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Paley CA, Boland JW, Santarelli M, Murtagh FEM, Ziegler L, Chapman EJ. Non-pharmacological interventions to manage psychological distress in patients living with cancer: a systematic review. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:88. [PMID: 37407974 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01202-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological distress is common in patients with cancer; interfering with physical and psychological wellbeing, and hindering management of physical symptoms. Our aim was to systematically review published evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for cancer-related psychological distress, at all stages of the disease. METHODS We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022311729). Searches were made using eight online databases to identify studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Data were collected on outcome measures, modes of delivery, resources and evidence of efficacy. A meta-analysis was planned if data allowed. Quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). RESULTS Fifty-nine studies with 17,628 participants were included. One third of studies included mindfulness, talking or group therapies. Half of all studies reported statistically significant improvements in distress. Statistically significant intervention effects on distress were most prevalent for mindfulness techniques. Four of these mindfulness studies had moderate effect sizes (d = -0.71[95% CI: -1.04, -0.37] p < 0.001) (d = -0.60 [95% CI: -3.44, -0.89] p < 0.001) (d = -0.77 [CI: -0.146, -1.954] p < 0.01) (d = -0.69 [CI: -0.18, -1.19] p = 0.008) and one had a large effect size (d = -1.03 [95% CI: -1.51, -0.54] p < 0.001). Heterogeneity of studies precluded meta-analysis. Study quality was variable and some had a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS The majority of studies using a mindfulness intervention in this review are efficacious at alleviating distress. Mindfulness-including brief, self-administered interventions-merits further investigation, using adequately powered, high-quality studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION This systematic review is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42022311729.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole A Paley
- University of Leeds, Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds, UK.
| | - Jason W Boland
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Martina Santarelli
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Fliss E M Murtagh
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Lucy Ziegler
- University of Leeds, Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds, UK
| | - Emma J Chapman
- University of Leeds, Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds, UK
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2
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Araujo MCR, da Silva DA, Wilson AMMM. Nursing interventions in palliative care in the intensive care unit: A systematic review. Enferm Intensiva (Engl Ed) 2023; 34:156-172. [PMID: 37684063 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfie.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients in palliative care are found in different places where care is provided, including the intensive care environment with important role of the nursing staff. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to answer the following question: which nursing interventions are aimed to the palliative care patients who are in the intensive care unit (ICU). DATA SOURCES US National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), Virtual Health Library (BVS), SciELO, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane) and Lilacs databases were used. DATA EXTRACTION After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria in accordance with the PRISMA method, a total of 36 entries published between 2010 and 2020 were used. DATA ANALYSIS The records extracted were analyzed from a qualitative approach, so no statistical analysis was carried out. RESULTS The findings demonstrated that the interventions that focus on promoting the patient's autonomy and respect their needs on ICU involves effective communication, promoting shared decision with patient and family, individualize care for each patient including the family on the daily care and decisions, maintaining basic nursing care as hygiene and comfort and encouraging self-care, as well as the involvement of nursing palliative care specialists the care is important. Other interventions included promoting a continuing education program for the nursing staff and other professionals involved in caring for patients in palliative care at ICU. CONCLUSION This review highlighted the need for specific nursing interventions aimed at palliative care patients at ICU to promote patient autonomy and the focus on patient needs, always sharing decisions with the patient and family. However, it showed that there is a need for the continuous training of the nursing staff because factors such as the nurses' lack of technical-scientific knowledge and, concomitantly, the absence of a standardized and specific intervention model linked to a bureaucratic system, make it difficult to carry out a specialized care for this type of patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C R Araujo
- Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - D A da Silva
- Dr. José de Carvalho Florence Municipal Hospital, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
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3
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Lundquist DM, Jimenez R, Durbin S, Horick N, Healy M, Johnson A, Bame V, Capasso V, McIntyre C, Cashavelly B, Juric D, Nipp RD. Identifying Early-Phase Clinical Trial Participants at Risk for Experiencing Worse Clinical Outcomes. JCO Oncol Pract 2023:OP2200742. [PMID: 36791343 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify early-phase clinical trial (EP-CT) participants at risk for experiencing worse clinical outcomes and describe receipt of supportive care services. METHODS A retrospective review of the electronic health records of consecutive patients enrolled in EP-CTs from 2017 to 2019 examined baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, and receipt of supportive care services. The validated Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) prognosis score was calculated using data at the time of EP-CT enrollment (scores range from 0 to 3; scores ≥ 2 indicate poor prognosis). Differences in patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, and receipt of supportive care services were compared on the basis of RMH scores. RESULTS Among 350 patients (median age = 63.2 years [range, 23.0-84.3 years], 57.1% female, 98.0% metastatic cancer), 31.7% had an RMH score indicating a poor prognosis. Those with poor prognosis RMH scores had worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.00; P < .001), shorter time on trial (HR, 1.53; P < .001), and lower likelihood of completing the dose-limiting toxicity period (odds ratio, 0.42; P = .006) versus those with good prognosis scores. Patients with poor prognosis scores had greater risk of emergency room visits (HR, 1.66; P = .037) and hospitalizations (HR, 1.69; P = .016) while on trial, and earlier hospice enrollment (HR, 2.22; P = .006). Patients with poor prognosis scores were significantly more likely to receive palliative care consultation (46.8% v 27.6%; P < .001), but not other supportive care services. CONCLUSION This study found that RMH prognosis score could identify patients at risk for decreased survival, shorter time on trial, and greater use of health care services. The findings underscore the need to develop supportive care interventions targeting EP-CT participants' distinct needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra M Lundquist
