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Boven C, Dillen L, Van Humbeeck L, Van Den Block L, Piers R, Van Den Noortgate N. Relatives' needs in terms of bereavement care throughout euthanasia processes: A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:3259-3272. [PMID: 38661114 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17185] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
AIM To explore relatives' needs in terms of bereavement care during euthanasia processes, how healthcare providers respond to these needs, and the degree of commonality between relatives' and healthcare providers' reports. DESIGN A phenomenological design was employed, utilising reflexive thematic analysis to examine interviews conducted with relatives (N = 19) and healthcare providers (N = 47). RESULTS Relatives' needs throughout euthanasia processes are presented in five main themes and several subthemes, with similar findings between both sets of participants. Although relatives infrequently communicated their needs explicitly to healthcare providers, they appreciated it when staff proactively met their needs. Healthcare providers aimed to assist with the relatives' grief process by tending to their specific needs. However, aftercare was not consistently offered, but relatives did not have high expectations for professional follow-up care. CONCLUSION Our research offers important directions for healthcare professionals, empowering them to provide needs-based bereavement care during euthanasia processes. Moreover, it emphasises the importance of recognising the unique needs of relatives and proactively addressing them in the period before the loss to positively contribute to relatives' grief process. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE Insights into relatives' needs in the context of euthanasia. Good practices on how healthcare providers can attend to relatives' needs before, during and after the loss IMPACT: Current literature and guidelines on needs-based bereavement care in the context of euthanasia and, more generally, assisted dying, are limited. These findings provide concrete directions for practice in supporting (nearly) bereaved relatives in the context of euthanasia, potentially mitigating adverse health outcomes. REPORTING METHOD Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR checklist). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Relatives of deceased cancer patients were involved in the conduct of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Boven
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Let Dillen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care Unit, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Lieve Van Den Block
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels Health Campus, Brussels, Belgium
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University, Campus Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ruth Piers
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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López-Salas M, Yanes-Roldán A, Fernández A, Marín A, Martínez AI, Monroy A, Navarro JM, Pino M, Gómez R, Rodríguez S, Garrido S, Cousillas S, Navas T, Lapeña V, Fernández B. End-of-life care needs in cancer patients: a qualitative study of patient and family experiences. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:157. [PMID: 38907206 PMCID: PMC11191331 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01489-1] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a disease that transcends what is purely medical, profoundly affecting the day-to-day life of both patients and family members. Previous research has shown that the consequences of cancer are greatly aggravated in patients at the end of life, at a time when they must also grapple with numerous unmet needs. The main objective of this study was to obtain more in-depth insight into these needs, primarily in patients with end-stage cancer nearing death. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Spain with cancer patients at the end of life (n = 3) and their family members (n = 12). The findings from the interviews were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis and a grounded theory approach. RESULTS Four major themes emerged from the interviews that explored the needs and concerns of patients with cancer at the end of life: (1) physical well-being (2) emotional well-being (3) social well-being and (4), needs relating to information and autonomous decision-making. The interviews also shed light on the specific needs of family members during this period, namely the difficulties of managing increased caregiver burden and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. CONCLUSIONS A lack of support, information and transparency during a period of immense vulnerability makes the end-of-life experience even more difficult for patients with cancer. Our findings highlight the importance of developing a more in-depth understanding of the needs of this population, so that informed efforts can be made to improve palliative healthcare and implement more comprehensive care and support at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ainhoa Marín
- Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Monroy
- Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta Pino
- Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Gómez
- Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
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Betker L, Senßfelder A, Knorrenschild JR, Volberg C, Berthold D, Seifart C, von Blanckenburg P. Difficulties of Cancer Patients' Relatives in End-of-Life Discussions: Validation of a Questionnaire. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:420-428. [PMID: 38355073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite the potential benefits and the desire for end-of-life communication, it rarely occurs in the familial context. Relatives play a significant role in the communication process; thus, it is crucial to understand the difficulties that they face. OBJECTIVES To develop and evaluate the relatives' version of the Difficulties in End-of-Life Discussions - Family Inventory (DEOLD-FI-r) regarding its factor structure, reliability and validity. METHODS Relatives of patients with advanced cancer were recruited in a German hospital. The factor structure of the questionnaire was explored. Construct validity was examined through correlations between the DEOLD-FI-r and measures of avoidance of cancer communication, quality of life, distress, and experienced difficulty during end-of-life discussions. Additionally, we examined the group difference between those who had and had not engaged in the conversation. RESULTS About 111 relatives completed the survey (mean age 55.5 years, 52% female). The final version of the DEOLD-FI-r contained 23 items (α = .92). The exploratory factor analysis resulted in three factors explaining 74% of the variance. Each factor described another dimension of potential communication barriers in end-of-life discussions: 1) Own emotional burden, 2) Relational and patient-related difficulties, 3) Negative attitudes. Construct validity was supported by correlations consistent with our hypotheses and less reported communication difficulty by those who had already talked about the end-of-life with their relative (t(106) = 5.38, P < .001, d = 0.8). CONCLUSION The results indicate that the DEOLD-FI-r is a valid and reliable instrument for the systematic assessment of difficulties in family end-of-life communication. By focusing on relatives, it complements the already validated patient-version.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liv Betker
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., A.S., P.v.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Alina Senßfelder
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., A.S., P.v.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jorge Riera Knorrenschild
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg (J.R.K.), Marburg, Germany
| | - Christian Volberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (C.V.), University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Department of Medicine, Research Group Medical Ethics (C.V., C.S.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Berthold
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology and Palliative Care (D.B.), University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carola Seifart
- Department of Medicine, Research Group Medical Ethics (C.V., C.S.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Pia von Blanckenburg
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., A.S., P.v.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Pamuk Cebeci S, Bilgiç Ş. Perception of Good Death and Level of Perceived Stress in Relatives of Palliative Care Patients. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241237838. [PMID: 38656222 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241237838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the perception of a good death and the level of perceived stress in relatives of palliative care patients. Relatives of 110 patients hospitalized in a palliative care center constituted the research sample. A personal information form, the "Good Death Scale," and the "Perceived Stress Scale" were used for data collection. The patients' relatives defined good death as being with family members and living this process without suffering. The mean total Good Death Scale score of the relatives of palliative care patients was 54.86 ± 7.78, and their mean total Perceived Stress Scale score was 31.11 ± 10.10. These findings showed that patients' relatives had high perceptions of good death and that their stress levels were above average. To expand the scope of nursing care, it is important to know how patients' relatives are affected by this process. It is recommended that more studies be conducted on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevil Pamuk Cebeci
- Fundamentals of Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Türkiye
| | - Şebnem Bilgiç
- Fundamentals of Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
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Piovesan M, Orr P, Tevyaw S, Roussos E, Cherid C, Bouchard S. A Prospective Study with Patients and Families on the Usefulness of Accurate Prognosis for Palliative Care Patients. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK IN END-OF-LIFE & PALLIATIVE CARE 2024; 20:133-146. [PMID: 38449073 DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2024.2321330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Prediction of life expectancy in terminally ill patients is an important end-of-life care issue for patients, families and mental health workers during the last days of life. This study was conducted to examine the importance/usefulness for patients/families to have an accurate prognosis and its impact on planning their activities prior to death. All patients admitted during a period of one year were included. Patients' and families' viewpoints on the usefulness of an accurate prognosis was documented at admission. There were 285 patients in the cohort. The median time to death was 8 days. Most families (83%) rated the importance of an accurate prognosis as moderately (13%) to very much useful (70%). A total of 42% of patients were able to complete e the questionnaire. Among these, 58% found it moderately to very much useful. For families, having an accurate prognosis influenced the planning of visits (69%), communication/closure (42%) and spiritual needs/funeral arrangements (31%). Patients identified planning of visits (10%), communication/closure (12%), and goals/accomplishments (9%) as very important. Discussing the prognosis and its impact is very helpful for the mental health professionals to have open and honest conversations with patients/families to identify, prioritize and adapt treatment to achieve goals prior to death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Piovesan
- Clinical Care Department, Montreal Institute for Palliative Care, Kirkland, Quebec, Canada
- Clinical Care Department, Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, Kirkland, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pauline Orr
- Clinical Care Department, Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, Kirkland, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah Tevyaw
- Clinical Care Department, Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, Kirkland, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emily Roussos
- Clinical Care Department, Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, Kirkland, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chams Cherid
- Clinical Care Department, Montreal Institute for Palliative Care, Kirkland, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Bouchard
- Clinical Care Department, Montreal Institute for Palliative Care, Kirkland, Quebec, Canada
- Clinical Care Department, Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, Kirkland, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Wen FH, Hou MM, Su PJ, Shen WC, Chou WC, Chen JS, Chang WC, Tang ST. Factors of preparedness for loss from cancer among Taiwanese family caregivers. DEATH STUDIES 2024; 48:630-639. [PMID: 38236991 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2305340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
This cohort study investigated factors associated with 336 Taiwanese family caregivers' emotional and cognitive preparedness for death of a loved one with terminal cancer. Caregivers' death-preparedness states (no-death-preparedness [as reference], cognitive-death-preparedness-only, emotional-death-preparedness-only, and sufficient-death-preparedness states) were previously identified. Associations of factors with these states were determined by a hierarchical generalized linear model. Financial hardship decreased caregivers' likelihood for the emotional-death-preparedness-only and sufficient-death-preparedness states. Physician prognostic disclosure increased membership in the cognitive-death-preparedness-only and sufficient-death-preparedness states. The better the quality of the patient-caregiver relationship, the higher the odds for the emotional-death-preparedness-only and sufficient-death-preparedness states, whereas the greater the tendency for caregivers to communicate end-of-life issues with their loved one, the lower the odds for emotional-death-preparedness-only state membership. Stronger coping capacity increased membership in the emotional-death-preparedness-only state, but perceived social support was not associated with state membership. Providing effective interventions tailored to at-risk family caregivers' specific needs may facilitate their death preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Mo Hou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Jung Su
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Chi Shen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
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Costeira C, Dixe MA, Querido A, Rocha A, Vitorino J, Santos C, Laranjeira C. Death Unpreparedness Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Concept Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:188. [PMID: 38255076 PMCID: PMC10815185 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020188] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed changes upon the capacity of healthcare systems, with significant repercussions on healthcare provision, particularly at end-of-life. This study aims to analyze the concept map of death unpreparedness due to the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing the relationships among the attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical indicators. Walker and Avant's method was used to guide an analysis of this concept. A literature search was performed systematically, between May 2022 and August 2023, using the following electronic databases on the Elton Bryson Stephens Company (EBSCO) host platform: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete, Cochrane Library, and Nursing and Allied Health Collection. Thirty-four articles were retrieved. The unexpected and unpredictable impositions associated with inexperience and unskillfulness in dealing with COVID-19 configured challenges for healthcare professionals, family/caregivers, and even the dying person. Nine key attributes emerged in three main domains: (1) Individual: (a) disease-related conditions, (b) separation distress, and (c) scarcity of death and grief literacy; (2) Relational: (a) Dying alone, (b) poor communication, and (c) existential issues; and (3) Contextual: (a) disrupted collective mourning and grieving, (b) disrupted compassionate care and, (c) pandemic social stigma. This study contributed a full definition of death unpreparedness in a global pandemic scenario such as COVID-19. In this sense, feeling unprepared or unready for death brought new challenges to the bioecological resources of those affected. It is essential to embrace strategies capable of providing emotional and spiritual support in the dying process and to respect patient wishes. The lessons learned from COVID-19 should be applied to events with a comparable impact to minimize their consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Costeira
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André-66-68, Campus 5, 13 Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal; (M.A.D.); (A.Q.); (C.S.)
