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Liu Q, Jiang L, Ho KY, Lam KKW, Lam W, Yang F, Mao T, Sun M, Shen B, Ho JM, Liu PK, Chiu SY, Wong FKY. Spiritual Interventions Among Pediatric Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 68:e8-e20. [PMID: 38518833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.03.015] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although spiritual intervention is crucial in the care of childhood cancer patients (CCPs), its effectiveness has not yet been systematically evaluated. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of existing spiritual interventions on psychological, spiritual outcomes, and quality of life (QoL) in CCPs. METHODS We searched eight databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Results were either synthesized in a systematic narrative synthesis or a meta-analysis using a random effects model, where appropriate. The pooled treatment effect was estimated using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Twelve studies with 576 CCPs were included. Eight studies showed a high risk of bias. The overall effect of existing spiritual interventions on QoL (Z = 1.05, SMD = 0.64, 95%CI = -0.15 to 1.83, P = 0.29), anxiety (Z = 1.11, SMD = -0.83, 95%CI = -2.30 to 0.64, P = 0.28) and depressive symptoms (Z = 1.06, SMD = -0.49, 95%CI = -1.40 to 0.42, P = 0.12) were statistically nonsignificant. The nonsignificant findings could be attributed to the high heterogeneity among the included studies (QoL: I2 = 85%; anxiety: I2 = 90%; depressive symptoms: I2 = 58%). CONCLUSION Evidence to support the positive effects of existing spiritual interventions on psychological and spiritual outcomes and QoL in CCPs is insufficient. Future studies should adopt a more rigorous design and unify the outcome measures to reduce the risk of bias and heterogeneity, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- School of Nursing (Q.L., L.J., K.Y.H., K.K.W.L., W.L., F.Y., T.M., J.M.C.H., F.K.Y.W.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, HKSAR
| | - Ling Jiang
- School of Nursing (Q.L., L.J., K.Y.H., K.K.W.L., W.L., F.Y., T.M., J.M.C.H., F.K.Y.W.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, HKSAR
| | - Ka Yan Ho
- School of Nursing (Q.L., L.J., K.Y.H., K.K.W.L., W.L., F.Y., T.M., J.M.C.H., F.K.Y.W.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, HKSAR.
| | - Katherine K W Lam
- School of Nursing (Q.L., L.J., K.Y.H., K.K.W.L., W.L., F.Y., T.M., J.M.C.H., F.K.Y.W.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, HKSAR
| | - Winsome Lam
- School of Nursing (Q.L., L.J., K.Y.H., K.K.W.L., W.L., F.Y., T.M., J.M.C.H., F.K.Y.W.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, HKSAR
| | - Funa Yang
- School of Nursing (Q.L., L.J., K.Y.H., K.K.W.L., W.L., F.Y., T.M., J.M.C.H., F.K.Y.W.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, HKSAR
| | - Ting Mao
- School of Nursing (Q.L., L.J., K.Y.H., K.K.W.L., W.L., F.Y., T.M., J.M.C.H., F.K.Y.W.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, HKSAR
| | - Mei Sun
- Xiangya School of Nursing (M.S.), Central South University, China
| | - Biyu Shen
- Department of Nursing (B.S.), Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Jacqueline Mc Ho
- School of Nursing (Q.L., L.J., K.Y.H., K.K.W.L., W.L., F.Y., T.M., J.M.C.H., F.K.Y.W.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, HKSAR
| | - P K Liu
- Hong Kong Children's Hospital (P.K.L.), Shing Cheong Road, Kowloon Bay, HKSAR
| | - S Y Chiu
- Department of Adolescent Medicine (S.Y.C.), Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, HKSAR
| | - Frances-Kam-Yuet Wong
- School of Nursing (Q.L., L.J., K.Y.H., K.K.W.L., W.L., F.Y., T.M., J.M.C.H., F.K.Y.W.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, HKSAR
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van Driessche A, Beernaert K, Deliens L, Kars MC, Lyon ME, Barrera M, Dussel V, Bidstrup P, Rosenberg AR, Akard TF, Cohen J, De Vleminck A. Recruitment and retention challenges and strategies in randomized controlled trials of psychosocial interventions for children with cancer and their parents: a collective case study. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4683-4706. [PMID: 37561196 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05139-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
In pediatric oncology there are few examples of successful recruitment and retention strategies in psychosocial care research. This study aims to summarize experiences, challenges, and strategies for conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychosocial intervention studies among children with cancer and their parent(s). We conducted a collective case study. To identify the cases, Pubmed and two trial registries were searched for ongoing and finished RCTs of psychosocial intervention studies for children with cancer and their parents. Online semi-structured expert interviews discussing recruitment and retention challenges and strategies were performed with principal investigators and research staff members of the identified cases. Nine studies were identified. Investigators and staff from seven studies participated, highlighting challenges and strategies within three major themes: eligibility, enrollment and retention. Regarding eligibility, collaborating constructively with healthcare professionals and involving them before the start of the study were essential. Being flexible, training the research staff, enabling alignment with the participants' situation, and providing consistency in contact between the research staff member and the families were important strategies for optimizing enrollment and retention. All studies followed a stepped process in recruitment. Conclusion: Although recruitment and retention in some selected studies were successful, there is a paucity of evidence on experienced recruitment and retention challenges in pediatric psychosocial