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Rachel Jimenez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Sienna Durbin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nora Horick
- Biostats Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Megan Healy
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Andrew Johnson
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Viola Bame
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Virginia Capasso
- Department of Nursing & Patient Care Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Casandra McIntyre
- Department of Nursing & Patient Care Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Barbara Cashavelly
- Department of Nursing & Patient Care Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Dejan Juric
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ryan D Nipp
- University of Oklahoma Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK
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4
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Nowels MA, Kalra S, Duberstein PR, Coakley E, Saraiya B, George L, Kozlov E. Palliative Care Interventions Effects on Psychological Distress: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:e691-e713. [PMID: 36764410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Managing psychological distress is an objective of palliative care. No meta-analysis has evaluated whether palliative care reduces psychological distress. OBJECTIVES Examine the effects of palliative care on depression, anxiety, and general psychological distress for adults with life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers. DESIGN We searched PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, and CINAHL for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of palliative care interventions. RCTs were included if they enrolled adults with life-limiting illnesses or their caregivers, reported data on psychological distress at 3 months after study intake, and if authors had described the intervention as "palliative care." RESULTS We identified 38 RCTs meeting our inclusion criteria. Many (14/38) included studies excluded participants with common mental health conditions. There were no statistically significant improvements in patient or caregiver anxiety (patient SMD: -0.008, P = 0.96; caregiver SMD: -0.21, P = 0.79), depression (patient SMD: -0.13, P = 0.25; caregiver SMD -0.27, P = 0.08), or psychological distress (patient SMD: 0.26, P = 0.59; caregiver SMD: 0.04, P = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS Psychological distress is not likely to be reduced in the context of a typical palliative care intervention. The systemic exclusion of patients with common mental health conditions in more than 1/3 of the studies raises ethical questions about the goals of palliative care RCTS and could perpetuate inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A Nowels
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy (M.A.N., S.K., P.R.D., E.C., E.K.), Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Center for Health Services Research (M.A.N.), Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Saurabh Kalra
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy (M.A.N., S.K., P.R.D., E.C., E.K.), Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Paul R Duberstein
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy (M.A.N., S.K., P.R.D., E.C., E.K.), Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Emily Coakley
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy (M.A.N., S.K., P.R.D., E.C., E.K.), Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Biren Saraiya
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (B.S.), New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Login George
- Rutgers School of Nursing (L.G.), New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Elissa Kozlov
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy (M.A.N., S.K., P.R.D., E.C., E.K.), Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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5
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Yang GM, Ong WY, Tan J, Ding J, Ho S, Tan D, Neo P. Motivations and experiences of patients with advanced cancer participating in Phase 1 clinical trials: A qualitative study. Palliat Med 2023; 37:257-264. [PMID: 36476098 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221137105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with advanced cancer may participate in Phase 1 clinical trials - first-in-human trials that are conducted with the main objectives of safety and dosing. The motivations for participation are not well understood and may include hope for cure. AIM To explore the perspectives of persons with advanced cancer in order to understand the motivations for participating in Phase 1 clinical trials, experiences while being on trial and views on palliative care provision. DESIGN Qualitative study with a constructivist stance, using thematic analysis based upon the grounded theory approach. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS 20 persons with advanced cancer who were participating in a Phase 1 clinical trial. RESULTS Many participants described how Phase 1 clinical trial participation was their last hope, as they were cognisant of their advanced disease. Information-seeking needs differed - some needed comprehensive information while others relied on the doctor's recommendation. Participants experienced varied negative and positive physical and psycho-emotional concerns, and needed to draw on multiple sources of support such as family, friends and healthcare professionals. Some could list potential benefits of palliative care but felt they did not require it yet. The overarching theme was hope and positive thinking as a way of coping. CONCLUSIONS The concepts of hope as a way of coping and the supportive presence of healthcare professionals could be weaved into a future model of palliative care to improve the illness journey for patients considering Phase 1 clinical trial participation and other persons with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Meijuan Yang