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2—Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro—Apart. 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
- The Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA:E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), 3004-011 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Anjos Dixe
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André-66-68, Campus 5, 13 Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal; (M.A.D.); (A.Q.); (C.S.)
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2—Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro—Apart. 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
| | - Ana Querido
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André-66-68, Campus 5, 13 Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal; (M.A.D.); (A.Q.); (C.S.)
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2—Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro—Apart. 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), NursID, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Rocha
- Nursing School of Coimbra, Avenida Bissaya Barreto s/n, 3004-011 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Joel Vitorino
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2—Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro—Apart. 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
- Palliative Care Unit, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cátia Santos
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André-66-68, Campus 5, 13 Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal; (M.A.D.); (A.Q.); (C.S.)
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2—Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro—Apart. 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
| | - Carlos Laranjeira
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André-66-68, Campus 5, 13 Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal; (M.A.D.); (A.Q.); (C.S.)
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2—Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro—Apart. 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-801 Évora, Portugal
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Song MK, Manatunga A, Plantinga L, Metzger M, Kshirsagar AV, Lea J, Abdel-Rahman EM, Jhamb M, Wu E, Englert J, Ward SE. Effectiveness of an Advance Care Planning Intervention in Adults Receiving Dialysis and Their Families: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2351511. [PMID: 38289604 PMCID: PMC10828909 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.51511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Evidence of effectiveness of advance care planning (ACP) strategies for patients receiving dialysis and their families is needed. Objectives To test the effectiveness of an ACP intervention to prepare patients and their surrogates for end-of-life (EOL) decision-making and to improve surrogate bereavement outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants This cluster randomized clinical trial, An Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of SPIRIT (Sharing Patients' Illness Representations to Increase Trust) in ESRD, was conducted from December 2017 to March 2023 and included 42 dialysis clinics in 5 US states (Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) randomized to provide intervention or usual care. Recruitment was from February 15, 2018, to January 31, 2022, and patient-surrogate dyads were followed up for 21 months (until January 17, 2023) or until patient death. Intervention Each clinic selected 1 or 2 health care workers (eg, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, or social worker) to conduct 45- to 60-minute ACP discussions with dyads in the clinic or remotely. After March 13, 2020 (commencement of the COVID-19 emergency declaration), all discussions were conducted remotely. An ACP summary was placed in patients' medical records. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary, 2-week preparedness outcomes were dyad congruence on EOL goals of care, patient decisional conflict, surrogate decision-making confidence, and a composite of dyad congruence and surrogate decision-making confidence. Secondary bereavement outcomes were anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic distress 3 months after patient death. To adjust for COVID-19 pandemic effects on bereavement outcomes, a variable to indicate the timing of baseline and 3-month assessment relative to the COVID-19 emergency declaration was created. Results Of the 426 dyads enrolled, 231 were in the intervention clinics, and 195 were in the control clinics. Among all dyads, the mean (SD) patient age was 61.9 (12.7) years, and the mean (SD) surrogate age was 53.7 (15.4) years. At 2 weeks, after adjusting for baseline values, dyad congruence (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% CI, 1.12-2.31; P = .001), decisional conflict scores (β, -0.10; 95% CI, -0.13 to -0.07; P < .001), and the composite (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.06-2.34; P = .03) were higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Surrogate decision-making confidence was similar between groups (β, 0.06; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.13; P = .12). Among 77 bereaved surrogates, after adjusting for baseline values and assessment timing, intervention group anxiety was lower than control group anxiety (β, -1.55; 95% CI, -3.08 to -0.01; P = .05); however, depression (β, -0.18; 95% CI, -2.09 to 1.73; P = .84) and posttraumatic distress (β, -0.96; 95% CI, -7.39 to 5.46; P = .75) were similar. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, the ACP intervention implemented by health care workers at dialysis centers improved preparation for EOL decision-making but showed mixed effectiveness on bereavement outcomes. The ACP intervention implemented in dialysis centers may be an effective strategy to the dyad preparation for end-of-life care as opposed to the current focus on advance directives. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03138564.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Kyung Song
- Center for Nursing Excellence in Palliative Care, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amita Manatunga
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Laura Plantinga
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Abhijit V. Kshirsagar
- UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
| | - Janice Lea
- Division of Renal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Emaad M. Abdel-Rahman
- Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Manisha Jhamb
- Division of Renal-Electrolyte, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Emily Wu
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jacob Englert
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Matsuzaka S, Ohba A, Masukawa K, Aoyama M, Morita T, Kizawa Y, Tsuneto S, Shima Y, Miyashita M. Factors associated with the preparedness for bereavement in families of patients with cancer: A secondary analysis of a nationwide bereaved family survey. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6276. [PMID: 38282233 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6276] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Insufficient preparedness for bereavement can affect a family's psychological health status after bereavement. However, factors associated with preparedness remain unclear. This study aimed to identify factors associated with preparedness for bereavement in families of patients with cancer. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of a nationwide bereaved family survey in Japan, analyzing data from 9123 family members of patients with cancer. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore how sociodemographic factors, health status, and perceived care for patients and families were associated with preparedness for bereavement. RESULTS Of the 9123 families, 1338 (15.1%) were not prepared for bereavement. Factors associated with insufficient preparedness for bereavement (all p < 0.001) were found as follows: patients' spouses (OR = 2.54), receiving care in acute hospitals (OR = 1.83), worse psychological health status during caregiving (OR = 2.13), lower social support for family members (OR = 1.90), wrong patients' awareness of medical condition from family's perspective (OR = 1.75-2.12), family preference of more aggressive treatment rather than palliative care (OR = 1.71) or not sure (OR = 2.31), not wanting to know information about the patient's prognosis (OR = 1.64-1.77), end-of-life discussion with physician 1 month before patient's death (OR = 1.45), and late or early end-of-life discussions with physician and family (OR = 1.78-1.95). CONCLUSIONS This study's results might assist clinicians in assessing and identifying families who are not prepared for bereavement; however, preparedness for bereavement may have been associated with other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakiko Matsuzaka
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Akiho Ohba
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kento Masukawa
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Maho Aoyama
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Palliative Care Team, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamtsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kizawa
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuo Shima
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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Rawlings D, Van Dinther K, Miller-Lewis L, Tieman J, Swetenham K. Experiences of engaging a death doula: qualitative interviews with bereaved family members. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524231207112. [PMID: 37954464 PMCID: PMC10637134 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231207112] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There has been an emerging trend of adopting a death doula, a non-medical advocate and guide for people at the end of life and their families. While there has been growing empirical research regarding the work of death doulas, no studies have been undertaken with the families who have engaged them. Objectives To understand the experiences of families who used a death doula in terms of what they did for the patient and family; to understand the benefits and drawbacks of using a death doula; and to use family insight to determine cultural shifts towards death and dying, and what the death doula phenomenon tells us around our attitudes towards death and dying. Methods We recruited and interviewed 10 bereaved family members to learn about their experiences using a death doula. This qualitative research took an interpretive phenomenological approach, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results The most valuable attribute the families gained from death doulas was an increase in death literacy resulting in personal empowerment. Empowerment enabled positive end-of-life experiences for the family and personalised deaths for the patient. A novel finding was that the connections and knowledge shared between the death doula and family had a resonant effect, resulting in families being more comfortable with death and keen to share their knowledge with others. Therefore, family engagement of a death doula led to an increase in community awareness around death and dying. Conclusion Family members' experience with a death doula was overwhelmingly positive, empowering them practically and emotionally to deliver the best end-of-life care. Empathy and sharing of knowledge by death doulas were valued by families and resulted in an increase in death literacy which provided families with opportunities to 'pay it forward'. Furthermore, the relationships formed between doulas and families have the potential for a lasting, resonant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deb Rawlings
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Kristine Van Dinther
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lauren Miller-Lewis
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia, Wayville, SA, Australia
| | - Jenifer Tieman
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kate Swetenham
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Health Programs and Funding Branch, Department for Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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11
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Coventry A, Gerdtz M, McInnes E, Dickson J, Hudson P. Supporting families of patients who die in adult intensive care: A scoping review of interventions. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2023; 78:103454. [PMID: 37253283 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2023.103454] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Families who perceive themselves as prepared for an impending death experience reduced psychological burden during bereavement. Understanding which interventions promote death preparedness in families during end-of-life care in intensive care will inform future intervention development and may help limit the burden of psychological symptoms associated with bereavement. AIM To identify and characterise interventions that help prepare families for the possibility of death in intensive care, incorporating barriers to intervention implementation, outcome variables and instruments used. DESIGN Scoping review using Joanna Briggs methodology, prospectively registered and reported using relevant guidelines. DATA SOURCES A systematic search of six databases from 2007 to 2023 for randomised controlled trials evaluating interventions that prepared families of intensive care patients for the possibility of death. Citations were screened against the inclusion criteria and extracted by two reviewers independently. RESULTS Seven trials met eligibility criteria. Interventions were classified: decision support, psychoeducation, information provision. Psychoeducation involving physician-led family conference, emotional support and written information reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, prolonged grief, and post-traumatic stress in families during bereavement. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress were assessed most frequently. Barriers and facilitators to intervention implementation were seldom reported. CONCLUSION This review provides a conceptual framework of interventions to prepare families for death in intensive care, while highlighting a gap in rigorously conducted empirical research in this area. Future research should focus on theoretically informed, family-clinician communication, and explore the benefits of integrating existing multidisciplinary palliative care guidelines to deliver family conference within intensive care. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE Intensive care clinicians should consider innovative communication strategies to build family-clinician connectedness in remote pandemic conditions. To prepare families for an impending death, mnemonic guided physician-led family conference and printed information could be implemented to prepare families for death, dying and bereavement. Mnemonic guided emotional support during dying and family conference after death may also assist families seeking closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysia Coventry
- Department of Nursing, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3010, Australia; The Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 172 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Nursing Research Institute, St Vincent's Health Network Sydney, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne & Australian Catholic University, Level 5, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia. https://twitter.com/@AlysiaCoventry
| | - Marie Gerdtz
- Department of Nursing, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3010, Australia. https://twitter.com/@MarieGerdtz
| | - Elizabeth McInnes
- Nursing Research Institute, St Vincent's Health Network Sydney, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne & Australian Catholic University, Level 5, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Jessica Dickson
- Library and Academic Research Services, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia. https://twitter.com/@jess_dickson15
| | - Peter Hudson
- Department of Nursing, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3010, Australia; The Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 172 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Vrije University, Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Belapurkar P, Acharya S, Shukla S, Kumar S, Khurana K, Acharya N. Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, and Perceived Stress Among Family Caregivers of Patients Diagnosed With Oral Cancer in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e47100. [PMID: 38021994 PMCID: PMC10646617 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Oral cancer is a significant health issue in India, with one of the highest incidence rates globally. Family caregivers play a crucial role in the care of oral cancer patients, but their mental health often faces challenges. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress among family caregivers of oral cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital in central India and explore the associated psychosocial factors. Population and method The study was carried out between March 2023 and August 2023 in a tertiary care hospital in Wardha, Maharashtra. Family caregivers (N=82, mean age = 36.1 (SD 10.5) years) of patients with clinically diagnosed oral cancer were subjected first to structured psychiatric clinical interviews to screen for psychiatric diagnoses and then were given self-reporting questionnaires for socio-demographic data, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) for measuring the emotional, cognitive, and motivational symptoms of depression, Manifest Anxiety Scale (MAS) to assess the degree of anxiety and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) to assess stress level. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were conducted wherever appropriate in order to explore predictive factors of depressive, anxious, or stress symptoms. Result In the studied population, the majority experienced symptoms of depression (65.1%), anxiety (69.5%), and perceived stress (74.7%). Caregivers of patients with advanced oral cancer were found to have a higher likelihood of experiencing depression (χ2 (1) = 16.76, p < .001) and anxiety related to unemployment (χ2 (1) = 10.12, p = .001) or insufficient earnings (χ2 (1) = 28.63, p < .001). Additionally, participants with no or little formal education (χ2 (1) = 4.63, p = 0.031) and lower income (χ2 (1) = 28.63, p < .0001) were significantly more likely to experience distress compared to those with higher levels of education. Conclusion This study highlights the need for comprehensive support systems for family caregivers of oral cancer patients. Educational programs, financial assistance, and mental health services should be tailored to caregivers' specific needs. Early identification and intervention strategies can help mitigate the psychological impact of caregiving. Further research is essential to develop targeted interventions that enhance the well-being of caregivers and improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Belapurkar
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Sourya Acharya
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Samarth Shukla
- Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Kashish Khurana
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Neema Acharya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
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13
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Häger Tibell L, Årestedt K, Holm M, Wallin V, Steineck G, Hudson P, Kreicbergs U, Alvariza A. Preparedness for caregiving and preparedness for death: Associations and modifiable thereafter factors among family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in specialized home care. DEATH STUDIES 2023; 48:407-416. [PMID: 37441803 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2231388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to (1) explore associations between preparedness for caregiving and preparedness for death among family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer and (2) explore modifiable preparedness factors, such as communication and support. Data was derived from a baseline questionnaire collected in specialized home care. The questionnaire included socio-demographics, the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, and single items addressing preparedness for death, received support and communication about incurable illness. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlations. Altogether 39 family caregivers participated. A significant association was found between preparedness for caregiving and preparedness for death. Received support and communication about the illness was associated with higher levels of preparedness for caregiving and death. This study contributes to evidence on the association between preparedness for caregiving and death, but also that communication and support employed by healthcare professionals could improve family caregiver preparedness and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Häger Tibell
- The Department of Health Care Science/Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Tema Cancer, BES: Breast-Endocrine Tumours and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Research, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Maja Holm
- The Department of Health Care Science/Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Nursing Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Viktoria Wallin
- The Department of Health Care Science/Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Steineck
- Department of Clinical Cancer Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Cancer Epidemiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Hudson
- Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent´s Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Vrije University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ulrika Kreicbergs
- The Department of Health Care Science/Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anette Alvariza
- Research and Development-Unit/Palliative Care, Stockholms Sjukhem, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Heidenreich A, Elsner S, Wörler F, Hübner J, Schües C, Rehmann-Sutter C, Katalinic A, Gieseler F. Physicians' perspectives on family caregivers' roles in elderly cancer patients' therapies: a qualitative, interview-based study. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:387. [PMID: 37296323 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07857-6] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical communication and facilitating informed and sound medical decisions become challenging as patients age and suffer from age-associated impairments. Family caregivers are perceived as essential actors in addressing these challenges. Here, we explore physicians' perspectives on family caregivers' roles and their involvement in consultations and therapy decision-making situations of elderly cancer patients. METHODS We examined 38 semi-structured interviews with physicians from different specialities (oncologists, non-oncology specialists, and general practitioners) in Germany who treated elderly cancer patients. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified five general and distinct perspectives on the involvement of family caregivers in the therapy process. Family caregivers are seen as (1) translators of medical information; (2) providers of support for the patient; (3) providers of information about the patient; (4) stakeholders with relevant points of view regarding the treatment decision; or (5) individuals who have a disruptive influence on the consultation. The interviewed physicians rarely involved family caregivers closely in consultations. CONCLUSIONS Although physicians frequently attribute supportive roles to family caregivers, they rarely include them in consultations. Previous studies have found that a triadic setting is often better suited to agreeing upon a patient-centered and needs-based treatment decision for older cancer patients. We infer that physicians too rarely recognize the potential importance of family caregivers. Educators should further integrate family caregiver involvement and its implications in general medical education and professional training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Heidenreich
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.
| | - Susanne Elsner
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Frank Wörler
- Institute for History of Medicine and Science Studies, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Joachim Hübner
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Christina Schües
- Institute for History of Medicine and Science Studies, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Katalinic
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Frank Gieseler
- Clinic for Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Luebeck, Germany
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15
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Banks H, Webb K, Sharpe L, Shaw J. A qualitative exploration of fear of cancer recurrence in caregivers. Psychooncology 2023. [PMID: 37157172 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most common unmet needs for cancer patients and caregivers. Yet little is known about the potentially unique nature of caregiver FCR. Our research aimed to address this gap by qualitatively exploring the features and impact of caregiver FCR. METHODS Eighteen semi-structured telephone interviews with cancer caregivers were conducted to explore the content and impact of caregiver fears and worries about cancer recurrence or progression. Data analysis used a Framework Approach. RESULTS Qualitative analysis identified three themes (1) fear of the patient suffering, (2) the need to protect the patient from a recurrence and/or cancer-related distress, and (3) caregiver's sense of unpreparedness and uncertainty. Underpinning these themes was an overarching sense of personal responsibility for the life of the patient. This overarching theme was identified as a key driver of caregivers' personal and patient-centred fears. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the conceptual differences between patient and caregiver FCR. Future research must therefore acknowledge the unique experiences of caregivers and prioritise the development of empirically driven theoretical models, instruments, and interventions for caregiver FCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Banks
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Psycho-oncology Co-operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kyra Webb
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Psycho-oncology Co-operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise Sharpe
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne Shaw
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Psycho-oncology Co-operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Matthys O, Dierickx S, Deliens L, Lapeire L, Hudson P, Van Audenhove C, De Vleminck A, Cohen J. Is pre-bereavement collaboration between family caregivers and healthcare professionals associated with post-bereavement emotional well-being? A population-based survey. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 110:107654. [PMID: 36805930 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate pre-bereavement collaboration with healthcare professionals and its association with emotional well-being of family caregivers of people with serious illness post-bereavement. METHODS Population-based cross-sectional survey of bereaved family caregivers of people with serious illness (N = 3000) who died two to six months before the sample was drawn (November 2019), identified through three sickness funds in Belgium. RESULTS Response rate was 55%. As measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), family caregivers scored lower on positive affect (PA) and higher on negative affect (NA) compared to a normative sample. Most family caregivers evaluated the pre-bereavement collaboration with healthcare professionals positively. Family caregivers' evaluation of collaboration with healthcare professionals pre-bereavement was positively associated with PA and negatively with NA, also when controlling for confounding effects of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the bereaved family caregiver and the deceased person. CONCLUSION There is a positive association between perceived quality of collaboration at the end of life between healthcare professionals and family caregivers and post-bereavement emotional well-being of family caregivers. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest the pertinence of attention from healthcare professionals to effective collaboration with family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orphé Matthys
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sigrid Dierickx
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lore Lapeire
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Hudson
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Belgium; Centre for Palliative Care, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Aline De Vleminck
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Gonella S, Cornally N, Antal A, Tambone S, Martin P, Dimonte V, Di Giulio P. Family caregivers' experience of communication with nursing home staff from admission to end of life during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study employing a transitional perspective. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-12. [PMID: 36847131 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Family caregivers' (FCs) caregiving in nursing home (NH) moves across 3 main phases: transitioning relatives to long-term care, worsening of a relative's conditions, and end of life; each phase brings specific challenges that FCs must confront. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, strict mandatory visitor restrictions affected communication modalities. This study explored FCs' experience of communication with NH staff during the COVID-19 pandemic from admission to end of life. METHODS A descriptive qualitative study with inductive content analysis was performed in 7 Italian NHs from May to June 2021. NH managers purposively identified 25 FCs at different phases of their caregiving trajectory: transitional (i.e., admission in the previous 8 weeks, n = 8), deterioration-in-condition (i.e., acknowledged changes in care needs of their relative after trigger events, n = 10), and end-of-life phase (i.e., death expected in the next weeks or a few months, n = 7), who were interviewed. RESULTS Regardless the phase of caregiving trajectory, what mattered most to FCs was the opportunity to have regular and sensitive discussions with health-care professionals. The need of in-person communication increased nearing death. The COVID-19 pandemic enhanced FCs' need to interact with health-care professionals they trusted. Knowledge of residents' preferences mitigated FCs' turbulent emotions throughout the overall caregiving trajectory. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Findings suggest that in-person contacts should be prioritized and facilitated when possible, particularly at the end of life; nonetheless, meaningful communication can occur also through remote modalities. Investments in training health-care professionals about effective long-distance communication and supportive skills can help trusting relationships to be established. Open discussions about residents' care preferences should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Direction of Health Professions, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Nicola Cornally
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alexandra Antal
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Tambone
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Peter Martin
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Direction of Health Professions, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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18
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Stanley S, Balakrishnan S. Informal caregivers of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia: determinants and predictors of resilience. J Ment Health 2023; 32:198-205. [PMID: 34282713 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2021.1952945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extant literature portrays informal caregiving by family members who care for a person with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, as one that involves a tremendous amount of stress and burden. AIM This investigation sought to assess informal caregiving experience with regard to variables such as perceived positive aspects, preparedness, resilience, and life satisfaction. METHOD Data was collected from two groups of respondents accessing services at the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India. The study group consisted of 75 family caregivers of persons with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and the reference group had an equal number of caregivers of people with minor physical ailments. The two groups were matched on important background factors, ensuring their comparability. Standardised instruments were administered to all respondents to collect data pertaining to the key variables and analysed using appropriate statistical procedures. RESULTS Results indicated that caregivers of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, while manifesting higher levels of resilience, perceived lesser positive aspects in their caring role. A significant statistical difference between both groups of respondents in terms of their life satisfaction and resilience. Regression analyses extracted preparedness and life satisfaction as significant contributors to the manifestation of resilience in the caregivers. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the importance of caregiver preparedness and life satisfaction in enhancing their resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selwyn Stanley
- Social Work Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | - Sujeetha Balakrishnan
- Psychology and Clinical Psychologist, Thanjavur Medical College Hospital, Thanjavur, India
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19
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Gonella S, Conti A, Albanesi B, Antal A, Dimonte V, Di Giulio P. Lived experiences of end-of-life communication among nursing home staff: An interpretive phenomenological study. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:698-710. [PMID: 36447384 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15489] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore and understand lived experiences of end-of-life communication among nursing home staff. DESIGN Interpretive phenomenological study. METHODS In-person, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted from May to August 2021 with 21 nursing home staff members involved in end-of-life communication (four managers, four chief nurses, three chief medical officers, three nurses, three psychologists, two occupational therapists, one chief nurse aide and one nurse aide). Data were analysed by van Manen's hermeneutic approach, which uses the lifeworld existentials of spatiality, corporeality, temporality and relationality to guide reflection on the human experience. Data were reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. RESULTS Thirteen categories were identified and framed within the four existentials. Regarding spatiality, end-of-life communication took place in a physical, mental, socio-cultural and professional competence space. With regard to corporeality, interviewees reported difficulties in managing their own feelings and those of family caregivers. For temporality, interviewees reported delays in end-of-life communication due to staffing issues and an increase in urgent and temporary relief admissions to nursing homes. To compensate, they tried to assure that all interactions that did take place were of high quality. Finally, with regard to relationality, interviewees lived end-of-life communication through their relationships with family caregivers and colleagues. The supportive role of colleagues was expressed as teamwork, which helped promote reflexivity about how to tailor communication, manage challenging emotions and situations, set aside time for communication, and prepare family caregivers for death. CONCLUSION End-of-life communication was an all-encompassing experience for nursing home staff. The supportive role of colleagues was stressed across all existentials, suggesting that teamwork is essential in delivering effective communication at the end-of-life. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION There was no patient or public contribution to this study, which addresses the experiences of nursing home staff only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessio Conti
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Beatrice Albanesi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alexandra Antal
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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20
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van der Velden NCA, Smets EMA, Hagedoorn M, Applebaum AJ, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, van Laarhoven HWM, Henselmans I. Patient-Caregiver Dyads' Prognostic Information Preferences and Perceptions in Advanced Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:442-455.e2. [PMID: 36731806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Prognostic information is considered important for advanced cancer patients and primary informal caregivers to prepare for the end of life. Little is known about discordance in patients' and caregivers' prognostic information preferences and prognostic perceptions, while such discordance complicates adaptive dyadic coping, clinical interactions and care plans. OBJECTIVES To investigate the extent of patient-caregiver discordance in prognostic information preferences and perceptions, and the factors associated with discordant prognostic perceptions. METHODS We conducted secondary analyses of a cross-sectional study (PROSPECT, 2019-2021). Advanced cancer patients (median overall survival ≤12 months) from seven Dutch hospitals and caregivers completed structured surveys (n = 412 dyads). RESULTS Seven percent of patient-caregiver dyads had discordant information preferences regarding the likelihood of cure; 24%-25% had discordant information preferences regarding mortality risk (5/2/1 year). Seventeen percent of dyads had discordant perceptions of the likelihood of cure; 12%-25% had discordant perceptions of mortality risk (5/2/1 year). Dyads with discordant prognostic information preferences (P < 0.05) and dyads in which patients reported better physical functioning (P < 0.01) were significantly more likely to perceive the one-year mortality risk discordantly. CONCLUSION Physicians should be sensitive to discordant prognostic information preferences and prognostic perceptions among patient-caregiver dyads in advanced cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C A van der Velden
