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Russell KB, Forbes C, Qi S, Link C, Watson L, Deiure A, Lu S, Silvius J, Kelly B, Bultz BD, Schulte F. End-of-Life Symptom Burden among Patients with Cancer Who Were Provided Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID): A Longitudinal Propensity-Score-Matched Cohort Study. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1294. [PMID: 38610971 PMCID: PMC11011194 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the primary underlying condition for most Canadians who are provided Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). However, it is unknown whether cancer patients who are provided MAID experience disproportionally higher symptom burden compared to those who are not provided MAID. Thus, we used a propensity-score-matched cohort design to evaluate longitudinal symptom trajectories over the last 12 months of patients' lives, comparing cancer patients in Alberta who were and were not provided MAID. We utilized routinely collected retrospective Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) data from the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) reported by Albertans with cancer who died between July 2017 and January 2019. The data were analyzed using mixed-effect models for repeated measures to compare differences in symptom trajectories between the cohorts over time. Both cohorts experienced increasing severity in all symptoms in the year prior to death (β from 0.086 to 0.231, p ≤ .001 to .002). Those in the MAID cohort reported significantly greater anxiety (β = -0.831, p = .044) and greater lack of appetite (β = -0.934, p = .039) compared to those in the non-MAID cohort. The majority (65.8%) of patients who received MAID submitted their request for MAID within one month of their death. Overall, the MAID patients did not experience disproportionally higher symptom burden. These results emphasize opportunities to address patient suffering for all patients with cancer through routine collection of PROs as well as targeted and early palliative approaches to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Brooke Russell
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Caitlin Forbes
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (C.F.); (B.K.); (B.D.B.)
| | - Siwei Qi
- Applied Research and Patient Experience, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C1, Canada; (S.Q.); (C.L.); (L.W.); (A.D.)
| | - Claire Link
- Applied Research and Patient Experience, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C1, Canada; (S.Q.); (C.L.); (L.W.); (A.D.)
| | - Linda Watson
- Applied Research and Patient Experience, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C1, Canada; (S.Q.); (C.L.); (L.W.); (A.D.)
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Andrea Deiure
- Applied Research and Patient Experience, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C1, Canada; (S.Q.); (C.L.); (L.W.); (A.D.)
| | - Shuang Lu
- Surveillance and Reporting, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, Canada;
| | - James Silvius
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- Provincial Seniors Health and Continuing Care, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta T2W 1S7, Canada
| | - Brian Kelly
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (C.F.); (B.K.); (B.D.B.)
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Barry D. Bultz
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (C.F.); (B.K.); (B.D.B.)
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Fiona Schulte
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (C.F.); (B.K.); (B.D.B.)
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Davis LE, Sutradhar R, Bourque MA, Eskander A, Noel CW, Isenberg-Grzeda E, Vigod SN, Coburn N, Deleemans J, Bolton JM, Chan WC, Hallet J, Mahar AL. Access to symptom screening and severe symptom risk among cancer patients with major mental illness. Psychooncology 2023; 32:1557-1566. [PMID: 37592724 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer symptom screening has the potential to improve cancer outcomes, including reducing symptom burden among patients with major mental illness (MMI). We determined rates of symptom screening with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) and risk of severe symptoms in cancer patients with MMI. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used linked administrative health databases of adults diagnosed with cancer between 2007 and 2020. An MMI was measured in the 5 years prior to cancer diagnosis and categorized as inpatient, outpatient, or no MMI. Outcomes were defined as time to first ESAS-r screening and time to first moderate-to-severe symptom score. Cause-specific and Fine and Gray competing events models were used for both outcomes, controlling for age, sex, rural residence, year of diagnosis and cancer site. RESULTS Of 389,870 cancer patients, 4049 (1.0%) had an inpatient MMI and 9775 (2.5%) had an outpatient MMI. Individuals with inpatient MMI were least likely to complete an ESAS-r (67.5%) compared to those with outpatient MMI (72.3%) and without MMI (74.8%). Compared to those without MMI, individuals with an inpatient or outpatient MMI had a lower incidence of symptom screening records after accounting for the competing risk of death (subdistribution Hazard Ratio 0.77 (95% CI 0.74-0.80) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.86-0.90) respectively). Individuals with inpatient and outpatient MMI status consistently had a significantly higher risk of reporting high symptom scores across all symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the disparity in ESAS-r screening and management for cancer patients with MMI is a vital step toward providing equitable cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Davis
