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Rodenbach RA, Thordardottir T, Brauer M, Hall AC, Ward E, Smith CB, Campbell TC. Balancing risks and rewards: How hematologists discuss uncertainty in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation outcomes. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 123:108177. [PMID: 38341898 PMCID: PMC10997451 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT) offers many patients with blood cancers a chance of cure but carries risks. We characterized how hematologists discuss the high-risk, high-reward concept of alloHCT. METHODS Qualitative analysis of video-recorded virtual encounters of hematologists who routinely perform alloHCT with actors portraying an older man recently diagnosed with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. RESULTS Hematologists (n = 37) were a median age of 44 years, 65% male, and 68% white. They frequently used "teeter-totter" language that juxtaposed alloHCT's risks and rewards in a dynamic, quickly alternating fashion and communicated uncertainty in transplant outcomes. This dialogue oscillated between encouragement about alloHCT's potential for cure and caution about its risks and occurred within single speech turns and in exchanges between hematologist and patient. Fewer hematologists outlined their big-picture stance on transplant's risks and benefits early in the conversation. Meanwhile, hematologists varied in how they counseled patients to manage transplant-related uncertainty and consider treatment decision making. CONCLUSION Hematologists use "teeter-totter" language to express hope and concern, confidence and uncertainty, and encouragement and caution about the high-risk, high-reward nature of alloHCT. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Teeter-totter language may help frame big-picture content about alloHCT's risks and benefits that is essential for patient education and decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Markus Brauer
- University of Wisconsin Department of Psychology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Aric C Hall
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Earlise Ward
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Toby C Campbell
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
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Rodenbach RA, Thordardottir T, Brauer M, Hall AC, Ward E, Smith CB, Campbell TC. Communication Strategies of Transplant Hematologists in High-Risk Decision-Making Conversations. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:538-548. [PMID: 38241601 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Shared decision making (SDM) is essential to empower patients with blood cancers to make goal-concordant decisions about allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. This study characterizes communication strategies used by hematologists to discuss treatment options and facilitate SDM with patients in this high-risk, high-reward setting. METHODS AND MATERIALS We recruited US hematologists who routinely perform allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant through email. Participants conducted up to an hour-long video-recorded encounter with an actor portraying a 67-year-old man with recently diagnosed high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. We transcribed and qualitatively analyzed video-recorded data. RESULTS The mean age of participants (N = 37) was 44 years, 65% male, and 68% White. Many hematologists included similar key points in this initial consultation, although varied in how much detail they provided. Their discussion of treatment options included transplant and chemotherapy and less commonly supportive care or clinical trials. They often emphasized transplant's potential for cure, discussed transplant chronologically from pretransplant considerations through the post-transplant course, and outlined risks, complications, and major outcomes. Hematologists referred to several elements that formed the basis of treatment decision making. The strength of their treatment recommendations ranged from strong recommendations for transplant or chemotherapy to deferrals pending more information. Hematologists also varied in the extent to which they indicated the decision was physician-driven, patient-led, or shared. CONCLUSION The transplant decision-making discussion is complex. Identification of similar content areas used by hematologists can be used as the basis for a communication tool to help hematologists discuss allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Rodenbach
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Markus Brauer
- University of Wisconsin Department of Psychology, Madison, WI
| | - Aric C Hall
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | - Earlise Ward
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
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Pawełczak-Szastok M, Ilska M, Swoboda R, Giebel S. Coping with stress styles and the level of perceived stress in hematopoietic cell transplant patients. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6306. [PMID: 38372968 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6306] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered an integral part of therapy in many hematological and non-hematological malignancies. The procedure can be highly stressful for patients. The primary objective of this study was to compare stress assessments in HSCT patients, depending on their stress coping style (CS) and type of treatment (autologous vs. allogeneic HSCT). METHODS A short longitudinal study was conducted between May 2021 and June 2023 among patients with hematological cancers undergoing HSCT. The study involved four time points: the day of admission to hospital - T1, the day before HSCT - T2, 6 days after HSCT - T3, and the day of discharge - T4. Participants completed the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) on T1, and the Distress Thermometer (DT) on T1-T4. Descriptive statistics and a repeated measures ANOVA were conducted. RESULTS A total of 128 participants completed the study: 54.2% female, mean age 48.7 years. They were divided into: (1) five groups based on their CS: task-oriented, emotion-oriented, avoidance-oriented, mix-oriented, differential-oriented; (2) two groups based on treatment type. The analyses showed significant differences in stress between the CS study groups (p = 0.001). The emotion-oriented group had the highest stress levels during the hospitalization period. There was also a significant time effect (p < 0.001): stress levels increased during the hospitalization period, peaking 6 days after HSCT, and decreased at discharge. CONCLUSIONS Stress levels depend on coping styles and time points during the hospitalization period, which should be taken into account in planning psychological interventions for HSCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pawełczak-Szastok
