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Sønderup Tarp M, Rosenberg J. The symptom burden and the assessment of palliative symptoms in patients with metastatic upper gastrointestinal cancer: A qualitative interview study. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:367-373. [PMID: 37817325 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001335] [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: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with metastatic upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer may experience a large physical symptom burden. However, less is known about existential, social, and psychological symptoms. To provide the patient with palliative care, quality-of-life questionnaires are used for structured needs assessment. These are sporadically implemented, and there seems to be uncertainty to the efficiency of current practice. The aim of study was to explore the experienced assessment-process and treatment of palliative symptoms, as well as the experienced symptom burden, in patients with metastatic upper GI cancer. METHODS Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted in 10 patients with metastatic upper GI cancer. Data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS The patients did not expect treatment for all physical symptoms. Existential symptoms revolved around death and dying, social issues were mainly related to family, and psychological issues were based in the continuous dealing with serious illness. Existential, social, and psychological symptoms were mostly not considered part of the expected care when admitted to hospital. Patients had only vague recollections of their experiences with structured needs assessment, and the process had been inconsequential in the treatment of symptoms. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Patients with upper GI cancer experience symptoms related to all 4 areas of palliative care being physical, existential, social, and psychological, but these are differentiated in the way patients perceive their origins and treatability. Structured needs assessment was not routinely carried out, and in cases where this had been done, no follow-up was effectuated. This calls for increased focus and proper implementation for the process to be relevant in the treatment of palliative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Sønderup Tarp
- Department of Surgery, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jacob Rosenberg
- Department of Surgery, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
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Yang Y, Cui M, Zhao X, Wang S, Wang Y, Wang X. Association of pain management and positive expectations with psychological distress and spiritual well‑being among terminally ill cancer patients admitted to a palliative care unit. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:96. [PMID: 37016385 PMCID: PMC10071468 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01259-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although palliation of psycho-spiritual distress is of great importance in terminally ill cancer patients, there is a little information about screening patients who benefit from palliative care and identifying the cancer care targets. This study explored the relationship of pain management and positive expectations with depression, anxiety and spiritual well-being (SWB) in terminal cancer patients admitted to a palliative care unit. METHODS Eighty-four terminal cancer inpatients were recruited from the Hospice Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. Optimism and general self-efficacy (GSE) were evaluated at admission. Patients completed self-report questionnaires on SWB, depression, anxiety and pain both on admission and one week later. The repeated designed analysis of variance was used to explore the correlates of depression, anxiety and SWB (meaning, peace, faith). RESULTS In our sample, only cancer pain diminished significantly one week later. For depression (p = 0.041) and faith (p = 0.013), there was a significant pain group (relieved vs. not relieved) × time interaction effect, such that those with satisfied pain control experienced the improved psycho-spiritual outcomes at 1 week. The relationship between positive expectations, peace and faith was also statistically significant, indicating that the improvement of peace or faith was significant in the low group of optimism and GSE. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that pain management lied at the center of depression and SWB, meaning that effective pain management may reduce depression, and improve SWB among terminal cancer patients. Moreover, positive expectations, especially for optimism, may be the new target for SWB-related intervention research. Palliative care nurse should require the identification of terminal cancer patients who may more benefit from short-term palliative care, and target them with effective cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Yang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Meng Cui
- Hospice Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Xinxin Zhao
- Hospice Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Simeng Wang
- Institute for International Health Professions Education and Research, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Yumei Wang
- Hospice Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaohe Wang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, P.R. China.
