A focus group study exploring gynecological cancer survivors' experiences and perceptions of participating in a RCT testing the efficacy of a home-based physical activity intervention

Timing, setting, and content of patient education prior to goal setting for cancer survivors: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Because the concepts of goal setting and patient education are intertwined, it is important to understand the details of patient education content for cancer survivors. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of the timing (during or after treatment), setting, and content of patient education provided to cancer survivors prior to setting goals.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across three databases to identify articles on rehabilitation that included patient education, conducted prior to goal setting for cancer survivors. The patient education was then mapped according to the survivors' treatment stage and the 13 elements outlined in the health decision model proposed by Eraker et al. RESULTS: A review of 21 studies revealed that only four (19.0%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Additionally, education for patients, including goal setting, often considers survivors' feelings and provides adequate information through interactive and repeated communication. However, the satisfaction of survivors (an element of patient education) is not sufficiently reflected in the education provided. During treatment, education more includes personalized materials and evaluations of patient comprehension than after treatment. After treatment, other healthcare professionals are more involved, and social networks are more incorporated than during treatment.

CONCLUSION

Current patient education research evaluating comprehension by cancer survivors after treatment, multidisciplinary approaches during treatment, and active participation by family members in outpatient or home care, is lacking. Studies that address these gaps should be conducted as RCTs.

Barriers to and facilitators of a healthy lifestyle for patients with gynecological cancer: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative research with healthcare providers and patients

The prevalence of an unhealthy lifestyle among patients with gynecological cancer is high and associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality. Although lifestyle changes have the potential to improve outcomes, lifestyle counseling is not routinely integrated into standard care. This review explores research on the barriers to and facilitators of both the promotion of healthy lifestyles by healthcare providers (HCPs) and healthy lifestyle changes by patients with gynecological cancer. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was used to deductively code the identified factors for a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and facilitators. A search across five databases yielded a total of 12,687 unique studies, of which 43 were included in the review. Of these 43, 39 included gynecological cancer patients and only 6 included HCPs. Among the barriers identified for HCPs, most studies evaluated barriers regarding weight loss counseling. Limited knowledge, reluctance to address weight loss, skepticism about the benefits, and workload concerns were commonly reported barriers for HCPs. HCPs will benefit from education and training in lifestyle counseling, including effective communication skills like motivational interviewing. Gynecological cancer patients lacked tools, support, knowledge, and faced mental health issues, environmental constraints, and physical limitations. The review emphasizes the importance of addressing these barriers and utilizing identified facilitators, such as social support, to promote and support healthy lifestyle behaviors on the part of patients and their promotion by HCPs. Future research should focus not only on patients but also on supporting HCPs and implementing necessary changes in current practices.

Home Cancer Care Research: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis (1990-2021)

Home cancer care research (HCCR) has accelerated, as considerable attention has been placed on reducing cancer-related health costs and enhancing cancer patients' quality of life. Understanding the current status of HCCR can help guide future research and support informed decision-making about new home cancer care (HCC) programs. However, most current studies mainly detail the research status of certain components, while failing to explore the knowledge domain of this research field as a whole, thereby limiting the overall understanding of home cancer care. We carried out bibliometric and visualization analyses of Scopus-indexed papers related to home cancer care published between 1990-2021, and used VOSviewer scientometric software to investigate the status and provide a structural overview of the knowledge domain of HCCR (social, intellectual, and conceptual structures). Our findings demonstrate that over the last three decades, the research on home cancer care has been increasing, with a constantly expanding stream of new papers built on a solid knowledge base and applied to a wide range of research themes.

Increasing physical activity levels following treatment for cervical cancer: an intervention mapping approach

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to utilise the intervention mapping (IM) protocol as a framework with which to develop an intervention underpinned by relevant behaviour change theory to promote physical activity (PA) following treatment for cervical cancer.

METHODS

The six steps of the IM protocol were followed. A qualitative semi-structured interview study and a rapid review of the literature were conducted along with the development of a logic model of the problem and a logic model of change to inform intervention development.

RESULTS

An intervention was developed which aims to increase PA levels following treatment for cervical cancer, tailored to address key findings from the IM needs assessment. These include embedding behavioural and social strategies that help participants to overcome perceived barriers to PA participation; goal setting strategies to gradually increase PA levels with a view of reaching relevant PA guidelines for cancer survivors and feedback to encourage self-assessment of well-being and PA capability.

