The effects of multidisciplinary psychosocial interventions on adult cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pretreatment Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients: Comparison With Healthy Controls and Associations With Biopsychosocial Variables

OBJECTIVE

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common burdens of cancer patients. To date, most studies focused on fatigue during or after treatment. However, investigation of pretreatment fatigue is crucial to identify causal or risk factors other than cancer therapy and to enable timely fatigue management.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirty-two breast cancer patients (mean age = 55.6) and 41 healthy participants (mean age = 49.3) were recruited via the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed with the EORTC QLQ-FA12 for fatigue, the EORTC QLQ-C30 for functioning, the STAI for anxiety, the CESD-R for depression and the PSQI for sleep disturbance. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression models were performed using baseline data before start of cancer treatment. The thresholds of clinical importance (TCI) were applied to test for clinically relevant fatigue.

RESULTS

Compared to the healthy participants, patients scored significantly higher in physical, emotional, and total fatigue, in depression, in global health status and in all functioning scales except cognitive function (all p < 0.01). 48.7% of all patients reported clinically relevant fatigue. Being younger, being obese, having low education, or low social support was associated with a higher likelihood of clinically relevant fatigue before treatment. Higher depression and anxiety scores, poorer sleep quality and global health status, and impaired functioning seemed to get along with an increased likelihood of scoring above the TCI of fatigue (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results suggest that fatigue screening, patient-centered fatigue education and psychosocial support may be needed already from the time of cancer diagnosis.

Working toward Personalized Intervention Advice: A Survey Study on Preference Heterogeneity in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Fatigue

Introduction. Many breast cancer survivors experience cancer-related fatigue (CRF), and several interventions to treat CRF are available. One way to tailor intervention advice is based on patient preferences. In this study, we explore preference heterogeneity regarding between-attribute and within-attribute preferences. In addition, we propose simple decision rules to match preferences to interventions. Methods. Nine attributes were included with dichotomized levels. Participants selected their preferred level per attribute and ranked the attributes using best-worst scaling. Between-attribute and within-attribute preferences were determined, together with their heterogeneity. Using decision rules, matching scores were calculated for a hypothetical intervention. Results. Sixty-seven breast cancer survivors completed the survey. They were on average 52 y old, 4.5 y after diagnosis, experienced CRF (6.5-7.2/10) on 3 dimensions (physical, mental, and emotional), and 43% already followed an intervention for CRF. Overall, participants ranked costs highest. Next to costs, proven effectiveness and type of intervention were also frequently ranked first. Only 13 participants (19%) shared the most common preference pattern of shorter interventions, daily sessions, shorter session time, a psychosocial intervention, no anonymity, and contact with a therapist and peers. Matching scores for a hypothetical intervention with attributes corresponding with the overall within-attribute preferences varied from 44% to 100%. Conclusion. A large heterogeneity in preferences of breast cancer survivors for CRF intervention attributes was demonstrated. Using simple decision rules, the effect of this heterogeneity on linking preferences to interventions with matching scores was demonstrated. Implications. Personalization of intervention advice is necessary due to preference heterogeneity. Tailored advice can result in higher involvement of patients in decision making, intervention adherence and satisfaction, and subsequently a potential higher quality of life after breast cancer.

Highlights

Many breast cancer survivors experience cancer-related fatigue for which many interventions exist.Our results show large preference heterogeneity in breast cancer patients' preferences for attributes of eHealth interventions.Based on this preference heterogeneity, intervention advice for cancer-related fatigue after breast cancer can be personalized, ultimately improving quality of life after breast cancer.

Palliative Care Nursing Case Management in Young Adults With Advanced Rare Cancer: Case Discussion of a Multidisciplinary Approach

Purpose/Objectives:

This case aims to identify the elements of care continuity that are lacking in young adult patients with advanced rare cancer, suggesting ways to enhance continuity of care through nurse case manager/management (NCM) interventions and describing their impact on the emotional burden of patients and their families.

Primary Practice Setting(s):

Comprehensive cancer center.