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Chen RW, Wang Q, Hu T, Xie YX, Chang HY, Cheng J. Validation and Application of the Chinese Version of the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory in Breast Cancer Patients. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:426-433. [PMID: 35314928 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2544-1] [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: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To validate and use the Chinese Version of the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-C) to assess the symptom burden of breast cancer patients in China. METHODS A total of 342 breast cancer patients in China participated in this study. Their symptoms were investigated with the MDASI-C from November 2020 to February 2021, and the reliability and validity of this tool were evaluated, respectively. Cluster analysis and correlation analysis were also performed. RESULTS The Cronbach's alpha coefficient values of the symptom and interference items were 0.827 and 0.880, respectively. Construct validity revealed a four-factor structure. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was 0.760. The Karnofsky Performance Status, treatment phase, and cancer stage of the patients were grouped, and the differences of scores within the groups were significant. In addition, the employment status, education level, and age of the patients were significantly correlated with the symptoms. The correlation analysis of the education level of the patients showed that most of the symptoms and interference items were reduced as the education level was increased. The top three symptoms were disturbed sleep (3.10±2.52), difficulty remembering (2.54±2.30), and fatigue (2.24±2.13). The clinical and biochemical indicators such as body mass index and neutral granulocyte lymphocyte ratio had effects on many symptoms. As the patients' BMI increased, the patients' pain, disturbed sleep, and difficulty remembering were aggravated, and numbness was alleviated. CONCLUSION The MDASI-C is a reliable and effective assessment tool to evaluate patients with breast cancer in China. The symptoms are related to many clinical and biochemical indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Wang Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ting Hu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yu-Xiu Xie
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hai-Yan Chang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Shafiq M, Malhotra R, Teo I, Ozdemir S, Kanesvaran R, Malhotra C. Trajectories of physical symptom burden and psychological distress during the last year of life in patients with a solid metastatic cancer. Psychooncology 2021; 31:139-147. [PMID: 34432911 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To delineate the trajectories of physical symptoms and psychological distress among patients with a solid metastatic cancer during the last year of life. METHODS We used data of 345 decedents from a prospective cohort of 600 patients with a Stage IV solid cancer. Using group-based trajectory modelling, we assessed (a) demographic (age, gender, education, cancer site) predictors of trajectory membership, (b) shift in trajectories associated with planned and unplanned hospitalizations, emergency room visits and chemotherapy, and (c) the association between trajectory membership and place of death. RESULTS We identified three trajectories of physical symptoms-"persistent mild" (56%), "progressive moderate" (36%), and "progressive severe" (8%), and two for psychological distress-"persistent mild" (72%) and "progressive distress" (28%). Females (β = 1.40 [SE = 0.55], p-value = 0.01) and highly educated patients (β = 1.46 [SE = 0.62], p-value = 0.02) were more likely to experience progressive severe symptoms compared to persistent mild symptoms. Older patients were less likely (β = -1.01 [SE = 0.33], p-value = 0.003), while those with gynecological cancers (β = 1.51 [SE = 0.65], p-value = 0.02) were more likely to experience progressive distress compared to persistent mild distress. Planned and unplanned hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and chemotherapy were associated with a worsening in trajectories. Patients with higher distress were more likely to die in a hospice compared to a hospital. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to improve physical symptoms and distress can focus on patients at risk of being in worse trajectories and at critical time points in the last year of life-hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irene Teo
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Unmet Needs and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients and Their Families: Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9070874. [PMID: 34356252 PMCID: PMC8305838 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9070874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Unmet needs and quality of life (QOL) are important nursing issues for both patients and their families. However, studies into their direct association, considering the dyadic relationship between them, have not been done. We investigated the associations using the actor–partner interdependence modeling for dyadic data. Data were collected from 115 patient–family dyads at a tertiary teaching hospital. The study variables were assessed using the questionnaires and clinical data. To analyze patient–family dyad data, the actor–partner interdependence modeling and structural equation modeling were used. The cancer patients and their families experienced diverse and high levels of unmet needs that affected their quality of life, both physically and mentally. The cancer patients’ unmet needs decreased their physical and mental quality of life, while those of their families had a negative impact on their own physical and mental quality of life. However, the cancer patients’ unmet needs did not have partner effects on their families’ quality of life, and vice versa. Therefore, unmet needs played important roles in their QOL taking into dyadic relationships in the model. The results suggest that nursing intervention programs to meet the needs of both patients and their families are required to improve their quality of life.
