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Ong AH, Young D, Valderas JM, Zhou Y. Addressing cancer care gaps through improved early cancer diagnosis in Singapore: research priorities to inform clinical practice. Lancet Reg Health West Pac 2024; 46:101073. [PMID: 38694592 PMCID: PMC11061326 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Huiying Ong
- Division of Family Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Family Medicine and Singapore Primary Care Cancer Network (SPRiNT), National University Health System, Singapore
- National University Polyclinics, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Doris Young
- Division of Family Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Family Medicine and Singapore Primary Care Cancer Network (SPRiNT), National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Jose María Valderas
- Division of Family Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Family Medicine and Singapore Primary Care Cancer Network (SPRiNT), National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Yin Zhou
- Department of Family Medicine and Singapore Primary Care Cancer Network (SPRiNT), National University Health System, Singapore
- Centre for Cancer Screening, Prevention and Early Diagnosis, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
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DiSipio T, Scholte C, Diaz A. Evaluation of online text-based information resources of gynaecological cancer symptoms. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7167. [PMID: 38676385 PMCID: PMC11053368 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7167] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gynaecological cancer symptoms are often vague and non-specific. Quality health information is central to timely cancer diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the quality of online text-based patient information resources regarding gynaecological cancer symptoms. METHODS A targeted website search and Google search were conducted to identify health information resources published by the Australian government and non-government health organisations. Resources were classified by topic (gynaecological health, gynaecological cancers, cancer, general health); assessed for reading level (Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, SMOG) and difficulty (Flesch Reading Ease, FRE); understandability and actionability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool, PEMAT, 0-100), whereby higher scores indicate better understandability/actionability. Seven criteria were used to assess cultural inclusivity specific for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; resources which met 3-5 items were deemed to be moderately inclusive and 6+ items as inclusive. RESULTS A total of 109 resources were identified and 76% provided information on symptoms in the context of gynaecological cancers. The average readability was equivalent to a grade 10 reading level on the SMOG and classified as 'difficult to read' on the FRE. The mean PEMAT scores were 95% (range 58-100) for understandability and 13% (range 0-80) for actionability. Five resources were evaluated as being moderately culturally inclusive. No resource met all the benchmarks. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the inadequate quality of online resources available on pre-diagnosis gynaecological cancer symptom information. Resources should be revised in line with the recommended standards for readability, understandability and actionability and to meet the needs of a culturally diverse population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey DiSipio
- School of Public HealthThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Cate Scholte
- School of Public HealthThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Abbey Diaz
- School of Public HealthThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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Knoop I, Gu S, Fareghzadeh S, Jones ASK, Gall N, Moss-Morris R. Exploring the complexities of illness identity and symptom management in seeking a diagnostic label of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): An inductive approach. Br J Health Psychol 2024; 29:297-316. [PMID: 37845822 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12700] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating and under-recognized condition of the autonomic nervous system. This study applied Leventhal's Common-Sense Model of Illness Representations to explore the journey to a diagnosis of POTS and to understand its relevance to poorly understood conditions which have common comorbidities. DESIGN An inductive qualitative approach was used to explore the processes by which patients formulate explanations and management of symptoms within the search for a diagnostic label and to investigate illness identity in the context of existing diagnoses or multimorbidity. METHODS Participants (n = 29) for this nested qualitative study were recruited from a larger longitudinal study of people who had been newly referred to a specialist POTS service. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via video call. Three researchers coded and analysed data using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and elements of Grounded Theory. RESULTS The analysis resulted in three overarching themes: 'Seeking physiological coherence and validation', 'Individual persistence', and 'Navigating the cumulative burden'. 'Accessibility and disparities of health care' was noted as a contextual factor. Receiving a POTS diagnosis was regarded by participants as providing legitimacy and increased access to treatment. Overall, delays in the diagnostic journey and the lack of a clear diagnosis impacted negatively on patients through increased uncertainty and a lack of clear guidance on how to manage symptoms. Findings also suggested there were great complexities in assigning symptoms to labels in the context of multimorbidity. CONCLUSIONS Participants' stories highlighted the urgent need for better recognition of POTS so that the self-regulatory process can be initiated from the early stages of symptom detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Knoop
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Gu
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shamim Fareghzadeh
- Neuroscience Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Annie S K Jones
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Gall
- Cardiology Department, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rona Moss-Morris
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Baxter MA, Denholm M, Kingdon SJ, Kathirgamakarthigeyan S, Parikh S, Shakir R, Johnson R, Martin H, Walton M, Yao W, Swan A, Samuelson C, Ren X, Cooper A, Gray HL, Clifton S, Ball J, Gullick G, Anderson M, Dodd L, Hayhurst H, Salama M, Shotton R, Britton F, Christodoulou T, Abdul-Hamid A, Eichholz A, Evans RM, Wallroth P, Gibson F, Poole K, Rowe M, Harris J. CAnceR IN PreGnancy (CARING) - a retrospective study of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy in the United Kingdom. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1261-1268. [PMID: 38383704 PMCID: PMC11014900 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02605-x] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is increasing. Data relating to investigation and management, as well as maternal and foetal outcomes is lacking in a United Kingdom (UK) population. METHODS In this retrospective study we report data from 119 patients diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy from 14 cancer centres in the UK across a five-year period (2016-2020). RESULTS Median age at diagnosis was 33 years, with breast, skin and haematological the most common primary sites. The majority of cases were new diagnoses (109 patients, 91.6%). Most patients were treated with radical intent (96 patients, 80.7%), however, gastrointestinal cancers were associated with a high rate of palliative intent treatment (63.6%). Intervention was commenced during pregnancy in 68 (57.1%) patients; 44 (37%) had surgery and 31 (26.1%) received chemotherapy. Live births occurred in 98 (81.7%) of the cases, with 54 (55.1%) of these delivered by caesarean section. Maternal mortality during the study period was 20.2%. CONCLUSIONS This is the first pan-tumour report of diagnosis, management and outcomes of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy in the UK. Our findings demonstrate proof of concept that data collection is feasible and highlight the need for further research in this cohort of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Baxter
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
- Tayside Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK.
| | - M Denholm
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Early Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - S J Kingdon
- Exeter Oncology Centre, Royal Devon University Hospitals NHS Trust, Exeter, UK
| | | | - S Parikh
- Department of Oncology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - R Shakir
- Oncology Department, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - R Johnson
- Oncology Department, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - H Martin
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Early Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - M Walton
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - W Yao
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Swan
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C Samuelson
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - X Ren
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A Cooper
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - H-L Gray
- Tayside Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - S Clifton
- Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - J Ball
- Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - G Gullick
- Oncology Department, Royal United Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - M Anderson
- Northern Centre for Cancer Care, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - L Dodd
- Northern Centre for Cancer Care, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - H Hayhurst
- Northern Centre for Cancer Care, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - M Salama
- Department of Oncology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - R Shotton
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - F Britton
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - T Christodoulou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - A Abdul-Hamid
- Department of Oncology, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust, Surrey, UK
| | - A Eichholz
- Department of Oncology, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Buckinghamshire, UK
| | - R M Evans
- South West Wales Cancer Centre, Swansea Bay NHS Trust, Swansea, UK
| | | | - F Gibson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - K Poole
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit, Belmont, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - M Rowe
- Sunrise Oncology Centre, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, UK
| | - J Harris
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Biezen R, Leong A, Teoh L. Perceptions of general practitioners towards managing dental presentations in Australia: a qualitative study. Aust J Prim Health 2024; 30:PY23217. [PMID: 38621020 DOI: 10.1071/py23217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Patients presenting with dental pain are common in general practice, despite dental infections being most appropriately managed with dental treatment to address the cause of the infection. Although antibiotics are not appropriate for the management of localised toothache without signs of systemic spread, general practitioners (GPs) often prescribe antibiotics and analgesics for the management of dental pain. The aim of this study was to explore GPs' perceptions and management of dental presentations in Australia. Methods Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs across Victoria, Australia, between October 2022 and January 2023. Data were thematically analysed. Results The study found that dental pain was the most common presenting complaint for patients attending general practice with a dental problem. Five major themes were identified in this study: knowledge, beliefs about capabilities, emotion, environmental context and resources, and social influences/social professional role and identity. In terms of knowledge and capabilities, GPs would advise patients to seek dental care, as they are aware that antibiotics would not resolve the underlying issue. Challenges for GPs included limited training in oral and dental treatment, as well as emotions, such as patient anxiety and phobia resulting in patients seeking dental care through a GP rather than a dentist. Barriers due to the context, such as access to dental care, long waiting lists within the public dental system and cost, were some of the reasons patients present to general practice rather than a seeing a dentist. Furthermore, issues that influenced GPs' antibiotic prescribing included patients' expectations for antibiotics to treat their dental pain, as well as dentists advising their patients to attend their GP for antibiotics prior to dental treatment. Conclusions This study identified factors that influenced GPs' management of patients with dental conditions. To address these issues, it is imperative to develop interventions addressing patients' knowledge around oral health, as well as providing improved access to dental care for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Biezen
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Angel Leong
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Leanne Teoh
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia
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Sijben J, Huibertse LJ, Rainey L, Broeders MJM, Peters Y, Siersema PD. Oesophageal cancer awareness and anticipated time to help-seeking: results from a population-based survey. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02663-1. [PMID: 38555316 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02663-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modifying public awareness of oesophageal cancer symptoms might help to decrease late-stage diagnosis and, in turn, improve cancer outcomes. This study aimed to explore oesophageal cancer symptom awareness and determinants of lower awareness and anticipated time to help-seeking. METHODS We invited 18,156 individuals aged 18 to 75 years using random sampling of the nationwide Dutch population registry. A cross-sectional web-based survey containing items adapted from the Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer measure (i.e., cancer symptom awareness, anticipated time to presentation with dysphagia, health beliefs, and sociodemographic variables) was filled out by 3106 participants (response rate: 17%). Descriptive statistics were calculated and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore determinants of awareness and anticipated presentation (dichotomised as <1 month or ≥1 month). RESULTS The number of participants that recognised dysphagia as a potential symptom of cancer was low (47%) compared with symptoms of other cancer types (change in bowel habits: 77%; change of a mole: 93%; breast lump: 93%). In multivariable analyses, non-recognition of dysphagia was associated with male gender (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.43-0.58), lower education (OR 0.44, 0.35-0.54), and non-western migration background (OR 0.43, 0.28-0.67). Anticipated delayed help-seeking for dysphagia was associated with not recognising it as possible cancer symptom (OR 1.58, 1.27-1.97), perceived high risk of oesophageal cancer (OR 2.20, 1.39-3.47), and negative beliefs about oesophageal cancer (OR 1.86, 1.20-2.87). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate a disconcertingly low public awareness of oesophageal cancer symptoms. Educational interventions targeting groups with decreased awareness and addressing negative cancer beliefs may lead to faster help-seeking behaviour, although additional studies are needed to determine the effect on clinical cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmijn Sijben
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte J Huibertse
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Rainey
- IQ Health Science Department, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mireille J M Broeders
- IQ Health Science Department, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Dutch Expert Centre for Screening, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yonne Peters
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter D Siersema
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Wong HY, Rajasuriar R, Wong PL, Lee YK. "I suppose in our culture, old means no sex": PLWH and healthcare provider views on factors influencing late HIV testing and diagnosis among older adults in Malaysia. AIDS Care 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38526987 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2331220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The proportion of new HIV diagnoses among older adults aged ≥50 years continues to rise. Older adults are at higher risk of late diagnosis which is associated with higher treatment complexity and poorer health outcomes. Few studies in the Asia-Pacific region have explored factors contributing to late presentation and diagnosis in this population. Thus, our study aimed to explore factors influencing late HIV diagnosis among older adults ≥50 years in Malaysia. We conducted in-depth interviews with 16 older adults newly diagnosed with HIV (OPLWH) and focus group discussions with seven healthcare providers (HCPs) from different specialties in an academic tertiary hospital in Malaysia. All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Three main themes related to late diagnosis among OPLWH emerged: (1) challenge in recognizing HIV symptoms among older persons, (2) older persons and HCPs having low index of suspicion of HIV and (3) poor acceptance of HIV testing among older persons due to perceived personal and social identities. HCPs often missed HIV symptoms and these collectively culminated in OPLWH experiencing complex diagnostic journeys resulting in late HIV diagnosis. To reduce delays in HIV diagnosis, strategies are needed to improve HIV knowledge and risk perception among both older adults and HCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Yee Wong
