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Hjermstad MJ, Jakobsen G, Arends J, Balstad TR, Brown LR, Bye A, Coats AJ, Dajani OF, Dolan RD, Fallon MT, Greil C, Grzyb A, Kaasa S, Koteng LH, May AM, McDonald J, Ottestad I, Philips I, Roeland EJ, Sayers J, Simpson MR, Skipworth RJ, Solheim TS, Sousa MS, Vagnildhaug OM, Laird BJ. Quality of life endpoints in cancer cachexia clinical trials: Systematic review 3 of the cachexia endpoints series. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2024; 15:794-815. [PMID: 38553255 PMCID: PMC11154790 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13453] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) of quality of life (QOL) is common in cachexia trials. Patients' self-report on health, functioning, wellbeing, and perceptions of care, represent important measures of efficacy. This review describes the frequency, variety, and reporting of QOL endpoints used in cancer cachexia clinical trials. Electronic literature searches were performed in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane (1990-2023). Seven thousand four hundred thirty-five papers were retained for evaluation. Eligibility criteria included QOL as a study endpoint using validated measures, controlled design, adults (>18 years), ≥40 participants randomized, and intervention exceeding 2 weeks. The Covidence software was used for review procedures and data extractions. Four independent authors screened all records for consensus. Papers were screened by titles and abstracts, prior to full-text reading. PRISMA guidance for systematic reviews was followed. The protocol was prospectively registered via PROSPERO (CRD42022276710). Fifty papers focused on QOL. Twenty-four (48%) were double-blind randomized controlled trials. Sample sizes varied considerably (n = 42 to 469). Thirty-nine trials (78%) included multiple cancer types. Twenty-seven trials (54%) featured multimodal interventions with various drugs and dietary supplements, 11 (22%) used nutritional interventions alone and 12 (24%) used a single pharmacological intervention only. The median duration of the interventions was 12 weeks (4-96). The most frequent QOL measure was the EORTC QLQ-C30 (60%), followed by different FACIT questionnaires (34%). QOL was a primary, secondary, or exploratory endpoint in 15, 31 and 4 trials respectively, being the single primary in six. Statistically significant results on one or more QOL items favouring the intervention group were found in 18 trials. Eleven of these used a complete multidimensional measure. Adjustments for multiple testing when using multicomponent QOL measures were not reported. Nine trials (18%) defined a statistically or clinically significant difference for QOL, five with QOL as a primary outcome, and four with QOL as a secondary outcome. Correlation statistics with other study outcomes were rarely performed. PROMs including QOL are important endpoints in cachexia trials. We recommend using well-validated QOL measures, including cachexia-specific items such as weight history, appetite loss, and nutritional intake. Appropriate statistical methods with definitions of clinical significance, adjustment for multiple testing and few co-primary endpoints are encouraged, as is an understanding of how interventions may relate to changes in QOL endpoints. A strategic and scientific-based approach to PROM research in cachexia trials is warranted, to improve the research base in this field and avoid the use of QOL as supplementary measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne J. Hjermstad
- Department of OncologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Gunnhild Jakobsen
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)OsloNorway
- Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs HospitalTrondheim University HospitalTrondheimNorway
| | - Jann Arends
- Department of Medicine I, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Trude R. Balstad
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesNTNU–Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Nutrition Research Group, UiTThe Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Leo R. Brown
- Department of Clinical SurgeryUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Royal Infirmary of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Asta Bye
- Department of OncologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health SciencesOsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan UniversityOsloNorway
| | | | - Olav F. Dajani
- Department of OncologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Ross D. Dolan
- Academic Unit of SurgeryUniversity of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal InfirmaryGlasgowUK
| | - Marie T. Fallon
- Edinburgh Cancer Research CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- St Columba's HospiceEdinburghUK
| | - Christine Greil
- Department of Medicine I, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | | | - Stein Kaasa
- Department of OncologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Lisa H. Koteng
- Department of OncologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Anne M. May
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Inger Ottestad
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of Clinical Service, Division of Cancer Medicine, Section of Clinical NutritionOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Iain Philips
- Edinburgh Cancer Research CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Eric J. Roeland
- Oregon Health and Science UniversityKnight Cancer InstitutePortlandORUSA
| | - Judith Sayers
- Academic Unit of SurgeryUniversity of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal InfirmaryGlasgowUK
| | - Melanie R. Simpson
- Department of Public Health and NursingNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | | | - Tora S. Solheim
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Cancer Clinic, St Olavs HospitalTrondheim University HospitalTrondheimNorway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Mariana S. Sousa
- Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT)University of TechnologySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Ola M. Vagnildhaug
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Cancer Clinic, St Olavs HospitalTrondheim University HospitalTrondheimNorway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
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Stone PC, Minton O, Richardson A, Buckle P, Enayat ZE, Marston L, Freemantle N. Methylphenidate Versus Placebo for Treating Fatigue in Patients With Advanced Cancer: Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Clin Oncol 2024:JCO2302639. [PMID: 38757263 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.02639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare effects and side effects of 6 weeks of individually dose-titrated methylphenidate or placebo on fatigue in palliative care patients with advanced cancer. METHODS This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Eligible patients had advanced incurable cancer and fatigue >3/10. Principal exclusions were hypertension; psychiatric, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal, liver, or blood disorders; substance dependency; and epilepsy. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 methylphenidate or placebo starting at 5 mg twice daily. Dose of methylphenidate/placebo was titrated once per week, over 6 weeks, up to a maximum of 20 mg three times daily. Trial ended at 10 weeks. Primary outcome was the difference in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue (FACIT-F) scores between groups at 6 ± 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects, quality of life, and mood. RESULTS One hundred sixty-two patients (73 men; mean, 65.8; standard deviation [SD], 10.3 years) were randomly assigned, and three were excluded from analysis. Seventy-seven were allocated placebo (baseline FACIT-F = 22 [SD, 10]); 82 were allocated methylphenidate (FACIT-F = 20 [SD, 9]). After 6 ± 2 weeks, FACIT-F scores were 1.97 points (95% CI, -0.95 to 4.90; P = .186) higher (better) on methylphenidate than placebo. Across 10 weeks of the study, FACIT-F was nominally higher in the methylphenidate group versus placebo (Diff, 2.20 [95% CI, 0.39 to 4.01]), but this did not reach the minimally clinically important difference (5-points). At 6 weeks, there were no differences between groups in quality-of-life or symptom domains except for depression scores (nominally reduced in the methylphenidate group: Diff, -1.35 [95% CI, -2.41 to -0.30]). There were no differences in mortality or serious adverse events. CONCLUSION After 6 ± 2 weeks of treatment, methylphenidate was not superior to placebo for treating fatigue in advanced cancer. Methylphenidate was safe and well-tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Charles Stone
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Ollie Minton
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing Hospital, Lyndhurst Road, Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Richardson
- University of Southampton & University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Buckle
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Zinat E Enayat
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Marston
- Department of Primary Care & Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Freemantle
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
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Sutton L, Bell E, Every-Palmer S, Weatherall M, Skirrow P. Survivorship outcomes for critically ill patients in Australia and New Zealand: A scoping review. Aust Crit Care 2024; 37:354-368. [PMID: 37684157 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Impairments after critical illness, termed the post-intensive care syndrome, are an increasing focus of research in Australasia. However, this research is yet to be cohesively synthesised and/or summarised. OBJECTIVE The aim of this scoping review was to explore patient outcomes of survivorship research, identify measures, methodologies, and designs, and explore the reported findings in Australasia. INCLUSION CRITERIA Studies reporting outcomes for adult survivors of critical illness from Australia and New Zealand in the following domains: physical, functional, psychosocial, cognitive, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), discharge destination, health care use, return to work, and ongoing symptoms/complications of critical illness. METHODS The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology framework was used. A protocol was published on the open science framework, and the search used Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google databases. Eligible studies were based on reports from Australia and New Zealand published in English between January 2000 and March 2022. RESULTS There were 68 studies identified with a wide array of study aims, methodology, and designs. The most common study type was nonexperimental cohort studies (n = 17), followed by studies using secondary analyses of other study types (n = 13). HRQoL was the most common domain of recovery reported. Overall, the identified studies reported that impairments and activity restrictions were associated with reduced HRQoL and reduced functional status was prevalent in survivors of critical illness. About 25% of 6-month survivors reported some form of disability. Usually, by 6 to12 months after critical illness, impairments had improved. CONCLUSIONS Reports of long-term outcomes for survivors of critical illness in Australia highlight that impairments and activity limitations are common and are associated with poor HRQoL. There was little New Zealand-specific research related to prevalence, impact, unmet needs, ongoing symptoms, complications from critical illness, and barriers to recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey Sutton
- Clinical Nurse Specialist, Wellington Intensive Care Unit, Wellington Regional Hospital, Te Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley, Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand; Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Elliot Bell
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Susanna Every-Palmer
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Mark Weatherall
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Paul Skirrow
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
