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Gray TF, Do KM, Amonoo HL, Sullivan L, Kelkar AH, Pirl WF, Hammer MJ, Tulsky JA, El-Jawahri A, Cutler CS, Partridge AH. Family Caregiver Experiences in the Inpatient and Outpatient Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Settings: A Qualitative Study. Transplant Cell Ther 2024; 30:610.e1-610.e16. [PMID: 37783339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2023.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Caregivers (ie, family and friends) are essential in providing care and support for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and throughout their recovery. Traditionally delivered in the hospital, HCT is being increasingly provided in the outpatient setting, potentially heightening the burden on caregivers. Extensive work has examined the inpatient HCT caregiving experience, yet little is known about how caregiver experiences may differ based on whether the HCT was delivered on an inpatient or outpatient basis, particularly during the acute recovery period post-HCT. This study explored the similarities and differences in caregiver experiences in the inpatient and outpatient settings during the early recovery from reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic HCT. We conducted semistructured interviews (n = 15) with caregivers of adults undergoing RIC allogeneic HCT as either an inpatient (n = 7) or an outpatient (n = 8). We recruited caregivers using purposeful criterion sampling, based on the HCT setting, until thematic saturation occurred. Interview recordings were transcribed and coded through thematic analysis using Dedoose v.9.0. The study analysis was guided by the transactional model of stress and coping and the model of adaptation of family caregivers during the acute phase of BMT. Three themes emerged to describe similar experiences for HCT caregivers regardless of setting: (1) caregivers reported feeling like they were a necessary yet invisible part of the care team; (2) caregivers described learning to adapt to changing situations and varying patient needs; and (3) caregivers recounted how the uncertainty following HCT felt like existing between life and death while also maintaining a sense of gratitude and hope for the future. Caregivers also reported distinct experiences based on the transplantation setting and 4 themes emerged: (1) disrupted routines: inpatient caregivers reported disrupted routines when caring for the HCT recipient while simultaneously trying to manage non-caregiving responsibilities at home and work, and outpatient caregivers reported having to establish new routines that included frequent clinic visits with the patient while altering or pausing home and work responsibilities; (2) timing of caregiver involvement: inpatient caregivers felt more involved in care after the patient was discharged from the HCT hospitalization, whereas outpatient caregivers were already providing the majority of care earlier in the post-transplantation period; (3) fear of missing vital information: inpatient caregivers worried about missing vital information about the patient's care and progress if not physically present in the hospital, whereas outpatient caregivers feared overlooking vital information that may warrant contacting the care team as they monitored the patient at home; and (4) perceived adequacy of resources to meet psychosocial and practical needs: inpatient caregivers reported having adequate access to resources (ie, hospital-based services), whereas outpatient caregivers felt they had more limited access and needed to be resourceful in seeking out assistance. Inpatient and outpatient HCT caregivers described both similar and distinct experiences during the acute recovery period post-HCT. Specific interventions should address caregiver psychosocial needs (ie, distress, illness uncertainty, communication, and coping) and practical needs (ie, community resource referral, preparedness for home-based caregiving, and transplantation education) of HCT caregivers based on setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamryn F Gray
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Population Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Cancer, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Palliative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Khuyen M Do
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hermioni L Amonoo
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren Sullivan
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amar H Kelkar
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - William F Pirl
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marilyn J Hammer
- Division of Population Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Cancer, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James A Tulsky
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Palliative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Divison of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Corey S Cutler
- Division of Population Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ann H Partridge
- Division of Population Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Andreasen TK, Boje IR, Tolstrup LK, Missel M, Larsen MK. Treatment and Rehabilitation for Esophageal Cancer-Striving to Meet Obstacles and Long-term Impacts: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. Cancer Nurs 2024:00002820-990000000-00242. [PMID: 38625759 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following esophagogastric cancer treatment, patients with esophageal cancer and their relatives struggle with adjusting to a new everyday life as they experience various challenges after treatment requiring rehabilitation. Health professionals must address long-term impacts on patients' health, everyday life, family functioning, and support needs. OBJECTIVE This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore patients', relatives', and health professionals' experience with long-term impacts and rehabilitation after treatment for esophageal cancer. METHODS A qualitative approach based on a phenomenological-hermeneutical methodology was used. Two methods were selected in the study: focus group interviews with health professionals and individual interviews with patients and relatives. Inductive thematic analysis with inspiration from Braun and Clarke was used for data analysis. RESULTS Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) forced into limitations in everyday life, (2) learning and navigating a new everyday life, and (3) rehabilitation accepting new normality. CONCLUSION Patients and relatives experience persistent long-term impacts after treatment for esophageal cancer, making rehabilitation strenuous and demanding. Relatives take considerable responsibility for the patients' rehabilitation but feel invisible and unsupported by health professionals. Health professionals acknowledge the severity of long-term impacts but fail to prepare patients and relatives for the impacts and do not see the relatives' need for support. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The study emphasizes the need for a proactive approach in the healthcare system, addressing patients' and relatives' physical and psychological vulnerability. Cancer nurses need to prepare and involve patients and relatives in treatment, long-term impacts, and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Kromann Andreasen
