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Washington KT, Mechling CA, Pitzer KA, Maiser S, Mehta AK. Identifying the Unmet Needs of People Living With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A National Survey to Inform Interdisciplinary Palliative Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024:10499091241248653. [PMID: 38657132 DOI: 10.1177/10499091241248653] [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: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction/Aims: This national survey builds on previous qualitative research examining potential palliative care needs among people living with ALS (pALS) by quantifying and investigating relationships among pALS' stage of illness progression; physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intimacy-related concerns; advance care planning behaviors; perceptions of feeling heard and understood by healthcare providers; and overall quality of life. Methods: Researchers partnered with national organizations to recruit pALS to participate in a one-time survey comprising items from validated instruments (eg, the ALS Specific Quality of Life Instrument-Revised) and researcher-generated measures. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression. Results: Among pALS (n = 112), many respondents indicated they had discussed their wishes for end-of-life care with family or friends, shared their wishes with providers, and documented their wishes in writing (79.5%, 49.1%, and 63.4%, respectively). Mean (M) quality of life scores were moderate (M ≈ 6 of 10). Illness stage was associated with documentation of end-of-life care wishes but not with having discussed these wishes with others or with overall quality of life. Reported emotional intimacy received was comparable to that desired (difference = .01 of 10); however, a greater desire for physical intimacy relative to that received was indicated (difference = 1.75 of 10). Discussion: Interdisciplinary palliative care teams may enhance ALS care by promoting advance care planning behaviors (particularly discussing one's wishes with healthcare providers), providing interventions to improve quality of life, and supporting pALS in navigating challenges related to physical intimacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla T Washington
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charlton A Mechling
- Program in Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kyle A Pitzer
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Samuel Maiser
- Department of Neurology and Internal Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neurology and Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ambereen K Mehta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Richfield EW, Allgar V, Girgis A, Johnson MJ. Parkinson's disease - palliative care needs assessment tool: adaptation and psychometric testing. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022; 12:bmjspcare-2021-003447. [PMID: 35882517 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2021-003447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parkinson's disease is a progressive, life-limiting disease, which benefits from structured palliative care. Systematic recognition and triage of needs helps facilitate care, allows focused referral to specialist palliative care and aids sustainability of services. Existing palliative care tools for Parkinson's are patient/caregiver completed and focus on quantification rather than identification of the need. The Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease in Cancer was designed for rapid identification of unmet needs in cancer. We describe adaptation and psychometric testing of the tool for Parkinson's disease (NAT:Parkinson's disease). METHODS Set in secondary care, Parkinson's disease outpatient clinics in the UK, this study included people with Parkinson's, age >18, including all disease stages. People with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes were excluded. Adaptation was made using systematic review and focus groups. Construct validity was tested in 50 consecutive patients against established patient and caregiver measures, analysed with Kendall's Tau B. Inter-rater reliability, using video consultations, were calculated in broad range of clinicians involved in Parkinson's disease care using a weighted kappa; 0-0.2=slight, 0.21-0.40=fair, 0.41-0.60=moderate, 0.61-0.80=substantial and p<0.05 indicative of statistically significant agreement. RESULTS Validity was substantial for two, moderate for five and fair for four constructs. Inter-rater reliability was substantial for one, moderate for three and fair for six constructs. Two constructs failing to demonstrate fair reliability did show very high percentage agreement. CONCLUSION Findings support the suitability of the NAT:Parkinson's disease for everyday clinical use in the identification and triage of unmet palliative need for people with Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria Allgar
- Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Afaf Girgis
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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Hart NH, Crawford-Williams F, Crichton M, Yee J, Smith TJ, Koczwara B, Fitch MI, Crawford GB, Mukhopadhyay S, Mahony J, Cheah C, Townsend J, Cook O, Agar MR, Chan RJ. Unmet supportive care needs of people with advanced cancer and their caregivers: a systematic scoping review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 176:103728. [PMID: 35662585 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Examining and addressing unmet care needs is integral to improving the provision and quality of cancer services. This review explored the prevalence of unmet supportive care needs, and factors associated with unmet need, in adults with advanced cancers (solid and hematological malignancies) and their caregivers. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE) were searched, producing 85 papers representing 81 included studies. People with advanced cancer reported the highest unmet needs in financial, health system and information, psychological, and physical and daily living domains, whereas caregivers reported the highest unmet needs in psychological, and patient care and support domains. Distress, depression, and anxiety were associated with higher unmet needs across all unmet need domains for people with advanced cancer and their caregivers. Substantial heterogeneity in study populations and methods was observed. Findings from this review can inform targeted strategies and interventions to address these unmet needs in people with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas H Hart
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, SA, Australia; Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia; Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia; Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, WA, Australia.
