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Hochrath S, Dhollander N, Deliens L, Schots R, Daenen F, Kerre T, Beernaert K, Pardon K. Palliative Care in Hematology: A Systematic Review of the Components, Effectiveness, and Implementation. J Pain Symptom Manage 2025; 69:114-133.e2. [PMID: 39173896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT While the evidence supporting the benefits of integration of palliative care into cancer care for patients and informal caregivers is growing, it poses challenges for hematological cancer patients due to rapidly changing disease trajectories, uncertain prognosis, and diverse care needs. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the intervention components, the targeted outcomes, the effectiveness in improving patient and informal caregiver outcomes, and the implementation into clinical practice. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL in March 2023. The studies included described interventions in palliative care, with multiple components, targeting patients with hematological cancer and/or their informal caregivers, and producing primary data on effectiveness or implementation. Quality was assessed using the QualSyst tool. RESULTS We identified 19 reports on 16 different palliative care interventions, including four quasi-randomized controlled trials. These interventions were provided by secondary and tertiary palliative care providers in a hospital setting. Tertiary interventions significantly improved the most common patient outcomes, including pain, quality of life, symptom burden, depression, and anxiety. Meanwhile, secondary interventions were feasible and well-accepted by healthcare professionals and patients. Despite limited inclusion of informal caregivers, the results indicated significant improvements in quality of life and depression. CONCLUSION While palliative care interventions are found to improve patient outcomes, future research is needed on the effectiveness of secondary palliative care interventions, integrating primary palliative care, and more reliable and frequent implementation measurements. More focus on informal caregivers and resource allocation based on patient needs is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hochrath
- End-of-Life Care Research Group (S.H., N.D., L.D., F.D., K.P.), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Naomi Dhollander
- End-of-Life Care Research Group (S.H., N.D., L.D., F.D., K.P.), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group (S.H., N.D., L.D., F.D., K.P.), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rik Schots
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (R.S.), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Hematology (R.S. ), University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frederick Daenen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group (S.H., N.D., L.D., F.D., K.P.), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tessa Kerre
- Ghent University (T.K.), Ghent, Belgium; Department of Hematology (T.K.), University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-Life Care Research Group (K.B.), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Pardon
- End-of-Life Care Research Group (S.H., N.D., L.D., F.D., K.P.), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
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Li M, Su L, Zhang J, Jia L, Zhang Y, Zheng Z, Chang J. Caring through uncertainty: a qualitative exploration of older colorectal cancer caregivers' experiences during palliative chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:649. [PMID: 39256232 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08857-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the increasing research on cancer patient caregivers, there is still a lack of detailed understanding about the experiences of spouses caring for elderly colorectal cancer patients. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining the caregiving experiences of spouses during palliative chemotherapy for elderly Chinese colorectal cancer patients. METHODS Using a qualitative descriptive design, we recruited spousal caregivers of elderly colorectal cancer patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. RESULTS Sixteen caregivers aged 60 to 82 years participated in the interviews. The analysis revealed three main themes: ambivalence, multiple role adaptation to conflicts, and the coexistence of hope and pressure. These themes shed light on the behaviors of older caregivers and the challenges they face, including physical and psychosocial issues associated with aging. CONCLUSION This study highlights the significant stress and challenges experienced by older caregivers, characterized by intertwined emotions such as anxiety about their spouses' health deterioration, exhaustion from long-term care responsibilities, and anticipation of treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxue Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Nursing, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Liqing Su
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Nursing, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Nursing, 650 Xin Song Jiang Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Lei Jia
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Nursing, 650 Xin Song Jiang Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Nursing, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Ziyi Zheng
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Nursing, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Jian Chang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Nursing, Shanghai, 200001, China.
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Nursing, 650 Xin Song Jiang Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201620, China.
