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Betker L, Senßfelder A, Knorrenschild JR, Volberg C, Berthold D, Seifart C, von Blanckenburg P. Difficulties of Cancer Patients' Relatives in End-of-Life Discussions: Validation of a Questionnaire. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:420-428. [PMID: 38355073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite the potential benefits and the desire for end-of-life communication, it rarely occurs in the familial context. Relatives play a significant role in the communication process; thus, it is crucial to understand the difficulties that they face. OBJECTIVES To develop and evaluate the relatives' version of the Difficulties in End-of-Life Discussions - Family Inventory (DEOLD-FI-r) regarding its factor structure, reliability and validity. METHODS Relatives of patients with advanced cancer were recruited in a German hospital. The factor structure of the questionnaire was explored. Construct validity was examined through correlations between the DEOLD-FI-r and measures of avoidance of cancer communication, quality of life, distress, and experienced difficulty during end-of-life discussions. Additionally, we examined the group difference between those who had and had not engaged in the conversation. RESULTS About 111 relatives completed the survey (mean age 55.5 years, 52% female). The final version of the DEOLD-FI-r contained 23 items (α = .92). The exploratory factor analysis resulted in three factors explaining 74% of the variance. Each factor described another dimension of potential communication barriers in end-of-life discussions: 1) Own emotional burden, 2) Relational and patient-related difficulties, 3) Negative attitudes. Construct validity was supported by correlations consistent with our hypotheses and less reported communication difficulty by those who had already talked about the end-of-life with their relative (t(106) = 5.38, P < .001, d = 0.8). CONCLUSION The results indicate that the DEOLD-FI-r is a valid and reliable instrument for the systematic assessment of difficulties in family end-of-life communication. By focusing on relatives, it complements the already validated patient-version.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liv Betker
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., A.S., P.v.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Alina Senßfelder
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., A.S., P.v.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jorge Riera Knorrenschild
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg (J.R.K.), Marburg, Germany
| | - Christian Volberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (C.V.), University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Department of Medicine, Research Group Medical Ethics (C.V., C.S.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Berthold
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology and Palliative Care (D.B.), University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carola Seifart
- Department of Medicine, Research Group Medical Ethics (C.V., C.S.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Pia von Blanckenburg
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., A.S., P.v.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Zhang Y, Flannery M, Zhang Z, Underhill-Blazey M, Bobry M, Leblanc N, Rodriguez D, Zhang C. Digital Health Psychosocial Intervention in Adult Patients With Cancer and Their Families: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Cancer 2024; 10:e46116. [PMID: 38315546 PMCID: PMC10877499 DOI: 10.2196/46116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer and their families often experience significant distress and deterioration in their quality of life. Psychosocial interventions were used to address patients' and families' psychosocial needs. Digital technology is increasingly being used to deliver psychosocial interventions to patients with cancer and their families. OBJECTIVE A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to review the characteristics and effectiveness of digital health interventions on psychosocial outcomes in adult patients with cancer and their family members. METHODS Databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies that tested the effects of a digital intervention on psychosocial outcomes. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklists for RCTs and quasi-experimental studies were used to assess quality. Standardized mean differences (ie, Hedges g) were calculated to compare intervention effectiveness. Subgroup analysis was planned to examine the effect of delivery mode, duration of the intervention, type of control, and dosage on outcomes using a random-effects modeling approach. RESULTS A total of 65 studies involving 10,361 patients (mean 159, SD 166; range 9-803 patients per study) and 1045 caregivers or partners (mean 16, SD 54; range 9-244 caregivers or partners per study) were included in the systematic review. Of these, 32 studies were included in a meta-analysis of the effects of digital health interventions on quality of life, anxiety, depression, distress, and self-efficacy. Overall, the RCT studies' general quality was mixed (applicable scores: mean 0.61, SD 0.12; range 0.38-0.91). Quasi-experimental studies were generally of moderate to high quality (applicable scores: mean 0.75, SD 0.08; range 0.63-0.89). Psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral strategies were commonly used. More than half (n=38, 59%) did not identify a conceptual or theoretical framework. Most interventions were delivered through the internet (n=40, 62%). The median number of intervention sessions was 6 (range 1-56). The frequency of the intervention was highly variable, with self-paced (n=26, 40%) being the most common. The median duration was 8 weeks. The meta-analysis results showed that