| | - Fiona Crawford-Williams
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, SA, Australia; Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia
| | - Megan Crichton
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia; Nutrition and Dietetics Research Group, Bond University, QLD, Australia
| | - Jasmine Yee
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Division of General Internal Medicine, John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bogda Koczwara
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, SA, Australia; Flinders Cancer and Innovation Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, SA, Australia
| | - Margaret I Fitch
- School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B Crawford
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia; Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, SA, Australia
| | - Sandip Mukhopadhyay
- Burdwan Medical College, West Bengal, Kolkata, India; Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Chan Cheah
- Internal Medicine, UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia; Department of Haematology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, WA, Australia; Department of Haematology, Hollywood Private Hospital, WA, Australia
| | | | - Olivia Cook
- McGrath Foundation, NSW, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, VIC, Australia
| | - Meera R Agar
- IMPACCT Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raymond J Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, SA, Australia; Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia
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Frissen AR, Burgers S, van der Zwan JM, Raijmakers N, Arber A, Kunst P, Aerts J, Duijts SFA. Experiences of healthcare professionals with support for mesothelioma patients and their relatives: Identified gaps and improvements for care. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2021; 30:e13509. [PMID: 34498770 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals and other relevant stakeholders regarding psychosocial support and palliative care in mesothelioma patients and their relatives, to identify gaps and to explore potential improvements in current healthcare. METHODS Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals and other relevant stakeholders. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti. RESULTS In total, 16 respondents participated in an interview (69% women; mean age: 51.8 years (SD 12.41; range 28-75)). Four key themes were identified: (1) availability of tailored psychosocial and palliative care, (2) timely integration and organisation of psychosocial support and palliative care, (3) differences in provided support and care between healthcare professionals and hospitals and (4) training of healthcare professionals and stakeholders on psychosocial problems. CONCLUSION Our study showed that psychosocial support and palliative care for patients with mesothelioma could be improved. A more fluent transition between primary and secondary cancer care and early integration of psychosocial support and palliative care is advised. Lastly, more attention is needed for psychosocial and palliative care in the basic medical training of healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Roos Frissen
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (Integraal Kankercentrum Nederland, IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sjaak Burgers
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Maarten van der Zwan
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (Integraal Kankercentrum Nederland, IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja Raijmakers
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (Integraal Kankercentrum Nederland, IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Arber
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Peter Kunst
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (Integraal Kankercentrum Nederland, IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pulmonology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis (OLVG), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim Aerts
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia F A Duijts
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (Integraal Kankercentrum Nederland, IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Goni-Fuste B, Crespo I, Monforte-Royo C, Porta-Sales J, Balaguer A, Pergolizzi D. What defines the comprehensive assessment of needs in palliative care? An integrative systematic review. Palliat Med 2021; 35:651-669. [PMID: 33648403 DOI: 10.1177/0269216321996985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The comprehensive assessment of needs in palliative care identifies where patients most want attention to guide clinical decisions that tailor care provision from their first encounters. AIM To define how and what needs are identified by the comprehensive assessment of needs in the original peer-reviewed articles in the field of palliative care. DESIGN An integrative systematic review as outlined by Whittemore and Knafl. Quality appraisal performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science databases searched through May 2019 and updated in July 2020. RESULTS Forty-nine articles met inclusion criteria for original articles in English or Spanish reporting comprehensive assessment of needs of adult patients receiving palliative care. The majority (41/49) of studies were moderate to high quality. Two themes were identified: (1) How a comprehensive assessment of needs should be carried out in palliative care, which reflected a preference to develop structured tools for assessment; (2) What needs of patients should be assessed in the comprehensive assessment of needs in palliative care, which conveyed a trend to assess beyond core domains - physical, psychological, social, spiritual - with information and practical most prevalent, but with substantial variation in specifying and classifying needs into domains. CONCLUSIONS The assessment of needs in palliative care is comprehensive but lacks consensus on the needs and domains that should be assessed by the palliative care team. Future studies should better define what needs can be standardized into the assessment to improve process of care and patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Goni-Fuste
