1
|
Abdallah M, Jensen-Battaglia M, Patil A, Digiovanni G, Sanapala C, Watson E, LoCastro M, Wang Y, Mortaz-Hedjri S, Magnuson A, Ramsdale E, McHugh C, Loh KP. Prognostic awareness and willingness to explore prognosis in older adults with cancer. J Geriatr Oncol 2024; 15:101810. [PMID: 38823374 PMCID: PMC11227389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2024.101810] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prognostic awareness varies widely among older adults with cancer. Accurate prognostic awareness helps to ensure delivery of care that is aligned with the patient's goals. Understanding factors associated with poor prognostic awareness in older adults with cancer may help identify which patients may need interventions to improve prognostic awareness. In this study, we assessed factors associated with poor prognostic awareness in older adults with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of older patients with cancer referred to a geriatric oncology clinic at the University of Rochester. We provided paper questionnaires for patients to complete prior to their clinic assessment. Questionnaires asked patients to estimate their overall life expectancy and the life expectancy of a person of the same age with normal health. Prognostic awareness was considered poor if patients estimated living at least as long as a person of the same age with normal health. We assessed independent demographic and clinical variables (age, sex, race, income, religion, living situation, education, marital status, and cancer type and stage), aging-related factors (comorbidities, cognition, depression, social support, nutritional status, and physical function), and willingness to discuss prognosis. Factors significant at p ≤ 0.15 on bivariate analyses were included in the multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS We included 257 patients; the mean age was 80 years (standard deviation [SD] 6.8, range 55-97), 37% were female, 71% were White, and 44% were married. Nearly two-thirds of patients (62%) had poor prognostic awareness: 7% estimated they would live longer than and 55% estimated they would live as long as a person of the same age with normal health. Half (49%) were willing to discuss prognosis, 29% were not, and 22% did not answer. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with poor prognostic awareness were older age [one-year increase; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.12], race other than White (AOR 2.35, 95% CI 1.09-5.06), unwillingness to discuss prognosis (AOR 3.33, 95% CI 1.54-7.18), and stage I-III cancer (vs. stage IV, AOR 3.83, 95% CI 1.8-8.17). DISCUSSION In a cohort of older patients with cancer, approximately two-thirds had poor prognostic awareness. Older age, race other than White, stage I-III cancer, and unwillingness to discuss prognosis were associated with higher odds of poor prognostic awareness. Interventions aiming to improve patients' prognostic awareness may need to gauge patients' willingness to discuss prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Abdallah
- Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, USA.
| | | | - Amita Patil
- Center of Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Grace Digiovanni
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA.
| | - Chandrika Sanapala
- Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, USA.
| | - Erin Watson
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, USA.
| | - Marissa LoCastro
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Soroush Mortaz-Hedjri
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA.
| | - Allison Magnuson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA.
| | - Erika Ramsdale
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA.
| | - Colin McHugh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA.