digital psychosocial interventions were effective in improving patients' quality of life with a small effect size (Hedges g=0.05, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.10; I2=42.7%; P=.01). The interventions effectively reduced anxiety and depression symptoms in patients, as shown by moderate effect sizes on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale total scores (Hedges g=-0.72, 95% CI -1.89 to 0.46; I2=97.6%; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the effectiveness of digital health interventions on quality of life, anxiety, and depression in patients. Future research with a clear description of the methodology to enhance the ability to perform meta-analysis is needed. Moreover, this study provides preliminary evidence to support the integration of existing digital health psychosocial interventions in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020189698; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=189698.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzi Zhang
- Magnet Program and Nursing Research Department, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Marie Flannery
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Zhihong Zhang
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | - Melanie Bobry
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Natalie Leblanc
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Darcey Rodriguez
- Edward G Miner Library, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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3
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Mahoney AB, Akard TF, Cowfer BA, Dietrich MS, Newton JL, Gilmer MJ. Impact of Animal-Assisted Interaction on Anxiety in Children With Advanced Cancer and Their Caregivers. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:75-82. [PMID: 37751186 PMCID: PMC10790544 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0091] [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] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pediatric patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers have unique psychosocial needs. Anxiety often worsens throughout treatment for both patients and parents, and, if undertreated, can cause suffering. Animal-assisted interaction (AAI) incorporates animals into patient care in a structured manner for the purpose of therapeutic benefit. Objective: To evaluate feasibility of incorporating AAI into patient care and to assess AAI effectiveness in decreasing patient and caregiver anxiety in pediatric patients with advanced cancer, defined by relapsed or refractory disease. Design: Randomized controlled study. Setting/Subjects: Participants were children (n = 19) and parents (n = 21) who were randomized to AAI group or usual care (UC) group. Measures: Participants completed weekly measures to assess anxiety, including the 20-question State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: Our results demonstrated feasibility of the use of AAI in children with advanced cancer. While they did not reveal a significant difference in anxiety scores over the four sessions in either group, parents randomized to the AAI group had lower STAI State subscores at initial visit in comparison to the UC group. The difference in initial STAI State anxiety scores for caregivers may indicate a positive effect of AAI in reducing anxiety surrounding appointments through anticipation of seeing a therapy dog. Conclusion: Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of AAI in pediatric patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers, but results are promising that participation in AAI may lessen caregiver anxiety. Clinical Trial Registration Number is: NCT03765099.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Byrd Mahoney
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Terrah Foster Akard
- Family Care Community, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brittany A. Cowfer
- Division of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mary S. Dietrich
- Family Care Community, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Mary Jo Gilmer
- Family Care Community, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Alexander K, Lee SYC, Georgiades S, Constantinou C. The "not so good" thyroid cancer: a scoping review on risk factors associated with anxiety, depression and quality of life. J Med Life 2023; 16:348-371. [PMID: 37168306 PMCID: PMC10165516 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased in recent years, leading to a growing number of survivors facing lifelong consequences. This scoping review investigated anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in thyroid cancer survivors compared to the general population, those with benign pathology, and survivors of other types of cancers. Moreover, we aimed to identify the risk factors associated with anxiety, depression, and QoL in thyroid cancer patients. A total of 727 articles were identified through PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases, and 68 articles that met the criteria were selected for data extraction. Thyroid cancer survivors have a poorer QoL compared to the general population, population with benign pathology, and survivors of other types of cancer associated with worse clinical outcomes. The main risk factors are grouped into socioeconomic factors, disease-specific factors, management factors, comorbidities, and patient perceptions. Effective communication between the patient and the medical team and behavioral interventions may reduce these risks. Despite the common perception of thyroid cancer as a "good cancer," the findings of this review demonstrate the need to address the risk factors associated with increased anxiety, depression, and lower QoL in survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Alexander
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sum-Yu Christina Lee