CONCLUSION

This study maps the development of a novel PA intervention for those who have been treated for cervical cancer. The use of a systematic development framework was necessary as little insight exists regarding PA preferences after treatment for cervical cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

PA behaviour is associated with positive physical and psychological health outcomes for cancer survivors. Optimising targeted promotion of PA behaviour following treatment for cervical cancer may result in an enhanced survivorship experience through increased PA behaviour and improved quality of life (QOL).

Qualitative studies conducted alongside randomized controlled trials in oncology: A scoping review of use and rigour of reporting

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for generating evidence to inform clinical oncology practice. Knowledge gained through qualitative research methodologies can be complementary to that gained through RCTs. How qualitative research has been combined with RCTs in oncology has not been previously characterized.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review was conducted to summarize how qualitative research associated with RCTs in the oncology setting has been conducted and examine the quality of reporting.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Manuscripts reporting on qualitative research linked with RCTs in the cancer context that involved patients (both adult and pediatric) and/or informal caregiver (friends/family) were included.

SOURCES OF EVIDENCE

Peer-reviewed manuscripts indexed in MEDLINE (OVID) and CINAHL, published in English between 2008 and January 2019.

CHARTING METHODS

Formal scoping review methods were followed. A data extraction tool informed by the research questions as well as the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) was utilized. Extraction was conducted independently by two authors, with disagreements resolved by a third.

RESULTS

Fifty-four articles were included. Assessing information sharing, diet/exercise, and psychotherapeutic interventions were the most common focuses of the RCTs. The most common focus of the qualitative component was on gaining insight into the experience of receiving the intervention or participating in RCT procedures. How the intervention impacted the cancer experience was not a common focus of the qualitative components. Some reports provided insufficient information to understand how the qualitative components aligned with the RCT components. The results of the qualitative and RCT components were not integrated to draw meaningful conclusions about the efficacy of the intervention under study in most cases. Reports focusing on only qualitative methods had higher median (Mdn) reporting of COREQ items compared to reports that included both the qualitative and RCT components (Mdn = 18 vs. Mdn = 14, respectively; p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This review identified that qualitative research has been combined with RCTs in the cancer context in a number of ways, most commonly to understand the experience of receiving study interventions or participating in trial procedures. Exploring how interventions impact other aspects of the cancer experience is an approach that should be considered in future work. Formalized guidelines for the design and reporting of investigations that combine qualitative and RCT approaches in the cancer context are expected to be of value.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Combining qualitative research with randomized controlled trials in oncology: an impornt opportunity for discovery.

ACCEPTANCE: protocol for a feasibility study of a multicomponent physical activity intervention following treatment for cervical cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cervical cancer treatment can have life changing sequelae and be associated with poor short-term and long-term quality of life. Physical activity (PA; that is, bodily movement) is known to improve health outcomes and quality of life for cancer survivors, both physically and psychologically. To date, no interventions to increase PA following cervical cancer have been evaluated. This study aims to (1) determine the feasibility of conducting a PA intervention after cervical cancer and (2) to explore the acceptability of the programme and evaluation measures.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The design is a pre study and post study design. Thirty participants aged between 18 and 60 years from the Midlands region, UK, who have completed primary treatment for cervical cancer at least 6 months previously and do not meet the national PA guidelines will be recruited. Identification of potential participants will take place through the University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service (NHS) Trust. Participants will receive an intervention focused on increasing PA through the provision of education, action planning, goal setting, problem solving and self-monitoring of PA behaviour, particularly steps per day. Device assessed PA and questionnaires will be completed at baseline, week 6, week 12 and week 24. Feasibility will be assessed in terms of recruitment, retention, attrition, completion of measures and intervention compliance, for which specific feasibility criteria have been established. The process evaluation will explore the experiences and acceptability of the intervention components and evaluation measures.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval has been granted by the West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1 for this study. Results will inform intervention refinement for the design of a definitive pilot trial. These results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and international conferences while input from a patient and public involvement (PPI) group will inform effective ways to circulate results among the wider community.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN16349793, Registered 30 September 2020.

Physiotherapy in the management of gynecological cancer patient: A systematic review

AIM

to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy as an adjunct treatment in patients with gynecological cancer.

METHOD

systematic review carried out in the PubMed, MEDLINE, via VHL, Cochrane and SciELO, in the last ten years. A search strategy was based on the PICO method and the PRISMA flowchart using Boolean descriptors and operators: "gynecological cancer or neoplasms of female genital organs" and "physiotherapy or physiotherapy modalities" and "rehabilitation or quality of life" in languages Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

RESULTS

405 articles were found, and after eligibility criteria, only 5 studies were selected for review. Evidence of a monitored physical exercise, photobiomodulation and pelvic floor rehabilitation program as physiotherapeutic resources in the management of gynecological cancer.

