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Rinaldo C, Stenmarker M, Øra I, Pergert P. Living with the threat of losing a child: Parents' experiences of the transplantation process with a severely ill child who received stem cells from a sibling. J Pediatr Nurs 2024:S0882-5963(24)00197-0. [PMID: 38762421 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE When a child needs a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, the seriousness of the child's illness is highlighted. The purpose of this study was to explore parents' experiences of the transplantation process when two children in the family are involved, one severely ill child as the recipient and the other as the donor. METHODS In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with 18 parents of 13 healthy minor donors after successful stem cell transplants. Qualitative content analysis was used to explore parents' experiences. FINDINGS The parents described they were living with the threat of losing a child. They lived with an uncertain future as they were confronted with life-changing information. Whether the ill child would survive or not could not be predicted; thus, parents had to endure unpredictability, and to cope with this they chose to focus on positives. Finally, the parents managed family life in the midst of chaos, felt an inadequacy and a perception that the family became a fragmented although close team during hospital stays. They expressed a need for both tangible and emotional support. CONCLUSIONS When a child needs a stem cell transplant, the parents feel inadequate to their healthy children including the donating child. It is obvious that they experience an uncertain future and struggle to keep the family together amid the chaos. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Considering these results, psychosocial support should be mandatory for parents in connection with pediatric HSCT, to enable a process where parents can prepare for the outcome, whether successful or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Rinaldo
- Astrid Lindgren children's hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Margaretha Stenmarker
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Paediatrics, Futurum Academy of Health and Care, Jönköping, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden.
| | - Ingrid Øra
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Pernilla Pergert
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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2
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Wall SA, Olin R, Bhatt V, Chhabra S, Munshi P, Hacker E, Hashmi S, Hassel H, Howard D, Jayani R, Lin R, McCurdy S, Mishra A, Murthy H, Popat U, Wood W, Rosko AE, Artz A. The Transplantation Ecosystem: A New Concept to Improve Access and Outcomes for Older Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Patients. Transplant Cell Ther 2023; 29:632.e1-632.e10. [PMID: 37137442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2023.04.020] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is increasingly offered to older adults with hematologic malignancies, even though nonrelapse mortality remains a major concern in older patients owing to more comorbidities and greater frailty compared with their younger counterparts. The importance of patient fitness, a well-matched donor, and disease control to the success of allogeneic HCT have been well documented; however, these factors fail to account for the impact of the complex transplantation ecosystem (TE) that older adult HCT candidates must navigate. We propose a definition of the TE modeled after the social determinants of health. Furthermore, we outline a research agenda aimed at increasing understanding of the roles of individual social determinants of transplantation health in the larger ecosystem and how they may benefit or harm older adult HCT candidates. Herein we define the TE and its individual tenets, the social determinants of transplantation health. We review the available literature while incorporating the expertise of the membership of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) Special Interest Group for Aging. The membership of the ASTCT Special Interest Group for Aging identify knowledge gaps and strategies to address them for each of the described social determinants of transplantation health. The ecosystem is an essential but underappreciated pillar for transplant access and success. We put forth this novel research agenda seeking to gain a better understanding of the complexity of HCT in older adults and develop strategies to improve access to HCT, survival, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Wall
- Division of Hematology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
| | - Rebecca Olin
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Vijaya Bhatt
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Saurabh Chhabra
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Pashna Munshi
- Division of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Eileen Hacker
- Department of Nursing, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Shahrukh Hashmi
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, MN
| | - Hailey Hassel
- National Marrow Donor Program/Be The Match, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Dianna Howard
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Reena Jayani
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Richard Lin
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Shannon McCurdy
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Asmita Mishra
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Hemant Murthy
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Uday Popat
- Department of Nursing, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - William Wood
- Division of Hematology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ashley E Rosko
- Division of Hematology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Andrew Artz
- Division of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
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3
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McAndrew NS, Erickson J, Hetland B, Guttormson J, Patel J, Wallace L, Visotcky A, Banerjee A, Applebaum AJ. A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study: Eliciting ICU Experiences and Measuring Outcomes of Family Caregivers of Patients Who Have Undergone Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2023:10748407231166945. [PMID: 37191306 PMCID: PMC10330518 DOI: 10.1177/10748407231166945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The impact of an intensive care unit (ICU) admission on family caregivers of patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has not been well described. Aims of this study were to determine the feasibility of conducting research with family caregivers of HSCT patients during an ICU admission and generate preliminary data about their experiences and engagement in care. Using a mixed-methods, repeated measures design, we collected data from family caregivers after 48 hr in the ICU (T1) and at 48 hr after transferring out of ICU (T2). Enrolling HSCT caregivers in research while in the ICU was feasible (10/13 consented; 9/10 completed data collection at T1); however, data collection at T2 was not possible for most caregivers. Caregiver distress levels were high, and engagement in care was moderate. The three themes that emerged from interviews (n = 5) highlighted that although HSCT family caregivers faced many challenges and received limited support during their ICU experience, they were able to access their own personal resources and demonstrated resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S McAndrew
