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Willis KD, Reid MP, Fox A, Kleva CS, Sherwood P, Loughan AR. The impact of a primary brain tumor diagnosis on caregivers: Insights from the patients' perspective. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:595. [PMID: 39160352 PMCID: PMC11333512 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08783-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The diagnosis of a primary brain tumor (PBT) causes significant distress for the caregiver-patient dyad, warranting increased supportive care intervention. Although researchers have previously assessed caregivers' perceptions of their own supportive care needs, no study to date has identified how patients perceive the caregiving experience and/or patients' recommendations for integrating supportive care of caregivers in neuro-oncology. This qualitative study examined caregiver distress as well as caregiver supportive care needs from the patients' perspective to inform future intervention development. METHODS Adults with PBT (N = 15; Mage = 45; 53% female; 93% White) were divided into four, 90-min focus groups moderated by a clinical neuropsychologist. Patients responded to semi-structured interview questions regarding various supportive care needs throughout the course of disease. Each discussion was transcribed and coded using thematic content analysis and NVivo software. Inter-rater reliability was excellent (MKappa = 0.92, range = 0.85-0.93). RESULTS Seven distinct codes related to PBT caregivers emerged and were classified into two broader themes: Caregiver Impact (47% of coded content) and Caregiver Support (53% of coded content). Caregiver Impact refers to patients' perspective of the practical and emotional demands of caregiving. Under Caregiver Support, patients cited a strong need for increased support of caregivers, including bereavement care, individual psychotherapy, and joint caregiver-patient dyad sessions. CONCLUSION Patients with PBT expressed profound concerns regarding the demands of caregiving and its impact on the well-being of their loved ones. Findings emphasize the need for comprehensive dyadic support in neuro-oncology throughout the disease trajectory to enhance the overall quality-of-life for both patients and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelcie D Willis
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Morgan P Reid
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Amber Fox
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Christopher S Kleva
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Paula Sherwood
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ashlee R Loughan
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, VCU School of Medicine, 1201 East Marshall St, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
- Massey Cancer Center, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Webb K, Sharpe L, Russell H, Shaw J. Fear of cancer recurrence in ovarian cancer caregivers: A qualitative study. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6255. [PMID: 38047732 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM Although there is growing research exploring survivor fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), little is known about caregiver FCR. To date, examination of caregiver FCR has largely been conducted through the lens of survivor conceptualisations, limiting the development of caregiver-specific models, measures, and interventions. This study aimed to explore experiences of FCR among caregivers of people with ovarian cancer. METHODS Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with caregivers of people with ovarian cancer. Participants, recruited through Ovarian Cancer Australia, also completed an online survey collecting participant and patient demographic characteristics, information about the survivor's disease and caregiver levels of FCR using the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (Caregiver) (FCRI-c). Qualitative interviews explored caregiver fears, how fears and concerns were experienced and the frequency and timing of FCR. Thematic analysis using a Framework Approach was used to analyse the results. RESULTS Twenty-four caregivers (54% male) participated in an interview. Most caregivers were providing care for their partner (n = 14). Thematic analysis identified four inter-related themes and associated sub-themes: (1) Fear and uncertainty; (2) Liminality; (3) Hopelessness and (4) Caregiver's protection of the person and self (caregiver's role as protector). Underpinning these themes was an overarching fear of one's family member dying. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers supporting people with ovarian cancer experience worries and concerns related to cancer recurrence or progression. These experiences are conceptually different to survivor experiences. Fear of one's family member dying, and the dual nature of caregiver protection/self-protection mean it is imperative that interventions are tailored specifically to caregiver needs. Future research facilitating the development of appropriate measures and interventions is essential to reduce caregiver FCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra Webb
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise Sharpe
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hayley Russell
- Ovarian Cancer Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Shaw
