Mindful Night-to-Day: A Pilot Feasibility Trial of a Mindfulness-Based Insomnia and Symptom Management Intervention for Patients with Hematologic Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Patients with hematologic cancer experience severe symptoms (i.e. insomnia, fatigue, pain, distress). Few interventions addressing insomnia and other symptoms exist for this population. Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia (MBTI) may be appropriate but has only been tested in healthy outpatients. This study aimed to develop and test an adapted MBTI protocol for hematologic cancer patients.

METHODS

Patient (n = 3) and clinician (n = 1) focus groups, and user-testing (N = 5) informed adaptation of Mindful Night-to-Day (MBTI+). A single-arm pilot trial (N = 32) evaluated feasibility (accrual, attrition, adherence), acceptability (intervention satisfaction), and changes to insomnia symptom severity (Insomnia Severity Index; primary outcome) and secondary outcomes (fatigue, pain, distress, pre-sleep arousal, mindfulness, symptom management self-efficacy) at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month post-intervention. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests were conducted.

RESULTS

Qualitative feedback informed MBTI+ content, format, and delivery. Mindfulness was used to increase symptom awareness (sleepiness vs. fatigue). Meditations and behavioral skills were applied to inpatient treatment. MBTI+ met feasibility (N = 32/12 months; 8.1% attrition; 83.8% adherence) and acceptability (M = 3.52/4.00) benchmarks. Insomnia symptom severity decreased (d = 1.20) from baseline to post-intervention, as did most secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

MBTI+ was feasible, acceptable, and showed promise for benefits throughout inpatient and outpatient treatment. Findings warrant further evaluation in a randomized trial.

Improving multimodal physical function in adults with heterogeneous chronic pain; Protocol for a multisite feasibility RCT

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is associated with substantial impairment in physical function, which has been identified as a top concern among persons with pain. GetActive-Fitbit, a mind-body activity program, is feasible, acceptable, and associated with improvement in physical function among primarily White, sedentary individuals with pain. In preparation for a multisite efficacy trial, we must examine feasibility across multiple sites with diverse patient populations. Here we describe the protocol of a multisite, feasibility RCT comparing GetActive-Fitbit with a time- and attention-matched educational comparison (Healthy Living for Pain). We aim to 1) test multisite fidelity of clinician training; 2) evaluate multisite feasibility benchmarks, including recruitment of chronic pain patients taking <5000 steps/day and racial and ethnic minorities; and 3) optimize fidelity and study protocol in preparation for a future multisite efficacy trial.

METHODS

Clinician training fidelity was assessed via roleplays and mock group sessions. Feasibility (i.e., recruitment, acceptability, credibility, adherence, satisfaction), multimodal physical function (e.g., self-report, 6-Minute Walk Test, step-count), and other psychosocial outcomes are assessed at baseline, posttest, and 6 months. Protocol optimization will be assessed using exit interviews and cross-site meetings.

RESULTS

The trial is ongoing. Clinician training is complete. 87 participants have been recruited. 54 completed baseline assessments and randomization, 44 are mid-intervention, and 9 have completed the intervention and posttest.

CONCLUSIONS

This study addresses the critical need for feasible, acceptable mind-body-activity interventions for chronic pain that follow evidence-based guidelines and improve all aspects of physical function across diverse populations. Results will inform a future fully-powered multisite efficacy trial.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05700383.

Overcoming Patient Pain Together: Breast Cancer Patients and Caregivers' Pretreatment Psychosocial Distress Linked to Patients' Pain Interference During the First Year of Treatment

Breast cancer patients experience treatment-related pain from surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and long-term hormonal treatment, which can lead to poorer outcomes. Patient and family caregivers' psychosocial distress exacerbates patient pain interference, but this has not been directly examined among breast cancer patients in dyadic models longitudinally. Guided by a biopsychosocial framework, the Biobehavioral Family Model, we explore how multiple reports of patient pain interference across the first year of treatment are linked to the patient (N = 55) and caregiver (N = 55) pretreatment psychosocial distress (eg, depression, anxiety, marital satisfaction, family relationship quality). Specifically, we find that breast cancer patients' pain interference increases and then decreases over the first year of treatment. Additionally, caregivers' pretreatment anxiety was associated with increased patient pain interference over time (B = .19, SE = .07, P = .008), while patients' pretreatment psychosocial distress was not associated with a change in their pain interference. Yet, looking at clinically specific times during the first year of treatment, we find that caregiver-reported higher marital satisfaction is associated with lower patient-reported pain interference later in treatment (6 months: B = -.58, SE = .24, P = .017; 12 months: B = -.82, SE = .23, P < .001). We conclude that, per the Biobehavioral Family Model, pretreatment patient and caregiver psychosocial distress is linked to patient pain interference during the first year of breast cancer treatment. Thus, caregivers' psychosocial distress (ie, anxiety and marital satisfaction) may be a particularly important target in future dyadic behavioral intervention strategies to reduce breast cancer patient pain. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the link between breast cancer patients and family caregiver pretreatment psychosocial distress (anxiety, depression, marital satisfaction, and family quality) on patient pain interference during 1 year of breast cancer treatment. Findings suggest that caregiver anxiety and marital satisfaction may be important targets for future dyadic behavioral pain interventions.

Meaning-centered pain coping skills training for patients with metastatic cancer: Protocol for a randomized controlled efficacy trial

BACKGROUND

Many patients with advanced cancer describe pain as a debilitating symptom that greatly interferes with daily activities and enjoyment of life. Psychosocial interventions can improve cancer-related pain but rarely address spiritual concerns (e.g., loss of meaning, peace), which can influence the pain experience for those facing life-threatening illness. To address these needs, we systematically developed and pilot tested a novel psychosocial intervention called Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training (MCPC). In this randomized controlled trial, we aim to determine MCPC's efficacy for reducing pain interference (primary outcome) and improving secondary outcomes. We will also estimate MCPC's cost-effectiveness.

METHOD/DESIGN

Patients (target N = 210) with advanced solid tumor malignancies (Stage IV) and clinically-elevated pain interference will be enrolled and block randomized with equal allocation to MCPC + enhanced usual care or enhanced usual care alone. MCPC's four, videoconferenced, 45-60 min weekly sessions will be individually delivered by trained study therapists. Primary (pain interference) and secondary (pain severity, anxiety and depressive symptoms, pain self-efficacy, social support, spiritual well-being) patient-reported outcomes will be assessed at baseline, and 8-weeks (primary endpoint) and 12-weeks after baseline.

CONCLUSION

Our MCPC intervention is the first to systematically address the biopsychosocial-spiritual aspects of pain in patients with advanced cancer. If MCPC demonstrates efficacy, next steps will involve hybrid efficacy-effectiveness and implementation work to broaden access to this brief, manualized, remotely-delivered intervention, with the goal of reducing suffering in patients with life-threatening illness.

Breast cancer survivors with pain: an examination of the relationships between body mass index, physical activity, and symptom burden

PURPOSE

Overweight and obesity are common for breast cancer survivors and associated with high symptom burden (i.e., pain, fatigue, depressive symptoms). Physical activity may protect breast cancer survivors with higher body mass indexes (BMI) from increased symptoms. However, the role of physical activity in buffering the relationship between higher BMI and greater symptoms is unclear.

METHODS

Baseline data from a randomized trial investigating Pain Coping Skills Training among breast cancer survivors (N = 327) with pain were used to examine the relationship between self-reported BMI (kg/m2) and physical activity level (Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity; suboptimal vs. optimal) with pain (Brief Pain Inventory; severity and interference), fatigue (PROMIS-Fatigue short form), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale). Analyses were conducted in SPSS. Hayes PROCESS macro (Model 1) assessed whether physical activity moderated the relationship between BMI and symptoms.

RESULTS

Lower BMI (B = .06, p < .01) and optimal physical activity (B =  - .69, p < .01) were independently associated with lower pain interference. Lower BMI was also associated with lower pain severity (B = .04, p < .001). Neither BMI nor physical activity was associated with fatigue or depressive symptoms. Physical activity did not moderate the relationship between BMI and symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Among breast cancer survivors experiencing pain, higher BMI and being less physically active were related to greater pain (i.e., severity and/or interference). Physical activity did not buffer the relationships between BMI and pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms, suggesting that physical activity alone may not be sufficient to influence the strength of the relationships between BMI and symptoms.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Evaluating Delivery Strategies for Pain Coping Skills Training in Women With Breast Cancer

Pain coping skills training (PCST) is efficacious in patients with cancer, but clinical access is limited. To inform implementation, as a secondary outcome, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of 8 dosing strategies of PCST evaluated in a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial among women with breast cancer and pain (N = 327). Women were randomized to initial doses and re-randomized to subsequent doses based on their initial response (ie, ≥30% pain reduction). A decision-analytic model was designed to incorporate costs and benefits associated with 8 different PCST dosing strategies. In the primary analysis, costs were limited to resources required to deliver PCST. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were modeled based on utility weights measured with the EuroQol-5 dimension 5-level at 4 assessments over 10 months. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed to account for parameter uncertainty. Implementation of PCST initiated with the 5-session protocol was more costly ($693-853) than strategies initiated with the 1-session protocol ($288-496). QALYs for strategies beginning with the 5-session protocol were greater than for strategies beginning with the 1-session protocol. With the goal of implementing PCST as part of comprehensive cancer treatment and with willingness-to-pay thresholds ranging beyond $20,000 per QALY, the strategy most likely to provide the greatest number of QALYs at an acceptable cost was a 1-session PCST protocol followed by either 5 maintenance telephone calls for responders or 5 sessions of PCST for nonresponders. A PCST program with 1 initial session and subsequent dosing based on response provides good value and improved outcomes. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the results of a cost analysis of the delivery of PCST, a nonpharmacological intervention, to women with breast cancer and pain. Results could potentially provide important cost-related information to health care providers and systems on the use of an efficacious and accessible nonmedication strategy for pain management. TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02791646, registered 6/2/2016.