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Hjermstad MJ, Pirnat A, Aass N, Andersen S, Astrup GL, Dajani O, Garresori H, Guldhav KV, Hamre H, Haukland EC, Jordal F, Lundeby T, Løhre ET, Mjåland S, Paulsen Ø, Semb KA, Staff ES, Wester T, Kaasa S. PALLiative care in ONcology (PALLiON): A cluster-randomised trial investigating the effect of palliative care on the use of anticancer treatment at the end of life. Palliat Med 2024; 38:229-239. [PMID: 38193250 PMCID: PMC10865754 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231222391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effects on anticancer therapy following the integration of palliative care and oncology are rarely investigated. Thus, its potential effect is unknown. AIM To investigate the effects of the complex intervention PALLiON versus usual care on end-of-life anticancer therapy. DESIGN Cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT), registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT01362816). The complex intervention consisted of a physician education program enhancing theoretical, clinical and communication skills, a patient-centred care pathway and patient symptom reporting prior to all consultations. Primary outcome was overall use, start and cessation of anticancer therapy in the last 3 months before death. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcomes. Mixed effects logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard were used. SETTING A total of 12 Norwegian hospitals (03/2017-02/2021). PARTICIPANTS Patients ⩾18 years, advanced stage solid tumour, starting last line of anticancer therapy, estimated life expectancy ⩽12 months. RESULTS A total of 616 (93%) patients were included (intervention: 309/control:307); 63% males, median age 69, 77% had gastrointestinal cancers. Median survival time from inclusion was 8 (IQR 3-14) and 7 months (IQR 3-12), and days between anticancer therapy start and death were 204 (90-378) and 168 (69-351) (intervention/control). Overall, 78 patients (13%) received anticancer therapy in the last month (intervention: 33 [11%]/control: 45 [15%]). No differences were found in patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION We found no significant differences in the probability of receiving end-of-life anticancer therapy. The intervention did not have the desired effect. It was probably too general and too focussed on communication skills to exert a substantial influence on conventional clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Jensen Hjermstad
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aleksandra Pirnat
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Aass
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigve Andersen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Guro L Astrup
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Dajani
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Herish Garresori
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kristin V Guldhav
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Førde Hospital Trust, Førde, Norway
| | - Hanne Hamre
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital, Akershus, Norway
| | - Ellinor C Haukland
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Nordland Hospital Trust, Nordland, Norway
| | - Frode Jordal
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Østfold, Norway
| | - Tonje Lundeby
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Torbjorn Løhre
- Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Svein Mjåland
- Center for Cancer Treatment, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Ørnulf Paulsen
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Palliative Care Unit, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway
| | - Karin A Semb
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Erik S Staff
- Department of Oncology, Ålesund Hospital Trust, Ålesund, Norway
| | - Torunn Wester
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Kaasa
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Matsumura C, Koyama N, Okuno K, Nakamura N, Sako M, Kurosawa H, Nomura T, Eguchi Y, Ohba K, Yano Y. Survival Prediction of Patients Who Were Terminally Ill Using the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL Scores and Laboratory Test Values. Palliat Med Rep 2023; 4:202-207. [PMID: 37637762 PMCID: PMC10457602 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prognostics for patients with cancer is especially important for the supportive care of those who are terminally ill. We previously found that symptom scores as patient-reported outcomes (PROs)-such as dyspnea and fatigue scores-some biochemical parameters, the palliative performance scale (PPS) scores, and symptom clusters were useful prognostic factors; however, the predictability of a prognosis based on these factors remains unclear. Objective To identify appropriate three-week survival predictive factor(s), in terms of performance, in patients who were terminally ill. Design We collected symptom scores as PROs using the Japanese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative Care (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL). Setting/Subjects We used data from terminally ill patients with cancer who were hospitalized at the palliative care unit of the Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital (Osaka, Japan) from June 2018 to December 2019 (n = 130), as well as additional data obtained from the same clinical study from January to March 2020 (n = 31). Measurements To evaluate predictive performance, indices such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy were calculated. Results We found that the presence of a symptom cluster showed high sensitivity but low specificity and that a higher PPS value (>30) showed high specificity but low sensitivity, suggesting that these factors could provide relevant information for survival prognosis (less than or equal to three weeks). Conclusion Symptom clusters obtained from patients is important for effective supportive care of those who are terminally ill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikako Matsumura
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nanako Koyama
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Yodogawa Christian Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kaho Okuno
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Nakamura
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Morito Sako
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideo Kurosawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takehisa Nomura
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Eguchi
- Palliative Care Unit, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ohba
- Department of Palliative Care, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Yano
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
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Clark J, Copsey B, Wright-Hughes A, McNaught E, Bijsterveld P, McCormack T, Foy R, Wilkes S, Dickson JM, Meads D, Farrin A, Johnson M. Cancer patients' needs assessment in primary care: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT), economic evaluation and normalisation process theory evaluation of the needs assessment tool cancer (CANAssess). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051394. [PMID: 35508352 PMCID: PMC9073401 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unmet needs in patients with cancer and their carers are common but poorly identified and addressed. The Needs Assessment Tool-Cancer (NAT-C) is a structured consultation guide to identify and triage patient and carer unmet needs. The NAT-C is validated, but its effectiveness in reducing unmet patient and carer needs in primary care is unknown. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Cluster randomised controlled trial with internal pilot and embedded process evaluation to test the clinical and cost effectiveness of the NAT-C in primary care for people with active cancer in reducing unmet patient and carer need, compared with usual care. We will recruit 1080 patients with active cancer (and carers if relevant) from 54 general practices in England.Participating practices will be randomised 1:1 to either deliver an NAT-guided clinical consultation plus usual care or to usual care alone. Consenting participants with active cancer and their carers (if nominated) will be asked to complete study questionnaires at baseline, 1 and 3 months for all, 6 months except for those recruited outside of the last 3 months of recruitment, and attend an NAT-C appointment if allocated to an intervention practice. An internal pilot will assess: site and participant recruitment, intervention uptake and follow-up rates. The primary outcome, the proportion of patients with an unmet need on the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form 34 at 3 months postregistration, will be analysed using a multilevel logistic regression. Mixed-methods process evaluation informed by Normalisation Process Theory will use quantitative survey and interview data from clinicians and key stakeholders in cancer care to develop an implementation strategy for nationwide rollout of the NAT-C if the intervention is cost-effective. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval from London-Surrey REC (20/LO/0312). Results will be peer-reviewed, published and made available to research participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN15497400.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Clark
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Bethan Copsey
- Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research, University of Leeds Clinical Trials Research Unit, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Emma McNaught
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | - Robbie Foy
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Scott Wilkes
- School of Pharmacy, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
| | - Jon Mark Dickson
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David Meads
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Amanda Farrin
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Miriam Johnson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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7
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Koyama N, Matsumura C, Tahara Y, Sako M, Kurosawa H, Nomura T, Eguchi Y, Ohba K, Yano Y. Symptom clusters and their influence on prognosis using EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL scores in terminally ill patients with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:135-143. [PMID: 34241700 PMCID: PMC8636418 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06380-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: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aims of the present study were to investigate the symptom clusters in terminally ill patients with cancer using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative Care (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL), and to examine whether these symptom clusters influenced prognosis. Methods We analyzed data from 130 cancer patients hospitalized in the palliative care unit from June 2018 to December 2019 in an observational study. Principal component analysis was used to detect symptom clusters using the scored date of 14 items in the QLQ-C15-PAL, except for overall QOL, at the time of hospitalization. The influence of the existence of these symptom clusters and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) on survival was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, and survival curves were compared between the groups with or without existing corresponding symptom clusters using the log-rank test. Results The following symptom clusters were identified: cluster 1 (pain, insomnia, emotional functioning), cluster 2 (dyspnea, appetite loss, fatigue, and nausea), and cluster 3 (physical functioning). Cronbach’s alpha values for the symptom clusters ranged from 0.72 to 0.82. An increased risk of death was significantly associated with the existence of cluster 2 and poor PPS (log-rank test, p = 0.016 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion In terminally ill patients with cancer, three symptom clusters were detected based on QLQ-C15-PAL scores. Poor PPS and the presence of symptom cluster that includes dyspnea, appetite loss, fatigue, and nausea indicated poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanako Koyama
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-choYamashina-ku, MisasagiKyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Chikako Matsumura
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-choYamashina-ku, MisasagiKyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Yuuna Tahara
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-choYamashina-ku, MisasagiKyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Morito Sako
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideo Kurosawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takehisa Nomura
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Eguchi
- Palliative Care Unit, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ohba
- Department of Palliative Care, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Yano
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-choYamashina-ku, MisasagiKyoto, 607-8414, Japan.