- Nursing Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Crespo
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Monforte-Royo
- Nursing Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Porta-Sales
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut Català d'Oncologia Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Balaguer
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Hospital Universitari General de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Denise Pergolizzi
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain
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A cluster randomised trial of a Needs Assessment Tool for adult Cancer patients and their carers (NAT-C) in primary care: A feasibility study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245647. [PMID: 33507949 PMCID: PMC7842977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People with cancer often have unidentified symptoms and social care needs. The Needs Assessment Tool-Cancer (NAT-C) is a validated, structured method of assessing patient/carer concerns and prompting action, to address unmet need. Aims Assess feasibility and acceptability of a definitive two-armed cluster randomised trial of NAT-C in primary care by evaluating: recruitment of GP practices, patients and carers; most effective approach of ensuring NAT-C appointments, acceptability of study measures and follow-up. Methods Non-blinded, feasibility study in four General Practices, with cluster randomisation to method of NAT-C appointment delivery, and process evaluation. Adults with active cancer were invited to participate with or without carer. Practices cluster randomised (1:1) to Arm I: promotion and use of NAT-C with a NAT-C trained clinician or Arm II: clinician of choice irrespective of training status. Participants completed study questionnaires at: baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months. Patients booked a 20 minute needs-assessment appointment post-baseline. Patients, carers and GP practice staff views regarding the study sought through interviews/focus groups. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, informed by Normalisation Process Theory. Progression to a definitive trial was assessed against feasibility outcomes, relating to: recruitment rate, uptake and delivery of the NAT-C, data collection and quality. Results Five GP practices approached, four recruited and trained to use the NAT-C. Forty-seven participants and 17 carers recruited. At baseline, 34/47 (72%) participants reported at least one moderate-severe unmet need, confirming study rationale. 32/47 (68%) participants received a NAT-C-guided consultation, 19 of which on Arm I. Study attrition at one month (n = 44 (94%), n = 16 (94%)), three months (n = 38 (81%), n = 14 (82%)) and six months (n = 32 (68%), n = 10 (59%)). Fifteen patient interviews conducted across the whole study and one focus group at each GP practice. Participants supported a definitive study and found measures acceptable. Conclusion The feasibility trial indicated that recruitment rate, intervention uptake and data collection were appropriate, with refinements, for a definitive multi-centre cluster randomised controlled trial. Feasibility outcomes informed the design of a 2-armed cluster randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the NAT-C compared with usual care.
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7
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Remawi BN, Gadoud A, Murphy IMJ, Preston N. Palliative care needs-assessment and measurement tools used in patients with heart failure: a systematic mixed-studies review with narrative synthesis. Heart Fail Rev 2020; 26:137-155. [PMID: 32748015 PMCID: PMC7769784 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-020-10011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Patients with heart failure have comparable illness burden and palliative care needs to those with cancer. However, few of them are offered timely palliative care. One main barrier is the difficulty in identifying those who require palliative care. Several palliative care needs-assessment/measurement tools were used to help identify these patients and assess/measure their needs, but it is not known which one is the most appropriate for this population. This review aimed to identify the most appropriate palliative care needs-assessment/measurement tools for patients with heart failure. Cochrane Library, MEDLINE Complete, AMED, PsycINFO, CINAHL Complete, EMBASE, EThOS, websites of the identified tools, and references and citations of the included studies were searched from inception to 25 June 2020. Studies were included if they evaluated palliative care needs-assessment/measurement tools for heart failure populations in terms of development, psychometrics, or palliative care patient/needs identification. Twenty-seven papers were included regarding nineteen studies, most of which were quantitative and observational. Six tools were identified and compared according to their content and context of use, development, psychometrics, and clinical applications in identifying patients with palliative care needs. Despite limited evidence, the Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease - Heart Failure (NAT:PD-HF) is the most appropriate palliative care needs-assessment tool for use in heart failure populations. It covers most of the patient needs and has the best psychometric properties and evidence of identification ability and appropriateness. Psychometric testing of the tools in patients with heart failure and evaluating the tools to identify those with palliative care needs require more investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bader Nael Remawi
- Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YG, UK.