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Reena Rajasuriar
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pui Li Wong
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yew Kong Lee
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Bennett SE, Gooberman-Hill R, Clark EM, Paskins Z, Walsh N, Drew S. Improving patients' experiences of diagnosis and treatment of vertebral fracture: co-production of knowledge sharing resources. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:165. [PMID: 38383386 PMCID: PMC10880218 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07281-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoporosis involves changes to bones that makes them prone to fracture. The most common osteoporotic fracture is vertebral, in which one or more spinal vertebrae collapse. People with vertebral fracture are at high risk of further fractures, however around two-thirds remain undiagnosed. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends bone protection therapies to reduce this risk. This study aimed to co-produce a range of knowledge sharing resources, for healthcare professionals in primary care and patients, to improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment. METHODS This study comprised three stages: 1. In-depth interviews with primary care healthcare professionals (n = 21) and patients with vertebral fractures (n = 24) to identify barriers and facilitators to diagnosis and treatment. 2. A taxonomy of barriers and facilitators to diagnosis were presented to three stakeholder groups (n = 18), who suggested ways of identifying, diagnosing and treating vertebral fractures. Fourteen recommendations were identified using the nominal group technique. 3. Two workshops were held with stakeholders to co-produce and refine the prototype knowledge sharing resources (n = 12). RESULTS Stage 1: Factors included lack of patient information about symptoms and risk factors, prioritisation of other conditions and use of self-management. Healthcare professionals felt vertebral fractures were harder to identify in lower risk groups and mistook them for other conditions. Difficulties in communication between primary and secondary care meant that patients were not always informed of their diagnosis, or did not start treatment promptly. Stage 2: 14 recommendations to improve management of vertebral fractures were identified, including for primary care healthcare professionals (n = 9) and patients (n = 5). Stage 3: The need for allied health professionals in primary care to be informed about vertebral fractures was highlighted, along with ensuring that resources appealed to under-represented groups. Prototype resources were developed. Changes included help-seeking guidance and clear explanations of medical language. CONCLUSIONS The study used robust qualitative methods to co-produce knowledge sharing resources to improve diagnosis. A co-production approach enabled a focus on areas stakeholders thought to be beneficial to timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Dissemination of these resources to a range of stakeholders provides potential for substantial reach and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Bennett
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - Rachael Gooberman-Hill
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Emma M Clark
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Paskins
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
- Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Stoke-On-Trent, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Walsh
- Centre for Health and Clinical Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Drew
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Schiek S, Hintzer K, Dahley C, Wernecke K, Feindt B, Baerwald C, Spiegl UJA, Bertsche T. Symptoms of older orthopedic and rheumatic patients : A telephone survey about symptoms, symptom communication, treatment and further support after hospital discharge. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 57:50-58. [PMID: 36692537 PMCID: PMC10827833 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-022-02155-y] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In older multimorbid orthopedic and rheumatic patients, data on symptoms besides pain or reduced mobility are rarely published. OBJECTIVE We investigated patients' perspectives on their symptoms after hospital discharge. MATERIAL AND METHODS Orthopedic and rheumatic patients aged over 70 years were asked via telephone interviews about (i) their symptoms, (ii) communication, (iii) treatment, and (iv) support. RESULTS (i) The 60 participants (35 women and 25 men) reported a median of 6 (min-max: 1-14) different symptoms, of which 86% (356 of 415) had existed before hospitalization, (ii) patients did not communicate 28% (117) of symptoms to either healthcare professionals, family or friends and (iii) 52 (87%) patients desired improvement. Of the 280 most impairing symptoms, 19% (52) were not treated at all. (iv) Almost all patients (59; 98%) considered it easy to obtain support. CONCLUSION Remarkably, many symptoms were not communicated or treated despite the patients having been hospitalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schiek
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Bruederstraße 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Hintzer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Bruederstraße 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Carolin Dahley
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Bruederstraße 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kathrin Wernecke
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Bruederstraße 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Birgit Feindt
- Central Patient Management, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Baerwald
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrich J A Spiegl
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thilo Bertsche
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Bruederstraße 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- Drug Safety Center, University Hospital Leipzig and Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
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Black GB, Janes SM, Callister MEJ, van Os S, Whitaker KL, Quaife SL. The Role of Smoking Status in Making Risk-Informed Diagnostic Decisions in the Lung Cancer Pathway: A Qualitative Study of Health Care Professionals and Patients. Med Decis Making 2024; 44:152-162. [PMID: 38240273 PMCID: PMC10865750 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x231220954] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer clinical guidelines and risk tools often rely on smoking history as a significant risk factor. However, never-smokers make up 14% of the lung cancer population, and this proportion is rising. Consequently, they are often perceived as low-risk and may experience diagnostic delays. This study aimed to explore how clinicians make risk-informed diagnostic decisions for never-smokers. METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 lung cancer diagnosticians, supported by data from interviews with 20 never-smoker lung cancer patients. The data were analyzed using a framework analysis based on the Model of Pathways to Treatment framework and data-driven interpretations. RESULTS Participants described 3 main strategies for making risk-informed decisions incorporating smoking status: guidelines, heuristics, and potential harms. Clinicians supplemented guidelines with their own heuristics for never-smokers, such as using higher thresholds for chest X-ray. Decisions were easier for patients with high-risk symptoms such as hemoptysis. Clinicians worried about overinvestigating never-smoker patients, particularly in terms of physical and psychological harms from invasive procedures or radiation. To minimize unnecessary anxiety about lung cancer risk, clinicians made efforts to downplay this. Conversely, some patients found that this caused process harms such as delays and miscommunications. CONCLUSION Improved guidance and methods of risk differentiation for never-smokers are needed to avoid diagnostic delays, overreassurance, and clinical pessimism. This requires an improved evidence base and initiatives to increase awareness among clinicians of the incidence of lung cancer in never-smokers. As the proportion of never-smoker patients increases, this issue will become more urgent. HIGHLIGHTS Smoking status is the most common risk factor used by clinicians to guide decision making, and guidelines often focus on this factor.Some clinicians also use their own heuristics for never-smokers, and this becomes particularly relevant for patients with lower risk symptoms.Clinicians are also concerned about the potential harms and risks associated with deploying resources on diagnostics for never-smokers.Some patients find it difficult to decide whether or not to go ahead with certain procedures due to efforts made by clinicians to downplay the risk of lung cancer.Overall, the study highlights the complex interplay between smoking history, clinical decision making, and patient anxiety in the context of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia B. Black
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sam M. Janes
- Lungs for Living Research Centre, UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew E. J. Callister
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Sandra van Os
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Samantha L. Quaife
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Ginsburg O, Vanderpuye V, Beddoe AM, Bhoo-Pathy N, Bray F, Caduff C, Florez N, Fadhil I, Hammad N, Heidari S, Kataria I, Kumar S, Liebermann E, Moodley J, Mutebi M, Mukherji D, Nugent R, So WKW, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Unger-Saldaña K, Allman G, Bhimani J, Bourlon MT, Eala MAB, Hovmand PS, Kong YC, Menon S, Taylor CD, Soerjomataram I. Women, power, and cancer: a Lancet Commission. Lancet 2023; 402:2113-2166. [PMID: 37774725 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01701-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ophira Ginsburg
- Centre for Global Health, US National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Freddie Bray
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Carlo Caduff
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Narjust Florez
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nazik Hammad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Oncology, Queens University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Shirin Heidari
- GENDRO, Geneva, Switzerland; Gender Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ishu Kataria
- Center for Global Noncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, New Delhi, India
| | - Somesh Kumar
- Jhpiego India, Johns Hopkins University Affiliate, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Erica Liebermann
- University of Rhode Island College of Nursing, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jennifer Moodley
- Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, and SAMRC Gynaecology Cancer Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Miriam Mutebi
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Clemenceau Medical Center Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rachel Nugent
- Center for Global Noncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Winnie K W So
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Enrique Soto-Perez-de-Celis
- Department of Geriatrics, National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Gavin Allman
- Center for Global Noncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jenna Bhimani
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - María T Bourlon
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Michelle A B Eala
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Yek-Ching Kong
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sonia Menon
- Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Keramatian K, Morton E, Levit A, Nunez JJ. Evidence of factors influencing delays in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults. Protocol for a systematic scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292923. [PMID: 37976281 PMCID: PMC10655988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a complex psychiatric condition that typically manifests during late adolescence and early adulthood. Over the past two decades, international studies have reported that BD often goes unrecognized and untreated for several years, which can lead to negative clinical and functional outcomes. However, the components of delay in the diagnosis and treatment of BD and various factors influencing those components have not been systematically explored. OBJECTIVES The scoping review described in this protocol aims to map the existing literature on potential factors that influence delays in the treatment of BD in adolescents and young adults, in order to identify the knowledge gaps and future research and policy priorities. METHODS This protocol for a systematic scoping review will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline (PRISMA-ScR). We will search the electronic databases of MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL for peer-reviewed primary research articles published in academic journals. Grey literature will not be explored due to resource limitations. A conceptual framework based on the Model of Pathways to Treatment by Scott and colleagues was used as a foundation for our search and extraction strategy to ensure all components of delay and potential factors influencing each component are explored. Two independent reviewers will screen the references retrieved by the literature search and select relevant studies based on our inclusion criteria. The data from included studies will be synthesized into a narrative summary, and implications for future research, practice and policy will be discussed. DISCUSSION To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first scoping review to explore the potential factors that influence delays in the treatment of BD in adolescents and young adults. We intend to disseminate the review results through academic conferences and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamyar Keramatian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Coastal Early Psychosis Intervention Program, North Vancouver, British Columbia
- Mood Disorders Clinic, Djawad Movafighan Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Emma Morton
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Monash, Australia
| | - Alexander Levit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John-Jose Nunez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Mood Disorders Clinic, Djawad Movafighan Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, British Columbia
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13
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McCarty RD, Barnard ME, Lawson-Michod KA, Owens M, Green SE, Derzon S, Karabegovic L, Akerley WL, Watt MH, Doherty JA, Grieshober L. Pathways to lung cancer diagnosis among individuals who did not receive lung cancer screening: a qualitative study. BMC Prim Care 2023; 24:203. [PMID: 37789288 PMCID: PMC10548694 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02158-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although early detection of lung cancer through screening is associated with better prognosis, most lung cancers are diagnosed among unscreened individuals. We therefore sought to characterize pathways to lung cancer diagnosis among unscreened individuals. METHODS Participants were individuals with lung cancer who did not undergo asymptomatic lung cancer screening (n = 13) and healthcare providers who may be involved in the pathway to lung cancer diagnosis (n = 13). We conducted semi-structured interviews to identify themes in lung cancer patients' narratives of their cancer diagnoses and providers' personal and/or professional experiences of various pathways to lung cancer diagnoses, to identify delays in diagnosis. We audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded interviews in two stages. First, we conducted deductive coding using three time-period intervals from the Models of Pathways to Treatment framework: appraisal, help-seeking, and diagnostic (i.e., excluding pre-treatment). Second, we conducted inductive coding to identify themes within each time-period interval, and classified these themes as either barriers or facilitators to diagnosis. Coding and thematic summarization were completed independently by two separate analysts who discussed for consensus. RESULTS Eight of the patient participants had formerly smoked, and five had never smoked. We identified eight barrier/facilitator themes within the three time-period intervals. Within the appraisal interval, the barrier theme was (1) minimization or misattribution of symptoms, and the facilitator theme was (2) acknowledgment of symptoms. Within the help-seeking interval, the barrier theme was (3) hesitancy to seek care, and the facilitator theme was (4) routine care. Within the diagnosis interval, barrier themes were (5) health system challenges, and (6) social determinants of health; and facilitator themes were (7) severe symptoms and known risk factors, and (8) self-advocacy. Many themes were interrelated, including minimization or misattribution of symptoms and hesitancy to seek care, which may collectively contribute to care and imaging delays. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to reduce hesitancy to seek care may facilitate timely lung cancer diagnoses. More prompt referral to imaging-especially computed tomography (CT)-among symptomatic patients, along with patient self-advocacy for imaging, may reduce delays in diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D McCarty
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- Department of Population Health Sciences Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.