CONCLUSION

Physiotherapy dominates techniques and appears to be beneficial for the main complications arising from the treatment or post-treatment of gynecological cancer and has sought to accompany the knowledge and care of the patient, through scientific research.

Attention to principles of exercise training: an updated systematic review of randomized controlled trials in cancers other than breast and prostate

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of this systematic review was to update our previous review on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise in cancers other than breast or prostate, evaluating: 1) the application of principles of exercise training within the exercise prescription; 2) reporting of the exercise prescription components (i.e., frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT)); and 3) reporting of participant adherence to FITT. A secondary objective was to examine whether reporting of these interventions had improved over time.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from 2012 to 2020. Eligible studies were RCTs of at least 4 weeks of aerobic and/or resistance exercise that reported on physiological outcomes relating to exercise (e.g., aerobic capacity, muscular strength) in people with cancer other than breast or prostate.

RESULTS

Eighty-six new studies were identified in the updated search, for a total of 107 studies included in this review. The principle of specificity was applied by 91%, progression by 32%, overload by 46%, initial values by 72%, reversibility by 7% and diminishing returns by 5%. A significant increase in the percentage of studies that appropriately reported initial values (46 to 80%, p < 0.001) and progression (15 to 37%, p = 0.039) was found for studies published after 2011 compared to older studies. All four FITT prescription components were fully reported in the methods in 58% of all studies, which was higher than the proportion that fully reported adherence to the FITT prescription components in the results (7% of studies). Reporting of the FITT exercise prescription components and FITT adherence did not improve in studies published after 2011 compared to older studies.

CONCLUSION

Full reporting of exercise prescription and adherence still needs improvement within exercise oncology RCTs. Some aspects of exercise intervention reporting have improved since 2011, including the reporting of the principles of progression and initial values. Enhancing the reporting of exercise prescriptions, particularly FITT adherence, may provide better context for interpreting study results and improve research to practice translation.

Feasibility of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Examining a Multidimensional Intervention in Women with Gynecological Cancer at Risk of Lymphedema

There is limited knowledge on non-invasive lymphedema risk-reduction strategies for women with gynecological cancer. Understanding factors influencing the feasibility of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can guide future research. Our objectives are to report on the design and feasibility of a pilot RCT examining a tailored multidimensional intervention in women treated for gynecological cancer at risk of lymphedema and to explore the preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on lymphedema incidence at 12 months. In this pilot single-blinded, parallel-group, multi-centre RCT, women with newly diagnosed gynecological cancer were randomized to receive post-operative compression stockings and individualized exercise education (intervention group: IG) or education on lymphedema risk-reduction alone (control group: CG). Rates of recruitment, retention and assessment completion were recorded. Intervention safety and feasibility were tracked by monitoring adverse events and adherence. Clinical outcomes were evaluated over 12 months: presence of lymphedema, circumferential and volume measures, body composition and quality of life. Fifty-one women were recruited and 36 received the assigned intervention. Rates of recruitment and 12-month retention were 47% and 78%, respectively. Two participants experienced post-operative cellulitis, prior to intervention delivery. At three and six months post-operatively, 67% and 63% of the IG used compression ≥42 h/week, while 56% engaged in ≥150 weekly minutes of moderate-vigorous exercise. The cumulative incidence of lymphedema at 12 months was 31% in the CG and 31.9% in the IG (p = 0.88). In affected participants, lymphedema developed after a median time of 3.2 months (range, 2.7-5.9) in the CG vs. 8.8 months (range, 2.9-11.8) in the IG. Conducting research trials exploring lymphedema risk-reduction strategies in gynecological cancer is feasible but challenging. A tailored intervention of compression and exercise is safe and feasible in this population and may delay the onset of lymphedema. Further research is warranted to establish the role of these strategies in reducing the risk of lymphedema for the gynecological cancer population.

Patient-reported outcomes of non-pharmacological interventions for endometrial cancer survivors: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The objective of this review was to assess the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions on endometrial cancer (EC) survivors' QOL, and their use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of non-pharmacological interventions that assessed the impact of intervention on EC survivors' general and domain-specific QOL (i.e., physical, psychological, and social well-being) using PROMs.

