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Abasseri M, Hoque S, Caldwell K, Sheahan L, Kochovska S, Agar M, Zekry A. Exploring Misconceptions of Palliative Care Among Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024:10499091241268423. [PMID: 39157978 DOI: 10.1177/10499091241268423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma is a burdensome form of liver cancer with an increasing global prevalence. Emerging evidence has shown that early palliative care introduction at diagnosis of any life-limiting illness improves patient and carer outcomes. Despite this, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma usually receive palliative care late. These patients are important stakeholders in the provision of palliative care, but their perceived barriers regarding its delivery are poorly defined. AIM This pilot study aimed to identify the barriers perceived by patients to integrating palliative care into the hepatocellular carcinoma treatment algorithm. DESIGN Patients living with hepatocellular carcinoma undertook semi-structured interviews about their perceptions of palliative care. We compared these perceptions before and after providing a brief explanation of palliative care. Interview data was inductively coded in NVivo 12 (2018) and thematically analysed. RESULTS Twenty-one patients were interviewed. 16 perceived palliative care to mean end-of-life therapy, and nine participants had no prior knowledge of palliative care. After hearing a definition of palliative care, 17 participants reported changed positive attitudes. Seven participants supported a name change, including four participants who continued to reject palliative care following the explanation due to the negative stigma associated with the term 'palliative care'. CONCLUSION There is significant misperception about the purpose of palliative care among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, constituting a barrier to early integration. This can be feasibly addressed with a two-folded educational and renaming initiative to dispel patient misconceptions regarding palliative care. Effective strategies to achieve this should be developed and tested with relevant stakeholders, particularly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shakira Hoque
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kim Caldwell
- Palliative Medicine, Calvary Hospital Kogarah, Kogarah, NSW, Australia
- Palliative Medicine Department, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Linda Sheahan
- Clinical Ethics Service, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Health Ethics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- St George and Sutherland Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Palliative Medicine Department, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Slavica Kochovska
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Meera Agar
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amany Zekry
- School of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- St George and Sutherland Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lawson McLean AC, Lawson McLean A, Ernst T, Forster MT, Freyschlag C, Gempt J, Goldbrunner R, Grau S, Jungk C, van Oorschot B, Rosahl SK, Wedding U, Senft C, Kamp MA. Benchmarking palliative care practices in neurooncology: a german perspective. J Neurooncol 2024; 168:333-343. [PMID: 38696050 PMCID: PMC11147867 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04674-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To benchmark palliative care practices in neurooncology centers across Germany, evaluating the variability in palliative care integration, timing, and involvement in tumor board discussions. This study aims to identify gaps in care and contribute to the discourse on optimal palliative care strategies. METHODS A survey targeting both German Cancer Society-certified and non-certified university neurooncology centers was conducted to explore palliative care frameworks and practices for neurooncological patients. The survey included questions on palliative care department availability, involvement in tumor boards, timing of palliative care integration, and use of standardized screening tools for assessing palliative burden and psycho-oncological distress. RESULTS Of 57 centers contacted, 46 responded (81% response rate). Results indicate a dedicated palliative care department in 76.1% of centers, with palliative specialists participating in tumor board discussions at 34.8% of centers. Variability was noted in the initiation of palliative care, with early integration at the diagnosis stage in only 30.4% of centers. The survey highlighted a significant lack of standardized spiritual care assessments and minimal use of advanced care planning. Discrepancies were observed in the documentation and treatment of palliative care symptoms and social complaints, underscoring the need for comprehensive care approaches. CONCLUSION The study highlights a diverse landscape of palliative care provision within German neurooncology centers, underscoring the need for more standardized practices and early integration of palliative care. It suggests the necessity for standardized protocols and guidelines to enhance palliative care's quality and uniformity, ultimately improving patient-centered care in neurooncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cecilia Lawson McLean
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), Jena/Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aaron Lawson McLean
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), Jena/Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Thomas Ernst
- University Tumor Center (UTC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), Jena/Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Jens Gempt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Grau
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Fulda, Fulda, Germany
| | - Christine Jungk
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Steffen K Rosahl
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helios Klinikum and Health Medical University Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wedding
- Department of Palliative Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), Jena/Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Senft
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcel A Kamp
- Department of Palliative Care and Neuro-Palliative Care, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, Neuruppin, Germany
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Rhee JY, Strander S, Podgurski A, Chiu D, Brizzi K, Forst DA. Palliative Care in Neuro-oncology: an Update. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:645-656. [PMID: 37751050 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01301-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW While the benefits of palliative care for patients with cancer are well established, palliative care in neuro-oncology is still in its early stages. However, in recent years, there has been increasing attention drawn to the need for better palliative care for patients with brain tumors. RECENT FINDINGS There is a growing body of literature demonstrating the high symptom burden and significant supportive care and information needs of these patients and their caregivers. In the area of caregiver needs, the last 3 years has seen a more rapid growth in recognizing and characterizing these needs. However, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the optimal means of addressing these needs. In this article, we outline important recent advances in the literature on palliative care for patients with brain tumors and highlight areas in need of greater attention and investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Y Rhee
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Alyx Podgurski
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Daniel Chiu
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kate Brizzi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah A Forst
