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Bongioanni P, Borasio GD, Oliver DJ, Romagnoli A, Kapitza KP, Sidle K, Tramonti F. Methods for informing people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease of their diagnosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 2:CD007593. [PMID: 36812393 PMCID: PMC9944678 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007593.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), causes increasing physical impairment and disability. People with ALS/MND face huge physical challenges, and the diagnosis can be a source of great psychological distress for both people with ALS/MND and their carers. In such a context, how news of the diagnosis is broken is important. At present, there are no systematic reviews of methods for informing people with ALS/MND of their diagnosis. OBJECTIVES To examine the effects and effectiveness of different methods for informing people of a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND), including effects on the person's knowledge and understanding of their disease, its treatment, and care; and on coping and adjustment to the effects of ALS/MND, its treatment, and care. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and two trials registers (February 2022). We contacted individuals or organisations to locate studies. We contacted study authors to obtain additional unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA We planned to include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of techniques for informing people with ALS/MND of their diagnosis. We planned to include adults (aged 17 years or over) with ALS/MND, according to the El Escorial criteria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three review authors independently reviewed the results of the search to identify RCTs, and three review authors identified non-randomised studies to include in the discussion section. We planned that two review authors would independently extract data, and three would assess the risk of bias in any included trials. MAIN RESULTS We did not identify any RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There are no RCTs that evaluate different communication strategies for breaking the bad news for people diagnosed with ALS/MND. Focused research studies are needed to assess the effectiveness and efficacy of different communication methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bongioanni
- Spinal Cord Injury Unit, Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, Italy
| | - Gian Domenico Borasio
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Karl P Kapitza
- Panel Physicians' Association Schleswig-Holstein, Bad Segeberg, Germany
- Malteser Service Center, Koln, Germany
| | - Katie Sidle
- Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, London, UK
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O'Brien MR, McDermott C, Aoun S, Oliver D, Kirton JA. The diagnostic experience for people with MND and their caregivers in the U.K. J Neurol Sci 2023; 444:120483. [PMID: 36470071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE How an MND diagnosis is communicated has implications for how individuals adapt to their illness. The consultation process with the neurologist, diagnosis delivery, and adherence to UK guidelines, were explored from the perspectives of people diagnosed with MND and family caregivers. METHODS A cross-sectional approach with people with MND and their caregivers in UK. An anonymous online survey, based on the SPIKES protocol for delivering bad news and containing questions focusing on the UK NICE MND guideline, was distributed in 2018-19. RESULTS 69 people with MND and 39 caregivers responded. People with MND were more likely than caregivers to rate highly their neurologist's skills and ability and their satisfaction with delivery of the diagnosis. The amount of time spent with the neurologist at diagnosis had an impact on the level of satisfaction and rating of the neurologist's skills and abilities. The SPIKES criteria were generally not met. Many of the NICE MND guideline recommendations were not met, though adherence was greater in MND Centres. CONCLUSIONS While there is evidence of satisfaction with the delivery of the diagnosis amongst people with MND and caregivers, there is room for improvement. There is a need for greater awareness of the requirements of people with MND and caregivers. There is also a need to raise awareness of the NICE MND guideline and ensure adequate training, time and funding to ensure communication at this difficult time is acceptable and effective. Where possible it would be preferable for referrals to be made to MND centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary R O'Brien
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, UK
| | | | - Samar Aoun
- University of Western Australia, Perron Institute, Perth, and La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Oliver
- Tizard Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 2NF, UK
| | - Jennifer A Kirton
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, UK.
