A hopefulness survey of SWOG members: Relationships among hope, job stress, and burnout

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Background: Hope is a cognitive, goal-directed phenomenon that is measurable. It is “a cognitive set that is based on a reciprocally-derived sense of successful agency (goal-directed determination) and pathways (planning to meet goals).” Although hope has been explored in patients, few studies have investigated hope in physicians and other healthcare providers. Low hope has been shown to predict work burnout in other professions. This survey in the SWOG Cancer Research Network tests the relationships among hope, work stress, burnout, and general satisfaction with life. Methods: SWOG members randomly selected and invited to participate by email linked to a 10-minute online survey consisting of the following: The Adult Hope Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, demographic questionnaire, and items assessing burnout, work stress, and general social support. Of 1000 invitees, 226 responded to the survey, including physicians ( n = 77) and RNs ( n = 46). Results: On average, respondents reported relatively high work stress ( M = 3.59 out of 5). Levels of work stress were positively associated with burnout ( r = .58, p < .001), but not with general satisfaction with life ( r = .11, p = .08). Hope levels were negatively associated with burnout ( r = -.21, p = .003) and positively associated with satisfaction with life ( r = .58, p < .001). Consistent with past research showing that people with greater availability of general social support suffer from lower rates of burnout and experience higher levels of psychological well-being, we found that social support was negatively associated with burnout ( r = -.18, p = .007) and positively associated with life satisfaction ( r = .38, p < .001). In addition, we tested a meditational model using Hayes’ bootstrapping approach via the PROCESS macro in SPSS. In this model, hope partially mediated the relationships between social support and both burnout and life satisfaction. In the model, job stress also predicted burnout, but, as in the previous correlational analysis, had no relationship with general life satisfaction. Conclusions: Our cross-sectional results suggest that hope may mitigate the effects of burnout. Our data indicate that the particular combination of social support and hope may prove helpful for reducing job burnout and increasing general satisfaction with life. Single-session hope-enhancement workshops that incorporate both of these elements have been shown to increase hope and psychological well-being in non-medical populations. Such interventions for healthcare professionals warrant further study.

The association of patient fatigue and outcomes in advanced cancer: An analysis of four SWOG treatment trials

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Background: Prior studies have suggested that patient-reported outcomes may be associated with cancer outcomes. We evaluated the association between clinically significant fatigue (CSF) and adverse events (AEs), quality of life (QOL), and overall survival (OS) during cancer treatment. Methods: Four phase II or III chemotherapy trials, two each in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC), were used to compare patients with or without baseline CSF. Baseline CSF was defined as a rating of 2 or greater on the FACT fatigue survey question or an EORTC QLQ-C30 fatigue symptom score of 50% or greater. Change in QOL from baseline, AE rates, and survival were compared according to baseline CSF with linear regression models, equality of proportions chi-squared tests, and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox regression models, respectively, separately for each trial. Results: Of 1,994 participants, 1,907 had complete baseline QOL survey data, with 52% reporting CSF at baseline. Baseline CSF was associated with an increased incidence of grade 3-5 constitutional (16.5% vs 9.4%, p = 0.002 and 13.9% vs 6.3%, p = 0.002) and neurological (11.7% vs 6.1%, p = 0.006 and 9.0% vs 3.9%, p = 0.01) AEs, respectively, in two studies of advanced HRPC. Overall, patients with baseline CSF had significantly lower baseline QOL across all four domains (p < 0.01). Across all four studies, baseline CSF was associated with higher mortality rates, with adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval, p-value): 1.34 (1.14, 1.57, p < .001) and 1.30 (1.02, 1.66, p = 0.03) in NSCLC studies, 1.49 (0.95, 2.35, p = 0.09) and 1.53 (1.12, 2.11, p = 0.008) in HRPC studies. Conclusions: Oncology trial participants with baseline CSF had significantly lower baseline QOL, experienced more adverse events and had poorer survival compared to participants without CSF. We have confirmed previous work indicating that fatigue is an important baseline stratification factor that should be considered in all oncology treatment trials. Consistent with other research, our results indicate that fatigue should be measured and ameliorated wherever possible among advanced cancer patients.