| | - Kah Poh Loh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Castelo-Loureiro A, Perez-de-Acha A, Torres-Perez AC, Cunha V, García-Valdés P, Cárdenas-Reyes P, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E. Delivering Palliative and Supportive Care for Older Adults with Cancer: Interactions between Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3858. [PMID: 37568674 PMCID: PMC10417379 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153858] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The world's population is aging rapidly, with projections indicating that by 2050 one in six people will be aged ≥65 years. As a result, the number of cancer cases in older people is expected to increase significantly. Palliative care is an essential component of cancer care with a direct impact on quality of life. However, older adults with cancer often suffer from multiple comorbidities, cognitive impairment, and frailty, posing unique challenges in the delivery of palliative care. The complex healthcare needs of older patients with cancer therefore require a comprehensive assessment, including a geriatric evaluation. Collaboration between geriatrics and palliative care can offer a solution to the challenges faced by older people with cancer, since this is a population with overlapping concerns for both disciplines. This review highlights the importance of palliative care for older adults with cancer and the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach. It also addresses the coordination of palliative care and geriatrics for specific symptom management and decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Perez-de-Acha
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Ana Cristina Torres-Perez
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Vanessa Cunha
- School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Paola García-Valdés
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Department of Palliative Care, Hospital Gea González, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Paula Cárdenas-Reyes
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Enrique Soto-Perez-de-Celis
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarized current research evidence examining care needs of older patients with advanced cancer in dealing with disease, treatment, and treatment-related side effects. It also identified gaps and directions for future research and practice. RECENT FINDINGS Older patients with advanced cancer need support from health professionals, family, friends, and other social network members in the management of physical symptoms and functioning, psychosocial and spiritual care, information provision, and practical resolution of daily problems. As older patients are affected by aging-related factors, they usually have unique patterns of care needs compared with younger patients. SUMMARY Currently, insufficient research evidence hinders a comprehensive understanding of care needs of older patients with advanced cancer, as well as potential influencing factors. Future efforts are needed to develop more sophisticated assessment methods and interventions to better understand and address care needs of older patients with advanced cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Molassiotis
- College of Arts, Humanities and Education, University of Derby, Derby, UK
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Mian Wang
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sigler LE, Althouse AD, Thomas TH, Arnold RM, White D, Smith TJ, Chu E, Rosenzweig M, Smith KJ, Schenker Y. Effects of an Oncology Nurse-Led, Primary Palliative Care Intervention (CONNECT) on Illness Expectations Among Patients With Advanced Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e504-e515. [PMID: 34767474 PMCID: PMC9014423 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with advanced cancer often have unrealistic expectations about prognosis and treatment. This study assessed the effect of an oncology nurse-led primary palliative care intervention on illness expectations among patients with advanced cancer. METHODS This study is a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized trial of primary palliative care conducted at 17 oncology clinics. Adult patients with advanced solid tumors for whom the oncologist would not be surprised if died within 1 year were enrolled. Monthly visits were designed to foster realistic illness expectations by eliciting patient concerns and goals for their medical care and empowering patients and families to engage in discussions with oncologists about treatment options and preferences. Baseline and 3-month questionnaires included questions about life expectancy, treatment intent, and terminal illness acknowledgment. Odds of realistic illness expectations at 3 months were adjusted for baseline responses, patient demographic and clinical characteristics, and intervention dose. RESULTS Among 457 primarily White patients, there was little difference in realistic illness expectations at 3 months between intervention and standard care groups: 12.8% v 11.4% for life expectancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.59 to 2.22; P = .684); 24.6% v 33.3% for treatment intent (aOR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.44 to 1.27; P = .290); 53.6% v 44.7% for terminal illness acknowledgment (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI, 0.81 to 2.00; P = .288). Results did not differ when accounting for variation in clinic sites or intervention dose. CONCLUSION Illness expectations are difficult to change among patients with advanced cancer. Additional work is needed to identify approaches within oncology practices that foster realistic illness expectations to improve patient decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Sigler
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Palliative Research Center (PaRC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Emory Palliative Care Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA,Lauren E. Sigler, MD, Emory Palliative Care Center, Emory University School of Medicine, 1821 Clifton Road NE, Suite 1017 Atlanta, GA 30329; e-mail:
| | - Andrew D. Althouse
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Teresa H. Thomas
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Palliative Research Center (PaRC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Robert M. Arnold
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Palliative Research Center (PaRC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Douglas White