Behavioral cancer pain intervention dosing: results of a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial

ABSTRACT

Behavioral pain management interventions are efficacious for reducing pain in patients with cancer. However, optimal dosing of behavioral pain interventions for pain reduction is unknown, and this hinders routine clinical use. A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) was used to evaluate whether varying doses of Pain Coping Skills Training (PCST) and response-based dose adaptation can improve pain management in women with breast cancer. Participants (N = 327) had stage I-IIIC breast cancer and a worst pain score of > 5/10. Pain severity (a priori primary outcome) was assessed before initial randomization (1:1 allocation) to PCST-Full (5 sessions) or PCST-Brief (1 session) and 5 to 8 weeks later. Responders ( > 30% pain reduction) were rerandomized to a maintenance dose or no dose and nonresponders (<30% pain reduction) to an increased or maintenance dose. Pain severity was assessed again 5 to 8 weeks later (assessment 3) and 6 months later (assessment 4). As hypothesized, PCST-Full resulted in greater mean percent pain reduction than PCST-Brief (M [SD] = -28.5% [39.6%] vs M [SD]= -14.8% [71.8%]; P = 0.041). At assessment 3 after second dosing, all intervention sequences evidenced pain reduction from assessment 1 with no differences between sequences. At assessment 4, all sequences evidenced pain reduction from assessment 1 with differences between sequences ( P = 0.027). Participants initially receiving PCST-Full had greater pain reduction at assessment 4 ( P = 0.056). Varying PCST doses led to pain reduction over time. Intervention sequences demonstrating the most durable decreases in pain reduction included PCST-Full. Pain Coping Skills Training with intervention adjustment based on response can produce sustainable pain reduction.

Patterns of patient-reported symptoms and association with sociodemographic and systemic sclerosis disease characteristics: a scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort cross-sectional study

Background

Systemic sclerosis is a heterogenous disease in which little is known about patterns of patient-reported symptom clusters. We aimed to identify classes of individuals with similar anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain symptoms and to evaluate associated sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics.

Methods

This multi-centre cross-sectional study used baseline data from Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network Cohort participants enrolled from 2014 to 2020. Eligible participants completed the PROMIS-29 v2.0 measure. Latent profile analysis was used to identify homogeneous classes of participants based on patterns of anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain scores. Sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics were compared across classes.

Findings

Among 2212 participants, we identified five classes, including four classes with "Low" (565 participants, 26%), "Normal" (651 participants, 29%), "High" (569 participants, 26%), or "Very High" (193 participants, 9%) symptom levels across all symptoms. Participants in a fifth class, "High Fatigue/Sleep/Pain and Low Anxiety/Depression" (234 participants, 11%) had similar levels of fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain as in the "High" class but low anxiety and depression symptoms. There were significant and substantive trends in sociodemographic characteristics (age, education, race or ethnicity, marital or partner status) and increasing disease severity (diffuse disease, tendon friction rubs, joint contractures, gastrointestinal symptoms) across severity-based classes. Disease severity and sociodemographic characteristics of "High Fatigue/Sleep/Pain and Low Anxiety/Depression" class participants were similar to the "High" severity class.

Interpretation

Most people with systemic sclerosis can be classified by levels of patient-reported symptoms, which are consistent across symptoms and highly associated with sociodemographic and disease-related variables, except for one group which reports low mental health symptoms despite high levels of other symptoms and substantial disease burden. Studies are needed to better understand resilience in systemic sclerosis and to identify and facilitate implementation of cognitive and behavioural strategies to improve coping and overall quality of life.

Funding

National Institute of Nursing Research (F31NR019007), Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Arthritis Society Canada, the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, McGill University, Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Scleroderma Canada, Sclérodermie Québec, Scleroderma Manitoba, Scleroderma Atlantic, Scleroderma Association of BC, Scleroderma SASK, Scleroderma Australia, Scleroderma New South Wales, Scleroderma Victoria, and Scleroderma Queensland.

Improving Symptom Management for Survivors of Young Adult Cancer: Development of a Novel Intervention

Purpose: Improved symptom management is a critical although unmet post-treatment need for young adult (YA) cancer survivors (aged 18-39 at diagnosis). This study aimed to develop and refine a behavioral symptom management intervention for YA survivors. Methods: Phase I: YA survivors (N = 21) and oncology providers (N = 11) completed individual interviews and an online, self-report assessment to examine symptom experiences, the need for a behavioral symptom management intervention for YAs, and perceptions about potential intervention components, structure, and format. Phase II: YA survivors (N = 10) completed user testing sessions, providing feedback on the prototype intervention materials (paper manual and mobile application), and completed an online assessment. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics. Rapid qualitative analysis, a methodologically rigorous standardized approach, was used. Results: Pain, fatigue, and distress were ranked as top concerns by most YAs and providers. Phase I interviews underscored the need for a symptom management intervention for YAs. YAs and providers highlighted potential coping strategies and program format/structure suggestions (e.g., small group format) to best meet YAs' needs. A prototype intervention was developed combining the following: traditional behavioral symptom coping skills; home-based physical activity; strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy; and strategies to foster self-compassion. Phase II user testing sessions highlighted strengths and suggestions for refining the prototype materials. Conclusion: Post-treatment symptoms are common for YAs. A tailored behavioral symptom management program was developed and refined with input from YAs and providers and will be examined for feasibility and acceptability in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04035447.

Nurse-led interventions in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Nurses play an important role in the management of patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Little is known about the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on patient-reported outcomes in this population. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence of nurse-led interventions in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

METHODS

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and Embase for studies published from database inception to September 2022. Studies were included if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal in English and evaluated the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention using a randomized controlled trial design in adults with a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease. Screening, full-text review, and quality appraisal were conducted by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

A total of 162 articles were identified for possible inclusion, of which five studies were included. Four of five studies (80%) were conducted in systemic lupus erythematosus. There was significant variability in the types of nurse-led interventions; the majority included educational sessions and follow up counseling by a nurse (n = 4). The most common patient-reported outcomes were health-related quality of life (n = 3), fatigue (n = 3), mental health (including anxiety and depression) (n = 2), and self-efficacy (n = 2). The duration of the interventions varied from 12 weeks to 6 months. All studies included a nurse with specialized training and education and showed significant improvements in their primary outcomes. The majority of the studies (60%) were considered high methodological quality.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides emerging evidence for the use of nurse-led interventions in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Our findings emphasize the important role of nurses in providing nonpharmacological strategies to help patients better manage their disease and improve health outcomes.

Effect of Pain Coping Skills Training on Pain and Pain Medication Use for Women With Breast Cancer

CONTEXT

Pain is distressing for women with breast cancer. Pain medication may not provide full relief and can have negative side-effects. Cognitive-behavioral pain intervention protocols reduce pain severity and improve self-efficacy for pain management. These interventions' impact on pain medication use is less clear. Intervention length and coping skills use might play a role in pain outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

Secondary analysis to examine differences in pain severity, pain medication use, pain self-efficacy, and coping skill use after five- and one-session cognitive-behavioral pain intervention protocols. Pain self-efficacy and coping skills use were assessed as mediators of intervention effects on pain and pain medication use.

METHODS

Women (N = 327) with stage I-III breast cancer were enrolled in a randomized trial comparing individually-delivered, five- and one-session pain coping skills training (PCST). Pain severity, pain medication use, pain self-efficacy, and coping skills use were assessed preintervention and five to eight weeks later (postintervention).

RESULTS

Pain and pain medication use significantly decreased, while pain self-efficacy increased pre-post for women randomized to both conditions (P's <.05). Five-session PCST participants demonstrated less pain (P =.03) and pain medication use (P =.04), and more pain self-efficacy (P =.02) and coping skills use (P =.04) at postintervention compared to one-session PCST participants. Pain self-efficacy mediated the relationship of intervention condition with pain and pain medication use.

CONCLUSION

Both conditions led to improvements in pain, pain medication use, pain self-efficacy, and coping skills use, and 5-session PCST showed the greatest benefits. Brief cognitive-behavioral pain intervention improve pain outcomes, and pain self-efficacy may play a role in these effects.

Meaning-centered pain coping skills training for patients with metastatic cancer: Results of a randomized controlled pilot trial

OBJECTIVE

For patients with advanced cancer, pain is a common and debilitating symptom that can negatively impact physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This trial examined the feasibility and initial effects of Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training (MCPC), a cognitive-behavioral pain management intervention with an emphasis on enhancing meaning (i.e., a personal sense of purpose, worth, and significance) and peace.

METHODS

We enrolled 60 adults with stage IV solid tumor cancers and moderate-severe pain between February 2021 and February 2022. Participants were randomized 1:1 to MCPC + usual care or usual care alone. Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training consisted of four weekly 60-min individual sessions via videoconference or telephone, delivered by a trained therapist using a manualized protocol. Participants completed validated measures of pain severity, pain interference, pain self-efficacy, spiritual well-being (i.e., meaning, peace, and faith), and psychological distress at baseline and 5-week and 10-week follow-ups.

