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Young K, Ekberg S, Cashion C, Hassall T, Bradford N. Quality of life and family functioning 12 months after diagnosis of childhood brain tumour: A longitudinal cohort study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31199. [PMID: 39010651 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31199] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wellbeing of a child with brain tumour is affected by several factors. We present the first investigation of quality of life and family functioning in a parent and child across the first 12 months after diagnosis, examining potential factors to guide the provision of psychosocial resources to families who most need them. PROCEDURE Data were collected from parents/carers in Queensland, Australia, from 2020 to 2023. Child (parent/carer-proxy reported) and carer quality of life was assessed across three timepoints (repeated measures analysis of variance [ANOVA]) and by five potential co-variates (mixed between-within ANOVA). Family functioning was assessed across two timepoints (repeated-measures t-test), and by potential co-variates (repeated measures ANOVA). Univariate relationships were explored with Pearson's correlation coefficient; significant relationships were entered into multiple regression models. RESULTS Ninety-six diverse families were represented. Quality of life (child, carer) and family functioning did not change across time. Children from households with lower income reported worse cognitive difficulties (p = .023) and pain and hurt (p = .013) than those from a higher income. Caregiver quality of life was poorer for those whose child had received chemotherapy and/or radiation, was aged less than 4 years at diagnosis, and had a lower household income. At 12 months, caregiver quality of life was correlated with family functioning (r = -.45, p < .001), with positive adaptation being a significant key predictor (beta = -.66, p < .005). CONCLUSIONS The following factors indicate a need for increased early psychosocial support: cognitive difficulties, aged <4 years at diagnosis, receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation, and low household income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Young
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Kelvin Grove, Australia
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Stuart Ekberg
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Kelvin Grove, Australia
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, Colleges of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christine Cashion
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Timothy Hassall
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Natalie Bradford
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Kelvin Grove, Australia
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
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Ahmed HS. BEYOND TRADITIONAL TOOLS: EXPLORING CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS AS INNOVATIVE PROGNOSTIC MODELS IN PANCREATIC DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2024; 61:e23107. [PMID: 38511794 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.24612023-117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive and lethal form of cancer with limited prognostic accuracy using traditional factors. This has led to the exploration of innovative prognostic models, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in PDAC. CNNs, a type of artificial intelligence algorithm, have shown promise in various medical applications, including image analysis and pattern recognition. Their ability to extract complex features from medical images makes them suitable for improving prognostication in PDAC. However, implementing CNNs in clinical practice poses challenges, such as data availability and interpretability. Future research should focus on multi-center studies, integrating multiple data modalities, and combining CNN outputs with biomarker panels. Collaborative efforts and patient autonomy should be considered to ensure the ethical implementation of CNN-based prognostic models. Further validation and optimisation of CNN-based models are necessary to enhance their reliability and clinical utility in PDAC prognostication. BACKGROUND •Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with limited prognostic accuracy through traditional methods. BACKGROUND •Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are being explored for prognostic models in PDAC. BACKGROUND •They can extract complex features from images, aiding PDAC prognostication. BACKGROUND •Further validation and optimization of CNN-based models are needed for better reliability and clinical utility in PDAC.