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Merchant SJ, Kong W, Brundage M, Booth CM. Symptom Evolution in Patients with Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Receiving Palliative Chemotherapy: A Population-Based Study. Ann Surg Oncol 2020; 28:79-87. [PMID: 33140252 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-09289-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Palliative chemotherapy (PC) is associated with a modest survival benefit in patients with incurable esophageal and gastric cancer; however, changes in symptom profile during treatment are not well described. Understanding the trajectory of symptoms during treatment may lead to improved care and facilitate shared decision making. In this study, we address this knowledge gap among all patients receiving PC in the Canadian province of Ontario. METHODS Patients diagnosed with incurable esophageal and gastric cancer who received PC from 2012 to 2017 were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry. Patients with one or more recorded Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores in the 12 months following cancer diagnosis were included. The ESAS includes scores from 0 to 10 in nine domains (anxiety, depression, drowsiness, lack of appetite, nausea, pain, shortness of breath, tiredness, and lack of well-being). Symptom severity is categorized as none-mild (≤ 3), moderate (4-6), or severe (7-10). We focused on potentially modifiable symptoms, i.e. nausea, pain, and anxiety/depression. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with moderate-severe ESAS scores in these domains. Among those patients with serial ESAS scores (at 8 ± 2 and 12 ± 2 weeks) receiving chemotherapy, we describe changes during treatment (decrease by ≥ 1 = improved; - 1 > 0 > 1 = unchanged; increase by ≥ 1 = deteriorated). RESULTS The cohort included 1900 patients who received PC, of whom 79% (1497/1900) had one or more recorded ESAS scores. In multivariate analysis, younger patients were more likely to have moderate-severe scores in nausea (odds ratio [OR] 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-2.90 [p < 0.01] in patients aged 41-50 years compared with patients aged ≥ 71 years) and pain (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.36-2.60 [p < 0.01] in patients aged 51-60 years compared with patients aged ≥ 71 years). Compared with males, females were more likely to report moderate-severe scores in anxiety/depression (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.21-2.08 [p < 0.01]). At 8 ± 2 weeks from PC initiation, symptom scores were unchanged in 19-42% of patients, improved in 30-51% of patients, and deteriorated in 17-35% of patients. The greatest change in symptom burden was observed for appetite (51% improvement) and anxiety/depression (35% deterioration). Similar trends were observed at 12 ± 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS In this large, population-based study, we observed that younger patients were more likely to report moderate-severe symptoms in pain and nausea, and females were more likely to report moderate-severe symptoms in anxiety/depression. Anxiety/depression symptoms become increasingly problematic for a substantial proportion of patients receiving PC. Supportive care efforts to mitigate these symptoms in routine practice are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaila J Merchant
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Division of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Weidong Kong
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Brundage
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher M Booth
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Vettori JC, da Silva LG, Pfrimer K, Jordão Junior AA, Moriguti JC, Ferriolli E, Lima NKC. Older Adult Cancer Patients Under Palliative Care With a Prognosis of 30 Days or More: Clinical and Nutritional Changes. J Am Coll Nutr 2020; 40:148-154. [PMID: 32275483 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2020.1747032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize nutritional status, body composition, oxidative stress, and inflammatory activity and to determine the possible associations between nutritional status and clinical variables in advanced cancer patients.Method: This was a cross-sectional study of 46 elderly cancer patients under palliative care with a prognosis of 30 days or more. Nutritional status, food intake, anthropometry, body composition (deuterium oxide method), metabolic profile, inflammation damage (C-reactive protein), oxidative damage (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine), and symptom intensity were evaluated.Results: Among elderly cancer patients, 36.9% were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Systemic inflammation was detected, with a correlation between worse nutritional status and higher C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.01, r= -0.57), while lower lean mass (p < 0.01, r = 0.62) and higher fat mass percentages (p < 0.01, r = 0.62) correlated with higher levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. Furthermore, daily energy (n = 25; 57.4%) and protein intake (n = 24; 52.2%) were lower than recommended in more than half the patients. The most prevalent symptoms were anxiety, impairment of well-being, drowsiness, tiredness, and lack of appetite.Conclusions: Despite preserved functionality, patients already had clinical and laboratory changes that, together with inadequate food intake, risk of malnutrition, systemic inflammation, and the presence of uncontrolled symptoms, alerted to the importance of an early and comprehensive palliative approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiane C Vettori