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA
- Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | | | - Breanna Hetland
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
- Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Allison J Applebaum
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Tan KR, Fredrickson B, Santos H, Wood W, Schwartz TA, Mayer DK. A Visual Case-Oriented Analysis of Stress-Related Symptoms in Caregivers of Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation Recipients. Oncol Nurs Forum 2022; 49:541-551. [PMID: 36413733 PMCID: PMC10431954 DOI: 10.1188/22.onf.541-551] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe trends in caregiver stress and stress-related symptoms (anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbance) across 12 weeks post-transplantation. SAMPLE & SETTING 11 caregivers were recruited from a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center's bone marrow transplantation (BMT) outpatient clinic in the southeastern United States. METHODS & VARIABLES A visual case-oriented analysis was conducted on data from 11 caregivers' weekly self-reported data to identify trends after allogeneic BMT. RESULTS The authors identified three primary trends as follows: U-shaped (highest symptoms at start of transplantation and end of study; n = 3), negatively sloped (highest symptoms at beginning of transplantation and decreasing over time; n = 2), and V-shaped predischarge (highest symptoms at start of transplantation and right before discharge home; n = 4). Two caregivers did not have postdischarge data because of patient death prior to study completion. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Caregivers may benefit from additional support to manage their stress-related symptoms at the start of transplantation and just before discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R. Tan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Fredrickson
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hudson Santos
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William Wood
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Todd A. Schwartz
- School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deborah K. Mayer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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5
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Husted Nielsen I, Piil K, Tolver A, Grønbæk K, Kjeldsen L, Jarden M. Family caregiver ambassador support for caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed hematological cancer: a feasibility study. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:6923-6935. [PMID: 35543814 PMCID: PMC9091143 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07089-0] [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: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the feasibility of a one-on-one peer support intervention in family caregivers of newly diagnosed patients with a hematological cancer during initial treatment. METHODS The study was a one-arm feasibility study including family caregivers of newly diagnosed patients with hematological cancer (n = 26) and caregiver ambassadors who were family caregivers of previously treated patients as peer supporters (n = 17). The one-on-one peer support intervention consisted of three components: a caregiver ambassador preparatory course; 12 weeks of one-on-one peer support, and caregiver ambassador network meetings. RESULTS Family caregivers reported high satisfaction with the delivery and flexibility of one-on-one peer support and improved in most psychosocial outcomes over time. Telephone and text messages were the most used form of contact between the peers. Caregiver ambassadors reported high satisfaction with the preparatory course and used the available support from the network meetings. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION One-on-one peer support provided by a caregiver ambassador is feasible and safe in family caregivers of newly diagnosed hematological cancer patients during their initial treatment. Utilizing volunteer caregiver ambassadors has the potential to be a new support model in family caregivers of hematological cancer patients across diagnostic groups within a clinical setting. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04039100, July 29, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iben Husted Nielsen
- Department of Haematology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Karin Piil
- Department of Oncology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anders Tolver
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Data Science Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Grønbæk
- Department of Haematology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Kjeldsen
- Department of Haematology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mary Jarden
- Department of Haematology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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A person-centred intervention remotely targeting family caregivers' support needs in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-a feasibility study. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:9039-9047. [PMID: 35951098 PMCID: PMC9366782 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07306-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an intensive curative treatment that increases family caregivers' burden. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of remotely assessing and addressing family caregivers' support needs in terms of demand and acceptability using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention (CSNAT-I) in the HSCT context. METHODS CSNAT-I consists of an evidence-based tool and a five-stage person-centred process. The intervention was performed remotely by two designated nurses from two HSCT centres, one before HSCT and the second 6 weeks after (November 2020 to March 2021). To capture the experiences of using CSNAT-I, interviews were conducted with family caregivers and reflections were gathered from the designated nurses. RESULTS Of 34 eligible family caregivers, 27 participated, 70% were partners and the rest children, siblings or other relatives. The main support needs were knowing what to expect in the future and dealing with your feelings and worries. The most frequent support actions according to CSNAT-I were psychological support and medical information. Four categories summarised family caregivers and designated nurses' experiences: CSNAT-I was relevant and became an eye opener; nurses' experiences were important for enabling trustful CSNAT-I conversations; CSNAT-I provided family caregivers with support and a sense of security; and CSNAT-I gave family caregivers insight and enabled change. CONCLUSION Both family caregivers and designated nurses experienced that using CSNAT-I in an HSCT context was feasible and had the potential to provide valuable support for most of the participating family caregivers.