RESULTS

All feasibility metrics exceeded prespecified benchmarks. Fifty-eight percent of screened patients were eligible, and 69% of eligible patients consented. Of those assigned to MCPC, 93% completed all sessions and 100% of those who completed follow-ups reported using coping skills weekly. Retention was strong at 5-week (85%) and 10-week (78%) follow-ups. Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training participants reported better scores than control participants across outcome measures, including moderate-to-large sized differences at 10-week follow-up in pain severity (Cohen's d = -0.75 [95% confidence interval: -1.36, -0.14]), pain interference (d = -0.82 [-1.45, -0.20]), and pain self-efficacy (d = 0.74 [0.13, 1.35]).

CONCLUSIONS

MCPC is a highly feasible, engaging, and promising approach for improving pain management in advanced cancer. Future efficacy testing is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04431830, registered 16 June 2020.

mHealth Coping Skills Training for Symptom Management (mCOPE) for colorectal Cancer patients in early to mid-adulthood: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in early to mid-adulthood (≤50 years) are challenged by high symptom burden (i.e., pain, fatigue, distress) and age-related stressors (e.g., managing family, work). Cognitive behavioral theory (CBT)-based coping skills training interventions reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in cancer patients. However, traditional CBT-based interventions are not accessible to these patients (e.g., in-person sessions, during work day), nor designed to address symptoms within the context of this stage of life. We developed a mobile health (mHealth) coping skills training program for pain, fatigue and distress (mCOPE) for CRC patients in early to mid-adulthood. We utilize a randomized controlled trial to test the extent to which mCOPE reduces pain, fatigue and distress (multiple primary outcomes) and improves quality of life and symptom self-efficacy (secondary outcomes).

Methods/Design

Patients (N = 160) ≤50 years with CRC endorsing pain, fatigue and/or distress are randomized 1:1 to mCOPE or standard care. mCOPE is a five-session CBT-based coping skills training program (e.g., relaxation, activity pacing, cognitive restructuring) that was adapted for CRC patients in early to mid-adulthood. mCOPE utilizes mHealth technology (e.g., videoconference, mobile app) to deliver coping skills training, capture symptom and skills use data, and provide personalized support and feedback. Self-report assessments are completed at baseline, post-treatment (5-8 weeks post-baseline; primary endpoint), and 3- and 6-months later.

Conclusions

mCOPE is innovative and potentially impactful for CRC patients in early to mid-adulthood. Hypothesis confirmation would demonstrate initial efficacy of a mHealth cognitive behavioral intervention to reduce symptom burden in younger CRC patients.

Role of self-efficacy for pain management and pain catastrophizing in the relationship between pain severity and depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer and pain

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the relationship between pain and depressive symptoms through pain self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing in breast cancer patients with pain.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a randomized trial investigating a cognitive-behavioral pain management protocol.

SAMPLE

Females (N = 327) with stage I-III breast cancer and report of at least moderate pain.

METHODS

Pain severity, pain self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, and depressive symptoms were measured. The proposed model was assessed using structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Higher pain severity was significantly related to lower pain self-efficacy and higher pain catastrophizing. Lower pain self-efficacy and higher pain catastrophizing were significantly related to more depressive symptoms. Higher pain severity was significantly associated with more depressive symptoms through lower pain self-efficacy and higher pain catastrophizing. The association between pain severity and depressive symptoms was not significant when specified as a direct effect.

CONCLUSION

Pain severity related to depressive symptoms in breast cancer patients via pain self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS

Measurement of pain self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing should be incorporated into comprehensive pain assessments for women with breast cancer, as these variables may be relevant therapeutic targets. Psychosocial symptom management interventions should include strategies that increase pain self-efficacy and decrease pain catastrophizing because these pain-related cognitive variables appear to drive the relationship between pain severity and depressive symptoms.

Hybrid-delivered cognitive behavioral symptom management and activity coaching intervention for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant: Findings from intervention development and a pilot randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

Develop and pilot test a mobile health (mHealth) cognitive behavioral coping skills training and activity coaching protocol (HCT Symptoms and Steps) for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) patients.

DESIGN

Two-phase, mixed methods study.

SAMPLE

HCT patients and healthcare providers.

METHODS

Phase I was patient (n = 5) and provider (n = 1) focus groups and user testing (N = 5) to develop the HCT Symptoms and Steps protocol. Phase II was a pilot randomized trial (N = 40) to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and pre-to-post outcomes (e.g., physical disability, pain, fatigue, distress, physical activity, symptom self-efficacy) compared to an education control.

FINDINGS

Qualitative feedback on symptoms, recruitment strategies, coping skills, and mHealth components (e.g., Fitbit, mobile app) were integrated into the protocol. HCT Symptoms and Steps were feasible and acceptable. Pre-post changes suggest physical disability and activity improved while symptoms (e.g., fatigue, distress) decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

HCT Symptoms and Steps have strong feasibility and acceptability and shows promise for benefits. Larger, fully-powered randomized trials are needed to examine intervention efficacy.

IMPLICATIONS

HCT Symptoms and Steps may reduce physical disability and improve health outcomes post-transplant.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03859765.

Improving well-being for individuals with persistent pain after surgery for breast cancer, lobular carcinoma in situ, or ductal carcinoma in situ: A randomized clinical trial

>276,000 Americans will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, lobular carcinoma in situ, or ductal carcinoma in situ this year and most will undergo breast surgery as part of their care. Although prognosis is excellent, many patients experience persistent post-surgical pain (PSP), which has no satisfactory pharmacological treatment. The causal contributions of pain-associated psychological factors (e.g., catastrophic thoughts about pain, psychological flexibility, self-efficacy) to the continuing burden of PSP have not yet been determined and may be opportune intervention targets. The randomized trial described here will compare the benefits of three manualized behavioral interventions for individuals with PSP. Participants will receive either: 1) self-guided health education (SGHE); 2) interventionist-guided health education (IGHE); or 3) interventionist-guided pain coping skills training with elements of acceptance and commitment therapy that specially target catastrophic thoughts about pain, self-efficacy, and psychological flexibility (CST-PSP). Participants will prospectively complete validated assessments of primary outcomes (PSP severity and interference) at baseline (pre-intervention) and 3-, 6-, and 12-months later. Validated measures of emotional distress and cancer-specific distress will be assessed as secondary outcomes. To test their roles as drivers of PSP, catastrophic thoughts about pain, self-efficacy, and psychological flexibility, will be assessed and statistically analyzed as mediators of hypothesized beneficial effects. The interventions' impacts on pain sensitivity and central sensitization will be investigated to test these physiological pathways as proximal drivers of PSP. To better characterize the patient experience, additional validated measures will be explored for associations with PSP, along with demographic and clinical factors. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04225585, registered January 13, 2020.

A Framework for Automating Psychiatric Distress Screening in Ophthalmology Clinics Using an EHR-Derived AI Algorithm

Purpose

In patients with ophthalmic disorders, psychosocial risk factors play an important role in morbidity and mortality. Proper and early psychiatric screening can result in prompt intervention and mitigate its impact. Because screening is resource intensive, we developed a framework for automating screening using an electronic health record (EHR)-derived artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm.

Methods

Subjects came from the Duke Ophthalmic Registry, a retrospective EHR database for the Duke Eye Center. Inclusion criteria included at least two encounters and a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. Presence of distress was defined at the encounter level using a computable phenotype. Risk factors included available EHR history. At each encounter, risk factors were used to discriminate psychiatric status. Model performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the precision-recall curve (PR AUC). Variable importance was presented using odds ratios (ORs).

Results

Our cohort included 358,135 encounters from 40,326 patients with an average of nine encounters per patient over 4 years. The ROC and PR AUC were 0.91 and 0.55, respectively. Of the top 25 predictors, the majority were related to existing distress, but some indicated stressful conditions, including chemotherapy (OR = 1.36), esophageal disorders (OR = 1.31), central pain syndrome (OR = 1.25), and headaches (OR = 1.24).

Conclusions

Psychiatric distress in ophthalmology patients can be monitored passively using an AI algorithm trained on existing EHR data.

Translational Relevance

When paired with an effective referral and treatment program, such algorithms may improve health outcomes in ophthalmology.

Symptom Communication Preferences and Communication Barriers for Young Adult Cancer Survivors and Their Health Care Providers

Purpose: Effective communication between young adult (YA; aged 18-39 years) cancer survivors and their health care providers is critical for managing post-treatment symptoms. Yet, little is known about YAs' and providers' preferences for and barriers to symptom communication, variables important for developing interventions to improve and optimize YA-provider communication. Methods: YA survivors (N = 21) and oncology providers (N = 11) rank ordered their preferred methods for symptom communication and top communication barriers. Interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data (i.e., preferred methods for, barriers, and suggestions to improve symptom communication). Interviews were transcribed, and thematic qualitative analysis was used. Results: Sixty-two percent of YAs preferred communicating using the electronic messaging system affiliated with the medical record (MyChart), whereas providers (100%) preferred communicating during in-person clinic visits. Qualitative data from YAs pointed to benefits of MyChart, including ease of use and rapid responses. Providers acknowledged that, although efficient, high message volumes and expectations for rapid responses were barriers to MyChart. Providers described benefits of in-person visits, including visually assessing patients' concerns, providing immediate support, and more safely managing symptoms. Lack of time (48%) was YAs' top communication barrier, whereas providers endorsed patients not bringing up symptoms (64%). Qualitative data reflected patient-level (e.g., embarrassment/discomfort, lack of skills) and provider-level (e.g., forgetting to ask about a symptom) barriers. YAs and providers offered strategies to improve communication. Conclusion: Survivor- and provider-level communication interventions that account for YAs' and providers' differing communication preferences and directly address communication barriers unique to survivors' developmental stage may be necessary to improve symptom communication.