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rinku Sutradhar
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Antoine Eskander
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher W Noel
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elie Isenberg-Grzeda
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Psychosocial Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre-Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simone N Vigod
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie Coburn
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Deleemans
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - James M Bolton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Julie Hallet
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alyson L Mahar
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Murakawa Y, Ootsuka K, Kusaka J, Miura K. Correlation between overall survival and quality of life in colon cancer patients with chemotherapy. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:492. [PMID: 37259045 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10989-x] [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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients presenting with inoperable colon cancer at first onset (ICF) or at time of relapse (ICR) are considered in unrecoverable. The therapeutic goal for unrecoverable cancer is to prolong overall survival (OS) and maintain a high quality of life (QOL). As data on objective indicators of QOL in cancer patients, such as length of hospitalisation (LOH), outpatient consultation times (OCT), and hospital-free survival (HFS), is limited, this study compared ICF and ICR with respect to OS and QOL over the entire clinical course. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 90 inoperable colon cancer patients with chemotherapy and compared ICF and ICR in terms of OS, LOH, OCT, and HFS. RESULTS Patients with ICF had a worse OS than those with ICR. In patients with ICF and ICR, OS and LOH were not correlated but OS and OCT and OS and HFS were strongly correlated. In patients with ICF and ICR, OCT and HFS accounted for approximately 8% and 90% of their OS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The LOH, OCT, and HFS are important factors for evaluating objective QOL of patients with inoperable colon cancer and should be considered when making treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Murakawa
- Department of Cancer Chemotherapy, Miyagi Cancer Center, Nodayama 47-1, Medeshima, Natori, Miyagi, 981-1293, Japan.
| | - Kazunori Ootsuka
- Department of Cancer Chemotherapy, Miyagi Cancer Center, Nodayama 47-1, Medeshima, Natori, Miyagi, 981-1293, Japan
| | - Jun Kusaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, Japan
| | - Kou Miura
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, Japan
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Ocalewski J, Jankowski M, Zegarski W, Migdalski A, Buczkowski K. The Role of Health Behaviors in Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Study of Patients with Colorectal Cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5416. [PMID: 37048030 PMCID: PMC10094031 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the second most common cancer-related cause of death worldwide. CRC incidence depends, in part, on the health behaviors that make up an individual's lifestyle. We aimed to assess the influence of health behaviors and quality of life (QoL) among patients with CRC receiving surgical treatment. In this single-center questionnaire study, 151 patients were surveyed 1 week before and 6 months after colorectal procedures (laparoscopic hemicolectomy, low rectal anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, and others). This study demonstrated a significant decrease in alcohol consumption and physical activity following the execution of colorectal procedures. No statistically significant changes were observed in smoking or the consumption of healthy food. Global QoL did not change significantly; however, a decrease in physical and role-related functioning was observed. Significant improvements in emotional functioning were also observed. A detailed analysis showed that physical and social functioning were related to smoking, the consumption of healthy food, physical activity, and additional therapies. Emotional functioning was related to smoking, the consumption of healthy food, and complementary treatments. Six months following an operation, it was also dependent on alcohol intake. Physical functioning was the area that decreased the most in the six months after colorectal tumor surgery compared to the period before surgery. Health behaviors such as cessation of smoking, engagement in physical activity, and the consumption of healthy food contributed to a higher quality of life among patients prior to resecting colorectal cancer and six months after the procedure. Patients who received adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy had a lower quality of life than patients who did not receive this type of therapy. The kind of surgery (laparoscopic hemicolectomy, lower anterior rectum resection, or abdominoperineal rectum resection) was not related to QoL six months after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslaw Ocalewski