Healthy behaviors are associated with positive outcomes for cancer survivors with ostomies: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cancer survivors (CS) with ostomies may face challenges in sustaining physical activity (PA) levels and maintaining healthy diets. This analysis describes lifestyle behaviors and their relationships with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in CS with ostomies.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, secondary analysis of a multisite randomized self-management education trial for CS with ostomies. The baseline self-reported measures were queried on aerobic PA and diet using the City of Hope Quality of Life Ostomy measure, and the Self-Efficacy to Perform Self-Management Behaviors questionnaire (SE). PA was compared against the American Cancer Society PA guidelines for CS. Relationships between PA and HRQOL were evaluated using multiple linear regression, stratified by BMI.

RESULTS

Among 200 responders, fewer than 20% met or exceeded the PA guideline for cancer survivors; overall, confidence in the ability to perform gentle or aerobic PA was moderate (6/10 on the SE). Overall HRQOL (p = 0.038), psychological well-being (p = 0.017), and physical strength (p = 0.025) were associated with increased PA. Almost half (48.7%) of CS reported a special diet. CS with urostomies were less likely to report diet adjustments after their ostomy surgeries (OR: 0.16, 95% CI [0.08-0.38]) than CS with fecal ostomies.

CONCLUSIONS

Better HRQOL is associated with PA guideline achievement among CS with ostomies. Additionally, diet adjustments were reported more frequently in CS with fecal ostomies. Our findings bear clinical relevance for designing ostomy self-management and lifestyle recommendations for CS with ostomies.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

The evaluation of lifestyle behaviors may be an especially important focus for CS with ostomies.

Kallikrein 6 protease advances colon tumorigenesis via induction of the high mobility group A2 protein

Kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) overexpression is commonly observed in primary tumors of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and has been associated with tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and poor prognosis. We previously established a unique contribution of KLK6 in colon cancer metastasis via a specific network of microRNAs and mRNAs. Here we evaluated the cellular functions of KLK6 protease in Caco-2 colon adenocarcinoma cell line after introduction of the enzymatically active or inactive form of the enzyme. We found that proteolytically active KLK6 increased Caco-2 cells invasiveness in vitro and decreased the animal survival in the orthotopic colon cancer model. The active KLK6 induced phosphorylation of SMAD 2/3 proteins leading to the altered expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. KLK6 overexpression also induced the RNA-binding protein LIN28B and high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) transcription factor, two essential regulators of cell invasion and metastasis. In the CRC patients, KLK6 protein levels were elevated in the non-cancerous distant and adjacent tissues, compared to their paired tumor tissues (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0157, respectively). Patients with mutant K-RAS tumors had significantly higher level of KLK6 protein in the luminal surface of non-cancerous distant tissue, compared to the corresponding tissues of the patients with K-RAS wild type tumors (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, KLK6 and HMGA2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) scores in patients' tumors and paired adjacent tissues positively correlated (Spearman correlation P < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). These findings demonstrate the critical function of the KLK6 enzyme in colon cancer progression and its contribution to the signaling network in colon cancer.

Cancer Survivorship at the Intersections of Care and Personhood

Surviving colorectal cancer following ostomy surgery with an intestinal stoma presents numerous challenges to the cultural category of full adult personhood. The foremost is managing unpredictable bowel activity. The technical management of the ostomy facilitated by biomedical specialists, is essential for personhood realignment. This article focuses on how some female long-term cancer survivors manage and adapt to this new fecal habitus by mobilizing various assemblages of care - receiving care, continuing to provide particular gendered forms of care, and returning to caregiving roles. These interdependent practices of care realign personhood, or at the very least, minimize the assaults that having an ostomy presents to the cultural category of full adult personhood.

Improving family caregiver and patient outcomes in lung cancer surgery: Study protocol for a randomized trial of the multimedia self-management (MSM) intervention

OBJECTIVE

To describe the study protocol of the Multimedia Self-Management (MSM) intervention to prepare patients and family caregivers (FCGs) for lung cancer surgery.

DESIGN

The study is a five-year, single site, randomized controlled trial of 160 lung cancer surgery FCG and patient dyads (320 total participants), comparing intervention and attention control arms.