- Division of Supportive and Palliative care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.,Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Wah Ying Ong
- Division of Supportive and Palliative care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jasmine Tan
- Division of Supportive and Palliative care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Shirlynn Ho
- Division of Supportive and Palliative care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patricia Neo
- Division of Supportive and Palliative care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
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Ferrell BR, Paice JA, Coyne PJ, Economou D, Thaxton CA, Wholihan D, Battista V, Haskamp A. Outcomes of a National Training Curriculum to Advance Generalist Level Palliative Care. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:228-234. [PMID: 35976082 PMCID: PMC9894595 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The adoption of palliative care as an integral component of health care has led to the need for generalist level providers, especially important in serious illnesses such as cancer. Objectives: The goals of this National Cancer Institute-funded training program were to (1) identify the eight domains of quality palliative care applied to oncology practice, (2) demonstrate skills for oncology advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the domains of palliative care, and (3) develop goals for implementing the skills training in practice through process improvement, staff education, and clinical care. Design: The training program led by the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) project included oncology APRNs in a three-day training course with one-year follow-up for ongoing support and to assess impact. Settings: Five training courses included 430 APRNs from 46 U.S states including both pediatric and adult oncology settings. The project included 25% minority participants. Measurement: Measures included participant goal implementation, course evaluations, and surveys to assess implementation and palliative care practices (precourse, 6 and 12 months postcourse). Results: The ELNEC oncology APRN training course resulted in changes in practice across domains, improved perceived effectiveness in clinical practice, and valuable insight regarding the challenges in generalist level palliative care implementation. Conclusion: The ELNEC oncology APRN course serves as a model for the palliative care field to advance generalist level practice. Future training efforts can build on this project to reach more oncology professionals and those in other areas of serious illness care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty R. Ferrell
- Division of Nursing Research, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Judith A. Paice
- Northwestern University; Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Patrick J. Coyne
- Palliative Care, Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Dorothy Wholihan
- NYU Meyers College of Nursing, Palliative Care Specialty Program, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vanessa Battista
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy Haskamp
- Indiana University School of Medicine Pediatrics, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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7
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Araujo M, da Silva D, Wilson A. Nursing interventions in palliative care in the intensive care unit: A systematic review. Enfermería Intensiva 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enfi.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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8
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Razmovski-Naumovski V, West PA, Bellemore F, Byfieldt N, Bellamy D, Chye R, Clark K, Martin JH, Fazekas B, Phillips JL, Agar MR. Defining the trials nurses’ role in operationalising a medicinal cannabis clinical trial. Collegian 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Abstract
Background: Pancreatic cancer patients often present with complications, which can impact treatment tolerance. Thus, symptom management is a vital component of treatment in addition to traditional chemotherapeutics. Concurrent palliative care with an emphasis on aggressive symptom management may sustain both clinical and patient-centered outcomes during treatment. The purpose of this article is to explore the impact of a concurrent palliative care intervention in patients with pancreatic cancer treated on phase I clinical trials. Materials and Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded randomized trial of an advanced practice nurse driven palliative care intervention for solid tumor patients treated on phase I clinical trials. Only pancreatic cancer patients were included in the analysis. Patients received two educational sessions around the quality of life (QOL) domains and completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), patient-reported outcomes version of the common terminology criteria for adverse events (PRO-CTCAE), and the psychological distress thermometer at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks. Mixed model with repeated measures analysis was used to explore outcomes by study arm. Results: Of the 479 patients accrued to the study, 42 were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (26 intervention, 16 usual care). A trend toward improvement in the physical, social, emotional, and functional FACT-G QOL subscales and psychological distress (baseline to 12 weeks) were observed for the intervention arm. Patients reported moderate severity in psychological and physical stress. Conclusions: In this secondary analysis, a nurse-led palliative care intervention may improve the QOL and psychological distress of pancreatic cancer patients. A phase III trial focused on patients with pancreatic cancer is needed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Chung
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Virginia Sun
- Division of Nursing Research and Education, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Nora Ruel
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Thomas J. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Betty R. Ferrell
- Division of Nursing Research and Education, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
