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Simon JDHP, Schepers SA, van Gorp M, Michiels EMC, Fiocco M, Grootenhuis MA, Tissing WJE. Pain monitoring app leads to less pain in children with cancer at home: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Cancer 2024; 130:2339-2350. [PMID: 37947136 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The authors developed a pain monitoring app offering educational information, and real-time health care professional feedback on clinically significant pain (>4 numeric rating scale [NRS]-11) for children with cancer to reduce pain at home. METHODS This monocenter, nonblinded randomized controlled trial enrolled Dutch children (0-18 years old) receiving cancer treatment (≥3 months after diagnosis, ≥2 months treatment remaining). Children were randomly assigned to use the app or receive usual care (two parallel groups). We assessed whether use of the app yielded less clinically significant pain (aim 1) and whether it affected pain severity, duration, interference, pain management strategies, and parental emotional well-being (aim 2). The app was also evaluated by families (aim 3). RESULTS A total of 94 children were randomized to use the app (15 drop-outs), and 90 were to receive care as usual (11 drop-outs). The app group (n = 79, mean age: 7.5 [5.1] years, 48% girls, 63% hemato-oncology diagnosis) reported significantly less clinically significant pain compared to usual care (n = 79, mean age: 7.5 [5.4] years, 52% girls, 65% hemato-oncology diagnosis) (odds ratio [OR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.198-0.734]) (aim 1), as well as significantly lower pain severity (β = -0.27; 95% CI, -0.407 to -0.142). No differences were found for duration, interference, or management strategies. Parents in the app group reported significantly less distress compared to usual care (β = -0.84; 95% CI, -1.61 to -0.03]) (aim 2). Families generally evaluated the app positively (aim 3). CONCLUSIONS Use of the app resulted in less clinically significant pain at home. The exact working mechanisms of the app should be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia D H P Simon
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sasja A Schepers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes van Gorp
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erna M C Michiels
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Fiocco
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Mathematical Institute, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Wim J E Tissing
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Silva S, Paredes T, Teixeira RJ, Brandão T, Dimitrovová K, Marques D, Sousa J, Leal M, Dias A, Neves C, Marques G, Amaral N. Emotional Distress in Portuguese Cancer Patients: The Use of the Emotion Thermometers (ET) Screening Tool. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2689. [PMID: 37830726 PMCID: PMC10572115 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11192689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients may experience significant distress. The "Emotion Thermometers" (ETs) are a short visual analogue scale used to screen patients for psychosocial risk. This study aimed to assess emotional distress in a large sample of cancer patients attending psychological services at an non-governmental organization (NGO), and to explore factors that may contribute to it. The ETs were answered by 899 cancer patients. They were, on average, 59.9 years old, the majority were female, had breast cancer, were under treatment or were disease-free survivors, and reported high levels of emotional distress, above the cut-off (≥5). A Generalized Linear Model was used to measure the association between the level of distress, age, gender, disease phase and 33 items of the problem list. Four items-sadness, depression, sleep and breathing-were found to be significantly related to a higher level of distress. Additionally, women and patients who were in the palliative phase also had significantly higher levels of distress. The results confirm the need for early emotional screening in cancer patients, as well as attending to the characteristics of each patient. Additionally, they highlight the utility of the ETs for the clinical practice, allowing to optimize the referral to specialized psychosocial services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Silva
- Portuguese Cancer League (Central Branch), Rua Dr. António José de Almeida, nº 329—2º Sl 56, 3000-045 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.P.); (N.A.)
| | - Tiago Paredes
- Portuguese Cancer League (Central Branch), Rua Dr. António José de Almeida, nº 329—2º Sl 56, 3000-045 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.P.); (N.A.)
| | - Ricardo João Teixeira
- REACH—Mental Health Clinic, 4000-138 Porto, Portugal;
- CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tânia Brandão
- William James Center for Research, ISPA—Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Klára Dimitrovová
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisboa, 1150-082 Lisboa, Portugal;
- MOAI Consulting, 1350-346 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Diogo Marques
- MOAI Consulting, 1350-346 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Joana Sousa
- MOAI Consulting, 1350-346 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Monick Leal
- Portuguese Cancer League (North Branch), 4200-172 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Albina Dias
- Portuguese Cancer League (South Branch), 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Carole Neves
- Portuguese Cancer League (Madeira Branch), 9050-023 Funchal, Portugal;
| | - Graciete Marques
- Portuguese Cancer League (Azores Branch), 9700-171 Angra do Heroísmo, Açores, Portugal;
| | - Natália Amaral
- Portuguese Cancer League (Central Branch), Rua Dr. António José de Almeida, nº 329—2º Sl 56, 3000-045 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.P.); (N.A.)