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam (N.C.A.V., E.M.A.S, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health (N.C.A.V, E.M.A.S, B.D.O-P, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam (N.C.A.V., E.M.A.S, H.W.M.L, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ellen M A Smets
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam (N.C.A.V., E.M.A.S, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health (N.C.A.V, E.M.A.S, B.D.O-P, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam (N.C.A.V., E.M.A.S, H.W.M.L, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariët Hagedoorn
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen (M.H), The Netherlands
| | - Allison J Applebaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (A.J.A), New York, New York, USA
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health (N.C.A.V, E.M.A.S, B.D.O-P, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Public and Occupational Health, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (B.D.O-P, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke W M van Laarhoven
- Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam (N.C.A.V., E.M.A.S, H.W.M.L, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam (H.W.M.L), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Henselmans
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam (N.C.A.V., E.M.A.S, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health (N.C.A.V, E.M.A.S, B.D.O-P, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam (N.C.A.V., E.M.A.S, H.W.M.L, I.H.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Jain H, Jagtap M. Development of Quality of Life Due to Dysphagia Questionnaire for Caregivers of Individuals with Dysphagia (QOLC-M). Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:5645-5656. [PMID: 36742933 PMCID: PMC9895363 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02931-z] [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: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Caregivers play an important role in providing care for patients with dysphagia and experience various psychosocial issues, but these areas remain unexplored. There is paucity of tools to assess quality of life of caregivers of individuals with dysphagia attending to these cases. Hence, a need was felt to carry out the present study to develop a tool to assess quality of life for caregivers of individuals with dysphagia. Construction of questionnaire was done in Marathi language and validated by native Marathi speakers and face validity by experts. The questionnaire was administered on 30 caregivers of individuals with dysphagia.A detailed case history, demographic information of the caregivers was noted and questionnaire was administered on the caregivers using interview method. The data was subjected to measures of internal consistency and reliability. Statistical analysis revealed a high item to total correlation (0.6-0.92).Internal consistency was found to be high (α = 0.95) while Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was administered for reliability revealing high reliability (ICC = 0.85).The analysis of responses of the caregivers on the statements revealed moderate to high scores for many statements indicating impact of dysphagia on activities of daily living, social aspects, feelings and attitudes and problems faced during feeding. QOLC-M was found to be a tool with high reliability and internal consistency. It could identify the impact of dysphagia on caregiver's QOL highlighting specific problems faced by them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshitha Jain
- Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), School of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Dhankawadi Campus, Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra 411043 India
| | - Mansi Jagtap
- Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), School of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Dhankawadi Campus, Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra 411043 India
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22
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Schmidt V, Kaiser J, Treml J, Kersting A. Factors associated with pre-loss grief and preparedness in relatives of people with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278271. [PMID: 36445887 PMCID: PMC9707745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Before the loss of a loved one to cancer, relatives have time to adapt to the impending death. However, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, adjustment to an imminent death may be more difficult. This study investigates factors related to pre-loss grief and preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic and their relationship with COVID-19 related fears. METHODS Data of 299 participants from a cross-sectional study was used. Participants were included if they were relatives of people with cancer, spoke German and were at least 18 years. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to measure the relationship between predictors (dysfunctional coping, emotion-focused coping, problem-focused coping, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, COVID-19 related fears, prognosis, perceived depth of the relationship, perceived conflict in the relationship, health status) and pre-loss grief, preparedness for caregiving and preparedness for death as the dependent variables. RESULTS Perceived depth (β = .365, p < .001), COVID-19 related fears (β = .141, p = .002), prognosis for death (β = .241, p < .001), dysfunctional coping strategies (β = .281, p < .001) and emotion-focused coping strategies (β = -.320, p < .001) significantly predicted pre-loss grief. Prognosis for death (β = .347, p < .001), dysfunctional coping strategies (β = -.229, p < .001), emotion-focused coping strategies (β = .242, p < .001), COVID-19 related fears (β = -.112, p = .037) and health status (β = .123, p = .025) significantly predicted preparedness for death. Dysfunctional coping (β = -.147, p = .009), problem-focused coping (β = .162, p = .009), emotion-focused coping (β = .148, p = .017), COVID-19 related fears (β = -.151, p = .006), attachment anxiety (β = -.169, p = .003), perceived conflict in the relationship with the patient with cancer (β = -.164, p = .004), perceived depth in the relationship (β = .116, p = .048) and health status (β = .157, p = .003) significantly predicted preparedness for caregiving. CONCLUSIONS This study shows COVID-19 pandemic impacts on the grieving process of relatives of patients with cancer. Consequently, screening for pre-loss grief, preparedness and their associated factors may help provide early support for relatives of people with cancer at need. However, further research is needed to help understand the stability of pre-loss grief and preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Schmidt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Julia Kaiser
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Treml
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anette Kersting
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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23
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Schmidt V, Kaiser J, Treml J, Kersting A. The Relationship Between Pre-Loss Grief, Preparedness and Psychological Health Outcomes in Relatives of People With Cancer. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221142675. [PMID: 36420732 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221142675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the simultaneous effects of pre-loss grief, preparedness for death and preparedness for caregiving on different psychological health outcomes in relatives of people with cancer. Two hundred ninety-nine relatives of people with cancer participated in a cross-sectional online survey. Participants were included if they spoke German and were 18 years or older. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted. Pre-loss grief was significantly associated with depression (β = .388, p < .001), anxiety (β = .429, p < .001), somatization (β = .221, p < .001) and satisfaction with life (β = -.205, p < .001). Preparedness for death was significantly associated with somatization (β = -.247, p < .001). Results suggest that people with high scores in pre-loss grief and low scores in preparedness for death are in need of early support. Interventions should address pre-loss grief and the various aspects of preparedness for death and take into account the psychological health in relatives of people with cancer. Future studies should investigate underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Schmidt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Kaiser
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Treml
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anette Kersting
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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24
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Herbst FA, Schneider N, Stiel S. Long-distance caregiving at the end of life: a protocol for an exploratory qualitative study in Germany. Palliat Care 2022; 21:69. [PMID: 35546403 PMCID: PMC9095417 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00967-8] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Of the approximately 4.7 million people in Germany caring for a relative, many live at a geographical distance from their loved one. The provision of remote care to a terminally ill patient is associated with specific challenges and burdens. In the German context, research is lacking on the specific experiences and needs of caregivers in end-of-life situations who are geographically distanced from their relative. Thus, the overarching goal of the proposed study is to detail the specifics of long-distance caregiving at the end of life in Germany, determining the role played by physical distance in shaping end-of-life caregiving and identifying the needs of long-distance caregivers in this situation. Methods The exploratory qualitative study will be guided by an inductive logic, drawing on one-time semi-structured interviews. To uncover the multiplicity of caregiving experiences, long-distance caregivers of both patients receiving early palliative care and patients at a very advanced stage of disease will be included. The study will be divided into five phases: (1) preparation and pretest, (2) data collection and primary analysis, (3) data analysis and interpretation, (4) advisory board workshop and (5) conclusions and recommendations. Discussion The study will aim at generating valuable insight regarding the experiences and needs of family caregivers of end-of-life patients. This is particularly relevant, given that families are becoming increasingly geographically dispersed. As this trend continues, it will challenge traditional models of family care and shed light on novel caregiving issues that will need to be addressed through social and health policy. Trial registration The study was prospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) (Registration N° DRKS00024164; date of registration: January 25, 2021), and is searchable under the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal of the World Health Organization, under the German Clinical Trials Register number. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00967-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska A Herbst
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Nils Schneider
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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25
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Hovland CA, Fuller KA. African American Family Caregivers Share How they Prepared for the Death of an Older Adult with Dementia: A Pilot Study of Hospice Care in A Nursing Home. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK IN END-OF-LIFE & PALLIATIVE CARE 2022; 18:129-145. [PMID: 35226595 DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2022.2042458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The focus of this pilot study was to ascertain how bereaved African American caregivers prepared for the death of an older family member who died from a dementia-related diagnosis and the role of hospice care; an area with little research to date. Because African American older adults in the United States are at greater risk than Caucasian older adults for dementia-related health problems though less likely to be diagnosed, treated, or to enroll in hospice services, this exploratory study asked questions of the family caregivers' experiences in preparing for the death. Purposive criterion sampling was used to identify six African American bereaved caregivers whose family member lived in a nursing home (five who were enrolled in hospice services) who were extensively interviewed, with the use of conventional content analysis of the transcripts to identify the findings. Because of the limited sample size, themes identified were considered preliminary and may help guide ongoing and further research. Five primary themes revealed ways caregivers prepared: accepting reality; "I just kind of knew;" person with dementia "was ready;" "spending time;" and, getting your "business in order." All caregivers believed it was important to be prepared for the death, with the five who received hospice services reporting that they were prepared. Further research is needed to explore these preliminary findings of African American caregivers of family members with dementia at end-of-life to further inform social work and hospice team care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Hovland
- School of Social Work, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Kimberly A Fuller
- School of Social Work, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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26
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Bhadelia A, Oldfield LE, Cruz JL, Singh R, Finkelstein EA. Identifying Core Domains to Assess the "Quality of Death": A Scoping Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e365-e386. [PMID: 34896278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is growing recognition of the value to patients, families, society, and health systems in providing healthcare, including end-of-life care, that is consistent with both patient preferences and clinical guidelines. OBJECTIVES Identify the core domains and subdomains that can be used to evaluate the performance of end-of-life care within and across health systems. METHODS PubMed/MEDLINE (NCBI), PsycINFO (ProQuest), and CINAHL (EBSCO) databases were searched for peer-reviewed journal articles published prior to February 22, 2020. The SPIDER tool was used to determine search terms. A priori criteria were followed with independent review to identify relevant articles. RESULTS A total of 309 eligible articles were identified out of 2728 discrete results. The articles represent perspectives from the broader health system (11), patients (70), family and informal caregivers (65), healthcare professionals (43), multiple viewpoints (110), and others (10). The most common condition of focus was cancer (103) and the majority (245) of the studies concentrated on high-income country contexts. The review identified five domains and 11 subdomains focused on structural factors relevant to end-of-life care at the broader health system level, and two domains and 22 subdomains focused on experiential aspects of end-of-life care from the patient and family perspectives. The structural health system domains were: 1) stewardship and governance, 2) resource generation, 3) financing and financial protection, 4) service provision, and 5) access to care. The experiential domains were: 1) quality of care, and 2) quality of communication. CONCLUSION The review affirms the need for a people-centered approach to managing the delicate process and period of accepting and preparing for the end of life. The identified structural and experiential factors pertinent to the "quality of death" will prove invaluable for future efforts aimed to quantify health system performance in the end-of-life period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsan Bhadelia
- Department of Global Health and Population (A.B.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | | | - Jennifer L Cruz
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (J.L.C.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ratna Singh
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care (R.S., E.A.F.), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eric A Finkelstein
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care (R.S., E.A.F.), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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27
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Waldrop DP, McGinley JM. Beyond Advance Directives: Addressing Communication Gaps and Caregiving Challenges at Life's End. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:415-422. [PMID: 34662723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The premise of advance directives and care planning is to help people articulate and document their wishes so surrogate decision-makers and providers can honor them. However, beyond the completion of such a document, underlying challenges are often unaddressed OBJECTIVES: The overall purpose of the study was to investigate how communication, including but not limited to the completion of advance directives, and caregiving influenced family caregivers' experiences. Communication gaps and caregiving challenges that were unaddressed by advance directives are presented. METHODS Non-dominant simultaneous mixed-methods (QUAL-QUAN) were used to explore how end-of-life events influenced family caregivers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 108 caregivers about 4 months following the death of a family member who was in hospice care. RESULTS A majority (n = 90; 84.9%) had specific wishes about end-of-life treatment. Patients had a completed: Health Care Proxy-101 (93.3%); Living Will-43 (39.8%); Do Not Resuscitate orders (DNR)-82 (75.9%) and Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment-40 (37%). A majority (n = 83; 76.9%) of caregivers said that they had "enough" or "just the right amount" of information to prepare for the patients' death. Five themes illustrated caregivers' experiences: Family Conflict; Patient/Family-Provider Conflict; Uncertainty, Caregiving Realities; Awareness-Avoidance of Dying. CONCLUSION A majority of had an advance directive, yet caregivers expressed feeling unprepared for decision-making, caregiving and discussing it with the dying person. The advance directive and care planning process fell short of providing needed communication, knowledge and preparation; it can be an opportunity for teaching, learning, preparing and supporting families at life's end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah P Waldrop
- University at Buffalo School of Social Work (D.P.W.), Buffalo, New York, USA.