SETTING

One National Cancer-Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer center in Southern California.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who are scheduled to undergo lung cancer surgery and their FCGs are enrolled as dyads only.

INTERVENTION

Based on the Chronic Care Self-Management Model (CCM), the intervention is a nurse-led, caregiver-based, multimedia care program for lung cancer surgery. Its primary focus is to help FCGs develop self-management skills related to their caregiving role through goal setting, proactive planning, building problem-solving skills, and accessing family support services. The intervention also supports dyads to prepare for surgery and post-operative recovery at home. It includes videos, print, web-based, and post-discharge telephone support.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

FCG and patient psychological distress and QOL; FCG burden and preparedness for caregiving; FCG and patient healthcare resource use (in-home nursing care, urgent care/ER visits, readmissions).

ANALYSIS

Repeated measures ANCOVA statistical design will be used, removing variances prior to examining mean squares for the group by occasion interactions, and co-varying the baseline scores. In addition, structured equation modeling (SEM) will assess whether mediating and moderating factors are associated with outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03686007.

Intellectual Equipoise and Challenges: Accruing Patients With Advanced Cancer to a Trial Randomizing to Surgical or Nonsurgical Management (SWOG S1316)

BACKGROUND

Prospective, randomized trials are needed to determine optimal treatment approaches for palliative care problems such as malignant bowel obstruction (MBO). Randomization poses unique issues for such studies, especially with divergent treatment approaches and varying levels of equipoise. We report our experience accruing randomized patients to the Prospective Comparative Effectiveness Trial for Malignant Bowel Obstruction (SWOG S1316) study, comparing surgical and nonsurgical management of MBO.

METHODS

Patients with MBO who were surgical candidates and had treatment equipoise were accrued and offered randomization to surgical or nonsurgical management. Patients choosing nonrandomization were offered prospective observation. Trial details are listed on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT #02270450). An accrual algorithm was developed to enhance enrollment.

RESULTS

Accrual is ongoing with 176 patients enrolled. Most (89%) patients chose nonrandomization, opting for nonsurgical management. Of 25 sites that have accrued to this study, 6 enrolled patients on the randomization arm. Approximately 59% (20/34) of the randomization accrual goal has been achieved. Patient-related factors and clinician bias have been the most prevalent reasons for lack of randomization. An algorithm was developed from clinician experience to aid randomization. Using principles in this tool, repeated physician conversations discussing treatment options and goals of care, and a supportive team-approach has helped increase accrual.

CONCLUSIONS

Experience gained from the S1316 study can aid future palliative care trials. Although difficult, it is possible to randomize patients to palliative studies by giving clinicians clear recommendations utilizing an algorithm of conversation, allotment of necessary time to discuss the trial, and encouragement to overcome internal bias.

Cancer survivors’ challenges with ostomy appliances and self-management

e23091

Background: Ostomies adversely affect health-related quality of life among cancer survivors. Survivors and their families must engage in ostomy self-management, make substantial behavior changes, and adjust to the consequences of their condition. We explored long-term cancer survivors’ challenges with ostomy appliances and ostomy self-management. Methods: Pooled qualitative data from two studies were used. These included 1) written responses from long-term (≥5 years) rectal cancer survivors describing their greatest challenges with ostomy appliances and associated repercussions; and 2) intervention session notes and greatest challenge responses from an ongoing RCT of a telehealth intervention with ostomy survivors. Using content analysis, several coauthors reviewed all responses related to ostomy wafers/appliances and self-management techniques, and coded each by theme. The themes were reviewed and agreed upon by the research team. Counts were tallied for each theme based on the number of times they were mentioned by respondents. Results: Eight themes emerged: bleeding, pain, leakage, skin problems/irritation/rash, wafer-related issues, materials getting under the wafer, time needed to care for ostomy, and solutions to clean the stoma. Collectively, the eight themes were mentioned 106 times by respondents. Overall, the most commonly mentioned ostomy appliance problem was leakage (27%), followed by skin problems (20%), and pain (14%). For these common problems, respondents described challenges with successfully fitting the wafer to prevent leakages, poor wafer adherence to the skin area surrounding the stoma, allergic reactions to adhesives, and painful sores around the stoma site. Respondents described how their anxiety related to leakage, odor, and/or skin irritation greatly inhibited their social activities and self-confidence with ostomy self-management. Conclusions: Cancer survivors living with an ostomy experience multiple obstacles with ostomy appliances and self-management. These obstacles undermine their ability to gain confidence in caring for their ostomy. Interventions to improve self-management and self-efficacy may ease the psychological and social burden of living with an ostomy.

