Associations between symptoms with healthcare utilization and death in advanced cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

There is limited data about assessments that are associated with increased utilization of medical services among advanced oncology patients (AOPs). We aimed to identify factors related to healthcare utilization and death in AOP.

METHODS

AOPs at a comprehensive cancer center were enrolled in a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation program. Participants completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scale. We examined factors associated with palliative care (PC), acute care (AC), emergency room (ER), hospital admissions (HA), and death.

RESULTS

In all, 817 AOPs were included in these analyses with a median age of 69. They were generally female (58.7%), white (61.4%), stage IV (51.6%), and represented common cancers (31.5% GI, 25.2% thoracic, 14.3% gynecologic). ESAS pain, anxiety, and total score were related to more PC visits (B=0.31, 95% CI [0.21, 0.40], p<0.001; B=0.24 [0.12, 0.36], p<0.001; and B=0.038 [0.02, 0.06], p=0.001, respectively). Total FACT-G score and physical subscale were related to total PC visits (B=-0.021 [-0.037, -0.006], p=0.008 and B=-0.181 [-0.246, -0.117], p<0.001, respectively). Lower FACT-G social subscale scores were related to more ER visits (B=-0.03 [-0.53, -0.004], p=0.024), while increased tiredness was associated with fewer AC visits (B=-0.039 [-0.073, -0.006], p=0.023). Higher total ESAS scores were related to death within 30 days (OR=0.87 [0.76, 0.98], p=0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

The ESAS and FACT-G assessments were linked to PC and AC visits and death. These assessments may be useful for identifying AOPs that would benefit from routine PC.

Examining the Association between Emotional Dysregulation and Treatment Burden

Treatment burden contributes to suboptimal adherence and lower health-related quality of life among people diagnosed with chronic conditions, but little is known about how the psychological process of emotional dysregulation influences treatment burden. To explore this relationship, we conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study comprised of 149 men and women diagnosed with one or more Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Systems defined chronic conditions recruited from a single primary care setting. Multivariate analyses demonstrated emotional dysregulation as an independent factor contributing to total (p < .001), medication (p = .007), and dietary (p < .001) treatment burden, with model effect sizes ranging from large (.43) to moderate (.21), controlling for other known antecedent factors of treatment burden. Emotional dysregulation was not a factor contributing to exercise related treatment burden. Our findings indicated emotional dysregulation as an important factor contributing to higher levels of total, medication, and dietary treatment burden associated with daily self-management regimens.

77 EXPERIENCES OF OLDER PEOPLE AND CARERS REFERRED TO AMBULATORY OUTREACH TEAM WITHIN INTEGRATED CARE PROGRAMME FOR OLDER PERSONS (ICPOP) SERVICE

Background

Ambulatory outreach services are part of new pathways to reduce reliance on secondary care as outlined in the Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons. Multidisciplinary outreach teams provide urgent medical and rehabilitation services in the person’s home to stabilise a health crisis.

Methods

The study aimed to explore the experiences of older people accessing a ambulatory outreach service and identify development opportunities. Interpretive description, an inductive analytic approach, was used to seek an understanding of clinical phenomena that illuminate their characteristics, patterns and structure. Data collection used qualitative telephone interviews. A purposeful sample of older people and carers were recruited following discharge from the outreach service over a three-month period.

Results

Sixteen participants (patients n=9 and carers n=7) were interviewed, 77% were female with a mean age of 83 years. Three major themes and seven sub-themes were identified:

Theme 1: Gratitude for specialised care: a) Moment of crisis “It was absolutely brilliant”; b) Care in my home: physical and psychological benefits

Theme 2: Living with and managing complexity: c) Resilience and resignation: living in the moment “Well she’s doing good at the moment, God forbids if there is more injuries”, d) Work of patients: maintain motivation & control; task and service boundaries e) Work of Families “We’re doing it so far”.

Theme 3:Scope for pro-active planning & Integration: f) What happens next? an unpredictable future; h) Integration with GP & community, g) Unspoken plan- sub-conscious advanced care planning “Nobody makes the decision on their own they call someone else”

Conclusion

The Outreach Team was highly valued by participants and was seen as vital in regaining functional capability and confidence to cope. Future developments need to examine task and service boundaries that undermine resilience, post outreach follow-up, integration with primary care, and opportunities for advanced care conversations.