research and best practices on optimizing them. The strategies outlined in this study can help researchers optimize their protocol and trial-implementation, and contribute to better psychosocial care for children with cancer and their parents. Trial Registration: This study is not a clinical trial. What is Known: • Performing RCTs is challenging, particularly in pediatric psychosocial research when both the child and parent are targeted. Recruitment and retention are common concerns. In pediatric oncology, there are few examples of successful recruitment and retention strategies in psychosocial care research. What is New: • Key strategies to collaborate constructively with healthcare professionals were outlined. Being flexible, training the research staff, alignment with the participant's situations and providing consistency in contact between the research staff member and the families were considered as essential strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne van Driessche
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marijke C Kars
- Center of Expertise Palliative Care Utrecht, Julius Center of Health and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584, CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maureen E Lyon
- Center for Translational Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Avenue, Washington, NW, DC 20010-2970, USA
| | - Maru Barrera
- SickKids Hospital, Research Institute, Child Health and Evaluation Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Veronica Dussel
- Pediatric Palliative Care, Research Mass General for Children, Boston, USA
| | - Pernille Bidstrup
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Psychological Aspects of Cancer, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Palliative Care, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Terrah F Akard
- Graduate School, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aline De Vleminck
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090, Brussels, Belgium
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Cowfer BA, Dietrich MS, Akard TF, Gilmer MJ. Relationships Between Parental Anxiety and Child Quality of Life in Advanced Childhood Cancer. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2023; 40:209-216. [PMID: 37032466 DOI: 10.1177/27527530221147876] [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: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Background: Family factors, such as household income and parental psychosocial distress, have been associated with quality of life in children with cancer. However, relationships between parent anxiety and child health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have not been evaluated in children with advanced cancer. Objective: To examine relationships between parent anxiety and both parent-reported and child self-reported HRQoL for children with advanced cancer. Method: Children (aged 5-17 years) with relapsed or refractory cancer and their parents participated in this single-institution cross-sectional study. Parents completed measures of their own baseline anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait [STAI-T] form) and their ill child's HRQoL (PedsQL Generic and PedsQL Cancer, parent report). Children completed age-specific PedsQL Generic and PedsQL Cancer, child report. Spearman's rho coefficients assessed correlations between total parent STAI-T score and both parent-reported and child-reported HRQoL scales. Results: Twenty children (Mage = 9.5 years, 50% female) and their 20 parents (90% mothers) participated. The strongest and statistically significant (p < .05) correlations were inverse associations between parental trait anxiety and parent-reported child psychosocial HRQoL (rs = -.54), emotional functioning (rs = -.49), school functioning (rs = -.45), and child pain and hurt (rs = -.45). Correlations of parental anxiety with all dimensions of child-reported HRQoL were generally smaller (rs < .40), positive, and not statistically significant (p > .05). Discussion: Given the inverse correlations between parental anxiety and child psychosocial HRQoL, assessment of parent mental health needs and access to interventions should be provided routinely for parents of children with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Cowfer
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mary S Dietrich
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Terrah Foster Akard
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mary Jo Gilmer
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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Cho E, Dietrich MS, Friedman DL, Gilmer MJ, Gerhardt CA, Given BA, Hendricks-Ferguson VL, Hinds PS, Akard TF. Effects of a Web-Based Pediatric Oncology Legacy Intervention on the Coping of Children With Cancer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:34-42. [PMID: 35535490 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221100809] [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: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent or refractory cancer often results in substantial and extensive physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual burdens for children and their families. However, the therapeutic benefits of legacy interventions in children with recurrent or refractory cancer have been examined only recently, with limited attention to specific effects on children's coping abilities. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a digital storytelling-legacy intervention on the adaptive coping of children with recurrent or refractory cancer. METHODS This study used a 2-arm randomized, waitlist-controlled trial design. A total of 150 children with recurrent or refractory cancer and their parents were recruited via Facebook advertisements. RESULTS The analysis sample included 92 dyads (35-intervention group, 57-control group). The legacy intervention showed small and statistically nonsignificant effects on primary-control and disengagement coping strategies among children with recurrent or refractory cancer. CONCLUSIONS Legacy interventions using readily accessible digital storytelling have the potential to enhance the adaptive coping skills among children with recurrent or refractory cancer. Further research should determine how to enhance interventions tailored to this population to optimize the benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Cho