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Pergolizzi D, Monforte-Royo C, Balaguer A, Porta-Sales J, Rodriguez-Prat A, Crespo I. Older Age: A Protective Factor Against Perceived Dignity-Related Distress in Patients With Advanced Cancer? J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:928-939. [PMID: 33038428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Most older adults will face threats to loss of health and social support, which can affect their perceived dignity. Although problems with perceived dignity increase in the context of cancer, the specific experience for those older compared with younger patients with advanced cancer has not been described despite its contributions to the wish to hasten death (WTHD). OBJECTIVES To understand the influence of age group to the perception of dignity, considering changes in quality of life and the WTHD in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS The Patient Dignity Inventory was administered to 194 patients with advanced cancer. The data were analyzed by separating the sample into age groups younger than 65 years (N = 106) or 65 years and older (N = 88). Linear regression models were adjusted with the explanatory variables of WTHD, quality of life, as well as functional status, physical dependence, depression, anxiety, and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS Older patients showed a 2.6% decrease in the total scores of perceived dignity-related distress compared to younger patients. CONCLUSION Older age could be a protective factor against the perception of loss of dignity in patients with advanced cancer, a more positive perspective of the aging experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Pergolizzi
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Monforte-Royo
- Nursing Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Albert Balaguer
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Porta-Sales
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català d'Oncologia (ICO), Girona, Spain
| | - Andrea Rodriguez-Prat
- Faculty of Humanities, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Crespo
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Koyama N, Matsumura C, Shitashimizu Y, Sako M, Kurosawa H, Nomura T, Eguchi Y, Ohba K, Yano Y. The role of EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL scores and inflammatory biomarkers in predicting survival in terminally ill patients with cancer. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:304. [PMID: 33757453 PMCID: PMC7988985 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08049-3] [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: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical use of patient-reported outcomes as compared to inflammatory biomarkers for predicting cancer survival remains a challenge in palliative care settings. We evaluated the role of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative scores (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) and the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin (Alb), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for survival prediction in patients with advanced cancer. Methods This was an observational study in terminally ill patients with cancer hospitalized in a palliative care unit between June 2018 and December 2019. Patients’ data collected at the time of hospitalization were analyzed. Cox regression was performed to examine significant factors influencing survival. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to estimate cut-off values for predicting survival within 3 weeks, and a log-rank test was performed to compare survival curves between groups divided by the cut-off values. Results Totally, 130 patients participated in the study. Cox regression suggested that the QLQ-C15-PAL dyspnea and fatigue scores and levels of CRP, Alb, and NLR were significantly associated with survival time, and cut-off values were 66.67, 66.67, 3.0 mg/dL, 2.5 g/dL, and 8.2, respectively. The areas under ROC curves of these variables were 0.6–0.7. There were statistically significant differences in the survival curves between groups categorized using each of these cut-off values (p < .05 for all cases). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the assessment of not only objective indicators for the systemic inflammatory response but also patient-reported outcomes using EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL is beneficial for the prediction of short-term survival in terminally ill patients with cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08049-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanako Koyama
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5-Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Chikako Matsumura
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5-Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Shitashimizu
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5-Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Morito Sako
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideo Kurosawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takehisa Nomura
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Eguchi
- Palliative Care Unit, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ohba
- Department of Palliative Care, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshi-Morimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Yano
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5-Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan.
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10
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Matsumura C, Koyama N, Sako M, Kurosawa H, Nomura T, Eguchi Y, Ohba K, Yano Y. Comparison of Patient Self-Reported Quality of Life and Health Care Professional-Assessed Symptoms in Terminally ill Patients With Cancer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:283-290. [PMID: 32705893 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120944157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies evaluated whether health care professionals accurately assess several symptoms for patients with cancer in palliative care units. We determined the agreement level for several symptoms related to quality of life (QOL) between patient-reported QOL assessment and health care professional-assessed symptoms based on the Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS). METHOD An observational study was performed with terminally ill patients with cancer hospitalized in the palliative care unit between June 2018 and December 2019. Patients and health care professionals independently assessed 7 symptoms at the time of hospitalization and after 1 week. Patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL). In examining the proportions of exact agreement, "exact agreement" referred to the pairs of the scores (QLQ-C15-PAL vs STAS) being (1 vs 0), (2 vs 1), (3 vs 2 or 3), or (4 vs 4). The relationships of physical functioning between QLQ-C15-PAL and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) were examined. RESULTS Of 130 patients, approximately 60% had PPS scores from 40 to 60. The highest mean score on QLQ-C15-PAL was for fatigue (63.8). The exact agreement on symptoms between patients and health care professionals ranged from 15.4% (fatigue) to 57.7% (nausea and vomiting). The mean of the transformed QLQ-C15-PAL and proportions of exact agreement were negatively correlated (R 2 = 0.949, P < .05). The physical function scores in QLQ-C15-PAL for each PPS group showed no differences. CONCLUSION We expect patient-reported outcomes including QLQ-C15-PAL to be added to health care professionals' assessment of serious symptoms such as fatigue in terminally ill patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikako Matsumura
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nanako Koyama
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Morito Sako
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation 38428Higashisumiyoshimorimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideo Kurosawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation 38428Higashisumiyoshimorimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takehisa Nomura
- Department of Pharmacy, Tachibana Medical Corporation 38428Higashisumiyoshimorimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Eguchi
- Palliative Care Unit, Tachibana Medical Corporation 38428Higashisumiyoshimorimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ohba
- Department of Palliative Care, Tachibana Medical Corporation Higashisumiyoshimorimoto Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Yano
- Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
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11
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Hjermstad MJ, Aass N, Andersen S, Brunelli C, Dajani O, Garresori H, Hamre H, Haukland EC, Holmberg M, Jordal F, Krogstad H, Lundeby T, Løhre ET, Mjåland S, Nordbø A, Paulsen Ø, Schistad Staff E, Wester T, Kaasa S, Loge JH. PALLiON - PALLiative care Integrated in ONcology: study protocol for a Norwegian national cluster-randomized control trial with a complex intervention of early integration of palliative care. Trials 2020; 21:303. [PMID: 32241299 PMCID: PMC7118863 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-4224-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several publications have addressed the need for a systematic integration of oncological care focused on the tumor and palliative care (PC) focused on the patient with cancer. The exponential increase in anticancer treatments and the high number of patients living longer with advanced disease have accentuated this. Internationally, there is now a persuasive argument that introducing PC early during anticancer treatment in patients with advanced disease has beneficial effects on symptoms, psychological distress, and survival. Methods This is a national cluster-randomized trial (C-RCT) in 12 Norwegian hospitals. The trial investigates effects of early, systematic integration of oncology and specialized PC in patients with advanced cancer in six intervention hospitals compared with conventional care in six. Hospitals are stratified on the size of local catchment areas before randomization. In the intervention hospitals, a three-part complex intervention will be implemented. The backbone of the intervention is the development and implementation of patient-centered care pathways that contain early, compulsory referral to PC and regular and systematic registrations of symptoms. An educational program must be completed before patient inclusion. A total of 680 patients with advanced cancer and one caregiver per patient are included when patients come for start of last line of chemotherapy, defined according to national treatment guidelines. Data registration, clinical variables, and patient- and caregiver-reported outcomes take place every 2 months for 1 year or until death. The primary outcome is use of chemotherapy in the last 3 months of life by comparing the proportion of patients who receive this in the intervention and control groups. Primary outcome is use of chemotherapy in the last 3 months before death, i.e. number of patients. Secondary outcomes are initiation, discontinuation and number of cycles, last 3 months of life, administration of other medical interventions in the last month of life, symptom burden, quality of life (QoL), satisfaction with information and follow-up, and caregiver health, QoL, and satisfaction with care. Discussion Results from this C-RCT will be used to raise the awareness about the positive outcomes of early provision of specialized palliative care using pathways for patients with advanced cancer receiving medical anticancer treatment. The long-term clinical objective is to integrate these patient-centered pathways in Norwegian cancer care. The specific focus on the patient and family and the organization of a predictable care trajectory is consistent with current Norwegian strategies for cancer care. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03088202. Registered on 23 March 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Jensen Hjermstad
