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Lavecchia M, Myers J, Bainbridge D, Incardona N, Levine O, Steinberg L, Schep D, Vautour J, Kumar SJ, Seow H. Education modalities for serious illness communication training: A scoping review on the impact on clinician behavior and patient outcomes. Palliat Med 2024; 38:170-183. [PMID: 37424275 PMCID: PMC10865772 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231186180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several clinician training interventions have been developed in the past decade to address serious illness communication. While numerous studies report on clinician attitudes and confidence, little is reported on individual education modalities and their impact on actual behavior change and patient outcomes. AIM To examine what is known about the education modalities used in serious illness communication training and their impact on clinician behaviors and patient outcomes. DESIGN A scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Methods Manual for Scoping Reviews was conducted to examine studies measuring clinician behaviors or patient outcomes. DATA SOURCES Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for English-language studies published between January 2011 and March 2023. RESULTS The search identified 1317 articles: 76 met inclusion criteria describing 64 unique interventions. Common education modalities used were: single workshop (n = 29), multiple workshops (n = 11), single workshop with coaching (n = 7), and multiple workshops with coaching (n = 5); though they were inconsistently structured. Studies reporting improved clinician skills tended to be in simulation settings with neither clinical practice nor patient outcomes explored. While some studies reported behavior changes or improved patient outcomes, they did not necessarily confirm improvements in clinician skills. As multiple modalities were commonly used and often embedded within quality improvement initiatives, the impact of individual modalities could not be determined. CONCLUSION This scoping review of serious illness communication interventions found heterogeneity among education modalities used and limited evidence supporting their effectiveness in impacting patient-centered outcomes and long-term clinician skill acquisition. Well-defined educational modalities and consistent measures of behavior change and standard patient-centered outcomes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Lavecchia
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jeff Myers
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daryl Bainbridge
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nadia Incardona
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Oren Levine
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Leah Steinberg
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Schep
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Joanna Vautour
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Hsien Seow
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Nam KH, Shim J, Kim HY. Factors influencing self-esteem after radical prostatectomy in older adult patients. Geriatr Nurs 2021; 43:206-212. [PMID: 34923311 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.11.023] [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: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Older adult patients with prostate cancer experience symptoms such as uncontrolled sexual and urinary dysfunction after radical prostatectomy, which lowers self-esteem. Lack of access to information about the illness increases uncertainty, requiring interventions from healthcare providers. This study aimed to identify factors affecting the self-esteem of older adult patients who underwent prostate cancer surgery and provided data for establishing nursing strategies to promote healthy lifespans. This cross-sectional study examined participants over 65 years old who underwent radical prostatectomy at two university hospitals in 2017. The results indicated that the most influential factor for self-esteem was inconsistency-related uncertainty, followed by postoperative symptom experience and healthcare provider support. These variables explained 43% of the variance in self-esteem. To improve self-esteem among older adult patients who undergo radical prostatectomy, integrated programs that include sexual-related symptom management, such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence, and healthcare provider support should be developed to reduce inconsistency-related uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keum-Hee Nam
- College of Nursing, Kosin University, Busan, South Korea
| | - JaeLan Shim
- College of Nursing, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, South Korea.