| | - Amy Gadoud
- Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YG, UK.,International Observatory on End of Life Care, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YG, UK
| | - Iain Malcolm James Murphy
- Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YG, UK.,Trinity Hospice and Palliative Care Services, Low Moor Road, Blackpool, FY2 0BG, UK
| | - Nancy Preston
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YG, UK
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Schouten B, Avau B, Bekkering G(TE, Vankrunkelsven P, Mebis J, Hellings J, Van Hecke A. Systematic screening and assessment of psychosocial well-being and care needs of people with cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 3:CD012387. [PMID: 30909317 PMCID: PMC6433560 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012387.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receiving a diagnosis of cancer and the subsequent related treatments can have a significant impact on an individual's physical and psychosocial well-being. To ensure that cancer care addresses all aspects of well-being, systematic screening for distress and supportive care needs is recommended. Appropriate screening could help support the integration of psychosocial approaches in daily routines in order to achieve holistic cancer care and ensure that the specific care needs of people with cancer are met and that the organisation of such care is optimised. OBJECTIVES To examine the effectiveness and safety of screening of psychosocial well-being and care needs of people with cancer. To explore the intervention characteristics that contribute to the effectiveness of these screening interventions. SEARCH METHODS We searched five electronic databases in January 2018: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. We also searched five trial registers and screened the contents of relevant journals, citations, and references to find published and unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised controlled trials (NRCTs) that studied the effect of screening interventions addressing the psychosocial well-being and care needs of people with cancer compared to usual care. These screening interventions could involve self-reporting of people with a patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) or a semi-structured interview with a screening interventionist, and comprise a solitary screening intervention or screening with guided actions. We excluded studies that evaluated screening integrated as an element in more complex interventions (e.g. therapy, coaching, full care pathways, or care programmes). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted the data and assessed methodological quality for each included study using the Cochrane tool for RCTs and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for NRCTs. Due to the high level of heterogeneity in the included studies, only three were included in meta-analysis. Results of the remaining 23 studies were analysed narratively. MAIN RESULTS We included 26 studies (18 RCTs and 8 NRCTs) with sample sizes of 41 to 1012 participants, involving a total of 7654 adults with cancer. Two studies included only men or women; all other studies included both sexes. For most studies people with breast, lung, head and neck, colorectal, prostate cancer, or several of these diagnoses were included; some studies included people with a broader range of cancer diagnosis. Ten studies focused on a solitary screening intervention, while the remaining 16 studies evaluated a screening intervention combined with guided actions. A broad range of intervention instruments was used, and were described by study authors as a screening of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), distress screening, needs assessment, or assessment of biopsychosocial symptoms or overall well-being. In 13 studies, the screening was a self-reported questionnaire, while in the remaining 13 studies an interventionist conducted the screening by interview or paper-pencil assessment. The interventional screenings in the studies were applied 1 to 12 times, without follow-up or from 4 weeks to 18 months after the first interventional screening. We assessed risk of bias as high for eight RCTs, low for five RCTs, and unclear for the five remaining RCTs. There were further concerns about the NRCTs (1 = critical risk study; 6 = serious risk studies; 1 = risk unclear).Due to considerable heterogeneity in several intervention and study characteristics, we have reported the results narratively for the majority of the evidence.In the narrative synthesis of all included studies, we found very low-certainty evidence for the effect of screening on HRQoL (20 studies). Of these studies, eight found beneficial effects of screening for several subdomains of HRQoL, and 10 found no effects of screening. One study found adverse effects, and the last study did not report quantitative results. We found very low-certainty evidence for the effect of screening on distress (16 studies). Of these studies, two found beneficial effects of screening, and 14 found no effects of screening. We judged the overall certainty of the evidence for the effect of screening on HRQoL to be very low. We found very low-certainty evidence for the effect of screening on care needs (seven studies). Of these studies, three found beneficial effects of screening for several subdomains of care needs, and two found no effects of screening. One study found adverse effects, and the last study did not report quantitative results. We judged the overall level of evidence for the effect of screening on HRQoL to be very low. None of the studies specifically evaluated or reported adverse effects of screening. However, three studies reported unfavourable effects of screening, including lower QoL, more unmet needs, and lower satisfaction.Three studies could be included in a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed no beneficial effect of the screening intervention on people with cancer HRQoL (mean difference (MD) 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.83 to 8.12, 2 RCTs, 6 months follow-up); distress (MD 