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. .,European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Nina Aass
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigve Andersen
- University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Cinzia Brunelli
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Olav Dajani
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Herish Garresori
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Hanne Hamre
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital, Nordbyhagen, Norway
| | - Ellinor C Haukland
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Mats Holmberg
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Førde Hospital Trust, Førde, Norway
| | - Frode Jordal
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Grålum, Norway
| | - Hilde Krogstad
- Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim university hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tonje Lundeby
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Torbjørn Løhre
- Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim university hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Svein Mjåland
- Center for Cancer Treatment, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Arve Nordbø
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Ørnulf Paulsen
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Palliative Care Unit, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway
| | | | - Torunn Wester
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Kaasa
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Håvard Loge
- Regional Advisory Unit in Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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12
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Aabom B, Laier G, Christensen PL, Karlsson T, Jensen MB, Hedal B. Oral morphine drops for prompt relief of breathlessness in patients with advanced cancer-a randomized, double blinded, crossover trial of morphine sulfate oral drops vs. morphine hydrochloride drops with ethanol (red morphine drops). Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:3421-3428. [PMID: 31792878 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Episodic breathlessness is frequent in palliative cancer patients. Opioids are the only pharmacological agents with sufficient evidence in treatment. In Denmark, the main recommendation is red morphine drops (RMD), an off-label solution of morphine, ethanol, and red color (cochenille) described since 1893 (Pharmacopoea Danica). In 2015, the Danish Medicines Agency increased focus on off-label medicines and recommended registered morphine drops without ethanol instead. However, our palliative patients told us that RMD was better. For that reason, we conducted a clinical trial to clarify any perceived difference between the two types of drops. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double blinded, crossover trial. Patients were asked to perform standardized activity (2-min walk) aiming to provoke breathlessness. Primary endpoint (breathlessness NRS) and secondary endpoints (saturation, pulse, respiratory frequency) were measured before (t = 0) and after test medicine at t = 1, t = 3, t = 5, t = 10, and t = 20 min. After 2-4 days (washout period), the patients repeated the test, receiving the alternative drops in a blinded setup (crossover). RESULTS In the first 3 min, the relative drop in breathlessness for morphine drops with ethanol (RMD) was significant more than for morphine drops without ethanol. We found no significant difference in secondary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS A conclusion could be that ethanol might facilitate morphine absorption in the mouth. Our results needs further research of opioid absorption in the mouth as well as trials, testing morphine vs. more lipophilic opioids. The RMD drops are cheap, easy to use, and noninvasive and keep the patient independent of health care professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Aabom
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Vestermarksvej 13.1, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Gunnar Laier
- Department of Data and Innovation, Region Zealand, Alleen 15, DK-4180, Soroe, Denmark
| | - Poul Lunau Christensen
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Vestermarksvej 13.1, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Tine Karlsson
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Vestermarksvej 13.1, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - May-Britt Jensen
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Vestermarksvej 13.1, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Birte Hedal
- Hospice Zealand, Tonsbergvej 61, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
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13
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Borius PY, Garnier SR, Baumstarck K, Castinetti F, Donnet A, Guedj E, Cornu P, Blond S, Salas S, Régis J. An Open-Label, Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Pituitary Radiosurgery for Patients With Opioid-Refractory Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Neurosurgery 2019; 83:146-153. [PMID: 28973682 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyx363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypophysectomy performed by craniotomy or percutaneous techniques leads to complete pain relief in more than 70% to 80% of cases for opioid refractory cancer pain. Radiosurgery could be an interesting alternative approach to reduce complications. OBJECTIVE To assess the analgesic efficacy compared with standard of care is the primary goal. The secondary objectives are to assess ophthalmic and endocrine tolerance, drug consumption, quality of life, and mechanisms of analgesic action. METHODS The trial is multicenter, randomized, prospective, and open-label with 2 parallel groups. This concerns patients in palliative care suffering from nociceptive or mixed cancer pain, refractory to standard opioid therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to the control group receiving standards of care for pain according to recommendations, or to the experimental group receiving a pituitary GammaKnife (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) radiosurgery (160 Gy delivered in pituitary gland) associated with standards of care. Evaluation assessments will be taken at baseline, day0, day4, day7, day14, day28, day45, month3, and month6. EXPECTED OUTCOMES We could expect pain improvement in 70% to 90% of cases at day4. In addition we will assess the safety of pituitary radiosurgery in a vulnerable population. The secondary endpoints could show decay of opioid consumption, good patient satisfaction, and improvement of the quality of life. DISCUSSION The design of this study is potentially the most appropriate to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of radiosurgery for this new indication. New recommendations could be obtained in order to improve pain relief and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Yves Borius
- Functional and Stereotaxic Neurosurgery Department, Hopital La Timone, Marseille University Hospital, Marseille, France.,Neurosurgery Department, Hopital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris University Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Karine Baumstarck
- Methodological support Platform, Marseille University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Frédéric Castinetti
- Endocrinology Department, Hopital La Timone, Marseille University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Anne Donnet
- Pain center, Hopital La Timone, Marseille University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Guedj
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Hopital La Timone, Marseille University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Cornu
- Neurosurgery Department, Hopital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Serge Blond
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Sébastien Salas
- Palliative Care Department, Hopital La Timone, Marseille University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Régis
- Functional and Stereotaxic Neurosurgery Department, Hopital La Timone, Marseille University Hospital, Marseille, France
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14
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Matsuda A, Yamada Y, Ishizuka N, Matsushima E, Kobayashi K, Ohkubo T, Yamaoka K. Effectiveness of a Self-Monitoring Quality of Life Intervention For Patients with Cancer Receiving Palliative Care: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2019; 20:2795-2802. [PMID: 31554379 PMCID: PMC6976827 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.9.2795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Use of patient-reported outcome measures in routine clinical practice has important benefits for
patients with cancer. To examine the effect of a self-monitoring quality of life (QOL) intervention on global QOL and
physical and emotional function in patients with cancer receiving palliative care. Methods: Prospective randomized
study had been undertaken at Toshima Hospital, Japan. This study compared an intervention group that completed the
shortened Care Notebook booklet versus a control group that received usual care. The primary outcome was global QOL
and secondary outcomes were physical and emotional function. Participants completed the European Organization for
Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative at baseline, and at 1 and 3 weeks.