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Wade-Mcbane K, King A, Urch C, Johansson L, Wells M. Is personalised prehabilitation feasible to implement for patients undergoing oncological treatment for lung cancer at a London teaching hospital? Protocol of a feasibility trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072367. [PMID: 37460263 PMCID: PMC10357652 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is significant potential to improve outcomes for patients with lung cancer in terms of quality of life and survival. There is some evidence that prehabilitation can help, but, to date, this has only been tested in surgical populations, despite 70%-80% of patients with lung cancer in the UK receiving non-surgical treatment. The physiological and psychological benefits of prehabilitation seen in surgical patients could be extrapolated to those receiving non-surgical treatment, particularly in such a poor prognosis group. With patients and healthcare professionals, we have co-designed a personalised and evidence-based prehabilitation programme. This draws on a conceptual framework that aligns with patient values and needs as well as functional goals. We aim to investigate whether this programme is feasible to implement and evaluate in clinical practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS An open-label, single-group feasibility study incorporating quantitative assessments, a qualitative free text questionnaire and reflective field notes. Thirty participants will be recruited over an eight-month period from a single London teaching hospital. All recruited participants will receive a personalised prehabilitation programme during their oncological treatment. This includes a one-hour face-to-face appointment prior to, at week three and at week six of their treatment regimen as well as a weekly telephone call. Interventions including nutrition, physical activity and psychological well-being are stratified according to a patient's priorities, level of readiness and expressed needs. The primary outcome will be feasibility of the personalised prehabilitation programme in clinical practice by investigating areas of uncertainty regarding patient recruitment, attrition, treatment fidelity, intervention adherence and acceptability of study outcome measures. Secondary outcomes will include quality of life, functional capacity and grip strength. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained from the Health Research Authority (reference number 22/PR/0390). Results of this study will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed articles, presentations at scientific conferences and in collaboration with patient and public involvement representatives. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05318807.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Wade-Mcbane
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alex King
- Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular and Cancer, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Catherine Urch
- Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular and Cancer, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Lina Johansson
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mary Wells
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Nursing Directorate, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Schilstra CE, McCleary K, Fardell JE, Donoghoe MW, McCormack E, Kotecha RS, Lourenco RDA, Ramachandran S, Cockcroft R, Conyers R, Cross S, Dalla-Pozza L, Downie P, Revesz T, Osborn M, Alvaro F, Wakefield CE, Marshall GM, Mateos MK, Trahair TN. Prospective longitudinal evaluation of treatment-related toxicity and health-related quality of life during the first year of treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:985. [PMID: 36109702 PMCID: PMC9479356 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10072-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy is accompanied by treatment-related toxicities (TRTs) and impaired quality of life. In Australia and New Zealand, children with ALL are treated with either Children’s Oncology Group (COG) or international Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (iBFM) Study Group-based therapy. We conducted a prospective registry study to document symptomatic TRTs (venous thrombosis, neurotoxicity, pancreatitis and bone toxicity), compare TRT outcomes to retrospective TRT data, and measure the impact of TRTs on children’s general and cancer-related health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and parents’ emotional well-being. Methods Parents of children with newly diagnosed ALL were invited to participate in the ASSET (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Subtypes and Side Effects from Treatment) study and a prospective, longitudinal HRQoL study. TRTs were reported prospectively and families completed questionnaires for general (Healthy Utility Index Mark 3) and cancer specific (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)-Cancer Module) health related quality of life as well the Emotion Thermometer to assess emotional well-being. Results Beginning in 2016, 260 pediatric patients with ALL were enrolled on the TRT registry with a median age at diagnosis of 59 months (range 1–213 months), 144 males (55.4%), majority with Pre-B cell immunophenotype, n = 226 (86.9%), 173 patients (66.5%) treated according to COG platform with relatively equal distribution across risk classification sub-groups. From 2018, 79 families participated in the HRQoL study through the first year of treatment. There were 74 TRT recorded, reflecting a 28.5% risk of developing a TRT. Individual TRT incidence was consistent with previous studies, being 7.7% for symptomatic VTE, 11.9% neurotoxicity, 5.4% bone toxicity and 5.0% pancreatitis. Children’s HRQoL was significantly lower than population norms throughout the first year of treatment. An improvement in general HRQoL, measured by the HUI3, contrasted with the lack of improvement in cancer-related HRQoL measured by the PedsQL Cancer Module over the first 12 months. There were no persisting differences in the HRQoL impact of COG compared to iBFM therapy. Conclusions It is feasible to prospectively monitor TRT incidence and longitudinal HRQoL impacts during ALL therapy. Early phases of ALL therapy, regardless of treatment platform, result in prolonged reductions in cancer-related HRQoL. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-10072-x.