| | - Jacqueline M McGinley
- Binghamton University (J.M.M.), College of Community & Public Affairs, Department of Social Work, Binghamton, New York, USA
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28
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Wen FH, Chou WC, Hou MM, Su PJ, Shen WC, Chen JS, Chang WC, Hsu MH, Tang ST. Caregivers' Death-Preparedness States Impact Caregiving Outcomes and Patients' End-of-Life Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:199-209. [PMID: 34563630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Preparing family caregivers, cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally, for their relative's death is an actionable component of high-quality end-of-life care. We aimed to examine the never-before-examined associations of conjoint cognitive prognostic awareness and emotional preparedness for death with caregiving outcomes and end-of-life care received by cancer patients. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS/MAIN MEASURES For this longitudinal study, associations of death-preparedness states (no-death-preparedness, cognitive-death-preparedness-only, emotional-death-preparedness-only, and sufficient-death-preparedness states) with subjective caregiving burden, depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) and patients' end-of-life care (chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intensive care unit care, intubation, mechanical ventilation support, vasopressors, nasogastric tube feeding, and hospice care) were evaluated using multivariate hierarchical linear and logistic regression modeling, respectively, for 377 caregivers in cancer patients' last 6 months and 1 month, respectively. KEY RESULTS Caregivers in the cognitive-death-preparedness-only state experienced a higher level of subjective caregiving burden than those in the sufficient-death-preparedness state. Caregivers in the no-death-preparedness and cognitive-death-preparedness-only states reported significantly more depressive symptoms and worse QOL than those in the sufficient-death-preparedness state. Cancer patients with caregivers in the sufficient-death-preparedness state were less likely to receive chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy, intubation, mechanical ventilation, and nasogastric tube feeding than patients with caregivers in other death-preparedness states. However, patients' receipt of hospice care was not associated with their caregivers' death-preparedness states. CONCLUSION Family caregivers' death-preparedness states were associated with caregiving outcomes and their relative's end-of-life care. Cultivating caregivers' accurate prognostic awareness and improving their emotional preparedness for their relative's death may facilitate more favorable end-of-life-caregiving outcomes and may limit potentially nonbeneficial end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business (F-H.W.), Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (W-C. C, M-M.H, P.J.S., W-C.S., J.-S.C., W-C.C., S.T.T.), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China; College of Medicine (W-C.C., J-S.C., W-C.C.), Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Mo Hou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (W-C. C, M-M.H, P.J.S., W-C.S., J.-S.C., W-C.C., S.T.T.), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Po-Jung Su
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (W-C. C, M-M.H, P.J.S., W-C.S., J.-S.C., W-C.C., S.T.T.), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Chi Shen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (W-C. C, M-M.H, P.J.S., W-C.S., J.-S.C., W-C.C., S.T.T.), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (W-C. C, M-M.H, P.J.S., W-C.S., J.-S.C., W-C.C., S.T.T.), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China; College of Medicine (W-C.C., J-S.C., W-C.C.), Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (W-C. C, M-M.H, P.J.S., W-C.S., J.-S.C., W-C.C., S.T.T.), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China; College of Medicine (W-C.C., J-S.C., W-C.C.), Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Mei Huang Hsu
- School of Nursing (M.H.H., S.T.T.), Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (W-C. C, M-M.H, P.J.S., W-C.S., J.-S.C., W-C.C., S.T.T.), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China; School of Nursing (M.H.H., S.T.T.), Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China; Department of Nursing (S.T.T.), Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Kawakami Y, Hamano J. Mortality risks of body mass index and energy intake trajectories in institutionalized elderly people: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:85. [PMID: 35100993 PMCID: PMC8805326 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02778-1] [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: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many factors can identify the mortality risks of institutionalized elderly people; among all such factors, body mass index (BMI) and energy intake (EI) can be employed as independent predictors. The objective of this study was to elucidate about the mortality risks and the trajectory of two parameters obtained from continuously monitored data. Methods This retrospective cohort study targeted 218 elderly people who were admitted to a nursing home for at least 6 months between 2007 and 2020 and passed away at the nursing home. BMI and EI (kcal) per body weight (BW) were continuously measured until death. Results BMI continued to decrease for 5 years until death. The rate of change of BMI significantly increased for 3 years before death (P = 0.004). In contrast, the rate of change of EI per BW significantly increased after 1 year before death (P < 0.001); in addition, 2 months before death, this rate of change significantly exceeded that of BMI (P = 0.007). In the four risk groups that were examined, a BMI of <18.0 + EI per BW of <29.2 and a BMI of <17.3 + EI per BW of <28.3 were significantly correlated with a high risk of death (log-rank test: P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). There was no significant difference in the hazard ratio based on the age at the time of admission; however, when EI per BW was <23.8, the risk of death was significantly higher [hazard ratio = 4.36; 95% confidence interval: 2.31–8.24]. Conclusions Elderly people in the current study presented a tendency toward decreasing BMI starting 60 months prior to death even if EI per BW remained constant. In the 1 year before death, EI per BW rapidly decreased. When the rate of change of EI per BW exceeded the rate of decrease of BMI, it was considered to be the point of no return when death was imminent. Our study showed that identifying mortality risks from the relationship between the trajectories of the two parameters that were continuously measured for several months to years is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Kawakami
- Department of Nursing, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Jun Hamano
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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Yoon H, Park GR, Kim J. Psychosocial trajectories before and after spousal loss: Does gender matter? Soc Sci Med 2022; 294:114701. [PMID: 35007946 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Prior studies have suggested that spousal loss can have negative impacts on widowed persons' lives. However, few studies have examined whether time since spousal loss is related to changes in psychosocial outcomes and there are gender differences in psychosocial trajectories in response to spousal loss. OBJECTIVE This study examines the psychosocial trajectories (depressive symptoms and social engagement) of widowed individuals before and after spousal death. This study also investigates whether psychosocial adjustment trajectories, among individuals who experienced spousal loss, are gendered. METHODS This study uses data from 685 middle- and older-aged adults over seven waves (4284 person-observations) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing spanning 12 years between 2006 and 2018. This study estimates fixed effects models to account for observed and unobserved individual-level heterogeneity. Gender-stratified fixed effects regression models are used to investigate whether psychosocial changes associated with spousal loss differ by gender. RESULTS Psychosocial adjustment to spousal loss is strikingly gendered. Among men, depressive symptoms began to increase within the first year following spousal loss and continued through the fourth and subsequent years. In contrast, depressive symptoms among widows did not change significantly during and after bereavement. Similar patterns were found for social engagement. Among men, a decrease in frequency of social interactions and participation in social activities was found from the first year of spousal loss to the fourth and subsequent years. No such patterns were found for women. CONCLUSION Spousal loss is a life event that spurs tremendous psychosocial changes for widowed people. This study suggests that spousal loss-associated psychosocial changes occur over a long period of time and are greater in men than in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heesoo Yoon
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gum-Ryeong Park
- Department of Health, Aging & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Kim
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Eppel‐Meichlinger J, Stängle S, Mayer H, Fringer A. Family caregivers' advocacy in voluntary stopping of eating and drinking: A holistic multiple case study. Nurs Open 2022; 9:624-636. [PMID: 34751005 PMCID: PMC8685828 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To gain insight into the experiences of family caregivers who accompanied a loved one during voluntary stopping of eating and drinking and to identify similarities and differences between cases of voluntary stopping of eating and drinking to develop a conceptual model. DESIGN A qualitative holistic multiple case study. METHODS We conducted narrative interviews with family caregivers (N = 17). We first analysed them inductively within the cases, followed by a cross-case analysis to merge the experiences into a conceptual model. RESULTS Family caregivers who could accept their loved one's wish to die stood up for the last will, especially when the cognitive abilities declined. They had to take on the role of an advocate to protect their self-determination from others who tried to interrupt the process. In their advocacy, they found themselves constantly in moral discrepancies. Usually without support, they provided nursing care until death. The subsequent processing phase was characterized by evaluating the dying situation and placing voluntary stopping of eating and drinking in their value scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Eppel‐Meichlinger
- Institute for Applied Nursing SciencesEastern Switzerland University of Applied SciencesSt. GallenSwitzerland
- Department of Nursing ScienceUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Sabrina Stängle
- Institute of Nursing, School of Health ProfessionsZHAW Zurich University of Applied SciencesWinterthurSwitzerland
| | - Hanna Mayer
- Department of Nursing ScienceUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - André Fringer
- Institute of Nursing, School of Health ProfessionsZHAW Zurich University of Applied SciencesWinterthurSwitzerland
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32
