1
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Hart NH, Nekhlyudov L, Smith TJ, Yee J, Fitch MI, Crawford GB, Koczwara B, Ashbury FD, Lustberg MB, Mollica M, Smith AL, Jefford M, Chino F, Zon R, Agar MR, Chan RJ. Survivorship Care for People Affected by Advanced or Metastatic Cancer: MASCC-ASCO Standards and Practice Recommendations. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300716. [PMID: 38684036 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE People with advanced or metastatic cancer and their caregivers may have different care goals and face unique challenges compared with those with early-stage disease or those nearing the end of life. These Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)-ASCO standards and practice recommendations seek to establish consistent provision of quality survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer. METHODS A MASCC-ASCO expert panel was formed. Standards and recommendations relevant to the provision of quality survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer were developed through conducting (1) a systematic review of unmet supportive care needs; (2) a scoping review of cancer survivorship, supportive care, and palliative care frameworks and guidelines; and (3) an international modified Delphi consensus process. RESULTS A systematic review involving 81 studies and a scoping review of 17 guidelines and frameworks informed the initial standards and recommendations. Subsequently, 77 experts (including eight people with lived experience) across 33 countries (33% were low- to middle-resource countries) participated in the Delphi study and achieved ≥94.8% agreement for seven standards, (1) Person-Centered Care; (2) Coordinated and Integrated Care; (3) Evidence-Based and Comprehensive Care; (4) Evaluated and Communicated Care; (5) Accessible and Equitable Care; (6) Sustainable and Resourced Care; and (7) Research and Data-Driven Care, and ≥84.2% agreement across 45 practice recommendations. CONCLUSION Standards of survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer are provided. These MASCC-ASCO standards support optimization of health outcomes and care experiences by providing guidance to stakeholders (health care professionals, leaders, and administrators; governments and health ministries; policymakers; advocacy agencies; cancer survivors and caregivers). Practice recommendations may be used to facilitate future research, practice, policy, and advocacy efforts.Additional information is available at www.mascc.org, www.asco.org/standards and www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas H Hart
- Human Performance Research Centre, INSIGHT Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Larissa Nekhlyudov
- Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jasmine Yee
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret I Fitch
- School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B Crawford
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Bogda Koczwara
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Cancer and Innovation Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Fredrick D Ashbury
- VieCure, Clinical and Scientific Division, Greenwood Village, CO
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, ON, Canada
| | - Maryam B Lustberg
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Medical Oncology Division, Yale Cancer Centre, New Haven, CT
| | - Michelle Mollica
- Office of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Andrea L Smith
- The Daffodil Centre and University of Sydney: a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Jefford
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Robin Zon
- Michiana Hematology-Oncology, Mishawaka, IN
- Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, Norwood, OH
| | - Meera R Agar
- IMPACCT Research Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raymond J Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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2
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Hart NH, Nekhlyudov L, Smith TJ, Yee J, Fitch MI, Crawford GB, Koczwara B, Ashbury FD, Lustberg MB, Mollica M, Smith AL, Jefford M, Chino F, Zon R, Agar MR, Chan RJ. Survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer: MASCC-ASCO standards and practice recommendations. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:313. [PMID: 38679639 PMCID: PMC11056340 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08465-8] [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] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with advanced or metastatic cancer and their caregivers may have different care goals and face unique challenges compared to those with early-stage disease or those nearing the end-of-life. These MASCC-ASCO standards and practice recommendations seek to establish consistent provision of quality survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer. METHODS An expert panel comprising MASCC and ASCO members was formed. Standards and recommendations relevant to the provision of quality survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer were developed through conducting: (1) a systematic review of unmet supportive care needs; (2) a scoping review of cancer survivorship, supportive care, and palliative care frameworks and guidelines; and (3) an international modified Delphi consensus process. RESULTS A systematic review involving 81 studies and a scoping review of 17 guidelines and frameworks informed the initial standards and recommendations. Subsequently, 77 experts (including 8 people with lived experience) across 33 countries (33% were low-to-middle resource countries) participated in the Delphi study and achieved ≥ 94.8% agreement for seven standards (1. Person-Centred Care; 2. Coordinated and Integrated Care; 3. Evidence-Based and Comprehensive Care; 4. Evaluated and Communicated Care; 5. Accessible and Equitable Care; 6. Sustainable and Resourced Care; 7. Research and Data-Driven Care) and ≥ 84.2% agreement across 45 practice recommendations. CONCLUSION Standards of survivorship care for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer are provided. These MASCC-ASCO standards will support optimization of health outcomes and care experiences by providing guidance to stakeholders in cancer care (healthcare professionals, leaders, and administrators; governments and health ministries; policymakers; advocacy agencies; cancer survivors and caregivers. Practice recommendations may be used to facilitate future research, practice, policy, and advocacy efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas H Hart
- Human Performance Research Centre, INSIGHT Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Larissa Nekhlyudov
- Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jasmine Yee
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-Based Decision-Making, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret I Fitch
- School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory B Crawford
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Bogda Koczwara