- Internal Medicine Department, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Luanda G da Silva
- Internal Medicine Department, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Karina Pfrimer
- Internal Medicine Department, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Alceu A Jordão Junior
- Internal Medicine Department, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Júlio C Moriguti
- Internal Medicine Department, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Eduardo Ferriolli
- Internal Medicine Department, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Nereida K C Lima
- Internal Medicine Department, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
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Chen JS, Wen FH, Chou WC, Hsieh CH, Chang WC, Tang ST. Terminally Ill Cancer Patients' Distinct Symptom-Functional Patterns/States Are Differentially Associated with Their Accurate Prognostic Awareness in the Last Six Months of Life. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:782-789. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Merchant SJ, Brogly SB, Booth CM, Goldie C, Nanji S, Patel SV, Lajkosz K, Baxter NN. Palliative Care and Symptom Burden in the Last Year of Life: A Population-Based Study of Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2019; 26:2336-2345. [PMID: 30969388 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-019-07320-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The symptom profile in cancer patients and the association between palliative care (PC) and symptoms has not been studied in the general population. We addressed these gaps in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients in the final year of life. METHODS Patients dying of esophageal, gastric, colon, and anorectal cancers during 2003-2015 were identified. Symptom scores were recorded in the year before death using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), which includes scores from 0 to 10 in nine domains. Symptom severity was categorized as none-mild (≤ 3) or moderate-severe (≥ 4-10). Adjusted associations between outpatient PC and moderate-severe ESAS scores were determined, and the effect of PC initiation on ESAS scores was estimated. RESULTS The cohort included 11,242 patients who died (esophageal [17%], gastric [20%], colon [38%], and anorectal [26%] cancers). Fifty percent experienced moderate-severe scores in tiredness, lack of well-being, and lack of appetite earlier (weeks 18 to 12 before death), whereas 50% experienced moderate-severe scores in drowsiness, pain, and shortness of breath later (weeks 5 to 2 before death) in the disease course. Outpatient PC was associated with an increased likelihood of moderate-severe scores in all domains, with the highest score in pain (odds ratio [OR] 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68-2.05). In PC-naïve patients with moderate-severe scores, initiation of outpatient PC was associated with a 1- to 3-point decrease in subsequent scores, with the greatest reductions in pain (OR - 1.91, 95% CI - 2.11 to - 1.70) and nausea (OR - 3.01, 95% CI - 3.31 to - 2.71). CONCLUSION GI cancer patients experience high symptom burden in the final year of life. Outpatient PC initiation is associated with a decrease in symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaila J Merchant
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Division of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Susan B Brogly
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher M Booth
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Craig Goldie
- Division of Palliative Care, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sulaiman Nanji
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Division of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sunil V Patel
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Division of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Lajkosz
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy N Baxter
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Wen FH, Chen JS, Chou WC, Chang WC, Hsieh CH, Tang ST. Factors Predisposing Terminally Ill Cancer Patients' Preferences for Distinct Patterns/States of Life-Sustaining Treatments Over Their Last Six Months. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:190-198.e2. [PMID: 30447386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT High-quality end-of-life (EOL) care depends on thoroughly assessing terminally ill patients' preferences for EOL care and tailoring care to individual needs. Studies on predictors of EOL-care preferences were primarily cross-sectional and assessed preferences for multiple life-sustaining treatments (LSTs), making clinical applications difficult. OBJECTIVE/METHODS We examined factors predisposing cancer patients (N = 303) to specific LST-preference states (life-sustaining preferring, comfort preferring, uncertain, and nutrition preferring) derived from six LSTs (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intensive care unit care, chest compression, intubation with mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutrition, and tube feeding) in patients' last six months by multilevel multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Participants with accurate prognostic awareness and physician-patient EOL-care discussions were less likely to be in life-sustaining-preferring, uncertain, and nutrition-preferring states than in the comfort-preferring state. Better quality of life (QOL) and more depressive symptoms predisposed participants to be less likely to be in the uncertain than in the comfort-preferring state. Membership in the nutrition-preferring rather than the comfort-preferring state was significantly higher for participants in the state of moderate