Malignant bowel obstruction

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common problem for patients with advanced malignancy, especially colorectal and ovarian cancers. Symptoms include pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, and inability to eat. Treatment options consist of a wide range of surgical and nonsurgical interventions (medications, endoscopic, or interventional radiology approaches). Outcomes are variable no matter the strategy, and the optimal approach is often not clear. Greater research is needed to assist decision-making for clinicians treating patients with MBO.

Factors That Influence Selectionof Urinary Diversion Among Bladder Cancer Patients in 3 Community-based Integrated Health Care Systems

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relative contributions of patient and surgeon factors for predicting selection of ileal conduit (IC), neobladder (NB), or continent pouch (CP) urinary diversions (UD) for patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive/high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. This information is needed to enhance research comparing cancer survivors' outcomes across different surgical treatment options.

METHODS

Bladder cancer patients' age ≥21 years with cystectomy/UD performed from January 2010 to June 2015 in 3 Kaiser Permanente regions were included. All patient and surgeon data were obtained from electronic health records. A mixed effects logistic regression model was used treating surgeon as a random effect and region as a fixed effect.

RESULTS

Of 991 eligible patients, 794 (80%) received IC. One hundred sixty-nine surgeons performed the surgeries and accounted for a sizeable proportion of the variability in patient receipt of UD (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.26). The multilevel model with only patient factors showed good fit (area under the curve = 0.93, Hosmer-Lemeshow test P = .44), and older age, female sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate <45, 4+ comorbidity index score, and stage III/IV tumors were associated with higher odds of receiving an IC vs neobladder/continent pouch. However, including surgeon factors (annual cystectomy volume, specialty training, clinical tenure) had no association (P = .29).

CONCLUSION

In this community setting, patient factors were major predictors of UD received. Surgeons also played a substantial role, yet clinical training and experience were not major predictors. Surgeon factors such as beliefs about UD options and outcomes should be explored.

Using a Lymph Node Count Metric to Identify Underperforming Hospitals After Rectal Cancer Surgery

BACKGROUND

Investigating methods to assess the quality of cancer surgery and then benchmarking hospitals on these quality indicators can lead to improvements in cancer care in the United States. We sought to determine the utility of lymph node count as a quality metric.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the California Cancer Registry database (2004-2011) merged with Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development inpatient database. Patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and resection were included. Hospital quality score was defined as the proportion of patients at a particular hospital that had adequate examination with at least nine lymph nodes. High-quality score hospitals were those that retrieved nine or more nodes among ≥25% of operations. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards (standard and shared frailty) model was used to determine differences in overall survival adjusting for age, hospital volume, race, sex, insurance, comorbidity, T-stage, response to neoadjuvant therapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and teaching hospital status as covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 2704 patients were treated at 228 hospitals (low-scoring hospital = 85 and high-scoring hospital = 143). Patient- and disease-specific characteristics were similar between the groups. Socioeconomic status and hospital characteristics were strongly associated with score status. High-scoring hospitals had higher sphincter preservation (P = 0.004), lower complications (P = 0.021), and a trend toward lower mortality (P = 0.079). Care at high-scoring hospitals independently predicted overall survival (hazard ratio: 0.74; 95% confidence interval: 0.61-0.90; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that hospital quality score based on lymph node count can be used to identify underperforming hospitals.

Diet and Behavior Modifications by Long-term Rectal Cancer Survivors to Manage Bowel Dysfunction-Associated Symptoms

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer (RC) survivors experience significant bowel function issues after treatment. We aimed to describe self-reported dietary and behavioral modifications among long-term (≥5 yr) RC survivors to manage bowel dysfunction.