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Fernandes IAM, Menezes ROA, Rego G. EMPATIA: A Guide for Communicating the Diagnosis of Neuromuscular Diseases. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:9792. [PMID: 36011430 PMCID: PMC9407777 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuromuscular diseases comprise a heterogeneous group of genetic syndromes that lead to progressive muscle weakness, resulting in functional limitation. There is a gap in the literature regarding the communication of the diagnosis of such diseases, compromising the autonomy of patients and families, besides causing stress on the assistant physician. OBJECTIVES Developing a guide to reduce communication barriers in the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases. METHODOLOGY Systematic review, after searching the descriptors ("Muscular Diseases" OR "Neuromuscular Diseases") AND ("Truth Disclosure" OR "Bad news communication" OR "Breaking bad News") in the Pubmed, Bireme, and Scopus websites, and these results were analyzed through narrative textual synthesis. RESULTS 16 articles were submitted to the final analysis, giving rise to seven steps to support the communication process. These are Empathy, Message, Prognosis, Reception, Time, Individualization, and Autonomy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The empathic transmission of the message and the prognosis must accommodate the feelings of the interlocutors with different information needs. In this way, communication planning optimizes the time and individualizes each context, respecting the autonomy of those involved. EMPATIA reflects the bioethical and interdisciplinary analysis of the literature and comes to fill the gap related to the communication of bad news in neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Araujo Mota Fernandes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- Lauro Wanderley University Hospital, Federal University of Paraíba, Joao Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
| | | | - Guilhermina Rego
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
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Poppe C, Schweikert K, Krones T, Wangmo T. Supportive needs of informal caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Switzerland: a qualitative study. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2022; 16:26323524221077700. [PMID: 35252864 PMCID: PMC8891867 DOI: 10.1177/26323524221077700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study explores the supportive needs of informal caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Switzerland. Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine informal caregivers currently providing care to a person with ALS, 14 bereaved informal caregivers, and 13 healthcare professionals. Interviews were recorded on digital audio and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis within a realist framework. Result: Informal caregivers discussed five themes of support needs relating to being overburdened by administrative demand, in contact with healthcare providers, home support, especially during the terminal phase, and having or lacking social support. Healthcare professionals discussed three themes of support needs of informal caregivers which related to the general institutional support for informal caregivers, their own work as caring for informal caregivers, and the challenges in healthcare for families with ALS they encountered. Significance of results: Informal caregiving for people with ALS can be demanding. This study provides evidence for improvements in supporting informal caregivers. It shows administrative needs of informal caregivers, stresses their needs regarding advance care planning early in the context of ALS, and underlines the importance of social support, be it in peer-groups or community care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Poppe
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistr. 28, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kathi Schweikert
- REHAB Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Krones
- Clinical Ethics, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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van Eenennaam RM, Koppenol LS, Kruithof WJ, Kruitwagen-van Reenen ET, Pieters S, van Es MA, van den Berg LH, Visser-Meily JMA, Beelen A. Discussing Personalized Prognosis Empowers Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis to Regain Control over Their Future: A Qualitative Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11121597. [PMID: 34942899 PMCID: PMC8699408 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The ENCALS survival prediction model offers patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) the opportunity to receive a personalized prognosis of survival at the time of diagnosis. We explored experiences of patients with ALS, caregivers, and physicians with discussing personalized prognosis through interviews with patients and their caregivers, and in a focus group of physicians. Thematic analysis revealed four themes with seven subthemes; these were recognized by the focus group. First, tailored communication: physician’s communication style and information provision mediated emotional impact and increased satisfaction with communication. Second, personal factors: coping style, illness experiences, and information needs affected patient and caregiver coping with the prognosis. Third, emotional impact ranged from happy and reassuring to regret. Fourth, regaining control over the future: participants found it helpful in looking towards the future, and emphasized the importance of quality over quantity of life. Personalized prognosis can be discussed with minimal adverse emotional impact. How it is communicated—i.e., tailored to individual needs—is as important as what is communicated—i.e., a good or poor prognosis. Discussing personalized prognosis may help patients with ALS and their caregivers regain control over the future and facilitate planning of the future (care). For many patients, quality of life matters more than quantity of time remaining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remko M. van Eenennaam
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.M.v.E.); (L.S.K.); (W.J.K.); (E.T.K.-v.R.); (J.M.A.V.-M.)
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Loulou S. Koppenol
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.M.v.E.); (L.S.K.); (W.J.K.); (E.T.K.-v.R.); (J.M.A.V.-M.)
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke J. Kruithof
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.M.v.E.); (L.S.K.); (W.J.K.); (E.T.K.-v.R.); (J.M.A.V.-M.)
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther T. Kruitwagen-van Reenen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.M.v.E.); (L.S.K.); (W.J.K.); (E.T.K.-v.R.); (J.M.A.V.-M.)
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sotice Pieters
- Basalt Rehabilitation, 2543 SW The Hague, The Netherlands;
| | - Michael A. van Es
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.A.v.E.); (L.H.v.d.B.)
| | - Leonard H. van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.A.v.E.); (L.H.v.d.B.)
| | - Johanna M. A. Visser-Meily
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.M.v.E.); (L.S.K.); (W.J.K.); (E.T.K.-v.R.); (J.M.A.V.-M.)
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anita Beelen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.M.v.E.); (L.S.K.); (W.J.K.); (E.T.K.-v.R.); (J.M.A.V.-M.)