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Sheng L, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Hua H, Zhou J, Ye L. Fear of cancer recurrence and associated factors in family caregivers of patients with hematologic malignancy receiving chemotherapy: A latent profile analysis. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024; 11:100382. [PMID: 38495640 PMCID: PMC10940887 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2024.100382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study identified the potential subgroups of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in family caregivers (FCs) of patients with hematologic malignancies receiving chemotherapy, as well as exploring factors associated with subgroups. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 206 pairs of participating patients with hematologic malignancies receiving chemotherapy and their FCs. Using Mplus 8.3 to perform the latent profile analysis of FCs' FCR, the FCs' burden, quality of life, psychological resilience, and anxiety as well as their demographic characteristics were compared between the subgroups, with a logistic regression analysis being applied to examine the factors associated with the FCR subgroups. Results A total of 206 FCs were classified into two subgroups: "a low level of FCR" (Class 1, 65.4%) and "a high level of FCR" (Class 2, 34.6%). Quality of life, anxiety, and frequency of chemotherapy were significantly associated with the two subgroups. Conclusions FCs of patients with hematologic malignancy receiving chemotherapy had two FCR subgroups, "a low level of FCR" and "a high level of FCR", in association with quality of life, anxiety, and frequency of chemotherapy. These findings provide the theoretical foundations for screening the FCR factor of FCs and conducting interventions for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sheng
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yajiao Liu
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiying Hua
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jingfen Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Long Ye
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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Nielsen IH, Tolver A, Piil K, Kjeldsen L, Grønbæk K, Jarden M. Family caregiver quality of life and symptom burden in patients with hematological cancer: A Danish nationwide cross-sectional study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 69:102538. [PMID: 38457934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the quality of life (QoL) and the impact of caregiving in family caregivers of hematological cancer patients and its association with patient symptom burden. METHODS A cross-sectional study including Danish patients (n = 375) and caregivers (n = 140). Caregivers completed scales for anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, health related QoL using the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, and caregiver roles using the Caregiver Roles and Responsibilities Scale. Patients reported symptoms using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory. Analysis of covariance was used to examine associations between patient symptom burden and caregivers' QoL outcomes. RESULTS The results show that caregivers experience sleep difficulties, moderate anxiety, and reduced QoL. Patient symptom burden was significantly associated with caregiver anxiety (p = 0.009), and mental well-being (p = 0.002), while patient treatment status was a significant factor associated with caregiver anxiety (p = 0.016), depression (p = 0.009), emotional well-being (p = 0.002), and sleep (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Caregivers of patients with hematological cancers undergoing active treatment face a high symptom burden, which significantly impacts their QoL, including sleep, psychological well-being, and emotional health. Patients reported a high symptom burden, and patient symptom burden was significantly associated with caregiver QoL. Adequate patient and caregiver support is needed to promote their well-being and mitigate adverse health effects in caregivers, and this should be acknowledged in the context of caring for patients with hematological cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iben Husted Nielsen
- Department of Haematology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Anders Tolver
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Data Science Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin Piil
- Department of Oncology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lars Kjeldsen
- Department of Haematology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Grønbæk
- Department of Haematology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mary Jarden
- Department of Haematology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Winter MA, Hoppe R, Albrecht TA. "I don't have a choice but to keep getting up and doing the things that protect her": The informal caregiver's adaptation to the cancer diagnosis. J Psychosoc Oncol 2024; 42:622-635. [PMID: 38343019 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2024.2310813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) typically rely on informal caregivers for support. Caregivers experience distress, poorer health, and lower quality of life. This study aimed to understand caregivers' experiences adapting to, and making meaning of, their family members' cancer diagnosis and treatment. APPROACH Qualitative, constructivist approach. PARTICIPANTS Caregivers (N = 28) of patients with HM within three months of diagnosis. METHODS A descriptive content analysis was used to analyze semi-structured interview responses and generate themes. FINDINGS Six themes emerged: power and control (powerlessness, empowerment, relinquishing control/accepting help), protection (gatekeeping, protective buffering), integrating the diagnosis, tolerating uncertainty, preparedness for the caregiver role, and maintaining positivity. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight challenges and resilience-promoting processes for caregivers adapting to HM diagnosis and treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS Psychological and supportive care interventions can promote acceptance of the diagnosis, preparation for caregiving, navigation of power and control, and targeted coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia A Winter
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Rebecca Hoppe