METHODS

RC survivors from Kaiser Permanente Northern California and Northwest regions completed surveys either via postage-paid return mail or telephone. Summary statistics on diet/behavioral modifications data were tabulated by proportion of responses. Modifications and frequency of bowel symptoms cited and were compared by ostomy status.

RESULTS

A total of 575 respondents were included (overall response rate = 60.5%). Fruits and vegetables were troublesome for symptoms, but was also helpful in mitigating constipation, obstruction, and frequency, as well as improving predictability. Many respondents attributed red meat (17.7%), fried foods (13.9%), spicy foods (13.1%), carbonated beverages (8.0%), and sweets (7.6%) to increased diarrhea, gas, and urgency. Common behavioral modifications included controlling meal portions (50.6%), timing regularity (25.3%), and refraining from late night eating (13.8%). Permanent ostomy survivors were more likely to report symptoms of obstruction, while anastomosis survivors were more likely to report urgency.

CONCLUSION

Multiple modifications were attempted by RC survivors to manage bowel symptoms. Identifying diet changes among RC survivors can improve symptom management and survivorship care.

Ongoing ostomy self-care challenges of long-term rectal cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Surgical treatment for rectal cancer (RC) can result in an intestinal ostomy that requires lifelong adaptation and investment of physical, cognitive, and financial resources. However, little is known about the extent of ongoing challenges related to ostomy self-care among long-term RC survivors. We analyzed the prevalence of self-reported ostomy self-care challenges and the physical and environmental factors that can support or undermine ostomy self-care.

METHODS

We mailed surveys to long-term (≥ 5 years post-diagnosis) RC survivors, including 177 adults with ostomies who were members of integrated health systems in northern California, Oregon, and Washington State. Potential participants were identified through tumor registries. Data were also extracted from electronic health records.

RESULTS

The response rate was 65%. The majority of respondents were male (67%), and the mean age was 75 years. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported at least one ostomy self-care challenge. The most common challenges were leakage or skin problems around the ostomy and needing to change the pouching system too frequently. Twenty-two percent reported difficulty caring for their ostomy. Younger age and higher BMI were consistently related to ostomy self-care challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of RC survivors reported ostomy-related self-care challenges, and 31% experienced problems across multiple domains of ostomy self-care. In addition, most survivors reported significant physical challenges that could lead to ostomy-related disability. Although the participants surveyed had access to ostomy care nurses, the care gaps we found suggest that additional work is needed to understand barriers to ostomy care, reduce unmet needs, and improve well-being among this group.

Malignant Bowel Obstruction: Reappraising the Value of Surgery

Urgent palliative surgery in the setting of advanced malignancy is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and cost. Malignant bowel obstruction is the most frequent indication for such intervention. Traditional surgical dogma is often invoked to justify associated risks and cost, but little evidence exists to support surgical over nonsurgical approaches. Evolving evidence may provide more meaningful guidance for treatment selection.

Rationale, development, and design of the Altering Intake, Managing Symptoms (AIMS) dietary intervention for bowel dysfunction in rectal cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Bowel dysfunction is a common, persistent long-term effect of treatment for rectal cancer survivors. Survivors often use dietary modifications to maintain bowel control. There are few evidence-based interventions to guide survivors on appropriate diet modifications for bowel symptom management. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and design of the Altering Intake, Managing Symptoms (AIMS) intervention to support bowel dysfunction management in rectal cancer survivors.

METHODS

The AIMS intervention is a ten-session, telephone-based diet behavior change intervention delivered by trained health coaches. It uses dietary recall, participant-completed food and symptom diaries, and health coaching guided by motivational interviewing to promote bowel symptom management and improved diet quality. Based on the Chronic Care Self-Management Model (CCM), the AIMS Intervention is designed to improve self-efficacy and self-management of bowel symptoms by coaching survivors to appropriately modify their diets through goal setting, self-monitoring, and problem-solving. The intervention targets survivors with stage I-III rectosigmoid colon/rectum cancer who are 6 months post-treatment, 21 years and older, and English-speaking.

CONCLUSIONS

The design and development process described in this paper provides an overview and underscores the potential of the AIMS intervention to positively impact the quality of long-term survivorship for rectal cancer survivors. An ongoing pilot study will inform the design and development of future multi-site Phase II and III randomized trials.