The effects of the intervention were evaluated with a linear mixed-effects model. Results: Forty-three patients were
randomized. One patient in each group could not receive the allocated intervention, leaving 41 patients for inclusion
in the modified intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis for the primary outcome. Twenty-seven patients were analyzed for the
secondary outcomes using per protocol set (PPS). The ITT analysis showed no significant overall effect on global QOL
(P=0.285), but the PPS analysis showed a significant overall effect on global QOL (P=0.034) and physical function
(P=0.047) for group difference over time in the linear mixed-effects model. Conclusions: Use of the Care Notebook
might have beneficial effects. The results could be interpreted as the effectiveness of the intervention of the Care
Notebook for with cancer receiving palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Matsuda
- Teikyo University School of Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yosuke Yamada
- Toshima Hospital, Division Chief of Palliative Care Unit, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Ishizuka
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Section of Liaison Psychiatry and Palliative Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eisuke Matsushima
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Section of Liaison Psychiatry and Palliative Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Kobayashi
- Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Ohkubo
- Teikyo University School of Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazue Yamaoka
- Teikyo University Graduate School of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Foufi V, Timakum T, Gaudet-Blavignac C, Lovis C, Song M. Mining of Textual Health Information from Reddit: Analysis of Chronic Diseases With Extracted Entities and Their Relations. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e12876. [PMID: 31199327 PMCID: PMC6595941 DOI: 10.2196/12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media platforms constitute a rich data source for natural language processing tasks such as named entity recognition, relation extraction, and sentiment analysis. In particular, social media platforms about health provide a different insight into patient's experiences with diseases and treatment than those found in the scientific literature. OBJECTIVE This paper aimed to report a study of entities related to chronic diseases and their relation in user-generated text posts. The major focus of our research is the study of biomedical entities found in health social media platforms and their relations and the way people suffering from chronic diseases express themselves. METHODS We collected a corpus of 17,624 text posts from disease-specific subreddits of the social news and discussion website Reddit. For entity and relation extraction from this corpus, we employed the PKDE4J tool developed by Song et al (2015). PKDE4J is a text mining system that integrates dictionary-based entity extraction and rule-based relation extraction in a highly flexible and extensible framework. RESULTS Using PKDE4J, we extracted 2 types of entities and relations: biomedical entities and relations and subject-predicate-object entity relations. In total, 82,138 entities and 30,341 relation pairs were extracted from the Reddit dataset. The most highly mentioned entities were those related to oncological disease (2884 occurrences of cancer) and asthma (2180 occurrences). The relation pair anatomy-disease was the most frequent (5550 occurrences), the highest frequent entities in this pair being cancer and lymph. The manual validation of the extracted entities showed a very good performance of the system at the entity extraction task (3682/5151, 71.48% extracted entities were correctly labeled). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that people are eager to share their personal experience with chronic diseases on social media platforms despite possible privacy and security issues. The results reported in this paper are promising and demonstrate the need for more in-depth studies on the way patients with chronic diseases express themselves on social media platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Foufi
- Division of Medical Information Sciences, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tatsawan Timakum
- Department of Library and Information Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Christophe Gaudet-Blavignac
- Division of Medical Information Sciences, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christian Lovis
- Division of Medical Information Sciences, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Min Song
- Department of Library and Information Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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16
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Jakobsen G, Engstrøm M, Paulsen Ø, Sjue K, Raj SX, Thronæs M, Hjermstad MJ, Kaasa S, Fayers P, Klepstad P. Zopiclone versus placebo for short-term treatment of insomnia in patients with advanced cancer: study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical multicenter trial. Trials 2018; 19:707. [PMID: 30591073 PMCID: PMC6307135 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-3088-3] [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: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high prevalence of insomnia in patients with advanced cancer, there are no randomized controlled trials on pharmacological interventions for insomnia in this group of patients. A variety of pharmacological agents is recommended to manage sleep disturbance for insomnia in the general population, but their efficacy and safety in adults with advanced cancer are not established. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of medications for insomnia in order to improve the evidence in patients with advanced cancer. One of the most used sleep medications at present in patients with cancer is zopiclone. METHODS This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial. A total of 100 patients with metastatic cancer who report insomnia will be randomly allocated to zopiclone or placebo. The treatment duration with zopiclone/placebo is 6 consecutive nights. The primary endpoint is patient-reported sleep quality during the final study night (night 6) assessed on a numerical rating scale of 0-10, where 0 = Best sleep and 10 = Worst possible sleep. Secondary endpoints include the mean patient-reported total sleep time and sleep onset latency during the final study night (night 6). DISCUSSION Results from this study on treatment of insomnia in advanced cancer will contribute to clinical decision-making and improve the treatment of sleep disturbance in this patient cohort. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02807922 . Registered on 21 June 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnhild Jakobsen
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology and St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. .,Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Morten Engstrøm
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ørnulf Paulsen
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology and St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Palliative Care Unit, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway
| | - Karin Sjue
- Department of Oncology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Sunil X Raj
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology and St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Morten Thronæs
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology and St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Cancer Clinic, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marianne Jensen Hjermstad
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Kaasa
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Fayers
- Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Pål Klepstad
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. Olavs hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
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17
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Matsuda A, Yamada Y, Ishizuka N, Matsushima E, Kobayashi K, Ohkubo T, Yamaoka K. Effects of a Self-Monitoring Quality of Life Intervention for Patients with Cancer Receiving Palliative Care in Japan: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018; 19:3027-3032. [PMID: 30484987 PMCID: PMC6318395 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2018.19.11.3027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies suggest the use of patient-reported outcome measures in routine clinical practice has important benefits for patients with cancer, particularly as feedback regarding patients’ quality of life (QOL) improves doctor-patient communication and clinical decision making. This study aimed to examine the effect of using the Care Notebook as a routine self-monitoring QOL intervention in clinical practice for patients with cancer receiving palliative care. The results are expected to clarify the practical use of the Care Notebook in this population. Methods: This prospective randomized study is being undertaken at Toshima Hospital, Japan. Participating patients who are randomly assigned to the intervention group will be asked to complete the shortened Care Notebook booklet for patients with cancer in palliative care once each day. A control group will receive usual care. The primary outcome is global health status/QOL (Global QOL), as assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative. Data will be collected at baseline (after allocation), and at 1 week and 3 weeks in both the control and intervention groups. The effects of the intervention will be evaluated with a mixed random effects model. The required sample size is 200 patients. We obtained approval from Toshima Hospital (No 26-11) and the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Ethics Committee (No 1756). The findings will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and attendance at domestic and international conferences. The trial was registered with the UMIN clinical trials registry (Trial registration number: UMIN000025322). Conclusions: This study will provide evidence on whether medical staff can use the Care Notebook as a routine self-monitoring QOL intervention in clinical practice for patients with cancer receiving palliative care. We expect that a routine Care Notebook intervention for patients with cancer will be recommended in healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Matsuda
- Teikyo University School of Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Tokyo, Japan.
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18
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Stiel S, Heckel M, Wendt KN, Weber M, Ostgathe C. Palliative Care Patients’ Quality of Dying and Circumstances of Death—Comparison of Informal Caregivers’ and Health-Care Professionals’ Estimates. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909118756616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Patient-reported outcomes are usually considered to be the gold standard assessment. However, for the assessment of quality of dying and death, ratings of informal caregivers (ICGs) or health-care professionals (HCPs) must be considered for ethical and methodological reasons. This article aims to present results of ICGs’ and HCPs’ estimates of the questionnaire, quality of dying and death (QoDD) on patients who died in PCUs and to compare the level of agreement of both ratings/raters. Methods: The parent validation study to this analysis assessed the ICG and HCP versions of the QoDD. Descriptive statistics are presented for each item in both versions. T tests for the estimation of differences between ICG and HCP were performed. Case-related absolute differences between estimates were analyzed regarding the extent of agreement and deviation. Results: Two hundred fifteen matched ICG and HCP ratings were analyzed. The ratings in all 6 QoDD dimensions were high; single items scored low. Mean absolute difference between both ratings was 0.33 (standard deviation [SD]: 3.08; median 0.05) on a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale and ranges between −8.24 (higher rating of ICGs compared to HCPs) and 9.33 (higher rating of HCPs compared to ICGs). Conclusions: The findings appear to show a high satisfaction with quality of dying and death as rated by ICGs and HCPs, but we suspect this might be indicative of a methodological challenge, that is, a ceiling effect in both assessments. Single low scoring items may provide important clues for improvement in end-of-life care. Although descriptive data show comparable mean values and standard deviations, the actual congruence of ratings is low. In summary, replacing one rating by another cannot be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Maria Heckel
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), CCC Erlangen—EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kim Nikola Wendt
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), CCC Erlangen—EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Weber
- Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Unit, III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Ostgathe
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), CCC Erlangen—EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Germany
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19
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Abstract
Introduction A main goals of palliative care is to improve the health-related quality of life (QOL) of patients with advanced illnesses. The objective of this narrative review is to provide an updated synopsis on the use of QOL questionnaires in the palliative care setting. Areas covers Focusing on the palliative cares setting, we will define QOL, discuss how QOL instruments can be used clinically and in research, review approaches to validate these questionnaires, and how they can be used in utility analyses. Expert opinion/commentary Several QOL questionnaires, such as EORTC-QLQ-C30, McGill QOL questionnaire and EQ-5D have been validated in the palliative care setting. However, significant gaps impede their application, including lack of determination of their responsiveness to change and minimal clinically important differences, the need to conduct more psychometric validation on QOL questionnaires among patients at various stages of disease trajectory, and the paucity of studies examining utility and cost-effectiveness. Further research is needed to address these knowledge gaps so QOL questionnaires can be better used to inform clinical practice and research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, MD D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA, 77030
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20
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Wintner LM, Sztankay M, Aaronson N, Bottomley A, Giesinger JM, Groenvold M, Petersen MA, van de Poll-Franse L, Velikova G, Verdonck-de Leeuw I, Holzner B. The use of EORTC measures in daily clinical practice-A synopsis of a newly developed manual. Eur J Cancer 2016; 68:73-81. [PMID: 27721057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2016.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has increasingly become a chronic condition and the routine collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) like quality of life is widely recommended for clinical practice. Nonetheless, the successful implementation of PROs is still a major challenge, although common barriers to and facilitators of their beneficial use are well known. To support health care professionals and other stakeholders in the implementation of the EORTC PRO measures, the EORTC Quality of Life Group provides guidance on issues considered important for their use in daily clinical practice. Herein, we present an outline of the newly developed "'Manual for the use of EORTC measures in daily clinical practice", covering the following issues: * a rationale for using EORTC measures in routine care *selection of EORTC measures, timing of assessments, scoring and presentation of results * aspects of a strategic implementation * electronic data assessment and telemonitoring, and * further use of EORTC measures and ethical considerations. Next to an extensive overview of currently available literature, the manual specifically focuses on knowledge about EORTC measures to give evidence-based recommendations whenever possible and to encourage readers and end-users of EORTC measures to contribute to further needed high-quality research. The manual will be accessible on the EORTC Quality of Life Group website's homepage and will be periodically updated to take into account any new knowledge due to medical, technical, regulatory and scientific advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Wintner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Monika Sztankay
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Neil Aaronson
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066, CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Andrew Bottomley
- Quality of Life Department, EORTC Headquarters, Avenue E. Mounier 83, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Johannes M Giesinger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Mogens Groenvold
- The Research Unit, Department of Palliative Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Morten Aa Petersen
- The Research Unit, Department of Palliative Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lonneke van de Poll-Franse
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Gebouw Janssoenborch, Godebaldkwartier 419, 3511, DT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Galina Velikova
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, Leeds, UK.