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Fee A, Hanna J, Hasson F. Pre-loss grief experiences of adults when someone important to them is at end-of-life: A qualitative systematic review. DEATH STUDIES 2021; 47:1-15. [PMID: 34751635 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1998935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pre-loss grief can be experienced by relatives before impending death; however, limited understanding exists about the impact of pre-loss grief on bereavement. This systematic review aimed to synthesize qualitative research evidence reporting adults' experiences of pre-loss grief within cancer care. Thirteen studies were selected, and three key themes identified. Findings indicate that relatives transitioned through lived experiences during end-stage cancer, and that meanings attached to these experiences influenced how they experienced pre-loss grief. Limited formal support was identified to navigate these experiences; however, context was seen as important, and skilled healthcare practitioners and physical environment were key to facilitating preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Fee
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jeff Hanna
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Felicity Hasson
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK
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Brenner K, Greer JA, Jackson V, Park E, Wright E, Jacobsen J, Topping C, Jagielo A, Elyze M, Sereno I, Temel JS, El-Jawahri A. Development of a Prognostic Awareness Impact Scale for Patients with Advanced Cancer. J Palliat Med 2021; 25:445-454. [PMID: 34637630 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: No reliable instruments exist to measure prognostic awareness and its psychological and behavioral impacts for patients with advanced cancer. Methods: We developed the Prognostic Awareness Impact Scale (PAIS) using a qualitative approach. During phase 1, we convened a working group with a transdisciplinary team of clinicians from oncology (n = 2), psychology (n = 2), psychiatry (n = 1), palliative care (n = 3), and survey development (n = 1) to identify key domains of PAIS. Using a consensus-driven process, the team generated an item bank for each domain. During phase 2, we conducted cognitive interviews with 39 patients with advanced cancer to assess the understandability of the PAIS. Results: The working group developed a conceptual framework for PAIS, identifying three domains: (1) cognitive understanding of prognosis (capacity to understand intellectually one's prognosis), (2) emotional coping (capacity to process prognostic uncertainty and terminal prognosis), and (3) adaptive response (capacity to use prognostic awareness to inform life decisions). Cognitive interviews revealed that patients had an accurate understanding of most PAIS items. Patients reported difficulty with binary response options for questions pertaining to emotional coping. They expressed difficulty answering numerous questions regarding their cognitive understanding of their prognosis. We revised the PAIS by (1) replacing binary response options with ordinal agreement scales; and (2) reducing the number of items focused on cognitive understanding of prognosis. Conclusion: We developed a conceptual framework to capture prognostic awareness and its psychological and behavioral impacts for patients with advanced cancer using the PAIS. Future work should focus on validating the PAIS by testing its psychometric properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri Brenner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Joseph A Greer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vicki Jackson
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elyse Park
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily Wright
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Juliet Jacobsen
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer S Temel
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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34
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Sener U, Neil EC, Scharf A, Carver AC, Buthorn JB, Bossert D, Sigler AM, Voigt LP, Diamond EL. Ethics consultations in neuro-oncology. Neurooncol Pract 2021; 8:539-549. [PMID: 34594568 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npab038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Management of patients with brain tumors can lead to ethical and decisional dilemmas. The aim of this study was to characterize ethical conflicts encountered in neuro-oncologic patients. Methods Retrospective review of ethics consultations performed upon patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors at a tertiary cancer center. An ethics consultation database was examined to characterize ethical conflicts, contextual factors, and interventions by the consultation team. Results Fifty consultations were reviewed; 28 (56%) patients were women, median age 54 (range 4-86); 27 (54%) patients had a primary central nervous system malignancy; 20 (40%) had brain metastasis. At the time of consultations, 41 (82%) patients lacked decisional capacity; 48 (96%) had a designated surrogate decision maker; 3 (6%) had an advance directive outlining wishes regarding medical treatment; 12 (24%) had a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) order. Ethical conflicts centered upon management of end-of-life (EOL) circumstances in 37 (72%) of cases; of these, 30 did not have decisional capacity. The most common ethical issues were DNAR status, surrogate decision making, and request for nonbeneficial treatment. Consultants resolved conflicts by facilitating decision making for incapacitated patients in 30 (60%) cases, communication between conflicting parties in 10 (20%), and re-articulation of patients' previously stated wishes in 6 (12%). Conclusions Decisional capacity at EOL represents the primary ethical challenge in care of neuro-oncologic patients. Incomplete awareness among surrogate decision makers of patients' prognosis and preferences contributes to communication gaps and dilemmas. Early facilitation of communication between patients, caregivers, and medical providers may prevent or mitigate conflicts and allow the enactment of patients' goals and values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Sener
- Department of Neurology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Neil
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Amy Scharf
- Ethics Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alan C Carver
- Ethics Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Justin B Buthorn
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dana Bossert
- Department of Nursing, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Allison M Sigler
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Louis P Voigt
- Ethics Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eli L Diamond
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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35
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Wen FH, Chou WC, Hsieh CH, Chen JS, Chang WC, Tang ST. Distinct Death-Preparedness States by Combining Cognitive and Emotional Preparedness for Death and Their Evolution for Family Caregivers of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients Over Their Last 6 Months of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:503-511. [PMID: 33561490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.01.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT To identify caregivers' death-preparedness states by combining cognitive and emotional preparedness for their loved one's death as well as their evolution over cancer patients' last 6 months, which have never been explored. METHODS Death-preparedness states and their evolution were examined by hidden Markov modeling among 393 caregivers of cancer patients. RESULTS Four death-preparedness states were identified: no death preparedness, cognitive death preparedness only, emotional death preparedness only, and sufficient death preparedness. Caregivers in the no-death-preparedness state had neither accurate cognitive prognostic awareness (PA) nor adequate emotional preparedness for death. Caregivers in the sufficient-death-preparedness state reported accurate PA and adequate emotional preparedness for death. In the cognitive- and emotional-death-preparedness-only states, caregivers were accurately aware of the patient's prognosis and adequately emotionally prepared for his/her forthcoming death only, respectively. Prevalence of the sufficient-death-preparedness state fluctuated within a narrow range (40.8%-43.2%) over the patient's last six months. Proportions of caregivers decreased in the emotional-death-preparedness-only (19.5%-6.5%) and no-death-preparedness (21.0%-8.2%) states, whereas prevalence of the cognitive-death-preparedness-only state increased substantially (16.3%-44.4%) to become the most prevalent state as death approached. CONCLUSION Caregivers of cancer patients heterogeneously experienced combined cognitive and emotional preparedness for death. About 40% of caregivers consistently had sufficient death preparedness over their loved one's dying process. Evaluating these different aspects of death preparedness could be an important approach in high-quality end-of-life care by not only cultivating caregivers' cognitive PA, but also facilitating their emotional preparedness for the patient's death, thus helping caregivers prepare well for their loved one's forthcoming death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Siew Tzuh Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan; Chang Gung University, School of Nursing, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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36
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Relationship Between Anticipatory Grief and Communication Avoidance in Chinese Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer. Cancer Nurs 2021; 45:E728-E735. [PMID: 34483282 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticipatory grief (AG) and its relationship with communication avoidance in Chinese caregivers of patients with advanced cancer have not been previously examined. An association between AG and communication avoidance could provide important insights to Chinese caregivers worthwhile to be investigated. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to evaluate AG and communication avoidance with patients among Chinese caregivers of patients with advanced cancer and to identify their relationship. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of caregivers of patients with advanced cancer practicing at an academic cancer hospital. The participants completed the Anticipatory Grief Scale (AGS) and the Caregivers' Communication With Patients About Illness and Death scale. RESULTS Of the 256 participants, the mean age was 49.10 (SD, 12.87) years, and 63.28% of participants were female. The mean AGS score was 88.05 (SD, 18.42). The AGS subscales in descending order of scores were feeling of loss, sadness, decreased ability to function at usual tasks, anxiety, anger, guilt, and irritability. The mean Caregivers' Communication With Patients About Illness and Death score was 3.60 (SD, 1.13). In the multiple linear regression, AG severity was significantly, positively correlated with communication avoidance. Old age, low education level, religious belief, low income, and living with the patient, spouse, parents, and child implied severe AG. CONCLUSIONS Chinese caregivers of patients with advanced cancer reported a high AG and poor communication with patients about illness and death. Less communication was related to more severe AG. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Healthcare professionals should pay attention to AG severity and communication of caregivers of patients with advanced cancer to explore the suitable clinical intervention.