| | - Heui-Yeoung Kim
- Department of Nursing, Dong-A University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
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McCaughan E, Flannagan C, Parahoo K, Connaghan J, Maguire R, Steele M, Thompson S, Jain S, Kirby M, Brady N, O'Connor SR. The Tablet-Based, Engagement, Assessment, Support, and Sign-Posting (EASSi) Tool for Facilitating and Structuring Sexual Well-Being Conversations in Routine Prostate Cancer Care: Mixed-Methods Study. JMIR Cancer 2020; 6:e20137. [PMID: 33275109 PMCID: PMC7748949 DOI: 10.2196/20137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long-term side-effects associated with different prostate cancer treatment approaches are common. Sexual challenges are the most frequently occurring issues and can result in increased psychological morbidity. It is recognized that barriers to communication can make initiating discussions around sexual concerns in routine practice difficult. Health care professionals need to routinely initiate conversations, effectively engage with patients, and assess needs in order to provide essential support. One proposed method that could support health care professionals to do this involves the use of prompts or structured frameworks to guide conversations. Objective This study aimed to assess feasibility, acceptability, and satisfaction with the tablet-based Engagement, Assessment, Support, and Sign-posting (EASSi) tool designed to facilitate and structure sexual well-being discussions in routine prostate cancer care. Methods Health care professionals (n=8) used the EASSi tool during 89 posttreatment appointments. Quantitative data were recorded based on program usage and surveys completed by health care professionals and patients. Qualitative data exploring perceptions on use of the tool were gathered using semistructured interviews with all health care professionals (n=8) and a sample of patients (n=10). Results Surveys were completed by health care professionals immediately following each appointment (n=89, 100%). Postal surveys were returned by 59 patients (66%). Health care professionals and patients reported that the tool helped facilitate discussions (81/89, 91% and 50/59, 85%, respectively) and that information provided was relevant (82/89, 92% and 50/59, 85%, respectively). The mean conversation duration was 6.01 minutes (SD 2.91). Qualitative synthesis identified the tool’s ability to initiate and structure discussions, improve the “depth” of conversations, and normalize sexual concerns. Conclusions The EASSi tool was appropriate and acceptable for use in practice and provided a flexible approach to facilitate routine brief conversations and deliver essential sexual well-being support. Further work will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of using the tablet-based tool in prostate cancer care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilís McCaughan
- Institute of Nursing & Health Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
| | - Carrie Flannagan
- Institute of Nursing & Health Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
| | - Kader Parahoo
- Institute of Nursing & Health Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
| | - John Connaghan
- Department of Computing and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Roma Maguire
- Department of Computing and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Steele
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Suneil Jain
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Kirby
- Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,The Prostate Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nuala Brady
- Northern Heath and Social Care Trust, Antrim, United Kingdom
| | - Seán R O'Connor
- Centre for Public Health, Royal Victoria Hospital, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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McCaughan E, Parahoo K, Flannagan C, Maguire R, Connaghan J, Steele M, Thompson S, Jain S, Kirby M, Brady N, O'Connor SR. Development of a conceptual framework to improve sexual wellbeing communication in routine prostate cancer care. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:1150-1160. [PMID: 32029296 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically develop a framework to improve sexual wellbeing communication in routine prostate cancer care. METHODS The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to guide a multi-phase process used to identify components of the framework based on evidence reviews, semi-structured interviews and stakeholder workshops. 'Think-aloud' testing was used to explore usability, potential barriers and other factors relevant to implementation. RESULTS A conceptual communication framework consisting of 'Engagement' (E), 'Assessment' (A), information and 'Support' (S) and 'Sign-posting' (Si) sections was developed. The framework emphasises routine engagement to normalise sexual concerns, brief, non-sensitive assessment, personalised advice based on treatment type and relationship status, and a mechanism for referral to additional support or self-management resources in the form of a patient and partner handout. Usability testing identified strategies to promote implementation. CONCLUSIONS The proposed framework is appropriate for use in routine practice and appears to be acceptable to patients, partners and healthcare professionals. Its use may help address gaps in sexual wellbeing support for men and partners living with prostate cancer. Further work will be conducted evaluating an online engagement tool, modelled on the framework. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The EASSi framework can facilitate and structure sexual wellbeing conversations and ensure fundamental but individualised support is provided routinely in prostate cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilís McCaughan
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Kader Parahoo
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Carrie Flannagan
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Roma Maguire
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - John Connaghan
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mary Steele
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Psychology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samantha Thompson
- Urology Department, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Suneil Jain
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK; Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mike Kirby
- Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Hertfordshire and The Prostate Centre, London, UK
| | - Nuala Brady
- Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Seán R O'Connor
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Ireland, UK; Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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O'Connor SR, Connaghan J, Maguire R, Kotronoulas G, Flannagan C, Jain S, Brady N, McCaughan E. Healthcare professional perceived barriers and facilitators to discussing sexual wellbeing with patients after diagnosis of chronic illness: A mixed-methods evidence synthesis. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:850-863. [PMID: 30578104 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore healthcare professional perceived barriers and facilitators to discussing sexual health and wellbeing with patients after diagnosis of chronic illness. METHODS Five databases were searched and included data were synthesised using a meta-ethnographic approach. Confidence in findings was assessed using the GRADE-CERQual framework. Searches, extraction and quality assessment procedures were conducted independently by at least two authors. RESULTS Concepts extracted from 30 included studies were used to develop a conceptual framework based on five overarching themes. These were [1] individual and societal attitudes to sex and sexual wellbeing [2], patient specific factors [3], organizational and professional factors [4], strategies to overcome barriers in practice and [5] perceived training needs. Healthcare professionals acknowledged the importance of discussing and providing support for sexual wellbeing needs, but recognized it is not routinely provided. CONCLUSIONS While patient specific factors and organizational issues such as lack of time were frequently identified as barriers, intra-personal and social perceptions appear to have the strongest influence on healthcare professional perspectives. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Brief education and tools to support healthcare professionals to have effective conversations with patients are required. These should address social barriers, normalise sexual issues, and support healthcare professionals to initiate discussions around sexual concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seán R O'Connor
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, UK
| | - John Connaghan
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Roma Maguire
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Carrie Flannagan
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, UK
| | - Suniel Jain
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK; Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Nuala Brady
- Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Eilís McCaughan
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, UK.