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Kazimierz Wielki University, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Michał Jankowski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-094 Toruń, Poland; (M.J.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Oncology Center—Professor Franciszek Lukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Romanowskiej, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Zegarski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-094 Toruń, Poland; (M.J.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Oncology Center—Professor Franciszek Lukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Romanowskiej, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Migdalski
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-094 Torun, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Buczkowski
- Department of Family Medicine, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-094 Torun, Poland
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Darley A, Coughlan B, Maguire R, McCann L, Furlong E. A bridge from uncertainty to understanding: The meaning of symptom management digital health technology during cancer treatment. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231152163. [PMID: 36714543 PMCID: PMC9880573 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231152163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Digital health technology is valued as a tool to provide person-centred care and improve health outcomes amongst people with cancer and their family caregivers. Although the evidence to date shows encouraging effectiveness, there is limited knowledge regarding the lived experience and personal meaning of using supportive technology during cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of people with colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy using digital health symptom management technology and their family caregivers. Methods A longitudinal and multi-perspective interpretative phenomenological analytical approach was adopted including three people with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer and four family caregivers. Findings Three superordinate themes and related subthemes were identified. The first theme (The 3 Cs of symptom management technology) centred on the continuity of care that participants felt while using the technology. The second theme (Digital health technology as a psychosocial support) offered insights into the psychological benefits using technology incurred as they navigated their cancer diagnosis including sense of control and psychological safety. The final theme (Impact of digital health technology on family caregivers) details the supportive effect the technology had on family caregivers' role, responsibilities and well-being during the cancer experience. Conclusion Digital health technology can act as a bridge from uncertainty to an understanding regarding a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. Digital health technology can support peoples' understanding of cancer and enhance self-management practices, while being a psychological support in navigating the uncertain and often worrying period of receiving cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Darley
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,Andrew Darley, School of Medicine,
University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Barbara Coughlan
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roma Maguire
- Digital Health and Wellness Group, Department of Computing and
Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lisa McCann
- Digital Health and Wellness Group, Department of Computing and
Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Eileen Furlong
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Burrell SA, Sasso GE, Greenle MM. Correlates of Health-Related Quality of Life in a National Sample of Older Adult, Long-Term Survivors of Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Nurs 2023; Publish Ahead of Print:00002820-990000000-00100. [PMID: 36727897 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most survivors of colorectal cancer (CRC) are older adults who are at high risk of experiencing adverse effects and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL) related to cancer and its treatments. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe HRQOL and the demographic and clinical factors associated with HRQOL among older adult, long-term survivors of CRC. METHODS A sample of older adult, long-term survivors of CRC (N = 14 458) from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey dataset was selected. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyze the contribution of demographic and clinical variables to HRQOL as measured by the Veterans Rand 12-item scale. RESULTS The mean respondent age was 79 years with an average time from diagnosis to survey being about 13 years. In the final model, gender, race, education, income, previous radiation treatment, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, pain, fatigue, functional status, and general health perception were all significantly correlated with mental HRQOL (R2 = 0.53). For physical HRQOL, age at diagnosis, race, marital status, education, time since diagnosis, comorbid conditions, depression, pain, fatigue, functional status, and general health perception were all significant correlates (R2 = 0.85). Symptoms were the largest contributors to mental and physical HRQOL, accounting for 43% and 50% of the variance, respectively. CONCLUSION Pain, depression, and fatigue significantly affect the HRQOL of older adult survivors of CRC, underscoring the need for long-term survivorship care. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE Aggressive symptom assessment and management may be key to improving the HRQOL in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry A Burrell