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Ploukou S, Papageorgiou DI, Panagopoulou E, Benos A, Smyrnakis E. Informal caregivers' experiences of supporting patients with pancreatic cancer: A qualitative study in Greece. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 67:102419. [PMID: 37804752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102419] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the present study was to explore informal caregivers' experiences of supporting family members with pancreatic cancer. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with individual semi-structured telephone interviews and inductive thematic analysis. Data were collected from 10 informal caregivers in the only cancer hospital in Northern Greece. RESULTS The findings of the thematic analysis highlighted three themes, "supportive needs of patients with pancreatic cancer", "supportive needs of informal caregivers" and "evaluation of provided care". In the first theme, four individual subcategories of themes emerged: "psychological support", "managing symptoms and side effects", "daily activities" and "participation in decision-making". The theme "supportive needs of informal caregivers" consists of five sub-themes, "psychological support", "support in care activities", "financial support", "communication with the patient" and "information". Finally, the theme "evaluation of provided care" three sub-categories of topics were reported, "staff evaluation", "process evaluation" and "palliative care". CONCLUSION Pancreatic cancer patients and their informal caregivers experience multiple unmet needs. The health system, lacking an efficient treatment for this type of cancer, should provide a basis for improving the quality of life of these families with targeted support interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Ploukou
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research - Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| | - Dimitra Iosifina Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research - Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Efharis Panagopoulou
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research - Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| | - Alexios Benos
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research - Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
| | - Emmanouil Smyrnakis
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research - Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
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Young K, Cashion C, Hassall T, Ekberg S, Bradford N. Supporting families through paediatric brain tumour: Unmet needs and suggestions for change. Psychooncology 2023; 32:942-950. [PMID: 37081572 PMCID: PMC10946516 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6136] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE From diagnosis and beyond, a paediatric brain tumour and its treatment impact the child and their family in a myriad of ways. While it is considered best practice to offer ongoing psychosocial support for all family members, there is little scholarly investigation of both families' experiences and the practical implications of offering such care. We aimed to explore families' experiences of paediatric brain tumour and their associated psychosocial health service needs. METHODS Families receiving care at the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane, Australia, for a child (0-18 years) who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour between 2019 and 2022 were invited to be interviewed about their experiences. Using qualitative description, we analysed these interviews to identify families' unmet psychosocial health service needs and their suggestions for improvement. RESULTS Twenty-three clinically and socially diverse families were represented. While parents/carers expressed gratitude for the care their child had received, most also described unmet needs for the broader family. We identified three primary needs to be addressed: (1) parents want accessible psychological/emotional support for themselves; (2) parents/carers want additional guidance to navigate the hospital setting to reduce uncertainty and loss of control; and (3) parents want support to minimise treatment-associated trauma for their child. CONCLUSIONS Our findings evidence the need for improved family-centred psychosocial care within paediatric brain tumour care in Queensland, Australia. We propose a counselling and care coordination intervention to support parents/carers to care for themselves, their child, and their family through an extremely challenging experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Young
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes CentreCentre for Healthcare TransformationQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Children's Health ResearchChildren's Health Queensland Hospital and Health ServiceSouth BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Christine Cashion
- Centre for Children's Health ResearchChildren's Health Queensland Hospital and Health ServiceSouth BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health ServiceSouth BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Timothy Hassall
- Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health ServiceSouth BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Stuart Ekberg
- Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health ServiceSouth BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of Psychology & CounsellingQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Natalie Bradford
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes CentreCentre for Healthcare TransformationQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Children's Health ResearchChildren's Health Queensland Hospital and Health ServiceSouth BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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Sharp L, Mentor K, Deane J, Watson E, Roberts KJ, Silva M, Phillips M, Siriwardena AK, Hammond J, Bradshaw A, Exley C, Pandanaboyana S. Assessing impact, needs and quality-of-life among informal carers of people with pancreatic cancer, a prospective study: the PAN-CARER study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068178. [PMID: 37188466 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 10 300 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year in the UK. The cancer and its treatment inflict a significant physical, functional and emotional burden on patients. Research suggests that patients have many ongoing needs for support and care, but that these needs are not met by existing services. Family members often step in to fill this gap and provide support and care during and after treatment. Research in other cancers shows that this informal caregiving can place a very heavy burden on carers. However, there are few studies in the international literature that have focused on informal carers in pancreatic cancer; none have been conducted in the UK. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Two complementary research methods will be utilised. First, a longitudinal quantitative study of 300 carers investigating, using validated questionnaires to assess the impact of caregiving (Caregiver Reaction Assessment), the unmet needs of carers (Supportive Care Needs Survey) and the quality-of-life (Short Form 12-item health survey), will be conducted. Second, qualitative interviews will be conducted with up to 30 carers to explore their experiences in more depth. Mixed-effects regression models will be applied to survey results to determine how impact, needs and quality-of-life vary over time, compare outcomes between carers of patients with operable and inoperable disease and identify social factors which affect outcomes. Interview data will undergo reflexive thematic analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol has been approved by the Health Research Authority of the UK (Ethical approval IRAS ID 309503). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sharp