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Cancer and Innovation Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Fredrick D Ashbury
- VieCure, Clinical and Scientific Division, Greenwood Village, CO, USA
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, ON, Canada
- Internal Medicine-Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus , OH, USA
| | - Maryam B Lustberg
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Medical Oncology Division, Yale Cancer Centre, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michelle Mollica
- Office of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrea L Smith
- The Daffodil Centre and University of Sydney: a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Jefford
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robin Zon
- Michiana Hematology-Oncology, Mishawaka, IN, USA
- Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, Norwood, OH, USA
| | - Meera R Agar
- IMPACCT Research Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raymond J Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Reifegerste D, Rosset M, Czerwinski F, Baumann E, Gaisser A, Kludt E, Weg-Remers S. Understanding the Pathway of Cancer Information Seeking: Cancer Information Services as a Supplement to Information from Other Sources. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2023; 38:175-184. [PMID: 34783995 PMCID: PMC9852194 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-021-02095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer information services (CISs) can play an important role within the pathway of cancer information seeking, but so far, this role is not well understood. Callers (n = 6,255) who contacted the largest provider of cancer information in Germany participated in a survey in which they reported their information sources, information level, and needs leading to the call. Persons with prior information from a physician (n = 1,507) were compared to people with prior online information (n = 901) and people with prior information from both sources (n = 2,776). Nearly all callers (96.7%) stated prior sources, while physicians and the Internet were the most frequently reported sources. People, who only talked to a doctor before, are more likely to be a patient and in the disease stages during/after the first treatment or with recurrence than prior Internet users. The two groups do not differ in their prior information level but did differ in their information needs. CISs are an important supplement to other sources, while the information repertoire depends on patients' stages during the cancer journey. Specific characteristics and needs of callers with different prior information sources help to individualize the service of CISs and similar providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Reifegerste
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Rosset
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Expo Plaza 12, 30539, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fabian Czerwinski
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Expo Plaza 12, 30539, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Baumann
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Expo Plaza 12, 30539, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Gaisser
- Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Kludt
- Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Weg-Remers
- Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Kirk DL, Kabdebo I, Whitehead L. Prevalence of distress and its associated factors among caregivers of people diagnosed with cancer: A cross-sectional study. J Clin Nurs 2022; 31:3402-3413. [PMID: 34894019 PMCID: PMC9787485 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16167] [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: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To (i) determine prevalence of distress among caregivers of people living with cancer, (ii) describe caregivers' most commonly reported problems and (iii) investigate which factors were associated with caregivers' distress. BACKGROUND The psychological distress associated with a cancer diagnosis jointly impacts those living with cancer and their caregivers(s). As the provision of clinical support moves towards a dyadic model, understanding the factors associated with caregivers' distress is increasingly important. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Distress screening data were analysed for 956 caregivers (family and friends) of cancer patients accessing the Cancer Council Western Australia information and support line between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2018. These data included caregivers' demographics and reported problems and their level of distress. Information related to their care recipient's cancer diagnosis was also captured. Caregivers' reported problems and levels of distress were measured using the distress thermometer and accompanying problem list (PL) developed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. A partial-proportional logistic regression model was used to investigate which demographic factors and PL items were associated with increasing levels of caregiver distress. Pearlin's model of caregiving and stress process was used as a framework for discussion. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was followed. RESULTS Nearly all caregivers (96.24%) recorded a clinically significant level of distress (≥4/10) and two thirds (66.74%) as severely distressed (≥7/10). Being female, self-reporting sadness, a loss of interest in usual activities, sleep problems or problems with a partner or children were all significantly associated with increased levels of distress. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers of people with cancer reporting emotional or familial problems may be at greater risk of moderate and severe distress. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Awareness and recognition of caregiver distress are vital, and referral pathways for caregivers are the important area of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L. Kirk
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Istvan Kabdebo
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Lisa Whitehead
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia
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Flight IH, Chapman J, Harrison NJ, Bull J, Christensen C, Koczwara B, Wilson CJ. Mapping Information Needs over the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Survivorship Trajectory for Esophago-gastric Cancer Patients and Their Main Supporters: a Retrospective Survey. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:655-661. [PMID: 32876865 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01862-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study reports preliminary data about the information needs of esophago-gastric cancer survivors and their supporters across diagnosis and treatment by identifying time-specific needs and whether the information provided aligned with the needs at each time point. Survivors (n = 26) and supporters (n = 15) were recruited from a public teaching hospital in South Australia. Both groups provided recall data describing personal information domain challenges at 6 clinically significant time points ranging from diagnosis to > 2 years post diagnosis. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics for non-normally distributed data. Needs relating to communication, tests, disease, and the physical effects information domains were consistently high across time and in groups. Supporters' overall needs were greater than those of survivors, particularly at times of high need. At times of low need, both groups reported information overload. Our results confirm that survivors and supporters require information throughout the cancer trajectory, up to 2 years after diagnosis, and supporters' needs are likely to be even greater. Results highlight the importance of timely and relevant information provision and provide a basis for the development of resources to empower survivors and supporters to identify and articulate their personal information needs. Patient navigators may provide an avenue to facilitate this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid H Flight
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Janine Chapman
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nathan J Harrison
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeff Bull
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Discipline of Surgery, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Bogda Koczwara
- Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Carlene J Wilson
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Research Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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6
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Taylor J, Fradgley EA, Clinton-McHarg T, Hall A, Paul CL. Referral and uptake of services by distressed callers to the Cancer Council Information and Support telephone service. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2021; 18:303-310. [PMID: 34185960 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-centered cancer care includes emotional, informational, and practical support that is personalised to the needs of patients and inclusive of family and friends. However, when supportive care referrals are offered in hospital settings, distressed patients and carers do not consistently act on those referrals, which can prolong patient suffering. The degree to which sub-optimal referral uptake also occurs in Australian telephone support services is unknown. AIMS To report, among a sample of distressed patients and caregivers who called a cancer information and support service: 1) the types of services used; 2) proportion who received and actioned a referral (uptake); 3) associations between referral to a service and callers' characteristics); and, 4) associations between uptake of a referred service and callers' characteristics. METHODS This study used cross-sectional data collected at 3-month post-baseline from control participants (usual care group) enrolled in the Structured Triage and Referral by Telephone (START) trial. The START trial recruited distressed adult cancer patients and caregivers from the Cancer Council Information and Support Service (CIS). A research assistant conducted a 30-45 min telephone interview with participants, which included recall of referrals provided by CIS staff and reported uptake of referral(s) to the offered service types. RESULTS Most patients (98%) and caregivers (97%) reported receiving a referral to a service. For patients and caregivers respectively, information materials (71%, 77%), CIS call-back (51%, 43%), practical services (52%, 45%), and group peer support (49%, 51%) were the services most frequently offered. For callers receiving a referral, uptake was highest for information materials (91%) and CIS call-backs (89%) and lowest for specialist psychological services (30%). Significant association was found between older age and reduced uptake of services (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION The high uptake rate of CIS call-backs suggests it is a potentially more acceptable form of support compared to specialist psychological services. Efforts to reduce the barriers to telephone-based psychological services are required. Specifically, older age peoples' and caregivers' preferences for support and priorities who may benefit from a referral coordinator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Taylor
- School of Medicine and Public health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Fradgley
- School of Medicine and Public health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Institute New South Wales, Cancer Institute New South Wales, Eveleigh, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tara Clinton-McHarg
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alix Hall
- School of Medicine and Public health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Area Health Service, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine L Paul
- School of Medicine and Public health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Harrison NJ, Gunn KM, Wilson CJ. Can targeting information on cancer-related psychosocial services by male gender and rurality improve attitude to service use in this difficult-to-engage population? Psychooncology 2020; 29:2075-2083. [PMID: 33010091 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rural men affected by cancer are difficult to engage in psychosocial support services. This exploratory study tested whether exposure to printed brochures describing services, distinguished by a focus on rural men affected by cancer, resulted in more positive help-seeking attitudes than exposure to material focused on rural location only or generic cancer support material. METHODS Targeted versions of a South Australian Cancer Council service brochure were developed to enhance cultural appropriateness, consistent with the Elaboration Likelihood Model. Rural men affected by cancer were recruited via supportive accommodation and randomized to receive one of the three brochures. The primary outcome was positive attitude to help-seeking at post-test (between 1 and 2 days). Negative attitudes to help-seeking, intention to seek help, perceived isolation, and service use were secondary outcomes; perceived information relevance at immediate post-test was also measured. RESULTS Analysis (N = 114) indicated no detectable group differences (rurality/male gender, n = 33; rurality, n = 41; control, n = 40) on primary or secondary outcome measures (p > 0.05). Participants' existing service use was high, due to the recruitment methods. Support service information was primarily sourced from other people (e.g., friends/family, 22.22%; medical professionals, 27.27%). CONCLUSIONS Existing service use rates suggest that ceiling effects obscured any potential benefit from demographic targeting of materials. Further research should consider building understanding about the acceptability of targeting techniques in this population, replication with materials designed with greater consumer input, and employ samples recruited outside a support service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Harrison
