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Hyatt A, Lipson-Smith R, Gough K, Butow P, Jefford M, Hack TF, Hale S, Zucchi E, White S, Ozolins U, Schofield P. Including migrant oncology patients in research: A multisite pilot randomised controlled trial testing consultation audio-recordings and question prompt lists. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 28:100932. [PMID: 35677588 PMCID: PMC9167883 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oncology patients who are migrants or refugees face worse outcomes due to language and communication barriers impacting care. Interventions such as consultation audio-recordings and question prompt lists may prove beneficial in mediating communication challenges. However, designing robust research inclusive of patients who do not speak English is challenging. This study therefore aimed to: a) pilot test and assess the appropriateness of the proposed research design and methods for engaging migrant populations, and b) determine whether a multi-site RCT efficacy assessment of the communication intervention utilising these methods is feasible. Methods This study is a mixed-methods parallel-group, randomised controlled feasibility pilot trial. Feasibility outcomes comprised assessment of: i) screening and recruitment processes, ii) design and procedures, and iii) research time and costing. The communication intervention comprised audio-recordings of a key medical consultation with an interpreter, and question prompt lists and cancer information translated into Arabic, Greek, Traditional, and Simplified Chinese. Results Assessment of feasibility parameters revealed that despite barriers, methods utilised in this study supported the inclusion of migrant oncology patients in research. A future multi-site RCT efficacy assessment of the INFORM communication intervention using these methods is feasible if recommendations to strengthen screening and recruitment are adopted. Importantly, hiring of bilingual research assistants, and engagement with community and consumer advocates is essential. Early involvement of clinical and interpreting staff as key stakeholders is likewise recommended. Conclusion Results from this feasibility RCT help us better understand and overcome the challenges and misconceptions about including migrant patients in clinical research. Migrant oncology patients face worse health outcomes due to language barriers. Consultation recording and question prompt lists are effective communication interventions. Designing robust research methods which overcome language barriers is important and achievable. Engaging with community advocates and hiring of bilingual staff are research design strategies.
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Scanlon B, Brough M, Wyld D, Durham J. Equity across the cancer care continuum for culturally and linguistically diverse migrants living in Australia: a scoping review. Global Health 2021; 17:87. [PMID: 34321015 PMCID: PMC8318324 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00737-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
International evidence suggests migrants experience inequitable access, outcomes and treatment quality across the cancer care continuum. There is currently limited research assessing equity across the cancer care continuum for culturally and linguistically diverse migrants living in Australia. A detailed protocol and search strategy were developed and used to identify all relevant literature, utilising the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer’s Manual. Systematic searching was conducted via multiple databases and identified studies were screened against pre-identified inclusion and exclusion criteria. 71 studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Most studies examined cancer detection via screening. Very few studies examined cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment or palliative care. Most studies focused on patient-sided barriers to care and there was a paucity of information regarding institutional barriers to health. Cancer-related outcomes were seldom examined, and most studies were qualitative or behavioral analysis. Results highlighted significant communication issues spanning the cancer care continuum and a context of inadequate support for both patients and clinicians. There is a demonstrable need to examine equity in access and outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse cancer populations. This requires the identification of cancer-related disparities and an examination of institutional barriers to care. Through addressing this dearth of information, future research and health policy can support the operationalisation of health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brighid Scanlon
- Queensland University of Technology, 149 Victoria Park Road, QLD, 4059, Kelvin Grove, Australia. .,Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street, QLD, 4029, Herston, Australia.