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Kahán Z, Szántó I, Dudás R, Kapitány Z, Molnár M, Koncz Z, Mailáth M. Breast Cancer Survivorship Programme: Follow-Up, Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Oncology Care. 1st Central-Eastern European Professional Consensus Statement on Breast Cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610391. [PMID: 35721327 PMCID: PMC9200958 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Follow-up includes ongoing contact with and health education of the patient, surveillance and control of the adverse effects of surgery, oncological therapies or radiotherapy, screening of metachronous cancers, and comprehensive (physical, psychological and social) patient rehabilitation, which may be enhanced by a healthy lifestyle. Primary attention should be paid to early detection and, when needed, curative treatment of local/regional tumour recurrences. Similarly, with the hope of curative solution, it is important to recognize the entity of a low-mass and relatively indolent recurrence or metastasis (oligometastasis); however, there is still no need to investigate distant metastases by routine diagnostic imaging or assess tumour markers. Below there is a list of possible sources of support, with respect to adjuvant hormone therapy continued during long-term care, social support resources, pivotal points and professional opportunities for physical and mental rehabilitation. Individual solutions for specific issues (breast cancer risk/genetic mutation, pregnancy) are provided by constantly widening options. Ideally, a complex breast cancer survivorship programme is practised by a specially trained expert supported by a cooperative team of oncologists, surgeons, breast radiologists, social workers, physiotherapists, psycho-oncologists and psychiatrists. The approach of follow-up should be comprehensive and holistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Kahán
- Department of Oncotherapy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Szántó
- St. George's General Teaching Hospital, Székesfehérvár, Hungary
| | - Rita Dudás
- Department of Oncotherapy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Mária Molnár
- Oncoradiology Centre, Bács-Kiskun County Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Koncz
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mónika Mailáth
- Institute of Oncology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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ICOnnecta't: Development and Initial Results of a Stepped Psychosocial eHealth Ecosystem to Facilitate Risk Assessment and Prevention of Early Emotional Distress in Breast Cancer Survivors' Journey. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040974. [PMID: 35205722 PMCID: PMC8869931 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In current clinical practice, between one third and a half of patients diagnosed with cancer experience distress. Moreover, many of these psychosocial needs often remain unaddressed, although effective interventions exist. Nowadays, eHealth solutions like ICOnnecta’t offer new tools to overcome these limitations and improve access to treatment. This digital ecosystem has been proved to be feasible to implement, reaching good acceptability, use, and satisfaction between users. In addition, it allowed symptom monitoring in real time, facilitating preventive early interventions. Overall, fostering social support appears as a key to facilitate a resilient response after diagnosis. Abstract Psychosocial interventions prevent emotional distress and facilitate adaptation in breast cancer (BC). However, conventional care presents accessibility barriers that eHealth has the potential to overcome. ICOnnecta’t is a stepped digital ecosystem designed to build wellbeing and reduce psychosocial risks during the cancer journey through a European-funded project. Women recently diagnosed with BC in a comprehensive cancer center were offered the ecosystem. ICOnnecta’t consists of four care levels, provided according to users’ distress: screening and monitoring, psychoeducation campus, peer-support community, and online-group psychotherapy. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess the platform’s implementation, while multilevel linear models were used to study users’ psychosocial course after diagnosis. ICOnnecta’t showed acceptance, use and attrition rates of 57.62, 74.60, and 29.66%, respectively. Up to 76.19% of users reported being satisfied with the platform and 75.95% informed that it was easy to use. A total of 443 patients’ needs were detected and responsively managed, leading 94.33% of users to remain in the preventive steps. In general, strong social support led to a better psychosocial course. ICOnnecta’t has been successfully implemented. The results showed that it supported the development of a digital relation with healthcare services and opened new early support pathways.