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-638-555-078
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Gillespie J, Przybylak-Brouillard A, Watt CL. The Palliative Care Information Needs of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their Informal Caregivers: A Scoping Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:848-862. [PMID: 33757892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, associated with impaired quality of life for patients and caregivers. As treatment is largely supportive, early involvement of palliative care (PC) is recommended as standard of care. Despite this, literature surrounding PC information needs is limited. OBJECTIVES To explore the PC information needs of patients with ALS and their caregivers and identify gaps in the literature. METHODS A scoping review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases (2000-2019) was conducted. Articles examining PC information needs as stated by ALS patients and/or current/bereaved caregivers were included. Studies examining other diagnoses and those focused on healthcare workers were excluded. Thematic synthesis was used to summarize and identify prevalent domains and themes in the literature. RESULTS 581 articles underwent primary screening, with thirty-two ultimately included (26 original articles, six reviews). Fourteen examined information needs of both patients and caregivers, 13 caregivers only, 5 patients only. The most common PC information needs were as follows: for patients, disease course/prognosis (n = 10), general disease information (n = 9), decision-making (n = 7) and symptoms (n = 6); for caregivers, services and resources (n = 15), disease course/prognosis (n = 14), general disease information (n = 13) and skills (n = 10). There was substantial variability in information needs, both between patients and caregivers and among members of the same group. CONCLUSION ALS patients and caregivers have unique and varying PC information needs. Future research should better characterize these needs to improve patient and caregiver quality of life. The delivery of information must be tailored to individual patient or caregiver preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Gillespie
- Division of Palliative Care, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Christine L Watt
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Family and friends are key providers of care for people living with a long-term neurological condition. Neurological conditions are a significant global contributor to disability and premature death. However, previous research suggests carers often struggle to access appropriate support at end of life. AIMS This review sought to synthesise qualitative studies discussing end-of-life and palliative issues for informal carers supporting people living with neurological conditions. DESIGN This was a meta-ethnographic synthesis of 38 qualitative studies discussing end-of-life and palliative issues for informal carers supporting people living with long-term neurological conditions. DATA SOURCES Qualitative articles published after January 2010 in English, addressing carers of people with long-term neurological conditions with regard to palliative care, end of life and/or bereavement. Papers were excluded if it was not possible to separately assess the views of carers. Quality appraisal was not undertaken, but consideration was given to research context. RESULTS Across the papers, five key themes were identified: the future (un)certainties in the progression of life-limiting neurological conditions; an information paradox of not receiving the right information at the right time; access to support; carers' roles in decision making around end of life; and maintaining continuity while facing change and disruption in day-to-day living. CONCLUSIONS Given the broad agreement on the challenges faced by carers of people living with long-term neurological conditions, future research should consider opportunities to improve information and support for this group, and the development and evaluation of practical models of service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Toze
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Mo Ray
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Thomas George
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Kelly Sisson
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - David Nelson
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
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Poppe C, Koné I, Iseli LM, Schweikert K, Elger BS, Wangmo T. Differentiating needs of informal caregivers of individuals with ALS across the caregiving course: a systematic review. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 21:519-541. [PMID: 32657155 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1771735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience a range of needs across the course of the disease. For the provision of adequate support, an examination of the empirical evidence is necessary. AIM The purpose of the systematic review was to synthesize evidence of needs of informal caregivers of people with ALS at different stages of caregiving. METHOD Systematic review of empirical research on needs of ALS informal caregivers in both English and German, from January 2000 to August 2018. We searched the databases EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction was performed independently. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included. Of the included studies, we additionally screened citing literature in Google Scholar (citation tracking). We linked the narrative synthesis to four stages of caregiving described by Williams and colleagues and used descriptive inductive thematic analysis to structure data within the stages. RESULTS From 3275 abstracts screened, 48 manuscripts met our inclusion criteria. Our data analysis shows that needs differ across the four caregiving stages. While the stage of bereavement (stage 4) includes too little data for separate themes, themes for needs after diagnosis (stage 1), and terminal stage (stage 3) could be specified. As the maintenance (stage 2) stage comprised of themes relevant across the caregiving course, it became an overall stage. DISCUSSION Healthcare professionals need to pay attention to current caregiving stages to provide support for informal caregivers. Further research is needed to tease out support needs for the bereavement phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Poppe
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Insa Koné
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luzia Margarete Iseli
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Hospital of Herisau, Herisau, Switzerland
| | - Kathi Schweikert
- REHAB Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernice Simone Elger
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Center of Legal Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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