Dietary modifications for bowel dysfunction in rectal cancer survivors: The Altering Intake, Managing Symptoms (AIMS) intervention study

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Background: Rectal cancer survivors often experience persistent long-term effects of treatment. Functional deficits, such as bowel dysfunction, are associated with poor quality of life (QOL). There is a lack of evidence-based interventions to address bowel dysfunction symptoms in rectal cancer survivors. The purpose of this abstract is to describe the development and design of the Altering Intake, Managing Symptoms (AIMS) intervention to manage bowel dysfunction in rectal cancer survivors. Methods: Survivors with stage I-III rectosigmoid colon or rectal cancer who are 6 months post-treatment, > 21 years, and English-speaking are eligible to participate. The AIMS intervention is a ten (30-40 minute) session, 4 month, telephone-based intervention delivered by trained health coaches. Outcome measures are assessed at baseline, 4 and 6 months, and include the MSKCC Bowel Function Tool, the COH-QOL-CRC, and adherence to cancer survivorship diet guidelines. Results: Based on the Chronic Care Self-Management Model (CCM), the AIMS intervention applies social cognitive theory to improve self-efficacy and self-management of bowel symptoms by coaching survivors to modify their diets to attenuate symptoms and enhance diet quality. Motivational interviewing-based behavioral approaches are applied, such as goal setting, self-monitoring, identification of barriers, and problem-solving. Monitoring of diet health involves review of 24 hour dietary recalls in conjunction with food and symptom diaries to promote survivor-directed behavior change resulting in improved bowel health. Conclusions: The AIMS intervention is among the first and few to address diet behavior changes for symptom management in rectal cancer survivors. It has the potential to positively impact the quality of long-term rectal cancer survivorship by integrating classic behavior change theories for cancer symptom management. Findings from the study will inform the design and development of future multi-institutional Phase II and III randomized trials. Clinical trial information: NCT03063918.

Rectal Cancer Survivors' Participation in Productive Activities

CONTEXT

Rectal cancer and its treatment impair survivors' productivity.

OBJECTIVE

To assess determinants of market and nonmarket employment, job search, volunteering, and homemaking among survivors five years or longer after diagnosis.

DESIGN

We mailed questionnaires to 1063 survivors who were members of Kaiser Permanente (Northern California, Northwest) during 2010 and 2011.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Productive activities, functional health status, and bowel management at the time of the survey.

RESULTS

Response rate was 60.5% (577/953). Higher comorbidity burdens were associated with lower productivity for men and women rectal cancer survivors. Productive survivors were younger and had lower disease stage and age at diagnosis, higher household income and educational attainment, and fewer comorbidity burdens and workplace adjustments than did nonproductive survivors (p < 0.05 each; 2-sided). Productive rectal cancer survivors were evenly split by sex.

CONCLUSION

Staying productive is associated with better mental health for rectal cancer survivors. Rectal cancer survivors with multiple chronic conditions, higher disease stage, lower productive activities, and older age need better access to medical care and closer monitoring of the quality of their care, including self-care. To capture the full extent of the involvement of survivors in all types of productive activities, research should routinely include measures of employment, searching for employment, homemaking, and volunteering. Counting market and nonmarket productive activities is innovative and recognizes the continuum of contributions survivors make to families and society. Health care systems should routinely monitor rectal cancer survivors' medical care access, comorbidities, health-related quality of life, and productive activities.

Costs of an ostomy self-management training program for cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

To measure incremental expenses to an oncologic surgical practice for delivering a community-based, ostomy nurse-led, small-group, behavior skills-training intervention to help bladder and colorectal cancer survivors understand and adjust to their ostomies and improve their health-related quality of life, as well as assist family caregivers to understand survivors' needs and provide appropriate supportive care.