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Treml J, Schmidt V, Nagl M, Kersting A. Pre-loss grief and preparedness for death among caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients: A systematic review. Soc Sci Med 2021; 284:114240. [PMID: 34303292 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is one of the most common causes of death. The period of time between receiving a terminal diagnosis of cancer and the death of a loved one has been operationalized as pre-loss grief and, more recently, as preparedness for death. Originally, grief before loss was thought to have positive effects on the bereavement outcome, but some studies have revealed contradictory findings. This systematic review investigates definitions and measurement tools of pre-loss grief and preparedness for death, as well as the associations of both constructs with caregiver characteristics, pre-loss psychological aspects and post-loss adjustment among caregivers of people living with terminal cancer. METHODS PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched for studies published up until October 2020. Quantitative empirical studies from peer reviewed journals were included if a measurement tool for pre-loss grief or preparedness for death was used and if they focused on adult caregivers of adult people with cancer in an end-of-life trajectory and were excluded when they were not written in English or were descriptive/qualitative studies. Quality assessment of all studies was performed. RESULTS Most studies used convenience samples and had a mean number of 725 participants. Overall, 16,326 participants in 35 articles were included and narratively synthesized. High levels of pre-loss grief, as well as low levels of perceived preparedness for death, were associated with poor post-loss adjustment (e.g., prolonged grief, depressive symptoms, etc.). CONCLUSIONS Caregivers with high levels of pre-loss grief and low levels of preparedness for the death of their loved one would benefit from targeted support for post-loss adjustment. Results are limited by an inconsistent operationalization of both constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Treml
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstraße 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Viktoria Schmidt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstraße 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Michaela Nagl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstraße 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Anette Kersting
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstraße 10, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Yu W, Lu Q, Lu Y, Yang H, Zhang L, Guo R, Hou X. Anticipatory Grief among Chinese Family Caregivers of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2021; 8:369-376. [PMID: 34159229 PMCID: PMC8186392 DOI: 10.4103/apjon.apjon-214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to explore the interrelationship between anticipatory grief (AG), caregiver burden, communication, preparation for death, and coping style. Methods A convenience sample of 256 Chinese family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer were recruited from an academic cancer hospital between April 2018 and May 2019. This cross-sectional survey included the AG Scale, caregiver burden (Caregiver Reaction Assessment), communication (Caregivers' Communication with Patients about Illness and Death Scale), preparation for death, and coping style (Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire). Structural equation modeling tested the interrelation between them. Results The final model fitted the data acceptably (χ2 = 25.79, degrees of freedom = 17, P = 0.08, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, goodness-of-fit index [GFI] = 0.98, adjusted GFI [AGFI] = 0.95, parsimony GFI [PGFI] = 0.46, normed fit index = 0.94, comparative fit index = 0.98). Poor communication contributed to less preparation for death and caregiver burden, which further aggravate AG. Communication was positively associated with AG. In addition, communication and positive coping style interacted to further influence caregiver burden. Conclusions Preliminary results supported the model and showed that poor communication, less preparation for death, and caregiver burden contributed to AG while positive coping alleviated AG. Findings suggest the need for further studies to explore effective intervention for communication, preparation for death, burden, and coping style of caregivers to ultimately alleviate AG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Lu
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhan Lu
- Department of Nursing, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Nursing, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lichuan Zhang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Renxiu Guo
- Department of Digestive Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoting Hou
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
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Tang ST, Hsieh CH, Chou WC, Chang WC, Chen JS, Wen FH. Course of Changes in Emotional Preparedness for Death and Its Associations With Caregiving Outcomes for Family Caregivers of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients Over Their Last Year of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:974-982. [PMID: 32991973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preparing family caregivers for a patient's death is an integral component of quality end-of-life care, but temporal changes in emotional preparedness for death and its associations with caregivers' psychological well-being or quality of life (QOL) while providing end-of-life caregiving are under-researched. Our study was conducted to fill this gap. METHODS For this prospective, longitudinal study, the course of changes in adequate emotional preparedness for death and its associations with severe depressive symptoms and QOL were examined on 309 consecutive caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients by univariate and multivariate generalized estimating equation analyses, respectively. RESULTS Prevalence of adequate emotional preparedness for death was 57.2%, 61.3%, 54.4%, and 46.0% at 181-365, 91-180, 31-90, and 1-30 days before the patient's death, respectively, without significant changes as the patient's death approached. Adequate emotional preparedness for death was associated with caregivers' lower likelihood of severe depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 0.23 [0.16, 0.32], P < 0.001) but with their better QOL (adjusted β [95% CI]: 7.65 [6.38, 8.92], P < 0.001) in the patient's last year. CONCLUSIONS Without active, effective clinical interventions to promote caregivers' emotional preparedness for death, they cannot automatically become more prepared for the patient's death over time. Adequate emotional preparedness for the patient's death benefits caregivers by its associations with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms and better QOL. Supportive programs for caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients should focus on not only enhancing caregiving skills but also cultivating emotional preparedness for their relative's death to promote their psychological well-being and QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Tzuh Tang
- School of Nursing, Medical College, Chang Gung University, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taiwan, ROC
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40
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Loučka M, Vlčková K, Tučková A, Poláková K, Houska A, Matějů M, Donátová Z. Prognostic awareness in advanced cancer patients and their caregivers: A longitudinal cohort study. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1449-1456. [PMID: 33864323 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyse longitudinal development of prognostic awareness in advanced cancer patients and their families. METHODS This was a longitudinal cohort study, involving 134 adult cancer patients, 91 primary family caregivers and 21 treating oncologists. Key eligibility criterion for patients was life expectancy less than 1 year (estimated by their oncologists using the 12-month surprised question). Structured interviews, including tools to measure prognostic awareness, health information needs, and demographics were conducted face to face or via phone three times over 9 months. Forty-four patients completed all three phases of data collection. RESULTS Only 16% of patients reported accurate prognostic awareness, 58% being partially aware. Prognostic awareness of both patients and family caregivers remained stable over the course of the study, with only small non-significant changes. Gender, education, type of cancer, spirituality or health information needs were not associated with the level of prognostic awareness. Family caregivers reported more accurate prognostic awareness, which was not associated with patients' own prognostic awareness (agreement rate 59%, weighted kappa 0.348, CI = 0.185-0.510). CONCLUSIONS Prognostic awareness appears to be a stable concept over the course of the illness. Clinicians must focus on the initial patients' understanding of the disease and be able to communicate the prognostic information effectively from the early stages of patients' trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Loučka
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic.,Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Vlčková
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic.,Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Tučková
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Poláková
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic.,Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Houska
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic.,Division of Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Matějů
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Donátová
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine and Thomayer Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Durepos P, Akhtar-Danesh N, Ploeg J, Sussman T, Kaasalainen S. Caring ahead: Mixed methods development of a questionnaire to measure caregiver preparedness for end-of-life with dementia. Palliat Med 2021; 35:768-784. [PMID: 33619975 PMCID: PMC8022086 DOI: 10.1177/0269216321994732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers of persons with dementia often feel unprepared for end-of-life and preparedness predicts caregiver outcomes in bereavement. Existing questionnaires assessing preparedness have limitations. A multi-dimensional questionnaire assessing family caregiver preparedness for the end-of-life of persons with dementia is needed to identify caregivers at risk for negative outcomes in bereavement and evaluate the quality of strategies within a palliative approach. AIM To develop a multi-dimensional questionnaire titled 'Caring Ahead' to assess feelings of preparedness for end-of-life in family caregivers of persons with dementia. DESIGN A mixed methods, sequential design employed semi-structured interviews, a Delphi-survey and pilot-testing of the questionnaire, June 2018 to July 2019. SETTING/POPULATION Participants included five current and 16 bereaved family caregivers of persons with symptoms advanced dementia from long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada; and 12 professional experts from clinical and academic settings in Canada, Europe, United States. RESULTS Interviews generated three core concepts and 114 indicators of preparedness sampling cognitive, affective and behavioural traits in four domains (i.e., medical, psychosocial, spiritual, practical). Indicators were translated and reduced to a pool of 73 potential questionnaire items. 30-items were selected to create the 'Caring Ahead' preparedness questionnaire through a Delphi-survey. Items were revised through a pilot-test with cognitive interviewing. CONCLUSIONS Family caregivers' feelings of preparedness for end-of-life need to be assessed and the quality of strategies within a palliative approach evaluated. Future psychometric testing of the Caring Ahead questionnaire will evaluate evidence for validity and reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Durepos
- Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Noori Akhtar-Danesh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tamara Sussman
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, QB, Canada
| | - Sharon Kaasalainen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Tzuh S, Chang WC, Chou WC, Hsieh CH, Chen JS, Wen FH. Family Caregivers' Emotional Preparedness for Death is Distinct from Their Cognitive Prognostic Awareness for Cancer Patients. J Palliat Med 2021; 24:405-412. [PMID: 32790487 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cognitive prognostic awareness (PA) and emotional preparedness for a loved one's death are distinct but related phenomena. However, the distinction between these two concepts has not been studied in family caregivers. Objective: To examine whether these two concepts are distinct by comparing their evolution and predictors over cancer patients' last year. Methods: Agreement between emotional preparedness for death and cognitive PA was longitudinally evaluated for 309 family caregivers by percentages and kappa coefficients. Predictors of the two outcomes were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression models with the generalized estimating equation. Results: Agreement between family caregivers' emotional preparedness for death and cognitive PA decreased slightly (54.73%-43.64%) from 181-365 to 1-30 days before the patient's death, with kappa values (95% confidence interval) from -0.060 (-0.123 to 0.003) to 0.050 (-0.074 to 0.174), indicating poor agreement. Participants were more likely to report adequate emotional preparedness for death if they had financial sufficiency, more contact/communication with the patient, lower caregiving burden, and stronger perceived social support. Family caregivers were more likely to have accurate PA if they were 56-65 years old, the patient's adult child, and had more contact/communication with the patient and greater subjective caregiving burden. Conclusions/Implications: Family caregivers' emotional preparedness for death and cognitive PA were distinct, as supported by their poor agreement, lack of reciprocal associations, and two different sets of predictors. Health care professionals should facilitate family caregivers' accurate PA and cultivate their emotional preparedness for death by enhancing patient-family contact/communication and easing their caregiving burden to improve quality of end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Tzuh
- School of Nursing, Medical College, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan
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El-Jawahri A, Greer JA, Park ER, Jackson VA, Kamdar M, Rinaldi SP, Gallagher ER, Jagielo AD, Topping CEW, Elyze M, Jones B, Temel JS. Psychological Distress in Bereaved Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:488-494. [PMID: 32882355 PMCID: PMC7914132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Individuals caring for patients with advanced cancer (caregivers) experience psychological distress during the patient's illness course. However, data on the prevalence of bereaved caregivers' psychological distress and its relationship with the quality of patient's end of life (EOL) care are limited. OBJECTIVES To describe rates of depression and anxiety symptoms in bereaved caregivers of patients with advanced cancer and to understand the relationship between these outcomes and patient distress at the EOL. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of 168 caregivers enrolled in a supportive care trial for patients with incurable lung and gastrointestinal cancers and their caregivers. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess caregivers' depression and anxiety symptoms at three months after the patient's death. Caregivers also rated the patient's physical and psychological distress in the last week of life on a 10-point scale three months after the patient death. We used linear regression adjusting for caregiver age, sex, randomization, and cancer type to explore the relationship between bereaved caregivers' depression and anxiety symptoms and their ratings of physical and psychological distress in patients at the EOL. RESULTS Of the 168 bereaved caregivers, 30.4% (n = 51) and 43.4% (n = 73) reported clinically significant depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Caregiver ratings of worse physical (B = 0.32; P = 0.009) and psychological (B = 0.50; P < 0.001) distress experienced by the patient at the EOL were associated with worse depression symptoms in bereaved caregivers. Only caregiver rating of worse psychological distress experienced by the patient at the EOL (B = 0.42; P < 0.001) was associated with worse bereaved caregivers' anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION Many bereaved caregivers of patients with advanced cancer experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are associated with their perceptions of distress in their loved ones at the EOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej El-Jawahri
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Joseph A Greer
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elyse R Park
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vicki A Jackson
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mihir Kamdar
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Simone P Rinaldi
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily R Gallagher
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Annemarie D Jagielo
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carlisle E W Topping
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Madeleine Elyze
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bailey Jones
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer S Temel
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Singer J, Papa A. Preparedness for the death of an elderly family member: A possible protective factor for pre-loss grief in informal caregivers. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2021; 94:104353. [PMID: 33516076 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-loss grief (PLG) has been identified as a robust risk factor for Prolonged Grief Disorder, which will be added to the DSM 5-TR. Therefore, identifying treatment targets to reduce PLG is warranted. "Preparedness" has been found to strongly predict PLG. The work is nascent and a consensus has not been reached about how best to assess for preparedness, and no reliable measure of this construct exists. Before examining the relationship between preparedness and PLG, an in depth understanding of how family members define preparedness is warranted. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to develop a preliminary theoretical framework of preparedness for the loss. METHODS This was achieved through prospective semi-structured interviews with family members of Stage 4 Cancer (N = 16) and Advanced Dementia (N = 24) patients. RESULTS The overarching theme related to preparedness for the loss was the need to reduce uncertainty, both before the person passes away (i.e., present certainty) and after the person passes away (i.e., future certainty). Factors associated with the need to establish certainty in the present included, religiosity and spirituality, good relationship quality with the person with the life limiting illness, having access to support, good communication with person with life limiting illness, and acceptance of the impending death. Certainty for the future included, knowing what to expect due to past experience of loss, having plans for life without the person, and social support. CONCLUSION This study provides a preliminary framework of preparedness for family members of individuals with life limiting illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Singer
- Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University of Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States.