- Author Affiliations: M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Pennsylvania
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AlJaffar MA, Enani SS, Almadani AH, Albuqami FH, Alsaleh KA, Alosaimi FD. Determinants of quality of life of cancer patients at a tertiary care medical city in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1098176. [PMID: 36846221 PMCID: PMC9944126 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1098176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incidences of cancer are increasing at an unprecedented rate in Saudi Arabia, making it a major public health concern. Cancer patients are faced with physical, psychological, social, and economic challenges, all of which can impact quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVES This study aims to explore the sociodemographic, psychological, clinical, cultural, and personal factors that could affect the overall QoL of cancer patients. METHODS A total of 276 cancer patients who attended the King Saud University Medical City's oncology outpatient clinics between January 2018 to December 2019 were included. QoL was assessed with the Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30. Psychosocial factors were assessed with several validated scales. RESULTS QoL was poorer among patients who were female (p = 0.001), have visited a psychiatrist (p = 0.028); were taking psychiatric medications (p = 0.022); and had experienced anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), and distress (p < 0.001). The most used method to self-treat was Islamic Ruqya (spiritual healing; 48.6%), and the most often perceived cause for developing cancer was evil eye or magic (28.6%). Good QoL outcomes were associated with biological treatment (p = 0.034) and satisfaction with health care (p = 0.001). A regression analysis showed that female sex, depression, and dissatisfaction with health care were independently associated with poor QoL. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that several factors could influence cancer patients' QoL. For instance, female sex, depression, and dissatisfaction with health care were all predictors of poor QoL. Our findings support the need for more programs and interventions to improve the social services for cancer patients, along with the need to explore the social difficulties oncology patients face and address such obstacles through improving social services by expanding the scope of social workers' contribution. Larger multicenter longitudinal studies are warranted to examine the generalizability of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A AlJaffar
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sari S Enani
- Department of Psychiatry, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad H Almadani
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fay H Albuqami
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid A Alsaleh
- Oncology Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad D Alosaimi
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Prospective Evaluation of the Quality of Life of Patients after Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer: A 12-Month Cohort Observation. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195912. [PMID: 36233780 PMCID: PMC9573224 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195912] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study constitutes a prospective, three-stage evaluation of quality of life among patients receiving surgical treatment for colorectal cancer depending on the type of surgery performed (open anterior resection, laparoscopic anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, or Hartmann’s procedure). The study included 82 patients treated at the Surgical Oncology Outpatient Department of the Oncology Center in Bydgoszcz from June 2019 to August 2021. The study tools consisted of diagnostic surveys and analyses of medical records. The standardized study tools were the surveys EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29. In addition, a proprietary questionnaire was developed to collect demographic data. Quality of life was measured at three time-points: the day before the surgery and 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the domains of role functioning (III, p = 0.030), body image (II, p < 0.001; III, p < 0.001), sexual functioning (II, p = 0.037), buttocks/anal area/rectum pain (III, p = 0.031), and embarrassment (II, p = 0.022; III, p = 0.010). Statistically significant differences in the functional and symptom scale scores were also observed within each group at different stages of cancer treatment. As shown by our study, the quality of life of patients treated for colorectal cancer is determined not only by the operating technique but also by sociodemographic and clinical factors. The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques enables patients to return to their social roles more quickly and improves their self-assessment of body image.