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Webb K, Sharpe L, Butow P, Dhillon H, Zachariae R, Tauber NM, O'Toole MS, Shaw J. Caregiver fear of cancer recurrence: A systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative studies. Psychooncology 2023; 32:1173-1191. [PMID: 37303263 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is reported by both cancer survivors and caregivers however less is known about caregiver FCR. This study aimed to (a) conduct a meta-analysis to compare survivor and caregiver FCR levels; (b) examine the relationship between caregiver FCR and depression, and anxiety; (c) evaluate psychometric properties of caregiver FCR measures. METHODS CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO and PubMed were searched for quantitative research examining caregiver FCR. Eligibility criteria included caregivers caring for a survivor with any type of cancer, reporting on caregiver FCR and/or measurement, published in English-language, peer-review journals between 1997 and November 2022. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) taxonomy was used to evaluate content and psychometric properties. The review was pre-registered (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020201906). RESULTS Of 4297 records screened, 45 met criteria for inclusion. Meta-analysis revealed that caregivers reported FCR levels as high as FCR amongst survivors, with around 48% of caregivers reporting clinically significant FCR levels. There was a strong correlation between anxiety and depression and medium correlation with survivor FCR. Twelve different instruments were used to measure caregiver FCR. Assessments using the COSMIN taxonomy revealed few instruments had undergone appropriate development and psychometric testing. Only one instrument met 50% or more of the criteria, indicating substantial development or validation components were missing in most. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest FCR is as often a problem for caregivers as it is for survivors. As in survivors, caregiver FCR is associated with more severe depression and anxiety. Caregiver FCR measurement has predominately relied on survivor conceptualisations and unvalidated measures. More caregiver-specific research is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra Webb
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Psycho-oncology Co-operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise Sharpe
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phyllis Butow
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Psycho-oncology Co-operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Haryana Dhillon
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Psycho-oncology Co-operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-Based Decision Making (CeMPED), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert Zachariae
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Unit for Psychooncology and Health Psychology (EPoS), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nina Møller Tauber
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mia Skytte O'Toole
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Joanne Shaw
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Psycho-oncology Co-operative Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Wamelink IJHG, Hempel HL, van de Giessen E, Vries MHM, De Witt Hamer P, Barkhof F, Keil VC. The patients' experience of neuroimaging of primary brain tumors: a cross-sectional survey study. J Neurooncol 2023; 162:307-315. [PMID: 36977844 PMCID: PMC10167184 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04290-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To gain insight into how patients with primary brain tumors experience MRI, follow-up protocols, and gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) use. METHODS Primary brain tumor patients answered a survey after their MRI exam. Questions were analyzed to determine trends in patients' experience regarding the scan itself, follow-up frequency, and the use of GBCAs. Subgroup analysis was performed on sex, lesion grade, age, and the number of scans. Subgroup comparison was made using the Pearson chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U-test for categorical and ordinal questions, respectively. RESULTS Of the 100 patients, 93 had a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis, and seven were considered to have a slow-growing low-grade tumor after multidisciplinary assessment and follow-up. 61/100 patients were male, with a mean age ± standard deviation of 44 ± 14 years and 46 ± 13 years for the females. Fifty-nine patients had low-grade tumors. Patients consistently underestimated the number of their previous scans. 92% of primary brain tumor patients did not experience the MRI as bothering and 78% would not change the number of follow-up MRIs. 63% of the patients would prefer GBCA-free MRI scans if diagnostically equally accurate. Women found the MRI and receiving intravenous cannulas significantly more uncomfortable than men (p = 0.003). Age, diagnosis, and the number of previous scans had no relevant impact on the patient experience. CONCLUSION Patients with primary brain tumors experienced current neuro-oncological MRI practice as positive. Especially women would, however, prefer GBCA-free imaging if diagnostically equally accurate. Patient knowledge of GBCAs was limited, indicating improvable patient information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivar J H G Wamelink
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Hugo L Hempel
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elsmarieke van de Giessen
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain Imaging, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark H M Vries
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip De Witt Hamer
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology and Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vera C Keil
- Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain Imaging, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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