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van Kalsbeek RJ, Mulder RL, Haupt R, Muraca M, Hjorth L, Follin C, Kepak T, Kepakova K, Uyttebroeck A, Mangelschots M, Winther JF, Loonen JJ, Michel G, Bardi E, Elmerdahl Frederiksen L, den Hartogh J, Mader L, Roser K, Schneider C, Brown MC, Brunhofer M, Göttgens I, Hermens RPMG, Kienesberger A, Korevaar JC, Skinner R, van der Pal HJH, Kremer LCM. The PanCareFollowUp Care Intervention: A European harmonised approach to person-centred guideline-based survivorship care after childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer. Eur J Cancer 2022; 162:34-44. [PMID: 34953441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term follow-up (LTFU) care, although endorsed, is not available for the majority of adult survivors of childhood, adolescence and young adult (CAYA) cancer. Barriers to implementation include lack of time, knowledge, personnel and funding. Sustainable solutions are urgently needed to address the needs of CAYA cancer survivors to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of late effects on survivors, health care systems and society. The European Union-funded PanCareFollowUp project, initiated by the Pan-European Network for Care of Survivors after Childhood and Adolescent Cancer, was established to facilitate the implementation of person-centred survivorship care across Europe. PATIENTS AND METHODS The PanCareFollowUp Care Intervention was co-developed with survivors as part of the PanCareFollowUp project. It is a person-centred approach to survivorship care, supported by guidelines and with flexibility to adapt to local health care settings. The Care Intervention consists of three steps: (1) previsit completion of a Survivor Questionnaire (by the survivor) and Treatment Summary (by the health care provider [HCP]), (2) a clinic visit including shared decision-making, and (3) a follow-up call to finalise the individualised Survivorship Care Plan. RESULTS We developed the key components of the PanCareFollowUp Care Intervention: a PanCareFollowUp Survivor Questionnaire, Treatment Summary template, Survivorship Care Plan template, and educational materials for HCPs and survivors. Wide implementation of the PanCareFollowUp Care Intervention will be supported with a freely distributed Replication Manual on completion of the PanCareFollowUp project. CONCLUSIONS The PanCareFollowUp Care Intervention will support the implementation of person-centred, guideline-based LTFU care in different health care settings across Europe to improve survivors' health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renée L Mulder
- Princess Máxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Haupt
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit and DOPO Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Muraca
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit and DOPO Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lars Hjorth
- Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Paediatrics, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Follin
- Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Kepak
- International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Kepakova
- International Clinical Research Centre (FNUSA-ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anne Uyttebroeck
- Department of Oncology, Paediatric Oncology, KU Leuven, Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marlies Mangelschots
- Department of Oncology, Paediatric Oncology, KU Leuven, Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jacqueline J Loonen
- Department of Haematology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Gisela Michel
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Edit Bardi
- PanCare, Bussum, the Netherlands; St Anna Children's Hospital, Vienna, Austria; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Kepler University Clinic, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Jaap den Hartogh
- PanCare, Bussum, the Netherlands; Childhood Cancer International Europe, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luzius Mader
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Roser
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Morven C Brown
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Herschel Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Irene Göttgens
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rosella P M G Hermens
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ Healthcare), Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joke C Korevaar
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Roderick Skinner
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Herschel Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Great North Children's Hospital, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Herschel Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Helena J H van der Pal
- Princess Máxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; PanCare, Bussum, the Netherlands.
