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Otani H, Yokomichi N, Imai K, Toyota S, Yamauchi T, Miwa S, Yuasa M, Okamoto S, Kogure T, Inoue S, Morita T. A Novel Objective Measure for Terminal Delirium: Activity Scores Measured by a Sheet-Type Sensor. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 68:246-254. [PMID: 38810949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.05.024] [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] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Delirium is a significant concern in end-of-life care. Continuous monitoring of agitation levels using objective methods may have advantages over existing measurement scales. OBJECTIVES To examine whether an objective measure of activity scores measured using a sheet-type non-wearable sensor (Nemuri SCAN [NSCAN]) was correlated with agitation levels measured using the modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) in terminally ill patients with cancer. METHODS We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study in a palliative care unit using the NSCAN to measure activity scores and the RASS to assess agitation levels. RASS scores were prospectively measured by ward nurses blinded to the NSCAN variables. A database was created to pair the RASS scores and activity scores at night on the same day. RESULTS During the observation period, 1209 patients were hospitalized, and 3028 pairs of assessments of 971 patients were analyzed. The NSCAN activity scores significantly increased with increasing RASS scores (Jonckheere-Terpstra test, p < 0.001). The mean values of the activity scores for each RASS score were RASS -5, 28.9; RASS -4, 36.4; RASS -3, 41.7; RASS -2, 57.4; RASS -1, 58.8; RASS 0, 62.6; RASS 1, 79.6; RASS 2, 106.5; and RASS 3, 118.7. CONCLUSION The NSCAN activity significantly correlated with modified RASS agitation scores. Real-time NSCAN data on agitation may aid timely interventions for optimal symptom control. To improve outcomes for patients suffering from terminal delirium, more research on monitoring tools is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Otani
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care(H.O.), St. Mary's Hospital, Kurume City, Fukuoka 830-8543, Japan; Department of Palliative Care Team and Palliative and Supportive Care(H.O.), National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Mitami-ku, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan.
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division(N.Y., T.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka 433-8558, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice(K.I., T.Y., S.M., M.Y.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka 433-8558, Japan
| | - Saori Toyota
- Paramount Bed Sleep Research Laboratory(S.T., T.K.), PARAMOUNT BED CO., Tokyo 136-8670, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Yamauchi
- Seirei Hospice(K.I., T.Y., S.M., M.Y.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka 433-8558, Japan
| | - Satoru Miwa
- Seirei Hospice(K.I., T.Y., S.M., M.Y.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka 433-8558, Japan
| | - Misuzu Yuasa
- Seirei Hospice(K.I., T.Y., S.M., M.Y.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka 433-8558, Japan
| | - Soichiro Okamoto
- Uguisu home clinic(S.O.), Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture 430-0856
| | - Takamasa Kogure
- Paramount Bed Sleep Research Laboratory(S.T., T.K.), PARAMOUNT BED CO., Tokyo 136-8670, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Clinical Laboratory Department(S.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka 433-8558, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division(N.Y., T.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka 433-8558, Japan; Research Association for Community Health(T.M.), Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka 434-0046, Japan
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Martins H, Silva RS, Bragança J, Romeiro J, Caldeira S. Spiritual Distress, Hopelessness, and Depression in Palliative Care: Simultaneous Concept Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:960. [PMID: 38786372 PMCID: PMC11121139 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12100960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spiritual distress, hopelessness, and depression are concepts that are often used in palliative care. A simultaneous concept analysis (SCA) of these concepts is needed to clarify the terminology used in palliative care. Therefore, the aim of this study is to conduct a SCA of spiritual distress, hopelessness, and depression in palliative care. A SCA was performed using the methodology of Haase's model. A literature search was conducted in March 2020 and updated in April 2022 and April 2024. The search was performed on the following online databases: CINAHL with Full-Text, MEDLINE with Full-Text, MedicLatina, LILACS, SciELO, and PubMed. The search was achieved without restrictions on the date of publication. A total of 84 articles were included in this study. The results highlight that the three concepts are different but also share some overlapping points. Spiritual distress is embedded in the rupture of their spiritual/religious belief systems, a lack of meaning in life, and existential issues. Hopelessness is a sense of giving up and an inability to control and fix the patient's situation. Finally, depression is a state of sadness with a multi-impaired situation. In conclusion, refining the three concepts in palliative care is essential since it promotes clarification and enhances knowledge development towards intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Martins
- Postdoctoral Program in Integral Human Development, Católica Doctoral School, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Health School, Polytechnic Institute of Beja, 7800-000 Beja, Portugal
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Rita S. Silva
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Joana Bragança
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Joana Romeiro
- Postdoctoral Program in Integral Human Development, Católica Doctoral School, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Sílvia Caldeira
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (R.S.S.); (J.B.)