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Tang L, He Y, Pang Y, Su Z, Li J, Zhang Y, Wang X, Han X, Wang Y, Li Z, He S, Song L, Zhou Y, Wang B, Li X. Implementing Symptom Management Follow-up Using an Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Platform in Outpatients With Advanced Cancer: Longitudinal Single-Center Prospective Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e21458. [PMID: 35536608 PMCID: PMC9131147 DOI: 10.2196/21458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer experience multiple symptoms related to cancer, cancer treatment, and the procedures involved in cancer care; however, many patients with pain, depression, and fatigue, especially those outside the hospital, receive inadequate treatment for their symptoms. Using an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) platform to conduct symptom management follow-up in outpatients with advanced cancer could be a novel and potentially effective approach. However, empirical evidence describing in detail the preparation and implementation courses in a real setting is needed. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper was to describe the implementation process and evaluation of an ePRO platform that facilitates symptom management for patients with cancer, share our experiences and the problems we encountered during the process of implementation, and share the solutions we identified for those problems. Moreover, we tested the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the ePRO platform. METHODS This was a real-world, ongoing, longitudinal, single-center, prospective study with a total of 7 follow-ups conducted within 4 weeks after the first visit to the symptom management clinic (on days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28). Participants were encouraged to complete scales for physical symptoms (pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath), cognitive symptoms (memory problems and impaired concentration), and affective symptoms (especially depression and anxiety) during follow-up. The design and function of the ePRO-doctor client and ePRO-patient client, the patient-reported outcome (PRO) scales used in the study, and the strategies to promote symptom tracking have been described. Moreover, the training and evaluation for research assistants have been presented. The efficacy of the ePRO platform was assessed with a comparison of the baseline and 4-week outcomes on the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory. RESULTS Using the ePRO platform for symptom management follow-ups in advanced cancer patients was associated with a high completion rate (72.7%-86.4%) and a low drop-off rate (23.6%). The ePRO platform sent 293 alert notifications to both patients and doctors, which promoted patient security. The short and sharp PRO tool selection, user-friendly interface, automatic reminder notifications and alerts, and multiple dimensional training were essential components for the preparation and implementation of the ePRO system. The results showed significant improvements in the mean scores of pain, fatigue, and numbness from baseline to day 28 (P=.02, P=.02, and P<.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The use of an ePRO platform for symptom management follow-ups in advanced cancer patients is time-saving, energy-saving, and effective. PRO tool selection, platform design, and training of research assistants are important aspects for implementation. Future research should validate the ePRO platform in a larger randomized controlled study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yi He
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Pang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongge Su
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jinjiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yening Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Wang
- ePRO Vision, Health Technology Co, Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xinkun Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zimeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangzhi He
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Song
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhe Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Bingmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumin Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Psycho-oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
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Khoo AMG, Lau J, Loh XS, Ng CWT, Griva K, Tan KK. Understanding the psychosocial impact of colorectal cancer on young-onset patients: A scoping review. Cancer Med 2022; 11:1688-1700. [PMID: 35150052 PMCID: PMC8986148 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The incidence of young‐onset (<50 years) colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing internationally. The psychosocial experience of younger cancer patients is vastly different from older patients, especially in domains such as financial toxicity, body image, and sexual dysfunction. What is unknown is the cancer type‐specific experience. The aim of the current scoping review was to examine (1) the psychosocial factors and/or outcomes associated with young‐onset CRC and (2) other determinants that influences these outcomes. Methods A systematic search was conducted on four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO) from inception to December 2020 using key terms and combinations. Primary literature that examined the psychosocial (e.g., quality‐of‐life, emotional, social, sexual) impact of young‐onset CRC were included. Results A total of 1389 records were assessed by four reviewers, with a total of seven studies meeting inclusion criteria (n = 5 quantitative, n = 1 qualitative and n = 1 case series). All studies indicated there was significant psychosocial impact in younger CRC patients, including emotional impact, social impact, physical burden, sexual impact, work impact, unmet needs, financial impact and global quality of life. Three studies explored other determinants that influenced the psychosocial experience and found that socioeconomic background (e.g., being female, lower education), CRC