| | - Leontine C M Kremer
- Princess Máxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University and Utrecht Medical Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Mendonça AB, Pereira ER, Magnago C, da Silva PG, Morett Leão DC, Costa Rosa Andrade Silva RM, Meira KC. Distress and Spiritual Well-Being in Brazilian Patients Initiating Chemotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413200. [PMID: 34948809 PMCID: PMC8702099 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Social distancing and the priority given to COVID-19 patients in health services, which caused postponement of appointments and cancer treatment, may have triggered unprecedented levels of distress in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of distress and the levels of spiritual well-being of people initiating chemotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying the factors associated with distress, and determining if there is a relationship between distress and spiritual well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 91 Brazilians. Data were collected by applying the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) and the Distress Thermometer and Problem List for Patients. The prevalence of distress was 59.5%, and the average score of spiritual well-being was 106.54 (±9.06). Emotional issues were the most reported by patients with distress. The Poisson regression showed that male sex (PR = 0.588; 95% CI 0.392–0.881), age (PR = 0.985; 95% CI 0.973–0.996), and spiritual well-being score were predictors of distress (PR = 0.971; 95% CI 0.946–0.996). These findings indicate that distress relief involves implementation of public health programs capable of integrating spiritual interventions into cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carinne Magnago
- School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Pedro Gilson da Silva
- School of Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59075-000, Brazil
| | | | | | - Karina Cardoso Meira
- School of Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59075-000, Brazil
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Licková K, Čoček A, Ambruš M, Soumarová R, Vránová J, Klézl P, Mitchell AJ, Raudenská J, Javůrková A. Rapid screening of depression and anxiety in cancer patients: Interview validation of emotion thermometers. Asian J Psychiatr 2021; 65:102827. [PMID: 34560569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the degree of depression and anxiety in cancer patients using the Emotion Thermometers (ET) and confirming their clinical usefulness compared to the gold standard interview, as well as determining optimal cut-off values for the appropriate identification of cancer patients' distress. METHODS We included 238 cancer patients and we used ET (Emotion Thermometers) to screen depression and anxiety and the Beck depression inventory for adults (BDI-II), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I) was used as the criterial validity standard. RESULTS The prevalence of anxiety on the M.I.N.I. was 24% and depression was 11%. The optimal value for diagnosis of depression from ET (Dep ET) appears to be > 4.5 (AUC 0.928) against M.I.N.I. Optimal score for anxiety from ET (AnxT ET) compared to GAD according to M.I.N.I. we determined the value of 3.5 (AUC 0.899). To determine the cut off score for distress using from ET (DT), we compared against GAD-7 and BDI-II RS (raw total score) and the most optimal was 4.5 (AUC 0.953). For analysis of the cut off score for quality of life (QoL) against the total sums of all parts of the ET, the value of 14.5 (AUC 0.892) forms the cut off between the negative and the positive clinical finding. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study support the use of ET as a rapid screening tool for the detection of depression, anxiety and distress in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Licková
- Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czechia
| | - A Čoček
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Thomayer Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - M Ambruš
- Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czechia
| | - R Soumarová
- Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czechia
| | - J Vránová
- Institute of Medical Biophysics and Medical Informatics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - P Klézl
- Department of Urology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czechia
| | - A J Mitchell
- Department of Psycho-oncology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
| | - J Raudenská
- Department of Nursing, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czechia
| | - A Javůrková
- Department of Nursing, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czechia; Department of Clinical Psychology, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czechia.