| | - Mollie E Barnard
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Katherine A Lawson-Michod
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Makelle Owens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
- San Antonio Military Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
| | - Sarah E Green
- Department of Internal Medicine, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
- Danbury Hospital Department of Surgery, Danbury Hospital, 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury, CT, 06810, USA
| | - Samantha Derzon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
- Intermountain Healthcare, Utah Valley Hospital, Utah Valley Family Medicine Residency, 475 W 940 N, Provo, Provo, UT, 84604, USA
| | - Lea Karabegovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Wallace L Akerley
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Division of Oncology, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, 30 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Melissa H Watt
- Department of Population Health Sciences Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doherty
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Laurie Grieshober
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
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14
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Wickramasinghe B, Renzi C, Barclay M, Callister MEJ, Rafiq M, Lyratzopoulos G. Pre-diagnostic prescribing patterns in dyspnoea patients with as-yet-undiagnosed lung cancer: A longitudinal study of linked primary care and cancer registry data. Cancer Epidemiol 2023; 86:102429. [PMID: 37473578 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2023.102429] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with as-yet undiagnosed lung cancer (LC) can present to primary care with non-specific symptoms such as dyspnoea, often in the context of pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Related medication prescriptions pre-diagnosis might represent opportunities for earlier diagnosis, but UK evidence is limited. Consequently, we explored prescribing patterns of relevant medications in patients who presented with dyspnoea in primary care and were subsequently diagnosed with LC. METHOD Linked primary care (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) and National Cancer Registry data were used to identify 5434 patients with incident LC within a year of a dyspnoea presentation in primary care between 2006 and 2016. Primary care prescriptions relevant to dyspnoea management were examined: antibiotics, inhaled medications, oral steroids, and opioid analgesics. Poisson regression models estimated monthly prescribing rates during the year pre-diagnosis. Variation by COPD status (52 % pre-existing, 36 % COPD-free, 12 % new-onset) was examined. Inflection points were identified indicating when prescribing rates changed from the background rate. RESULTS 63 % of patients received 1 or more relevant prescriptions 1-12 months pre-diagnosis. Pre-existing COPD patients were most prescribed inhaled medications. COPD-free and new-onset COPD patients were most prescribed antibiotics. Most patients received 2 or more relevant prescriptions. Monthly prescribing rates of all medications increased towards time of diagnosis in all patient groups and were highest in pre-existing COPD patients. Increases in prescribing activity were observed earliest in pre-existing COPD patients 5 months pre-diagnosis for inhaled medications, antibiotics, and steroids, CONCLUSION: Results indicate that a diagnostic window of appreciable length exists for potential earlier LC diagnosis in some patients. Lung cancer diagnosis may be delayed if early symptoms are misattributed to COPD or other benign conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Wickramasinghe
- Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes (ECHO) Group, Dept. of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care (IEHC), University College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Cristina Renzi
- Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes (ECHO) Group, Dept. of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care (IEHC), University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Barclay
- Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes (ECHO) Group, Dept. of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care (IEHC), University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew E J Callister
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Meena Rafiq
- Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes (ECHO) Group, Dept. of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care (IEHC), University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare & Outcomes (ECHO) Group, Dept. of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care (IEHC), University College London, United Kingdom
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15
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Achan J, Kasujja FX, Opito R, Wabinga H, Orach CG, Mwaka AD. Factors associated with diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals among breast cancer patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute: A cross-sectional study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19701-19713. [PMID: 37787090 PMCID: PMC10587984 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6618] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most breast cancer (BC) patients in Uganda are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease and experience poor outcomes. This study examined the diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals and factors associated with these intervals among BC patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). METHODS This was a cross-sectional, facility-based study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered by trained research assistants and analyzed using STATA version 14.0. Modified Poisson regressions models were used to determine the strength of associations between independent variables and diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals. RESULTS The mean age (±SD) of the 401 participants was 47.1 ± 11.7 years. Four in 10 participants had stage III (41.9%; n = 168) and over a third (34.7%; n = 140) stage IV cancers. The median interval from first consultation to diagnosis, i.e. diagnostic interval (DI) was 5.6 months (IQR: 1.5-17.0), while the median interval from histological diagnosis to start of chemotherapy, i.e. pre-treatment interval (PTI) was 1.7 months (IQR: 0.7-4.5). Majority (85%, n = 341) of participants were diagnosed at ≥3 months from first consultation with clinicians. Participants with tertiary education and those who lived within 100-199 km from the UCI were about four times and twice more likely to be diagnosed early (DI <3 months from first consultation) ([aPR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.15-13.0] and [aPR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.06-4.55]), respectively. About half (48.3%; n = 176) of participants started chemotherapy within 1 month of cancer diagnosis. Patients who lived more than 300 km from the UCI were less likely to start chemotherapy within 1 month of histology diagnosis of cancer. [Correction added on October 17, 2023 after first online publication. The term ', i.e.' has been included in the results section in this version.] CONCLUSION: Majority of breast cancer patients are diagnosed late and in advanced stages. There is need to promote all efforts toward timely diagnosis when cancers are still in early stages by identifying factors responsible for prolonged diagnostic intervals among breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Achan
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public HealthCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Francis Xavier Kasujja
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public HealthCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Ronald Opito
- Department of Public Health, School of Health SciencesSoroti UniversitySorotiUganda
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Christopher Garimoi Orach
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public HealthCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Amos Deogratius Mwaka
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of MedicineGulu UniversityGuluUganda
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16
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Scott SE, Bruj G, Beheshti S, Evans R, Awojobi O. Talking about cancer: Patient responses to raising awareness of oral cancer in primary dental care. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2023; 51:887-895. [PMID: 35964230 PMCID: PMC10946823 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12783] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dentists and other members of the dental team could raise awareness by talking about oral cancer during routine dental check-ups. A communication guide has been developed to facilitate this. However, it has been suggested that discussions about oral cancer may raise patients' anxiety and this has been documented by dentists as a barrier to having these conversations. The current research aimed to investigate implementation of the communication guide and its impact on the dental patient. METHODS A consecutive-case sample of adult dental patients attending primary dental care for a routine NHS check-up at one dental practice were invited to take part in the study via letter prior to their appointment. Consultations of participating patients (n = 77) were audio-recorded. Before and after their appointment, patients were asked to rate their current anxiety via the six-item version of Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Audio recordings of each consultation were reviewed by two raters to determine the extent to which the dentist covered the topics recommended in the communication guide. RESULTS The dentist informed all patients that they were being checked for oral cancer, spoke about signs and symptoms, and discussed risk factors. However, they rarely recommended where help should be sought or addressed barriers to seeking help. Discussions took an average of 95 s. The extent to which oral cancer was discussed did not correlate with patients' post-appointment anxiety. Patients made positive or neutral responses to the discussions. The few questions that were asked were easily addressed. CONCLUSIONS As findings are based on one dentist working at one practice, generalization of these results should be cautious. The study indicated that using an evidence-based guide to talk about oral cancer did not appear to raise patients' anxiety in this practice population. This could help to increase awareness of oral cancer in the endeavour to facilitate early cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne E. Scott
- Wolfson Institute of Population HealthQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | - Ruth Evans
- Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
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17
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Liu QH, Tan JX, Hu CX, Zhang XP, Liu SY, Wan LH. Relationship of family function and pre-hospital delay among Chinese patients with recurrent ischaemic stroke and the mediation effect of stigma. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2023; 22:586-593. [PMID: 36611018 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvad001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Pre-hospital delay refers to the time span from the onset of symptoms to arrival at a hospital ≥ 3 h and is the main limitation of stroke reperfusion therapies. Family factors and stroke-related stigma may influence pre-hospital delay. However, few studies have confirmed the influence of stigma on pre-hospital delay or explored the relationships between family function, stigma, and pre-hospital delay among patients with recurrent stroke. This study aimed to explore the relationship between family function and pre-hospital delay among patients with recurrent stroke and examine the mediation role of stigma in this relationship. METHODS AND RESULTS A cross-sectional study was performed at the neurology departments of two hospitals in Guangzhou, China between July 2021 and April 2022. A total of 115 patients with recurrent stroke completed questionnaires and were included in the analysis. Data were collected using the Short Form Family Assessment Device, the Stroke Stigma Scale, and the Stroke Knowledge Questionnaire. Spearman's correlation and a structural equation model were used for data analysis. Family function directly influenced pre-hospital delay [β=0.27, P = 0.033, 95%CI = (0.02-0.51)] and indirectly influenced pre-hospital delay [β=0.17, P = 0.038, 95%CI = (0.02-0.34)] through stigma. Moreover, stigma partially mediated the effect of family function on pre-hospital delay. CONCLUSION Family function and stigma directly and indirectly influenced pre-hospital delay among patients with recurrent stroke. Future health education and interventions need to focus on strengthening and improving emotional support from family members to improve family function and reduce stigma, thereby reducing pre-hospital delay among patients with recurrent stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun-Hong Liu
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou 510089, China
| | - Ju-Xiang Tan
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 2693 Kaichuang Avenue, Guangzhou 510700, China
| | - Cai-Xia Hu
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiao-Pei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Shu-Ying Liu
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Rd., Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Li-Hong Wan
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou 510089, China
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18
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Fernández-Martínez NF, Petrova D, Špacírová Z, Barrios-Rodríguez R, Pérez-Sayáns M, Martín-delosReyes LM, Pérez-Gómez B, Rodríguez-Barranco M, Sánchez MJ. The duration of intervals on the oral cancer care pathway and implications for survival: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1183244. [PMID: 37614446 PMCID: PMC10442570 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1183244] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previous studies measuring intervals on the oral cancer care pathway have been heterogenous, showing mixed results with regard to patient outcomes. The aims of this research were (1) to calculate pooled meta-analytic estimates for the duration of the patient, diagnostic and treatment intervals in oral cancer, considering the income level of the country, and (2) to review the evidence on the relationship of these three intervals with tumor stage at diagnosis and survival. Materials and methods We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (pre-registered protocol CRD42020200752). Following the Aarhus statement, studies were eligible if they reported data on the length of the patient (first symptom to first presentation to a healthcare professional), diagnostic (first presentation to diagnosis), or treatment (diagnosis to start of treatment) intervals in adult patients diagnosed with primary oral cancer. The risk of bias was assessed with the Aarhus checklist. Results Twenty-eight studies reporting on 30,845 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled median duration of the patient interval was 47 days (95% CI = 31-73), k = 18, of the diagnosis interval 35 days (95% CI = 21-38), k = 11, and of the treatment interval 30 days (95% CI = 23-53), k = 19. In lower-income countries, the patient and treatment intervals were significantly longer, and longer patient intervals were related to later stage at diagnosis. In studies with a lower risk of bias from high-income countries, longer treatment intervals were associated with lower survival rates. Conclusion Interval duration on the oral cancer care pathway is influenced by the socio-economic context and may have implications for patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Francisco Fernández-Martínez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dafina Petrova
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Zuzana Špacírová
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Barrios-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Mario Pérez-Sayáns
- Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery and Implantology Unit (MedOralRes), School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- ORALRES Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Martín-delosReyes
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pérez-Gómez
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Epidemiology for Chronic Diseases, National Center of Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Rodríguez-Barranco
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Green SM, Lloyd KE, Smith SG. Awareness of symptoms, anticipated barriers and delays to help-seeking among women at higher risk of breast cancer: A UK multicentre study. Prev Med Rep 2023; 34:102220. [PMID: 37200677 PMCID: PMC10186484 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102220] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Women with a family history of breast cancer have an increased lifetime risk of the disease. Delay in symptom presentation can lead to poorer outcomes. Low awareness of breast cancer symptoms and help-seeking barriers have been associated with delay in presentation in the general population. Symptom awareness and help-seeking barriers among women at increased risk of breast cancer are unknown. We conducted analysis of survey data which included women with moderate and high risk of breast cancer from 20 secondary and tertiary care clinics in England (n = 408). Women completed a validated survey assessing breast cancer symptom awareness, barriers to help-seeking and anticipated delay in help-seeking. Women recognised an average of 9.1/11 breast cancer symptoms (SD = 2.1). Nipple rash was the least recognised symptom (51.0%). Women educated to at least degree level had higher awareness than those with lower education (β = 0.14, 95% CI 0.13, 0.99, p = 0.011). Women at lower socioeconomic status (SES) had lower awareness than those at higher SES (β = -0.13, 95% CI -1.09, -0.07, p = 0.027). Women reported several anticipated help-seeking barriers (mean = 4.0/11, SD = 2.8). Waiting to see if a symptom will pass was the most commonly reported barrier to help-seeking (71.5%). Most women (376/408; 92.2%) reported that they would seek medical help within 2 weeks of discovering a breast cancer symptom. Interventions to increase awareness of non-lump breast cancer symptoms and reduce help-seeking barriers are needed, with considerations of appropriate reading levels and modalities for women with lower education and SES.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samuel G. Smith
- Corresponding author at: Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9LU, UK.