Findings/Conclusions:

The dyadic care alliance with the NCM can alleviate disease burden, fostering trust in the team and adherence to care advice, thus reducing the patient's distress. The NCM can be an efficient option to advocate for patient needs on the multidisciplinary team, addressing practical issues and the unmet needs of patients and their caregivers, and facilitating referrals to other professionals. The study also shows that caring for young adults with advanced rare cancers should include mindful evaluation of their significant others.

Implications for Case Management Practice:

Developing quality indicators for cross-sectoral psycho-oncology in Germany: combining the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method with a Delphi technique

BACKGROUND

Internationally, the need for appropriately structured, high-quality care in psycho-oncology is more and more recognized and quality-oriented care is to be established. Quality indicators are becoming increasingly important for a systematic development and improvement of the quality of care. The aim of this study was to develop a set of quality indicators for a new form of care, a cross-sectoral psycho-oncological care program in the German health care system.

METHODS

The widely established RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was combined with a modified Delphi technique. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify existing indicators. All identified indicators were evaluated and rated in a two-round Delphi process. Expert panels embedded in the Delphi process assessed the indicators in terms of relevance, data availability and feasibility. An indicator was accepted by consensus if at least 75% of the ratings corresponded to category 4 or 5 on a five-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

Of the 88 potential indicators derived from a systematic literature review and other sources, 29 were deemed relevant in the first Delphi round. After the first expert panel, 28 of the dissented indicators were re-rated and added. Of these 57 indicators, 45 were found to be feasible in terms of data availability by the second round of expert panel. In total, 22 indicators were transferred into a quality report, implemented and tested within the care networks for participatory quality improvement. In the second Delphi round, the embedded indicators were tested for their practicability. The final set includes 16 indicators that were operationalized in care practice and rated by the expert panel as relevant, comprehensible, and suitable for care practice.

CONCLUSION

The developed set of quality indicators has proven in practical testing to be a valid quality assurance tool for internal and external quality management. The study findings could contribute to traceable high quality in cross-sectoral psycho-oncology by providing a valid and comprehensive set of quality indicators.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

"Entwicklung eines Qualitätsmanagementsystems in der integrierten, sektorenübergreifenden Psychoonkologie-AP "Qualitätsmanagement und Versorgungsmanagement" zur Studie "integrierte, sektorenübergreifende Psychoonkologie (isPO)" a sub-project of the "integrierte, sektorenübergreifende Psychoonkologie (isPO)", was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) (DRKS-ID: DRKS00021515) on 3rd September 2020. The main project was registered on 30th October 2018 (DRKS-ID: DRKS00015326).

Health-Related Quality of Life, Fatigue, Level of Physical Activity, and Physical Capacity Before and After an Outpatient Rehabilitation Program for Women Within Working Age Treated for Breast Cancer

The aims were to examine changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), level of physical activity (LPA), and physical capacity from before to after an outpatient rehabilitation program (ORP) for women with breast cancer (BC). Further aims were to explore the proportions of patients with clinically relevant improvements defined as ≥ 10% beneficial change in the scores of PROMs and variables associated with such improvements.A total of 270 women within working age (< 67 years) who recently (< 1.5 years) had completed primary therapy for BC with curative intent were included. The ORP consisted of seven weekly group sessions with patient education, group conversations, and PA. The patients completed questionnaires measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue and LPA before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 6 months after (T2) the program, and were physically tested at T0 and T1. The mean age of the patients was 50.4 years (SD 7.3) and the mean time since diagnosis was 10.6 months (SD 2.6). All patients had undergone surgery and 94% radiotherapy, and 96% had received chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy.Physical-, role-, emotional-, cognitive-, and social function, global health, and fatigue significantly improved from T0 to T1. Physical-, role-, and cognitive function, and fatigue significantly improved from T1 to T2. LPA and physical capacity significantly improved from T0 to T1. More than 40% of the patients had a clinically relevant improvement in role-, social function, and fatigue symptoms, from T0 to T1. Low level of education was associated with an improvement in emotional function, and living alone was associated with an improvement in mental fatigue.HRQoL, fatigue, LPA, and physical capacity improved in women within working age recently treated for BC who participated in an ORP.