94 WORKING TOWARDS AN AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH SYSTEM IN AN IRISH MODEL FOUR TERTIARY REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Background

Traditional consult services represent an area where the evidence-based 4Ms framework might be applied. A 4M framework Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) consult form may help standardise the assessment of older persons outside of geriatric medicine. We aimed to incorporate a concise CGA tool based on the 4Ms within a geriatric medicine consult form.

Methods

Data from 100 geriatric medicine consult forms was entered onto an excel database. Each component was analysed, using descriptive statistics, for accuracy in completion, ability to contribute to referrers knowledge and a modified Delphi consensus model was used to inform the creation of a 4M framework-based concise CGA within the consult referral form. Time to completion was monitored.

Results

The median age of referred patients was 79 with a male:female ratio of 1:1. The average number of co-morbidities was 6, with 75% of patients having a significant vascular history, 30% a history of falls, and 16% diagnosed with delirium. 72% were on 5 or more medications. 53% had a complete Barthel index, with a median score of 12/20. What matters to the patient, clinical frailty score, mood and mental health were not well captured by the existing consult. These were incorporated, following consensus, into a ‘little g’, which takes between 4 and 15 minutes depending on user experience and patient complexity.

Conclusion

An evidence-based consult form, based on 4Ms, has been developed. Next steps are to introduce it to the next cohort of interns and assess efficiency and outcomes.

The impact of COVID-19 on access to dental care for people with disabilities: a global survey during the COVID-19 first wave lockdown

BACKGROUND

It is unclear what immediate impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on delivery of oral healthcare to people with disabilities worldwide.

AIM

To report the international impact of COVID-19 lockdown on oral healthcare provision for people with disabilities before, during and after the first lockdown (March to July 2020).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional online self-administered survey of dentists who treat people with disabilities completed 10th to 31st of July 2020. Responses allowed comparison from before, during and immediately after the first wave lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analysed using McNemar's test to compare reported practice before to during lockdown, and before to after lockdown.

RESULTS

Four-hundred-thirty-six respondents from across global regions reported a significant reduction from before to during and from before to after lockdown regarding: the proportion of dentists treating people with all types of disability (p <0.001) and the number of patients with disabilities seen per week (p<0.0001). The proportion reporting no availability of any pharmacological supports rose from 22% pre-lockdown to 61% during lockdown (p < 0.001) and a persistent 44% after lockdown (p < 0.001). An increase in teledentistry was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

During the first COVID-19 lockdown, there was a significant negative impact on the delivery of dental care to people with disabilities. Oral healthcare access was significantly restricted for people with disabilities with access to sedation and general anaesthesia particularly affected. There is now an increased need to ensure that no-one is left behind in new and existing services as they emerge post-pandemic.

Possible Bioenergetic Biomarker for Chronic Cancer-Related Fatigue

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related fatigue is a highly prevalent, debilitating, and persistent symptom experienced by patients receiving cancer treatments. Up to 71% of men with prostate cancer receiving radiation therapy experience acute and persistent CRF. There is neither an effective therapy nor a diagnostic biomarker for cancer-related fatigue. This pilot study aimed to discover potential biomarkers associated with chronic cancer-related fatigue in men with prostate cancer receiving radiation therapy.

METHODS

We used a longitudinal repeated-measures research design. Twenty men with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy completed all study visits. Cancer-related fatigue was evaluated by a well-established and validated questionnaire, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Fatigue (PROMIS-F) Short Form. In addition, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were harvested to quantify ribonucleic acid (RNA) gene expression of mitochondria-related genes. Data were collected before, during, on completion, and 24 months postradiation therapy and analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The mean of the PROMIS-F T-score was significantly increased over time in patients with prostate cancer, remaining elevated at 24 months post-radiation therapy compared to baseline. A significant downregulated BC1 ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase synthesis-like (BCS1L) was observed over time during radiation therapy and at 24 months postradiation therapy. An increased PROMIS-F score was trended with downregulated BCS1L in patients 24 months after completing radiation therapy.

DISCUSSION

This is the first evidence to describe altered messenger RNA for BCS1L in chronic cancer-related fatigue using the PROMIS-F measure with men receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that PBMC messenger RNA for BCS1L is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for radiation therapy-induced chronic cancer-related fatigue in this clinical population.