RESULTS

Of the 3178 studies identified, 28 full-text articles were reviewed, and 10 were included in the review. Nine RCTs assessed at least one PROM as a primary outcome and six assessed a PROM as a secondary outcome, but few studies used validated PROMs. Significant improvements in general QOL were found in two studies, domain-specific QOL in three studies, and both general and domain-specific QOL in three studies; however, effect sizes ranged from small to large and no significant effects were found for social well-being and few were found for psychological well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Few non-pharmacological interventions for EC survivors targeted QOL, even though QOL was assessed as either a primary or secondary outcome of the RCT. Despite this, findings suggest that non-pharmacological interventions for EC survivors hold promise for improving general and domain-specific QOL. Use of validated PROMs would greatly enhance outcome reporting and facilitate comparisons across studies. More interventions are also needed that address social and psychological functioning in this population.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Our review highlights a need to (1) expand non-pharmacological RCTs for EC survivors, (2) increase the use of validated PROMs measuring QOL, and (3) address psychosocial domains of QOL when developing interventions for this population.

Relaxation versus exercise for improved quality of life in lymphoma survivors-a randomised controlled trial

Purpose

Lymphoma survivors experience persisting needs as a consequence of disease and treatment, which have an impact on quality of life (QoL). There is evidence supporting the use of relaxation and exercise to improve QoL, but there is no agreement on which is more beneficial. This study aims to compare a relaxation intervention versus an exercise intervention to determine which has a greater impact on QoL post-chemotherapy.

Methods

Eligible participants (n = 46) were randomised to a relaxation or exercise intervention for 12 weeks. QoL was assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and post-intervention using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire, which is a valid and reliable tool. The summary score and all EORTC domains were assessed.

Results

There was a significant difference in QoL post-intervention between groups (p = 0.029) while adjusting for baseline QoL, with the exercise group demonstrating a larger improvement. Within-group QoL significantly improved pre- to post-intervention in both the relaxation (p = 0.036) and exercise (p = 0.004) groups.

Conclusions

A self-management intervention of either exercise or relaxation can help significantly improve QoL in lymphoma survivors following chemotherapy. While exercise is preferred, a relaxation intervention would also have a beneficial impact on QoL.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Lymphoma survivors should be routinely screened and those with decreased QoL referred for an exercise programme, or relaxation for survivors who are unable to exercise or choose not to. A home-based programme can have a significant positive impact on QoL and is a feasible and effective method in the current climate.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trials ID NCT02272751

Mapping the contribution of Allied Health Professions to the wider public health workforce: a rapid review of evidence-based interventions

Objectives

The objective was to identify a selection of the best examples of the public health contributions by Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in order to encourage a wider awareness and participation from that workforce to public health practice.

Study design

A mapping exercise was used to identify evidence-based interventions that could lead to health improvements across a population.

Methods

A rapid review was undertaken to identify evidence, followed by a survey of Allied Health Profession (AHP) practitioners and an expert panel consensus method to select the examples of AHP public health interventions.

Results

Nine evidence-based interventions are identified and selected as examples of current AHP good practice. These examples represent a contribution to public health and include screening interventions, secondary prevention and risk management.

Conclusions

This study contributes to a strategy for AHPs in public health by appraising the effectiveness and impact of some exemplar AHP practices that contribute to health improvement. There is a need for AHPs to measure the impact of their interventions and to demonstrate evidence of outcomes at population level.

Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Research

Qualitative research on the impact of physical activity on quality of life (QoL) in adults diagnosed with cancer is accumulating. However, the field of physical activity and cancer survivorship lack a synthesis of this research to reliably understand the implications for future research and practice. The aim of this meta-synthesis was to identify, appraise, and synthesize qualitative research on cancer survivors’ perspectives of the impact of physical activity on their QoL. Seven electronic databases were searched for original studies published in English, and reference lists of relevant studies were hand-searched to identify additional studies. Forty studies met eligibility criteria and were included in this meta-synthesis. Study characteristics and major findings were extracted, and findings were summarized, compared, and synthesized. Themes identified in this review revealed that physical activity positively impacted four dimensions of cancer survivors’ QoL: physical (e.g., managing the physical consequences of cancer and its treatment), psychological (e.g., evoking positive self-perceptions), social (e.g., feeling understood by others), and spiritual (e.g., redefining life purpose). This meta-synthesis corroborates conclusions from reviews of quantitative research and illustrates that physical activity can be used to improve QoL in adult cancer survivors, regardless of diagnosis (i.e., stage, cancer type) and treatment status. It also provides detailed insight into specific aspects within each dimension of QoL impacted by physical activity from cancer survivors’ perspectives, which is important for understanding the meaning and utility of physical activity for them. However, more research is needed to further develop the qualitative evidence base in order to better understand how physical activity impacts on QoL experiences in men, young adults, and adults diagnosed with less common types of cancer at different points along cancer trajectory (i.e., diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment, palliation).