METHODS

The intervention was a 5-session group behavior skills training in ostomy self-management following the principles of the Chronic Care Model. Faculty included Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses (WOCNs) using an ostomy care curriculum. A gender-matched peer-in-time buddy was assigned to each ostomy survivor. The 4-session survivor curriculum included the following: self-management practice and solving immediate ostomy concerns; social well-being; healthy lifestyle; and a booster session. The single family caregiver session was coled by a WOCN and an ostomy peer staff member and covered relevant caregiver and ostomate support issues. Each cohort required 8 weeks to complete the intervention. Nonlabor inputs included ostomy supplies, teaching materials, automobile mileage for WOCNs, mailing, and meeting space rental. Intervention personnel were employed by the University of Arizona. Labor expenses included salaries and fringe benefits.

RESULTS

The total incremental expense per intervention cohort of 4 survivors was $7246 or $1812 per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

A WOCN-led group self-help ostomy survivorship intervention provided affordable, effective, care to cancer survivors with ostomies.

Predictors of Bowel Function in Long-term Rectal Cancer Survivors with Anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Bowel function in long-term rectal cancer survivors with anastomosis has not been characterized adequately. We hypothesized that bowel function is associated with patient, disease, and treatment characteristics.

METHODS

The cohort study included Kaiser Permanente members who were long-term (≥5 years) rectal cancer survivors with anastomosis. Bowel function was scored using the self-administered, 14-item Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function Index. Patient, cancer, and treatment variables were collected from the electronic medical chart. We used multiple regression to assess the relationship of patient- and treatment-related variables with the bowel function score.

RESULTS

The study included 381 anastomosis patients surveyed an average 12 years after their rectal cancer surgeries. The total bowel function score averaged 53 (standard deviation, 9; range, 31-70, higher scores represent better function). Independent factors associated with worse total bowel function score included receipt of radiation therapy (yes vs. no: 5.3-unit decrement, p < 0.0001), tumor distance from the anal verge (≤6 cm vs. >6 cm: 3.2-unit decrement, p < 0.01), and history of a temporary ostomy (yes vs. no: 4.0-unit decrement, p < 0.01). One factor measured at time of survey was also associated with worse total bowel function score: ever smoking (2.3-unit decrement, p < 0.05). The regression model explained 20% of the variation in the total bowel function score.

CONCLUSIONS

Low tumor location, radiation therapy, temporary ostomy during initial treatment, and history of smoking were linked with decreased long-term bowel function following an anastomosis. These results should improve decision-making about surgical options.

Ostomy telehealth for cancer survivors: Design of the Ostomy Self-management Training (OSMT) randomized trial

PURPOSE

An ostomy adversely affects health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a diverse population of cancer survivors and their caregivers. Hit-or-miss ostomy care, nurse counseling, and community referral have been the primary modes of self-management education and support in the peri-operative setting. Few evidence-based, systematic ostomy self-management programs are available to ensure optimal post-operative care. This paper describes the study design of a telehealth-based Ostomy Self-management Training (OSMT) program for cancer survivors and their caregivers.

METHODS

The study is a three-year, randomized trial that tests the effectiveness of the OSMT program on survivor activation, self-efficacy, and HRQOL. The intervention integrates goal setting and problem-solving approaches to enhance survivor activation and self-efficacy to carry out ostomy care. The curriculum is delivered via four group sessions administered by trained ostomy certified nurses (WOCNs) and peer ostomates. An additional session is offered to caregivers to address their needs in relation to ostomy care. Telehealth approaches through videoconferencing are used to enhance program delivery to participants in three different geographic areas across two time zones. Participants join sessions via real-time videoconferencing from their homes.

CONCLUSIONS

The OSMT program has high potential to make a positive impact on the unique physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of cancer survivors living with a permanent ostomy. The study design, process, and telehealth approach contributes to the success of future dissemination efforts of the intervention into diverse clinical and community settings.

Caregiving and mutuality among long-term colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies: qualitative study

PURPOSE

The cancer caregiving literature focuses on the early phases of survivorship, but caregiving can continue for decades when cancer creates disability. Survivors with an ostomy following colorectal cancer (CRC) have caregiving needs that may last decades. Mutuality has been identified as a relationship component that can affect caregiving. This paper discusses how mutuality may affect long-term ostomy caregiving.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 31 long-term CRC survivors with ostomies and their primary informal caregivers. Interviewees were members of an integrated health care delivery system in the USA. We used inductive theme analysis techniques to analyze the interviews.