Experiences of implementation of the group-based adaptation training intervention for patients with chronic somatic illnesses or disabilities among multi-professional teams in specialized healthcare

OBJECTIVE

To describe the experiences of multi-professional teams of implementation of group-based adaptation training intervention for patients with chronic somatic illnesses or disabilities in specialized healthcare.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multi-professional teams (n = 7) implementing adaptation training courses for chronically ill patients in specialised healthcare were interviewed between 09/2020 and 12/2021. The themes for thematic group interviews were based on the standard protocol implementation of adaptation training in specialised healthcare, including planning, implementation and evaluation of the adaptation training courses. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

The experiences of multi-professional teams involved using pedagogical methods, providing guidance and counselling to support the rehabilitation process, ensuring opportunities for peer support, and supporting the course participants' involvement and activities in everyday life.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals should use pedagogical methods in reflective guidance and counselling to promote client-oriented approach in supporting adaptation. Their competence in pedagogy needs to be build and maintained by continuous education. Multi-professional teams need to ensure sufficient and versatile conditions for peer support and involvement of family members by creating open and trusting atmosphere, unhurried encounters, discussions, different and varying ways of working. Adaptation training can strengthen the self-efficacy of participants and help them shift their attention from illness and disability to thoughts of the future. Adaptation training can support active and meaningful daily life in a changed life situation.

Patient preference attributes in eHealth interventions for cancer-related fatigue: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most reported long-term effects breast cancer patients experience after diagnosis. Many interventions for CRF are effective, however, not for every individual. Therefore, intervention advice should be adjusted to patients' preferences and characteristics. Our aim was to develop an overview of eHealth interventions and their (preference sensitive) attributes.

METHODS

eHealth interventions were identified using a scoping review approach. Eligible studies included breast cancer patients and assessed CRF as outcome. Interventions were categorised as physical activity, mind-body, psychological, 'other' or 'combination'. Information was extracted on various (preference sensitive) attributes, like duration, intensity, peer support and costs.

RESULTS

Thirty-five interventions were included and divided over the intervention categories. (Preference sensitive) attributes varied both within and between these categories. Duration varied from 4 weeks to 6 months, intensity from daily to own pace. Peer support was present in seven interventions and costs were known for six.

CONCLUSION

eHealth interventions exist in various categories, additionally, there is much variation in (preference sensitive) attributes. This provides opportunities to implement our overview for personalised treatment recommendations for breast cancer patients struggling with CRF. Taking into account patients' preferences and characteristics suits the complexity of CRF and heterogeneity of patients.

Integrated, cross-sectoral psycho-oncology (isPO): a new form of care for newly diagnosed cancer patients in Germany

Background

The annual incidence of new cancer cases has been increasing worldwide for many years, and is likely to continue to rise. In Germany, the number of new cancer cases is expected to increase by 20% until 2030. Half of all cancer patients experience significant emotional and psychosocial distress along the continuum of their disease, treatment, and aftercare, and also as long-term survivors. Consequently, in many countries, psycho-oncological programs have been developed to address this added burden at both the individual and population level. These programs promote the active engagement of patients in their cancer therapy, aftercare and survivorship planning and aim to improve the patients' quality of life.

In Germany, the “new form of care isPO” (“nFC-isPO”; integrated, cross-sectoral psycho-oncology/integrierte, sektorenübergreifende Psycho-Onkologie) is currently being developed, implemented and evaluated. This approach strives to accomplish the goals devised in the National Cancer Plan by providing psycho-oncological care to all cancer patients according to their individual healthcare needs. The term “new form of care" is defined by the Innovation Fund (IF) of Germany's Federal Joint Committee as “a structured and legally binding cooperation between different professional groups and/or institutions in medical and non-medical care”.

The nFC-isPO is part of the isPO project funded by the IF. It is implemented in four local cancer centres and is currently undergoing a continuous quality improvement process. As part of the isPO project the nFC-isPO is being evaluated by an independent institution: the Institute for Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science (IMVR), University of Cologne, Germany.

The four-year isPO project was selected by the IF to be eligible for funding because it meets the requirements of the federal government's National Cancer Plan (NCP), in particular, the “further development of the oncological care structures and quality assurance" in the psycho-oncological domain. An independent evaluation is required by the IF to verify if the new form of care leads to an improvement in cross-sectoral care and to explore its potential for permanent integration into the German health care system.