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20
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Shaw B, Walter FM, Hamilton W, Martins T. Symptom appraisal and help seeking in males with symptoms of possible prostate cancer: a qualitative study with an ethnically diverse sample in London. Br J Gen Pract 2023; 73:e502-e510. [PMID: 37253629 PMCID: PMC10242866 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2022.0554] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer mortality in Black males is disproportionately high. This problem may be overcome by reducing delays in the pathway to diagnosis, particularly those occurring before initial medical help seeking. A greater understanding of symptom appraisal and help seeking could support the development of targeted interventions for improving early presentation among Black males. AIM To provide an in-depth understanding of males' pre-consultation experiences following the onset of symptoms of possible prostate cancer, identifying both general trends as well as potential differences that may exist between Black and White males. DESIGN AND SETTING Qualitative study of 18 males (nine Black, nine White) in London, UK, who had recently seen their GP with urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, or haematuria. METHOD Semi-structured interviews from a previous multi-methods study of primary care use by males with symptoms of possible prostate cancer were analysed using thematic framework analysis. RESULTS Symptoms were often interpreted by patients as unimportant. Most delays occurred due to the absence of reasons to seek help, which, in Black males, often stemmed from poor awareness of prostate cancer. This lack of awareness could have been a consequence of their reluctance to seek health information and discuss health issues with others in their social network. Friends and relatives played an important role in symptom appraisal and help seeking. CONCLUSION Cognitive biases, cultural stigmas, and everyday interpersonal interactions should be important areas at which to target strategies seeking to reduce delays and improve early presentation in males with possible prostate cancer, particularly Black males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Shaw
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London; Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge
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21
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Black GB, Ramsay AIG, Simister R, Baim-Lance A, Eng J, Melnychuk M, Fulop NJ. Temporal structures that determine consistency and quality of care: a case study in hyperacute stroke services. BMJ Qual Saf 2023:bmjqs-2022-015620. [PMID: 37336572 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Temporal structuring is determined by practices and social norms and affects the quality and timing of care. In this case study of hyperacute stroke wards which provide initial stroke investigation, treatment and care, we explored temporal structuring patterns to explain how these may affect quality of care. METHODS This paper presents a thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with hyperacute stroke staff (n=76), non-participant observations (n=41, ~102 hours) and documentary analysis of the relevant service standards guidance. We used an inductive coding process to generate thematic findings around the concept of temporal structuring, with graphically illustrated examples. RESULTS Five temporal structures influence what-happens-when: (1) clinical priorities and quality assurance metrics motivate rapid activity for the initial life-prolonging assessments and interventions; (2) static features of ward organisation such as rotas and ward rounds impact consistency of care, determining timing and quality of care for patients; (3) some services experimented with staff rotas to try to meet peaks in demand, sometimes unsuccessfully; (4) implicit social norms or heuristics about perceived necessity affected staff motivation to make changes or improvements to consistency of care, particularly around weekend work; and (5) after-effects such as bottlenecks or backlogs affect quality of care, which are hard to measure effectively to drive service improvement. CONCLUSIONS Patients need temporally consistent high quality of care. Temporal consistency stems from the design of services, including staffing, targets and patient pathway design as well as cultural attitudes to working patterns. Improvements to consistency of care will be limited without changes to structures such as rotas and ward rounds, but also social norms around weekend work for certain professional groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia B Black
- Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
- Wolfson Institute for Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Robert Simister
- Stroke Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Abigail Baim-Lance
- Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, US Department of Veterans Affairs, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeannie Eng
- Stroke Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Naomi J Fulop
- Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
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22
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Snudden CM, Calanzani N, Archer S, Honey S, Pannebakker MM, Faher A, Chang A, Hamilton W, Walter FM. Can we do better? A qualitative study in the East of England investigating patient experience and acceptability of using the faecal immunochemical test in primary care. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072359. [PMID: 37316310 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072359] [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: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is increasingly used in UK primary care to triage patients presenting with symptoms and at different levels of colorectal cancer risk. Evidence is scarce on patients' views of using FIT in this context. We aimed to explore patients' care experience and acceptability of using FIT in primary care. DESIGN A qualitative semi-structured interview study. Interviews were conducted via Zoom between April and October 2020. Transcribed recordings were analysed using framework analysis. SETTING East of England general practices. PARTICIPANTS Consenting patients (aged ≥40 years) who presented in primary care with possible symptoms of colorectal cancer, and for whom a FIT was requested, were recruited to the FIT-East study. Participants were purposively sampled for this qualitative substudy based on age, gender and FIT result. RESULTS 44 participants were interviewed with a mean age 61 years, and 25 (57%) being men: 8 (18%) received a positive FIT result. Three themes and seven subthemes were identified. Participants' familiarity with similar tests and perceived risk of cancer influenced test experience and acceptability. All participants were happy to do the FIT themselves and to recommend it to others. Most participants reported that the test was straightforward, although some considered it may be a challenge to others. However, test explanation by healthcare professionals was often limited. Furthermore, while some participants received their results quickly, many did not receive them at all with the common assumption that 'no news is good news'. For those with a negative result and persisting symptoms, there was uncertainty about any next steps. CONCLUSIONS While FIT is acceptable to patients, elements of communication with patients by the healthcare system show potential for improvement. We suggest possible ways to improve the FIT experience, particularly regarding communication about the test and its results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Snudden
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Natalia Calanzani
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Stephanie Archer
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephanie Honey
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Merel M Pannebakker
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anissa Faher
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aina Chang
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Willie Hamilton
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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23
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Marzo-Castillejo M, Vela-Vallespín C, Mascort Roca J, Guiriguet Capdevila C, Codern-Bové N, Borras JM. [Health professionals' perspective about women's experiences during the diagnostic process of ovarian cancer in Catalonia: Qualitative study]. Aten Primaria 2023; 55:102619. [PMID: 37043975 PMCID: PMC10119712 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2023.102619] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify missed opportunities in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer (OC) in the public health system of Catalonia, through the analysis of the perceptions of health professionals on the stories's experiences of OC patients. DESIGN Qualitative exploratory-descriptive study, with two focus groups. SETTING Primary Care, November 2017. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-four professionals based on theoretical sampling: 21 family doctors, 8 professionals from sexual and reproductive health centres and 5 hospital gynaecologists. METHODS Participants discussed the different diagnostic pathways for women with OC through the presentation of flowcharts which were developed with three storie's and experiences of OC patients. RESULTS Three themes with various sub-themes were identified as follow: a)lack of cancer diagnostic suspicion (lack of knowledge of symptoms of OC, anamnesis and physical examination overlooked, fragmentation of patient's care and bias and prejudice); b)difficulties in activating the diagnostic process (limited access to tests, unequal accessibility to gynaecology and lack of follow-up); and c)absence of fast-track referral system. CONCLUSIONS The results offer insight into the difficulties of early diagnosis of OC in our setting. We believe that their identification will allow the development of strategies to improve diagnostic accuracy and quality of care for women with OC in our setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercè Marzo-Castillejo
- Unitat Suport a la Recerca Metropolitana Sud, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS); Institut d'Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España.
| | - Carmen Vela-Vallespín
- CAP Riu Nord i Riu Sud, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona; Unitat Suport a la Recerca Metropolitana Nord, Institut d'Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol), Mataró, Barcelona, España
| | - Juanjo Mascort Roca
- CAP Florida Sud, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona; Departament de Ciències Clíniques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Carolina Guiriguet Capdevila
- Sistema d'Informació dels Serveis d'Atenció Primària (SISAP), Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Núria Codern-Bové
- Escola Universitària d'Infermeria i Teràpia Ocupacional de Terrassa, Terrassa, Barcelona; Universitat Autònoma Barcelona. ÀreaQ (Evaluation and Qualitative Research), Barcelona, España
| | - Josep M Borras
- Departamento de Ciencias Clínicas, Universidad de Barcelona; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
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Xu J, Xia C, Ding X. Does health literacy affect older people's avoidance of medical care? The sense of medical care policy alienation and perceptions of control. Geriatr Nurs 2023; 51:202-208. [PMID: 37011492 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to clarify whether health literacy (HL) impacts medical care avoidance through an underexplored mediator: a sense of policy alienation towards medical care policy for residents (SPA-M). A moderated mediation model with control perception as a moderator was used to analyze the inner relationship between HL and SPA-M. A cross-sectional survey of 470 people ≥ 60 years old, revealed a significant negative association between HL and medical care avoidance intention, which bootstrapped moderated mediation analysis confirmed is partially mediated by SPA-M. When older people's control perception was high, HL had a significant negative impact on medical care avoidance intention through SPA-M; for low control perception, the effect was insignificant. This study elucidates HL's impact of HL on medical care avoidance, highlighting control perception's relevance to medical care policymaking for older people.
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25
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Botey AP, Barber T, Robson PJ, O'Neill BM, Green LA. Using care pathways for cancer diagnosis in primary care: a qualitative study to understand family physicians' mental models. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E486-E493. [PMID: 37279982 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20220084] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care pathways are tools that can help family physicians navigate the complexities of the cancer diagnostic process. Our objective was to examine the mental models associated with using care pathways for cancer diagnosis of a group of family physicians in Alberta. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using cognitive task analysis, with interviews in the primary care setting between February and March 2021. Family physicians whose practices were not heavily oriented toward patients with cancer and who did not work closely with specialized cancer clinics were recruited with the support of the Alberta Medical Association and leveraging our familiarity with Alberta's Primary Care Networks. We conducted simulation exercise interviews with 3 pathway examples over Zoom, and we analyzed data using both macrocognition theory and thematic analysis. RESULTS Eight family physicians participated. Macrocognitive functions (and subthemes) related to mental models were sense-making and learning (confirmation and validation, guidance and support, and sense-giving to patients), care coordination and diagnostic decision-making (shared understanding). Themes related to the use of the pathways were limited use in diagnosis decisions, use in guiding and supporting referral, only relevant and easy-to-process information, and easily accessible. INTERPRETATION Our findings suggest the importance of designing pathways intentionally for streamlined integration into family physicians' practices, highlighting the need for co-design approaches. Pathways were identified as a tool that, used in combination with other tools, may help gather information and support cancer diagnosis decisions, with the goals of improving patient outcomes and care experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pujadas Botey
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (Pujadas Botey), Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta.; School of Public Health (Pujadas Botey, Robson) and Department of Family Medicine (Barber, Green), University of Alberta; Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (O'Neill, Robson), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta.