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Moore PM, Rivera S, Bravo‐Soto GA, Olivares C, Lawrie TA. Communication skills training for healthcare professionals working with people who have cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 7:CD003751. [PMID: 30039853 PMCID: PMC6513291 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003751.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is the third update of a review that was originally published in the Cochrane Library in 2002, Issue 2. People with cancer, their families and carers have a high prevalence of psychological stress, which may be minimised by effective communication and support from their attending healthcare professionals (HCPs). Research suggests communication skills do not reliably improve with experience, therefore, considerable effort is dedicated to courses that may improve communication skills for HCPs involved in cancer care. A variety of communication skills training (CST) courses are in practice. We conducted this review to determine whether CST works and which types of CST, if any, are the most effective. OBJECTIVES To assess whether communication skills training is effective in changing behaviour of HCPs working in cancer care and in improving HCP well-being, patient health status and satisfaction. SEARCH METHODS For this update, we searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 4), MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase via Ovid, PsycInfo and CINAHL up to May 2018. In addition, we searched the US National Library of Medicine Clinical Trial Registry and handsearched the reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings for additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA The original review was a narrative review that included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled before-and-after studies. In updated versions, we limited our criteria to RCTs evaluating CST compared with no CST or other CST in HCPs working in cancer care. Primary outcomes were changes in HCP communication skills measured in interactions with real or simulated people with cancer or both, using objective scales. We excluded studies whose focus was communication skills in encounters related to informed consent for research. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trials and extracted data to a pre-designed data collection form. We pooled data using the random-effects method. For continuous data, we used standardised mean differences (SMDs). MAIN RESULTS We included 17 RCTs conducted mainly in outpatient settings. Eleven trials compared CST with no CST intervention; three trials compared the effect of a follow-up CST intervention after initial CST training; two trials compared the effect of CST and patient coaching; and one trial compared two types of CST. The types of CST courses evaluated in these trials were diverse. Study participants included oncologists, residents, other doctors, nurses and a mixed team of HCPs. Overall, 1240 HCPs participated (612 doctors including 151 residents, 532 nurses, and 96 mixed HCPs).Ten trials contributed data to the meta-analyses. HCPs in the intervention groups were more likely to use open questions in the post-intervention interviews than the control group (SMD 0.25, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.48; P = 0.03, I² = 62%; 5 studies, 796 participant interviews; very low-certainty evidence); more likely to show empathy towards their patients (SMD 0.18, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.32; P = 0.008, I² = 0%; 6 studies, 844 participant interviews; moderate-certainty evidence), and less likely to give facts only (SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.01; P = 0.05, I² = 68%; 5 studies, 780 participant interviews; low-certainty evidence). Evidence suggesting no difference between CST and no CST on eliciting patient concerns and providing appropriate information was of a moderate-certainty. There was no evidence of differences in the other HCP communication skills, including clarifying and/or summarising information, and negotiation. Doctors and nurses did not perform differently for any HCP outcomes.There were no differences between the groups with regard to HCP 'burnout' (low-certainty evidence) nor with regard to patient satisfaction or patient perception of the HCPs communication skills (very low-certainty evidence). Out of the 17 included RCTs 15 were considered to be at a low risk of overall bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Various CST courses appear to be effective in improving HCP communication skills related to supportive skills and to help HCPs to be less likely to give facts only without individualising their responses to the patient's emotions or offering support. We were unable to determine whether the effects of CST are sustained over time, whether consolidation sessions are necessary, and which types of CST programs are most likely to work. We found no evidence to support a beneficial effect of CST on HCP 'burnout', the mental or physical health and satisfaction of people with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa M Moore
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica de ChileFamily MedicineLira 44SantiagoChile
| | - Solange Rivera
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica de ChileFamily MedicineLira 44SantiagoChile
| | - Gonzalo A Bravo‐Soto
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileCentro Evidencia UCDiagonal Paraguay476SantiagoMetropolitanaChile7770371
| | - Camila Olivares
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica de ChileFamily MedicineLira 44SantiagoChile
| | - Theresa A Lawrie
- Evidence‐Based Medicine ConsultancyThe Old BarnPipehouse, FreshfordBathUKBA2 7UJ
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Stiefel F, Bourquin C. Communication in oncology: now we train - but how well? Ann Oncol 2016; 27:1660-3. [PMID: 27287204 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F Stiefel
