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Chowdhury MK, Saikot S, Farheen N, Ahmad N, Alam S, Connor SR. Impact of Community Palliative Care on Quality of Life among Cancer Patients in Bangladesh. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6443. [PMID: 37568985 PMCID: PMC10418368 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156443] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer, a leading cause of mortality worldwide, is often diagnosed at late stages in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in preventable suffering. When added to standard oncological care, palliative care may improve the quality of life (QOL) of these patients. A longitudinal observational study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2021. Thirty-nine cancer patients were enrolled in the Compassionate Narayanganj community palliative care group (NPC), where they received comprehensive palliative care in addition to oncological care. Thirty-one patients from the Dept. of Oncology (DO) at BSMMU received standard oncological care. In contrast to the DO group, the NPC group had a higher percentage of female patients, was older, and had slightly higher levels of education. At 10 to 14 weeks follow-up, a significant improvement in overall QOL was observed in the NPC group (p = 0.007), as well as in the psychological (p = 0.003), social (p = 0.002), and environmental domains (p = 0.15). Among the secondary outcomes, the palliative care group had reduced disability and neuropathic pain scores. Additionally, there were statistically significant reductions in pain, drowsiness, and shortness of breath, as well as an improvement in general wellbeing, based on the results of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale-Revised. At the community level in Bangladesh, increased access to palliative care may improve cancer patient outcomes such as QOL and symptom burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostofa Kamal Chowdhury
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (M.K.C.); (N.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Shafiquejjaman Saikot
- Compassionate Narayanganj (Community-Based Palliative Care Project), c/o Department of Palliative Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh;
| | - Nadia Farheen
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (M.K.C.); (N.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Nezamuddin Ahmad
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (M.K.C.); (N.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Sarwar Alam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh;
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Gayatri D, Efremov L, Kantelhardt EJ, Mikolajczyk R. Quality of life of cancer patients at palliative care units in developing countries: systematic review of the published literature. Qual Life Res 2020; 30:315-343. [PMID: 32948975 PMCID: PMC7886760 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-020-02633-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This systematic review aims to summarize factors that influence the quality of life (QOL) of advanced cancer patients in palliative care (PC) in developing countries. Understanding this context in developing countries milieu is necessary; however, this outcome is rarely reported. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were systematically searched using the search terms: QOL, cancer, PC, and names of all developing countries. Studies with less than ten subjects, qualitative or pilot studies, reviews, conference abstracts, and that reported validation of QOL questionnaires were excluded. Results Fifty-five studies from 15 developing countries in the African (n = 5), Latin America and the Caribbean (n = 10), and Asian (n = 40) region were included in the narrative synthesis. 65.4% were cross-sectional, 27.3% were cohort studies, 7.3% were RCTs or quasi-experimental studies. Around 30 QOL factors were studied with 20 different types of QOL instruments. Advanced cancer patients who were older, married/ever married, participated in additional care within PC, used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and practiced spirituality/religiosity showed higher QOL score. Low educational level and high depression were associated with a lower QOL. Conclusion Various factors affect QOL among cancer patients in PC. Patients valued the use of CAMs; however, the quality and safety aspects should be properly addressed. Important factors that influenced the QOL score were social and spiritual support. While there is a general need to develop PC strategies further, recognizing patients’ needs should be prioritized in national cancer programs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11136-020-02633-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi Gayatri
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 8, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Ljupcho Efremov
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 8, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 8, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany. .,Department of Gynecology, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 8, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Ang SHM. Promoting Effective Nurse-Patient Communication in Palliative Care Using the SAGE and THYME Model: Can it be Implemented Cross-Culturally? Open Nurs J 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1874434601913010153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective communication in palliative care is essential in making optimal health care decisions that align with the interests of the patients and empowering them to be involved in their care planning. However, many Asian nurses lacked the prerequisite communication skills required to assess and address the informational needs of advanced cancer patients. These nurses often adopt a routinized approach of giving information to patients to overcome their inadequacies in eliciting patients’ concerns. Thus, this opinion paper seeks to understand whether the SAGE and THYME model can be utilised widely by nurses across different cultural contexts to facilitate more effective communication and to develop therapeutic relationships with advanced cancer patients who are receiving palliative care.