Geriatric Assessment Reveals Actionable Impairments in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Candidates Age 18 to 80 Years

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative treatment for both malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases; however, reported rates of treatment-related mortality approach 30%. Outcomes are worse in patients who begin HCT with functional impairments. To detect such impairments, a geriatric assessment (GA) is recommended in adults age ≥65 years. Younger HCT candidates also may be impaired because of chemotherapy regimens pre-HCT. Therefore, we hypothesized that GA can be beneficial for adult patients of all ages and subsequently created a clinical pretransplantation optimization program to assess all HCT candidates using a modified GA. One-hundred fifty-seven patients were evaluated in 4 functional domains- physical, cognitive, nutritional, and psychological-at 2 time points prior to HCT-new patient evaluation (NPE) and sign-off (SO)-between October 2017 and January 2020. At NPE, 80.9% of the patients had at least 1 domain with a functional impairment, and physical (P = .006), cognitive (P = .04), and psychological (P = .04) impairments were associated with an increased likelihood of not proceeding to HCT. In addition, patients age 18 to 39 years were more likely than older patients to have a physical function impairment (P = .001). Between NPE and SO, 51.9% of the patients had resolution of 1 or more impairments, and nutritional impairment at SO was predictive of worse overall survival (P = .01). Our study shows that GA can identify functional impairments in patients of all ages. Early identification of impairments could facilitate referrals to supportive care and resolution of impairments prior to HCT, suggesting that GA could be recommended for HCT candidates of all ages.

Designing Psychosocial Intervention Pilot Studies: A Tutorial for Palliative Care Investigators

This is a tutorial on designing a persuasive pilot study of a psychosocial intervention (e.g., behavioral symptom management) in the palliative care setting. This tutorial is most relevant for early stages of intervention research that aims to progress toward a randomized controlled trial with a high degree of internal validity. Broadly, a pilot study aims to address multiple elements of feasibility and acceptability so that investigators are well positioned for the next study in their program of research. To assist investigators in writing compelling grant applications we designed this tutorial as an annotated checklist of goals that a pilot study within the palliative care domain should seek to accomplish. These goals include the following: 1) begin with the end in mind, 2) use a formal conceptual model, 3) use measures with strong psychometric properties, 4) justify the timing of study sessions and assessments, 5) test recruitment methods, 6) estimate retention, 7) assess interventionist fidelity, 8) assess acceptability of the intervention, 9) assess feasibility, and 10) identify barriers to the next study. We elaborate on these goals by describing an ongoing pilot study testing the feasibility and acceptability of a psychosocial pain management intervention for patients with advanced cancer. Pilot studies are crucial for building a successful program of research, but they are also limited in terms of their sample size and overall objectives. A persuasive pilot study is one that is limited yet useful rather than limited and trivial.

Pain, depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy for pain management: examination in African-American women with breast cancer

PURPOSE

African-American women with breast cancer face significant disparities, including high levels of pain. Depressive symptoms and self-efficacy for pain management impact how women with breast cancer manage pain, yet little is known about how these variables relate to pain specifically for African-American women with breast cancer.

METHODS

Baseline linear regression analyses were conducted using a sample of women (n = 98) with stage I-III breast cancer identifying as Black or African-American who were part of a larger intervention trial. Linear regressions explored the effect of depressive symptoms on pain (i.e., severity and interference), and the effect of self-efficacy for pain management on pain. Covariates were age (M = 57.22, SD = 10.76), cancer stage (50% = stage 1), and education level (36% = some college).

RESULTS

Participants reported moderate levels of pain severity and interference. Higher depressive symptoms were related to both higher pain severity and interference; (B = 0.06, p < 0.01, 95% CI [0.02,0.09]) and (B = 0.13, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.09, 0.17]) respectively. Likewise, lower self-efficacy for pain management was also related to both higher pain severity and interference; (B =  - 0.04, p < 0.001, 95% CI [- 0.05, - 0.02]) and (B =  - 0.06, p < 0.001, 95% CI [- 0.08, - 0.04]) respectively. Women reporting less than a high school diploma endorsed significantly higher pain severity and interference than women reporting some college. Age and cancer stage were not significantly related to pain.

CONCLUSION

Pain for African-American women with breast cancer may be influenced by depressive symptoms and self-efficacy for pain management, in addition to other important variables. Attending to better assessment and treatment of depressive symptoms and self-efficacy for pain management may improve outcomes.

Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training: A Pilot Feasibility Trial of a Psychosocial Pain Management Intervention for Patients with Advanced Cancer

Background: Pain from advanced cancer can greatly reduce patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Objective: To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a behavioral pain management intervention, Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training (MCPC). Design: This trial used a single-arm feasibility design. Setting/Subjects: Thirty participants with stage IV solid tumor cancer, moderate-to-severe pain, and clinically elevated distress were enrolled from a tertiary cancer center in the United States. The manualized protocol was delivered across four 45- to 60-minute videoconference sessions. Measurements: Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through accrual, session/assessment completion, intervention satisfaction, and coping skills usage. Participants completed validated measures of primary outcomes (i.e., pain severity, pain interference, and spiritual well-being) and secondary outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and four-week follow-up. Results: Eighty-eight percent (38/43) of patients who completed screening met inclusion criteria, and 79% (30/38) consented and completed baseline assessment. Sixty-seven percent (20/30) of participants were female (mean age = 57). Most participants were White/Caucasian (77%; 23/30) or Black/African American (17%; 5/30) with at least some college education (90%; 27/30). Completion rates for intervention sessions and both post-intervention assessments were 90% (27/30), 87% (26/30), and 77% (23/30), respectively. At the post-intervention assessment, participants reported a high degree of intervention satisfaction (mean = 3.53/4.00; SD = 0.46), and 81% (21/26) reported weekly use of coping skills that they learned. Participants also showed improvement from baseline on all primary outcomes and nearly all secondary outcomes at both post-intervention assessments. Conclusions: MCPC demonstrated strong feasibility and acceptability. Findings warrant further evaluation of MCPC in a randomized controlled trial. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03207360.

DEVELOPMENT, FEASIBILITY, AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A BEHAVIORAL WEIGHT AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS AND INTIMATE PARTNERS

BACKGROUND

Weight gain is common for breast cancer survivors and associated with disease progression, recurrence, and mortality. Traditional behavioral programs fail to address symptoms (i.e., pain, fatigue, distress) experienced by breast cancer survivors that may interfere with weight loss and fail to capitalize on the concordance in weight-related health behaviors of couples. This study aimed to develop and examine the feasibility and acceptability of a behavioral weight and symptom management intervention for breast cancer survivors and their intimate partners.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Interviews were conducted with N=14 couples with overweight/obesity to develop the intervention. Intervention feasibility and acceptability were examined through a single-arm pilot trial (N=12 couples). Patterns of change in intervention targets were examined for survivors and partners.

RESULTS

Themes derived from interviews were used to develop the 12-session couple-based intervention, which included components from traditional behavioral weight management interventions, appetite awareness training, and cognitive and behavioral symptom management protocols. Couples also worked together to set goals, create plans for health behavior change, and adjust systemic and relationship barriers to weight loss. Examples were tailored to the experiences and symptom management needs of breast cancer survivors and partners. The intervention demonstrated feasibility (attrition: 8%; session completion: 88%) and acceptability (satisfaction). Survivors and partners experienced reductions in weight and improvements in physical activity, eating behaviors, emotional distress, and self-efficacy. Survivors evidenced improvements in fatigue and pain.

CONCLUSIONS

A behavioral weight and symptom management intervention for breast cancer survivors and partners is feasible, acceptable, and is potentially efficacious.

Effects of a Weight and Pain Management Program in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Investigation

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with poor outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Effective weight management is imperative. Although traditional lifestyle behavioral weight loss programs have demonstrated efficacy for reducing weight, these interventions do not meet the pain-related weight loss challenges of RA patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVE

A 12-session group program (90 minutes per session) was developed integrating pain coping skills training into a lifestyle behavioral weight loss intervention. In addition to the weekly group sessions, participants engaged in supervised exercise sessions 3 times per week.

METHODS

Through a small, pilot randomized trial, 50 participants were randomized to receive the intervention (n = 29) or standard care of RA (n = 21). Feasibility data (i.e., accrual, attrition, adherence) was examined using descriptive statistics (e.g., percent). We examined patterns of change in study outcomes from baseline to follow-up separately for the intervention and standard care arms using descriptive statistics and paired t tests. Effect sizes are also presented.

RESULTS

Of those randomized to the intervention group,79.3% initiated treatment, with participants attending 74.3% of group skills sessions and 64.2% of exercise sessions. Intervention participants evidenced reductions in weight (mean, -2.28 kg) and waist circumference (mean, -4.76 cm) and improvements in physical functioning, eating behaviors, pain, and self-efficacy for weight control.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that incorporating a combined pain coping skills training and behavioral weight loss intervention into medical management of RA may improve outcomes. Study accrual and attrition, as well as intervention adherence, will inform future, larger randomized efficacy trials of the intervention.Retrospectively registered: January 29, 2020, NCT04246827.

Co-occurring Fatigue and Lymphatic Pain Incrementally Aggravate Their Negative Effects on Activities of Daily Living, Emotional Distress, and Overall Health of Breast Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Fatigue and lymphatic pain are the most common and debilitating long-term adverse effects of breast cancer treatment. Fatigue and pain independently have negative effects on quality of life, physical functions, and cancer recurrence-free survival. The interactions between fatigue and pain may aggravate their negative effects.