| | - Tanya Barber
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (Pujadas Botey), Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta.; School of Public Health (Pujadas Botey, Robson) and Department of Family Medicine (Barber, Green), University of Alberta; Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (O'Neill, Robson), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta
| | - Paula J Robson
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (Pujadas Botey), Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta.; School of Public Health (Pujadas Botey, Robson) and Department of Family Medicine (Barber, Green), University of Alberta; Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (O'Neill, Robson), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta
| | - Barbara M O'Neill
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (Pujadas Botey), Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta.; School of Public Health (Pujadas Botey, Robson) and Department of Family Medicine (Barber, Green), University of Alberta; Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (O'Neill, Robson), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta
| | - Lee A Green
- Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (Pujadas Botey), Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alta.; School of Public Health (Pujadas Botey, Robson) and Department of Family Medicine (Barber, Green), University of Alberta; Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (O'Neill, Robson), Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alta
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26
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Black GB, Boswell L, Harris J, Whitaker KL. What causes delays in diagnosing blood cancers? A rapid review of the evidence. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2023; 24:e26. [PMID: 37039465 PMCID: PMC10156470 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423623000129] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We undertook a rapid review of literature relating to the diagnosis of blood cancers, to find out what factors contribute to delays in diagnosis, including symptom recognition, appraisal and help-seeking behaviours. METHODS We used rapid review methodology following Tricco et al. to synthesise current literature from two electronic databases. We searched for studies about symptom appraisal help-seeking for all blood cancers published between 2001 and 2021, written in English. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included in the review, of which 10 were published in the United Kingdom. We found a number of factors associated with delays in blood cancer diagnosis. These included patient factors such as gender, age and ethnicity, as well as health system factors such as poor communication and seeing a locum clinician in primary care. A narrative synthesis of the evidence produced four types of symptom interpretation by patients: (1) symptoms compatible with normal state of health, (2) event-linked problems, (3) mild or chronic illness and (4) non-specific unwell state. These four interpretations were linked to different help-seeking behaviours. After seeking help, patients often experienced delays due to healthcare professionals' (HCPs') non-serious interpretation of symptoms, misleading blood tests, discontinuity of care and other barriers in the diagnostic pathway. CONCLUSION Blood cancers are difficult to diagnose due to non-specific heterogeneous symptoms, and this is reflected in how those symptoms are interpreted by patients and managed by HCPs. It is important to understand how different interpretations affect delays in help-seeking, and what HCPs can do to support timely follow-up for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia B. Black
- Reader in Applied Health Research, Wolfson Institute of Population Health,
Queen Mary University of London, London,
UK
| | - Laura Boswell
- PhD student, School of Health Sciences, University of
Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Jenny Harris
- Senior Lecturer in Cancer Care, School of Health Sciences,
University of Surrey, Guildford,
UK
| | - Katriina L. Whitaker
- Professor of Psychology and Lead for Cancer Care, School of Health
Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford,
UK
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Reis BS, Nogueira CM, Meneses ADFP, Mellado BH, Candido Dos Reis FJ. Experiences of women with advanced cervical cancer before starting the treatment: Systematic review of qualitative studies. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 161:8-16. [PMID: 36183310 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced stage and high mortality are characteristics of cervical cancer in developing countries. Comprehension of the diagnosis itinerary is one of the main strategies to control the disease impact. OBJECTIVES To identify reasons for the delay in diagnosing symptomatic cervical cancer according to the patient's perspectives reported in qualitative studies. We searched four databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science). SELECTION CRITERIA We included qualitative studies of women with advanced cervical cancer that explored their experiences before treatment. We excluded unoriginal, non-qualitative, and duplicated studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We selected 39 articles for a full-text reading and included 15 in the present review. We chose the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) for quality assessment and The Model of Pathways to Treatment to guide the codifying process. MAIN RESULTS Four main themes emerged from the synthesis: (1) Health-seeking motivators; (2) Obstacles to seeking medical care; (3) Diagnosis delay; and (4) Coping with the disease. These themes were derived from patients' personal knowledge and beliefs, social relationships, socioeconomic status, and healthcare system characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Individual behavior, social factors, and healthcare organization contribute to the delay in diagnosing advanced cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Sena Reis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Matos Nogueira
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna Helena Mellado
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Plaisy MK, Boni SP, Coffie PA, Tanon A, Innocent A, Horo A, Dabis F, Bekelynck A, Jaquet A. Barriers to early diagnosis of cervical cancer: a mixed-method study in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:135. [PMID: 36973736 PMCID: PMC10044424 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02264-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer, a major public health problem in many developing countries, is usually associated with a poor survival related to an advanced disease at diagnosis. In Côte d'Ivoire and other developing countries with high cervical cancer prevalence, little is known about factors associated with advanced cervical cancer stages in a context of limited access to screening services. METHODS From May to July 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study using a mixed, quantitative and qualitative method. Information on socio-demographic and history of the disease was extracted from a rapid case ascertainement study performed by the cancer registry of Côte d'Ivoire that enrolled all women diagnosed with cervical cancer between July 2018 and June 2019. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted among a subset of these women (12 women) and six healthcare providers to further capture barriers to early cervical cancer diagnosis. Factors associated with an advanced stage III, IV (according to FIGO classification) were estimated by a logistic regression model. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic analysis technique guided by the treatment pathway model and triangulated with quantitative data. RESULTS In total, 95 women with cervical cancer [median age = 51 (IQR 42-59)] years, were included. Among them, 18.9% were living with HIV and only 9.5% were covered by a health insurance. The majority (71.5%) were diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. Being HIV-uninfected (aOR = 5.4; [1.6-17.8], p = 0.006) and being uninsured (aOR = 13.1; [2.0-85.5], p = 0.007) were independently associated with advanced cervical cancer in multivariable analysis. Qualitative data raised additional factors potentially related to advanced cervical cancer stages at diagnosis, including the lack of patient information on cervical cancer by healthcare providers and inadequate national awareness and screening campaigns. CONCLUSION In a context of challenges in access to systematic cervical cancer screening in Côte d'Ivoire, access to health insurance or integrated healthcare program appear to be key determinants of early diagnosis of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie K Plaisy
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Simon P Boni
- National Cancer Control Program, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Patrick A Coffie
- PACCI Program, National Agency for Scientific Research (ANRS) site in Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Aristophane Tanon
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Adoubi Innocent
- Oncology Department, University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Apollinaire Horo
- Gyneco-Obstetrics Department, University Hospital of Yopougon, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - François Dabis
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Bordeaux, France
| | - Anne Bekelynck
- PACCI Program, National Agency for Scientific Research (ANRS) site in Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Antoine Jaquet
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Bordeaux, France
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Melhem SJ, Nabhani-Gebara S, Kayyali R. Cancer literacy among Jordanian colorectal cancer survivors and informal carers: Qualitative explorations. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1116882. [PMID: 37020817 PMCID: PMC10067669 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1116882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionCancer patients face a variety of challenges in understanding their diagnosis and treatment options. Making informed decisions requires health literacy. There is scant research on how colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors and their caregivers engage with healthcare systems and obtain cancer-related knowledge to maintain proper health literacy, which is crucial for enhancing their outcomes.Materials and methodsIn-depth semi-structured interviews (IDIs) with CRC survivors (n = 15) and online focus groups (FG) with informal caregivers (ICs) were held in Amman between Jan-June 2020. In-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview protocol that addressed the healthcare experience of CRC cancer survivors. FGs evaluated ICs' perspectives of e-health for cancer care support. IDIs and FGs were done in the local Jordanian Arabic dialect, which was then translated into English. Transcribed audio-recordings were thematically coded and framework analysis was used.ResultsThe findings are organized around a central concept of “exploring the level of literacy and its impact.” From the overarching theme, three themes and subthemes emerged, including: (1) The current state of counseling and information provision, (2) The impact of lack of information, awareness, and literacy and (3) The health system's influence on literacy.ConclusionsPoor cancer literacy hinders patients throughout their cancer journey. Empowering cancer patients is crucial for a more timely and positive patient experience. Increased cancer literacy together with the creation of health-literate organizations and systems have the potential to improve patients' treatment throughout the continuum of care.
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Smith L, Von Wagner C, Kaushal A, Rafiq M, Lyratzopoulos G, Renzi C. The Role of Type 2 Diabetes in Patient Symptom Attribution, Help-Seeking, and Attitudes to Investigations for Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: An Online Vignette Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061668. [PMID: 36980553 PMCID: PMC10045970 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced-stage cancer diagnosis. To help diagnose cancer earlier, this study aimed at examining whether diabetes might influence patient symptom attribution, help-seeking, and willingness to undergo investigations for possible CRC symptoms. Methods: A total of 1307 adults (340 with and 967 without diabetes) completed an online vignette survey. Participants were presented with vignettes describing new-onset red-flag CRC symptoms (rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits), with or without additional symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Following the vignettes, participants were asked questions on symptom attribution, intended help-seeking, and attitudes to investigations. Results: Diabetes was associated with greater than two-fold higher odds of attributing changes in bowel habits to medications (OR = 2.48; 95% Cl 1.32–4.66) and of prioritising diabetes-related symptoms over the change in bowel habits during medical encounters. Cancer was rarely mentioned as a possible explanation for the change in bowel habits, especially among diabetic participants (10% among diabetics versus 16% in nondiabetics; OR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.36–0.85). Among patients with diabetes, those not attending annual check-ups were less likely to seek help for red-flag cancer symptoms (OR = 0.23; 95% Cl 0.10–0.50). Conclusions: Awareness of possible cancer symptoms was low overall. Patients with diabetes could benefit from targeted awareness campaigns emphasising the importance of discussing new symptoms such as changes in bowel habits with their doctor. Specific attention is warranted for individuals not regularly attending healthcare despite their chronic morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Smith
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.S.)
| | - Christian Von Wagner
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.S.)
| | - Aradhna Kaushal
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.S.)
| | - Meena Rafiq
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.S.)
- Centre for Cancer Research and Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.S.)