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10
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Nguyen TQ, Do TM, Pham TA. Screening for Psychological Distress in Vietnamese Cancer Patients: An Evaluation of the Distress Thermometer. Cancer Med 2021; 10:7793-7803. [PMID: 34559957 PMCID: PMC8559463 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psychological distress is prevalent in patients with cancer, negatively affecting their treatment and quality of life. Clinical guidelines recommended screening all cancer patients routinely for psychological problems using simple measures such as the Distress Thermometer (DT) and Problem List (PL). This study is the first research in Vietnam to identify the optimal DT cutoff point to screen distress and the relationship with PL items among cancer patients. Methods 300 cancer patients were recruited from 10 departments at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital (K hospital) and completed the DT and PL. Participants also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) with standard cutoff scores for identifying significant depression and anxiety. Results Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses showed that a DT cutoff score of 4 had an area under the ROC curve of 0.81 and 0.82 using the PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 cutoff scores of 10 as the criterion, respectively. This indicated good overall accuracy. This cutoff also showed a sensitivity of 0.87 and 0.92 for PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 total score defined cases, respectively. Both specificity values were 0.58. In terms of the PL, 164 distressed patients (54.7%) reported significantly more emotional problems, family issues, and practical and physical problem, implying various causes contribute to psychological distress among cancer patients. Conclusions The study showed that the DT with a cutoff of 4 accompanied with PL is a simple and effective instrument compared to previous, longer measures commonly used to detect psychosocial distress in Vietnamese cancer patients. This cutoff point also identified patients with problems contributing towards distress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tuyet Mai Do
- Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
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11
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Nyakudarika NC, Holschneider CH, Sinno AK. Universal social needs assessment in gynecologic oncology: An important step toward more informed and targeted care in the public safety net. Cancer 2021; 127:3809-3816. [PMID: 34250590 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33761] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social needs are actionable mediators of social determinants of health. Along with distress, they affect quality of life and survival in patients with cancer. The objectives of this study were to identify the most common social needs and distress in a largely immigrant gynecologic oncology patient population at a public safety-net hospital and to evaluate for specific needs associated with distress and poor outcomes. METHODS This was a prospective, survey-based cohort study of patients who participated in a performance-improvement initiative offering social needs assessment and distress screening. Patients provided sociodemographic information and completed validated surveys adapted from the Health Leads Social Needs Screening Toolkit, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer, and the Emotion Thermometers Tool. Associations between social needs, distress, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS In total, 135 women were included. Of these, 65.2% had at least 1 unmet social need, and 36.3% screened positive for distress. Help reading hospital materials (30.4%) was the most frequently reported need. Social isolation (odds ratio [OR], 3.65; 95% CI, 1.35-9.9; P = .01) and lack of safety at home (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 2.23-10.62; P = .0001) were associated with distress. Perceived lack of finances for medical care (OR, 5.69; 95% CI, 1.12-28.9; P = .036) and lack of transportation (OR, 20.5; 95% CI, 2.69-156.7; P = .004) were associated with nonadherence-related treatment interruption, whereas positive distress scores were associated with interruption because of comorbidities or treatment-related toxicities (OR, 20.5; 95% CI, 1.5-268.6; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Systematically identifying social needs and developing interventions aimed at mitigating them may lead to more actionable health care disparities research and affect treatment outcomes. LAY SUMMARY Social needs are individual-level social conditions that drive health disparities. In this survey-based study, the objective was to identify common social needs and how these relate to distress and poor health outcomes in a largely immigrant and underserved gynecologic oncology patient population. The authors found that greater than one-third of patients screened positive for distress, nearly two-thirds had at least 1 unmet social need, and these factors were associated with emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and treatment interruptions. These findings suggest that screening for universal social needs allows providers to identify unrecognized needs and implement interventions to mitigate distress and improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsai C Nyakudarika
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olive View-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center, Sylmar, California.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christine H Holschneider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olive View-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center, Sylmar, California.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Abdulrahman K Sinno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olive View-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center, Sylmar, California.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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12