Randomized trial of a web-based nurse education intervention to increase discussion of clinical trials

Background

Clinical trials are a critical source of evidence for oncology care, yet very few patients participate. Among healthcare providers, nurses spend the most time with cancer patients and are the most highly trusted professionals. We developed and evaluated an educational program for oncology nurses targeting knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and perceived norms to facilitate discussion about clinical trials and support patient decision making.

Methods

A nationwide sample of oncology nurses were randomly assigned to receive general clinical trials education delivered as text (attention control) vs. tailored video vignettes (intervention) in a web-based continuing education program. Participants completed a baseline assessment and follow up assessments immediately after the educational program and three months later. The primary outcome was intention to discuss clinical trials with patients. Secondary outcomes were knowledge and attitudes about clinical trials, self-efficacy, and perceived norms.

Results

1393 nurses enrolled and completed the educational program and post-intervention assessment (720 control, 673 video). Both text education and tailored video education increased intention to discuss clinical trials with patients, with a greater effect in the video group (p < .0001). Likewise, knowledge, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and perceived norms were all improved with education in both groups, and the magnitude of benefit was greater (p < .001) for the video group in all outcomes except knowledge.

Conclusion

A one-time online educational program for oncology nurses improves knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and intention to engage patients in discussions about clinical trials. A tailored video format was associated with a greater effect than standard text only material.

A randomized controlled trial of structured palliative care versus standard supportive care for patients enrolled in phase 1 clinical trials

Purpose

Patients enrolled in Phase 1 clinical trials have typically exhausted standard therapies and often are choosing between a clinical trial and hospice care. Significant symptom burden can result in early trial discontinuation and confound trial outcomes. This study aimed to examine differences in study duration, symptom burden, adverse events (AE), and quality of life (QOL) between those receiving structured palliative care versus usual supportive care.

Patients and methods

Sixty‐eight patients enrolled in phase 1 clinical trials and 39 of their CGs were randomly assigned to receive structured palliative care or usual supportive care. Patient QOL was measured monthly using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy and Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. The Quality of Life in Life‐Threatening Illness–Family Care Version and Caregiver Reaction Assessment were used for CGs. AEs and use of palliative care resources were compared between arms.

Results

Mean duration of the phase 1 study was 142 days in the palliative care arm versus 116 days in the usual care arm (p = 0.55). Although not statistically significant, patients in the palliative care arm experienced fewer AEs and better QOL, as did their CGs, compared to those receiving usual care.

Conclusions

Phase 1 patients and their CGs have physical and psychosocial needs warranting palliative care services. Results suggest that structured palliative care is associated with the increased duration of the study and improved patient and CG QOL.

Phase 1 patients and their caregivers have physical and psychosocial needs warranting palliative care services. Providing structured palliative care servies to this population was associated with increased duration on phase 1 study and improved patient and caregiver QOL.

Interest and Willingness to Pay for Integrative Therapies of Patients With Cancer and Caregivers

PURPOSE

Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) services are more prevalent in cancer centers but continue to be underutilized by patients. This study examines perspectives from patients and caregivers about these services being offered at a comprehensive cancer center.

METHODS

Patients and caregivers were surveyed about their familiarity, interest, and experience with five CIM therapies: acupuncture, massage, meditation, music therapy, and yoga. Respondents were also asked about their interest when recommended by their medical team and when offered in a clinical trial as well as their willingness to pay for these services. Respondents were also asked about perceived barriers to accessing these services. Chi-squared tests were performed to explore associations between past experience, interest levels, and willingness to pay.

RESULTS

A total of 576 surveys were obtained (464 patients and 112 caregivers). Most respondents identified as White or Caucasian (65.6%), female (57.2%), had been a patient for < 3 years (74.2%), had some college education (73.8%), and made > $40,000 in US dollars as their annual household income (69.1%). Respondents were most familiar with therapeutic massage (34.2%) and least familiar with acupuncture (20.0%). The average interest in these services increased from 53.3% to 64.1% when recommended by a medical professional. Respondents were most willing to pay $1-60 for therapeutic massage (62.3%) and least willing to pay for meditation (43.7%). The main barriers to accessing CIM services were cost (56.0%) and lack of knowledge (52.1%).

CONCLUSION

Overall, a significant proportion of patients and caregivers were unfamiliar with these five integrative therapies. Increasing education, decreasing cost, and a recommendation by medical professionals would improve CIM usage.

Improved foot management of people with diabetes by primary healthcare nurses in Auckland, New Zealand

AIMS

Evaluate trends in foot examinations for people with diabetes by primary healthcare nurses between 2006-2008 and 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand.