| | - Irma Verdonck-de Leeuw
- Clinical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081, HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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21
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Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL for patients with advanced cancer. Palliat Support Care 2016; 14:628-634. [PMID: 27068607 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951516000195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assessing quality of life, which is the main focus of palliative care, is highly important. The number of available, specific, simple, and valid assessment instruments for patients with advanced cancer in Turkey is limited. The aim of our study was to perform a psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 15-PAL (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL). METHOD The study was conducted in İzmir with patients who had received treatment in the palliative care unit of a university hospital between November of 2011 and December of 2013. Sociodemographic and disease characteristics forms, the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) Scale, and the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL Scale were employed in order to gather data. RESULTS A total of 150 patients completed the study: 55.3% of participants were female, 80.7% were married, and the average age was 52.76 ± 14.55. The value of Cronbach's α in the analyses ranged from 0.93 to 0.98. Most questionnaire areas had low to moderate correlations with the others. The moderate correlations were between fatigue and physical function (-0.41) and between insomnia and emotional function (-0.53). Conversely, weak correlations were found between nausea/vomiting and appetite loss (0.31) and between insomnia and pain (0.22). KPS scores decreased, patient physical and emotional function were diminished, global QoL declined, and patients' symptoms became more frank. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS We concluded that the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL is a valid and reliable tool to determine the quality of life of advanced cancer patients who are undergoing palliative treatment in Turkey.
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22
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Zhang L, Wang N, Zhang J, Liu J, Luo Z, Sun W, Woo SML, Chen C, Zhang K, Miller AR, Guo H, Zhang X, Wang C. Cross-cultural verification of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire in mainland China. Palliat Med 2016; 30:401-8. [PMID: 26121985 DOI: 10.1177/0269216315593671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simplified by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30), EORTC Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative Care (QLQ-C15-PAL) is specifically applied to evaluating palliative care patients' quality of life. AIM This study examined cross-cultural adaptability and validity of QLQ-C15-PAL for evaluating quality of life of palliative care patients with advanced cancer in mainland China. PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN From May to October 2013, 243 palliative care patients in Tianjin Cancer Hospital completed the EORTC QLQ-C30. We extracted QLQ-C15-PAL data for analysis. Physicians completed the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status score and mental state assessment for each patient. RESULTS A total of 243 patients completed the study. The compliance rate was high, with missing rate for each item ranging from 0% to 2.1%. In addition to emotional function, the remaining dimensions demonstrated a high reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.7). Whether we divided patients into two groups according to their Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status or divided patients into three groups according to mental status, both sets of results showed significant differences in QLQ-C15-PAL subscale scores (p < 0.05), indicating that the QLQ-C15-PAL scale could be used to distinguish between the aforementioned subgroups. Overall quality of life was moderately correlated with fatigue (r = -0.406) but weakly correlated with other subscales. The proportion of variance (R(2)) ranged from 0.848 to 0.903, which showed that QLQ-C15-PAL subscale scores explained between 84.8% and 90.3% of the original QLQ-C30 score distribution. CONCLUSION The Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire has high reliability and validity and is therefore suitable for clinical use in China to determine health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Lung Cancer Center, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Wang
- Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahao Liu
- Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqin Luo
- Department of Palliative Care, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilin Sun
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Chujun Chen
- Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Cerebral Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Adam R Miller
- School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Hui Guo
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Changli Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Lung Cancer Center, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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23
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Quality of life discordance between terminal cancer patients and family caregivers: a multicenter study. Support Care Cancer 2016; 24:2853-60. [PMID: 26838021 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-016-3108-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research studies on quality of life (QOL) discordance between cancer patients and family caregivers are limited, and the results are inconsistent. The objective of this study was to examine QOL discordance between patients and family caregivers in a hospice setting and to identify factors associated with the discordance. METHODS We enrolled 178 patient-family caregiver pairs from six tertiary hospital hospice palliative care units in South Korea in this cross-sectional study. To establish groupings based on patient and family caregiver QOL levels, we measured the QOL of patient and family caregiver pairs using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 for Palliative Care and the Caregiver QOL Index-Cancer, respectively. Pairs were categorized into the following three groups: both good QOL pairs, only poor patient QOL, and only poor family caregiver QOL. Factors associated with only poor patient or only poor family caregiver QOL were compared to both good QOL pairs. A stepwise multivariate regression model was used to identify relevant factors. RESULTS The QOL of family caregivers did not correlate significantly (P = 0.227) with QOL in terminally ill cancer patients. As well, poor emotional function in patients was the only significant factor associated with the only poor patient QOL group [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 4.1; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.5-11.5]. However, emotionally distressed family caregivers (aOR, 10.2; 95 % CI, 2.8-37.5), family caregivers who professed a religion (aOR, 4.1; 95 % CI, 1.5-11.3), and family caregivers with low social support (aOR, 3.9; 95 % CI, 1.5-10.6) were independent predictors for the only poor family caregiver QOL group. CONCLUSIONS Assessing the respective emotional status of both the patient and family caregiver is needed in hospice care to reduce the gap in QOL between the two groups. Further, more attention should be paid to the lack of social support for family caregivers.
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Saetra P, Fossum M, Svensson E, Cohen MZ. Evaluation of two instruments of perceived symptom intensity in palliative care patients in an outpatient clinic. J Clin Nurs 2016; 25:799-810. [PMID: 26813779 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the test-retest stability in assessments of perceived symptom intensity on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-revised and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative. The possible interchangeability between the instruments and the patients' experiences of completing the instruments were also studied. BACKGROUND The two instruments assess the same symptoms, but the symptom intensity is assessed on 11-point numerical scales on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-revised and on four-point verbal descriptive scales on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative. Both instruments are commonly used; however, uncertainty exists about which instrument should be recommended and about the interchangeability of the instruments. DESIGN This study used a test-retest design with inter-scale comparisons. METHODS Data from 54 patients with cancer who were receiving palliative care in an oncology outpatient clinic were self-reported by the patients in the clinic, at home and when patients returned to the clinic. RESULTS The assessments on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative verbal rating scales showed a higher level of test-retest stability than the assessments on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-revised numerical scoring scales, indicating higher reliability. The correspondence between the verbal categories and the numerical scores of symptom intensity were low because different verbal categories were used by patients who assessed the same numerical score. CONCLUSIONS The test-retest stability in the assessments was higher on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative and the results show that assessments on the two instruments could not be used interchangeably. Therefore, the symptom instrument chosen must be specified and unchanged within a patient to improve efficacy in clinical practice. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-revised or the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative can be used for initial assessments of patients, but should not be compared or used interchangeably. It is vitally important to have individual follow-up for all patients who score an instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Saetra
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway.,Sorlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
| | - Mariann Fossum
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway.,Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Burwood, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Marlene Z Cohen
- Center for Nursing Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Filleron T, Bonnetain F, Mancini J, Martinez A, Roché H, Dalenc F. Prospective construction and validation of a prognostic score to identify patients who benefit from third-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer in terms of overall survival: The METAL3 Study. Contemp Clin Trials 2015; 40:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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26
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Locker LS, Lübbe AS. Quality of life in palliative care: An analysis of quality-of-life assessment. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2014. [DOI: 10.1179/1743291x14y.0000000102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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27
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Lee YJ, Suh SY, Choi YS, Shim JY, Seo AR, Choi SE, Ahn HY, Yim E. EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL quality of life score as a prognostic indicator of survival in patients with far advanced cancer. Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:1941-8. [PMID: 24577883 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Quality of life (QoL) and performance status predict survival in advanced cancer patients; these relationships have not been explored in the hospice palliative care setting. The aim of this study was to examine the survival predictability of patient-reported QoL using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire in far advanced cancer inpatients at the very end of life. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients reported QoL using the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL. One hundred sixty-two inpatients in hospice palliative wards of six hospitals in South Korea were followed until death or the end of the study. Additional symptoms and performance status were assessed by the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Korean (MDASI-K), Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. Correlations between EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL, MDASI-K, PPS, and ECOG were assessed. Survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS Patients' median survival was less than 1 month. Physician-reported PPS significantly predicted survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.493; p<0.001). From the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL, patient-reported physical functioning predicted survival (HR=0.65; p<0.001). Other six domains of EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL were significantly related to survival after adjustment. Those domains were global health status, emotional functioning, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, appetite loss, and constipation. CONCLUSIONS EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL can be an independent prognostic factor in inpatients with far advanced cancer. Patient-reported physical functioning showed survival predictability as good as physician-reported performance status. It is notable that the QLQ instrument is useful even for patients in their final month of life. Cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome-related symptoms may be independent prognostic symptoms. Prospective study is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Joo Lee
- College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
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28
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Nunes NAH. The quality of life of Brazilian patients in palliative care: validation of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 PAL (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL). Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:1595-600. [PMID: 24463615 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2119-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to validate the Brazilian version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 PAL (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) to be used in patients with cancer in palliative care. METHODS One hundred four outpatients with advanced cancer were recruited in Hospital das Clinicas--University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that Cronbach-α is ≥0.7 except for fatigue (α = 0.58). Convergent validity was shown by the correlation observed between the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL dimensions with the EORTC QLQ-C30, Brief Pain Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. The EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL detected significant differences in the performance status, supporting known-group validity. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL is a brief, useful, and valid tool for assessing the quality of life of Brazilian patients in palliative care.