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate M Gunn
- Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,UniSA Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Carlene J Wilson
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.,Olivia Newton John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Taylor J, Fradgley E, Clinton-McHarg T, Byrnes E, Paul C. What are the sources of distress in a range of cancer caregivers? A qualitative study. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:2443-2453. [PMID: 32929537 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05742-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Caring for a person diagnosed with cancer is associated with elevated distress that may impact on caregiver health and patient outcomes. However, caregivers' distress is relatively under-researched. This Australian study explored a range of caregivers' reported sources of distress. METHODS The grounded theory approach informed semi-structured interviews that were conducted with a purposive and broad range sample of distressed caregivers identified through the 'Structured Triage And Referral by Telephone' (START) trial. A grounded theory framework was used to generate themes with data analysed by two independent coders using the NVivo software. RESULTS Caregivers (n = 14) were aged from 25 to 80 years, including two bereaved caregivers. The relationships of the caregivers to the patients were as follows: partner (n = 8), parent (n = 1), child (n = 3), sibling (n = 1), and friend (n = 1). Six major themes emerged in relation to sources of distress: (1) a lack of sufficient and timely information; (2) uncertainty; (3) the role and duties of caregiving; (4) lack of family-centred services; (5) practical challenges; and (6) impact of distress. CONCLUSION Caregivers face a number of specific challenges beyond those experienced by patients. It is essential to ensure that caregivers are actively well-informed and well-supported alongside the person who is diagnosed with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Taylor
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia. .,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Fradgley
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Cancer Institute New South Wales, Eveleigh, Australia
| | - Tara Clinton-McHarg
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Emma Byrnes
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Aging, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Christine Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Hunter Research Cancer Alliance, HMRI Building, New Lambton Heights, Australia
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9
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Pedersen B, Jacobsen HR, Jørgensen L. Managing the absent clinical eye in calls to an oncological emergency telephone – a focus group study. Scand J Caring Sci 2020; 35:297-307. [DOI: 10.1111/scs.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Birgith Pedersen
- Clinic for Surgery and Cancer Treatment Aalborg University Hospital Aalborg Denmark
- Clinical Cancer Research Center Aalborg University Hospital Aalborg Denmark
- Clinical Nursing Research Unit Aalborg University Hospital Aalborg Denmark
| | | | - Lone Jørgensen
- Clinic for Surgery and Cancer Treatment Aalborg University Hospital Aalborg Denmark
- Clinical Nursing Research Unit Aalborg University Hospital Aalborg Denmark
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10
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Watanabe K, Katayama K, Yoshioka T, Narimatsu H. Impact of individual background on the unmet needs of cancer survivors and caregivers - a mixed-methods analysis. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:263. [PMID: 32228490 PMCID: PMC7106842 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-06732-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors and their caregivers may have various unmet needs that are medically difficult to solve. Previous studies have suggested the relations between individuals' backgrounds and their unmet needs. We conducted a large-scale analysis to clarify the influence of individuals' backgrounds, primarily cancer type, on specific types of unmet needs. METHODS Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed records of first-time callers to a cancer-focused telephone consultation service that was provided by the Kanagawa Cancer Clinical Research Information Organization from October 2006 to May 2014. The qualitative approach concerned extracting unmet needs mentioned in each consultation and classifying them into themes of specific needs, while the quantitative approach comprised multi-variated analysis of the relationships between the frequency by which the needs in each theme arose and the associated callers' backgrounds. RESULTS A total of 1938 consultation cases were analyzed. In the qualitative analysis, the needs were classified into 16 themes. The mean number of unmet needs for each caller was 1.58 (standard deviation = 0.86). In the multi-variated analysis, caregivers for colorectal cancer survivors had a lower frequency of "emotional/mental health" needs (OR: 0.31, 95%CI: 0.11-0.88, p = 0.028) than did caregivers for breast-cancer survivors. Nevertheless, this was the only significant difference in needs frequency among callers (including survivors and their caregivers) with specific cancer types. Meanwhile, there significant difference in the frequency of occurrence of each unmet need theme was found among items concerning other background elements. Among survivors, sex was related to the frequency of needs among "physical" and "resources" themes, and "emotions/mental health"; their age group with "employment"; treatment course with "physical" and "resources" themes and "cure"; residence with "physical" themes; presence of symptom with "physical," "education/information," "resources," "emotions/mental health," and "cure" themes. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale study suggests that cancer type is not a significant factor for specific unmet needs and that individuals' backgrounds and presence of symptoms play a more important role. Through this study, it was found that instruments to predict people's needs and a system to provide individualized cancer care across cancer types should be developed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaname Watanabe
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Yamagata University, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.,Cancer Prevention and Cancer Control Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Kayoko Katayama
- Cancer Prevention and Cancer Control Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Takashi Yoshioka
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Yamagata University, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hiroto Narimatsu
- Cancer Prevention and Cancer Control Division, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan. .,Graduate School of Health of Innovation, Kanagawa University of Human Services, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.