| | - Anthony Papa
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, Manoa, United States
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45
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Santa Mina D, van Rooijen SJ, Minnella EM, Alibhai SMH, Brahmbhatt P, Dalton SO, Gillis C, Grocott MPW, Howell D, Randall IM, Sabiston CM, Silver JK, Slooter G, West M, Jack S, Carli F. Multiphasic Prehabilitation Across the Cancer Continuum: A Narrative Review and Conceptual Framework. Front Oncol 2021; 10:598425. [PMID: 33505914 PMCID: PMC7831271 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.598425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of cancer survivorship has significantly advanced person-centered care throughout the cancer continuum. Within cancer survivorship, the last decade has seen remarkable growth in the investigation of prehabilitation comprising pre-treatment interventions to prevent or attenuate the burden of oncologic therapies. While the majority of evidence remains in the surgical setting, prehabilitation is being adapted to target modifiable risk factors that predict poor treatment outcomes in patients receiving other systemic and localized anti-tumor treatments. Here, we propose a multiphasic approach for prehabilitation across the cancer continuum, as a conceptual framework, to encompass the variability in cancer treatment experiences while adopting the most inclusive definition of the cancer survivor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Santa Mina
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Enrico M Minnella
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Priya Brahmbhatt
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susanne O Dalton
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Oncology & Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Næstved, Denmark
| | - Chelsia Gillis
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michael P W Grocott
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Acute Perioperative and Critical Care Theme, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Doris Howell
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ian M Randall
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine M Sabiston
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julie K Silver
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gerrit Slooter
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, Netherlands
| | - Malcolm West
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trusts, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sandy Jack
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trusts, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Franco Carli
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Gonella S, Di Giulio P, Palese A, Dimonte V, Campagna S. Qualitative research on end-of-life communication with family carers in nursing homes: A discussion of methodological issues and challenges. Nurs Open 2021; 8:180-190. [PMID: 33318826 PMCID: PMC7729536 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To identify and summarize the challenges of conducting qualitative research exploring end-of-life communication between healthcare providers and bereaved family carers in nursing homes. Design A descriptive qualitative study based on in-the-field-notes and research diaries collected during a primary study involving 32 bereaved family carers and 14 nurses across 13 Italian nursing homes in 2018-2019. Methods Two trained female nurses conducted semi-structured, in-depth, open-ended interviews and recorded "in action" (i.e. reflections reported as in-the-field-notes) and "on action" (i.e. retrospective reflections within the team reported immediately in the research diaries) narratives, with the aim of identifying challenges encountered during the research process. A content analysis process was performed to analyse the narratives collected. Results We identified three major categories of challenges: (a) obtaining approval from the ethical committee; (b) approaching nursing homes and family carers; and (c) dealing with participant-related impairments (i.e. memory, emotional, physical).
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Roma Tor VergataRomaItaly
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di TorinoTorinoItaly
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and PediatricsUniversity of TorinoTorinoItaly
| | - Alvisa Palese
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of UdineUdineItaly
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di TorinoTorinoItaly
- Department of Public Health and PediatricsUniversity of TorinoTorinoItaly
| | - Sara Campagna
- Department of Public Health and PediatricsUniversity of TorinoTorinoItaly
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Vermorgen M, Vandenbogaerde I, Van Audenhove C, Hudson P, Deliens L, Cohen J, De Vleminck A. Are family carers part of the care team providing end-of-life care? A qualitative interview study on the collaboration between family and professional carers. Palliat Med 2021; 35:109-119. [PMID: 32928056 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320954342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The attention of healthcare professionals is directed mainly towards the recipients of care and often insufficiently towards family carers. However, an effective collaboration between professionals and family carers is vital to provide quality palliative and end-of-life care. Such collaboration is under-studied in a palliative care context. AIM This study aimed to investigate how family carers of people who live at home with a life-limiting chronic illness experience and perceive collaboration with different healthcare professionals in the last phase of life. DESIGN Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with the primary family carers of people with a life-limiting chronic illness. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS A heterogeneous sample of 30 family carers of people with cancer, heart failure or dementia was recruited through a variety of care providers and services, in order to reflect the heterogeneity of caregiving in serious illness. RESULTS Five main themes emerged from interpretative phenomenological analysis that describe the quality of the collaboration between family carers and professionals: respecting family carers both as someone with care needs and as a member of the care team; the continuous availability and accessibility of healthcare professionals; the provision of information and communication including family carer issues; the coordination of care between all parties and contextual factors. The dominant experience by family carers was one of missed opportunities across these themes. CONCLUSIONS This qualitative study about the experiences and perceptions of family carers of people with a chronic life-limiting illness living at home regarding the collaboration with different healthcare providers in the last phase life, showed that family carers experience a lot of possibilities, but perceive missed opportunities as well, for healthcare professionals to effectively collaborate with them for palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Vermorgen
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabel Vandenbogaerde
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Peter Hudson
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aline De Vleminck
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
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Mélin M, Amieva H, Frasca M, Ouvrard C, Berger V, Hoarau H, Roumiguière C, Paternostre B, Stadelmaier N, Raoux N, Bergua V, Burucoa B. Support practices by an interdisciplinary team in a palliative-care unit for relatives of patients in agonal phase. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:173. [PMID: 33213448 PMCID: PMC7678093 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00680-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the absence of extant recommendations, the aim of this study was to formalise support practices used by an interdisciplinary team in a palliative-care unit (PCU) for the relatives of patients in the agonal phase preceding death. The secondary objective was to understand the expectations of relatives during this phase in terms of the support provided by professionals and volunteers. Methods Thirty-two people took part in this study; all were interviewed through focus groups (FGs). Each FG comprised one category of individuals working in the PCU: nurses, care- assistants, doctors, psychologists, other professionals, palliative-care volunteers, and relatives. Groups were surveyed using an interview guide, and the interviews were recorded and transcribed to enable identification and characterization of all practices. Care practices were classified into four categories: current consensual practices (i.e. performed by all team members), occasional consensual practices, non-consensual practices (performed by one or a few participants), and practices to be developed. Results In total, 215 practices were mentioned by professionals and palliative-care volunteers: 150 current consensual practices, 48 occasional consensual practices, 1 non-consensual practice, 16 practices yet to be developed, and 29 practices for relatives. Many practices were mentioned by different categories of participants; thus, after cross-checking, the number of practices decreased from 215 to 52. A list of practices deemed desirable by all was drawn up and then validated by the entire interprofessional team. These practices were organised around four themes: providing care and ensuring comfort; communicating, informing, and explaining; interacting; and mobilising interdisciplinary skills. Conclusions These results underline the importance of the quality of care provided to patients, the attention given to the relatives themselves, and they highlight the importance of the helping relationship. Following this study, which established a list of varied practices aimed at supporting the relatives of patients in agonal phase, it will be important to set up a broader study seeking to establish a consensus on these practices with an interprofessional group of experts from other PCUs using broad surveys and an adapted methodology. Such studies will make it possible to develop training modules for teams working with relatives. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-020-00680-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mélin
- Palliative Care Service, Universitary Hospital Center Bordeaux, 1, rue Jean Burguet, 33075, Bordeaux, France.
| | - H Amieva
- Inserm 1219 Psycho-epidemiology of Aging and Chronic Diseases - Population Health Research Center-ISPED-University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Frasca
- Palliative Care Service, Universitary Hospital Center Bordeaux, 1, rue Jean Burguet, 33075, Bordeaux, France
| | - C Ouvrard
- Inserm 1219 Psycho-epidemiology of Aging and Chronic Diseases - Population Health Research Center-ISPED-University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Berger
- URISH, Universitary Hospital Center Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - H Hoarau
- URISH, Universitary Hospital Center Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - C Roumiguière
- Palliative Care Service, Universitary Hospital Center Bordeaux, 1, rue Jean Burguet, 33075, Bordeaux, France
| | - B Paternostre
- Palliative Care Service, Universitary Hospital Center Bordeaux, 1, rue Jean Burguet, 33075, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - N Raoux
- Inserm 1219 Psycho-epidemiology of Aging and Chronic Diseases - Population Health Research Center-ISPED-University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Bergua
- Inserm 1219 Psycho-epidemiology of Aging and Chronic Diseases - Population Health Research Center-ISPED-University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - B Burucoa
- Palliative Care Service, Universitary Hospital Center Bordeaux, 1, rue Jean Burguet, 33075, Bordeaux, France
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Tang ST, Chou WC, Hsieh CH, Chang WC, Chen JS, Wen FH. Terminally Ill Cancer Patients' Emotional Preparedness for Death Is Distinct From Their Accurate Prognostic Awareness. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:774-781.e1. [PMID: 32360990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Emotional preparedness for death (hereafter called death preparedness) and prognostic awareness (PA), a distinct but related concept, each contributes to patients' practical, psychological, and interpersonal preparations for death. However, the distinction between these two concepts has never been investigated. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the distinction between death preparedness and accurate PA by examining their agreement during cancer patients' last year and the similarity of their predictors. METHODS For this secondary analysis of a longitudinal study of death preparedness for 277 patients with cancer, agreement between death preparedness and accurate PA was evaluated by percentages and kappa coefficients, and predictors of the two outcomes were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression models with the generalized estimating equation. RESULTS Levels of agreement between reported death preparedness and accurate PA increased slightly (42.44%-52.85%) from 181-365 days to one to 30 days before death, with kappa values from -0.190 (-0.319, -0.061) to -0.006 (-0.106, 0.093), indicating poor agreement. Participants who were male, older, reported financial sufficiency, had fewer distressing symptoms, and perceived higher levels of social support were more likely to report death preparedness. Participants who were female, had greater than high-school educational attainment, and endured higher levels of functional dependence were more likely to report accurate PA. CONCLUSION The distinction between death preparedness and accurate PA was supported by their poor agreement, lack of reciprocal associations, and two different sets of predictors. Health care professionals should not only cultivate cancer patients' accurate PA but also facilitate emotional preparation for death to achieve a good death and improve end-of-life care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Tzuh Tang
- School of Nursing, Medical College, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Linkou, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Wen-Chi Chou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Linkou, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fur-Hsing Wen
- Department of International Business, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Durepos P, Ploeg J, Akhtar-Danesh N, Sussman T, Orr E, Kaasalainen S. Caregiver preparedness for death in dementia: an evaluation of existing tools. Aging Ment Health 2020; 24:1671-1680. [PMID: 31144986 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1622074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Death preparedness amongst family caregivers (CG) is a valuable and measurable concept. Preparedness predicts CG outcomes in bereavement and is modifiable through a palliative approach which includes advance care planning (ACP) interventions. Improving death preparedness is important for CGs of persons with dementia (PwD) whom are more likely to develop negative outcomes in bereavement, and experience less than adequate palliative care. However, the adequacy of existing tools to measure death preparedness in CGs of PwD is unknown, which limits intervention design and prospective evaluation of ACP effectiveness.Methods: We conducted a review and evaluation of existing tools measuring the attribute domains and traits of CG death preparedness. Literature was searched for articles describing caregiving at end of life (EOL). Measurement tools were extracted, screened for inclusion criteria, and data extracted regarding: conceptual basis, population of development, and psychometrics. Tool content was compared to preparedness domains/traits to assess congruency and evaluate the adequacy of tools as measures of death preparedness for CGs of PwD.Results: Authors extracted 569 tools from articles, retaining seven tools for evaluation. The majority of tools, n = 5 (70%) did not sample all preparedness domains/traits. Few tools had items specific to EOL; only one tool had a specific item questioning CG preparedness for death, and only one tool had items specific to dementia.Conclusion: Limitations in existing tools suggest they are not adequate measures of death preparedness for CGs of PwD. Consequently, the authors are currently developing a questionnaire to be titled, 'Caring Ahead' for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Durepos
- McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noori Akhtar-Danesh
- McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tamara Sussman
- Department of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Orr
- McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon Kaasalainen
- McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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