OBJECTIVES

Examine the effects of co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain on activities of daily living (ADLs), emotional distress, and overall health of breast cancer patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional and observational design was used to enroll 354 breast cancer patients. Valid and reliable instruments were used to assess fatigue, lymphatic pain, ADLs, emotional distress, and overall health. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

After controlling for demographic and clinical factors, patients with co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain had higher odds of having impaired ADLs (OR = 24.43, CI = [5.44-109.67], P < .001) and emotional distress (OR = 26.52, CI = [9.64-72.90], P < .001) compared to patients with only fatigue and only lymphatic pain. Patients with co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain had 179% increase in impaired ADL scores (B = 8.06, CI = [5.54-10.59]) and 211% increase in emotional distress scores (B = 9.17, CI = [5.52-12.83]) compared to those without co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain. Patients with co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain had a 34% decrease (B = -26.29, CI = [-31.90 to -20.69]) and patients with only fatigue had a 33% decrease in overall health scores (B = -25.74, 95% CI = [-34.14 to -17.33]), indicating poor overall health.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue and lymphatic pain affected 66.4% of breast cancer patients. Findings from this study suggest that co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain have negative effects on breast cancer patients' ADLs, emotional distress, and overall health. The synergistic interactions between fatigue and lymphatic pain incrementally aggravated their negative effects on ADLs and emotional distress. Findings of the study highlight the need to evaluate the underlying mechanisms for co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain and develop interventions that target both fatigue and lymphatic pain to improve breast cancer patients' the quality of life.

Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training: A Pilot Feasibility Trial of a Psychosocial Pain Management Intervention for Patients with Advanced Cancer

Background: Pain from advanced cancer can greatly reduce patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Objective: To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a behavioral pain management intervention, Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training (MCPC). Design: This trial used a single-arm feasibility design. Setting/Subjects: Thirty participants with stage IV solid tumor cancer, moderate-to-severe pain, and clinically elevated distress were enrolled from a tertiary cancer center in the United States. The manualized protocol was delivered across four 45- to 60-minute videoconference sessions. Measurements: Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through accrual, session/assessment completion, intervention satisfaction, and coping skills usage. Participants completed validated measures of primary outcomes (i.e., pain severity, pain interference, and spiritual well-being) and secondary outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and four-week follow-up. Results: Eighty-eight percent (38/43) of patients who completed screening met inclusion criteria, and 79% (30/38) consented and completed baseline assessment. Sixty-seven percent (20/30) of participants were female (mean age = 57). Most participants were White/Caucasian (77%; 23/30) or Black/African American (17%; 5/30) with at least some college education (90%; 27/30). Completion rates for intervention sessions and both post-intervention assessments were 90% (27/30), 87% (26/30), and 77% (23/30), respectively. At the post-intervention assessment, participants reported a high degree of intervention satisfaction (mean = 3.53/4.00; SD = 0.46), and 81% (21/26) reported weekly use of coping skills that they learned. Participants also showed improvement from baseline on all primary outcomes and nearly all secondary outcomes at both post-intervention assessments. Conclusions: MCPC demonstrated strong feasibility and acceptability. Findings warrant further evaluation of MCPC in a randomized controlled trial. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03207360.

A SMART approach to optimizing delivery of an mHealth intervention among cancer survivors with posttraumatic stress symptoms

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Many cancer survivors who received intensive treatment such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. PTSD is associated with lower quality of life and other symptoms that require clinical treatment. The iterative treatment decisions that happen in clinical practice are not adequately represented in traditional randomized controlled trials (RCT) of PTSD treatments. The proposed stepped-care SMART design allows for evaluation of initial response to the Cancer Distress Coach mobile app; adaptive stepped-care interventions; and precision treatment strategies that tailor treatment selection to patient characteristics.

METHODS/DESIGN

HCT survivors (N = 400) reporting PTSD symptoms are being recruited at two cancer centers and randomly assigned to: 1) Cancer Distress Coach app or 2) Usual Care. The app includes educational and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based activities. Four weeks post-randomization, participants re-rate their PTSD symptoms and, based on intervention response, non-responders are re-randomized to receive video-conferenced sessions with a therapist: 3) coaching sessions in using the mobile app; or 4) CBT specific to HCT survivors. Participants complete outcome measures of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after Months 1, 3, and 6. Participant characteristics moderating intervention responses will be examined.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel adaptive trial design will afford evidence that furthers knowledge about optimizing PTSD interventions for HCT survivors. To our knowledge, this study is the first SMART design evaluating PTSD symptom management in cancer survivors. If successful, it could be used to optimize treatment among a range of cancer and other trauma survivors.

Impact of anxiety and depression on progression to glaucoma among glaucoma suspects

AIMS

To assess the impact of anxiety and depression in the risk of converting to glaucoma in a cohort of glaucoma suspects followed over time.

METHODS

The study included a retrospective cohort of subjects with diagnosis of glaucoma suspect at baseline, extracted from the Duke Glaucoma Registry. The presence of anxiety and depression was defined based on electronic health records billing codes, medical history and problem list. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to obtain HRs for the risk of converting to glaucoma over time. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, gender, race, intraocular pressure measurements over time and disease severity at baseline.

RESULTS

A total of 3259 glaucoma suspects followed for an average of 3.60 (2.05) years were included in our cohort, of which 911 (28%) were diagnosed with glaucoma during follow-up. Prevalence of anxiety and depression were 32% and 33%, respectively. Diagnoses of anxiety, or concomitant anxiety and depression were significantly associated with risk of converting to glaucoma over time, with adjusted HRs (95% CI) of 1.16 (1.01, 1.33) and 1.27 (1.07, 1.50), respectively.

CONCLUSION

A history of anxiety or both anxiety and depression in glaucoma suspects was associated with developing glaucoma during follow-up.

Predictors of Response to an Evidence-Based Behavioral Cancer Pain Management Intervention: An Exploratory Analysis From a Clinical Trial

CONTEXT

Interventions that teach patients cognitive and behavioral strategies for managing cancer pain have demonstrated effectiveness. Systematic reviews of such interventions call for research to inform their implementation in practice, including investigations into which patients are most likely to benefit.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify predictors of response to an evidence-based behavioral intervention for cancer pain, pain coping skills training (PCST).

METHODS

We conducted an exploratory secondary analysis of a randomized noninferiority trial comparing in-person to videoconference-based PCST. Using modified Poisson regression, we estimated the adjusted associations of patient characteristics with clinically meaningful reductions (≥30%) in pain severity and pain interference.

RESULTS

Of the 178 patients who were randomized, 135 completed at least one follow-up assessment and were included in this analysis. Proportions of patients experiencing reductions in pain severity and pain interference were 34% and 46%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, education level was associated with a reduction in pain severity (adjusted relative risk, some college or technical school vs. college or higher: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26-0.93). Patients with colorectal cancer were 61% more likely to experience a reduction in pain interference than patients with breast cancer (95% CI:1.21-2.34). Marital status was also statistically significantly associated with pain interference reduction, with married patients less likely to experience a reduction in pain interference (adjusted relative risk, married vs. not: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49-0.98).

CONCLUSION

Our findings elucidate several subgroups of patients who may be especially likely to benefit from PCST, informing both targeted implementation efforts and opportunities to improve delivery for diverse patients.

Self-management interventions in systemic sclerosis: A systematic review

Systemic sclerosis is a rare and incurable autoimmune disease in which patients are challenged with self-managing their disease. Systematic evaluation of the essential self-management intervention components and self-management outcomes is necessary to assess the state of the science of self-management for patients with systemic sclerosis. As such, the purpose of this systematic review was to identify and describe self-management interventions and their impact on self-management outcomes in adults with systemic sclerosis. Studies were included if they contained a self-management intervention, incorporated at least one self-management outcome identified as a common data element by the National Institute of Nursing Research (i.e., patient activation, self-efficacy, self-regulation, global health), and were conducted in adults with systemic sclerosis. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Embase were searched from the inception of each database to March 2020, yielding a total of 215 studies. Of these reports, 16 met the inclusion criteria for this review. There was notable variability in the types of self-management interventions and their effects on key self-management outcomes. Self-management interventions focused on improving physical function through rehabilitation programs were the most common interventions (n = 7). The poor methodological quality of the studies included in this systematic review, however, limited the synthesis of and recommendations for self-management interventions in adults with systemic sclerosis. Future research in systemic sclerosis should include key self-management outcomes in larger, more rigorously designed studies to allow for comparisons across studies and to advance the science of self-management.

Behavioral cancer pain intervention using videoconferencing and a mobile application for medically underserved patients: Rationale, design, and methods of a prospective multisite randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Women with breast cancer in medically underserved areas are particularly vulnerable to persistent pain and disability. Behavioral pain interventions reduce pain and improve outcomes. Cancer patients in medically underserved areas receive limited adjunctive cancer care, as many lack access to pain therapists trained in behavioral interventions, face travel barriers to regional medical centers, and may have low literacy and limited resources. mHealth technologies have the potential to decrease barriers but must be carefully adapted for, and efficacy-tested with, medically underserved patients. We developed an mHealth behavioral pain coping skills training intervention (mPCST-Community). We now utilize a multisite randomized controlled trial to: 1) test the extent mPCST-Community reduces breast cancer patients' pain severity (primary outcome), pain interference, fatigue, physical disability, and psychological distress; 2) examine potential mediators of intervention effects; and 3) evaluate the intervention's cost and cost-effectiveness.