- Author Affiliations: Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Ms Andreasen); Department of Health, Region of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark (Ms Boje); Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Dr Tolstrup); Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (Drs Tolstrup and Larsen); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark (Dr Missel); Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Dr Larsen)
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Chen YQ, Zhong JD, Hong YT, Yuan J, Zhang JE. Patient-Family Caregiver Concordance of Symptom Assessment for Esophageal Cancer Patients Undergoing Esophagectomy. Cancer Nurs 2024; 47:141-150. [PMID: 36728137 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer patients suffer from multiple and severe symptoms during the postoperative recovery period. Family caregivers play a vital role in assisting patients to cope with their symptoms. OBJECTIVE To examine the concordance of esophageal cancer patients and their caregivers on assessing patients' symptoms after surgery and identify predictors associated with the symptom concordance. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 213 patient-caregiver dyads completed general information questionnaires, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, the Depression Subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Mutuality Scale, and the Zarit Burden Interview (for caregivers). Data were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients, paired t tests, and binary logistic regression. RESULTS At the dyad level, agreement of patients' and caregivers' reported symptoms ranged from poor to fair. At the group level, patients reported significantly higher scores than caregivers in most symptoms. Of the 213 dyads, 119 (55.9%) were identified as concordant on symptom assessment. Patients' nasogastric tube, perceived mutuality, caregivers' educational background, and dyad's communication frequency with each other could predict their concordance of symptom assessment. CONCLUSIONS There were relatively low agreements between esophageal cancer patients and caregivers on assessing patients' symptoms, and caregivers tended to underestimate patients' symptoms. The dyad's symptom concordance was influenced by patient-, caregiver-, and dyad-related factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Having an awareness of the incongruence on assessing symptoms between esophageal cancer patients and caregivers may help healthcare professionals to comprehensively interpret patients' symptoms and develop targeted dyadic interventions to improve their concordance, contributing to optimal symptom management and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qing Chen
- Author Affiliations: School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (Dr Zhang and Ms Chen); and Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China (Mss Zhong, Hong, and Yuan)
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Langegård U, Cajander Å, Ahmad A, Carlsson M, Nevo EO, Johansson B, Ehrsson YT. Understanding the challenges and need for support of informal caregivers to individuals with head and neck cancer - A basis for developing internet-based support. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 64:102347. [PMID: 37290161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102347] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Being an informal caregiver of an individual with head and neck cancer can be demanding. Still, informal caregivers can provide valuable support to patients throughout the disease trajectory. The aim of this study was to explore informal caregivers' views on their challenges and needs in attaining high preparedness for caregiving. METHODS Fifteen informal caregivers of individuals with head- and neck cancer participated in a focus group discussion or an individual interview. Thematic analysis utilizing an inductive approach was performed. RESULTS The results describe the challenges that informal caregivers to individuals with head and neck cancer perceive and their needs for support in preparedness for caregiving. Three main themes were found: Challenges of being an informal caregiver, Transformation in life and Informal caregiver' needs of support and sharing care. CONCLUSION This study contributes to the understanding of the challenges for informal caregivers to individuals with head and neck cancer in increasing preparedness for caregiving. To improve preparedness for caregiving, informal caregivers need education, information and support regarding physical, psychological and social issues for individuals with head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrica Langegård
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Experimental and Clinical Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Åsa Cajander
- Department of Information Technology, Division of Visual Information and Interaction, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Awais Ahmad
- Department of Information Technology, Division of Visual Information and Interaction, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Maria Carlsson
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Lifestyle and Rehabilitation in Long-Term Illness, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Birgitta Johansson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Experimental and Clinical Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ylva Tiblom Ehrsson