- School of Nursing, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mary S Dietrich
- School of Nursing, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,School of Medicine, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Debra L Friedman
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, 12328Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mary Jo Gilmer
- School of Nursing, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,School of Medicine, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, 2647The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Center for Biobehavioral Health, 51711The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Barbara A Given
- College of Nursing, 3078Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Pamela S Hinds
- Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice and Quality Outcomes, 8404Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, 8367George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Terrah Foster Akard
- School of Nursing, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,School of Medicine, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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5
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Ryan RE, Connolly M, Bradford NK, Henderson S, Herbert A, Schonfeld L, Young J, Bothroyd JI, Henderson A. Interventions for interpersonal communication about end of life care between health practitioners and affected people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 7:CD013116. [PMID: 35802350 PMCID: PMC9266997 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013116.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication about end of life (EoL) and EoL care is critically important for providing quality care as people approach death. Such communication is often complex and involves many people (patients, family members, carers, health professionals). How best to communicate with people in the period approaching death is not known, but is an important question for quality of care at EoL worldwide. This review fills a gap in the evidence on interpersonal communication (between people and health professionals) in the last year of life, focusing on interventions to improve interpersonal communication and patient, family member and carer outcomes. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions designed to improve verbal interpersonal communication about EoL care between health practitioners and people affected by EoL. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from inception to July 2018, without language or date restrictions. We contacted authors of included studies and experts and searched reference lists to identify relevant papers. We searched grey literature sources, conference proceedings, and clinical trials registries in September 2019. Database searches were re-run in June 2021 and potentially relevant studies listed as awaiting classification or ongoing. SELECTION CRITERIA This review assessed the effects of interventions, evaluated in randomised and quasi-randomised trials, intended to enhance interpersonal communication about EoL care between patients expected to die within 12 months, their family members and carers, and health practitioners involved in their care. Patients of any age from birth, in any setting or care context (e.g. acute catastrophic injury, chronic illness), and all health professionals involved in their care were eligible. All communication interventions were eligible, as long as they included interpersonal interaction(s) between patients and family members or carers and health professionals. Interventions could be simple or complex, with one or more communication aims (e.g. to inform, skill, engage, support). Effects were sought on outcomes for patients, family and carers, health professionals and health systems, including adverse (unintended) effects. To ensure this review's focus was maintained on interpersonal communication in the last 12 months of life, we excluded studies that addressed specific decisions, shared or otherwise, and the tools involved in such decision-making. We also excluded studies focused on advance care planning (ACP) reporting ACP uptake or completion as the primary outcome. Finally, we excluded studies of communication skills training for health professionals unless patient outcomes were reported as primary outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Standard Cochrane methods were used, including dual review author study selection, data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies. MAIN RESULTS Eight trials were included. All assessed intervention effects compared with usual care. Certainty of the evidence was low or very low. All outcomes were downgraded for indirectness based on the review's purpose, and many were downgraded for imprecision and/or inconsistency. Certainty was not commonly downgraded for methodological limitations. A summary of the review's findings is as follows. Knowledge and understanding (four studies, low-certainty evidence; one study without usable data): interventions to improve communication (e.g. question prompt list, with or without patient and physician training) may have little or no effect on knowledge of illness and prognosis, or information needs and preferences, although studies were small and measures used varied across