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Torres S, Bayoumi AM, Abrahao ABK, Trudeau M, Pritchard KI, Li CN, Mitsakakis N, Liu G, Krahn M. Implementing routine collection of EQ-5D-5L in a breast cancer outpatient clinic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307225. [PMID: 39190702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of implementing routine collection of the Euro-Qol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, to inform drug and health technology reimbursement decision making. METHODS Women with breast cancer were recruited during scheduled clinic visits to an academic cancer centre. EQ-5D-5L was self-administered using electronic tablets. Diagnostic and treatment data were abstracted from patient charts. Feasibility was assessed primarily by the proportion of patients who fully completed EQ-5D-5L and by their willingness to complete the instrument at each clinic visit. RESULTS 588 women were approached for study participation, 341 were enrolled. Fully completed EQ-5D-5L questionnaires were obtained in 323 participants (95% of participants, 95% CI 92-97%). Median time for EQ-5D-5L completion was 1.5 minutes (range:0.35 to 14.7). Mean age of participants was 58 years old. Most women who completed EQ-5D were White, born outside Canada and presented a high education level; one-quarter had metastatic disease. Most participants reported "No problems" in all EQ-5D-5L dimensions. Mean EQ-5D-5L index and mean EQ-5D-5L VAS values for all participants were respectively 0.83 (SD 0.13) and 75.7 (SD 17.45), with patients with metastatic disease scoring the lowest values. Seventy-eight percent of participants were willing to complete EQ-5D-5L at each clinic visit; lower Charlson comorbidity index and higher education level were predictors of willingness to continue to answer EQ-5D-5L. CONCLUSIONS Tablet-based collection of EQ-5D-5L in the context of routine clinical practice proved to be feasible. However, many patients declined study participation or reported being in full health, raising concerns about whether this method of collecting EQ-5D adequately represents the health status of all breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Torres
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmed M Bayoumi
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ana B K Abrahao
- Hospital Samaritano Higienopolis-Oncologia Américas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maureen Trudeau
- Department of Medical Oncology, Odette Cancer Center, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Chun Nim Li
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas Mitsakakis
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey Liu
- Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network and University of Toronto, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Murray Krahn
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Gonçalves F, Gaudêncio M, Paiva ICS, Rego F, Nunes R. Intensity of Symptoms and Perception of Quality of Life on Admission to Palliative Care: Reality of a Portuguese Team. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1529. [PMID: 39120232 PMCID: PMC11312417 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12151529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care (PC) corresponds to an approach that enhances the quality of life for patients facing life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, as well as for their families. There are various models for providing palliative care. Early referral to PC of patients with advanced cancer has a significant positive impact on their quality of life. However, the criteria for early referral still remain controversial. OBJECTIVES To evaluate patients' symptomatic intensity and perception of quality of life on admission to a PC unit and to analyze these two variables according to different models of approach (outpatient and inpatient care). METHODS A cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted with a sample of 60 patients sequentially admitted to a PC unit from palliative outpatient consultations or other inpatient services in a tertiary hospital dedicated to oncology care. The evaluation protocol included a sociodemographic and medical questionnaire, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), and the Palliative Care Outcome Scale (POS) completed by patients within the first 24 h after admission. RESULTS The participants were mostly male (61.7%), with a median age of 72 years. The majority of patients (n = 32; 53.3%) were undergoing outpatient treatment, while the remaining individuals (n = 28; 46.7%) were transferred from other hospital services (inpatient care). In the outpatient care group, higher scores for fatigue and dyspnea were observed. Conversely, in the inpatient care group, higher scores were observed for pain, depression, and anxiety. There were significant differences between the two groups regarding the POS dimensions of meaning of life, self-feelings, and lost time. In the inpatient group, there was a longer time between diagnosis and referral to PC; however, it was also in the inpatient group that there was less time between PC referral and first PC evaluation, between PC referral and PC unit admission, and between PC referral and death. There were no significant correlations between referral times and ESAS/POS scores in the inpatient and outpatient groups. CONCLUSIONS The patients admitted to the Palliative Care Unit presented a high symptom burden and changes in the perception of quality of life. However, there are no statistically significant differences between one model of approach in relation to the other. It was found that poorer symptom control and quality of life were associated with a shorter referral time for PC, because this was only initiated after curative care was suspended, particularly in our institutional context. Early referrals to the PC team are essential not only to relieve symptom-related distress but also to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for people with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florbela Gonçalves
- Portuguese Institute of Oncology Francisco Gentil Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (F.R.); (R.N.)