- Psychiatric Liaison Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland Higashi Sapporo Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - C Bourquin
- Psychiatric Liaison Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Komanduri S, Quinton S, Srivastava A, Keefer L. Endosonographers' approach to delivering a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: obligated but undertrained. Endosc Int Open 2016; 4:E242-8. [PMID: 27004238 PMCID: PMC4798836 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-109085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS No data are available on the practice patterns of endosonographers as they pertain to the disclosure of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. We sought to understand the current practice and coping strategies of physicians who perform endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures in patients with suspected pancreatic cancer. METHODS This study used a nonexperimental, cross-sectional survey design. A total of 707 endosonographers were contacted and asked to complete an online survey encompassing both demographic and practice data. In addition, participants had the option to complete a second survey assessing common coping strategies. RESULTS A total of 152 physicians (22 %) participated in the study. The sample was split between community (47 %) and academic centers (53 %). A total of 92 % of the respondents felt an obligation to share a cancer diagnosis when it was available to them; however, only 45 % felt they were adequately trained to do so. Comfort levels were higher in those who performed more than 200 EUS procedures annually and in those practicing for longer than 5 years (P = 0.044). A total of 98 physicians (64.5 %) also completed the Brief COPE questionnaire, and the results indicated that the more experienced endosonographers were less likely to experience emotional distress when disclosing a cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSION The comfort level for disclosing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis after EUS appears to be higher in experienced endosonographers (> 5 years in practice) and in those who conduct a higher volume of procedures. Although the majority of endosonographers feel obligated to disclose a cancer diagnosis, the lack of time and proper training is limiting. Formal communication skills training within a gastrointestinal fellowship should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinadh Komanduri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Corresponding author Srinadh Komanduri, MD, MS Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNorthwestern UniversityFeinberg School of Medicine676 St. Clair Street, 14-003Chicago, Illinois 60611USA+1-630-908-7499
| | - Sarah Quinton
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Arth Srivastava
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Laurie Keefer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Aptitudes communicationnelles et formations à la communication en oncologie : Discussion critique. PSYCHO-ONCOLOGIE 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11839-014-0490-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Trevino KM, Fasciano K, Prigerson HG. Patient-oncologist alliance, psychosocial well-being, and treatment adherence among young adults with advanced cancer. J Clin Oncol 2013; 31:1683-9. [PMID: 23530105 PMCID: PMC4878006 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.46.7993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients who develop a strong alliance with their health care providers have been shown to have higher levels of psychosocial well-being and rates of treatment adherence. Young adults with cancer have lower levels of psychosocial well-being and treatment adherence relative to patients with cancer in other age groups. This study sought to evaluate the relationships between the patient-oncologist alliance, psychosocial well-being, and treatment adherence in young adults with advanced cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-five young adults (age 20 to 40 years) with advanced cancer were administered measures of alliance, psychosocial well-being, willingness to adhere to treatment, and treatment adherence. Relationships between alliance and psychosocial well-being were examined bivariately. Multiple linear regression models examined the relationship between alliance and adherence, controlling for confounding influences (eg, psychosocial well-being). RESULTS Alliance was significantly (P ≤ .01) and positively associated with greater perceived social support and less severe illness-related grief. After controlling for significant confounding influences (ie, metastases, appraised support, and grief), alliance remained significantly (P ≤ .01) associated with greater willingness to adhere to treatment and greater adherence to oral medication. CONCLUSION By developing a strong alliance, oncologists may enhance psychosocial well-being and increase treatment adherence in young adult patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Trevino
- All authors: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Psychosocial Epidemiology and Outcomes Research; Harvard Medical School; and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Karen Fasciano
- All authors: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Psychosocial Epidemiology and Outcomes Research; Harvard Medical School; and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Holly G. Prigerson
- All authors: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Psychosocial Epidemiology and Outcomes Research; Harvard Medical School; and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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