Methods

The nFC-isPO consists of six components: a concept of care (C1), care pathways (C2), a psycho-oncological care network (C3), a care process organization plan (C4), an IT-supported documentation and assistance system (C5) and a quality management system (C6). The two components concept of care (C1) and care pathways (C2) represent the isPO clinical care program, according to which the individual cancer patients are offered psycho-oncological services within a period of 12 months after program enrolment following the diagnosis of cancer. The remaining components (C3-C6) represent the formal-administrative aspects of the nFC-isPO that are intended to meet the legally binding requirements of patient care in the German health care system. With the aim of systematic development of the nFC-isPO while at the same time enabling the external evaluators to examine its quality, effectiveness and efficiency under conditions of routine care, the project partners took into consideration approaches from translational psycho-oncology, practice-based health care research and program theory. In order to develop a structured, population-based isPO care program, reference was made to a specific program theory, to the stepped-care approach, and also to evidence-based guideline recommendations.

Results

The basic version, nFC-isPO, was created over the first year after the start of the isPO project in October 2017, and has since been subject to a continuous quality improvement process. In 2019, the nFC-isPO was implemented at four local psycho-oncological care networks in the federal state North Rhine-Westphalia, in Germany. The legal basis of the implementation is a contract for "special care" with the German statutory health insurance funds according to state law (§ 140a SCB V; Social Code Book V for the statutory health insurance funds). Besides the accompanying external evaluation by the IMVR, the nFC-isPO is subjected to quarterly internal and cross-network quality assurance and improvement measures (internal evaluation) in order to ensure continuous quality improvement process. These quality management measures are developed and tested in the isPO project and are to be retained in order to ensure the sustainability of the quality of nFC-isPO for later dissemination into the German health care system.

Discussion

Demands on quality, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of in the German health care system are increasing, whereas financial resources are declining, especially for psychosocial services. At the same time, knowledge about evidence-based screening, assessment and intervention in cancer patients and about the provision of psychosocial oncological services is growing continuously. Due to the legal framework of the statutory health insurance in Germany, it has taken years to put sound psycho-oncological findings from research into practice. Ensuring the adequate and sustainable financing of a needs-oriented, psycho-oncological care approach for all newly diagnosed cancer patients, as required by the NCP, may still require many additional years. The aim of the isPO project is to develop a new form of psycho-oncological care for the individual and the population suffering from cancer, and to provide those responsible for German health policy with a sound basis for decision-making on the timely dissemination of psycho-oncological services in the German health care system.

Trial registration

The study was pre-registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (https://www.drks.de/DRKS00015326) under the following trial registration number: DRKS00015326; Date of registration: October 30, 2018.

A Qualitative Study of Cancer Survivors' Experienced Outcomes of a Multidimensional Rehabilitation Program in Primary Healthcare

BACKGROUND

Cancer survival rates are increasing, but survival is often followed by several late effects. Cancer survivors' need for complex rehabilitation is well documented, but this is mostly missing in primary healthcare.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore cancer survivors' experienced outcomes of a multidimensional rehabilitation program in primary healthcare.

METHODS

The study used a qualitative method with a descriptive research design. Fifty-six cancer survivors completed a 12-week rehabilitation program built upon the 5 elements of goal setting, physical exercise, psychoeducation, individual follow-up, and peer support. Data were collected at the end of the program via 8 focus group interviews, and systematic text condensation was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

"Increased coping and participation" was identified as the overarching theme of the participants' experienced outcomes from the program, and this was elaborated by 3 main themes: (1) "increased energy and capacity," (2) "acceptance and understanding," and (3) "structure and hope."

CONCLUSION

The multidimensional rehabilitation program seemed to address cancer survivors' multiple challenges in survivorship. Proximity and accessibility to a local rehabilitation program and professionals' competence seemed to be essential factors for the participants' experienced outcomes of the program.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

A multidimensional rehabilitation program integrated in a Healthy Life Centre in primary healthcare may be beneficial for cancer survivors' coping and participation in everyday life. Cancer nurses play a crucial role in initiating and facilitating such programs.