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11
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Taylor J, Fradgley EA, Clinton-McHarg T, Roach D, Paul CL. Distress screening and supportive care referrals used by telephone-based health services: a systematic review. Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:2059-2069. [PMID: 31872298 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE People affected by chronic diseases such as cancer report high levels of distress and a need for psychosocial support. It is unclear whether telephone-based services for people affected by chronic disease are a practical setting for implementing distress screening, referral protocols and rescreening to direct supportive care where it is needed. This systematic review aimed to describe the published literature regarding distress screening and supportive care referral practices in telephone-based services for people affected by chronic diseases such as cancer. METHODS A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane and Scopus was conducted in February 2018. Included quantitative studies involved: patients or caregivers affected by chronic diseases including cancer and describe a health service assessing psychosocial needs or distress via telephone. Extracted data included the type of cancer or other chronic disease, sample size, screening tool, referral or rescreening protocols, and type of health service. RESULTS The search identified 3989 potential articles with additional searches returning 30 studies (n = 4019); fourteen were eligible for full-text review. Of the 14 studies, 13 included cancer patients. Studies were across multiple settings and identified nine distress screening tools in use. CONCLUSION The reviewed studies indicate that validated distress-screening tools are being used via telephone to identify distress, particularly in relation to cancer. Screening-driven supportive care referrals are also taking place in telephone-based services. However, not all services use an established referral protocol. Ongoing rescreening of callers' distress is also limited despite it being an important recommendation from psycho-oncology guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Taylor
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth A Fradgley
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Cancer Institute New South Wales, Level 9, 8 Central Ave, Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh, NSW, 2015, Australia
| | - Tara Clinton-McHarg
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Della Roach
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Chris L Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Level 4 West, HMRI Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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12
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Heckel L, Heynsbergh NL, Livingston PM. Are cancer helplines effective in supporting caregivers? A systematic review. Support Care Cancer 2019; 27:3219-3231. [PMID: 31098794 PMCID: PMC6660576 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-04807-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this systematic review were to summarize the profile of caregivers accessing cancer helplines, to evaluate caregiver satisfaction with the helpline service, and to review the evidence base of intervention studies testing the efficacy of community-based cancer helplines in improving caregiver health and well-being. METHODS Four electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and EMBASE) were systematically searched to identify relevant literature, including all articles published in English until May 2018. Reference lists of accepted papers were reviewed for the inclusion of additional potentially relevant articles, gray literature was excluded. RESULTS Forty-five publications met the inclusion criteria for this review. Forty-one papers reported on the proportion of caregivers accessing cancer helplines. Twenty-six studies described demographic and clinical characteristics of caregivers and eight reported on call characteristics. Reasons for contacting the service were stated in 21 studies and caregiver satisfaction with the helpline service was assessed in 12 articles. Fourteen studies investigated specific topics of interest (e.g., prevalence of sleep problems, distress screening, or clinical trial participation). Two randomized controlled trials examined the efficacy of cancer helplines in improving caregiver outcomes, with findings showing interventions to be effective in reducing distress and unmet needs, and in increasing positive adjustment. CONCLUSIONS There is limited scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of cancer helplines to improve caregivers' health and well-being. More intervention studies are needed to examine the benefits of cancer helplines to this study population to ensure structured referral pathways can be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Heckel
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Natalie L Heynsbergh
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Patricia M Livingston
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
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13
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Rosset M, Reifegerste D, Baumann E, Kludt E, Weg-Remers S. [Trends in cancer information services over 25 years : An analysis of inquiries from patients and relatives made to the Cancer Information Service of the German Cancer Research Center from 1992 to 2016]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2019; 62:1120-1128. [PMID: 31410522 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-019-02996-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer information services (CISs) are a valuable source of evidence-based information. Previous studies in the field of CISs often investigate only short periods of time. However, there is a need for long-term analyses to identify changes in the use of CISs. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to analyze trends in the inquiries of patients and surrogate seekers to a CIS. METHOD We conducted a secondary data analysis of the inquiry records of the German CIS (Krebsinformationsdienst, KID) hosted by the German Cancer Research Center from 1992 until 2016 (N = 545,070). Trends in the number of inquiries were described using the whole sample, while the description of further characteristics is based on a sample (n = 55,046) of patients, their family members, and friends. RESULTS The inquiries increased in the period examined (1992: 11,344 inquiries; 2016: 34,869 inquiries). Since 2005, a greater share of patients (between 52 and 60%) than surrogate seekers have been contacting the CIS. The mean age of both self-seeking and supported patients increased from under 55 years between 1992 and 2000 up to over 60 years in the year 2016. Breast cancer is at all times the most frequently inquired cancer type (patients: n = 11,319, 39%; surrogate seekers: n = 4173, 17%). Even after the implementation of e‑mail as an additional communication channel, the majority of inquirers still prefer contact by phone (between 80 and 98%). CONCLUSIONS Changes in the utilization of a CIS over time are discussed against the background of structural changes, such as shifts in prevalence rates, family structures, or media environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Rosset
- Institut für Journalistik und Kommunikationsforschung, Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover, Expo Plaza 12, 30539, Hannover, Deutschland.
| | - Doreen Reifegerste
- Seminar für Medien- und Kommunikationswissenschaft, Universität Erfurt, Erfurt, Deutschland
| | - Eva Baumann
- Institut für Journalistik und Kommunikationsforschung, Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover, Expo Plaza 12, 30539, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Evelyn Kludt
- Krebsinformationsdienst (KID) des Deutschen Krebsforschungszentrums (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Susanne Weg-Remers
- Krebsinformationsdienst (KID) des Deutschen Krebsforschungszentrums (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Deutschland
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14
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Heynsbergh N, Heckel L, Botti M, O SC, Livingston PM. Development of a Smartphone App for Informal Carers of People With Cancer: Processes and Learnings. JMIR Form Res 2019; 3:e10990. [PMID: 30973346 PMCID: PMC6482398 DOI: 10.2196/10990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are few support systems available to informal carers who provide care to cancer patients. Smartphone apps have the capacity to reach large audiences and can provide information and support at a time convenient to carers. Objective The aim of this study was to design a smartphone app prototype for carers of adults with cancer. Methods A multiple-method design was used to develop a smartphone app. Current and past carers of people with any type of cancer were recruited from a public hospital, a private hospital, and a carer organization, who participated in either a focus group or phone interview. Carers answered questions about items to include in an app to address supportive care needs identified. Using carers’ feedback, a smartphone app was designed and tested. Beta testing was conducted using a convenience sample of participants who completed scenarios to inform the app’s design, functionality, and usability. Scenarios were timed and marked as complete or incomplete. Participants completed a questionnaire about the usability of the app. Beta testing occurred in 2 stages—a paper-based version of the app and an app-based test using the participants’ preferred device. Alpha testing was completed internally to ensure the functionality of the app. Data were collected between May 2016 and August 2017. Results A total of 33 carers participated in phone interviews and 12 in focus groups; their average age was 55 (SD 14) years, and 60% (27/45) were female. The majority of carers (76%, 25/33) had a positive attitude toward using smartphone apps. Carers noted that smartphone technology might improve their ability to seek information and support in managing their own health as well as the care needs of the person with cancer. Carers requested a variety of information and resources to be included in the app. Paper-based testing included the following: participants (N=10) were aged above 30 years (30%, 3/10), 30 to 49 years (30%, 3/10), and 50 years or above (40%, 4/10), and 60% (6/10) were male. Participants found the app user-friendly and pleasing in appearance. App-based testing included the following: participants (N=10) were aged above 30 years (20%, 2/10), 30 to 49 years (30%, 3/10), and 50 years or above (50%, 5/10), and 50% (5/10) were male. Participants reported the app to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. The majority (60%, 6/10) of participants were unable to create a shortcut icon to add the app to the home screen of their phone. Conclusions Carers highlighted the needed information and support to assist them during the caring period; they also reported having a positive attitude toward smartphone apps. The Carer Guide App is currently undergoing a pilot study to further test usability among carers of people with 1 cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leila Heckel
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Mari Botti
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia.,Epworth HealthCare, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Seung Chul O
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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15