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7
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Pawlow PC, Blumenthal NP, Christie JD, Matura LA, Aryal S, Ersek M. The Supportive Care Needs of Primary Caregivers of Lung Transplant Candidates. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:918-926. [PMID: 33992758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Caring for people with advanced illness has an impact on caregivers' physical, psychological, and emotional health. Patients being evaluated for lung transplantation or those on the transplant waitlist are required to have identified social support. However, little is known about the caregivers' specific supportive care needs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the supportive care needs of informal caregivers of patients who are being evaluated for or awaiting lung transplantation. METHODS A cross sectional survey of the caregivers of lung transplant candidates using the Carers' Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) was conducted. RESULTS The sample (n = 78) included caregivers from a single-center academic institution in the United States. Participants were predominantly Caucasian and female, mean age 58 years (SD:13). Most were the patient's spouse or partner and over half reported needs in the following areas: what to expect in the future; who to call with healthcare concerns; financial, legal and work issues; and caregivers' feelings and worries. When asked if they need more support in these areas, up to one-third indicated they needed "quite a bit more" or "very much more," with substantial needs regarding what to expect in the future, who to call with healthcare concerns, and financial, legal, or work issues. CONCLUSION A substantial portion of lung transplant caregivers express need for more support. Future research should focus on testing strategies to promote regular assessment of these needs and examining the effectiveness of interdisciplinary interventions to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Pawlow
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (P.C.P., N.P.B., L.A.M., S.A., M.E.), Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Nancy P Blumenthal
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (P.C.P., N.P.B., L.A.M., S.A., M.E.), Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jason D Christie
- University of Pennsylvania Perlman School of Medicine (J.D.C.), Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lea Ann Matura
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (P.C.P., N.P.B., L.A.M., S.A., M.E.), Philadelphia, PA
| | - Subhash Aryal
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (P.C.P., N.P.B., L.A.M., S.A., M.E.), Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mary Ersek
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (P.C.P., N.P.B., L.A.M., S.A., M.E.), Philadelphia, PA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center - Philadelphia (M.E.), University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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8
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Cheng HL, Leung DYP, Ko PS, Chung MW, Lam WM, Lam PT, Luk AL, Lam SC. Reliability, validity and acceptability of the traditional Chinese version of the carer support needs assessment tool in Hong Kong palliative care settings. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:152. [PMID: 34627225 PMCID: PMC8502334 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00852-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Among the few existing needs assessment tools for family carers, the 14-item Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) is the only brief and holistic needs screening tool designed for everyday use in palliative care practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability, validity, and acceptability of the traditional Chinese version of the CSNAT in palliative care settings in Hong Kong. Methods This adopted a cross-sectional and correlation design with repeated measures. The participants were 125 family carers of palliative cancer patients and 10 healthcare providers (HCPs) that were recruited from two local hospitals. The evaluation of psychometric properties included the following: (1) content validity through HCPs including frontline physicians, nurses, social workers, and clinical psychologists; (2) construct validity between the CSNAT items and those of the validated tools that measured caregiver burden, social support, and caregiving self-efficacy; and (3) one-week test-retest reliability in a sub-sample of 81 caregivers. The acceptability of the tool was assessed by the carers using several closed-ended questions. Results The content validity index of the CSNAT at the scale level was 0.98. Each item of the CSNAT was significantly and moderately correlated with caregiver burden (Spearman’s r = 0.24 to 0.50) and caregiving self-efficacy (r = − 0.21 to − 0.52), but not for social support. All CSNAT items had fair to moderate test-retest reliability (weighted kappa = 0.21 to 0.48), with the exception of two items “managing your relatives’ symptoms, including giving medicines” and “having time for yourself in the day”. Regarding the acceptability of the CSNAT, almost all HCPs were willing to use the CSNAT for carer assessment and support. 89.6% of the carers demonstrated a comprehensibility of the CSNAT tool and 92.9% felt comfortable answering the questions. Around 90% of the carers agreed to use the tool for screening, discussing needs, and making referrals. Conclusion The traditional Chinese version of the CSNAT is a tool with high validity and acceptability and adequate reliability that measures family carers’ support needs, which should be considered for wide application in local palliative care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Lin Cheng
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hom Hung, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Doris Yin Ping Leung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hom Hung, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Po Shan Ko
- Nursing Services Division, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ming Wai Chung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hom Hung, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Man Lam