METHODS

All primary care nurses in 2006-2008 and 2016 were identified and 26% and 24% were randomly sampled and surveyed, respectively. Nurse participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and telephone interview about the care provided for people with diabetes.

RESULTS

Significantly more patients consulted by practice nurses received foot examinations in 2016 (58%) compared with 2006-2008 (36%), and foot-care education (66% versus 26%). Of the 43% of patients who had no foot examination in 2016, 23% had no previous examination documented. Significantly more nurses in 2016 than in 2006-2008 self-reported routinely examining patients' feet (45% versus 31%) and giving foot-care education (28% versus 13%). These practices were associated with nurses undertaking >5 hours of diabetes education within the past five years.

CONCLUSIONS

Practice nurses have significantly expanded their role in managing people with diabetes over the last decade by increasing the number of foot examinations and providing recommended foot-care education. Improved management was associated with nurses attending diabetes education in the past five years. Gaps were identified in conducting the recommended number of foot examinations, categorising patients' risk of foot disease and recording previous examinations.

Associations between symptom severity and treatment burden in people living with HIV

AIM

To examine the association between symptoms severity and treatment burden in people living with HIV.

DESIGN

Correlational, secondary analysis of data from participants diagnosed with HIV enrolled in a descriptive, cross-sectional study examining physical activity patterns.

METHODS

We analysed data from 103 men and women using self-report data collected between March 2016 - February 2017. Our primary statistical analyses consisted of explanatory multivariate modelling with individual PROMIS-29 scores representing symptom severity and treatment burden measured using the Treatment Burden Questionnaire-13.

RESULTS

Greater symptom severity was associated with higher levels of cumulative treatment burden as well as higher levels of task-specific medication and physical activity burden. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that fatigue was a risk factor of cumulative treatment burden as well as task-specific medication and physical activity treatment burden. Effect sizes of multivariate models ranged from small (0.11) to medium (0.16). Additionally, post hoc analyses showed strong correlations between fatigue and other measured symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Findings support extant treatment burden literature, including the importance of addressing symptom severity in conjunction with treatment burden screening in the clinical setting. Results also suggest clinical interventions focused on the reduction of fatigue could reduce treatment burden in people living with HIV. Strong correlations between fatigue and other symptoms indicate the potential for reducing fatigue by addressing other highly clustered symptoms, such as depression.

IMPACT

People living with HIV exhibiting higher levels of fatigue are at high risk for treatment burden and poorer self-management adherence. Clinicians should consider incorporating symptom and treatment burden assessments when developing, tailoring and modifying interventions to improve self-management of HIV and other co-morbid conditions.

Genetic Variation Near chrXq22-q23 Is Linked to Emotional Functioning in Cystic Fibrosis

INTRODUCTION

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease that affects many organ systems, most notably the pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems. Through genome-wide association studies, multiple genetic regions modifying CF-related pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms have been identified, but translation of these findings to clinical benefit remains elusive. Symptom variation in CF patients has been associated with changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but the relationship between CF symptom-modifying genetic loci and HRQOL has not been explored. The purpose of this study was to determine whether two previously identified genetic modifiers of CF-related pathology also modify the subscales of HRQOL.

METHODS

HRQOL and genotype data were obtained and analyzed. Linear regressions were used to examine the amount of variance in HRQOL subscales that could be explained by genotype for each modifier locus.

RESULTS

A significant regression equation was found between genotype for rs5952223, a variant near chrXq22-q23, and emotional functioning in a sample of 129 CF patients.

DISCUSSION

These data suggest that genotype for this single-nucleotide polymorphism is associated with emotional functioning in CF patients and highlight this genetic region as a potential therapeutic target, irrespective of CF transmembrane conductance regulator genotype.

On Best Interests: A Case for Clinical Ethics Consultation

Surrogate health care decision making is often a challenge for everyone involved. In the case of incapacitated patients, family members, nurses, health care providers, and other members of the health care team often grapple with determining the most appropriate clinical course of action. For these difficult patient scenarios, the expertise of clinical ethics consultants is sought to assist with complex health care decision making. Clinical ethics consultation is designed to provide a more objective "outside" opinion and offer advice to the patient, family, and entire care team to support and guide decisions. Nurses are well positioned to initiate assistance from Clinical Ethics Consult Services in support of patient and family advocacy. This article presents a case analysis based on the Stakeholder, Facts, Norms, and Options Framework to analyze the best interest course of action for Mr K., a patient diagnosed with abdominal pain due to end-stage liver cirrhosis and who lacks decisional capacity in regard to his own treatment decision making. The case analysis highlights specific examples of how nurses can provide information, facilitate discussion, and otherwise support patients and families to achieve best interest outcomes.

