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Faison G, Chou FS, Feudtner C, Janvier A. When the Unknown Is Unknowable: Confronting Diagnostic Uncertainty. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023061193. [PMID: 37706240 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-061193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The neonatology literature often refers to medical uncertainty and specifically the challenges of predicting morbidity for extremely premature infants, who can have widely varying outcomes. Less has been written about situations in which diagnoses are simply unknown or unattainable. This case highlights the importance of communication amidst uncertainty from a lack of knowledge about aspects of a patient's condition. Using epidemiologic and clinical reasoning, the authors challenge the assumption that diagnostic uncertainty must necessarily portend prognostic uncertainty. When physicians' quest for a diagnosis becomes burdensome and detrimental to the infant's quality of life, this should be abandoned and replaced by focusing on prognosis. The authors focus on the shift of the physician's role toward one of support, assisting the family in ascribing meaning to the dying experience. By focusing on prognosis and support, communication can proceed with more clarity, understanding, and empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Faison
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda, California
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Department of Neonatology, Orange, California
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Irvine, California
| | - Fu-Sheng Chou
- Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center, Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Riverside, California
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Medical Ethics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicineat the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Pediatrics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Annie Janvier
- Université de Montréal, Department of Pediatrics, Bureau de l'Éthique Clinique, Montréal, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine, Research Center, Clinical Ethics Unit, Palliative Care Unit, Unité de recherche en éthique clinique et partenariat famille, Division of Neonatology, Montréal, Canada
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Salvadé H, Stiefel F, Bourquin C. "You'll need to settle your affairs": How the subject of death is approached by oncologists and advanced cancer patients in follow-up consultations. Palliat Support Care 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36354030 DOI: 10.1017/s147895152200147x] [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] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This qualitative study aimed to investigate communication about death in consultations with patients undergoing chemotherapy with no curative intent. Specifically, we examined (i) how the topic of death was approached, who raised it, in what way, and which responses were elicited, (ii) how the topic unfolded during consultations, and (iii) whether interaction patterns or distinguishing ways of communicating can be identified. METHODS The data consisted of 134 audio-recorded follow-up consultations. A framework of sensitizing concepts was developed, and interaction patterns were looked for when death was discussed. RESULTS The subject of death and dying was most often initiated by patients, and they raised it in various ways. In most consultations, direct talk about death was initiated only once. We identified 4 interaction patterns. The most frequent consists of indirect references to death by patients, followed by a direct mention of the death of a loved one, and a statement of the oncologists aiming to skip the subject. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Patients and oncologists have multiple ways of raising, pursuing, addressing and evacuating the subject of death. Being attentive and recognizing these ways and associated interaction patterns can help oncologists to think and elaborate on this topic and to facilitate discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Salvadé
- Psychiatric Liaison Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Friedrich Stiefel
- Psychiatric Liaison Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Céline Bourquin
- Psychiatric Liaison Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Abdallah M, Kadambi S, Parsi M, Rai M, Mendler JH, Wittink M, Duberstein PR, Tsang M, Klepin HD, Loh KP. Older patients' experiences following initial diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia: A qualitative study. J Geriatr Oncol 2022; 13:1230-1235. [PMID: 36064536 PMCID: PMC9982634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The onset of symptoms and the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often occur suddenly and may lead to a range of emotional responses. Understanding patients' experiences and emotional states allows clinicians to tailor care to patients' needs. Previous studies have largely focused on patients' experiences at diagnosis and after remission has been achieved among those who received intensive chemotherapy. In this study, we evaluated experiences of older patients with AML who had received or were receiving treatments of varying intensity, in both outpatient and inpatient settings, and who were at different stages in their treatment course at the time of our interviews. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a single center qualitative study which aimed to understand factors influencing older patients' treatment decision-making and the findings were previously reported. This analysis specifically explored older patients' experiences at various stages after AML diagnosis. We purposively sampled patients based on treatment intensity and stage of treatment (undergoing induction treatment, post-remission treatment, or post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant). We recruited fifteen patients aged ≥60 years with AML. The sample size was determined based on reaching data saturation for the primary study aim. For this analysis, data saturation was reached by the fourteenth manuscript. In-depth semi-structured interviews that had been recorded and transcribed were re-analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to explore patients' experiences. Coding was performed using Atlas.ti. We identified themes with the aim of capturing the most commonly shared experiences. RESULTS Mean age of the fifteen patients was 72.1 years; all had received one or more treatments including intensive induction therapy (10/15), lower-intensity treatment (7/15), and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (3/15). Patients experienced strong negative emotional responses, including shock, that were barriers to processing information and meaningful communication. Patients also shared their perspectives on communication with healthcare professionals (including thoughts on adequacy of information provided) and coping strategies. DISCUSSION Understanding older patients' experiences, including emotional responses and barriers to communication and decision making, at AML diagnosis and throughout the illness trajectory allows clinicians to address patients' supportive care needs during this difficult period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Abdallah
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America.
| | - Sindhuja Kadambi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
| | - Meghana Parsi
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, United States of America.