0.0, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.36, 1 RCT, 3 months follow-up); or care needs (MD 2.32, 95% CI -7.49 to 12.14, 2 RCTs, 3 months follow-up). However, these studies all evaluated one specific screening intervention (CONNECT) in people with colorectal cancer.In the studies where some effects could be identified, no recurring relationships were found between intervention characteristics and the effectiveness of screening interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found low-certainty evidence that does not support the effectiveness of screening of psychosocial well-being and care needs in people with cancer. Studies were heterogeneous in population, intervention, and outcome assessment.The results of this review suggest a need for more uniformity in outcomes and reporting; for the use of intervention description guidelines; for further improvement of methodological certainty in studies and for combining subjective patient-reported outcomes with objective outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojoura Schouten
- Hasselt UniversityResearch Group Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesHasseltLimburgBelgium3500
| | - Bert Avau
- Belgian Red CrossCentre for Evidence‐Based PracticeMotstraat 42MechelenBelgium2800
- Belgian Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine ‐ Cochrane BelgiumKapucijnenvoer 33, blok JLeuvenBelgium3000
| | - Geertruida (Trudy) E Bekkering
- Belgian Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine ‐ Cochrane BelgiumKapucijnenvoer 33, blok JLeuvenBelgium3000
- KU LeuvenDepartment of Public Health and Primary Care ‐ Faculty of MedicineKapucijnenvoer 33 Blok J Bus 7001LeuvenBelgium3000
| | - Patrick Vankrunkelsven
- Belgian Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine ‐ Cochrane BelgiumKapucijnenvoer 33, blok JLeuvenBelgium3000
- KU LeuvenDepartment of Public Health and Primary Care ‐ Faculty of MedicineKapucijnenvoer 33 Blok J Bus 7001LeuvenBelgium3000
| | - Jeroen Mebis
- Jessa HospitalDepartment of Medical OncologyHasseltBelgium
- Hasselt UniversityResearch Group Immunology and BiochemistryFaculty of Medicine and Life SciencesHasseltBelgium
| | - Johan Hellings
- Hasselt UniversityResearch Group Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesHasseltLimburgBelgium3500
- AZ DeltaRode‐Kruisstraat 20RoeselareBelgium
| | - Ann Van Hecke
- Ghent UniversityUniversity Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public HealthDe Pintelaan 185GhentBelgium9000
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Allgar VL, Chen H, Richfield E, Currow D, Macleod U, Johnson MJ. Psychometric Properties of the Needs Assessment Tool-Progressive Disease Cancer in U.K. Primary Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 56:602-612. [PMID: 30009964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of patients' needs for care is a critical step in achieving patient-centered cancer care. Tools can be used to assess needs and inform care planning. The Needs Assessment Tool:Progressive Disease-Cancer (NAT:PD-C) is an Australian oncology clinic tool for assessment by clinicians of patients' and carers' palliative care needs. This has not been validated in the U.K. primary care setting. AIM The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties and acceptability of a U.K. primary care adapted NAT:PD-C. DESIGN Reliability: NAT:PD-C-guided video-recorded consultations were viewed, rated, and rerated by clinicians. Weighted Fleiss' kappa and prevalence- and bias-adjusted kappa statistics were used. Construct: During a consultation, general medical practitioners (GPs) used NAT:PD-C, patient measures (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale; Research Utilisation Group Activities of Daily Living; Palliative care Outcome Score; Australian Karnofsky Performance Scale), and carer measures (Carer Strain Index; Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool). Kendall's Tau-b was used. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS GPs, nurses, patients, and carers were recruited from primary care practices. RESULTS Reliability: All patients' well-being items and four of five items in the carer/family ability to care section showed adequate interrater reliability. There was moderate test-retest reliability for five of six in the patients' well-being section and five of five in the carer/family ability to care section. Construct: There was at least fair agreement for five of six of patients' well-being items; high for daily living (Kendall's Tau-b = 0.57, P < 0.001). The NAT:PD-C has adequate carer construct validity (five of eight) with strong agreement for two of eight patients. Over three-quarters of GPs considered the NAT:PD-C to have high acceptability. CONCLUSION The NAT PD-C is reliable, valid, and acceptable in the UK primary care setting. Effectiveness in reducing patient and carer unmet needs and issues regarding implementation are yet to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong Chen
- Hull York Medical School, Allam Medical Building, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Ed Richfield
- Elderly Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - David Currow
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Una Macleod
- Hull York Medical School, Allam Medical Building, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- Hull York Medical School, Allam Medical Building, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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10