Acceptability of telephone support as perceived by patients with cancer: A systematic review

Telephone-based interventions can increase accessibility to healthcare and are increasingly used as a convenient method of providing support. We conducted a systematic review of published literature reporting adult patients' perceptions of the acceptability of, and satisfaction with, telephone-based interventions during or post-treatment for cancer. Systematic searches identified 4,855 articles. Forty-eight articles describing 50 studies were included in the review. Three intervention categories were identified post hoc: (1) telephone follow-up in lieu of routine hospital follow-up, (2) telephone interventions for treatment side-effect monitoring and toxicity management supplementary to usual care, and (3) supplementary psycho-educational telephone interventions. Across studies, some consistent findings emerged. Positive perceptions emphasised the convenience of telephone interventions and increased accessibility to care. Conflicting perceptions of the quality of the support received, the impact of telecare on the patient-healthcare professional relationship and the need for such interventions emerged. In conclusion, the evidence base relating to patients' perceptions of telephone-based interventions is increasing. Interpretation of findings is currently limited by methodological limitations in the primary research. The instruments chosen to assess patient satisfaction quantitatively do not always reflect the patient-centred priorities that emerge from qualitative data. Subsequent research would benefit from well-designed qualitative studies and patient-centred outcome measures to ensure that the individuality of participants' positive and negative experiences is captured.

Why Women Living in an Obstetric Care Underserved Area Do Not Utilize Their Local Hospital Supported by Korean Government for Childbirth

PURPOSE

This study aimed to understand why mothers do not utilize the prenatal care and delivery services at their local hospital supported by the government program, the Supporting Program for Obstetric Care Underserved Area (SPOU).

METHODS

We conducted a focus group interview by recruiting four mothers who delivered in the hospital in their community (a rural underserved obstetric care area) and another four mothers who delivered in the hospital outside of the community.

RESULTS

From the finding, the mothers were not satisfied with the quality of services that the community hospital provided, in terms of professionalism of the obstetric care team, and the outdated medical device and facilities. Also, the mothers believed that the hospital in the metropolitan city is better for their health as well as that of their babies. The mothers who delivered in the outside community hospital considered geographical closeness less than they did the quality of obstetric care. The mothers who delivered in the community hospital gave the reason why they chose the hospital, which was convenience and emergency preparedness due to its geographical closeness. However, they were not satisfied with the quality of services provided by the community hospital like the other mothers who delivered in the hospital outside of the community.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, in order to successfully deliver the SPOU program, the Korean government should make an effort in increasing the quality of maternity service provided in the community hospital and improving the physical factors of a community hospital such as outdated medical equipment and facilities.

A pilot study of an exercise & cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for epithelial ovarian cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynaecologic cancers. Faced with poor prognoses, stressful treatment effects and a high likelihood of recurrence, survivors must confront significant physical and psychological morbidities that negatively impact health-related quality of life. Frequently reported side effects include cancer-related fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, and psychological distress. Exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy interventions have counteracted such adverse effects in other cancer populations.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and benefits of a 24-week home-based exercise intervention, coordinated with 12 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy (two sessions per month), developed for two types of patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer: 1) those undergoing primary treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy after primary surgery; 2) those on surveillance after completing treatment within the last 2 years.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from the Gynaecologic Oncology Clinic. Eligible participants completed baseline assessments and were provided with home-based exercise equipment. Cognitive behavioral therapy was provided every other week for patients via telephone. Assessments were completed at baseline (T1), 3 months (T2) and 6 months (T3).

RESULTS

19 of the 46 eligible patients approached were enrolled, with 7 patients in the treatment group and 12 in the surveillance group. There was a significant within group increase in peak VO2 from baseline to 6 months: F(2,16) = 5.531, p = 0.015, partial η2 = 0.409.

CONCLUSION

The combined 6-month exercise-cognitive behavioral therapy intervention was associated with significant increases in aerobic fitness in epithelial ovarian cancer patients assessed. These improvements were similar regardless of whether the patient was receiving chemotherapy or under surveillance.