RESULTS

Most survivors were 71 years of age or older (67%), female (55%), and with some college education (54%). Two thirds lived with and received care from spouses. Caregiving ranged from minimal support to intimate assistance with daily ostomy care. While some survivors received caregiving far beyond what was needed, others did not receive adequate caregiving for their health care needs. Low mutuality created challenges for ostomy caregiving.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutuality impacts the quality of caregiving, and this quality may change over time, depending on various factors. Emotional feedback and amplification is the proposed mechanism by which mutuality may shift over time. Survivorship care should include assessment and support of mutuality as a resource to enhance health outcomes and quality of life for survivors with long-term caregiving needs and their caregivers. Appropriate questionnaires can be identified or developed to assess mutuality over the survivorship trajectory.

Predictors of urinary diversion choice in patients with bladder cancer in integrated care settings

4543

Background: Annually over 10,000 people with bladder cancer in the US have cystectomy surgery with urinary diversion (UD). While ileal conduit (IC) is most common, neobladder (NB) and continent pouch (CP) are options to retain urinary continence. Few studies in community settings have examined patient and clinician factors associated with UD choice. Methods: Eligible patients were age ≥21 with a cystectomy and UD for bladder cancer from 1/2010 to 6/2015 in 3 West coast Kaiser Permanente regions. Data were obtained from the EHR and chart review.We useda mixed effects logistic regression model with surgeon as a random effect, and region as a fixed effect, to identify patient factors associated with UD choice (IC vs NB/CP). We also examined whether surgeon factors were associated with UD choice above and beyond patient factors. Results: Among 1063 patients, 80% had an IC. IC patients were older (mean age 72 vs. 62), more likely female (24% vs. 16%), more likely diagnosed with AJCC stage III/IV (41% vs. 28%), and had higher Charlson comorbidity score (median 4 vs. 3) than NB/CP patients. Surgeons accounted for a sizable portion of the variability in UD choice (ICC = .26). The model with patient factors showed good fit (AUC = .93, Hosmer-Lemeshow test p = .22). Including surgeon factors (annual cystectomy volume, specialty training, clinical tenure) did not improve model fit (p = .32). Female sex, eGFR < 45, 4+ comorbidities, and stage III/IV tumors were associated with higher odds of receiving an IC vs. NB/CP (Table). Conclusions: Patient factors predict much of the variability in UD choice. The high ICC indicates that surgeons also contribute to this process, but surgeon factors we examined were not uniquely associated with IC. Future studies should explore more nuanced surgeon factors, such as how UD choice is shaped by personal beliefs about UD and likely outcomes. [Table: see text]

Decision dissonance/alignment scale to promote patient-centered decisions about urinary diversion with cystectomy for bladder cancer

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Background: The choice of urinary diversion (UD) with cystectomy is an opportunity to provide preference-driven care. We adapted a decision dissonance scale to measure concordance of patient goals with choice of ileal conduit (IC) vs. neobladder (NB) UD. Methods: With patient and clinician input, we identified 6 IC- and 4 NB-aligned goals, each rated on an 11-point scale (0 = not at all important to 10 = very important). Kaiser Permanente members rated the importance of these goals in a comprehensive survey mailed 6 months post-op (71% response rate (269/381)). Excluding respondents (n=93) with contraindications to NB and missing data on goals, we examined structural validity with principal axis factor analysis and convergent validity using correlations with other decision-making measures. Results: Items aligned to IC vs. NB factored separately as hypothesized (Table 1). NB patients prioritized (p<.05) NB-aligned goals (M=8.8, SD=1.8) over NB-dissonant goals (M=4.3, SD=2.4). IC patients’ alignment (M=5.4, SD=2.7) and dissonance (M=5.6, SD=2.1) ratings were similar. Dissonance was negatively correlated with informed decision-making (r=-.27) and satisfaction with care (r=-.21), and positively correlated with decision regret (r=.28) (each p<.01), but not correlated with shared decision making or decision style preference. Alignment was not significantly correlated with decision-making measures. Conclusions: Our measure distinguished patient values that could guide shared decision-making about UD choice. Patients who chose a NB had strong preferences for maintaining body integrity and function. [Table: see text]