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Wang T, Molassiotis A, Chung BPM, Tan JY. Unmet care needs of advanced cancer patients and their informal caregivers: a systematic review. BMC Palliat Care 2018; 17:96. [PMID: 30037346 PMCID: PMC6057056 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0346-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 352] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review aimed to identify the unmet care needs and their associated variables in patients with advanced cancer and informal caregivers, alongside summarizing the tools used for needs assessment. METHODS Ten electronic databases were searched systematically from inception of each database to December 2016 to determine eligible studies. Studies that considered the unmet care needs of either adult patients with advanced cancer or informal caregivers, regardless of the study design, were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was utilized for quality appraisal of the included studies. Content analysis was used to identify unmet needs, and descriptive analysis was adopted to synthesize other outcomes. RESULTS Fifty studies were included, and their methodological quality was generally robust. The prevalence of unmet needs varied across studies. Twelve unmet need domains were identified in patients with advanced cancer, and seven among informal caregivers. The three most commonly reported domains for patients were psychological, physical, and healthcare service and information. The most prominent unmet items of these domains were emotional support (10.1-84.4%), fatigue (18-76.3%), and "being informed about benefits and side-effects of treatment" (4-66.7%). The most commonly identified unmet needs for informal caregivers were information needs, including illness and treatment information (26-100%) and care-related information (21-100%). Unmet needs of patients with advanced cancer were associated with their physical symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life. The most commonly used instruments for needs assessment among patients with advanced cancer were the Supportive Care Needs Survey (N = 8) and Problems and Needs in Palliative Care questionnaire (N = 5). The majority of the included studies investigated unmet needs from the perspectives of either patients or caregivers with a cross-sectional study design using single time-point assessments. Moreover, significant heterogeneity, including differences in study contexts, assessment methods, instruments for measurement, need classifications, and reporting methods, were identified across studies. CONCLUSION Both advanced cancer patients and informal caregivers reported a wide range of context-bound unmet needs. Examining their unmet needs on the basis of viewing patients and their informal caregivers as a whole unit will be highly optimal. Unmet care needs should be comprehensively evaluated from the perspectives of all stakeholders and interpreted by using rigorously designed mixed methods research and longitudinal studies within a given context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Alex Molassiotis
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Betty Pui Man Chung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Jing-Yu Tan
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
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11
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Lehto RH, Miller SEL, Flanigan M, Wyatt G. Mental health in patients with advanced cancer at the end of life: evaluation of evidence and future directions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/23809000.2018.1483192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca H Lehto
- Michigan State University College of Nursing, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Sara EL Miller
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Megan Flanigan
- Michigan State University College of Nursing, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Gwen Wyatt
- Michigan State University College of Nursing, East Lansing, MI, USA
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12
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Lambert S, Bellamy T, Girgis A. Routine assessment of unmet needs in individuals with advanced cancer and their caregivers: A qualitative study of the palliative care needs assessment tool (PC-NAT). J Psychosoc Oncol 2017; 36:82-96. [DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2017.1382645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Lambert
- McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Ingram School of Nursing, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- St. Mary's Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- UNSW Medicine, South Western Sydney Clinical School, Psycho-oncology Research Group, Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation (CONCERT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Bellamy
- Hunter New England Local Health District, James Fletcher Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Afaf Girgis
- UNSW Medicine, South Western Sydney Clinical School, Psycho-oncology Research Group, Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation (CONCERT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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13
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Reigada C, Papadopoulos A, Boland JW, Yorke J, Ross J, Currow DC, Hart S, Bajwah S, Grande G, Wells A, Johnson MJ. Implementation of the Needs Assessment Tool for patients with interstitial lung disease (NAT:ILD): facilitators and barriers. Thorax 2017; 72:1049-1051. [PMID: 28219955 PMCID: PMC5738535 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-209768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A Needs Assessment Tool (NAT) was developed previously to help clinicians identify the supportive/palliative needs of people with interstitial lung disease (ILD) (NAT:ILD). This letter presents barriers and facilitators to clinical implementation. Data from (1) a focus group of respiratory clinicians and (2) an expert consensus group (respiratory and palliative clinicians, academics, patients, carers) were analysed using Framework Analysis. Barriers related to resources and service reconfiguration, and facilitators to clinical need, structure, objectiveness, flexibility and benefits of an ‘aide-memoire’. Identified training needs included communication skills and local service knowledge. The NAT:ILD was seen as useful, necessary and practical in everyday practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Reigada
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - A Papadopoulos
- Kent Business School, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - J W Boland
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - J Yorke