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Pedersen B, Uhrenfeldt L, Jacobsen HR, Jørgensen L. The role of responsibility in oncological emergency telephone calls. Nurs Ethics 2019; 26:2071-2084. [PMID: 30961433 DOI: 10.1177/0969733019839214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients and their caregivers are expected to take joint responsibility for reporting symptoms and seeking medical assistance, for example, by calling oncology emergency telephones or other helplines during a cancer trajectory. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The aim was to explore the meaning of responsibility as it appeared in patients' or caregivers' experiences of calling an oncological emergency telephone. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND CONTEXT Inspired by qualitative description and qualitative content analysis, a secondary analysis of data from interviews with 12 participants calling the oncological emergency telephone at a Danish university hospital was performed. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The project observes demands for safekeeping data and all regulations concerning research ethics in agreement with the Nordic Nurses Federation and the Danish Health Act. FINDINGS Two main themes emerged: (1) to act responsibly as a patient or caregiver was to 'be watchful and alert', 'report symptoms the right way' and 'do crosschecking' and (2) to deal with the burden of responsibility was to 'feel safe when dealing with the burden of responsibility' and 'be relieved from the burden of responsibility'. DISCUSSION Too much responsibility and a potential imbalance between healthcare professionals' expectations and callers' knowledge and capacity to act may place additional burdens on the callers, which may be eased by person-centred care. CONCLUSION The meaning of responsibility appeared in the participants' capacity to act, where they observed, assessed and reported symptoms and controlled prescribed treatments as well as shared or handed over the responsibility to the healthcare providers. Thus, the analysis provided essential knowledge for healthcare professionals on how patients and caregivers handle this responsibility when faced with a cancer disease that is treated on an outpatient basis.
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16
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Reifegerste D, Czerwinski F, Rosset M, Baumann E, Kludt E, Weg-Remers S. Demographic and cancer-related differences between self-seeking patients and supported patients: Analysis of cancer information-service data. Psychooncology 2019; 28:759-766. [PMID: 30707476 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Surrogate information seeking is quite common, and several studies have presented data on caregivers, family members, and friends who seek health information on the Internet or from a cancer-information service (CIS) on behalf of cancer patients. However, these studies provide little information about the patients who are supported by surrogate seekers. Therefore, this study analyzed demographic and cancer-related differences, including diverse informational needs, between self-seeking patients and patients who benefited from surrogate seekers (ie, caregivers, family, or friends) requesting information on their behalf. METHODS We conducted a retrospective audit of phone and e-mail inquiries to a German CIS between January and December 2016 from self-seeking patients (n = 13 723) and surrogate information seekers, as well as the corresponding supported patients (n = 6696). RESULTS Supported patients were more likely to be males (P < 0.001), older than self-seeking patients (P < 0.001), and older than the corresponding surrogate seekers (P < 0.001). They were also more likely to be in the diagnostic or palliative stage (P < 0.001) and were less likely to suffer from breast cancer or prostate cancer (P < 0.001) than self-seeking patients. There were significant differences in the CIS requests of self-seekers and surrogate seekers. CONCLUSIONS The results point to different support needs of self-seekers and surrogate seekers. Thus, surrogate seekers and their corresponding supported patients should be seen as a separate target group to self-seeking patients, with the former requiring informational and emotional support on diverging topics and at different disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Reifegerste
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Fabian Czerwinski
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Hannover, Germany
| | - Magdalena Rosset
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Baumann
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Hannover, Germany
| | - Evelyn Kludt
- Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Weg-Remers
- Cancer Information Service, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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17
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Isaksson J, Lilliehorn S, Salander P. Next of kin's motives for psychosocial consultation-Oncology social workers' perceptions of 54 next of kin cases. Psychooncology 2018; 28:154-159. [PMID: 30346070 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4925] [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: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although oncology social workers (OSWs) have emerged as a core profession in the provision of psychosocial services, there is a lack of empirical studies that describe their daily clinical work with next of kin (NOK). The overall aim of this study was to explore NOK's motives for consulting an OSW. This can provide us with insights into what types of skills OSWs need to have in order to fulfil their duties. METHODS From a nationwide survey, we used data from 54 NOK cases that Swedish OSWs met face to face. RESULTS About half of the motives concerned help in dealing with personal grief connected to the patients' cancer and distressing symptoms, while the other half concerned needs for help in dealing with the position of being the NOK, relationship conflicts, and assistance with socio-economic issues. CONCLUSIONS The motives show that NOK does not just ask for help to come to terms with distress related to the patient's situation. Based on the diversity of motives, we suggest that OSWs (at least in Sweden) need a broad education in counselling psychology. Furthermore, health care personnel need to be attentive to the NOK's own voice and not reduce it to the voice of the patient and the patient's needs in referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim Isaksson
- Department of Social Work, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Lilliehorn
- Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Radiation Sciences-Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Pär Salander
- Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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18
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Heckel L, Fennell KM, Orellana L, Boltong A, Byrnes M, Livingston PM. A telephone outcall program to support caregivers of people diagnosed with cancer: utility, changes in levels of distress, and unmet needs. Support Care Cancer 2018; 26:3789-3799. [PMID: 29766259 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the utility of a telephone outcall program for cancer caregivers and to examine longitudinal changes in their distress levels and supportive care needs. METHODS As part of the PROTECT trial, caregivers assigned to the intervention arm (N = 108) received three telephone outcalls from a Cancer Council 13 11 20 nurse at three time points (7-10 days post-randomization, 1 and 4 months later). During each call, caregivers were screened for distress using the Distress Thermometer (range: 0-10) then six supportive care issues were raised for discussion. Participants completed a utility survey 1 month post-intervention. RESULTS The outcall program was highly acceptable and perceived as beneficial by caregivers. Overall, 95% reported it was worth their time to take part in the outcall program and 82% stated that the program was very relevant to them. Level of distress and impact of distress decreased over time (p = 0.0031, p < 0.0001, respectively). Average call duration decreased over time (p < 0.0001) and was longer for female than male caregivers (p = 0.0009). The frequency of caregivers discussing issues related to psychological distress (p = 0.0003), health literacy (p < 0.0001), financial (p = 0.0014), and practical concerns (p = 0.0121) decreased over time. Psychological distress was more often discussed by female than male caregivers (p = 0.0153), and family issues more often by younger (< 55 years) than older caregivers (p = 0.0071). CONCLUSIONS Utility of this outcall program was high. Caregivers' level of distress and unmet needs decreased over time. Gender and age differences emerged, which warrants the need for tailored support. Further research is necessary to identify the best method of improving access to 13 11 20 services for caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Heckel
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Kate M Fennell
- Cancer Council SA, 202 Greenhill Road, Eastwood, South Australia, 5063, Australia.,Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.,Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, City East Campus, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Liliana Orellana
- Faculty of Health, Biostatistics Unit, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Anna Boltong
- Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Monica Byrnes
- Cancer Council SA, 202 Greenhill Road, Eastwood, South Australia, 5063, Australia
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Heynsbergh N, Heckel L, Botti M, Livingston PM. Feasibility, useability and acceptability of technology-based interventions for informal cancer carers: a systematic review. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:244. [PMID: 29499663 PMCID: PMC5834845 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4160-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carers looking after someone with cancer often experience negative impacts on their own health. M-health interventions have been designed to provide information and support to patients and their carers. However, the effectiveness of technology-based interventions for carers is less well understood. The objectives were to assess the feasibility, useability and acceptability of technology-based interventions among carers of people living with cancer. METHODS A systematic search of the CINAHL, MEDLINE and PSYCINFO databases was performed using terms related to web-based interventions and smartphone applications, carers and cancer. Studies were included if a randomised controlled trial or pilot study was conducted, focused on adult carers looking after another adult with cancer and were published between January 2007-June 2017. Articles were excluded if they reported qualitative results only or were evaluating existing websites and applications. Feasibility was measured by attrition, recruitment rates and frequency of intervention use; useability was measured by the ease of intervention use and the role of features to minimise errors in use. Acceptability was measured by carers' perception of the appropriateness of the content and their ability to incorporate the intervention into their daily routines. RESULTS Of the 729 articles, six articles met the inclusion criteria. Attrition ranged from 14% - 77%, recruitment rates from 20% - 66% and intervention useability varied across studies. Half of the studies implemented measures to improve useability. Overall, carers rated the content of the interventions as appropriate and reported improved knowledge and communication. Acceptability was further demonstrated as carers preferred the flexibility available with web-based interventions. CONCLUSIONS Technology-based interventions are suitable for use among carers of people with cancer. Further research is required to fully assess the impact of technology as an information and support mechanism for carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Heynsbergh
- Geelong, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia.
| | - Leila Heckel
- Geelong, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Mari Botti
- Geelong, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery and Epworth HealthCare, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
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20
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Demographic characteristics, call details and psychosocial support needs of the family/friends of someone diagnosed with cancer who access Australian Cancer Council telephone information and support services. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2017; 28:86-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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