symptom distress with severe functional impairment than in the state of mild symptom distress with high functioning. CONCLUSION Accurate prognostic awareness, physician-patient EOL-care discussions, QOL, depressive symptoms, and symptom-functional states predisposed terminally ill cancer patients to distinct LST-preference states. Clinicians should cultivate patients' accurate prognostic awareness and facilitate EOL-care discussions to foster realistic expectations of LST efficacy at EOL. Clinicians should enhance patients' QOL to reduce uncertainty in EOL-care decision making and provide adequate psychological support to those with more depressive symptoms who prefer comfort care only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, R.O.C; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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Wen FH, Chen JS, Chou WC, Chang WC, Shen WC, Hsieh CH, Tang ST. Family Caregivers' Subjective Caregiving Burden, Quality of Life, and Depressive Symptoms Are Associated With Terminally Ill Cancer Patients' Distinct Patterns of Conjoint Symptom Distress and Functional Impairment in Their Last Six Months of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:64-72. [PMID: 30267845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Family caregivers constitute a critical component of the end-of-life care system with considerable cost to themselves. However, the joint association of terminally ill cancer patients' symptom distress and functional impairment with caregivers' subjective caregiving burden, quality of life (QOL), and depressive symptoms remains unknown. OBJECTIVES/METHODS We used multivariate hierarchical linear modeling to simultaneously evaluate associations between five distinct patterns of conjoint symptom distress and functional impairment (symptom-functional states) and subjective caregiving burden, QOL, and depressive symptoms in a convenience sample of 215 family caregiver-patient dyads. Data were collected every 2 to 4 weeks over patients' last 6 months. RESULTS Caregivers of patients in the worst symptom-functional states (States 3-5) reported worse subjective caregiving burden and depressive symptoms than those in the best two states, but the three outcomes did not differ between caregivers of patients in State 3 and States 4-5. Caregivers of patients in State 5 endured worse subjective caregiving burden and QOL than those in State 4. Caregivers of patients in State 4 suffered worse subjective caregiving burden and depressive symptoms but comparable QOL to those in State 2. CONCLUSION Patients' five distinct, conjoint symptom-functional states were significantly and differentially associated with their caregivers' worse subjective caregiving burden, QOL, and depressive symptoms while caring for patients over their last 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen Chi Shen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University, School of Nursing, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
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Manne SL, Kashy DA, Virtue S, Criswell KR, Kissane DW, Ozga M, Heckman CJ, Stapleton J, Rodriguez L. Acceptance, social support, benefit-finding, and depression in women with gynecological cancer. Qual Life Res 2018; 27:2991-3002. [PMID: 30128785 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-018-1953-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although studies have demonstrated a protective role for benefit finding in psychological distress, little is known about how benefit finding leads to lower psychological distress. This study's goal was to use a multiple mediator model to evaluate whether the effect of benefit-finding on depression was mediated by acceptance of cancer, acceptance of emotions, and received social support. METHODS One hundred seventy-four women recently diagnosed with gynecological cancer completed measures of perceived benefits from the cancer experience, acceptance-based strategies, social support, and depression. Using a cross-sectional approach, we analyzed a multiple mediator model with benefit-finding as the independent variable, depressive symptom severity as the outcome, and acceptance-based strategies and social support as mediators. RESULTS Acceptance-based strategies and social support significantly mediated the relationship between benefit-finding and depression. Emotional acceptance had the strongest mediational effect, controlling for the other two mediators. CONCLUSIONS Helping women diagnosed with gynecological cancers identify benefits from their cancer experience may reduce depression by paving the way for them to accept their emotional reactions, accept life changes associated with cancer, and facilitate supportive reactions from family and friends. Future longitudinal research is needed to confirm whether gynecological cancer patients who perceive more benefits will feel less depressed later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Manne
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.
| | - Deborah A Kashy
- Michigan State University, 316 Physics Rd., East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Shannon Virtue
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, Christiana Care Health System, 4701 Ogletown Stanton 1200, Newark, DE, 19713, USA
| | - Kevin R Criswell
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | | | - Melissa Ozga
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1440 3rd Ave, New York, NY, 10028, USA
| | - Carolyn J Heckman
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Jerod Stapleton
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Lorna Rodriguez
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
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