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - J Ross
- St Christopher's Hospice, Sydenham, Kent, UK
| | - D C Currow
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK.,University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - S Hart
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - S Bajwah
- Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - G Grande
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - A Wells
- Royal & Harefield Trust Foundation, London, UK
| | - M J Johnson
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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14
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Boland JW, Reigada C, Yorke J, Hart SP, Bajwah S, Ross J, Wells A, Papadopoulos A, Currow DC, Grande G, Macleod U, Johnson MJ. The Adaptation, Face, and Content Validation of a Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease for People with Interstitial Lung Disease. J Palliat Med 2016; 19:549-55. [PMID: 26840603 PMCID: PMC4860674 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2015.0355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irrreversible interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Palliative care needs of patients and caregivers are not routinely assessed; there is no tool to identify needs and triage support in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE The study objective was to adapt and face/content validate a palliative needs assessment tool for people with ILD. METHODS The Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease-Cancer (NAT:PD-C) was adapted to reflect the palliative care needs identified from the ILD literature and patient/caregiver interviews. Face and content validity of the NAT:PD-ILD was tested using patient/caregiver focus groups and an expert consensus group. Participants in the study were two English tertiary health care trusts' outpatients clinics. There were four focus groups: two patient (n = 7; n = 4); one caregiver (n = 3); and one clinician (n = 8). There was a single caregiver interview, and an expert consensus group-academics (n = 3), clinicians (n = 9), patients (n = 4), and caregivers (n = 2). Each item in the tool was revised as agreed by the groups. Expert consensus was reached. RESULTS Overall, the tool reflected participants' experience of ILD. Each domain was considered relevant. Adaptations were needed to represent the burden of ILD: respiratory symptoms (especially cough) and concerns about sexual activity were highlighted. All emphasized assessment of caregiver need as critical, and the role of caregivers in clinical consultations. CONCLUSIONS The NAT:PD-ILD appears to have face and content validity. The inclusion of the family caregiver in the consultation as someone with their own needs as well as a source of information was welcomed. Reliability testing and construct validation of the tool are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Boland
- 1 Hull York Medical School, University of Hull , Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Reigada
- 1 Hull York Medical School, University of Hull , Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Janelle Yorke
- 2 School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Simon P Hart
- 1 Hull York Medical School, University of Hull , Yorkshire, United Kingdom .,3 Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust , Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Sabrina Bajwah
- 4 King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and, London , United Kingdom .,5 Cicely Saunders Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joy Ross
- 6 Royal and Harefield Trust Fundation , London, United Kingdom
| | - Athol Wells
- 6 Royal and Harefield Trust Fundation , London, United Kingdom
| | - Athanasios Papadopoulos
- 7 School of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex , Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - David C Currow
- 8 Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University , Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gunn Grande
- 2 School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Una Macleod
- 1 Hull York Medical School, University of Hull , Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- 1 Hull York Medical School, University of Hull , Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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15
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Sampson C, Gill BH, Harrison NK, Nelson A, Byrne A. The care needs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and their carers (CaNoPy): results of a qualitative study. BMC Pulm Med 2015; 15:155. [PMID: 26637194 PMCID: PMC4670492 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-015-0145-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, fibrotic interstitial lung disease of unknown origin. It has a median survival of three years but a wide range in survival rate which is difficult to predict at the time of diagnosis. Specialist guidance promotes a patient centred approach emphasising regular assessment, information giving and supportive care coordinated by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). However understanding of patient and carer experience across the disease trajectory is limited and detailed guidance for MDTs on communication, assessment, and triggers for supportive and palliative interventions is lacking. This study addresses uncertainties relating to care needs of patients and carers at different stages of the IPF disease trajectory. Methods Following ethical approval a multi-centre mixed-methods study recruited participants with IPF at four stages of the disease trajectory. Qualitative analysis was used to analyse 48 semi-structured interviews with patients (27) and paired carers (21). Results Patients and carers outlined key elements of MDT activity capable of having significant impact on the care experience. These were structured around:Focus of clinical encounters Timely identification of changes in health status and functional activity Understanding of symptoms and medical interventions Coping strategies and carer roles.