trials. Evaluation of the communication (six studies measuring several constructs (communication quality, patient-centredness, involvement preferences, doctor-patient relationship, satisfaction with consultation), most low-certainty evidence): across constructs there may be minimal or no effects of interventions to improve EoL communication, and there is uncertainty about effects of interventions such as a patient-specific feedback sheet on quality of communication. Discussions of EoL or EoL care (six studies measuring selected outcomes, low- or very low-certainty evidence): a family conference intervention may increase duration of EoL discussions in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting, while use of a structured serious illness conversation guide may lead to earlier discussions of EoL and EoL care (each assessed by one study). We are uncertain about effects on occurrence of discussions and question asking in consultations, and there may be little or no effect on content of communication in consultations. Adverse outcomes or unintended effects (limited evidence): there is insufficient evidence to determine whether there are adverse outcomes associated with communication interventions (e.g. question prompt list, family conference, structured discussions) for EoL and EoL care. Patient and/or carer anxiety was reported by three studies, but judged as confounded. No other unintended consequences, or worsening of desired outcomes, were reported. Patient/carer quality of life (four studies, low-certainty evidence; two without useable data): interventions to improve communication may have little or no effect on quality of life. Health practitioner outcomes (three studies, low-certainty evidence; two without usable data): interventions to improve communication may have little or no effect on health practitioner outcomes (satisfaction with communication during consultation; one study); effects on other outcomes (knowledge, preparedness to communicate) are unknown. Health systems impacts: communication interventions (e.g. structured EoL conversations) may have little or no effect on carer or clinician ratings of quality of EoL care (satisfaction with care, symptom management, comfort assessment, quality of care) (three studies, low-certainty evidence), or on patients' self-rated care and illness, or numbers of care goals met (one study, low-certainty evidence). Communication interventions (e.g. question prompt list alone or with nurse-led communication skills training) may slightly increase mean consultation length (two studies), but other health service impacts (e.g. hospital admissions) are unclear. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Findings of this review are inconclusive for practice. Future research might contribute meaningfully by seeking to fill gaps for populations not yet studied in trials; and to develop responsive outcome measures with which to better assess the effects of communication on the range of people involved in EoL communication episodes. Mixed methods and/or qualitative research may contribute usefully to better understand the complex interplay between different parties involved in communication, and to inform development of more effective interventions and appropriate outcome measures. Co-design of such interventions and outcomes, involving the full range of people affected by EoL communication and care, should be a key underpinning principle for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Ryan
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Michael Connolly
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin and Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Natalie K Bradford
- Centre for Children's Health Research, Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes at Centre for Children's Health Research, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Simon Henderson
- Department of Aviation, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony Herbert
- Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Children's Health Queensland, Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Children's Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lina Schonfeld
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Jeanine Young
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | | | - Amanda Henderson
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
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Uber A, Ebelhar JS, Lanzel AF, Roche A, Vidal-Anaya V, Brock KE. Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:161-174. [DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01174-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Akard TF, Burley S, Root MC, Dietrich MS, Cowfer B, Mooney-Doyle K. Long-Term Follow-Up of Legacy Services Offered by Children's Hospitals in the United States. Palliat Med Rep 2021; 2:218-225. [PMID: 34927145 PMCID: PMC8675220 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2021.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Our 2012 survey of providers described legacy services offered at children's hospitals nationwide. Since then, the science related to legacy interventions has advanced, resulting in increased recognition of the importance of legacy services. Yet, legacy interventions offered by children's hospitals have not been recently described. Objective: To describe current legacy services offered by children's hospitals in the United States and compare with our previous results. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional design. Setting/Subjects: Participants included providers (N = 54) from teaching children's hospitals in the United States. Measurements: Electronic REDCap survey. Results: Similar to our prior research, 100% of respondents reported that their hospital offers legacy activities with 98% providing such services as a standard of care. Notable increased numbers of children are participating in legacy interventions compared with the previous study, now with 40% (compared with 9.5% previously) of participants reporting >50 children per year. Patients being offered legacy activities include neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients, those with life-threatening traumatic injuries, those on life support for extended periods of time, and those referred to hospice. Although not statistically significant, the percentage of hospitals offering legacy-making to children with cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and life-threatening illnesses is slightly increased from the prior time point. Conclusions: Children across developmental stages and illness contexts and their families can benefit from both the memories generated through the process of legacy services and the subsequent tangible products. Providers should continue to offer legacy opportunities to seriously ill children and their families across a wide array of settings and illness contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samantha Burley
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Maggie C Root
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary S Dietrich
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Kim Mooney-Doyle
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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8
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Cho E, Gilmer MJ, Friedman DL, Hendricks-Ferguson VL, Hinds PS, Akard TF. Facebook Recruitment for Children with Advanced Cancer and Their Parents: Lessons from a Web-based Pediatric Palliative Intervention Study. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2021; 29:264-271. [PMID: 34737490 DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2021.1898077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Participant recruitment for pediatric palliative intervention studies is a chronic challenge for researchers. Digital recruitment strategies, or digital technology-assisted recruitment methods used to remotely reach and enroll research subjects, can help address these recruitment challenges for pediatric palliative care clinical trials. This study (a) describes Facebook recruitment procedures targeting children with cancer and their parents for a pediatric palliative intervention randomized clinical trial, (b) reports recruitment results, and (c) discusses successful strategies to recruit pediatric populations via Facebook advertisements. Researchers used Facebook advertisements to recruit children with advanced cancer (aged 7 to 17 years) for a web-based legacy intervention. Between years 2015 and 2018, our research team enrolled 150 child-parent dyads (N= 300) to participate in the web-based legacy program. Results suggest that Facebook advertisements can be a successful tool to access and recruit pediatric populations with life-threatening conditions. Further research is needed to determine how innovative social-media recruitment strategies could be used in other populations of patients with serious illnesses and their caregivers to further advance the science in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Cho
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mary Jo Gilmer
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Debra L Friedman
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Pamela S Hinds
- Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice & Quality, Children's National Health System, George Washington University, Washington, DC.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Terrah Foster Akard
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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9
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE/METHODS Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) is a multidisciplinary medical subspecialty focused on the care of children with serious illnesses and terminal diagnoses. Providers impact the care of children from the perinatal stage through adolescence/young adulthood and help patients and families face diagnoses such as complex chronic disease and malignancy. This article describes these unique populations and distinct areas of current PPC research. RESULTS Unique aspects of PPC include a high level of prognostic uncertainty, symptom burden, pediatric, and surrogate advance care planning, hope in the face of prognostic challenges, care of children at end of life, concurrent care, staff support, sibling support, and bereavement. CONCLUSION PPC's evolution from an extension of hospice into a continuum of support for families and staff caring for children with serious illnesses is exemplified in both qualitative and quantitative research. The literature proves the value that PPC can provide to families, hospitals, and communities. PPC is evolving from a supportive service into a uniquely beneficial, collaborative, educational, and interdisciplinary specialty that improves outcomes for all involved.Plain Language Summary (PLS)Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) is a service provided to all children with serious illness as a way of addressing suffering. Populations served by PPC range from those not yet born to patients preparing for adulthood. The serious illnesses they face range from chronic disease to cancer. Over the last 20 years research has explored the unique aspects of the pediatric experience of serious illness, including prognostic uncertainty, concurrent care, symptom management, advance care planning, hope, family experience of illness, care at the end of life, staff support, and bereavement.As the number of patients who would benefit from PPC services rapidly expands nationally and worldwide, PPC teams provide education and skills training for their colleagues in primary and subspecialty fields. Hospitals benefit from PPC through improved patient experience, family-centered care, and staff support. Communities are served by PPC that occurs in and out of the hospital.Research in PPC provides guidance for challenging questions in care and has resulted in an increasingly robust body of work. PPC providers have skills of advanced communication training, hope in the face of uncertainty, targeted and personalized symptom management, and a diverse understanding of quality of life. These skills help support decision-making and establish strong connections between providers and families.The field of PPC has a distinct skillset to support families who face serious illness. This article helps medical and psychosocial providers visualize how PPC is evolving from what has often been explained to families as an added layer of support into a uniquely beneficial, collaborative, and interdisciplinary service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Moresco