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Schenker Y, Althouse AD, Rosenzweig M, White DB, Chu E, Smith KJ, Resick JM, Belin S, Park SY, Smith TJ, Bakitas MA, Arnold RM. Effect of an Oncology Nurse-Led Primary Palliative Care Intervention on Patients With Advanced Cancer: The CONNECT Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2021; 181:1451-1460. [PMID: 34515737 PMCID: PMC8438619 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.5185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Guidelines recommend early specialty palliative care for all patients with advanced cancer, but most patients lack access to such services. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of CONNECT (Care Management by Oncology Nurses to Address Supportive Care Needs), a primary palliative care intervention delivered by oncology nurses, on patient outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cluster randomized clinical trial of the CONNECT intervention vs standard care was conducted from July 25, 2016, to October 6, 2020. Participants were adult patients with metastatic solid tumors who were undergoing oncological care and for whom an oncologist would agree with the statement "would not be surprised if the patient died in the next year." The trial was conducted at 17 community oncology practices in western Pennsylvania. Data analyses adhered to the intention-to-treat principle. INTERVENTIONS The CONNECT intervention included 3 monthly visits with an existing infusion room nurse who was trained to address symptoms, provide emotional support, engage in advance care planning, and coordinate care. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was quality of life. At baseline and 3 months, participants completed assessments of quality of life (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative care: score range, 0-184, with higher scores indicating better quality of life), symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale: score range, 0-90, with higher scores indicating greater symptom burden), and mood symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]: score range, 0-21, with higher scores indicating substantial anxiety and depression). Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate adjusted mean differences in 3-month outcomes. Preplanned, intensity-adjusted analyses were conducted. RESULTS A total of 672 patients were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 69.3 [10.2] years; 360 women [53.6%]). The mean (SD) number of CONNECT visits completed was 2.2 (1.0). At 3 months, no difference in mean (SD) quality-of-life score was found between the CONNECT and standard care groups (130.7 [28.2] vs 134.1 [28.1]; adjusted mean difference, 1.20; 95% CI, -2.75 to 5.15; P = .55). Similarly, there was no difference between groups in 3-month mean (SD) symptom burden (23.2 [16.6] vs 24.0 [16.1]; adjusted mean difference, -2.64; 95% CI, -5.85 to 0.58; P = .11) or mood symptoms (HADS depression subscale score: 5.1 [3.4] vs 4.8 [3.7], adjusted mean difference, -0.08 [95% CI, -0.71 to 0.57], P = .82; HADS anxiety subscale score: 5.7 [3.9] vs 5.4 [4.2], adjusted mean difference, -0.31 [95% CI, -0.96 to 0.33], P = .34). Intensity-adjusted analyses revealed a larger estimated treatment effect for patients who received a full dose (3 visits) of the CONNECT intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cluster randomized clinical trial found that a primary palliative care intervention that was delivered by oncology nurses did not improve patient-reported outcomes at 3 months. Primary palliative care interventions with a higher dose intensity may be beneficial for most patients with advanced cancer who lack access to palliative care specialists. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02712229.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Schenker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Palliative Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew D Althouse
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Margaret Rosenzweig
- Palliative Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Douglas B White
- Palliative Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Edward Chu
- Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Kenneth J Smith
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Judith M Resick
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Palliative Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Shane Belin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Palliative Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Seo Young Park
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marie A Bakitas
- School of Nursing, UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Robert M Arnold
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Palliative Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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11
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Barnato AE, Khayal IS. The power of specialty palliative care: moving towards a systems perspective. Lancet Haematol 2021; 8:e376-e381. [PMID: 33894172 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(21)00099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Three palliative care clinical trials were presented at the 2020 American Society for Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. The heterogeneity in populations, models of care, study design, and assessment of clinical outcomes across these three studies show the broad opportunities for research into interventions for palliative care. In this Viewpoint, we summarise the characteristics of these studies, discuss their novel features and lingering questions, and offer a suggestion for further expanding the focus of clinical trials for delivery of palliative care in the future. We particularly argue that the propensity to characterise palliative care as if it was a clinical or biomedical intervention hampers the design and evaluation of complex clinical interventions that influence clinicians, systems for health-care delivery, individual patients, and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber E Barnato
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA; Section of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA; Cancer Population Sciences Program, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Inas S Khayal
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA; Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA; Cancer Population Sciences Program, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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12
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the impact of COVID19 in Australia. Three areas were investigated: professionalism, contrasting hospital and aged care services and "business as usual"? Impact was low overall, the timing being pre-second wave impact. Two areas of weakness were highlighted: depleted spiritual care teams due to standing down non-professional staff and uncertainty about the role of Chaplains in the care of other staff. Further study of second wave impact is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Tan
- Heather Tan, Spiritual Health Association,
Melbourne, Australia.
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