| | - Margarida Gaudêncio
- Portuguese Institute of Oncology Francisco Gentil Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | | | - Francisca Rego
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (F.R.); (R.N.)
| | - Rui Nunes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (F.R.); (R.N.)
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3
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Kilgar K, Miguel JS, Abbas A, Allibhai Z, Taremi M, Conrad T, Rozanec N. Dosimetric analysis of patients receiving volumetric-modulated arc palliative radiotherapy to the thoracic spine: A comparison with conventional mono-isocentric parallel opposed pair treatment. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2024; 55:101422. [PMID: 38763861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2024.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has allowed for dose escalation and a decrease in radiation-induced toxicities for a variety of treatment sites, including spinal metastases. This article will compare the dosimetric impacts on normal lung tissue in patients treated with both VMAT and conventional treatment to the thoracic spine and determine if any significant difference exists among patient reported Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores. METHODS This retrospective quality assurance study identified 288 patients who received palliative radiotherapy to the thoracic spine using VMAT or conventional planning techniques with various palliative dose fractionation schemes. V5 lung dose levels, treated planning target volume (PTV) cord length, patient-reported ESAS scores at the time of radiation oncology consultation, 3 months' post-treatment, and 6 months' post-treatment were analyzed. All symptoms on the ESAS survey were investigated, but shortness of breath (SOB) scores were the main focus of this study. Date of death for each patient was also included for analysis. RESULTS Patients treated with a VMAT technique had significantly higher V5 lung dose levels compared to those treated conventionally (right lung: p = 1.67e-14; left lung: p = 1.33e-6). Despite this, no significant differences were observed for SOB scores at all time points between groups and conventionally treated patients reported significantly worse pain, tiredness, depression, and wellbeing scores. A moderate correlation was observed between PTV length and nausea, SOB, appetite, and drowsiness scores in the VMAT group. Treatment technique was not found to have a significant impact on patient lifespan. CONCLUSIONS Despite higher V5 lung dose levels associated with a VMAT technique, no significant differences were found in patient-reported ESAS scores compared to patients treated with conventional techniques. This demonstrates that palliation of thoracic spinal metastases is feasible and safe using a VMAT technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kori Kilgar
- The Michener Institute of Education, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - John San Miguel
- Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmar Abbas
- Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zishan Allibhai
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mojgan Taremi
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tatiana Conrad
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada; The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie Rozanec
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
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Fink M, Müller S, Warnecke E, Hense J, Schuler M, Teufel M, Comino MRS, Tewes M. Relevance of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Patients with Cancer: Detection of Underrated Psychological Distress of Palliative Care Patients in an Outpatient Setting. Palliat Med Rep 2024; 5:194-200. [PMID: 39050775 PMCID: PMC11265614 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The overall level of physical and psychological symptom burden of advanced cancer patients (ACP) in an outpatient setting is notoriously difficult to assess. Therefore, more efficient and objective assessment is needed to accomplish this important task. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the physical and psychological symptom burden rated by palliative care nurse (PCN) versus patient's self-rating. Design This retrospective German cohort study analyzed symptom burden using an electronic patient-reported outcome measure (ePROM). After referral to an outpatient specialized palliative care team, a PCN assessed the patient's symptoms both up to three months before initial presentation (IP) and at IP.Group differences were identified using analyses of variance (ANOVA). Further descriptive analysis of patient characteristics was used. Subjects The study enrolled 164 ACP who were referred to a specialized palliative care (SPC) team. Mean age was 62 (± 12.6) years. Gastrointestinal (n = 46; 28.0%), lung (n = 32; 19.5%), and breast cancer (n = 34; 20.7%) were the most common entities. Results Most frequent reasons for referral were pain (n = 55; 33.5%) and social care problems (n = 36; 22.0%). Patients reported significantly higher grades on depression (n = 144; Z = -2.8, p = 0.005), anxiety (n = 144; Z = -2.376, p = 0.018), and worsened general condition (n = 139; Z = -7.005, p < 0.001). Conclusion ACP in an outpatient setting were more frequently referred to SPC for pain management and assistance with social problems with regard to the cancer and its limitations. Psychological distress was underrated by the PCN in comparison with patient self-reporting through ePROM. This underlines the importance of self-reported outcome measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Fink