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Roze des Ordons AL, Sinuff T, Stelfox HT, Kondejewski J, Sinclair S. Spiritual Distress Within Inpatient Settings-A Scoping Review of Patients' and Families' Experiences. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 56:122-145. [PMID: 29548894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Spiritual distress contributes to patients' and families' experiences of care. OBJECTIVES To map the literature on how seriously ill patients and their family members experience spiritual distress within inpatient settings. METHODS Our scoping review included four databases using search terms "existential" or "spiritual" combined with "angst," "anxiety," "distress," "stress," or "anguish." We included original research describing experiences of spiritual distress among adult patients or family members within inpatient settings and instrument validation studies. Each study was screened in duplicate for inclusion, and the data from included articles were extracted. Themes were identified, and data were synthesized. RESULTS Within the 37 articles meeting inclusion criteria, we identified six themes: conceptualizing spiritual distress (n = 2), diagnosis and prevalence (n = 7), assessment instrument development (n = 5), experiences (n = 12), associated variables (n = 12), and barriers and facilitators to clinical support (n = 5). The majority of studies focused on patients; two studies focused on family caregivers. The most common clinical settings were oncology (n = 19) and advanced disease (n = 19). Terminology to describe spiritual distress varied among studies. The prevalence of at least moderate spiritual distress in patients was 10%-63%. Spiritual distress was experienced in relation to self and others. Associated variables included demographic, physical, cognitive, and psychological factors. Barriers and facilitators were described. CONCLUSION Patients' and families' experiences of spiritual distress in the inpatient setting are multifaceted. Important gaps in the literature include a narrow spectrum of populations, limited consideration of family caregivers, and inconsistent terminology. Research addressing these gaps may improve conceptual clarity and help clinicians better identify spiritual distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Roze des Ordons
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Tasnim Sinuff
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Henry T Stelfox
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jane Kondejewski
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shane Sinclair
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Chui RCF. The Role of Meaning in Life for the Quality of Life of Community-Dwelling Chinese Elders With Low Socioeconomic Status. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2018; 4:2333721418774147. [PMID: 29780856 PMCID: PMC5952284 DOI: 10.1177/2333721418774147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: There is limited research on the meaning in life among Chinese elders. This study aims to examine the association among functional disabilities, meaning in life, social network, and quality of life in community-dwelling Chinese elders with low socioeconomic status. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 339 poor community-dwelling Chinese elders aged 60 and above. Results: The results showed that meaning in life and social network were significantly related to quality of life. Moreover, social network was a mediator to the relationship between functional disability and quality of life, and meaning in life was a partial mediator to the relationship between social network and quality of life. Conclusion: Workshops should be organized by the elderly service providers for Chinese elders facing deterioration in health and activity levels to learn to live intentionally and purposefully. A social network among elders should also be fostered in the community.
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Martin ASH, Costello J, Griffiths J. Communication in palliative care: the applicability of the SAGE and THYME model in Singapore. Int J Palliat Nurs 2017. [PMID: 28648130 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2017.23.6.288] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Majority of the progress and development in palliative care in the last decade has been improvements in physical aspects of treatment, namely pain and symptom management. Psychosocial aspects of care have improved, although not enough to meet the needs of many patients and family members. This is evident in many parts of the world and notably in Singapore, where palliative care is seen as an emerging medical and nursing specialty. AIM To discuss the implementation of the SAGE and THYME communication model in a palliative care context. The article examines the use of the model and how its implementation can improve communication between patients and nurses. The model works by reviewing contemporary developments made in relation to improving communication in palliative care. These include, highlighting the importance of meeting individual needs, therapeutic relationship building, and advanced communication training within a Singaporean context. RESULTS The implementation of the SAGE and THYME model can be a useful way of enabling nurses to improve and maintain effective communication in a medically dominated health care system. The challenges and constraints in educating and training nurses with limited skills in palliative care, forms part of the review, including the cultural and attitude constraints specific to Singaporean palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Costello
- Associate Professor, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Griffiths
- Senior Lecturer, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
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The kitchen as therapy: qualitative assessment of an integrative cuisine workshop for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer 2015; 24:1487-95. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-015-2934-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Lim HA, Mahendran R, Chua J, Peh CX, Lim SE, Kua EH. The Distress Thermometer as an ultra-short screening tool: a first validation study for mixed-cancer outpatients in Singapore. Compr Psychiatry 2014; 55:1055-62. [PMID: 24556515 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 01/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research has shown that single-item tools, like the Distress Thermometer (DT), are comparable to longer ones, like the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In this study, we tested the validity of the DT in a population of Singapore cancer outpatients, and determined the cut-off scores on the DT for clinically relevant distress and an impaired quality of life (QOL). We also documented the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and QOL impairments in this population. METHODS One hundred and five patients (Mdn age=51-60years, 64% female, and 71% Chinese) diagnosed with various cancers participated in this study. They completed a standard socio-demographic form, the DT and the Problem List, the HADS, and the EuroQOL Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D). RESULTS Almost a third of patients had clinically significant emotional distress, with 15%-16% having probable levels of anxiety and depression. Almost half (41%-55%) had an impaired QOL compared to Singapore population norms. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses identified an area under the curve of 0.89 (SE=0.36, 95% CI [0.82, 0.96], p<.001) when compared to the HADS cut-off score of 15. A cut-off score of 5 on the DT had the best sensitivity (0.88) and specificity (0.81). Participants above the DT cut-off score of 5 reported significantly more emotional problems (worry, nervousness, depression, sadness), insurance/finance-related problems, and sleep problems. They also scored significantly lower on EQ-5D, with more QOL impairments in the domains of carrying out their usual activities and anxiety/depression. CONCLUSION Levels of distress, anxiety, depression, and QOL impairments are high in this population. The DT was found to be a valid tool for distress screening in the Singapore cancer population, with a recommended cut-off score of 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikel A Lim
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228 Singapore
| | - Rathi Mahendran
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228 Singapore; Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228 Singapore.
| | - Joanne Chua
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228 Singapore
| | - Chao-Xu Peh
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228 Singapore
| | - Siew-Eng Lim
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, National University Health System, NUHS Tower Block, Level 7, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore
| | - Ee-Heok Kua
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228 Singapore; Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228 Singapore
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