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Constantina Constantinou
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Corresponding Author: Constantina Constantinou, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus. E-mail:
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Querido A, Laranjeira C. Hope-Based Program for Portuguese Outpatients with Advanced Chronic Illness in a Community Setting: A Randomized Control Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1566. [PMID: 36674322 PMCID: PMC9861685 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Hope is widely considered a subjective phenomenon able to bring beneficial consequences to human health and existence. Maintaining hope amid a life-threatening disease and during palliative care is critical. The study aims to examine the effectiveness of a psychosocial supportive Hope Promotion Program (HPP) in enhancing hope, comfort, and quality of life in Portuguese adult outpatients with advanced and progressive chronic illness. Method: Using a parallel Randomized Control Trial (RCT) with pre-post design, 56 cancer outpatients from two day hospitals. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 28) or an intervention group (n = 28). The primary outcome measure was hope. Secondary measures included comfort and quality of life. Participants were assessed at baseline, day 15, and day 30 of follow-up. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. In the intervention group, there was a significant increase in the total hope scores after the HPP (day 15). Significant differences were still present after one month (p < 0.05). There was also a significant increase in comfort and quality of life scores in the intervention group one month after HPP (p = 0.018). Conclusions: The HPP may be an effective intervention to increase hope and improve comfort and quality of life among palliative patients. Future studies should increase sample size, diversify settings, and include longer and more detailed follow-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Querido
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic of Leiria, Campus 5, Rua de Santo André-66-68, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), NursID, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Laranjeira
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic of Leiria, Campus 5, Rua de Santo André-66-68, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-801 Évora, Portugal
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Rippon D, Hand A, Dismore L, Caiazza R. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Informal Caregivers of People With Parkinson's Disease Residing in the UK: A Qualitative Study. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2022; 36:233-245. [PMID: 36268777 PMCID: PMC9596687 DOI: 10.1177/08919887221135555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Informal caregivers can experience various demands when providing care and support for People with Parkinson's disease (PwP) in their own homes. The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 and public health strategies employed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have presented challenges to the general populace on a global basis. The present study used a qualitative research design to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted informal caregivers in their role of providing care for PwP in their own homes. A series of 1:1 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 informal caregivers of PwP (M age = 72.64 years, SD = 8.94 years). A thematic analysis indicated that 1) vulnerabilities to COVID-19, 2) home maintenance & activities of daily living and 3) engagement with healthcare services were 3 themes that provided indications on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted informal caregivers of PwP. The present study provides illustrations of how being an informal caregiver of PwP and being identified as high risk to COVID-19 can present challenges to the process of caring for loved ones who are also vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2. The results of the present study highlights the necessity to develop strategies to ensure that informal caregivers have the necessary resources to provide care for PwP in their homes and also maintain their own well-being in the post COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rippon
- Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK,Daniel Rippon, Northumbria University,
Northumberland Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Annette Hand
- Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK,Northumbria Healthcare, NHS Foundation Trust, North Shields, UK
| | - Lorelle Dismore
- Northumbria Healthcare, NHS Foundation Trust, North Shields, UK
| | - Roberta Caiazza
- Northumbria Healthcare, NHS Foundation Trust, North Shields, UK
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Xu L, L.Fields N, Tonui B, Vasquez-White T. Empowering Older Chinese immigrant volunteers: A pilot study of a psychoeducational intervention for foster grandparents. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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8
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Portacolone
- Address correspondence to: Elena Portacolone, PhD, MPH, MBA, Institute for Health & Aging, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. E-mail:
| | - Amy L Byers
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jodi Halpern
- University of California Berkeley-University of California San Francisco Joint Medical Program, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Deborah E Barnes
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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9