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Palliative Research Center (PaRC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Program on Ethics and Decision Making in Critical Illness, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Thomas J. Smith
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Edward Chu
- Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Margaret Rosenzweig
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Palliative Research Center (PaRC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Kenneth J. Smith
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yael Schenker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Palliative Research Center (PaRC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Loh KP, Seplaki CL, Sanapala C, Yousefi-Nooraie R, Lund JL, Epstein RM, Duberstein PR, Flannery M, Culakova E, Xu H, McHugh C, Klepin HD, Lin PJ, Watson E, Grossman VA, Liu JJ, Geer J, O’Rourke MA, Mustian K, Mohile SG. Association of Prognostic Understanding With Health Care Use Among Older Adults With Advanced Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of a Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e220018. [PMID: 35179585 PMCID: PMC8857680 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE A poor prognostic understanding regarding curability is associated with lower odds of hospice use among patients with cancer. However, the association between poor prognostic understanding or prognostic discordance and health care use among older adults with advanced incurable cancers is not well characterized. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of poor prognostic understanding and patient-oncologist prognostic discordance with hospitalization and hospice use among older adults with advanced cancers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This was a post hoc secondary analysis of a cluster randomized clinical trial that recruited patients from October 29, 2014, to April 28, 2017. Data were collected from community oncology practices affiliated with the University of Rochester Cancer Center National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program. The parent trial enrolled 541 patients who were aged 70 years or older and were receiving or considering any line of cancer treatment for incurable solid tumors or lymphomas; the patients' oncologists and caregivers (if available) were also enrolled. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Data were analyzed from January 3 to 16, 2021. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES At enrollment, patients and oncologists were asked about their beliefs regarding cancer curability (100%, >50%, 50%, <50%, and 0%; answers other than 0% reflected poor prognostic understanding) and life expectancy (≤6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years, 2-5 years, and >5 years; answers of >5 years reflected poor prognostic understanding). Any difference between oncologist and patient in response options was considered discordant. Outcomes were any hospitalization and hospice use at 6 months captured by the clinical research associates. RESULTS Among the 541 patients, the mean (SD) age was 76.6 (5.2) years, 264 of 540 (49%) were female, and 486 of 540 (90%) were White. Poor prognostic understanding regarding curability was reported for 59% (206 of 348) of patients, and poor prognostic understanding regarding life expectancy estimates was reported for 41% (205 of 496) of patients. Approximately 60% (202 of 336) of patient-oncologist dyads were discordant regarding curability, and 72% (356 of 492) of patient-oncologist dyads were discordant regarding life expectancy estimates. Poor prognostic understanding regarding life expectancy estimates was associated with lower odds of hospice use (adjusted odds ratio, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.16-0.59). Discordance regarding life expectancy estimates was associated with greater odds of hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.01-2.66). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study highlights different constructs of prognostic understanding and the need to better understand the association between prognostic understanding and health care use among older adult patients with advanced cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02107443.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kah Poh Loh
- James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Christopher L. Seplaki
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Chandrika Sanapala
- James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Reza Yousefi-Nooraie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Jennifer L. Lund
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Ronald M. Epstein
- Center for Communication and Disparities Research, Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
- Department of Medicine, Palliative Care, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Paul R. Duberstein
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Marie Flannery
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Eva Culakova
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Control, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Huiwen Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, School of Medicine, Sealy Center on Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Colin McHugh
- James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Heidi D Klepin
- Section on Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Po-Ju Lin
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Control, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | | | | | - Jane Jijun Liu
- Heartland National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), Decatur, Illinois
| | - Jodi Geer
- Metro Minnesota Community Oncology Research Program, St Louis Park
| | - Mark A. O’Rourke
- NCORP of the Carolinas (Greenville Health System NCORP), Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Karen Mustian
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Control, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Supriya G. Mohile
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
“You have to be sure that the patient has the full picture”: Adaptation of the Best Case/Worst Case communication tool for geriatric oncology. J Geriatr Oncol 2022; 13:606-613. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
7
|
Nipp RD, Subbiah IM, Loscalzo M. Convergence of Geriatrics and Palliative Care to Deliver Personalized Supportive Care for Older Adults With Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:2185-2194. [PMID: 34043435 PMCID: PMC8260927 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Nipp