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Keno Mentor
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jennifer Deane
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Eila Watson
- Clinical Health Care, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Keith J Roberts
- Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michael Silva
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - John Hammond
- HPB and Transplant unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alex Bradshaw
- Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | - Catherine Exley
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sanjay Pandanaboyana
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- HPB and Transplant unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Chong E, Crowe L, Mentor K, Pandanaboyana S, Sharp L. Systematic review of caregiver burden, unmet needs and quality-of-life among informal caregivers of patients with pancreatic cancer. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:74. [PMID: 36544073 PMCID: PMC9771849 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07468-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Informal caregivers play an important supportive care role for patients with cancer. This may be especially true for pancreatic cancer which is often diagnosed late, has a poor prognosis and is associated with a significant symptom burden. We systematically reviewed the evidence on caregiver burden, unmet needs and quality-of-life of informal caregivers to patients with pancreatic cancer. METHOD PubMed, Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases were systematically searched on 31 August 2021. Qualitative and quantitative data on informal caregivers' experiences were extracted and coded into themes of burden, unmet needs or quality-of-life with narrative synthesis of the data undertaken. RESULTS Nine studies (five qualitative, four quantitative), including 6023 informal caregivers, were included in the review. We categorised data into three key themes: caregiver burden, unmet needs and quality-of-life. Data on caregiver burden was organised into a single subtheme relating to symptom management as a source of burden. Data on unmet needs was organised into three subthemes need for: better clinical communication; support and briefings for caregivers; and help with navigating the health care system. Data on quality-of-life indicate large proportions of informal caregivers experience clinical levels of anxiety (33%) or depression (12%-32%). All five qualitative studies were graded as good quality; three quantitative studies were poor quality, and one was fair quality. CONCLUSION High-quality pancreatic cancer care should consider the impacts of informal caregiving. Prospective longitudinal studies examining multiple dimensions of caregiver burden, needs, and quality-of-life would be valuable at informing supportive care cancer delivery to pancreatic cancer informal caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chong
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Crowe
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Keno Mentor
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK ,Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sanjay Pandanaboyana
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK ,Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Linda Sharp
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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Caring experiences of family caregivers of patients with pancreatic cancer: an integrative literature review. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:3691-3700. [PMID: 34993653 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review summarizes and synthesizes the available empirical literature on the experiences concerned with the problems and challenges faced by caregivers of patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODS An integrative review method was used, and a literature search was conducted using five databases. We searched the terms "pancreatic cancer," "caregiver," and "experience," and used the Boolean operators OR and AND to combine them. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies. RESULTS Four qualitative studies, one mixed method, and three quantitative studies met the selection criteria and were included in the review. Informal family caregivers of patients with pancreatic cancer experienced multifaceted roles, lack of information, difficulties in maintaining emotional well-being, and positive coping. The factors associated with their caring experience included the caregivers' demographics, patients' psychological status, and clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION Caregivers of patients with pancreatic cancer have various experiences while providing care. Health care providers should offer opportunities for caregivers to recognize their feelings, provide sufficient information and psychological support, and foster coping strategies to maintain the physical and psychosocial well-being of caregivers.
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Interventions to Improve Self-Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer Patients and/or Caregivers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:4553613. [PMID: 34707659 PMCID: PMC8545593 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4553613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Objective High levels of self-efficacy (SE) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and/or caregivers enable patients to cope with cancer, reduce caregiver burden, and promote quality of life (QOL) in patients and caregivers alike. This review aims to (a) identify the SE theory sources covered by SE interventions or interventions, including targeting improved SE for CRC patients and/or caregivers, to guide future development of SE interventions; and (b) explore intervention effects based on SE theory through meta-analysis. Methods Using five electronic databases—CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed—a systematic search was performed in April 2021 to identify English or Chinese literature that studied improving SE interventions for CRC patients and/or caregivers. Manual screening of the articles' references list was also performed. Results A total of 18 studies were found to be suitable and included in this review. Of the 18 studies that were included, 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies with 917 participants were eligible for meta-analysis. Interventions provide support for SE drawing on different sources of information. Performance accomplishment (PA) is the key source, with vicarious experience (VE) and verbal persuasion (VP) assisting in improving PA. Reducing negative emotional arousal (NEA) and improving positive emotional arousal (PEA) are also indispensable factors in improving SE. The meta-analysis results show that interventions based on the SE theory can bring about positive effects for CRC patients and/or caregivers. Conclusions Different sources of information aimed at improving SE, covered by the interventions, including PA, VE, VP, NEA, and PEA, have been explored. Positive intervention outcomes that focused on improving SE for CRC patients and/or caregivers were identified and highlighted. For future SE interventions, we advocate choosing combination sources of SE information to design interventions. It is recommended that future SE improvement interventions should focus on improving PA, supplemented by increasing VE, while reducing NEA and providing useful VP.
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