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Kawashima N, Yokomichi N, Morita T, Yabuki R, Hisanaga T, Imai K, Hirose Y, Shimokawa M, Miwa S, Yamauchi T, Okamoto S, Satomi E. Comparison of Pharmacological Treatments for Agitated Delirium in the Last Days of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:441-452.e3. [PMID: 38355071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.02.008] [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] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Antipsychotics are often used in managing symptoms of terminal delirium, but evidence is limited. OBJECTIVES To explore the comparative effectiveness of haloperidol with as-needed benzodiazepines (HPD) vs. chlorpromazine (CPZ) vs. levomepromazine (LPZ) for agitated delirium in the last days. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted in two palliative care units in Japan. Adult cancer patients who developed agitated delirium with a modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS-PAL) of one or more were included; palliative care specialist physicians determined that the etiology was irreversible; and estimated survival was 3 weeks or less. Patients treated with HPD, CPZ, or LPZ were analyzed. We measured RASS, NuDESC, Agitation Distress Scale (ADS), and Communication Capacity Scale (CCS) on Days 1 and 3. RESULTS A total of 277 patients were enrolled, and 214 were analyzed (112 in HPD, 50 in CPZ, and 52 in LPZ). In all groups, the mean RASS-PAL score significantly decreased on Day 3 (1.37 to -1.01, 1.87 to -1.04, 1.79 to -0.62, respectively; P < 0.001); the NuDESC and ADS scores also significantly decreased. The percentages of patients with moderate to severe agitation and those with full communication capacity on Day 3 were not significantly different. The treatments were well-tolerated. While one-fourth of HPD group changed antipsychotics, 88% or more of CPZ and LPZ groups continued the initial antipsychotics. CONCLUSION Haloperidol with as-needed benzodiazepine, chlorpromazine, or levomepromazine may be effective and safe for terminal agitation. Chlorpromazine and levomepromazine may have an advantage of no need to change medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuki Kawashima
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Research Association for Community Health, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Ritsuko Yabuki
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takayuki Hisanaga
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yumi Hirose
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Miho Shimokawa
- Department of Palliative Care, Tsukuba Central Hospital, Ushiku, Japan
| | - Satoru Miwa
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | | | - Eriko Satomi
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Mooney KH, Coombs LA, Whisenant MS, Wilson CM, Moraitis AM, Steinbach MN, Sloss EA, Lloyd JLE, Alekhina N, Berry PH, Kang Y, Iacob E, Donaldson GW. Impact of an automated, remote monitoring and coaching intervention in reducing hospice cancer family caregiving burden: A multisite randomized controlled trial. Cancer 2024; 130:1171-1182. [PMID: 38009953 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35131] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care for those with life-limiting cancer heavily involves family caregivers who may experience significant physical and emotional burden. The purpose of this study was to test the impact of Symptom Care at Home (SCH), an automated digital family caregiver coaching intervention, during home hospice, when compared to usual hospice care (UC) on the primary outcome of overall caregiver burden. Secondary outcomes included Caregiver Burden at weeks 1 and 8, Mood and Vitality subscales, overall moderate-to-severe caregiving symptoms, and sixth month spouse/partner bereavement outcomes. METHODS Using a randomized, multisite, nonblinded controlled trial, 332 cancer family caregivers were enrolled and analyzed (159 SCH vs. 173 UC). Caregivers were primarily White (92%), female (69%), and spouse caregivers (53%). Caregivers provided daily reports on severity levels (0-10 scale) for their anxiety, depressed mood, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and caregiving interference with normal activities. These scores combined constituted the Caregiver Burden primary outcome. Based on reported symptoms, SCH caregivers received automated, tailored coaching about improving their well-being. Reports of moderate-to-severe caregiving symptoms also triggered hospice nurse notification. Secondary outcomes of Mood and Vitality were subcomponents of the Caregiver Burden score. A combined bereavement adjustment tool captured sixth month bereavement. RESULTS The SCH intervention reduced overall Caregiver Burden compared to UC (p < .001), with a 38% reduction at 8 weeks and a medium-to-large effect size (d = .61). SCH caregivers experienced less (p < .001) disruption in both Mood and Vitality. There were higher levels of moderate-to-severe caregiving symptoms overtime in UC (OR, 2.722). All SCH caregivers benefited regardless of caregiver: sex, caregiver relationship, age, patient diagnosis and family income. SCH spouse/partner caregivers achieved better sixth month bereavement adjustment than UC (p < .007). CONCLUSIONS The SCH intervention significantly decreased caregiving burden over UC and supports the maintenance of family caregiver mood and vitality throughout caregiving with extended benefit into bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathi H Mooney