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Walker H, Miller MC, Cowfer B, Akard T, Gilmer MJ. The effects of animal-assisted interactions on quality of life in children with life-threatening conditions and their parents. Int J Palliat Nurs 2021; 27:524-530. [PMID: 34919414 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2021.27.10.524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with advanced cancer and their primary caregivers may experience severe stress and anxiety in coping with their life-threatening condition. As a way to help reduce these stressors and increase overall quality of life, research suggests that animal-assisted interactions may be beneficial when integrated into palliative care. AIMS This pilot study aims to provide evidence for the feasibility and efficacy of a randomised clinical trial using animal-assisted interactions to help improve the quality of life for children with an advanced life-threatening condition and their primary caregivers. This protocol paper outlines the basis of the research, goals, experimental design and methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Walker
- Research Assistant at Monroe Carell Junior Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
| | - Mary Chapman Miller
- Research Assistant at Monroe Carell Junior Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
| | - Brittany Cowfer
- Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Fellow, Monroe Carell Junior Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
| | - Terrah Akard
- Associate Professor, Director of PhD programme, Co-Director of Paediatric Palliative Care Research Team, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
| | - Mary Jo Gilmer
- Professor and Co-Director of Paediatric Palliative Care Research Team, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
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10
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Acknowledging cancer as a family disease: A systematic review of family care in the cancer setting. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2020; 49:101841. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Arantzamendi M, García-Rueda N, Carvajal A, Robinson CA. People With Advanced Cancer: The Process of Living Well With Awareness of Dying. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2020; 30:1143-1155. [PMID: 30539681 PMCID: PMC7307002 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318816298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Literature suggests that it is possible to live well with advanced cancer but little is known about the process. In this article, we present a secondary analysis of experiences of living with advanced cancer (n = 22) that refines the theory of "Living Well with Chronic Illness" for a different context and population. The refined theory explains the experience of living well with advanced cancer illuminating a five-phase iterative process: struggling, accepting, living with advanced cancer, sharing the illness experience, and reconstructing life. These five phases revolve around the core concept of Awareness of Dying, which varied from awareness of the possibility of dying, to accepting the possibility of dying, to acceptance that "I am dying." Awareness of Dying led to a focus on living well with advanced cancer and movement towards living a life rather than living an illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Arantzamendi
- Universidad de Navarra, ICS, Grupo
ATLANTES, Pamplona, Spain
- IdisNA—Instituto de Investigación
Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Maria Arantzamendi, Universidad de
Navarra, Institute for Culture and Society, ATLANTES Research Program,
Edificio de Bibliotecas, 31009, Spain.
Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noelia García-Rueda
- IdisNA—Instituto de Investigación
Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Universidad de Navarra, Faculty of
Nursing, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Carvajal
- IdisNA—Instituto de Investigación
Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Universidad de Navarra, Faculty of
Nursing, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carole A. Robinson
- Universidad de Navarra, ICS, Grupo
ATLANTES, Pamplona, Spain
- University of British Columbia,
Faculty of Health and Social Development, School of Nursing, Kelowna,
British Columbia, Canada
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Kupeli N, Chatzitheodorou G, Troop NA, McInnerney D, Stone P, Candy B. Expressive writing as a therapeutic intervention for people with advanced disease: a systematic review. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:65. [PMID: 31375118 PMCID: PMC6676535 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Expressive writing involves writing about stressful or traumatic experiences. Despite trials in people with advanced disease, no systematic review to date has critiqued the evidence on expressive writing in this population. To synthesise the evidence of the effects of expressive writing on pain, sleep, depression and anxiety in people with advanced disease. Methods A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO and PubMed were searched from January 1986 to March 2018. Other sources included clinical data registers and conference proceedings. Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials that assessed the impact of an intervention involving expressive writing for adults with advanced disease and/or studies involving linguistic analysis on the expressive writing output. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool was used to assess the level of evidence for the outcomes of interest. The protocol of this systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017058193). Results Six eligible studies with a total of 288 participants were identified, including four randomised controlled trials. All of the trials were in cancer and recruited predominantly women. None of the interventions were tailored to the population. Studies had methodological shortcomings and evidence was generally of low quality. Combined analysis of the four trials, involving 214 participants in total, showed no clear difference in the effect of expressive writing on sleep, anxiety or depression compared to an active control. Pain was not evaluated in the trials. In contrast, analysis of the four studies that included linguistic analysis alluded to linguistic mechanisms for potential effects. Conclusion Although the trial results suggest there is no benefit in expressive writing for people with advanced disease, the current evidence is limited. There is a need for more rigorous trials. It would be of benefit first to undertake exploratory research in trial design including how best to measure impact and in tailoring of the intervention to address the specific needs of people with advanced disease. Trial registration The protocol of this systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO, which can be accessed here (registration number: CRD42017058193). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12904-019-0449-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kupeli
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
| | | | - N A Troop
- Department of Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - D McInnerney
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - P Stone
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - B Candy
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
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13
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Corry M, Neenan K, Brabyn S, Sheaf G, Smith V. Telephone interventions, delivered by healthcare professionals, for providing education and psychosocial support for informal caregivers of adults with diagnosed illnesses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 5:CD012533. [PMID: 31087641 PMCID: PMC6516056 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012533.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining care for ill persons in the community is heavily dependent on support from unpaid caregivers. Many caregivers, however, find themselves in a caring role for which they are ill prepared and may require professional support. The telephone is an easily accessible method of providing support irrespective of geographical location. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of telephone support interventions, delivered by healthcare professionals, when compared to usual care or non-telephone-based support interventions for providing education and psychosocial support for informal caregivers of people with acute and chronic diagnosed illnesses, and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of telephone interventions in this population. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases from inception to 16 November 2018: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; Embase; PsycINFO; ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A&I; and CINAHL Complete. We also searched 11 caregiver-specific websites, three conference links, and two clinical trial registries. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (including cluster-RCTs) and quasi-RCTs. We excluded cross-over trials because of the high risk of carry-over effects from one intervention to another. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently screened citations against the review's inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the included studies using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. The review's prespecified primary (quality of life and burden) and secondary outcomes (skill acquisition, psychological health, knowledge, health status and well-being, family functioning, satisfaction, and economic outcomes), where reported, were assessed at the end of intervention delivery and at short-term (≤ 3 months), medium-term (> 3 to ≤ 6 months) and longer-term time points (> 6 to 12 months) following the intervention. Where possible, meta-analyses were conducted, otherwise results were reported narratively. MAIN RESULTS We included 21 randomised studies involving 1,690 caregivers; 19 studies compared telephone support interventions and usual care, of which 18 contributed data to the analyses. Two studies compared telephone and non-telephone professional support interventions. Caregiver ages ranged from 19 years to 87 years across studies. The majority of participants were female (> 70.53%), with two trials including females only. Most caregivers were family members, educated beyond secondary or high school level or had the equivalent in years of education. All caregivers were based in the community. Overall risk of bias was high for most studies.The results demonstrated that there is probably little or no difference between telephone support interventions and usual care for the primary outcome of quality of life at the end of intervention (SMD -0.02, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.19, 4 studies, 364 caregivers) (moderate-certainty evidence) or burden at the end of intervention (SMD -0.11, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.07, 9 studies, 788 caregivers) (low-certainty evidence). For one study where quality of life at the end of intervention was reported narratively, the findings indicated that a telephone support intervention may result in slightly higher quality of life, compared with usual care. Two further studies on caregiver burden were reported narratively; one reported that telephone support interventions may decrease burden, the other reported no change in the intervention group, compared with usual care.We are uncertain about the effects of telephone support interventions on caregiver depression at the end of intervention (SMD -0.37, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.05, 