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Oncohematology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology (MSCNRIO) Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Michalina Ilska
- Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ryszard Swoboda
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Oncohematology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology (MSCNRIO) Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Sebastian Giebel
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Oncohematology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology (MSCNRIO) Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
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Bekar P, Altuntaş D, Efe E. Home experiences of parents of children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A qualitative study. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 73:e541-e548. [PMID: 37923613 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.10.029] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to describe the home experiences of parents of children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. DESIGN AND METHODS This study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative research design. The study sample consisted of 12 parents with a child treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at a university hospital in Turkey. Semi-structured individual interviews and researcher observations were used for data collection. The interview transcripts of the study were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Five main themes were obtained, each of which had associated sub-themes: difficulties faced in home experiences, changes in family life, feelings about home experiences, parents' ways of coping with difficulties, and parents' suggestions. CONCLUSIONS Parents faced various difficulties in their own home experiences, and they felt fear, anxiety and stress during this period. Following the child's HSCT, there were changes in health, physical, psychological and social aspects of family life. Some parents used distraction techniques, and the support of their spouses and health professionals to cope with difficulties. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS For pediatric nurses to comprehensively assess and support the home care needs of the child and parents, they should understand the difficulties parents face in home experiences, as well as their feelings, changes in their lives, suggestions regarding home experiences, and ways of coping. Regular health screening and psychosocial support can be provided for parents of children after HSCT, and regular training can be given for parents' management of care-related problems and increasing their self-efficacy for this management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pınar Bekar
- Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Bucak School of Health, Department of Child Development, Bucak/Burdur, Turkey.
| | - Duygu Altuntaş
- Akdeniz University, Nursing Faculty, Department of Child Health Nursing, 07058, Campus, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Emine Efe
- Akdeniz University, Nursing Faculty, Department of Child Health Nursing, 07058, Campus, Antalya, Turkey.
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Liao Z, Wang C, Lan X, Wu J, Yuan X, Wu Y, Hu R. Never forsake-The positive experiences of dyadic coping among patients with acute leukemia and their spouses: A qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 62:102262. [PMID: 36603493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the positive experiences of dyadic coping between patients with acute leukemia and their spouses in China, and to highlight the target factors that could promote coping and adaptation. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was employed. This study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in China from September 2021 to February 2022. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants, and 17 patients diagnosed with acute leukemia and their spouses were interviewed. Qualitative data were analyzed using the content analysis method. This study followed the COREQ checklist. RESULTS This study's data were categorized into five themes and twelve subthemes: (1) adapting to a new role-couples used role adjustments to adapt; (2) commitment to companionship-patients benefit from spousal commitment in word or in deed; (3) active communication-allows couples to get to know each other better; (4) white lies-shield partner from negative information; (5) seeking external support-outside of couple cohesion. In sum, positive dyadic coping experiences between couples follow the marital commitment of "never forsake." CONCLUSIONS This study contributes new knowledge to the understanding of the dyadic coping experiences of patients with acute leukemia and their spouses within the Chinese social-cultural context and contributes to cross-cultural comparisons. The results can be used to design and implement couple-based intervention programs to support couples by enhancing their mutual support to cope with and adjust to acute leukemia effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenling Liao
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No.1 of Xueyuan Road, Shangjie Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Chunfeng Wang
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No.1 of Xueyuan Road, Shangjie Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Lan
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No.1 of Xueyuan Road, Shangjie Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Junjun Wu
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No.1 of Xueyuan Road, Shangjie Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Xiaohuan Yuan
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No.1 of Xueyuan Road, Shangjie Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Rong Hu
- The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No.1 of Xueyuan Road, Shangjie Town, Minhou County, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China.