| | - Cristina Renzi
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia B Black
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Georgios Lyratzopoulos
- ECHO (Epidemiology of Cancer Healthcare and Outcomes), Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Charles A Vincent
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Naomi J Fulop
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Brian D Nicholson
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
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de Thurah A, Jensen H, Maribo T, Jensen MB, Sandbæk A, Hauge EM, Rasmussen LA. Use of primary health care and radiological imaging preceding a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide cohort study in Denmark. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:555-564. [PMID: 35713514 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore health-care use in the 12 months preceding a diagnosis of RA in Denmark. METHODS We conducted a population-based cohort study using data from national registries. Every patient diagnosed with RA in 2014-18 was matched to 10 reference individuals without RA from the Danish background population. Health-care use was defined as contacts to general practitioners, contacts to private practicing physiotherapists, and X-rays of hands and/or feet performed in primary or secondary care. We estimated the monthly contact rates for patients and references in the 12 months preceding the diagnosis, and we compared incidence rates for health-care use in each month between the two groups while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidity. RESULTS We included 7427 patients with RA and 74 270 references. Patients with RA had increasing contact rates with general practitioners and physiotherapists from 6 to 8 months before the diagnosis. Compared with references, women with RA had statistically significantly more contacts to general practitioners and physiotherapists during all 12 months. A similar contact pattern was seen in men, albeit less distinct. The number of X-rays increased slightly from 8 months before the diagnosis, with a steep increase in the last 3 months. CONCLUSION Increased contacts to general practitioners and physiotherapists were seen in all 12 months preceding the RA diagnosis, intensifying in the last 6 to 8 months. Imaging increased from 3 months before the diagnosis. This indicates an opportunity to expedite referral to specialist care and ensure earlier diagnosis of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette de Thurah
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University
| | | | - Thomas Maribo
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University.,DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus
| | | | - Annelli Sandbæk
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University.,Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ellen-Margrethe Hauge
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University
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Liu C, Liu L, Chen M. Experience of living with symptom clusters in postoperative pancreatic cancer patients. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 62:102266. [PMID: 36709717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe symptom clusters (SCs), and symptom experiences in early postoperative patients with pancreatic cancer who are recovering at home. METHODS From October 2021 and April 2022,15 patients following pancreatic cancer surgery were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu Province by maximum variation sampling. Semi-structured interviews were performed to collect data and thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS Three themes were extracted from the data. The first theme "difference in symptom perception and cognition" illustrated factors such as patient knowledge, expected recovery status, and risk perception could influence patient symptom experience. Most patients actually reported fewer and less severe symptoms than previous studies. The second theme "the results of symptom cluster" demonstrated anorexia-distress SC, bowel-digestive related SC and sleep disturbance related SC, and anorexia-distress SC should be considered as the priority SC given its multidimensional significance for patients. The last theme described the patient's positive attitudes, behaviours and barriers to coping with symptoms, namely "symptom self-management experience". CONCLUSION There are differences in the perception and interpretation of SCs in postoperative pancreatic cancer patients. Understanding the meaning of individual differences in the experience of symptoms can assist patients in the management of SCs. Medical staff should combine patient self-management strategies and evidence-based data to provide appropriate support at different stages to improve patient symptom management and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changying Liu
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Linglong Liu
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Mingxia Chen
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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McLaren T, Peter LJ, Tomczyk S, Muehlan H, Schomerus G, Schmidt S. The Seeking Mental Health Care model: prediction of help-seeking for depressive symptoms by stigma and mental illness representations. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:69. [PMID: 36627597 PMCID: PMC9831378 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14937-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Only about half the people with depression seek professional health care services. To constitute the different predictors and associating variables of health care utilisation, we model the process and aim to test our hypothesised Seeking Mental Health Care Model. The model includes empirical influences on the help-seeking process to predict actual behaviour and incorporates superordinate (stigma, treatment experiences) as well as intermediate attitudinal variables (continuum and causal beliefs, depression literacy and self-efficacy). METHOD All variables are examined in an online study (baseline, three- and six-month follow-up). The sample consisted of adults with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 sum score ≥ 8), currently not receiving mental health care treatment. To examine the prediction of variables explaining help-seeking behaviour, a path model analysis was carried out (lavaan package, software R). RESULTS Altogether, 1368 participants (Mage = 42.38, SDage = 15.22, 65.6% female) were included, 983 participating in at least one follow-up. Model fit was excellent (i.e., RMSEA = 0.059, CFI = 0.989), and the model confirmed most of the hypothesised predictions. Intermediary variables were significantly associated with stigma and experiences. Depression literacy (ß = .28), continuum beliefs (ß = .11) and openness to a balanced biopsychosocial causal model (ß = .21) significantly influenced self-identification (R2 = .35), which among the causal beliefs and self-efficacy influenced help-seeking intention (R2 = .10). Intention (ß = .40) prospectively predicted help-seeking behaviour (R2 = .16). CONCLUSION The Seeking Mental Health Care Model provides an empirically validated conceptualisation of the help-seeking process of people with untreated depressive symptoms as a comprehensive approach considering internal influences. Implications and open questions are discussed, e.g., regarding differentiated assessment of self-efficacy, usefulness of continuum beliefs and causal beliefs in anti-stigma work, and replication of the model for other mental illnesses. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00023557. Registered 11 December 2020. World Health Organization, Universal Trial Number: U1111-1264-9954. Registered 16 February 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas McLaren
- grid.5603.0Department of Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum Str. 13, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lina-Jolien Peter
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University Leipzig, Semmelweisstr. 10, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Samuel Tomczyk
- grid.5603.0Department of Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum Str. 13, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Holger Muehlan
- grid.5603.0Department of Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum Str. 13, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Georg Schomerus
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University Leipzig, Semmelweisstr. 10, 04103 Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Semmelweisstr. 10, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Silke Schmidt
- grid.5603.0Department of Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum Str. 13, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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Cabieses B, Obach A, Campaña C, Vezzani F, Rodríguez C, Espinoza M. Revisando Conceptos de Acceso, Trayectorias, Participación y Conocimiento Tácito en Investigaciones Sobre Pacientes y Cobertura en Salud. Value Health Reg Issues 2023; 33:42-8. [PMID: 36228530 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to characterize 5 approaches that have been developed in research on patients and health coverage, which reveal information from the perspective of patients: (1) access to healthcare, (2) therapeutic trajectories, (3) social participation in decision making on health coverage, (4) tacit knowledge, and (5) communities of practice. METHODS This is a narrative literature review, based on searches performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science, between August and December 2021. A total of 45 scientific articles were selected for analysis, which were complemented by a gray literature search that provided 6 additional manuscripts. RESULTS Improving access to health services requires an understanding of the meaning of the concept of access from the users themselves. The patient trajectory approach contributes by emphasizing that the focus of analysis must adopt the patient's perspective, given that it provides valuable information for the decision making on health coverage. In addition, the role that social participation has in the process to grant trust and legitimacy is described. Tacit knowledge makes explicit the importance of revealing it as a source of information that adds value to the decision-making process. Finally, communities of practice are described as spaces where new ways of experiencing the disease originate, as well as ways of relating to the health system and its actors. CONCLUSIONS The article raises the relevance that various social actors know these approaches, as well as strategies to integrate them into the assessment processes in terms of health coverage.
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Zhang H, Liang C, Zhang X, Yu H, Yan X, Wang L, Tong T, Zhang H, Dai H, Tong H. Factors influencing patient delay in individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea: a study based on an integrated model. Ann Med 2022; 54:2828-2840. [PMID: 36259469 PMCID: PMC9586697 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2132417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder, yet it remains undiagnosed in a large proportion of adults. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the status of patient delay and provider delay in OSA patients and examine related factors affecting patient delay in OSA individuals in China. METHODS A cross-sectional design was conducted on a sample of 309 OSA patients (aged from 18 to 76, median age of 47 years, 84.8% male) in Northeast China. Participants were required to complete the sociodemographic questionnaire, the symptom characteristics questionnaire, the help-seeking attitude scale (HSAS), the social support rating scale and the chronic disease self-efficacy scales (CDSES) to test the hypothesis. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore factors that account for the patient delay. RESULTS The median patient delay among OAS patients in this study was 22 months, the median provider delay was one month, and the median total delay was 26 months. As shown by multivariate analysis results, patients who have snored for over 6 years (OR = 3.377, 95%CI: 1.175-9.702) were more likely to experience prolonged patient delays. Per capita monthly family income above 3000 RMB (OR = 0.172, 95%CI: 0.052-0.571), taking up residence in cities or towns (OR = 0.484, 95%CI: 0.248-0.946), higher self-recognition of the disease (OR = 0.793, 95%CI: 0.647-0.972), higher objective support (OR = 0.825, 95%CI: 0.739-0.921) and stronger self-efficacy (OR = 0.674, 95%CI: 0.525-0.867) were significantly associated with shorter patient delays. CONCLUSION Patient delay is common in Chinese OSA patients. The upstream factors affecting the patient delay in individuals with OSA include income, place of residence, and objective support; midstream factors include self-recognition of the disease and self-efficacy; downstream factors include years of snoring.KEY MESSAGESDespite being a high-prevalence disease, many obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients are not clearly diagnosed and treated.The factors affecting the delay in seeking medical treatment in individuals with OSA included income, place of residence, objective support, self-recognition of the disease, self-efficacy and years of snoring.Investigations into OSA patients' care-seeking behaviours can better reflect the secondary prevention of OSA, and it is crucial to pay attention to the delayed phase of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, PR China
| | - Chunguang Liang
- School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, PR China
| | - Haitao Yu
- School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, PR China
| | - Xiangru Yan
- School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, PR China
| | - Liying Wang
- School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, PR China
| | - Tong Tong
- School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, PR China
| | - Huiying Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, PR China
| | - Hongliang Dai
- School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, PR China
| | - Huijuan Tong
- Department of Nursing, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, PR China
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Cavers D, Nelson M, Rostron J, Robb KA, Brown LR, Campbell C, Akram AR, Dickie G, Mackean M, van Beek EJR, Sullivan F, Steele RJ, Neilson AR, Weller D. Optimizing the implementation of lung cancer screening in Scotland: Focus group participant perspectives in the LUNGSCOT study. Health Expect 2022; 25:3246-3258. [PMID: 36263948 PMCID: PMC9700133 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeted lung cancer screening is effective in reducing lung cancer and all-cause mortality according to major trials in the United Kingdom and Europe. However, the best ways of implementing screening in local communities requires an understanding of the population the programme will serve. We undertook a study to explore the views of those potentially eligible for, and to identify potential barriers and facilitators to taking part in, lung screening, to inform the development of a feasibility study. METHODS Men and women aged 45-70, living in urban and rural Scotland, and either self-reported people who smoke or who recently quit, were invited to take part in the study via research agency Taylor McKenzie. Eleven men and 14 women took part in three virtual focus groups exploring their views on lung screening. Focus group transcripts were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis, assisted by QSR NVivo. FINDINGS Three overarching themes were identified: (1) Knowledge, awareness and acceptability of lung screening, (2) Barriers and facilitators to screening and (3) Promoting screening and implementation ideas. Participants were largely supportive of lung screening in principle and described the importance of the early detection of cancer. Emotional and psychological concerns as well as system-level and practical issues were discussed as posing barriers and facilitators to lung screening. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the views of people potentially eligible for a lung health check can usefully inform the development of a further study to test the feasibility and acceptability of lung screening in Scotland. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The LUNGSCOT study has convened a patient advisory group to advise on all aspects of study development and implementation. Patient representatives commented on the focus group study design, study materials and ethics application, and two representatives read the focus group transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Cavers
- Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Mia Nelson
- Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Jasmin Rostron
- Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Present address:
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research2 Dean Trench Street, London NW1P 3HEUK
| | - Kathryn A. Robb
- School of Health and WellbeingUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | - Christine Campbell
- Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Ahsan R. Akram
- Centre for Inflammation Research and Edinburgh Cancer Research CentreUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Graeme Dickie
- Care of the Usher InstituteUniversity of Edinburgh, EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | | | - Edwin J. R. van Beek
- Edinburgh Imaging, Queen's Medical Research InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | | | - Robert J. Steele
- School of Medicine, Ninewells HospitalUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - Aileen R. Neilson
- Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - David Weller
- Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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Vela‐Vallespín C, Medina‐Perucha L, Jacques‐Aviñó C, Codern‐Bové N, Harris M, Borras JM, Marzo‐Castillejo M. Women's experiences along the ovarian cancer diagnostic pathway in Catalonia: A qualitative study. Health Expect 2022; 26:476-487. [PMID: 36447409 PMCID: PMC9854297 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection of symptoms and prompt diagnosis of ovarian cancer are considered important avenues for improving patient experiences and outcomes. METHODS This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to perform patient interviews, collecting individual accounts of the prediagnostic phase in women diagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer in 2016-2017. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a diverse sample of 24 participants, while thematic content analysis was used to extract themes and subthemes from interview data. RESULTS Three themes and nine subthemes were identified. The first theme was women's delay in recognizing symptoms and seeking care, with subthemes on the lack of knowledge about early signs of ovarian cancer, gender-related barriers and false reassurance from negative test results. A second theme was missed opportunities during healthcare encounters, due to misattribution of women's symptoms by their physicians, underestimation of symptom severity and need for mediation and inadequate tests and/or false negative results. Finally, interviews highlighted the use of resources and alternative healthcare pathways, including complementary/alternative medicines, access to private health care and women's capacity for action and decision-making (agency) about their health. CONCLUSION Delayed diagnosis of ovarian cancer is rooted in both individual factors (lack of health literacy, reluctance to seek care) and systemic issues (missed opportunities in healthcare encounters, access to timely specialist care). Further research is needed to investigate the extent to which traditional gender roles and socioeconomic inequalities condition women's ability to manage their own health and to interact with health professionals and the health system. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION In addition to the patient participation during the interviews, one author was a representative of a patient association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Vela‐Vallespín
- Primary Health Care Center Riu Nord i Riu Sud, Catalan Health InstitutBarcelonaSpain,Research Support Unit Metropolitana NordUniversity Institute for Primary Health Care Research (IDIAP) Jordi Gol, Catalan Health InstituteBarcelonaSpain
| | - Laura Medina‐Perucha
- Unitat Transversal de la RecercaFundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol)BarcelonaSpain,Unitat Transversal de la RecercaUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Constanza Jacques‐Aviñó
- Unitat Transversal de la RecercaFundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol)BarcelonaSpain,Unitat Transversal de la RecercaUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Núria Codern‐Bové
- Department of NursingEscola Universitària d'Infermeria i Teràpia Ocupacional de Terrassa, Universitat Autònoma BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain,Evaluation and Qualitative ResearchÀreaQBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Josep M. Borras
- Department Clinical Sciences, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Mercè Marzo‐Castillejo
- Research Support Unit Metropolitana SudUniversity Institute for Primary Health Care Research IDIAPJordi GolBarcelonaSpain
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Lawson-Michod KA, Watt MH, Grieshober L, Green SE, Karabegovic L, Derzon S, Owens M, McCarty RD, Doherty JA, Barnard ME. Pathways to ovarian cancer diagnosis: a qualitative study. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:430. [PMCID: PMC9636716 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02016-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, when survival is poor. Qualitative narratives of patients’ pathways to ovarian cancer diagnoses may identify opportunities for earlier cancer detection and, consequently, earlier stage at diagnosis.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews of ovarian cancer patients and survivors (n = 14) and healthcare providers (n = 11) between 10/2019 and 10/2021. Interviews focused on the time leading up to an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Thematic analysis was conducted by two independent reviewers using a two-phase deductive and inductive coding approach. Deductive coding used a priori time intervals from the validated Model of Pathways to Treatment (MPT), including self-appraisal and management of symptoms, medical help-seeking, diagnosis, and pre-treatment. Inductive coding identified common themes within each stage of the MPT across patient and provider interviews.