9 studies, 792 caregivers) due to very low-certainty evidence for this outcome. Depression was reported narratively for three studies. One reported that the intervention may reduce caregiver depression at the end of intervention, but this effect was not sustained at short-term follow-up. The other two studies reported there may be little or no difference between telephone support and usual care for depression at the end of intervention. Six studies measured satisfaction with the intervention but did not report comparative data. All six reported high satisfaction scores with the intervention. No adverse events, including suicide or suicide ideation, were measured or reported by any of the included studies.Our analysis indicated that caregiver anxiety may be slightly reduced (MD -6.0, 95% CI -11.68 to -0.32, 1 study, 61 caregivers) and preparedness to care slightly improved (SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.64, 2 studies, 208 caregivers) at the end of intervention, following telephone-only support interventions compared to usual care. Findings indicated there may be little or no difference between telephone support interventions and usual care for all of the following outcomes at the end of intervention: problem-solving, social activity, caregiver competence, coping, stress, knowledge, physical health, self-efficacy, family functioning, and satisfaction with supports (practical or social). There may also be little or no effect of telephone support interventions for quality of life and burden at short-term follow-up or for burden and depression at medium-term follow-up.Litttle or no difference was found between groups for any of the reported outcomes in studies comparing telephone and non-telephone professional support interventions. We are uncertain as to the effects of telephone support interventions compared to non-telephone support interventions for caregiver burden and depression at the end of intervention. No study reported on quality of life or satisfaction with the intervention and no adverse events were reported or noted in the two studies reporting on this comparison. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Although our review indicated slight benefit may exist for telephone support interventions on some outcomes (e.g. anxiety and preparedness to care at the end of intervention), for most outcomes, including the primary outcomes, telephone-only interventions may have little or no effect on caregiver outcomes compared to usual care. The findings of the review were mainly based on studies with overall high risk of bias, and few participants. Further high-quality trials, with larger sample sizes are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Corry
- Trinity College DublinSchool of Nursing and MidwiferyDublinIreland
| | - Kathleen Neenan
- Trinity College DublinSchool of Nursing and MidwiferyDublinIreland
| | - Sally Brabyn
- University of YorkDepartment of Health SciencesHeslingtonYorkUKYO10 5DD
| | - Greg Sheaf
- The Library of Trinity College DublinCollege StreetDublinIreland
| | - Valerie Smith
- Trinity College DublinSchool of Nursing and MidwiferyDublinIreland
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Development of Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing for informal caregivers of people with cancer-a multicentred study. Support Care Cancer 2018; 27:1901-1909. [PMID: 30206726 PMCID: PMC6449305 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4422-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW) is a validated person-centred measure of the concerns and wellbeing of people affected by cancer. Research suggests that the concerns of informal caregivers (ICs) are as complex and severely rated as people with cancer, yet MYCaW has only been used to represent cancer patients’ concerns and wellbeing. This paper reports on the development of a new qualitative coding framework for MYCaW to capture the concerns of ICs, to better understand the needs of this group. Methods This multicentred study involved collection of data from ICs receiving support from two UK cancer support charities (Penny Brohn UK and Cavendish Cancer Care). Qualitative codes were developed through a detailed thematic analysis of ICs’ stated concerns. Results Thematic analysis of IC questionnaire data identified key themes which were translated into a coding framework with two overarching sections; (1) ‘informal caregiver concerns for self’ and (2) ‘informal caregiver concerns for the person with cancer’. Supercategories with specific accompanying codes were developed for each section. Two further rounds of framework testing across different cohorts allowed for iterative development and refinement of the framework content. Conclusions This is the first person-centred tool specifically designed for capturing IC’s concerns through their own words. This coding framework will allow for IC data to be analysed using a rigorous and reproducible method, and therefore reported in a standardised way. This may also be of interest to those exploring the needs of ICs of people in other situations.
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Corry M, Smith V, Neenan K, Brabyn S. Telephone interventions, delivered by healthcare professionals, for educating and psychosocially supporting informal caregivers of adults with diagnosed illnesses. Hippokratia 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Corry
- Trinity College Dublin; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Dublin Ireland
| | - Valerie Smith
- Trinity College Dublin; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Dublin Ireland
| | - Kathleen Neenan
- Trinity College Dublin; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Dublin Ireland
| | - Sally Brabyn
- University of York; Department of Health Sciences; Heslington York UK YO10 5DD
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