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Sheridan R, McCaughan D, Hewison A, Roman E, Smith A, Patmore R, Howell D. Experiences and preferences for psychosocial support: a qualitative study exploring the views of patients with chronic haematological cancers. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070467. [PMID: 37597866 PMCID: PMC10441118 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with chronic haematological cancers are often treated on a relapsing-remitting pathway, which may extend for many years. Such diagnoses are associated with uncertainties that often cause anxiety and distress, meaning patients (and families) are susceptible to potentially prolonged emotional difficulties, across the cancer journey. Experiences and preferences regarding psychosocial needs and support over time are relatively unexplored, which this study aimed to address. SETTING AND DESIGN Set within the UK's Haematological Malignancy Research Network (an ongoing population-based cohort that generates evidence to underpin improved clinical practice) a qualitative, exploratory study was conducted, using semistructured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to assess the interview data via an exploratory, inductive approach, underpinned by the research questions. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-five patients were included with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma or myeloma; 10 of whom were interviewed alongside a relative. RESULTS Five themes were identified from the data: (1) accessing support, (2) individual coping behaviour affecting support preferences, (3) divergent and fluctuating thoughts on patient support forums, (4) the role, influence and needs of family and friends and (5) other sources of support and outstanding needs. Findings suggest that patients' individual attitudes towards support varied over time. This also influenced whether support was perceived to be available, and if it was then used. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the variation in preferences towards psychosocial support among patients with chronic haematological cancers. As patients can live for many years with significant emotional difficulties, they may benefit from frequent monitoring of their psychosocial well-being, as well as signposting to holistic support, if this is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ann Hewison
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Eve Roman
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Russell Patmore
- Queens Centre for Oncology and Haematology, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, UK
| | - Debra Howell
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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Silva JSD, Luz EFMD, Tavares JP, Girardon-Perlini NMO, Magnago TSBDS. RESILIENCE OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH CANCER AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS: MIXED METHOD STUDY. TEXTO & CONTEXTO ENFERMAGEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-265x-tce-2022-0133en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective to analyze the relationship between resilience and associated factors (stress, minor psychiatric disorders and quality of life) of family caregivers with children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. Method mixed methods research, with sequential explanatory strategy, carried out with family caregivers of children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment in a public hospital in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Data collection took place from February to September 2018. The quantitative study was cross-sectional in nature, and the qualitative research was descriptive-exploratory. Participants included 62 family caregivers in the quantitative stage and 16 responded to semi-structured interviews. An instrument containing sociodemographic, economic, labor, health and resilience scales (CD-RISC-10-Br), minor psychiatric disorders (MPDs) (SRQ-20), quality of life (QOL) (WHOQO-Bref) and stress and semi-structured interview were applied. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. Results family caregivers had a moderate level of resilience (48.4%); high level of perceived stress (41%); suspicion for MPDs (45%). They presented satisfaction in the physical Qol domains (67.7%); psychological (62.9%); personal relationships (61.3%), and dissatisfaction in the environment domain (75.8%). The interviews reported for health changes that could trigger MPD, stress and changes in quality of life. Conclusion high level of stress; suspicion for MPD and low QoL, with the environment, were evidenced as associated factors for a lower level of resilience of family caregivers. The need to develop actions that strengthen resilience was percieved, as caregivers were essential for the effectiveness of the care plan for children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment.
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Silva JSD, Luz EFMD, Tavares JP, Girardon-Perlini NMO, Magnago TSBDS. RESILIÊNCIA DE CUIDADORES FAMILIARES DE CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES COM CÂNCER E FATORES ASSOCIADOS: ESTUDO DE MÉTODOS MISTOS. TEXTO & CONTEXTO ENFERMAGEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-265x-tce-2022-0133pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo analisar a relação entre resiliência e fatores associados (estresse, distúrbios psíquicos menores e qualidade de vida) de cuidadores familiares de crianças e adolescentes em tratamento oncológico. Método pesquisa de métodos mistos, com estratégia explanatória sequencial, realizado com cuidadores familiares de crianças e adolescentes em tratamento oncológico em um hospital público do interior do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A coleta de dados ocorreu de fevereiro a setembro de 2018. O estudo quantitativo foi de natureza transversal e a pesquisa qualitativa teve caráter descritivo-exploratório. Participaram 62 cuidadores familiares na etapa quantitativa e 16 responderam as entrevistas semiestruturadas. Aplicaram-se instrumento contendo questões sociodemográficas, econômicas, laborais, de saúde e escalas de resiliência (CD-RISC-10-Br), distúrbios psíquicos menores (DPMs) (SRQ-20), qualidade de vida (QV) (WHOQO-Bref) e estresse e entrevista semiestruturada. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial para os dados quantitativos e análise de conteúdo para os qualitativos. Resultados os cuidadores familiares possuíam nível moderado de resiliência (48,4%); alto nível de estresse percebido (41%); suspeição para distúrbios psíquicos menores (45%). Apresentaram satisfação nos domínios de qualidade de vida físico (67,7%); psicológico (62,9%); relações pessoais (61,3%), e insatisfação no domínio meio ambiente (75,8%). As entrevistas reportaram para alterações de saúde que poderiam desencadear distúrbios psíquicos menores, estresse e alterações na qualidade de vida. Conclusão alto nível de estresse; suspeição para distúrbios psíquicos menores e baixa qualidade de vida, com o meio ambiente, evidenciaram-se como fatores associados para um menor nível de resiliência dos cuidadores familiares. Percebeu-se a necessidade de desenvolver ações que fortalecessem a resiliência, pois os cuidadores foram essenciais para a efetividade do plano de cuidado de crianças e adolescentes em tratamento oncológico.
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