Family Surrogate Decision-making in Chronic Critical Illness: A Qualitative Analysis

BACKGROUND

Caring for an adult with chronic critical illness is a difficult undertaking. Family surrogates are tasked with decision-making on behalf of their loved one, particularly during acute-on-chronic illness episodes. Critical care nurses are well positioned and well qualified to facilitate this process.

OBJECTIVES

To explore family surrogate decision-making for people with chronic critical illness.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with family surrogates (n = 7) as part of a larger descriptive, longitudinal study (N = 264). Content analyses were guided by Miles and colleagues' methods of data analysis.

RESULTS

Family surrogates serving as decision makers for a spouse or another adult loved one were mostly female. Although decision-making was often described as "frustrating," most surrogates reported that they were "comfortable" with this role. Major decision-making themes were "communication as key in decision-making," "impact of past experiences," and "difficulties and coping." Advice from family and friends, health care providers (such as nurses), and faith or spirituality were significant resources for coping with decision-making challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support recent recommendations of the National Academy of Medicine that endorsed shared decision-making. Data also support development of more effective team communication and decision support strategies, particularly addressing consistency and continuity. Critical care nurses can use their expertise to positively influence these outcomes.

Examining the Association between Item Specific Treatment Burden and Adherence in People Living with HIV

For the 1.1 million people with HIV (PWH) in the United States, adherence to a HIV anti-retroviral medication regimen, engagement in regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet are essential for maintaining optimal health. However, treatment burden can increase the risk for self-management non-adherence. We analyzed data of 103 men and women diagnosed with HIV to examine the relationship between medication, physical activity, and diet-related treatment burden to corresponding measures of self-management adherence. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that one medication treatment burden item explained 11% (p=.01) of self-reported 30-day HIV anti-retroviral medication adherence; physical activity treatment burden, along with physical functioning, explained 25% (p<.001) of physical activity, measured by daily average steps; and diet-specific treatment burden was non-significant in maintaining a healthy diet, measured by a total Healthy Eating Index-2010 score. Findings demonstrate that specific treatment burden items can predict specific self-management outcome behavior in PWH.

Increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A population-based cohort study, systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of liver transplantation in the West. This study seeks to examine whether women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of developing NAFLD compared to women without GDM.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based retrospective matched-controlled cohort study utilising The Health Improvement Network (THIN), a large primary care database representative of the United Kingdom population, between 01/01/1990 to 31/05/2016 followed by systematic review of available literature. The study population included 9640 women with GDM and 31,296 controls without GDM, matched for age, body mass index (BMI) and time of pregnancy. All study participants were free from NAFLD diagnosis at study entry. Patients with GDM and patients developing NAFLD were identified by clinical codes.

RESULTS

The median (range) follow-up duration was similar in women with and without GDM (2.95 (1.21-6.01) vs 2.85 (1.14-5.75) years respectively). Unadjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) for NAFLD development in women with vs without GDM was 3.28 (95% CI 2.14-5.02), which remained significant after adjustment for wide range of potential confounders (IRR 2.70; 95% CI 1.744-4.19). The risk of NAFLD in GDM remained high (IRR 2.46: 95% CI 1.51-4.00) despite women being censored after they developed type 2 diabetes. The meta-analysis of 3 studies (including the current study) showed increased NAFLD risk in women with vs without GDM (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.90-3.57, I₂ = 0%). As our study is based on routine clinical diagnosis of NAFLD, this study could potentially have underestimated the risk of NAFLD development.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with GDM are at increased risk of developing NAFLD in their later life compared to women without GDM regardless of the development of type 2 diabetes. Clinicians should have a low threshold to investigate women with history of GDM for the presence of NAFLD. Further studies to identify screening strategies are needed.

Relationships between expression of BCS1L, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and fatigue among patients with prostate cancer

Introduction: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most debilitating symptom with the greatest adverse side effect on quality of life. The etiology of this symptom is still not understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mitochondrial gene expression, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, electron transport chain complex activity, and fatigue in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (XRT), compared to patients on active surveillance (AS).