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Grassi L, Belvederi Murri M, Riba M, de Padova S, Bertelli T, Sabato S, Nanni MG, Caruso R, Ounalli H, Zerbinati L. Hostility in cancer patients as an underexplored facet of distress. Psychooncology 2020; 30:493-503. [PMID: 33205480 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5594] [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] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to assess hostility and to examine its association with formal psychiatric diagnosis, coping, cancer worries, and quality of life in cancer patients. METHODS The World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to make an ICD-10 (International Classification of Disease) psychiatric diagnosis was applied to 516 cancer outpatients. The patients also completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-53 to assess hostility (BSI-HOS), and the Mini-Mental Adjustment to cancer scale (Mini-MAC). A subset of patients completed the Cancer Worries Inventory (CWI), the Openness Scale, and the Quality of Life Index. RESULTS By analyzing the distribution of the responses 25% of the patients had moderate and 11% high levels of hostility, with about 20% being BSI-HOS "cases." Hostility was higher in patients with a formal ICD-10 psychiatric diagnosis (mainly major depression, other depressive disorders, anxiety disorders) than patients without ICD-10 diagnosis. However, about 25% of ICD-10-non cases also had moderate-to-high hostility levels. Hostility was associated with Mini-MAC hopelessness and anxious preoccupation, poorer quality of life, worries (mainly problems sin interpersonal relationships), and inability to openly discuss these problems within the family. CONCLUSIONS Hostility and its components should be considered as dimensions to be more carefully explored in screening for distress in cancer clinical settings for its implications in negatively impacting on quality of life, coping and relationships with the family, and possibly the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Mental Health, University Unit of Hospital Psychiatry, S. Anna University Hospital and Ferarra Health Trust, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martino Belvederi Murri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Mental Health, University Unit of Hospital Psychiatry, S. Anna University Hospital and Ferarra Health Trust, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michelle Riba
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Depression Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Psycho-oncology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Silvia de Padova
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST), IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bertelli
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST), IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Silvana Sabato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nanni
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Mental Health, University Unit of Hospital Psychiatry, S. Anna University Hospital and Ferarra Health Trust, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rosangela Caruso
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Mental Health, University Unit of Hospital Psychiatry, S. Anna University Hospital and Ferarra Health Trust, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Heifa Ounalli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luigi Zerbinati
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Mental Health, University Unit of Hospital Psychiatry, S. Anna University Hospital and Ferarra Health Trust, Ferrara, Italy
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13
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Schmid-Mohler G, Clarenbach C, Brenner G, Kohler M, Horvath E, Spielmanns M, Petry H. Advanced nursing practice in COPD exacerbations: the solution for a gap in Switzerland? ERJ Open Res 2020; 6:00354-2019. [PMID: 32577416 PMCID: PMC7293988 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00354-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to address the need for adaptation of the current model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care in Switzerland, particularly in regard to acute exacerbations, and how far an integrated approach involving advanced nursing practice can meet those needs. METHODS A state analysis guided by the PEPPA framework was initiated by the Pulmonology Clinic of University Hospital Zürich. Literature describing the current provision of COPD care regarding exacerbations in Switzerland and international qualitative studies describing the patient perspective were systematically searched and summarised. The health providers' perspective was investigated in three focus-group interviews. RESULTS A lack of systematic and state-of-the-art support for patient self-management in Switzerland was described in literature and confirmed by the health providers interviewed. While care was assessed as being comprehensive and of good quality in each individual sector, such as inpatient, outpatient, rehabilitation and home settings, it was identified as being highly fragmented across sectors. The interview participants described day-to-day examples in which a lack of support in COPD self-management and fragmentation of care negatively affected the patients' disease management. CONCLUSION The necessity of coordinating the transition between healthcare sectors and self-management support and that these organisational boundaries should be addressed by a multi-professional team were identified. Initial evaluation indicates that advanced practice nurses potentially have the skill set to coordinate the team and address patients' self-management needs in complex patient situations. However, the legal foundation and a reimbursement system to ensure long-term implementation is not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Schmid-Mohler
- Centre of Clinical Nursing Science, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Division of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Medical Dept Heart–Vascular–Thorax, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Clarenbach
- Division of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Medical Dept Heart–Vascular–Thorax, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gabi Brenner
- Directorate of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Malcolm Kohler
- Division of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Medical Dept Heart–Vascular–Thorax, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Horvath
- Medical Dept Heart–Vascular–Thorax, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Spielmanns
- Pulmonary Medicine, Zürcher RehaZentren Klinik Wald, Zürich, Switzerland
- Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten-Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Heidi Petry
- Centre of Clinical Nursing Science, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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