- Department of Medicine, Haven of Hope Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Po Tin Lam
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Andrew Leung Luk
- Nethersole Institute of Continuing Holistic Health Education, Hong Kong SAR, China
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9
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Norinder M, Årestedt K, Lind S, Axelsson L, Grande G, Ewing G, Holm M, Öhlén J, Benkel I, Alvariza A. Higher levels of unmet support needs in spouses are associated with poorer quality of life - a descriptive cross-sectional study in the context of palliative home care. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:132. [PMID: 34454454 PMCID: PMC8403446 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Family caregivers often report having unmet support needs when caring for someone with life-threatening illness. They are at risk for psychological distress, adverse physical symptoms and negatively affected quality of life. This study aims to explore associations between family caregivers’ support needs and quality of life when caring for a spouse receiving specialized palliative home care. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used: 114 family caregivers completed the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) and the Quality of Life in Life-Threatening Illness – Family caregiver version (QOLLTI-F) and 43 of them also answered one open-ended question on thoughts about their situation. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression analyses, and qualitative content analysis, were used for analyses. Results Higher levels of unmet support needs were significantly associated with poorer quality of life. All CSNAT support domains were significantly associated with one or more quality of life domains in QOLLTI-F, with the exception of the QoL domain related to distress about the patient condition. However, family caregivers described in the open-ended question that their life was disrupted by the patient’s life-threatening illness and its consequences. Family caregivers reported most the need of more support concerning knowing what to expect in the future, which they also described as worries and concerns about what the illness would mean for them and the patient further on. Lowest QoL was reported in relation to the patient’s condition, and the family caregiver’s own physical and emotional health. Conclusion With a deeper understanding of the complexities of supporting family caregivers in palliative care, healthcare professionals might help to increase family caregivers’ QoL by revealing their problems and concerns. Thus, tailored support is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Norinder
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Box 11189, 100 61, Stockholm, Sweden.,Capio Palliative Care, Dalen Hospital, 121 87, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182, Kalmar, Sweden. .,The Research Section, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden.
| | - Susanne Lind
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Box 11189, 100 61, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Axelsson
- Department of Nursing Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunn Grande
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Care, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Gail Ewing
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maja Holm
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Box 11189, 100 61, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Nursing Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Öhlén
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences and the Centre for Person-Centred Care, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,The Palliative Care Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Inger Benkel
- The Palliative Care Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anette Alvariza
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Box 11189, 100 61, Stockholm, Sweden.,Capio Palliative Care, Dalen Hospital, 121 87, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Preparedness for family caregiving prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:519-526. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521001346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative treatment associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is often necessary for family caregivers to become highly involved in the care, especially when patients return home after a long period of inpatient care. Family caregivers’ preparedness for the tasks and demands of the caregiving role prior to allo-HSCT might help them during this distressing time. The aim of this study was to explore whether demographic factors are associated with preparedness for caregiving prior to allo-HSCT and if such preparedness for caregiving is associated with caregiver outcomes in terms of caregiver burden, anxiety/depression, competence, self-efficacy, and general health among family caregivers.
Method
This correlational cross-sectional study included 86 family caregivers of patients to undergo allo-HSCT, who completed a self-administered questionnaire on preparedness, caregiver burden, anxiety/depression, competence, self-efficacy, and general health. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression models (linear and ordinal) were used to analyze the data.
Results
Family caregivers with a higher education and those who were the patient's partner were significantly associated with a higher level of preparedness for caregiving, while gender and age were not significant. Higher preparedness was significantly associated with higher competence and self-efficacy and lower symptoms of depression, even after the model was adjusted for education, relationship to the patient, gender, and age but not for anxiety or caregiver burden. Higher levels of preparedness were also significantly associated with better general health.
Significance of results
A higher level of preparedness for caregiving prior to allo-HSCT was associated with better family caregiver outcomes. Assessing family caregivers prior to allo-HSCT to identify those with insufficient preparedness might enable the provision of individually tailored psycho-educational support to help them cope with their caregiving role and prevent potential negative consequences.
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