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Fadem S, Mikesell L. Patient and Provider Perspectives on the Impacts of Unpredictability for Patient Sensemaking: Implications for Intervention Design. J Patient Exp 2022; 9:23743735221089460. [PMID: 35372678 PMCID: PMC8972927 DOI: 10.1177/23743735221089460] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients facing situations with significant unpredictability are met with challenges to expectation formation and preparation. One such context with unpredictable clinical outcomes is bone marrow transplant (BMT) for patients with hematologic malignancies. To understand the experience of unpredictability and opportunities for intervention, semi-structured interviews with patients who had received BMT (n = 7) and transplant providers (n = 8) were conducted. Thematic analysis revealed conflict between the necessity of expectation formation and the unpredictability of transplant. Providers described a tension between adequately informing patients of potential risks of transplant and presenting so much information as to create unnecessary anxiety in patients. Patients described issues with outcome unpredictability (not knowing what particular complications they would experience) and temporal unpredictability (not knowing when complications would appear). Patients struggled to make sense of unexpected complications and resulting limitations post-BMT and plan for the future amid the nonlinear recovery timeline. The challenges of unpredictability warrant a support solution that enables patient sensemaking in their evolving illness journey and facilitates adaptation to new circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Fadem
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Lisa Mikesell
- Rutgers School of Communication and Information, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Buchbinder D, Khera N. Psychosocial and financial issues after hematopoietic cell transplantation. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2021; 2021:570-577. [PMID: 34889432 PMCID: PMC8791170 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2021000292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
With improvement in survival after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), it has become important to focus on survivors' psychosocial issues in order to provide patient-centered care across the transplant continuum. The goals of this article are to describe updates in the literature on certain psychosocial domains (emotional/mental health and social/financial) in HCT survivors, offer a brief overview of the status of the screening and management of these complications, and identify opportunities for future practice and research. An evidence-based approach to psychosocial care can be broken down as primary (promoting health, raising awareness, and addressing risk factors), secondary (screening and directing early pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions), and tertiary (rehabilitating, limiting disability, and improving quality of life) prevention. Implementing such an approach requires close coordination between multiple stakeholders, including transplant center staff, referring hematologist/oncologists, and other subspecialists in areas such as palliative medicine or psychiatry. Innovative models of care that leverage technology can bring these stakeholders together to fulfill unmet needs in this area by addressing barriers in the delivery of psychosocial care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nandita Khera
- College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Phoenix, AZ
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Parisek M, Loss J, Holler E, Barata A, Weber D, Edinger M, Wolff D, Schoemans H, Herrmann A. "This Graft-vs.-Host Disease Determines My Life. That's It."-A Qualitative Analysis of the Experiences and Needs of Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cells Transplantation Survivors in Germany. Front Public Health 2021; 9:687675. [PMID: 34277549 PMCID: PMC8280766 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.687675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is the only curative treatment modality for many patients affected by hematologic malignancies. However, it can cause debilitating long-term effects. Understanding the impact of alloHSCT on all aspects of the patients' life is required for optimal survivorship management. Aim: To explore in-depth HSCT-survivors' experiences and needs post-transplant. Partners were included to provide further information on survivors' needs and how care could be improved in this area. Methods: We conducted semi-structured face-to-face and phone interviews with alloHSCT-survivors and their partners referred to a survivorship clinic in Germany. Theoretical sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were analyzed using framework analysis. Results: Thirty-two survivors (consent rate: 100%, response rate: 100%) and eighteen partners (consent rate: 84%, response rate: 72%) participated. Survivors were aged between 25 and 68 years (Median: 48, IQR: 25.3) and partners were aged between 26 and 64 years (Median: 54, IQR: 16, SD: 12.8). The themes emerging from the data involved survivors' needs included (i) the diversity of long-term treatment side-effects; and (ii) time post discharge as a dynamic process with individual peaks of burden. Survivors and their partners also suggested strategies for mitigating these unmet needs, i.e., (iii) transparent communication and patient empowerment; and (iv) improvement in continuity of care system and help with claiming social benefits as cornerstones of optimal survivorship care. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is one of the first qualitative studies focused on the views of German alloHSCT-survivors on the long-term effects of alloHSCT and the first study integrating the view of their partners. Healthcare providers could better support survivors with managing their symptoms and adhering to their prescribed care by ensuring comprehensive, transparent communication that helps increase survivors' understanding and involvement in their care. Further efforts should be made to provide patient-centered, continuous survivorship care that involves additional support with navigating the healthcare and social service system. Intervention studies are required to test the effectiveness of the suggested strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Parisek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julika Loss
- Department for Health Behaviour, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ernst Holler
- Department of Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anna Barata
- Department of Hematology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Daniela Weber
- Department of Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Edinger
- Department of Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Wolff
- Department of Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Helene Schoemans
- Department of Hematology, Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne Herrmann
- Department for Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Division of Medical Sociology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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