METHODS/DESIGN

Breast cancer patients (N = 180) will be randomized to mPCST-Community or an attention control. mPCST-Community's four-session protocol will be delivered via videoconferencing at an underserved community clinic by a remote pain therapist at a major medical center. Videoconference sessions will be supplemented with a mobile application. Participants will complete self-report measures at baseline, post-intervention, and 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

mPCST-Community has the potential to reduce pain and disability, and decrease barriers for cancer patients in medically underserved areas. This is one of the first trials to test an mHealth behavioral cancer pain intervention developed specifically for medically underserved communities. If successful, it could lead to widespread implementation and decreased health disparities.

Discrimination Experiences and Depressive Symptoms among African Americans with Osteoarthritis Enrolled in a Pain Coping Skills Training Randomized Controlled Trial

African Americans are more likely than members of other racial groups to report perceived discrimination in health care settings, and discrimination is linked to depression. Using data from a randomized controlled trial of pain coping skills training (PCST) for African Americans with osteoarthritis (N=164), we evaluated the interaction between discrimination experiences and experimental condition (PCST or control group) in linear regression models predicting depressive symptoms. There was a significant interaction between personal discrimination and experimental condition on depressive symptoms (interaction term coefficient: b=-3.2, 95% CI [- 6.4, - .02], p=.05). Discrimination was associated with depressive symptoms among those in the control group but not among those who received PCST. Participation in a PCST intervention may have reduced the association between discrimination experiences and depressive symptoms among participants in this sample. Future research should explore whether interventions aimed at teaching coping skills may be effective in ameliorating the harmful mental health effects of perceived discrimination.

Psychosocial Correlates of Objective, Performance-Based, and Patient-Reported Physical Function Among Patients with Heterogeneous Chronic Pain

BACKGROUND

Improving all aspects of physical function is an important goal of chronic pain management. Few studies follow recent guidelines to comprehensively assess physical function via patient-reported, performance-based, and objective/ambulatory measures.

PURPOSE

To test 1) the interrelation between the 3 types of physical function measurement and 2) the association between psychosocial factors and each type of physical function measurement.

METHODS

Patients with chronic pain (N=79) completed measures of: 1) physical function (patient-reported disability; performance-based 6-minute walk-test; objective accelerometer step count); 2) pain and non-adaptive coping (pain during rest and activity, pain-catastrophizing, kinesiophobia); 3) adaptive coping (mindfulness, general coping, pain-resilience); and 4) social-emotional dysfunction (anxiety, depression, social isolation and emotional support). First, we tested the interrelation among the 3 aspects of physical function. Second, we used structural equation modeling to test associations between psychosocial factors (pain and non-adaptive coping, adaptive coping, and social-emotional dysfunction) and each measurement of physical function.

RESULTS

Performance-based and objective physical function were significantly interrelated (r=0.48, p<0.001) but did not correlate with patient-reported disability. Pain and non-adaptive coping (β=0.68, p<0.001), adaptive coping (β=-0.65, p<0.001) and social-emotional dysfunction (β=0.65, p<0.001) were associated with patient-reported disability but not to performance-based or objective physical function (ps>0.1).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that patient-reported physical function may provide limited information about patients' physical capacity or ambulatory activity. While pain and non-adaptive reactions to it, adaptive coping, and social-emotional dysfunction may potentially improve patient-reported physical function, additional targets may be needed to improve functional capacity and ambulatory activity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03412916.

Acceptability of telephone-based pain coping skills training among African Americans with osteoarthritis enrolled in a randomized controlled trial: a mixed methods analysis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) disproportionately impacts African Americans compared to Caucasians, including greater pain severity. The Pain Coping Skills Training for African Americans with Osteoarthritis (STAART) study examined a culturally enhanced Pain Coping Skills Training (CST) program among African Americans with OA. This mixed methods study evaluated the acceptability of the Pain CST program among STAART participants.

METHODS

STAART was a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an 11-session, telephone-based pain CST program, compared to a usual care control group. Participants were from the University of North Carolina and Durham Veterans Affairs Healthcare Systems. The present analyses included 93 participants in the CST group who completed a questionnaire about experiences with the program. Descriptive statistics of the questionnaire responses were calculated using SAS software. Thematic analysis was applied to open-response data using Dedoose software.

RESULTS

Participants' mean rating of overall helpfulness of the pain CST program for managing arthritis symptoms was 8.0 (SD = 2.2) on a scale of 0-10. A majority of participants reported the program made a positive difference in their experience with arthritis (83.1%). Mean ratings of helpfulness of the specific skills ranged from 7.7 to 8.8 (all scales 0-10). Qualitative analysis of the open-response data identified four prominent themes: Improved Pain Coping, Mood and Emotional Benefits, Improved Physical Functioning, and experiences related to Intervention Delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

The high ratings of helpfulness demonstrate acceptability of this culturally enhanced pain CST program by African Americans with OA. Increasing access to cognitive-behavioral therapy-based programs may be a promising strategy to address racial disparities in OA-related pain and associated outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02560922 , registered September 25, 2015.

Predictors of Intervention Session Completion in a Randomized Clinical Trial of a Behavioral Cancer Pain Intervention

CONTEXT

Some patients with cancer are able to complete psychosocial pain management intervention sessions, and others find it difficult to do so.

OBJECTIVES

Conduct a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial (N = 178) that compared delivery formats (in-person vs. videoconference) of a pain coping skills training (PCST) intervention for patients with cancer to examine if intervention session completion predicts postintervention outcomes of pain severity and interference, psychological distress, physical well-being, and pain self-efficacy; and identify predictors (i.e., demographics, medical characteristics, baseline outcome scores) of session completion.

METHODS

Session completion (i.e., completing all four sessions vs. missing at least one session) was tested as a predictor of postintervention outcomes. Predictors of session completion were then examined.

RESULTS

In both study conditions combined, PCST session completion predicted improvement from baseline to postintervention in pain severity (β = -0.27; P = 0.03), pain interference (β = -0.25; P = 0.048), and pain self-efficacy (β = 0.23; P = 0.07). Participants in the videoconference condition were significantly more likely than those in the in-person condition to complete all sessions (83% vs. 65%; P = 0.006). Participants with at least some college education (odds ratio [OR] 4.36; P = 0.04), a diagnosis of breast cancer (OR 6.73; P = 0.04), and higher levels of pain self-efficacy (OR 2.32; P = 0.02) were more likely to complete videoconference sessions. Participants who lived closer to the medical center (OR 0.64; P = 0.07), had early stage cancer (OR 3.82; P = 0.07), and fewer medical comorbidities (OR 0.59; P = 0.04) were more likely to complete in-person sessions.

CONCLUSION

Completing PCST sessions is important for improving pain outcomes. Efforts to increase session completion (e.g., videoconference delivery) should be considered.

Evolution of a longitudinal, multidisciplinary, and scalable patient navigation matrix model

This Longitudinal patient navigation Matrix Model was developed to overcome barriers across the cancer care continuum by offering prepatients, patients, and their families with support services. The extraordinary heterogeneity of patient needs during cancer screening, risk assessment, treatment, and survivorship as well as the vast heterogeneity of oncology care settings make it nearly impossible to follow a static navigation model. Our model of patient cancer navigation is unique as it enhances the traditional model by being highly adaptable based on both patient and family needs and scalable based on institutional needs and resources (eg, clinical volumes, financial resources, and community‐based resources). This relatively new operational model for system‐wide and systematic navigation incorporates a carefully cultivated supportive care program that evolved over the last decade from a bottom up approach that identified patient and family needs and developed appropriate resources. A core component of this model includes shifting away from department‐centric operations. This model does not require a patient to opt in or independently be able to report their needs or ask for services—it is an opt out model. The multidisciplinary “cross‐training” model can also facilitate reimbursement and sustainability by clarifying the differentiating actions that define navigation services: identification of barriers to quality care and specific actions taken to overcome those barriers, across the full continue of cancer care from community engagement to survivorship or end‐of‐life care.

A feasible and acceptable multicultural psychosocial intervention targeting symptom management in the context of advanced breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

Advanced breast cancer patients around the world experience high symptom burden (ie, distress, pain, and fatigue) and are in need of psychosocial interventions that target symptom management. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and engagement of a psychosocial intervention that uses cognitive-behavioral strategies along with mindfulness and values-based activity to enhance patients' ability to manage symptoms of advanced disease in a cross-cultural setting (United States and Singapore). Pre-treatment to post-treatment outcomes for distress, pain, and fatigue were compared between intervention recipients and waitlisted controls.

METHODS

A pilot randomized controlled trial included women with advanced breast cancer (N = 85) that were recruited in the United States and Singapore. Participants either received the four session intervention or be put on waitlist. Descriptive statistics and effect size of symptom change were calculated.

RESULTS

The psychosocial intervention was found to be feasible as indicated through successful trial accrual, low study attrition (15% ), and high intervention adherence (77% completed all sessions). Acceptability (ie, program satisfaction and cultural sensitivity) and engagement to the study intervention (ie, practice of skills taught) were also high. Anxiety, depression, and fatigue scores remained stable or improved among intervention participants while the same symptoms worsened in the control group. In general, effect sizes are larger in the US sample compared with the Singapore sample.

CONCLUSIONS

The cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and values-based intervention is feasible, acceptable, and engaging for advanced breast cancer patients in a cross-cultural setting and has potential for efficacy. Further larger-scaled study of intervention efficacy is warranted.