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Psycho-Oncology, West German Cancer Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandy Müller
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eva Warnecke
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hense
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) West, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Schuler
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) West, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Teufel
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Psycho-Oncology, West German Cancer Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maria Rosa Salvador Comino
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mitra Tewes
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Donlan J, Zeng C, Indriolo T, Li L, Zhu E, Zhou J, Pintro K, Horick N, Edelen M, Chung RT, El-Jawahri A, Ufere NN. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System is a valid, reliable, and responsive tool to assess symptom burden in decompensated cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0385. [PMID: 38497942 PMCID: PMC10948137 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there is a growing need for interventions addressing symptom burden in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC), the lack of validated symptom assessment tools is a critical barrier. We investigated the psychometric properties of the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) in a longitudinal cohort of patients with DC. METHODS Adult outpatients with DC were prospectively recruited from a liver transplant center and completed ESAS-r at baseline and week 12. We examined reliability, floor/ceiling effects, structural validity, and known-groups validity. We examined the convergent and predictive validity of ESAS-r with health-related quality of life using the Short Form Liver Disease Quality of Life (SF-LDQOL) and responsiveness to changes in anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 from baseline to week 12. RESULTS From August 2018 to September 2022, 218 patients (9% Child-Pugh A, 59% Child-Pugh B, and 32% Child-Pugh C) were prospectively recruited and completed the ESAS-r, SF-LDQOL, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and week 12 (n = 135). ESAS-r had strong reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.86), structural validity (comparative fit index 0.95), known-groups validity (Child-Pugh A: 25.1 vs. B: 37.5 vs. C: 41.4, p = 0.006), and convergent validity (r = -0.67 with SF-LDQOL). Floor effects were 9% and ceiling effects were 0.5%. Changes in ESAS-r scores from baseline to week 12 significantly predicted changes in SF-LDQOL (β = -0.36, p < 0.001), accounting for 30% of the variation. ESAS-r was strongly responsive to clinically meaningful changes in SF-LDQOL, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. CONCLUSIONS ESAS-r is a reliable, valid, and responsive tool for assessing symptom burden in patients with DC and can predict changes in health-related quality of life. Future directions include its implementation as a key outcome measure in cirrhosis care and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Donlan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chengbo Zeng
- Patient-Reported Outcomes, Value, and Experience (PROVE) Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Teresa Indriolo
- Department of Medicine, Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lucinda Li
- Department of Medicine, Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Enya Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joyce Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kedie Pintro
- MGH Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nora Horick
- MGH Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria Edelen
- Patient-Reported Outcomes, Value, and Experience (PROVE) Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raymond T. Chung
- Department of Medicine, Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nneka N. Ufere
- Department of Medicine, Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Allen SM, Cervantez SR, Frei BL, Koeller JM. Pilot study evaluating feasibility and utility of pharmacist-driven oral antineoplastic agent monitoring program. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024; 30:263-269. [PMID: 37431251 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231188309] [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] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oncologists are increasingly prescribing oral antineoplastic agents which have benefits and challenges impacting patient outcomes. Practice guidelines recommend monitoring symptoms and adherence without outlining any specific tools or methods for monitoring. Pharmacists are successful in monitoring patients on therapy and improving outcomes. We aimed to assess the feasibility and utility of a pharmacist-delivered and medical record-integrated adherence and symptom monitoring program for patients on oral antineoplastic agents. METHODS This single-center, prospective, interventional study designed and implemented an adherence and monitoring program. A pharmacist contacted patients twice between clinic visits for three months. During telephone encounters, patients were verbally screened for medication adherence and assessed for new or changing symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System as a signal of possible adverse events. We measured feasibility via patient enrollment, completed proportion of scheduled contacts, and pharmacist time. Utility was assessed through patient adherence, satisfaction surveys, healthcare resource utilization, and pharmacist interventions (i.e., patient education, adherence assistance, and symptom management). RESULTS Fifty-one patients participated. Ninety-one percent of scheduled patient contacts were completed. Edmonton Symptom Assessment System was administered by pharmacy personnel 102 times. Patient-reported adherence was 100%. Overall satisfaction was 85% and 100%, for patients and physicians, respectively. Fifty-one (98%) pharmacist recommendations were accepted. There were 14 total utilizations of healthcare resources-5.2 per 1000 patient days. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a pharmacist monitoring program for patients taking oral antineoplastic agents is feasible and provides utility. Further research is needed to evaluate whether this program improves safety, adherence, and outcomes in patients using oral antineoplastic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan M Allen
- University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sherri R Cervantez
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Bradi L Frei
- Mays Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
- University of Incarnate Word, Feik School of Pharmacy, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jim M Koeller
- University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Austin, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Morselli M, Banchelli F, Borelli E, Cordella S, Forghieri F, Bettelli F, Bigi S, Longo G, D'Amico R, Porro CA, Efficace F, Bruera E, Luppi M, Bandieri E, Potenza L. Edmonton symptom assessment system Global Distress Score and overall survival in acute leukaemia. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e746-e748. [PMID: 35850960 PMCID: PMC10850826 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-003838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Morselli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Banchelli
- Statistic Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, UNIMORE, Modena Italy, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Borelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Cordella
- Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Forghieri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Bettelli
- Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sarah Bigi
- Department of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Longo
- Oncologic Medicine Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Italy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Statistic Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, UNIMORE, Modena Italy, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Adolfo Porro
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Fabio Efficace
- Health Outcomes Research Unit, Italian Group for Adult Hematologic Diseases, Rome, Italy
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Palliative Care & Rehabilitation Medicine, UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mario Luppi
- Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Bandieri
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Modena, Italy, Carpi (MO), Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Sudek EW, Mach S, Huh B, Javed S. Use of Temporary Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in an Oncologic Population: A Retrospective Review. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:118-125. [PMID: 37715753 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.06.009] [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] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with an underlying cancer diagnosis may experience pain from many sources. Temporary, percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive procedure that can control pain in those who have failed conservative management. The purpose of this retrospective review is to show the use of PNS in managing pain in the oncologic setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS Temporary, percutaneous PNS was placed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for 15 patients at a cancer pain facility. Cases were grouped by subtypes of cancer pain (ie, tumor-related, treatment-related, cancer-associated conditions, and cancer-independent). Before PNS, patients were refractory to medical management or previous interventional treatments. Patients were observed with routine clinic visits to monitor pain levels via visual analog scale (VAS) and quality-of-life measures. PNS was removed after the indicated 60-day treatment period. RESULTS This retrospective review presents ten successful cases of oncologic-related pain treated with PNS. Patients with subtypes of pain that were tumor related, from cancer-associated conditions, and cancer independent all experienced a similar degree of pain relief. However, patients with cancer-treatment-related pain experienced the least analgesia from PNS. We also present six cases in which PNS did not provide adequate pain relief. CONCLUSION PNS is an emerging technology in neuromodulation that may be useful in managing pain, especially in the oncologic population. Patients with cancer-related and non-cancer-related pain localized to a specific nerve distribution should be considered appropriate candidates for PNS. Further research is needed to optimize patient selection and indications for PNS in the population with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Walters Sudek