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Lien K, Zeng L, Nguyen J, Cramarossa G, Culleton S, Caissie A, Lutz S, Chow E. Comparison of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL and the FACIT-Pal for assessment of quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2014; 11:541-7. [DOI: 10.1586/erp.11.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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30
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Arraras JI, de la Vega FA, Asin G, Rico M, Zarandona U, Eito C, Cambra K, Barrondo M, Errasti M, Verdún J, Rivadeneira J, Dominguez MA. The EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire: validation study for Spanish bone metastases patients. Qual Life Res 2013; 23:849-55. [PMID: 24002479 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-013-0511-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Quality of life (QL) is a key outcome for advanced disease cancer patients. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has developed the QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire, a short version of the QLQ-C30 for palliative care. The aim of the present study is to validate the QLQ-C15-PAL for use with Spanish patients with bone metastasis. METHODS For this study, we used a consecutive sample of stage IV cancer patients with bone metastases who started radiotherapy with palliative intention. Two assessments were proposed for each patient: one on the first day of treatment and one a month after the end of the radiotherapy sessions. Psychometric evaluation of the structure, reliability, and validity was undertaken. RESULTS One hundred and sixteen patients completed the first questionnaire and seventy five completed the second. Multitrait scaling analysis showed that all items met the standards for convergent validity, and all except the fatigue scale met the standards for divergent validity. Cronbach's coefficient met the 0.7 alpha criterion on all scales except pain (second assessment). Most QLQ-C15-PAL areas had low-to-moderate correlations with the other areas. Significant differences appeared in the comparisons between groups with regard to: patients who died before the second assessment (six areas); patients receiving chemotherapy before starting radiotherapy in the two assessments (three and four areas, respectively); the performance status in the two assessments (nine and eight areas); and the number of RT sessions received (four). Quality of life was better in the second assessment in nine areas. CONCLUSION The QLQ-C15-PAL is a reliable and valid instrument when applied to a sample of Spanish patients. These results are in line with those of other validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ignacio Arraras
- Radiotherapeutic Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Irunlarrea 3, 31008, Pamplona, Spain,
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Søreide K, Søreide AH. Using patient-reported outcome measures for improved decision-making in patients with gastrointestinal cancer - the last clinical frontier in surgical oncology? Front Oncol 2013; 3:157. [PMID: 23785670 PMCID: PMC3682158 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genomic era has introduced concepts of “personalized medicine” and “targeted therapy” in the field of oncology. Medicine has become increasingly complex with a plethora of potential dilemmas in diagnosis, treatment, and management. The focus on classical outcomes for clinical decision-making is now increasingly being replaced by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). PROMs should increasingly now be in the center of patient-centered decision-making, based on valid, reliable, and clinically useful measures delivered directly by the patient to the caregiver. Surgeons’ ability to interpret and apply PROMs and quality of life results must improve by education and further research, and has an unreleased potential to contribute to a better understanding of the patients’ well-being. A number of caveats must be addressed before this can be brought to fruition; standardization for valid items; appropriate use of instruments; correct timing of the application; missing data handling, compliance, and respondent drop-outs are but a few issues to be addressed. Based on the apparent lack of use in both research and clinical work, it should call for an educational effort to address this among surgeons caring for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjetil Søreide
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital , Stavanger , Norway ; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
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Lam K, Zeng L, Zhang L, Tseng LM, Hou MF, Fairchild A, Vassiliou V, Jesus-Garcia R, El-Din MAA, Kumar A, PharmD FF, Chie WC, Sahgal A, Poon M, Chow E. Predictive Factors of Overall Well-Being Using the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL Extracted from the EORTC QLQ-C30. J Palliat Med 2013; 16:402-8. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2012.0398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kinsey Lam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liang Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liying Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ling-Ming Tseng
- Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Department of Gastroenterologic Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Alysa Fairchild
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vassilios Vassiliou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Reynaldo Jesus-Garcia
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mohamed A. Alm El-Din
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tanta University Hospital, Tanta Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Aswin Kumar
- Division of Gynaecology and Genitourinary Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Center, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Fabien Forges PharmD
- Inserm CIE3, Saint Etienne University Hospital, France
- Unit of Clinical Research, Innovation, and Pharmacology, Saint Etienne University Hospital, France
| | - Wei-Chu Chie
- Department of Public Health and Institute of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Arjun Sahgal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Poon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward Chow
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kumar SP. Reporting of "quality of life": a systematic review and quantitative analysis of research publications in palliative care journals. Indian J Palliat Care 2012; 18:59-67. [PMID: 22837613 PMCID: PMC3401736 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.97475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care clinical practice depends upon an evidence-based decision-making process which in turn is based upon current research evidence. One of the most important goals in clinical palliative care is to improve patients' quality of life (QoL). AIM This study aimed to perform a quantitative analysis of research publications in palliative care journals for reporting characteristics of articles on QoL. SETTINGS AND DESIGN This was a systematic review of palliative care journals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve palliative care journals were searched for articles with "QoL" in the title of the articles published from 2006 to 2010. The reporting rates of all journals were compared. The selected articles were categorized into assessment and treatment, and subsequently grouped into original and review articles. The original articles were subgrouped into qualitative and quantitative studies, and the review articles were grouped into narrative and systematic reviews. Each subgroup of original article category was further classified according to study designs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Descriptive analysis using frequencies and percentiles was done using SPSS for Windows, version 11.5. RESULTS The overall reporting rate among all journals was 1.95% (71/3634), and Indian Journal of Palliative Care (IJPC) had the highest reporting rate of 5.08% (3/59), followed by Palliative Medicine (PM) with 3.71% (20/538), and Palliative and Supportive Care (PSC) with 3.64% (9/247) reporting. CONCLUSIONS The overall reporting rate for QoL articles in palliative care journals was 1.95% and there were very few randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews found. The study findings indicate further high-quality research to establish an adequate evidence base for QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthil P Kumar
- Department of Physiotherapy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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SOELVER L, OESTERGAARD B, RYDAHL-HANSEN S, WAGNER L. Advanced cancer patients' self-assessed physical and emotional problems on admission and discharge from hospital general wards - a questionnaire study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2012; 21:667-76. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2012.01342.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Koo K, Zeng L, Chen E, Zhang L, Culleton S, Dennis K, Caissie A, Nguyen J, Holden L, Jon F, Tsao M, Barnes E, Danjoux C, Sahgal A, Chow E. Do elderly patients with metastatic cancer have worse quality of life scores? Support Care Cancer 2011; 20:2121-7. [PMID: 22081058 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-011-1322-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to compare self-reported quality of life (QOL) scores in old and young patients with metastatic cancer using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients receiving palliative radiotherapy (RT) for bone metastases and brain metastases completed the QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire prior to treatment. Using multiple linear regression analysis, a parametric test, the QLQ-C15-PAL scores were compared using 65 and 70 years as cutoff ages. RESULTS A total of 340 patients were referred for palliative RT for bone metastases (n = 190) or brain metastases (n = 150). Physical functioning and appetite were worse in the older group using either 65 or 70 years as the cutoff age. Age-related differences in the QLQ-C15-PAL scores varied as a function of age cutoff used and location of metastatic site irradiated. CONCLUSION Based on the (EORTC) QLQ-C15-PAL, elderly advanced cancer patients have a different QOL profile. Similar observations have been reported with the (EORTC) QLQ-C30 questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Koo