Coping Skills Training and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Symptom Management: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Brief Telephone-Delivered Protocol for Patients With Advanced Cancer

CONTEXT

Patients with advanced cancer face a life-limiting condition that brings a high symptom burden that often includes pain, fatigue, and psychological distress. Psychosocial interventions have promise for managing symptoms but need additional tailoring for these patients' specific needs. Patients with advanced cancer in the community also face persistent barriers-availability of interventions in community clinics as well as financial and illness-related factors-to accessing psychosocial interventions.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of telephone implementation of Engage, a novel brief combined Coping Skills Training and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy protocol, for reducing symptoms and increasing quality of life in community patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS

Adult patients with advanced cancer receiving care in the community received Engage, four 60-minute manualized telephone sessions delivered by a trained psychotherapist and completed pretreatment and post-treatment assessments.

RESULTS

Engage was feasible, achieving 100% accrual (N = 24) of a heterogeneous sample of patients with advanced cancer, with good retention (88% completed). Acceptability was demonstrated via satisfaction (mean 29 of 32; SD 2), engagement (95% attendance), and use of skills. Secondary analyses pointed to reductions in pain interference, fatigue, psychological distress, and improvements in psychological acceptance and engagement in value-guided activity after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Engage, our brief novel combined Coping Skills and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention, demonstrated initial feasibility and acceptability when delivered over the telephone and increased access for community clinic patients with advanced cancer. Future research will assess the comparative efficacy of Engage in larger randomized trials.

A behavioral cancer pain intervention: A randomized noninferiority trial comparing in-person with videoconference delivery

OBJECTIVE

Behavioral cancer pain interventions are efficacious for improving important pain outcomes; yet, traditional in-person delivery limits patient access. This study compared videoconference-delivered mobile health pain coping skills training (mPCST) to in-person pain coping skills training (PCST-traditional).

METHODS

This study was a randomized, noninferiority trial with cancer patients. Participants (N = 178) were randomly assigned to four, 45-minute sessions of mPCST or PCST-traditional. Session content focused on evidence-based cognitive and behavioral pain management skills. Assessments were completed at baseline, posttreatment, and 3-month posttreatment, and included measures of primary intervention outcomes (ie, pain severity and pain interference) and secondary intervention outcomes (ie, physical symptoms, psychological distress, physical well-being, and self-efficacy). The main study aim tested whether mPCST was more accessible (defined as feasibility, acceptability, patient burden, and engagement) than PCST-traditional. The second aim tested whether mPCST was noninferior to PCST-traditional.

RESULTS

mPCST demonstrated significantly greater feasibility (ie, attrition, adherence, and time to completion) than PCST-traditional. Both groups reported similar patient burden and engagement as well as a high degree of acceptability. All intervention outcomes demonstrated noninferiority at posttreatment and, with the exception of physical symptoms, 3-month posttreatment. Concerning the primary intervention outcomes, 95% CIs for the mean differences (d) were below the noninferiority margin of 1 for pain severity (posttreatment d = 0.09, 95% CI, -0.63-0.81; 3 months d = -0.43 95% CI, -1.22-0.36) and pain interference (posttreatment d = -0.11, 95% CI, -0.99-0.76; 3 months d = -0.26 95% CI, -1.14-0.62).

CONCLUSION

mPCST is highly accessible and noninferior to PCST-traditional.

Reminders of cancer risk and pain catastrophizing: relationships with cancer worry and perceived risk in women with a first-degree relative with breast cancer

First-degree relatives of women with breast cancer may experience increased worry or perceived risk when faced with reminders of their own cancer risk. Worry and risk reminders may include physical symptoms (e.g., persistent breast pain) and caregiving experiences. Women who engage in pain catastrophizing may be particularly likely to experience increased distress when risk reminders are present. We examined the degree to which persistent breast pain and experience as a cancer caregiver were related to cancer worry and perceived risk in first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer (N = 85) and how catastrophic thoughts about breast pain could impact these relationships. There was a significant interaction between persistent breast pain and pain catastrophizing in predicting cancer worry (p = .03); among women who engaged in pain catastrophizing, cancer worry remained high even in the absence of breast pain. Pain catastrophizing also moderated the relationships between caregiving involvement and cancer worry (p = .003) and perceived risk (p = .03). As the degree of caregiving responsibility increased, cancer worry and perceived risk increased for women who engaged in pain catastrophizing; levels of cancer worry and perceived risk remained low and stable for women who did not engage in pain catastrophizing regardless of caregiving experience. The results suggest that first-degree relatives of breast cancer survivors who engage in pain catastrophizing may experience greater cancer worry and perceived risk and may benefit from interventions aimed at reducing catastrophic thoughts about pain.

Development and pilot testing of an mHealth behavioral cancer pain protocol for medically underserved communities

The purpose of this study was to refine and test a mobile-health behavioral cancer pain coping skills training protocol for women with breast cancer and pain from medically underserved areas. Three focus groups (Phase 1) were used to refine the initial protocol. A single-arm pilot trial (Phase 2) was conducted to assess feasibility, acceptability, and changes in outcomes. The intervention was delivered at a community-based clinic via videoconferencing technology. Participants were women (N = 19 for Phase 1 and N = 20 for Phase 2) with breast cancer and pain in medically underserved areas. Major themes from focus groups were used to refine the intervention. The refined intervention demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. Participants reported significant improvement in pain severity, pain interference, and self-efficacy for pain management. Our intervention is feasible, acceptable, and likely to lead to improvement in pain-related outcomes for breast cancer patients in medically underserved areas. Implications for Psychosocial Oncology Practice Breast cancer patients being treated in medically underserved areas have a dearth of exposure to behavioral interventions that may improve their ability to manage pain. Evidence from this single-arm pilot trial suggests that our mobile-health behavioral cancer pain coping skills training protocol is acceptable and feasible in this vulnerable population. Appropriately adapted mobile-health technologies may provide an avenue to reach underserved patients and implement behavioral interventions to improve pain management.

A smoking cessation and pain management program for cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Many cancer survivors continue to smoke. Further, most survivors also report high levels of persistent pain and smoke in response to pain. The investigators tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a smoking cessation program paired with a pain management program for cancer survivors.

METHODS

The investigators conducted a two-arm, wait-list randomized controlled pilot study in which they delivered a combined smoking cessation and pain management intervention.

RESULTS

The investigators randomized 30 survivors (14 intervention and 16 wait-list control). Seventy-one percent of the survivors who received the intervention rated it as extremely useful (5 out of 5) in helping them quit smoking. Further, 86% would recommend the program to other survivors. Although we could not conduct inferential statistics, 14% of those in the intervention arm, compared to 6% in the control condition had biochemically validated cessation at 2-months post-randomization. Survivors in the intervention also reported less pain, had improvements in depressive symptoms, and better physical function than those in the control arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot data suggest the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of this approach. The next step is to conduct a large randomized controlled trial to fully test the efficacy of the intervention.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

A combined smoking cessation and pain program might help improve both issues simultaneously.

An mHealth Pain Coping Skills Training Intervention for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients: Development and Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Pain is a challenge for patients following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a Web-based mobile pain coping skills training (mPCST) protocol designed to address the needs of HCT patients.

METHODS

Participants had undergone HCT and reported pain following transplant (N=68). To guide intervention development, qualitative data were collected from focus group participants (n=25) and participants who completed user testing (n=7). After their input was integrated into the mPCST intervention, a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT, n=36) was conducted to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of the intervention. Measures of acceptability, pain severity, pain disability, pain self-efficacy, fatigue, and physical disability (self-report and 2-min walk test [2MWT]) were collected.

RESULTS

Participants in the focus groups and user testing provided qualitative data that were used to iteratively refine the mPCST protocol. Focus group qualitative data included participants' experiences with pain following transplant, perspectives on ways to cope with pain, and suggestions for pain management for other HCT patients. User testing participants provided feedback on the HCT protocol and information on the use of videoconferencing. The final version of the mPCST intervention was designed to bridge the intensive outpatient (1 in-person session) and home settings (5 videoconferencing sessions). A key component of the intervention was a website that provided personalized messages based on daily assessments of pain and activity. The website also provided intervention materials (ie, electronic handouts, short videos, and audio files). The intervention content included pain coping advice from other transplant patients and instructions on how to apply pain coping skills while engaging in meaningful and leisure activities. In the RCT phase of this research, HCT patients (n=36) were randomized to receive the mPCST intervention or to proceed with the treatment as usual. Results revealed that the mPCST participants completed an average of 5 out of 6 sessions. The participants reported that the intervention was highly acceptable (mean 3/4), and they found the sessions to be helpful (mean 8/10) and easy to understand (mean 7/7). The mPCST participants demonstrated significant improvements in pre- to post-treatment pain, self-efficacy (P=.03, d=0.61), and on the 2MWT (P=.03, d=0.66), whereas the patients in the treatment-as-usual group did not report any such improvements. Significant changes in pain disability and fatigue were found in both groups (multiple P<.02); the magnitudes of the effect sizes were larger for the mPCST group than for the control group (pain disability: d=0.79 vs 0.69; fatigue: d=0.94 vs 0.81). There were no significant changes in pain severity in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Using focus groups and user testing, we developed an mPCST protocol that was feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for HCT patients with pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01984671; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01984671 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xbpx3clZ).