Results
The median age at ovarian cancer diagnosis was 61.5 years (range, 29–78 years), and the majority of participants (11/14) were diagnosed with advanced-stage disease. The median time from first symptom to initiation of treatment was 2.8 months (range, 19 days to 4.7 years). The appraisal and help-seeking intervals contributed the greatest delays in time-to-diagnosis for ovarian cancer. Nonspecific symptoms, perceptions of health and aging, avoidant coping strategies, symptom embarrassment, and concerns about potential judgment from providers prolonged the appraisal and help-seeking intervals. Patients and providers also emphasized access to care, including financial access, as critical to a timely diagnosis.
Conclusion
Interventions are urgently needed to reduce ovarian cancer morbidity and mortality. Population-level screening remains unlikely to improve ovarian cancer survival, but findings from our study suggest that developing interventions to improve self-appraisal of symptoms and reduce barriers to help-seeking could reduce time-to-diagnosis for ovarian cancer. Affordability of care and insurance may be particularly important for ovarian cancer patients diagnosed in the United States.
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Venchiarutti RL, Pho L, Clark JR, Palme CE, Young JM. A qualitative exploration of the facilitators and barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer: Perceptions of patients and carers. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13718. [PMID: 36178016 PMCID: PMC9788178 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study to explore experiences of patients and carers of the pathway to diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), focusing on differences based on remoteness of residence. METHODS Patients ≥6 months post-treatment completion, and their carers, were recruited. Semi-structured interviews, guided by the Model of Pathways to Treatment as the theoretical framework, were conducted to examine pathways to treatment of HNC and facilitators and barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. Thematic analysis with an iterative and data-driven approach was used to identify themes. RESULTS A total of 39 patients and 17 carers participated in the interviews. Facilitators of timely diagnosis and treatment included a sense of urgency from health care professionals (HCPs), advocacy by the HCP or carers, and leveraging social capital. Distance to services, financial costs, and a perceived lack of emotional investment by HCPs arose as barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. Participants were often able to rationalise that not all delays were negative, depending causes and expected impact on cancer management. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the complex nature of factors facilitating and impeding early HNC diagnosis and treatment that may be targeted in interventions to support patients and meet important benchmarks for high-quality cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Venchiarutti
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia,Department of Head and Neck SurgeryChris O'Brien LifehouseCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lily Pho
- Sydney Local Health District Nursing and Midwifery Executive UnitSydney Local Health DistrictCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jonathan R. Clark
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryChris O'Brien LifehouseCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia,Royal Prince Alfred Institute of Academic SurgerySydney Local Health DistrictCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Carsten E. Palme
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryChris O'Brien LifehouseCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia,Royal Prince Alfred Institute of Academic SurgerySydney Local Health DistrictCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jane M. Young
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia,The Daffodil CentreThe University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSWSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Adam R, Thornton AJ, Whitaker KL, Murchie P, Hannaford PC, Hall S, Smith S, Elliott AM. How does social context influence appraisal and help-seeking for potential cancer symptoms in adults aged 50 and over? A qualitative interview study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13640. [PMID: 35726776 PMCID: PMC9787863 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13640] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate how social context and social network activation influence appraisal and help-seeking for symptoms potentially indicative of cancer. METHODS Semi-structured telephone interview study. Community dwelling adults who had experienced at least one symptom potentially indicative of cancer within the last month were sampled from a national symptom survey. RESULTS Thirty-four interviews were conducted. Participants looked to peers and wider society to judge whether symptoms might be normal for their age. Involvement of others in symptom appraisal promoted an active management strategy, such as contacting a healthcare professional or trying a medication. There were practical, emotional, attitudinal, normative and moral barriers to involving others. Cancer narratives from significant others, public health campaigns and the media influenced symptom appraisal. Participants held mental representations of types of people who get cancer, for example, smokers and unfit people. This had two consequences. First, participants did not identify themselves as a candidate for cancer; impeding help-seeking. Second, social judgements about lifestyle introduced stigma. CONCLUSION Involving friends/family in symptom appraisal facilitates help-seeking but barriers exist to involving others. Campaigns to promote earlier cancer diagnosis should incorporate age-appropriate narratives, address misconceptions about 'types' of people who get cancer and tackle stigma about lifestyle factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Adam
- Academic Primary Care, Institute of Health SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Alison J. Thornton
- Academic Primary Care, Institute of Health SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | | | - Peter Murchie
- Academic Primary Care, Institute of Health SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Philip C. Hannaford
- Academic Primary Care, Institute of Health SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Susan Hall
- Academic Primary Care, Institute of Health SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Sarah Smith
- Academic Primary Care, Institute of Health SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
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Grant MP, Helsper CW, Stellato R, van Erp N, van Asselt KM, Slottje P, Muris J, Brandenbarg D, de Wit NJ, van Gils CH. The Impact of the COVID Pandemic on the Incidence of Presentations with Cancer-Related Symptoms in Primary Care. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215353. [PMID: 36358772 PMCID: PMC9656532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The coronavirus pandemic profoundly affected how patients access health care services, as many individuals attempted to minimise risks of infectious contact and reduce burdens on health systems. This study aims to explore the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on patient presentations for cancer-related symptoms in primary care. It utilises routine clinical data for 1.23 million people in the Netherlands, comparing the first year of the pandemic to the two years prior. These data identify a 34% reduction in the incidence of cancer-related symptoms during the first wave (March to June 2020), with overall incidence returning to pre-corona levels after this period. In the first wave, the incidence of many symptoms was substantially reduced: breast lump (−17%), haematuria (−15%), abdominal mass (−21%), tiredness (−45%), lymphadenopathy (−25%), and naevus (−37%). In the second wave (October 2020 to February 2021), the incidence of breast lump and rectal bleeding was increased (both +14%), and tiredness was decreased (−20%), with the majority of other symptoms being similar to pre-COVID levels. These data describe large-scale primary care avoidance that did not increase until the end of the first COVID year for many cancer-related symptoms, suggestive that substantial numbers of patients delayed presenting to primary care. Abstract Introduction: In the Netherlands, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic saw shifts in primary health service provision away from physical consultations, cancer-screening programs were temporarily halted, and government messaging focused on remaining at home. In March and April 2020, weekly cancer diagnoses decreased to 73% of their pre-COVID levels, and 39% for skin cancer. This study aims to explore the effect of the COVID pandemic on patient presentations for cancer-related symptoms in primary care in The Netherlands. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using routine clinical primary care data. Monthly incidences of patient presentations for cancer-related symptoms in five clinical databases in The Netherlands were analysed from March 2018 to February 2021. Results: Data demonstrated reductions in the incidence of cancer-related symptom presentations to primary care during the first COVID wave (March-June 2020) of −34% (95% CI: −43 to −23%) for all symptoms combined. In the second wave (October 2020–February 2021) there was no change in incidence observed (−8%, 95% CI −20% to 6%). Alarm-symptoms demonstrated decreases in incidence in the first wave with subsequent incidences that continued to rise in the second wave, such as: first wave: breast lump −17% (95% CI: −27 to −6%) and haematuria −15% (95% CI −24% to −6%); and second wave: rectal bleeding +14% (95% CI: 0 to 30%) and breast lump +14% (95% CI: 2 to 27%). Presentations of common non-alarm symptom such as tiredness and naevus demonstrated decreased in-cidences in the first wave of 45% (95% CI: −55% to −33%) and 37% (95% CI −47% to −25%). In the second wave, tiredness incidence was reduced by 20% (95% CI: −33% to −3%). Subgroup analy-sis did not demonstrate difference in incidence according to sex, age groups, comorbidity status, or previous history of cancer. Conclusions: These data describe large-scale primary care avoidance that did not increase until the end of the first COVID year for many cancer-related symptoms, suggestive that substantial numbers of patients delayed presenting to primary care. For those patients who had underlying cancer, this may have had impacted the cancer stage at diagnosis, treatment, and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Grant
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Charles W. Helsper
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca Stellato
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole van Erp
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kristel M. van Asselt
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute Program, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pauline Slottje
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute Program, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jean Muris
- Department of General Practice, Maastricht University Care and Public Health Research Institute, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Brandenbarg
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Niek J. de Wit
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carla H. van Gils
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Lynch C, Harrison S, Butler J, Baldwin DR, Dawkins P, van der Horst J, Jakobsen E, McAleese J, McWilliams A, Redmond K, Swaminath A, Finley CJ. An International Consensus on Actions to Improve Lung Cancer Survival: A Modified Delphi Method Among Clinical Experts in the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221119354. [PMID: 36269109 PMCID: PMC9596933 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221119354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research from the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) demonstrates that international variation in lung cancer survival persists, particularly within early stage disease. There is a lack of international consensus on the critical contributing components to variation in lung cancer outcomes and the steps needed to optimise lung cancer services. These are needed to improve the quality of options for and equitable access to treatment, and ultimately improve survival. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 key informants from ICBP countries. An international clinical network representing 6 ICBP countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales) was established to share local clinical insights and examples of best practice. Using a modified Delphi consensus model, network members suggested and rated recommendations to optimise the management of lung cancer. Calls to Action were developed via Delphi voting as the most crucial recommendations, with Good Practice Points included to support their implementation. RESULTS Five Calls to Action and thirteen Good Practice Points applicable to high income, comparable countries were developed and achieved 100% consensus. Calls to Action include (1) Implement cost-effective, clinically efficacious, and equitable lung cancer screening initiatives; (2) Ensure diagnosis of lung cancer within 30 days of referral; (3) Develop Thoracic Centres of Excellence; (4) Undertake an international audit of lung cancer care; and (5) Recognise improvements in lung cancer care and outcomes as a priority in cancer policy. CONCLUSION The recommendations presented are the voice of an expert international lung cancer clinical network, and signpost key considerations for policymakers in countries within the ICBP but also in other comparable high-income countries. These define a roadmap to help align and focus efforts in improving outcomes and management of lung cancer patients globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lynch
- International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) and Strategic Evidence, Policy, Information & Communications, Cancer Research UK, London, UK,Charlotte Lynch, International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, Cancer Research UK 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ, UK.