Multidisciplinary, exercise-based oncology rehabilitation programs improve patient outcomes but their effects on healthcare service-level outcomes remain uncertain: a systematic review

QUESTION

What is the effect of multidisciplinary, exercise-based, group oncology rehabilitation programs on healthcare service outcomes and patient-level outcomes, including quality of life and physical and psychosocial function?

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults diagnosed with cancer.

INTERVENTION

Multidisciplinary, group-based rehabilitation that includes exercise for cancer survivors.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes related to health service delivery, including costs, hospitalisations and healthcare service utilisation. Secondary outcomes were patient-level measures, including: the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-life Questionnaire, 30-second timed sit to stand and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The evidence was evaluated using the PEDro Scale and the Grades of Research, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

Seventeen trials (1,962 participants) were included. There was uncertainty about the effect of multidisciplinary, exercise-based rehabilitation on healthcare service outcomes, as only one trial reported length of stay and reported wide confidence intervals (MD 2.4 days, 95% CI -3.1 to 7.8). Multidisciplinary, exercise-based rehabilitation improved muscle strength (1RM chest press MD 3.6 kg, 95% CI 0.4 to 6.8; 1RM leg press MD 19.5 kg, 95% CI 12.3 to 26.8), functional strength (30-second sit to stand MD 6 repetitions, 95% CI 3 to 9) and reduced depression (MD -0.7 points, 95% CI -1.2 to -0.1) compared to usual care. There was uncertainty whether multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs are more effective when delivered early versus late or more effective than exercise alone. Adherence was typically high (mean weighted average 76% sessions attended) with no major and few minor adverse events reported.

CONCLUSION

Multidisciplinary, exercise-based oncology rehabilitation programs improve some patient-level outcomes compared with usual care. Further evidence from randomised trials to determine their effect at a healthcare service level are required if these programs are to become part of standard care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42019130593.

The Effectiveness of Psychological Treatments in Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Breast cancer is the most prevalent oncological disease among women, and it represents the second oncological cause of death. Many studies have considered the quality of life in people with breast cancer because this condition has high comorbidity with mental distress, anxiety, affective disorders and depression. Psychological interventions can reduce the stressful consequences of both the diagnosis and the medical treatments of breast cancer. However, different methods (e.g., group or individual therapy) and focus (e.g., improving personal skills or increasing emotional well-being) do not help to identify which type of psychological therapy can be more effective in improving quality of life in patients with breast cancer. This study was aimed to systematically review and compare, by means of a meta-analysis, the efficacy of cognitive behavioural, supportive-expressive or psycho-educational treatments in women with breast cancer, focusing on anxiety, depression, mood and quality of life as outcomes. The PRISMA statement was adopted. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PUBMED and PsycArticles databases were used, and reference lists were examined for additional publications. In the selection of the articles were included studies considering women between 18 and 65 years who were diagnosed with breast cancer at any stage and under any treatment, and who underwent psychological group interventions. At the end of the systematic review, 45 studies met all inclusion criteria and were analysed in the meta-analysis. The overall effect size was medium, especially considering cognitive behavioural therapy and psycho-educational treatments. However, the studies are characterised by high methodological heterogeneity. Despite some limitations, this review and meta-analysis partially confirm the efficiency of cognitive-behavioural and psycho-educational therapies in the improvement of well-being in women with breast cancer.

Mental health care in oncology. Contemporary perspective on the psychosocial burden of cancer and evidence-based interventions

With cancer incidence increasing over time worldwide, attention to the burden of psychiatric and psychosocial consequences of the disease is now mandatory for both cancer and mental health care professionals. Psychiatric disorders have been shown to affect at least 30-35% of cancer patients during all phases of the disease trajectory, and differ in nature according to stage and type of cancer. Other clinically relevant distressing psychosocial and existential conditions (e.g. demoralisation, health anxiety, loss of meaning and existential distress) not included as 'disorders' in the usual diagnostic and nosological systems (i.e. meta-diagnostic conditions) have also been shown to be present in another 15-20% of cancer patients. In this editorial, we will present a summary of the extensive literature regarding the epidemiology of the several psychosocial disorders affecting cancer patients as a cause of distress and burden to be taken into consideration and addressed in cancer care through evidence-based intervention.