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Wang XY, Wang J, Zhang S. Analysis of load status and management strategies of main caregivers of patients with malignant tumors of digestive tract. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:973-978. [PMID: 37389114 PMCID: PMC10302986 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i6.973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Caregiver load refers to the subjective and objective negative impact of caregivers in the care of patients, and excessive load will have a serious impact on patients and caregivers themselves and can reduce their quality of life. For the main caregivers, it not only needs to care for the patients in life and daily life, but also needs to pay the cost of treatment for the patients, coupled with the need to carry out their own original work, life, etc. excessive life pressure, economic pressure, work pressure, emotional pressure, etc. lead to heavy load of the main caregivers, which can easily cause caregivers to have different degrees of psychological problems, which will cause serious adverse effects on the caregivers themselves and cancer patients, not conducive to the construction of a harmonious family and society. This article analyzes the current situation of primary caregiver burden in patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors, analyzes its influencing factors, and specifies specific treatment strategies. It is hoped to provide scientific guidance for later related research and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Wang
- Emergency Department, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing Wang
- ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) Department, Chengdu Hospital of Combination of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Emergency Department, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
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Crooms RC, Taylor JW, Jette N, Morgenstern R, Agarwal P, Goldstein NE, Vickrey BG. Palliative care referral across the disease trajectory in high-grade glioma. J Neurooncol 2023; 163:249-259. [PMID: 37209290 PMCID: PMC10546385 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04338-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adults with high-grade glioma (HGG), WHO grade III or IV, have substantial palliative care needs. Our aim was to determine occurrence, timing, and factors associated with palliative care consultation (PCC) in HGG at one large academic institution. METHODS HGG patients receiving care between 08/1/2011 and 01/23/2020 were identified retrospectively from a multi-center healthcare system cancer registry. Patients were stratified by any PCC (yes/no), and timing of initial PCC by disease phase: diagnosis (before radiation), during initial treatment (first-line chemotherapy/radiation), second-line treatment(s), or end-of-life (after last chemotherapy). RESULTS Of 621 HGG patients, 134 (21.58%) received PCC with the vast majority occurring during hospital admission [111 (82.84%)]. Of the 134, 14 (10.45%) were referred during the diagnostic phase; 35 (26.12%) during initial treatment; 20 (14.93%) during second-line treatment; and 65 (48.51%) during end of life. In multivariable logistic regression, only higher Charlson Comorbidity Index was associated with greater odds of PCC [OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.2-1.4), p < 0.01]; but not age or histopathology. Patients who received PCC prior to end of life had longer survival from diagnosis than those referred during end of life [16.5 (8, 24) months vs. 11 (4, 17); p < 0.01]. CONCLUSION A minority of HGG patients ever received PCC, which primarily occurred in the inpatient setting, and nearly half during the end-of-life phase. Thus, only about one in ten patients in the entire cohort potentially received the benefits of earlier PCC despite earlier referral having an association with longer survival. Further studies should elucidate barriers and facilitators to early PCC in HGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita C Crooms
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jennie W Taylor
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nathalie Jette
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachelle Morgenstern
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Parul Agarwal
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nathan E Goldstein
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barbara G Vickrey
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Coleman C, Chen K, Lu A, Seashore E, Stoller S, Davis T, Braunstein S, Gupta N, Mueller S. Interdisciplinary care of children with diffuse midline glioma. Neoplasia 2022; 35:100851. [PMID: 36410226 PMCID: PMC9676429 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) which includes Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is an infiltrative tumor of the midline structures of the central nervous system that demonstrates an aggressive pattern of growth and has no known curative treatment. As these tumors progress, children experience ongoing neurological decline including inability to ambulate, swallow and communicate effectively. We propose that optimal care for patients with DMG should involve a specialized team experienced in caring for the multifaceted needs of these patients and their families. Herein we review the roles and evidence to support early involvement of a specialized interdisciplinary team and outline our views on best practices for these challenging tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Coleman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Katherine Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Alex Lu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Elizabeth Seashore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Schuyler Stoller
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Taron Davis
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Steve Braunstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Nalin Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, United States,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Sabine Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, United States,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, United States,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, United States,Department of Pediatrics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Corresponding author at: Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, Sandler Neuroscience Building, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94148, United States.
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da Silveira MRM, Forte DN. Palliative care and neurology: a path to neuropalliativism. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2022; 80:328-335. [PMID: 35976309 PMCID: PMC9491435 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2022-s119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This article aims to expand the understanding of how it is possible to alleviate suffering and enable a dignified life trajectory for patients with progressive neurological diseases or with severe and permanent neurological impairment. The four most common disease trajectories described for people with chronic and progressive disease used to advance care planning, Brazilian normative ethical resolutions, evidence-based benefits of palliative care (PC), as well as particularities of PC in neurology, such as neurological symptom control, caring for existential and psychological suffering, care provider's needs and particularities of pediatric neurologic PC are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ribeiro Marcondes da Silveira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Divisão de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Instituto da Criança, Unidade de Dor e Cuidados Paliativos, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel Neves Forte
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Departamento de Emergências Clíncias, São Paulo SP, Brazil
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Núcleo de Cuidados Paliativos, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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