- Department of Pain Medicine, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steven Mach
- Department of Pain Medicine, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Billy Huh
- Department of Pain Medicine, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Saba Javed
- Department of Pain Medicine, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Hui D, Mastroleo GS, Rozman De Morales A, Peek A, Reddy A, Zhukovsky DS, Joy M, Ali S, Bruera E. Implementation of Patient Reported Outcomes in Outpatient Palliative Care: From Paper to Computer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:e197-e203. [PMID: 37080480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This quality improvement project aimed to transition completion of Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) at our supportive care clinic from paper to electronic format. MEASURES Proportion of patients who completed electronic ESAS (eESAS). INTERVENTION Starting July 2018, patients could complete eESAS 24h before check-in (eESAS-before), eESAS after check-in (eESAS-after) or on paper (pESAS). OUTCOMES A total of 6631 cancer patients had 25,767 clinic visits between July 13, 2018 and November 5, 2021. The ESAS completion rate was 100%. eESAS uptake gradually increased over time, first reaching ≥75% eESAS completion in 5/2019 (eESAS-after 61.9%; eESAS-before 14.0%; pESAS 24.1%). We observed a sharp uptake in eESAS-before since adoption of telehealth during the pandemic (May 2020) and the ≥75% eESAS target was consistently achieved from November 2020 onwards (eESAS-after 0.6%; eESAS-before 76.7%; pESAS 22.7%). In an anonymous survey, we identified several modifiable barriers to implementing eESAS. CONCLUSIONS Transition to eESAS was a gradual process and was catalyzed by the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hui
- Department of Palliative (D.H., A.R.D-M., A.R., D.S.Z., M.J., E.B.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | | | - Aline Rozman De Morales
- Department of Palliative (D.H., A.R.D-M., A.R., D.S.Z., M.J., E.B.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Angela Peek
- Clinical & Access Applications (A.P.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Akhila Reddy
- Department of Palliative (D.H., A.R.D-M., A.R., D.S.Z., M.J., E.B.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Donna S Zhukovsky
- Department of Palliative (D.H., A.R.D-M., A.R., D.S.Z., M.J., E.B.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Manju Joy
- Department of Palliative (D.H., A.R.D-M., A.R., D.S.Z., M.J., E.B.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sara Ali
- Enterprise Data Engineering & Analytics (S.A.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative (D.H., A.R.D-M., A.R., D.S.Z., M.J., E.B.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Valero-Cantero I, Casals C, Espinar-Toledo M, Barón-López FJ, Martínez-Valero FJ, Vázquez-Sánchez MÁ. Cancer Patients' Satisfaction with In-Home Palliative Care and Its Impact on Disease Symptoms. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091272. [PMID: 37174814 PMCID: PMC10178555 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine whether the satisfaction of cancer patients with in-home palliative care is associated with the impact of disease symptoms and with self-perceived quality of life. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in the primary health care sector in six clinical management units, where 72 patients were recruited over a period of six months. The severity of symptoms was determined by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Quality of life was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3) questionnaire, and patients' satisfaction with the care received was evaluated by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). The patients' satisfaction with the health care received was represented by an average score of 6, on a scale of 1-10; thus, there is room for improvement in patient satisfaction. Moreover, it was found that more intense symptoms and lower quality of life are associated with lower satisfaction with health care received (p = 0.001). Similarly, when symptoms are more severe, the quality of life is lower (p < 0.001). The identification of fatigue, reduced well-being, pain, drowsiness, and depression as the symptoms experienced with the highest intensity by our patients provides valuable information for health care providers in developing individualized symptom management plans for patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Casals
- ExPhy Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Universidad de Cádiz, 11519 Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Milagrosa Espinar-Toledo
- Rincón de la Victoria Clinical Management Unit, Malaga-Guadalhorce Health District, 29730 Malaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Barón-López
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Research in Málaga (IBIMA), University of Malaga, 29016 Malaga, Spain
| | | | - María Ángeles Vázquez-Sánchez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, PASOS Research Group and UMA REDIAS Network of Law and Artificial Intelligence Applied to Health and Biotechnology, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
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11