| | - Mark Brough
- Queensland University of Technology, 149 Victoria Park Road, QLD, 4059, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - David Wyld
- Queensland University of Technology, 149 Victoria Park Road, QLD, 4059, Kelvin Grove, Australia.,Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street, QLD, 4029, Herston, Australia.,University of Queensland, 20 Weightman Street, QLD, 4006, Herston, Australia
| | - Jo Durham
- Queensland University of Technology, 149 Victoria Park Road, QLD, 4059, Kelvin Grove, Australia
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Torensma M, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, de Voogd X, Willems DL, Suurmond JL. The role of research in improving responsiveness of palliative care to migrants and other underserved populations in the Netherlands: a qualitative interview study. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:5. [PMID: 33407358 PMCID: PMC7789154 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aging of migrant populations across Europe challenges researchers in palliative care to produce knowledge that can be used to respond to the needs of the growing group of patients with a migration background and address ethnic disparities in palliative care. The aim of this study was to identify what factors influence researchers' efforts to address responsiveness of palliative care to patients with a migration background and other underserved populations in their projects. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 researchers involved in seven projects under the Dutch national program for palliative care innovation. RESULTS Researchers' efforts to address responsiveness of palliative care in their projects were influenced by individual factors, i.e. awareness of the need for responsiveness to patients with a migration background; experience with responsiveness; and, differences in perceptions on responsiveness in palliative care. Researchers' efforts were furthermore influenced by institutional factors, i.e. the interaction with healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals as they rely on their ability to identify the palliative patient with a migration background, address the topic of palliative care, and enrol these patients in research; scientific standards that limit the flexibility needed for responsive research; and, the responsiveness requirements set by funding agencies. CONCLUSION Researchers play a key role in ensuring research addresses responsiveness to patients with a migration background. Such responsiveness may also benefit other underserved populations. However, at times researchers lack the knowledge and experience needed for responsive research. To address this we recommend training in responsiveness for researchers in the field of palliative care. We also recommend training for healthcare professionals involved in research projects to increase enrolment of patients with a migration background and other underrepresented populations. Lastly, we encourage researchers as well as research institutions and funding agencies to allow flexibility in research practices and set a standard for responsive research practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Torensma
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Expertise center for Palliative Care and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - B D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Expertise center for Palliative Care and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - X de Voogd
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Expertise center for Palliative Care and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - D L Willems
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC Expertise center for Palliative Care and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J L Suurmond
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Expertise center for Palliative Care and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Kirby E, Broom A, Good P, Bowden V, Lwin Z. Experiences of interpreters in supporting the transition from oncology to palliative care: A qualitative study. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2016; 13:e497-e505. [DOI: 10.1111/ajco.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kirby
- School of Social Sciences; University of New South Wales; NSW Australia
| | - Alex Broom
- School of Social Sciences; University of New South Wales; NSW Australia
| | - Phillip Good
- Department of Palliative Care; St Vincent's Hospital; Brisbane QLD Australia
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care; Mater Health Services; Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Vanessa Bowden
- School of Social Sciences; University of New South Wales; NSW Australia
| | - Zarnie Lwin
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital; Brisbane QLD Australia
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Woodward-Kron R, Hughson JA, Parker A, Bresin A, Hajek J, Knoch U, Phan TD, Story D. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations in Medical Research: Perceptions and Experiences of Older Italians, Their Families, Ethics Administrators and Researchers. J Public Health Res 2016; 5:667. [PMID: 27190978 PMCID: PMC4856870 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2016.667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-participation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients in medical research remains a problem in migrant and refugee destination countries such as Australia. The aims of this study were to explore i) CALD persons' perceptions and experiences of the medical system and medical research, in this case, older Italian Australians; and ii) the views of research professionals on CALD patient participation in medical research. DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia, in 2015 utilising in-depth interviews and focus groups with four stakeholder groups: older Italian Australians (n=21); adult children of older Italian Australians (n=10); hospital Human Research Ethics Committee administrators (n=4); and clinical researchers (n=4). The data were analysed for content and thematic analysis. RESULTS Themes for the CALD and family group were getting by in medical interactions; receptivity to medical research: testing the waters; and, receptivity to technology for support: passive versus active. Themes for the researcher and HREC groups about CALD patient participation in research were: exclusion; cultural factors; and e-consent. CONCLUSIONS Our findings from four stakeholder perspectives and experiences confirm that there were considerable cultural, linguistic, and resourcing barriers hindering the participation of older Italian-Australians in medical research. Furthermore, our findings showed that in this study setting there were few enabling strategies in place to address these barriers despite the national ethics guidelines for equitable participation in research. The findings informed the creation of a multimedia tool whose purpose is to address and improve representation of CALD groups in clinical research. Significance for public healthMany people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds remain excluded from medical research such as clinical trials due to a range of language and cultural factors that can be amplified when this population is ageing. This exclusion has implications for the ability of CALD populations to benefit from participating in medical research and for applying research findings to CALD populations. It is essential to develop and implement strategies to include CALD communities in medical research and to uphold the ethical obligation of obtaining informed consent to research. The findings of this study have guided the development of a tablet-based resource which can be used in clinical and community contexts to raise awareness about the purpose of medical research. The resource has been carefully designed to be appropriate for participants' cultural background as well as their preferred language and literacy level. Such a resource has potential to address some of the cultural and linguistic barriers to clinical trial participation of CALD populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tuong Dien Phan
- University of Melbourne, Australia; St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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Long A, Halkett GKB, Lobb EA, Shaw T, Hovey E, Nowak AK. Carers of patients with high-grade glioma report high levels of distress, unmet needs, and psychological morbidity during patient chemoradiotherapy. Neurooncol Pract 2015; 3:105-112. [PMID: 31386072 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npv039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have explored the unmet needs of carers of people with high-grade glioma. We aimed to determine carers' levels of distress during treatment, understand their support needs and explore predictors of distress. Methods Carers of people with high-grade glioma undergoing chemoradiotherapy were recruited to this prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Carers completed the validated Supportive Care Needs Survey, Brain Tumour Specific Supportive Care Needs Scale, Distress Thermometer (DT), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Questionnaires were administered during patients' chemoradiotherapy and 3 and 6 months later. Results We recruited 118 carers who were mainly female (72%) and caring for spouse (82%). The mean age was 53 years (SD = 13.6; range, 21-89). Thirty-one percent of carers reported moderate distress (DT score 5-6/10) and 31% reported extreme distress (score 7-10/10) during combined chemoradiotherapy. Carer distress was associated with adverse GHQ scores (r = 0.61, P < .001). Seventy-two percent reported a negative financial impact of caring and 51% of those previously working full-time had taken leave or reduced working hours. The top 5 moderate/high unmet needs were: accessing prognostic information; accessing financial support and government benefits; accessible hospital parking; impact of caring on usual life; reducing stress in the patients' life. Conclusion Carers reported substantial distress, and high distress levels were correlated with greater psychological impact and increased self-reporting of unmet needs. Future research should focus on interventions that aid in reducing carer distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Long
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.L., A.K.N.); School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia (G.K.B.H.); Calvary Health Care Kogarah and Cunningham Centre for Palliative Care, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia (T.S.); Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); Department of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.K.N.)