| | - Samantha Harrison
- International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) and Strategic Evidence, Policy, Information & Communications, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - John Butler
- International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) and Strategic Evidence, Policy, Information & Communications, Cancer Research UK, London, UK,Gynaecology Department, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David R. Baldwin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Dawkins
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Erik Jakobsen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jonathan McAleese
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Annette McWilliams
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital and University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Karen Redmond
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Transplantation, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anand Swaminath
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Christian J. Finley
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Smith P, Moody G, Clarke E, Hiscock J, Cannings-John R, Townson J, Edwards A, Quinn-Scoggins HD, Sewell B, Jones D, Lloydwin C, Thomas S, Casey D, Lloyd-Bennett C, Stanton H, Lugg-Widger FV, Huws D, Watkins A, Newton G, Thomas AM, McCutchan GM, Brain K. Protocol for a feasibility study of a cancer symptom awareness campaign to support the rapid diagnostic centre referral pathway in a socioeconomically deprived area: Targeted Intensive Community-based campaign To Optimise Cancer awareness (TIC-TOC). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063280. [PMID: 36223970 PMCID: PMC9562715 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063280] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid diagnostic centres (RDCs) are being implemented across the UK to accelerate the assessment of vague suspected cancer symptoms. Targeted behavioural interventions are needed to augment RDCs that serve socioeconomically deprived populations who are disproportionately affected by cancer, have lower cancer symptom awareness and are less likely to seek help for cancer symptoms. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of delivering and evaluating a community-based vague cancer symptom awareness intervention in an area of high socioeconomic deprivation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Intervention materials and messages were coproduced with local stakeholders in Cwm Taf Morgannwg, Wales. Cancer champions will be trained to deliver intervention messages and distribute intervention materials using broadcast media (eg, local radio), printed media (eg, branded pharmacy bags, posters, leaflets), social media (eg, Facebook) and attending local community events. A cross-sectional questionnaire will include self-reported patient interval (time between noticing symptoms to contacting the general practitioner), cancer symptom recognition, cancer beliefs and barriers to presentation, awareness of campaign messages, healthcare resource use, generic quality of life and individual and area-level deprivation indicators. Consent rates and proportion of missing data for patient questionnaires (n=189) attending RDCs will be measured. Qualitative interviews and focus groups will assess intervention acceptability and barriers/facilitators to delivery. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for this study was given by the London-West London & GTAC Research Ethics (21/LO/0402). This project will inform a potential future controlled study to assess intervention effectiveness in reducing the patient interval for vague cancer symptoms. The results will be critical to informing national policy and practice regarding behavioural interventions to support RDCs in highly deprived populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Smith
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Eleanor Clarke
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Julia Hiscock
- North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research, Bangor Institute for Health and Medical Research, Bangor University, Bangor University, Wrexham, UK
| | | | - Julia Townson
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Adrian Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Bernadette Sewell
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Daniel Jones
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Sara Thomas
- Cwm Taf Public Health Team, Public Health Wales, Public Health Wales, Merthyr Tydfil, UK
| | - Dawn Casey
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Cwm Taf, UK
| | | | - Helen Stanton
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Dyfed Huws
- Public Health Wales, Welsh Cancer Intelligence & Surveillance Unit, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, West Glamorgan, UK
| | - Angela Watkins
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Gareth Newton
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Patient and Public Involvement, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Grace M McCutchan
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kate Brain
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Jurgens CY, Lee CS, Aycock DM, Masterson Creber R, Denfeld QE, DeVon HA, Evers LR, Jung M, Pucciarelli G, Streur MM, Konstam MA. State of the Science: The Relevance of Symptoms in Cardiovascular Disease and Research: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2022; 146:e173-e184. [PMID: 35979825 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease drive health care use and are a major contributor to quality of life. Symptoms are of fundamental significance not only to the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and appraisal of response to medical therapy but also directly to patients' daily lives. The primary purpose of this scientific statement is to present the state of the science and relevance of symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease. Symptoms as patient-reported outcomes are reviewed in terms of the genesis, manifestation, and similarities or differences between diagnoses. Specifically, symptoms associated with acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, valvular disorders, stroke, rhythm disorders, and peripheral vascular disease are reviewed. Secondary aims include (1) describing symptom measurement methods in research and application in clinical practice and (2) describing the importance of cardiovascular disease symptoms in terms of clinical events and other patient-reported outcomes as applicable.
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Merriel SWD, Archer S, Forster AS, Eldred-Evans D, McGrath J, Ahmed HU, Hamilton W, Walter FM. Experiences of 'traditional' and 'one-stop' MRI-based prostate cancer diagnostic pathways in England: a qualitative study with patients and GPs. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054045. [PMID: 35882453 PMCID: PMC9330318 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054045] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to understand and explore patient and general practitioner (GP) experiences of 'traditional' and 'one-stop' prostate cancer diagnostic pathways in England. DESIGN Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, analysed using inductive thematic analysis SETTING: Patients were recruited from National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in London and in Devon; GPs were recruited via National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Networks. Interviews were conducted in person or via telephone. PARTICIPANTS Patients who had undergone a MRI scan of the prostate as part of their diagnostic work-up for possible prostate cancer, and GPs who had referred at least one patient for possible prostate cancer in the preceding 12 months. RESULTS 22 patients (aged 47-80 years) and 10 GPs (6 female, aged 38-58 years) were interviewed. Patients described three key themes: cancer beliefs in relation to patient's attitudes towards prostate cancer;communication with their GP and specialist having a significant impact on experience of the pathway and pathway experience being influenced by appointment and test burden. GP interview themes included: the challenges of dealing with imperfect information in the current pathway; managing uncertainty in identifying patients with possible prostate cancer and sharing this uncertainty with them, and other social, cultural and personal contextual influences. CONCLUSIONS Patients and GPs reported a range of experiences and views of the current prostate cancer diagnostic pathways in England. Patients valued 'one-stop' pathways integrating prostate MRI and diagnostic consultations with specialists over the more traditional approach of several hospital appointments. GPs remain uncertain how best to identify patients needing referral for urgent prostate cancer testing due to the lack of accurate triage and risk assessment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Archer
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alice S Forster
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - John McGrath
- Department of Urology, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Willie Hamilton
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Fiona M Walter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wolfson Institute of Public Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Parretti HM, Belderson P, Eborall H, Naughton F, Loke Y, Steel N, Bachmann M, Hardeman W. "I have travelled along on my own"-Experiences of seeking help for serious non-COVID health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Br J Health Psychol 2022; 28:116-135. [PMID: 35880686 PMCID: PMC9349934 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES During COVID-19 the UK general population has been given strong messages to stay at home. Concurrently unprecedented changes occurred in healthcare access with moves to remote/triage systems. Data have shown that the number of people accessing healthcare services decreased and there are significant concerns that the pandemic has negatively affected help-seeking for serious conditions, with potentially increased morbidity and mortality. An understanding of help-seeking is urgently needed to inform public campaigns. We aimed to develop an in-depth, theory-based understanding of how, when and why people sought help for potentially serious symptoms (e.g., related to major cardiovascular events or cancer diagnoses) during the pandemic, and what influenced their decisions. DESIGN Qualitative semi-structured interviews. METHODS We interviewed 25 adults recruited through a targeted social media campaign. Interviews were conducted via telephone or online platform. Our topic guide was informed by the Model of Pathways to Treatment and the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model. RESULTS The analysis identified four main themes: Delay in recognition, Holding on to concerns, Weighing it up and Long-term impacts. Multiple societal and environmental factors influenced participants' help-seeking and motivation, capability and opportunity to seek help, with long-term impacts on well-being and future help-seeking. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for clear guidance about pathways to raise concerns about symptoms and gain advice while usual healthcare contacts are paused or stopped. Recommendations for future interventions to support help-seeking during pandemics include clearer messaging, co-produced with end-users, on when, where and how to seek help.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pippa Belderson
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK,School of Health SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | | | - Felix Naughton
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Yoon Loke
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Nick Steel
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Max Bachmann
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Wendy Hardeman
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
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Dandadzi A, Chapman E, Chirenje ZM, Namukwaya E, Pini S, Nkhoma K, Allsop MJ. Patient experiences of living with cancer before interaction with palliative care services in Zimbabwe: A qualitative secondary data analysis. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13632. [PMID: 35712980 PMCID: PMC9542205 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer patients in Zimbabwe typically access health services with advanced disease, limiting treatment choices and lessening the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes. We outline experiences of patients with advanced cancer prior to interaction with palliative care services to identify targets for future intervention development to enhance care delivery in Zimbabwe. METHODS Participants were purposively sampled adult patients with advanced cancer. We adopted a thematic approach to guide a qualitative secondary data analysis exploring factors influencing support sought by participants, external factors influencing decision making across the disease trajectory and the process for seeking and accessing palliative care. RESULTS Participants reported fragmented and uncoordinated care, from initial symptom experience and throughout disease progression. A recurring notion of disjuncture was present through participants' experiences of gaps, breaks and discontinuity across the disease trajectory. Each step had a beginning and end without clear routes for transition with movement between steps as a result of happenstance or informal encounters. CONCLUSION Targets for intervention development at the patient and family level exist that may reduce the disjuncture currently experienced between need and care provision. A holistic response that incorporates engagement with policy actors is critical to addressing prominent financial constraints for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adlight Dandadzi
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Emma Chapman
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Z Mike Chirenje
- Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Simon Pini
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Kennedy Nkhoma
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Allsop
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Zaveri S, Nevid D, Ru M, Moshier E, Pisapati K, Reyes SA, Port E, Romanoff A. Racial Disparities in Time to Treatment Persist in the Setting of a Comprehensive Breast Center. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:6692-6703. [PMID: 35697955 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-11971-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial disparities in breast cancer care have been linked to treatment delays. We explored whether receiving care at a comprehensive breast center could mitigate disparities in time to treatment. METHODS Retrospective chart review identified breast cancer patients who underwent surgery from 2012 to 2018 at a comprehensive breast center. Time-to-treatment intervals were compared among self-identified racial and ethnic groups by negative binomial regression models. RESULTS Overall, 2094 women met the inclusion criteria: 1242 (59%) White, 262 (13%) Black, 302 (14%) Hispanic, 105 (5%) Asian, and 183 (9%) other race or ethnicity. Black and Hispanic patients more often had Medicaid insurance, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, advanced-stage breast cancer, mastectomy, and additional imaging after breast center presentation (p < 0.05). After controlling for other variables, racial or ethnic minority groups had consistently longer intervals to treatment, with Black women experiencing the greatest disparity (incidence rate ratio 1.42). Time from initial comprehensive breast center visit to treatment was also significantly shorter in White patients versus non-White patients (p < 0.0001). Black race, Medicaid insurance/being uninsured, older age, earlier stage, higher ASA score, undergoing mastectomy, having reconstruction, and requiring additional pretreatment work-up were associated with a longer time from initial visit at the comprehensive breast center to treatment on multivariable analysis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Racial or ethnic minority groups have significant delays in treatment even when receiving care at a comprehensive breast center. Influential factors include insurance delays and necessity of additional pretreatment work-up. Specific policies are needed to address system barriers in treatment access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Zaveri
- Department of Surgery, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniella Nevid
- Dubin Breast Center, Tisch Cancer Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meng Ru
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erin Moshier
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kereeti Pisapati
- Dubin Breast Center, Tisch Cancer Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sylvia A Reyes
- Dubin Breast Center, Tisch Cancer Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa Port
- Dubin Breast Center, Tisch Cancer Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anya Romanoff
- Department of Global Health and Health System Design, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,The New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, Room 556C, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Khalife R, Tinmouth A, Duffett L, Halman S. Knowledge gaps in bleeding disorders: Results from an objective structured oral examination in internal medicine residency training. J Thromb Haemost 2022; 20:1325-1330. [PMID: 35253980 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empirical evidence for physicians' knowledge gaps in bleeding disorders is limited to self-reported surveys, yet often cited as a leading cause of diagnostic and management delays. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to assess internal medicine (IM) residents' competence, based on their training level, in evaluating a patient with a bleeding disorder, and knowledge gaps in their clinical approach. METHODS Content experts developed patient case presenting with abnormal bleeding, bruising, and an isolated prolonged PTT. We administered the hemostasis case as part of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). We performed a descriptive analysis. One-way anova was conducted to compare the effect of training level on performance. Item difficulty level for the hemostasis case was also determined. RESULTS Sixty-seven IM residents participated in the OSCE. The hemostasis case had the highest failure rate at 41.8% with a mean score for the station of 57.96% (SD 13.04). Senior residents scored significantly higher than junior residents on this case (F(2,64) = 4.604, p = .014, η p 2 = 0.126). The item difficulty analysis demonstrated challenges in in eliciting a history of bleeding provoked by challenges, examining the bleeding site, interpreting the mixing study, requesting appropriate follow-up tests, making the diagnosis and providing acute management for a bleeding patient. Only 49.3% of residents requested a hematology consultation. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated important knowledge gaps in IM residents' approach to the bleeding patient. Innovative strategies for hemostasis education should be a priority to address physician-related factors in the diagnostic and management delays of patients with bleeding disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Khalife
- Department of Medicine (Hematology), The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alan Tinmouth
- Department of Medicine (Hematology), The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Duffett
- Department of Medicine (Hematology), The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samantha Halman
- Department of Medicine (General Internal Medicine), The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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