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Carmack CL, Agosta MT, Ann-Yi S, Bruera E. Treating Radiation Anxiety with Systematic Desensitization: Head and Neck Cancer Case Reports. J Palliat Med 2023. [PMID: 36730789 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0232] [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: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Head and neck cancer patients have high rates of psychological distress, which may be exacerbated by the treatments they receive. Many patients who undergo radiation therapy report significant anxiety associated with the thermoplastic mask required for immobilization during treatment. Case Description: This report presents two examples of head and neck cancer patients reporting high mask anxiety, along with a history of claustrophobia, who expressed concern about their abilities to initiate and adhere to treatment. Both were referred to supportive care psychology before radiation treatment initiation. With counseling and the use of systematic desensitization, they were successfully able to complete their treatments. Discussion: Results of these case reports highlight the value of integrating early supportive care in the treatment of head and neck cancer and support the need for further study in future randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy L Carmack
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Monica T Agosta
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sujin Ann-Yi
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Hallet J, Zuckerman J, Guttman MP, Chesney TR, Haas B, Mahar A, Eskander A, Chan WC, Hsu A, Barabash V, Coburn N. Patient-Reported Symptom Burden After Cancer Surgery in Older Adults: A Population-Level Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:694-708. [PMID: 36068425 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12486-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults have unique needs for supportive care after surgery. We examined symptom trajectories and factors associated with high symptom burden after cancer surgery in older adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a population-level study of patients ≥ 70 years old undergoing cancer surgery (2007-2018) using prospectively collected Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores. The monthly prevalence of moderate to severe symptoms (ESAS ≥ 4) for anxiety, depression, drowsiness, lack of appetite, nausea, pain, shortness of breath, tiredness, and poor wellbeing was computed over 12 months after surgery. RESULTS Among 48,748 patients, 234,420 ESAS scores were recorded over 12 months after surgery. Moderate to severe tiredness (57.8%), poor wellbeing (51.9%), and lack of appetite (39.3%) were most common. The proportion of patients with moderate to severe symptoms was stable over the 1 month prior to and 12 months after surgery (< 5% variation for each symptom). There was no clinically significant change (< 5%) in symptom trajectory with the initiation of adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSIONS Patient-reported symptom burden was stable for up to 1 year after cancer surgery among older adults. Neither surgery nor adjuvant therapy coincided with a worsening in symptom burden. However, the persistence of symptoms at 1 year may suggest gaps in supportive care for older adults. This information on symptom trajectory and predictors of high symptom burden is important to set appropriate expectations and improve patient counseling, recovery care pathways, and proactive symptom management for older adults after cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hallet
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Jesse Zuckerman
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew P Guttman
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tyler R Chesney
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of General Surgery, Unity Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara Haas
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alyson Mahar
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Antoine Eskander
- Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wing C Chan
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Hsu
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Victoria Barabash
- Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Natalie Coburn
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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13
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Subbiah IM, Charone MM, Roszik J, Haider A, Vidal M, Wong A, Bruera E. Association of Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Global Distress Score With Overall Survival in Patients With Advanced Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2117295. [PMID: 34269810 PMCID: PMC8285733 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.17295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This cohort study examines the association of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment, including the Global Distress Score, with overall survival rates in patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishwaria M. Subbiah
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Maira M. Charone
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Jason Roszik
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Ali Haider
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Marieberta Vidal
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Angelique Wong
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
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