| | - Georgia K B Halkett
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.L., A.K.N.); School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia (G.K.B.H.); Calvary Health Care Kogarah and Cunningham Centre for Palliative Care, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia (T.S.); Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); Department of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.K.N.)
| | - Elizabeth A Lobb
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.L., A.K.N.); School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia (G.K.B.H.); Calvary Health Care Kogarah and Cunningham Centre for Palliative Care, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia (T.S.); Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); Department of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.K.N.)
| | - Thérèse Shaw
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.L., A.K.N.); School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia (G.K.B.H.); Calvary Health Care Kogarah and Cunningham Centre for Palliative Care, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia (T.S.); Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); Department of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.K.N.)
| | - Elizabeth Hovey
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.L., A.K.N.); School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia (G.K.B.H.); Calvary Health Care Kogarah and Cunningham Centre for Palliative Care, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia (T.S.); Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); Department of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.K.N.)
| | - Anna K Nowak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.L., A.K.N.); School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia (G.K.B.H.); Calvary Health Care Kogarah and Cunningham Centre for Palliative Care, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales (E.A.L.); Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia (T.S.); Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); Department of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales (E.H.); School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia (A.K.N.)
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Trad W, Koh ES, Daher M, Bailey A, Kastelan M, Legge D, Fleet M, Simpson GK, Hovey E. Screening for Psychological Distress in Adult Primary Brain Tumor Patients and Caregivers: Considerations for Cancer Care Coordination. Front Oncol 2015; 5:203. [PMID: 26442215 PMCID: PMC4585197 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to assess psychological distress (PD) as scored by the Distress Thermometer (DT) in adult primary brain tumor patients and caregivers (CGs) in a clinic setting and ascertain if any high-risk subgroups for PD exist. Material and methods From May 2012 to August 2013, n = 96 patients and n = 32 CG underwent DT screening at diagnosis, and a differing cohort of n = 12 patients and n = 14 CGs at first recurrence. Groups were described by diagnosis (high grade, low grade, and benign) and English versus non English speaking. Those with DT score ≥4 met caseness criteria for referral to psycho-oncology services. One-way ANOVA tests were conducted to test for between-group differences where appropriate. Results At diagnosis and first recurrence, 37.5 and 75.0% (respectively) of patients had DT scores above the cutoff for distress. At diagnosis, 78.1% of CGs met caseness criteria for distress. All CGs at recurrence met distress criterion. Patients with high-grade glioma had significantly higher scores than those with a benign tumor. For patients at diagnosis, non English speaking participants did not report significantly higher DT scores than English speaking participants. Discussion Psychological distress is particularly elevated in CGs and in patients with high-grade glioma at diagnosis. Effective PD screening, triage, and referral by skilled care coordinators are vital to enable timely needs assessment, psychological support, and effective intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Trad
- Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Eng-Siew Koh
- Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital , Sydney, NSW , Australia ; University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Maysaa Daher
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research , Sydney, NSW , Australia ; Liverpool Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit, Liverpool Hospital , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | | | - Marina Kastelan
- Sydney Neuro-Oncology Group, North Shore Private Hospital , Sydney, NSW , Australia ; Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Dianne Legge
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, Austin Health , Heidelberg, VIC , Australia
| | - Marcia Fleet
- Department of Neurosurgery and Medical Oncology, Royal Melbourne Hospital , Parkville, VIC , Australia
| | - Grahame K Simpson
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research , Sydney, NSW , Australia ; Liverpool Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit, Liverpool Hospital , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Elizabeth Hovey
- University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia ; Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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