treatment (e.g., chemotherapy) and health status were associated with worse psychosocial impact. Conclusions Young‐onset CRC patients face severe psychosocial impact unique to this age group, such as self‐image and sexual impact. Social support services and resources needs to be uniquely tailored. More empirical investigations are required to understand its long‐term impact and influence of other psychosocial domains. This scoping review of psychosocial impact in young‐onset colorectal cancer patients uncovered significant psychosocial impact which are in‐line with previous studies on young cancer (e.g., emotional impact, social impact, physical burden) as well as impact unique to colorectal cancer (e.g., self‐image, embarrassment with bowel movements and the impact of stoma). More empirical investigations are required to understand its long‐term impact and influence of other psychosocial domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Ming-Gui Khoo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jerrald Lau
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xin-Sheng Loh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Celeste Wen-Ting Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Konstadina Griva
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ker-Kan Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Li N, Lu J, Xia D, Jiang X, Wen X, Qin X, Chen Y, Wang T. Serum biomarkers predict adjuvant chemotherapy-associated symptom clusters in radical resected colorectal cancer patients. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:197-209. [PMID: 35284113 PMCID: PMC8899734 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to individual heterogeneity, patients at the same stage of colorectal cancer (CRC) who receive the same chemotherapy may experience different symptom clusters. Identifying the precise factors that predict symptom clusters is of great clinical significance for precision care and for improving the quality of life of patients. The present study investigated the relationship between serum biomarkers and adjuvant chemotherapy-related symptom clusters in radically resected CRC patients. METHODS Serum biomarkers and clinical/pathological characteristics of the radical resected CRC patients were collected before the first cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy. A demographic questionnaire and M.D. Anderson Gastrointestinal Cancer Symptom Scale (MDASI-GI) were performed on the third day after chemotherapy and exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine the symptoms clusters. Multiple linear regression and correlation analysis were also performed to evaluate the correlation between serum biomarkers and chemotherapy-related symptom clusters. RESULTS A total of 4 chemotherapy-related symptom clusters were determined in the enrolled radical resected CRC patients, including a fatigue-psychological symptom cluster, gastrointestinal symptom cluster, neurotoxic symptom cluster, and constipation-abdominal distension symptom cluster. Further analysis showed that the gastrointestinal symptom cluster was significantly associated with age, gender, weight change status, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, the fatigue-psychological symptom cluster was found to be significantly associated with high NLR. The neurotoxic symptom cluster was found to be significantly associated with low hemoglobin level. CONCLUSIONS Serum biomarkers and clinical characteristics of the radical resected CRC patients could be used to predict chemotherapy-related symptoms clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Wuxi Medical College, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Jiajia Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wuxi No. 5 People’s Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Duanxiang Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Xuetong Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Xiaomeng Wen
- Wuxi Medical College, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xia Qin
- Wuxi Medical College, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Wuxi Medical College, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Teng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Wuxi Medical College, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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12
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Keaver L, O'Callaghan N, O'Sullivan A, Quinn L, Loftus A, McHugh CM. Female cancer survivors are more likely to be at high risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical importance for a number of quality of life subscales. J Hum Nutr Diet 2021; 34:868-880. [PMID: 33761159 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed to explore malnutrition risk, handgrip strength and quality of life (QOL) in cancer survivors. METHODS In total, 232 individuals completed a demographic questionnaire, Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Handgrip strength was determined using a spring-loaded handgrip dynamometer and anthropometric measurements were taken by an oncology nurse. Frequencies and distribution data, analysis of variance and chi-squared tests were then conducted. RESULTS The majority of the cohort were female (n = 141; 60.8%) had breast cancer (n = 62; 26.7%) and the mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 26.6 ± 6.2 kg m-2 . Less than a one-third reported seeing a dietitian (n = 68; 29.3%). Over one-third reported recent weight loss (n = 88; 37.3%). Some 40.9% (n = 95) were at moderate to high risk of malnutrition, with women more likely than men to be classified as high risk (p < 0.05). Mean ± SD handgrip strength was 25 ± 15 kg and this differed significantly by gender (p = 0.00), cancer type (p = 0.01) and BMI classification (p = 0.01). One-fifth of individuals were classified as having dynapenia (n = 48; 21.1%). Median (interquartile range) QOL score was 66.7 (33.3). The proportion of individuals meeting the threshold for clinical importance for QOL subscales ranged from 12.5% (constipation) to 42.7% (physical functioning). Females were more likely than males to meet the threshold for physical functioning (p = 0.00), fatigue (p = 0.02) and pain (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Females are more likely than males to be at high risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical significance for several QOL subscales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Keaver