Conclusions Patients diagnosed with IPF have a clear understanding of their prognosis but little understanding of how their disease will progress and how it will be managed. In depth analysis of the experiences of patients and carers offers guidance for refining IPF clinical pathways. This will support patients and carers at key transition points in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12890-015-0145-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Sampson
- Cardiff University School of Medicine, Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS, UK.
| | - Ben Hope Gill
- Department Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Llandough, Cardiff, UK.
| | | | - Annmarie Nelson
- Cardiff University School of Medicine, Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS, UK.
| | - Anthony Byrne
- Cardiff University School of Medicine, Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS, UK.
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Providing general practice needs-based care for carers of people with advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Gen Pract 2014; 63:e683-90. [PMID: 24152483 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp13x673694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carers of patients with advanced cancer often have health and psychosocial needs, which are frequently overlooked. AIM To meet the needs of carers through a GP consultation directed by a self-completed carer needs checklist. DESIGN AND SETTING Randomised controlled trial in general practice with recruitment through specialist oncology clinics, in Brisbane, Australia. METHOD Intervention was (a) carer-GP consultations directed by a self-completed checklist of needs at baseline and 3 months; and (b) a GP-Toolkit to assist GPs to address carer-identified needs. Control group received usual care. Outcome measures were intensity of needs, anxiety and depression, and quality of life. RESULTS Total recruitment 392. Overall, no significant differences were detected in the number or intensity of need between groups. Compared to controls, intervention participants with baseline clinical anxiety showed improvements in mental wellbeing (P = 0.027), and those with baseline clinical depression had slower development of anxiety (P = 0.044) at 6 months. For those not anxious, physical wellbeing improved at 1 month (P = 0.040). Carers looking after patients with poor functional status had more physical needs (P = 0.037) at 1 month and more psychological and emotional needs at 3 months (P = 0.034). Those caring for less unwell patients showed improved mental wellbeing at 3 months (P = 0.022). CONCLUSION The intervention did not influence the number or intensity of needs reported by carers of people with advanced cancer. There was limited impact in people with pre-existing clinical anxiety and depression. For the carer of those most severely affected by advanced cancer, it drew attention to the needs arising from the caregiving role.
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van Zandwijk N, Clarke C, Henderson D, Musk AW, Fong K, Nowak A, Loneragan R, McCaughan B, Boyer M, Feigen M, Currow D, Schofield P, Nick Pavlakis BI, McLean J, Marshall H, Leong S, Keena V, Penman A. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. J Thorac Dis 2013; 5:E254-307. [PMID: 24416529 PMCID: PMC3886874 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2013.11.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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18
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Waller A, Girgis A, Davidson PM, Newton PJ, Lecathelinais C, Macdonald PS, Hayward CS, Currow DC. Facilitating needs-based support and palliative care for people with chronic heart failure: preliminary evidence for the acceptability, inter-rater reliability, and validity of a needs assessment tool. J Pain Symptom Manage 2013; 45:912-25. [PMID: 23017612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Understanding the types and extent of need is critical to informing needs-based care for people with chronic heart failure (CHF). OBJECTIVES To explore the psychometric quality of a newly developed rapid screening measure to assess the supportive and palliative care needs of people with CHF. METHODS A convenience sample of multidisciplinary health professionals working in heart failure care was invited to comment, via an online survey and consultation, on suitability and required modifications to a validated cancer care needs assessment measure to inform the support and palliative care needs of patients with CHF and their caregivers. Psychometric testing was then undertaken with 52 patients with CHF recruited from a multidisciplinary heart failure service to explore inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity of the newly adapted Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease-Heart Failure (NAT: PD-HF). RESULTS Health professionals (n=21) rated the tool as easy to administer, comprehensive, and relevant for the CHF population. Prevalence- and bias-adjusted kappa values indicated good agreement between pairs of raters for each item in the NAT: PD-HF (range 0.54-0.90). Participants indicating a higher severity of concern in the NAT: PD-HF physical, daily living, and spiritual items reported significantly higher Heart Failure Needs Assessment Questionnaire physical and existential scores. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary evidence for the NAT: PD-HF as a potential strategy for identifying and informing the management of physical and psychosocial issues experienced by people with CHF. Further work is needed to examine additional psychometrics, benefits relating to unnecessary symptom burden, futile treatments, and admissions to hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Waller
- Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Canada.
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