The effect of pre-transplant pain and chronic disease self-efficacy on quality of life domains in the year following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

PURPOSE

Pain is common for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients and may be experienced pre-transplant, acutely post-transplant, and for months or years following transplant. HSCT patients with persistent pain may be at risk for poor quality of life following transplant; however, the impact of pre-transplant pain on quality of life post-transplant is not well understood. Self-efficacy for chronic disease management is associated with quality of life among cancer patients and may impact quality of life for HSCT patients. The primary aim was to examine the effect of pre-transplant pain and self-efficacy on quality of life domains in the year following transplant.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-six HSCT patients completed questionnaires providing information on pain, self-efficacy, and quality of life prior to transplant, at discharge, and 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-transplant as part of a longitudinal, observational study. Linear mixed modeling examined the trajectories of these variables and the effect of pre-transplant pain and self-efficacy on post-transplant quality of life.

RESULTS

Pain and social and emotional quality of life remained stable in the year following transplant while self-efficacy and physical and functional quality of life improved. Pre-transplant pain was significantly related to lower physical well-being post-transplant. Lower pre-transplant self-efficacy was related to lower quality of life across all domains post-transplant.

CONCLUSION

Above and beyond the effect of pre-transplant pain, self-efficacy for managing chronic disease is important in understanding quality of life following transplant. Identifying patients with pain and/or low self-efficacy pre-transplant may allow for early intervention with self-management strategies.

Perceptions of Statin Discontinuation among Patients with Life-Limiting Illness

BACKGROUND

Optimal management of chronic medications for patients with life-limiting illness is uncertain. Medication deprescribing may improve outcomes in this population, but patient concerns regarding deprescribing are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to quantify the perceived benefits and concerns of statin discontinuation among patients with life-limiting illness.

DESIGN

Baseline data from a multicenter, pragmatic clinical trial of statin discontinuation were used.

SETTING/SUBJECTS

Cognitively intact participants with a life expectancy of 1-12 months receiving statin medications for primary or secondary prevention were enrolled.

MEASUREMENTS

Responses to a 9-item questionnaire addressing patient concerns about discontinuing statins were collected. We used Pearson chi-square tests to compare responses by primary life-limiting diagnosis (cancer, cardiovascular disease, other).

RESULTS

Of 297 eligible participants, 58% had cancer, 8% had cardiovascular disease, and 30% other primary diagnoses. Mean (standard deviation) age was 72 (11) years. Fewer than 5% of participants expressed concern that statin deprescribing indicated physician abandonment. About one in five participants reported being told to take statins for the rest of their life (18%) or feeling that discontinuation represented prior wasted effort (18%). Many participants reported benefits of stopping statins, including spending less money on medications (63%), potentially stopping other medications (34%), and having a better quality of life (25%). More participants with cardiovascular disease as a primary diagnosis perceived that quality-of-life benefits related to statin discontinuation (52%) than participants with cancer (27%) or noncardiovascular disease diagnoses (27%) [p = 0.034].

CONCLUSION

Few participants expressed concerns about discontinuing statins; many perceived potential benefits. Cardiovascular disease patients perceived greater potential positive impact from statin discontinuation.

Optimizing delivery of a behavioral pain intervention in cancer patients using a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial SMART

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Pain is common in cancer patients and results in lower quality of life, depression, poor physical functioning, financial difficulty, and decreased survival time. Behavioral pain interventions are effective and nonpharmacologic. Traditional randomized controlled trials (RCT) test interventions of fixed time and dose, which poorly represent successive treatment decisions in clinical practice. We utilize a novel approach to conduct a RCT, the sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) design, to provide comparative evidence of: 1) response to differing initial doses of a pain coping skills training (PCST) intervention and 2) intervention dose sequences adjusted based on patient response. We also examine: 3) participant characteristics moderating intervention responses and 4) cost-effectiveness and practicality.

METHODS/DESIGN

Breast cancer patients (N=327) having pain (ratings≥5) are recruited and randomly assigned to: 1) PCST-Full or 2) PCST-Brief. PCST-Full consists of 5 PCST sessions. PCST-Brief consists of one 60-min PCST session. Five weeks post-randomization, participants re-rate their pain and are re-randomized, based on intervention response, to receive additional PCST sessions, maintenance calls, or no further intervention. Participants complete measures of pain intensity, interference and catastrophizing.

CONCLUSIONS

Novel RCT designs may provide information that can be used to optimize behavioral pain interventions to be adaptive, better meet patients' needs, reduce barriers, and match with clinical practice. This is one of the first trials to use a novel design to evaluate symptom management in cancer patients and in chronic illness; if successful, it could serve as a model for future work with a wide range of chronic illnesses.

Exploratory secondary analyses of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for knee osteoarthritis demonstrate reduction in biomarkers of adipocyte inflammation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of pain coping skills training (PCST) and a lifestyle behavioral weight management (BWM) program on inflammatory markers and biomarker associations with pain and function in the OA LIFE study.

METHOD

Serum samples were available from a subset (N = 169) of the overweight or obese knee OA participants in the OA LIFE study that evaluated: PCST, BWM, combined PCST + BWM, or standard care (SC). Inflammatory markers (hsCRP, IL-1ra, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, TNFRI, TNFRII, and hyaluronic acid (HA)), and adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) were measured before and after the 24-week treatment period. Biomarkers were assessed for effects of treatment and for associations with change in weight, pain and disability (unadjusted and adjusted for age, race, sex, baseline body mass index (BMI), and baseline biomarker concentration).

RESULTS

PCST + BWM was associated with significant reductions in hsCRP (P = 0.0014), IL-6 (P = 0.0075), and leptin (P = 0.0001). After adjustment, there was a significant effect of PCST + BWM on changes in leptin (b = -0.19, P = 0.01) and IL-6 (b = -0.25, P = 0.02) relative to SC. Reductions in leptin and IL-6 were significantly correlated with reductions in weight, BMI and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain; reductions in IL-6 were correlated with improvements in WOMAC and Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS) physical function. By mediation analyses, weight loss was responsible for 54% of the change in IL-6 and all of the change in leptin.

CONCLUSIONS

OA-related inflammatory markers were reduced by a 24-week combined PCST + BWM intervention. This suggests that the inflammatory state can be successfully modified in the context of a readily instituted clinical intervention with a positive clinical outcome.

Pain coping skills training for African Americans with osteoarthritis (STAART): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

African Americans bear a disproportionate burden of osteoarthritis (OA), with higher prevalence rates, more severe pain, and more functional limitations. One key barrier to addressing these disparities has been limited engagement of African Americans in the development and evaluation of behavioral interventions for management of OA. Pain Coping Skills Training (CST) is a cognitive-behavioral intervention with shown efficacy to improve OA-related pain and other outcomes. Emerging data indicate pain CST may be a promising intervention for reducing racial disparities in OA symptom severity. However, there are important gaps in this research, including incorporation of stakeholder perspectives (e.g. cultural appropriateness, strategies for implementation into clinical practice) and testing pain CST specifically among African Americans with OA. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally enhanced pain CST program among African Americans with OA.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a randomized controlled trial among 248 participants with symptomatic hip or knee OA, with equal allocation to a pain CST group and a wait list (WL) control group. The pain CST program incorporated feedback from patients and other stakeholders and involves 11 weekly telephone-based sessions. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, 12 weeks (primary time point), and 36 weeks (to assess maintenance of treatment effects). The primary outcome is the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and secondary outcomes include self-efficacy, pain coping, pain interference, quality of life, depressive symptoms, and global assessment of change. Linear mixed models will be used to compare the pain CST group to the WL control group and explore whether participant characteristics are associated with differential improvement in the pain CST program. This research is in compliance with the Helsinki Declaration and was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, East Carolina University, and Duke University Health System.

DISCUSSION

This culturally enhanced pain CST program could have a substantial impact on outcomes for African Americans with OA and may be a key strategy in the reduction of racial health disparities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02560922 , registered 9/22/2015.

Using Patient Reported Outcomes in Oncology Clinical Practice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patient reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly being implemented into the care of patients with cancer. The use of a standard set of PROs (e.g., pain) in cancer is becoming established and there is interest in what additional PROs might provide valuable information. The goal of this observational study was to examine how the PROs of self-efficacy for pain and other symptoms assessed at the point of service were associated with pain, symptom severity and distress, and physical and psychosocial functioning in a sample of breast and gastrointestinal patients. We also sought to examine differences in these relationships by cancer type (breast and gastrointestinal) as well as understand differences in self-assessment mode (paper/pencil or electronic tablet).

METHODS

178 patients with breast (n=65) and gastrointestinal cancer (n = 113) completed the Chronic Pain Self Efficacy Scale, M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General questionnaires. Measures were completed with paper and pencil and electronically using a tablet computer while patients waited for their clinical appointment. Responses from the initial completed questionnaires on both the paper and electronic instruments were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients' self-efficacy scores for pain and other symptoms correlated positively with pain, symptom severity and distress, and physical and psychosocial functioning; patients with lower levels of self-efficacy reported poorer outcomes and functioning overall. The results were independent of cancer type and mode of assessment. No statistically significant differences were found in the PROs when collected by electronic technology versus paper-pencil mode; patients were very satisfied with using the tablet computer to complete the PRO measures.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results suggest that self-efficacy for pain and symptom management may be a beneficial addition to clinic-based PRO assessment batteries for patients with cancer and other chronic diseases. Existing short, validated symptom self-efficacy scales could easily be integrated into clinical practice to help healthcare providers identify patients that might benefit from intervention. Study results also support existing research that suggests electronic approaches are a practical way to collect PRO data, including self-efficacy data, in the clinic. Overall, our data suggest that patients who have particularly low levels of self-efficacy for pain and symptom management may be at risk for higher levels of pain and disability. Thus, if self-efficacy for pain and symptom management were routinely collected at the time of clinical service, psychosocial interventions to improve self-efficacy for pain and symptom management, and in turn overall quality of life, could be implemented in a timely fashion.