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Dominic Moore
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Foster Akard T, Dietrich MS, Friedman DL, Wray S, Gerhardt CA, Given B, Hendricks-Ferguson VL, Hinds PS, Cho E, Gilmer MJ. Effects of a Web-Based Pediatric Oncology Legacy Intervention on Parental Coping. Oncol Nurs Forum 2021; 48:309-316. [PMID: 33855995 DOI: 10.1188/21.onf.309-316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of a legacy intervention for children with advanced cancer and their parents on parental coping strategies. SAMPLE & SETTING The authors recruited 150 children with advanced cancer and their parents via Facebook. METHODS & VARIABLES Child-parent dyads were randomly assigned to the intervention or usual care. Children in the intervention group created electronic digital storyboards to assist in documenting their legacies. Parents completed the Responses to Stress Questionnaire at baseline/preintervention (T1) and postintervention (T2). Linear regressions were used to test for differences between the groups in the amount of change from T1 to T2 for each parent coping score. RESULTS Although not statistically significant, the legacy intervention showed trends toward increasing use of primary control and disengagement coping strategies in parents over time relative to usual care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses can help to facilitate opportunities for parents to use adaptive coping strategies. More work is needed to determine how legacy interventions in pediatric oncology can facilitate adaptive coping strategies for parents of children with cancer.
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Chandeying N, Thongseiratch T. Online Interventions to Improve Mental Health of Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:784615. [PMID: 35002804 PMCID: PMC8733740 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.784615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Over the last 10 years, online interventions to improve mental health have increased significantly. This study's primary objective was to determine the effectiveness of online interventions in improving the mental health of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (PAYA) cancer survivors. The secondary objective was to identify the independent variables associated with online intervention efficacy for mental health improvement. Methods: On June 25-30, 2021, we searched the Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for eligible English language publications that reported randomized controlled trials of online interventions aimed at improving mental health among PAYA cancer survivors. The results were analyzed using a systematic review and a three-level meta-analysis. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. In six (42%) studies, the intervention focused on physical activity enhancement, while ten (77%) studies used self-directed interventions. Online interventions were more efficacious, compared to control conditions, in improving sleep g = 0.35 (95% CI 0.04-0.66) and psychological well-being g = 0.32 (95% CI 0.09-0.56), but not for reducing the symptoms of depression g = 0.17 (95% CI -0.13 to 0.47), anxiety g = 0.05 (95% CI -0.15 to 0.25), and pain g = 0.13 (95% CI -0.13 to 0.39). Conclusion: Online interventions were generally effective in improving mental health in PAYA cancer survivors, although negative results were found in some critical outcomes. More high-quality evidence is needed for definite conclusions to be drawn. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021266276).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutthaporn Chandeying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Therdpong Thongseiratch
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
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Akard TF, Gilmer MJ. Research Cooperative Groups in Pediatric Palliative Care Research. Palliat Med Rep 2020; 1:321-325. [PMID: 34223492 PMCID: PMC8241338 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2020.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Research cooperative groups aim to facilitate collaborative and rigorous palliative care research. The purpose of this article is to (1) demonstrate how cooperative groups are taking formal and sustainable steps with commitment to pediatric palliative care research programs and (2) provide an example of how one cooperative group is implementing these innovative efforts to partner with programs to integrate pediatrics on an expanding scale. Details are described for how pediatric studies can benefit from cooperative group infrastructure and expertise. In turn, we describe how cooperative groups can benefit from collaborating on pediatric studies through broadening of data dictionaries, data repositories, and reach in palliative care research communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Jo Gilmer
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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