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LoCastro M, Jensen-Battaglia M, Sanapala C, Rodenbach R, Mendler JH, Liesveld J, Huselton E, Loh KP. Exploring the role of the oncologist in promoting shared decision making during treatment planning for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia. J Geriatr Oncol 2024; 15:101793. [PMID: 38735090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2024.101793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa LoCastro
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Marielle Jensen-Battaglia
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute and Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | | | - Rachel Rodenbach
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Jason H Mendler
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Jane Liesveld
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Eric Huselton
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Kah Poh Loh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Rodenbach RA, Thordardottir T, Brauer M, Hall AC, Ward E, Smith CB, Campbell TC. Communication Strategies of Transplant Hematologists in High-Risk Decision-Making Conversations. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:538-548. [PMID: 38241601 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Shared decision making (SDM) is essential to empower patients with blood cancers to make goal-concordant decisions about allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. This study characterizes communication strategies used by hematologists to discuss treatment options and facilitate SDM with patients in this high-risk, high-reward setting. METHODS AND MATERIALS We recruited US hematologists who routinely perform allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant through email. Participants conducted up to an hour-long video-recorded encounter with an actor portraying a 67-year-old man with recently diagnosed high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. We transcribed and qualitatively analyzed video-recorded data. RESULTS The mean age of participants (N = 37) was 44 years, 65% male, and 68% White. Many hematologists included similar key points in this initial consultation, although varied in how much detail they provided. Their discussion of treatment options included transplant and chemotherapy and less commonly supportive care or clinical trials. They often emphasized transplant's potential for cure, discussed transplant chronologically from pretransplant considerations through the post-transplant course, and outlined risks, complications, and major outcomes. Hematologists referred to several elements that formed the basis of treatment decision making. The strength of their treatment recommendations ranged from strong recommendations for transplant or chemotherapy to deferrals pending more information. Hematologists also varied in the extent to which they indicated the decision was physician-driven, patient-led, or shared. CONCLUSION The transplant decision-making discussion is complex. Identification of similar content areas used by hematologists can be used as the basis for a communication tool to help hematologists discuss allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Rodenbach
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Markus Brauer
- University of Wisconsin Department of Psychology, Madison, WI
| | - Aric C Hall
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | - Earlise Ward
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
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Newcomb R, Amonoo HL, Nelson AM, Choe J, Holmbeck K, Nabily A, Lee SJ, LeBlanc TW, El-Jawahri A. Coping in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1369-1378. [PMID: 38181820 PMCID: PMC10945147 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) must cope with physical and psychological symptoms. Yet, studies examining pre-HCT coping are limited. We aimed to characterize pre-HCT coping, evaluate the association of coping with baseline quality of life (QOL) and psychological distress, and identify sociodemographic factors associated with pre-HCT coping. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a multisite randomized supportive care intervention trial among patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing allogeneic or autologous HCT. We assessed patient-reported QOL, psychological distress, and coping within 72 hours of admission for HCT. We used the median split method to dichotomize coping and multivariate regression analyses to characterize the association of coping with psychological distress and QOL. Of patients awaiting HCT (n = 360; mean age, 55.4 years; 49.7% autologous), 43.5% were high users of approach-oriented coping, whereas 31.3% were high users of avoidant coping. Patients reported high use of emotional support (60.9%), acceptance (51.2%), self-blame (33%), and denial (31.3%). Older age (≥65 years) was associated with less frequent use of avoidant coping (odds ratio, 0.5; P = .01). Approach-oriented coping was associated with better pre-HCT QOL (Beta(B) = 6.7; P = .001), and lower depression (B = -1.1; P = .001) and anxiety (B = -0.9; P = .02) symptoms. Avoidant coping was associated with worse pre-HCT QOL (B = -13.3; P < .001) and symptoms of depression (B = 1.9; P < .001), anxiety (B = 3.1; P < .001), and posttraumatic stress disorder (B = 8.1; P < .001). Pre-HCT coping is strongly associated with psychological distress and QOL. These data support the need for interventions to address coping during HCT hospitalization. This clinical trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03641378.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Newcomb
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Hermioni L. Amonoo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Ashley M. Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Joanna Choe
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Katherine Holmbeck
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Anisa Nabily
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Stephanie J. Lee
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Thomas W. LeBlanc
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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LoCastro M, Mortaz-Hedjri S, Wang Y, Mendler JH, Norton S, Bernacki R, Carroll T, Klepin H, Liesveld J, Huselton E, Kluger B, Loh KP. Telehealth serious illness care program for older adults with hematologic malignancies: a single-arm pilot study. Blood Adv 2023; 7:7597-7607. [PMID: 38088668 PMCID: PMC10733103 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) feel shocked and bewildered when diagnosed. Serious illness conversations (SICs) may increase disease understanding and preparations for the future. However, SICs often happen late, in part because of clinician-perceived patient discomfort. Telehealth may promote patient comfort by allowing SICs to take place at home. This study assesses the feasibility and usability of a telehealth-delivered Serious Illness Care Program (SICP) for older adults with AML and MDS. We conducted a single-arm pilot study including 20 older adults with AML and MDS. Feasibility was measured using retention rate, with >80% considered feasible. Usability was measured using telehealth usability questionnaire (TUQ; range, 1-7): >5 considered usable. We collected other outcomes including acceptability and disease understanding and conducted post-visit qualitative interviews to elicit feedback. Hypothesis testing was performed at α = 0.10 owing to the pilot nature and small sample size. Retention rate was 95% (19/20); mean TUQ scores were 5.9 (standard deviation [SD], 0.9) and 5.9 (SD, 1.1) for patients and caregivers, respectively. We found the SICP to be acceptable. The majority of patients found the SICP to be very or extremely worthwhile (88.2%; 15/17), and reported it increased closeness with their clinician (75.0%; 12/16). After their visit, patient estimates of curability, and overall life expectancy aligned more closely with those of their clinicians. In qualitative interviews, most patients said that they would recommend this program to others (89.5%, 17/19). This study demonstrated that delivery of the telehealth SICP to older patients with AML and MDS is feasible, usable, and acceptable. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT04745676.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa LoCastro
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Soroush Mortaz-Hedjri
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Jason H. Mendler
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Sally Norton
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Thomas Carroll
- Divisions of General Medicine and Palliative Care, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Heidi Klepin
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Jane Liesveld
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Eric Huselton
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Benzi Kluger
- Divisions of General Medicine and Palliative Care, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Kah Poh Loh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
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