific Research, Helen Dowling Institute, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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