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Lorinda A Coombs
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mary N Steinbach
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L E Lloyd
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | | | | | - Eli Iacob
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Gary W Donaldson
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Matsuzaka S, Ohba A, Masukawa K, Aoyama M, Morita T, Kizawa Y, Tsuneto S, Shima Y, Miyashita M. Factors associated with the preparedness for bereavement in families of patients with cancer: A secondary analysis of a nationwide bereaved family survey. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6276. [PMID: 38282233 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Insufficient preparedness for bereavement can affect a family's psychological health status after bereavement. However, factors associated with preparedness remain unclear. This study aimed to identify factors associated with preparedness for bereavement in families of patients with cancer. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of a nationwide bereaved family survey in Japan, analyzing data from 9123 family members of patients with cancer. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore how sociodemographic factors, health status, and perceived care for patients and families were associated with preparedness for bereavement. RESULTS Of the 9123 families, 1338 (15.1%) were not prepared for bereavement. Factors associated with insufficient preparedness for bereavement (all p < 0.001) were found as follows: patients' spouses (OR = 2.54), receiving care in acute hospitals (OR = 1.83), worse psychological health status during caregiving (OR = 2.13), lower social support for family members (OR = 1.90), wrong patients' awareness of medical condition from family's perspective (OR = 1.75-2.12), family preference of more aggressive treatment rather than palliative care (OR = 1.71) or not sure (OR = 2.31), not wanting to know information about the patient's prognosis (OR = 1.64-1.77), end-of-life discussion with physician 1 month before patient's death (OR = 1.45), and late or early end-of-life discussions with physician and family (OR = 1.78-1.95). CONCLUSIONS This study's results might assist clinicians in assessing and identifying families who are not prepared for bereavement; however, preparedness for bereavement may have been associated with other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakiko Matsuzaka
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Akiho Ohba
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kento Masukawa
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Maho Aoyama
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Palliative Care Team, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamtsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kizawa
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuo Shima
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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Imai K, Morita T, Mori M, Kiuchi D, Yokomichi N, Miwa S, Okamoto S, Yamauchi T, Naito AS, Matsuda Y, Maeda I, Sugano K, Ikenaga M, Inoue S, Satomi E. Visualizing How to Use Antipsychotics for Agitated Delirium in the Last Days of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:479-489. [PMID: 36682673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT How physicians use antipsychotics for agitated delirium in the last days of life varies markedly, which could hamper the quality of care. OBJECTIVES To examine adherence to an algorithm-based treatment for terminal agitated delirium, and explore its effectiveness and safety. METHODS A single-center, prospective, observational study was conducted in a 27-bed palliative care unit in Japan. All adult cancer patients who developed agitated delirium with a modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) of +1 or more were included; the palliative care specialists determined that the etiology was irreversible, the estimated survival was three weeks or less, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status was three or four. Patients were treated with an algorithm to visualize how to use antipsychotics, with the treatment goal defined as no agitation (RASS≤0) or acceptable agitation for patients and families. We provided all patients nonpharmacological management to alleviate the symptoms of delirium and administered antipsychotic medications when the nonpharmacological approach was insufficient. We measured the adherence rate, RASS, Nursing Delirium Screening Scale items 2, 3, 4 (Nu-DESC), and Agitation Distress Scale item 2 (ADS) on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 24 hours before death. RESULTS A total of 164 patients were enrolled. Adherence rates were 99, 94, and 89%, and treatment goals were achieved in 66, 83, and 93% on days one, three, and seven, respectively. The mean RASS decreased from +1.41 to -0.84 on day three; Nu-DESC decreased from 4.19 to 1.83, and ADS decreased from 1.54 to 0.38. There were seven severe adverse events (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) of 3), including aspiration (n = 3), apnea (n = 2), tremor (n = 1), and muscle rigidity (n = 1) on day three. CONCLUSION The algorithm-based treatment could be feasible, effective, and safe. Visualizing how palliative care specialists provide pharmacological management could be beneficial for nonspecialist clinicians, and clinical, educational, and research implications warrant further empirical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.I.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M., N.Y.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M., N.Y.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kiuchi