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Li ZY, Ren JY, Zhong JD, Zhang JE. Understanding the supportive care needs among discharged patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy: A qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 64:102337. [PMID: 37290163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102337] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with esophageal cancer experience physical and psychosocial difficulties after surgery. Understanding their unmet supportive care needs could help medical staff in providing high quality of care. This study aimed to gain insights into the supportive care needs of discharged patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy. METHOD A descriptive qualitative study design was used. A purposive sample of 20 patients was studied using semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Four themes and 14 sub-themes emerged from the analysis: (1) symptom management needs (dysphagia, reflux, fatigue, and other symptoms), (2) dietary and nutritional needs (unclear nutrition information, eating habit change, and dining out restriction), (3) psychosocial adjustment needs (stigma, dependency, fear of recurrence, and desire for normalcy), and (4) social support needs (medical staff support, family support, and peer support). CONCLUSION Chinese patients with esophageal cancer have various unmet supportive care needs after esophagectomy. Medical professionals should recognize patients' unmet supportive care needs in time, provide professional access and practical guidance, relieve their bad mood, and fully utilize online communicating channels, such as a consulting platform or a WeChat group, for further support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yun Li
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan 2 Rd 74#, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jin Ying Ren
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan 2 Rd 74#, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jiu Di Zhong
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Dongfeng 1 Rd 651#, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jun E Zhang
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan 2 Rd 74#, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
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Schandl A, Ringborg C, Mälberg K, Johar A, Lagergren P. Caregiver burden and health-related quality of life among family caregivers of oesophageal cancer patients: a prospective nationwide cohort study. Acta Oncol 2022; 61:1186-1191. [PMID: 36094111 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2022.2119098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oesophageal cancer surgery is extensive with high risk of long-term health-related quality of life (HRQL) reductions. After hospital discharge, the family members often carry great responsibility for the rehabilitation of the patient, which may negatively influence their wellbeing. The purpose was to clarify whether a higher caregiver burden was associated with psychological problems and reduced HRQL for family caregivers of oesophageal cancer survivors. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a nationwide prospective cohort study enrolling family members of all patients who underwent surgical resection for oesophageal cancer in Sweden between 2013 and 2020. The family caregivers reported caregiver burden, symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and HRQL 1 year after the patient's surgery. Associations were analysed with multivariable logistic regression and presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Differences between groups were presented as mean score differences (MSD). RESULTS Among 319 family caregivers, 101 (32%) reported a high to moderate caregiver burden. Younger family caregivers were more likely to experience a higher caregiver burden. High-moderate caregiver burden was associated with an increased risk of symptoms of anxiety (OR 5.53, 95%CI: 3.18-9.62), depression (OR 8.56, 95%CI: 3.80-19.29), and/or posttraumatic stress (OR 5.39, 95%CI: 3.17-9.17). A high-moderate caregiver burden was also associated with reduced HRQL, especially for social function (MSD 23.0, 95% CI: 18.5 to 27.6) and role emotional (MSD 27.8, 95%CI: 19.9 to 35.7). CONCLUSIONS The study indicates that a high caregiver burden is associated with worse health effects for the family caregiver of oesophageal cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schandl
- Surgical Care Science, Department of Molecular medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Ringborg
- Surgical Care Science, Department of Molecular medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kalle Mälberg
- Surgical Care Science, Department of Molecular medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Asif Johar
- Surgical Care Science, Department of Molecular medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Lagergren
- Surgical Care Science, Department of Molecular medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Xue M, Chen X, Zhao H, Zhao Y, Li J, Chen W. Understanding the experiences of older caregivers of patients with lung cancer during palliative chemotherapy in China: a qualitative study. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:8011-8018. [PMID: 35764692 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07247-4] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although there has been an increase in research on caregivers of patients with cancer, there has been little focus on the specific experiences of older caregivers of patients with lung cancer and the effect of their cultural backgrounds on their experiences. This study explored the caregiver experience among the ageing population in China. METHODS Older caregivers of patients with lung cancer undergoing palliative chemotherapy were recruited. Data were collected using a qualitative descriptive design involving semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed qualitatively using inductive content analysis. RESULTS Eighteen caregivers aged 61-81 years completed the interviews. The following four themes were identified: physical difficulty, living with ambivalence, perception of role and role-related behaviour changes. These themes enabled a greater understanding of role-related behaviours in older caregivers and their challenges in addressing biological and psychosocial challenges related to older age. CONCLUSION The present study highlighted the vulnerability and perceived challenges of the role of older caregivers. These findings help lay the foundation for interventions to improve the care provided to caregivers and their health outcomes, especially caregivers with chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xue
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 324, Jingwuweiqi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyun Chen
- Shandong Women's University, 2399 Daxue Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250300, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 324, Jingwuweiqi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumei Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 324, Jingwuweiqi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 324, Jingwuweiqi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijuan Chen
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 324, Jingwuweiqi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China.
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