| | - Maitreyee Rai
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Jason H Mendler
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
| | - Marsha Wittink
- Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
| | - Paul R Duberstein
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America.
| | - Mazie Tsang
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America.
| | - Heidi D Klepin
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America.
| | - Kah Poh Loh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
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Street RL, Treiman K, Wu Q, Kranzler EC, Moultrie R, Mack N, Garcia R. Managing uncertainty and responding to difficult emotions: Cancer patients' perspectives on clinician response during the COVID-19 pandemic. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2137-2144. [PMID: 35393231 PMCID: PMC8968177 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients undergoing cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic have experienced stress and uncertainty with respect to disruptions in cancer care and COVID-19 related risks. We examined whether clinicians' responsiveness to patients' uncertainty and difficult emotions were associated with better health and well-being. METHODS Patients were recruited from cancer support communities and a market research firm. Respondents assessed clinicians communication that addressed uncertainty and difficult emotions. Health status measures included mental and physical health, coping during the pandemic, and psychological distress. RESULTS 317 respondents participated in the study. Patients' perceptions of their clinicians responsiveness to patient uncertainty and negative emotions were associated with better mental health, physical health, coping, and less psychological distress (all p-values <0.001). Respondents with greater self-efficacy and social support also reported better health. CONCLUSION Even when controlling for patients' personal and health-related characteristics, clinicians' communication addressing patients' uncertainty and difficult emotions predicted better health, better coping, and less psychological distress. Access to social support and self-efficacy also were associated with better health status. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Clinicians' communication focused on helping with uncertainty and difficult emotions is important to cancer patients, especially during the pandemic. Clinicians should also direct patients to resources for social support and patient empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elissa C Kranzler
- Cancer Support Community (Formerly), Currently Fors Marsh Group, USA
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Hart JL. Deception, honesty, and professionalism: a persistent challenge in modern medicine. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 47:101434. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Street RL, Finset A. Two years with COVID-19: New - and old - challenges for health communication research. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:261-264. [PMID: 35120714 PMCID: PMC8805952 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Street
- Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
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Hoerger M, Gramling R, Epstein R, Fenton JJ, Mohile S, Kravitz R, Mossman B, Prigerson H, Alonzi S, Malhotra K, Duberstein P. Patient, Caregiver, and Oncologist Predictions of Quality of Life in Advanced Cancer: Accuracy and Associations with End-of-Life Care and Caregiver Bereavement. Psychooncology 2022; 31:978-984. [PMID: 35088926 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Informed treatment decision-making necessitates accurate prognostication,including predictions about quality of life. We examined whether oncologists, patients with advanced cancer, and caregivers accurately predict patients' future quality of life and whether these predictions are prospectively associated with end-of-life care and bereavement. METHODS We secondary analyses of clinical trial data. Patients with advanced cancer (n=156), caregivers (n=156), and oncologists (n=38) predicted patient quality of life 3 months into the future. Patients subsequently rated their quality of life 3 months later. Medical record data documented chemotherapy and emergency department (ED)/inpatient visits in the 30 days before death (n=79 decedents). Caregivers self-reported on depression, anxiety, grief, purpose, 21 and regret 7-months post-mortem. In mixed-effects models, patient, caregiver, and oncologist quality-of-life predictions at study entry were used to predict end-of-life care and caregiver outcomes, controlling for patients' quality of life at 3-month follow-up, demographic and clinical characteristics, and nesting within oncologists. RESULTS Caregivers (P<.0001) and oncologists (P=.001) predicted lower quality of life than what patients actually experienced. Among decedents, 24.0% received chemotherapy and 54.5% had an ED/inpatient visit. When caregivers' predictions were more negative, patients were less likely to receive chemotherapy (P=.028) or have an ED/inpatient visit (P=.033), and caregivers reported worse depression (P=.002), anxiety (P=.019), and grief (P=.028) and less purpose in life (P<.001) 7-months post-mortem. CONCLUSION When caregivers have more negative expectations about patients' quality of life, patients receive less intensive end-of-life care, and caregivers report worse bereavement This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hoerger
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA.,Tulane University, Department of Psychology, New Orleans, LA
| | - Robert Gramling
- Department of Family Medicine,Burlington, University of Vermont, VT
| | - Ronald Epstein
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.,Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY
| | - Joshua J Fenton
- Center forHealthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Supriya Mohile
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.,Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY
| | - Richard Kravitz
- Center forHealthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA.,Departmentof Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Brenna Mossman
- Tulane University, Department of Psychology, New Orleans, LA
| | - Holly Prigerson
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Research on End-of-Life Care, New York, NY
| | - Sarah Alonzi
- Tulane University, Department of Psychology, New Orleans, LA
| | - Kirti Malhotra
- Departmentof Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Paul Duberstein
- Rutgers School of Public Health,Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy, Piscataway, NJ
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Han PKJ. Medical uncertainty: putting flesh on the bones. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:2603-2605. [PMID: 34666906 PMCID: PMC8520411 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul K J Han
- Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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