- Department of Palliative Medicine (D.K., E.S.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M., N.Y.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoru Miwa
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.I.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | - Toshihiro Yamauchi
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.I.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Akemi Shirado Naito
- Department of Palliative Care (A.S.N.), Miyazaki Medical Association Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine (Y.M.), National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Seri-Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Koji Sugano
- Division of Respiratory Medicine (K.S.), Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ikenaga
- Department of Palliative Medicine (M.I.), Yodogawa Christian Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.I.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Eriko Satomi
- Department of Palliative Medicine (D.K., E.S.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Ham L, Fransen HP, van Roij J, van den Borne B, Creemers GJ, Hendriks MP, Kuip E, van Laarhoven HW, van Leeuwen L, van der Padt-Pruijsten A, Smilde T, Stellingwerf M, van Zuylen L, van de Poll-Franse L, Raijmakers NJ. Emotional functioning during bereavement after the death of patients with advanced cancer and associated factors. Psychooncology 2022; 31:1719-1727. [PMID: 36097376 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6031] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The death of a loved one is considered to be the most stressful of all life events. However, the impact of bereavement on quality of life varies between individuals. The aim of our study was to assess emotional functioning, which is a domain of quality of life, of bereaved relatives after the death of their loved one and its associated factors. METHOD A prospective, longitudinal, multicenter, observational study on quality of care and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer and their relatives was conducted (eQuiPe). The association between emotional functioning of relatives during bereavement and the following factors was investigated: gender, type of relationship, educational level, pre-bereavement emotional and social functioning and global quality of life, social support pre- and during bereavement, anticipatory complicated grief, support of healthcare professionals during bereavement, age of patient and bereaved relative and duration of survival after primary cancer diagnosis. RESULTS 150 bereaved relatives completed the bereavement questionnaire. In 41% of the bereaved relatives emotional functioning was ≤71, indicating clinically relevant low emotional functioning. Multivariable logistic regression showed that females experienced more often emotional problems (OR=2.82). Emotional functioning pre-bereavement (OR=0.96) and social support during bereavement (OR=0.97) were associated with low emotional functioning during bereavement. CONCLUSIONS Almost half of the bereaved relatives of patients with advanced cancer experienced low emotional functioning and this was associated with low emotional functioning pre-bereavement and low social support during bereavement. Support for relatives should be initiated before the patient's death. Future research is needed to investigate the impact of such support on relatives' wellbeing during bereavement. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurien Ham
- Department of Research & Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Heidi P Fransen
- Department of Research & Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Janneke van Roij
- Department of Research & Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, CoRPS - Center for Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Tilburg University, the Netherlands
| | - Ben van den Borne
- Department of Pulmonology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Jan Creemers
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Mathijs P Hendriks
- Department of Medical Oncology, Northwest Clinics, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien Kuip
- Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Wm van Laarhoven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lobke van Leeuwen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tineke Smilde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Den Bosch, The Netherlands
| | - Margriet Stellingwerf
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lia van Zuylen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lonneke van de Poll-Franse
- Department of Research & Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, CoRPS - Center for Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Tilburg University, the Netherlands.,Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Natasja Jh Raijmakers
- Department of Research & Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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