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ishwaria M. Subbiah
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
DuMontier C, Loh KP, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Dale W. Decision Making in Older Adults With Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:2164-2174. [PMID: 34043434 PMCID: PMC8260915 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Clark DuMontier
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA
| | - Kah Poh Loh
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Enrique Soto-Perez-de-Celis
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - William Dale
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fitch MI, Strohschein FJ, Nyrop K. Measuring quality of life in older people with cancer. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2021; 15:39-47. [PMID: 33507038 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The number of individuals aged 65+ with cancer will double in the next decade. Attention to quality of life (QOL) is imperative to identify relevant endpoints/outcomes in research and provide care that matches individual needs. This review summarizes recent publications regarding QOL measurement in older adults with cancer, considering implications for research and practice. RECENT FINDINGS QOL is a complex concept and its measurement can be challenging. A variety of measurement tools exist, but only one specific to older adults with cancer. QOL is frequently measured as functional health, adverse symptoms, and global QOL, thus only capturing a portion of this concept. Yet successful QOL intervention for older adults requires drawing from behavioral and social dimensions.Growing interest in comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provides important opportunities for measuring QOL. Recommendations for use of CGAs and PROs in clinical practice have been made but widespread uptake has not occurred. SUMMARY QOL is important to older adults and must be central in planning and discussing their care. It is modifiable but presents measurement challenges in this population. Various domains are associated with decline, survival, satisfaction with life, coping, and different interventions. Measurement approaches must fit with intention and capacity to act within given contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret I Fitch
- Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fay J Strohschein
- Oncology and Aging Program, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada, Nursing Research Consultant, Wainwright, Alberta
| | - Kirsten Nyrop
- Division of Oncology, School of Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Deputy Director/Research - Geriatric Oncology Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Loh KP, Xu H, Epstein RM, Mohile SG, Prigerson HG, Plumb S, Ladwig S, Kadambi S, Wong ML, McHugh C, An A, Trevino K, Saeed F, Duberstein PR. Associations of Caregiver-Oncologist Discordance in Prognostic Understanding With Caregiver-Reported Therapeutic Alliance and Anxiety. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:20-27. [PMID: 32061833 PMCID: PMC7311277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Discordance in prognostic understanding between caregivers of adults with advanced cancer and the oncologist may shape caregivers' views of the oncologist and bereavement outcomes. OBJECTIVES We examined prospective associations of caregiver-oncologist discordance with caregiver-oncologist therapeutic alliance and caregiver anxiety after patient death. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected in a cluster randomized controlled trial from August 2012 to June 2014 in Western New York and California. At enrollment, caregivers and oncologists used a seven-point scale to rate their beliefs about the patient's curability and living two years or more: 100%, about 90%, about 75%, about 50 of 50, about 25%, about 10%, and 0%. Discordance was defined as a difference of two points or more. Outcomes at seven months after patient death included caregiver-oncologist therapeutic alliance (The Human Connection scale, modified into five items) and caregiver anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). We conducted multivariable linear regression models to assess the independent associations of discordance with alliance and anxiety. RESULTS We included 97 caregivers (mean age 63) and 38 oncologists; 41% of caregiver-oncologist dyads had discordant beliefs about the patient's curability, and 63% of caregiver-oncologist dyads had discordant beliefs about living two years or more. On multivariate analysis, discordance in beliefs about curability was associated with lower anxiety (β = -2.20; SE 0.77; P = 0.005). Discordance in beliefs about length of life was associated with a weaker alliance (β = -5.87; SE = 2.56; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION A better understanding of how caregivers understand and come to terms with poor prognoses will guide interventions to improve cancer care delivery and outcomes of cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kah Poh Loh
- James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA.
| | - Huiwen Xu
- James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Ronald M Epstein
- James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, Palliative Care, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Supriya G Mohile
- James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Holly G Prigerson
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA; Cornell Center for Research on End-of-Life Care, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sandra Plumb
- James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Susan Ladwig
- Department of Medicine, Palliative Care, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sindhuja Kadambi
- James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Melisa L Wong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Colin McHugh
- James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Amy An
- Department of Medicine, Palliative Care, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Kelly Trevino
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fahad Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Palliative Care, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA; Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Paul R Duberstein
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| |
Collapse
|