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Caissie A, Culleton S, Nguyen J, Zhang L, Zeng L, Holden L, Dennis K, Chan E, Jon F, Tsao M, Danjoux C, Sahgal A, Barnes E, Koo K, Chow E. What QLQ-C15-PAL Symptoms Matter Most for Overall Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Cancer? World J Oncol 2011; 2:166-174. [PMID: 29147243 PMCID: PMC5649654 DOI: 10.4021/wjon330w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have evaluated the QLQ-C15-PAL health-related quality of life (QOL) questionnaire, an abbreviated version of the QLQ-C30 questionnaire that was designed specifically for patients with advanced cancer. The present study assessed whether certain symptoms or functional domains from the QLQ-C15-PAL predicted overall QOL when rated prior to palliative radiation treatment (RT). Patients and Methods Patients attending an outpatient palliative radiotherapy clinic completed QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaires prior to palliative RT for bone, brain or lung disease. Pearson correlations were computed between the QLQ-C15-PAL functional/symptom scores and overall QOL scores. Multiple linear regressions were used to evaluate the relative importance of functional/symptom scales in association with overall QOL. Results Data from 369 patients were analyzed. The QLQ-C15-PAL domains of physical and emotional functioning, pain, and appetite loss were significant predictors of overall QOL in these patients with advanced cancer. Appetite loss was the only significant independent predictor of overall QOL in the subgroup of patients with advanced lung cancer (n = 29). Both appetite loss and emotional functioning were independently predictive of overall QOL in patients with bone metastases (n = 190). In patients with brain metastases (n = 150), independent predictors of overall QOL included physical and emotional functioning as well as fatigue. Conclusion The QLQ-C15-PAL domains of physical and emotional functioning, pain and appetite loss were significant predictors of overall QOL in this cohort of patients with advanced cancer. Different functional and symptom scales predicted overall QOL in patients with bone metastases, brain metastases or advanced lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Caissie
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shaelyn Culleton
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet Nguyen
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liying Zhang
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liang Zeng
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lori Holden
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristopher Dennis
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Esther Chan
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Florencia Jon
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - May Tsao
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cyril Danjoux
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arjun Sahgal
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Barnes
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Koo
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward Chow
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Miyazaki K, Suzukamo Y, Shimozuma K, Nakayama T. Verification of the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 palliative (EORTCQLQ-C15-PAL). Qual Life Res 2011; 21:335-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s11136-011-9939-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Caissie A, Culleton S, Nguyen J, Zhang L, Zeng L, Holden L, Dennis K, Chan E, Jon F, Tsao M, Danjoux C, Sahgal A, Barnes E, Koo K, Chow E. EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL quality of life scores in patients with advanced cancer referred for palliative radiotherapy. Support Care Cancer 2011; 20:841-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-011-1160-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Kaasa S, Loge JH, Fayers P, Caraceni A, Strasser F, Hjermstad MJ, Higginson I, Radbruch L, Haugen DF. Symptom Assessment in Palliative Care: A Need for International Collaboration. J Clin Oncol 2008; 26:3867-73. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.15.8881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes the research strategy for the development of a computerized assessment tool as part of a European Union (EU)–funded project, the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative (EPCRC). The EPCRC is funded through the Sixth Framework Program of the EU with major objectives to develop a computer-based assessment and classification tool for pain, depression, and cachexia. A systematic approach will be applied for the tool development with emphasis on multicultural and multilanguage challenges across Europe. The EPCRC is based on a long lasting collaboration within the European Association for Palliative Care Research Network. The ongoing change in society towards greatly increased use of communication as well as information transfer via digital systems will rapidly change the health care system. Therefore, patient-centered outcome assessment tools applicable for both clinic and research should be developed. Report of symptoms via digital media provides a start for face-to-face communication, treatment decisions, and assessment of treatment effects. The increased use of electronic media for exchange of information may facilitate the development and use of electronic assessment tools and decision-making systems in oncology. In the future, patients may find that a combination of a face-to-face interview plus a transfer of information of subjective symptoms by electronic means will optimize treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stein Kaasa
- From the Pain and Palliation Research Group, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Palliative Medicine Unit, Department of Oncology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim; National Resource Centre for Studies of Long-Term Effects After Cancer, Rikshospitalet University Hospital; Department of Oncology, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, and the Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jon Håvard Loge
- From the Pain and Palliation Research Group, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Palliative Medicine Unit, Department of Oncology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim; National Resource Centre for Studies of Long-Term Effects After Cancer, Rikshospitalet University Hospital; Department of Oncology, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, and the Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Peter Fayers
- From the Pain and Palliation Research Group, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Palliative Medicine Unit, Department of Oncology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim; National Resource Centre for Studies of Long-Term Effects After Cancer, Rikshospitalet University Hospital; Department of Oncology, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, and the Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Augusto Caraceni
- From the Pain and Palliation Research Group, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Palliative Medicine Unit, Department of Oncology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim; National Resource Centre for Studies of Long-Term Effects After Cancer, Rikshospitalet University Hospital; Department of Oncology, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, and the Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Florian Strasser
- From the Pain and Palliation Research Group, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Palliative Medicine Unit, Department of Oncology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim; National Resource Centre for Studies of Long-Term Effects After Cancer, Rikshospitalet University Hospital; Department of Oncology, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, and the Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marianne Jensen Hjermstad
- From the Pain and Palliation Research Group, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Palliative Medicine Unit, Department of Oncology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim; National Resource Centre for Studies of Long-Term Effects After Cancer, Rikshospitalet University Hospital; Department of Oncology, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, and the Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Irene Higginson
- From the Pain and Palliation Research Group, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Palliative Medicine Unit, Department of Oncology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim; National Resource Centre for Studies of Long-Term Effects After Cancer, Rikshospitalet University Hospital; Department of Oncology, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, and the Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lukas Radbruch
- From the Pain and Palliation Research Group, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Palliative Medicine Unit, Department of Oncology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim; National Resource Centre for Studies of Long-Term Effects After Cancer, Rikshospitalet University Hospital; Department of Oncology, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, and the Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Dagny Faksvåg Haugen
- From the Pain and Palliation Research Group, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Palliative Medicine Unit, Department of Oncology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim; National Resource Centre for Studies of Long-Term Effects After Cancer, Rikshospitalet University Hospital; Department of Oncology, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, and the Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Eisenchlas JH, Harding R, Daud ML, Pérez M, De Simone GG, Higginson IJ. Use of the palliative outcome scale in Argentina: a cross-cultural adaptation and validation study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2008; 35:188-202. [PMID: 18082359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2007.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2006] [Revised: 02/03/2007] [Accepted: 02/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Although measuring outcomes is essential to ensuring palliative care effectiveness, there is an absence of properly validated measures in many countries. We undertook a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Palliative Outcome Scale (POS) into a Spanish (Argentina) language and cultural context. The methodology used a sequence of phases: 1) verification of conceptual equivalence (literature review, professional interviews, and patient focus groups); 2) multiple translations; 3) committee review; and 4) field testing. Psychometric analysis entailed evaluation of quantitative content validity, construct validity, staff and patients' ratings comparison, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness to change. Conceptual equivalence was achieved. Multiple changes were introduced after the translations and field testing in 65 patients and 20 professionals. Content validity was high for all but one item. Construct validity against a validated quality-of-life measure (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life C-30) was confirmed (rho=0.74, P<0.0005). There was acceptable agreement between staff and patients (Cohen's weighted kappa >0.3) for 5/10, 8/10, and 6/9 items at each of three time-point evaluations and good correlation for all but one item (Spearman coefficient >0.7). Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha=0.68-0.69 and 0.66-0.73) for patient and staff ratings, respectively, and test-retest reliability showed very high agreement for every item (>0.80). The Argentine POS showed adequate responsiveness to change, although significant difference was reached for only 3 out of 10 items for patients and staff, respectively. Completion of the POS did not take more than 12 and 6 minutes for patients and staff, respectively. This study indicates that the Argentine POS is a valid and reliable measure of palliative care outcomes with advanced cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge H Eisenchlas
- Palliative Care Unit, C. Bonorino Udaondo Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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