- Department of Health and Nutritional Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Niamh O'Callaghan
- Department of Health and Nutritional Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Aoibheann O'Sullivan
- Department of Health and Nutritional Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Laoise Quinn
- Department of Health and Nutritional Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Amy Loftus
- Department of Health and Nutritional Science, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland
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Li Y, Ni N, Zhou Z, Dong J, Fu Y, Li J, Luan Z, Peng X. Hope and symptom burden of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A cross-sectional study. J Clin Nurs 2021; 30:2293-2300. [PMID: 33756013 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM This research aimed to explore the level of hope and symptom burden of breast cancer women undergoing chemotherapy, and predictive factors of hope were also investigated. BACKGROUND Chemotherapy brings physical and psychological stress to breast cancer patients. As an effective coping strategy, hope gives them the courage to overcome difficulties and improve prognosis and survival. Therefore, efforts are needed to raise hope. DESIGN/METHODS A total of 450 women who were undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic data, disease characteristics, and measures of hope and symptom burden were collected using questionnaires. Hope was assessed using the validated Herth Hope Index, and the previously validated Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to assess symptom burden. This paper adhered to the STROBE guidelines. RESULTS Chinese breast cancer chemotherapy women hope average scores of 30.15 ± 4.82 were in the medium range of the Hearth Hope Index as specified by Herth to be 24-35. Patients with age ≤45, religious beliefs and lighter symptom burden have a higher level of hope. These variables explained a total of 22.9% of the variation in hope. CONCLUSIONS The level of hope for women undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy still needs to be further improved. Symptom burden can negatively predict hope. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE If nurses can decrease breast cancer chemotherapy women symptom burden, there is an impact on increasing levels of hope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Na Ni
- School of Nursing, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zijun Zhou
- Department of Breast Oncology, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Jilin, China
| | - Jianyu Dong
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Fu
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Ze Luan
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Xin Peng
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Jilin, China
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14
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Lin Y, Bailey DE, Docherty SL, Porter LS, Cooper BA, Paul SM, Kober KM, Hammer MJ, Wright F, Dunn LB, Conley YP, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Distinct profiles of multiple co-occurring symptoms in patients with gastrointestinal cancers receiving chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:4461-4471. [PMID: 33454824 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05946-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Identify subgroups of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients with distinct multiple co-occurring symptom profiles and evaluate for differences among these subgroups in demographic and clinical characteristics and quality of life (QOL) outcomes. METHODS Patients with GI cancers (n = 399) completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) that was used to assess for multiple co-occurring symptoms. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct symptom profiles using symptom occurrence ratings. Differences in demographic and clinical characteristics and QOL outcomes among the subgroups were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests. RESULTS All Low (36.6%), Moderate (49.4%), and All High (14.0%) classes were identified. Compared to the All Low class, patients in the other two classes were significantly younger and were more likely to report depression and back pain. Compared to the other two classes, patients in the All High class had fewer years of education and a higher number of comorbidities. Significant differences were found among the three classes for comorbidity burden and total number of MSAS symptoms (i.e., All Low < Moderate < All High), as well as for performance status (i.e., All Low > Moderate > All High). A higher symptom burden was associated with poorer QOL outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The first study to identify subgroups of patients with GI cancers based on distinct symptom profiles. LCA allowed for the identification of risk factors associated with a higher symptom burden. Clinicians can use this information to identify high-risk patients and develop personalized symptom management interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufen Lin
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Bruce A Cooper
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steven M Paul
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kord M Kober
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Fay Wright
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura B Dunn
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yvette P Conley
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jon D Levine
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christine Miaskowski
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way - N631Y, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0610, USA.
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