Methods: The study used a matched case–control and repeated-measures research design. Fatigue was measured using the revised Piper Fatigue Scale from 52 patients with prostate cancer. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, electron-transport chain enzymatic activity, and BCS1L gene expression were determined using patients’ peripheral mononuclear cells. Data were collected at three time points and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: The fatigue score was significantly different over time between patients undergoing XRT and AS (P<0.05). Patients undergoing XRT experienced significantly increased fatigue at day 21 and day 42 of XRT (P<0.01). Downregulated mitochondrial gene (BC1, ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase, synthesis-like, BCS1L, P<0.05) expression, decreased OXPHOS-complex III oxidation (P<0.05), and reduced activity of complex III were observed over time in patients with XRT. Moreover, increased fatigue was significantly associated with downregulated BCS1L and decreased complex III oxidation in patients undergoing XRT.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that BCS1L and complex III in mitochondrial mononuclear cells are potential biomarkers and feasible therapeutic targets for acute XRT-induced fatigue in this clinical population.

The Association Between Chronic Condition Symptoms and Treatment Burden in a Skilled Nursing Population

The purpose of the current study was to determine the relationship between chronic condition symptoms and treatment burden in older adults transitioning from skilled nursing facilities to home. Treatment burden is defined as the burden associated with adhering to a prescribed chronic condition self-management regimen. Analysis of correlations between chronic condition symptoms and treatment burden revealed that symptoms and treatment burden are positively correlated (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis (adjusted R2 = 0.40, F[10, 63] = 5.96, p < 0.001), controlling for other known antecedents of treatment burden, demonstrated that fatigue (standardized beta coefficient = 0.47, p < 0.001) predicted higher levels of treatment burden. Post hoc analysis revealed caregiver presence partially mediated the effect of fatigue on treatment burden, decreasing treatment burden during transition. Findings support existing transitional care literature suggesting that clinical assessment, including symptom screening, treatment of symptoms, and/or intervention reducing the impact of symptoms on patients' health and well-being, may lower treatment burden, thus improving self-management adherence. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(12), 45-52.].

Integrated mitochondrial function and cancer-related fatigue in men with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy

Introduction

Fatigue experienced by cancer patients is one of the most common symptoms with the greatest adverse effect on quality of life, but arguably the least understood. The purpose of this study was to explore changes in integrated mitochondrial function and fatigue in non-metastatic prostate cancer patients receiving localized radiation therapy (XRT).

Materials and methods

We proposed a mitochondrial bioenergetics mechanism of radiation-induced fatigue linking impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) through complex III and decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production as consequences of XRT. Integrated mitochondrial function was measured as mitochondrial OXPHOS from patients’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Fatigue was measured using the revised Piper Fatigue Scale. Data were collected before (day 0) and at day 21 of XRT.

Results

At day 21 of XRT, fatigue symptom intensified in 15 prostate cancer patients (P<0.05). Mitochondrial OXPHOS complex III-linked and uncoupled complex III rates were significantly decreased in mononuclear cells at day 21 during XRT compared to that before XRT (P<0.05). Additionally, increased fatigue appeared to be associated with decreased OXPHOS complex III-linked respiration in patients undergoing XRT.

Conclusion

Fatigue was associated with OXPHOS complex III-linked oxidation and a defect in oxidation starting at complex III in mononuclear cell mitochondria was revealed at day 21 of XRT in 15 prostate cancer patients. Complex III is a potential target for pharmacological and, in particular, nutraceutical interventions, eg, Q10, for design of interventions for CRF.

Randomized clinical trial of a community navigation intervention to improve well-being in persons living with HIV and other co-morbidities

Long-term survival of people living with HIV (PLWH) is associated with the development of co-morbid conditions and need for symptom management and other efforts to enhance quality of life. We conducted a longitudinal, randomized trial over 36 months to evaluate the effect of a community-based navigator intervention to provide early palliative care to 179 PLWH and other chronic conditions. Outcomes included quality of life, symptom management, coping ability, social support, self-management, and completion of advance directives. Data were analyzed using SAS mixed effects model repeat measurement. Our navigator program showed variable improvement over time of three outcome variables, self-blame, symptom distress, and HIV self-management. However, the program did not improve overall quality of life, social support, or completion of advance directives.