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Kennedy MA, Stevens CJ, Pepin R, Lyons KD. Behavioral Activation: Values-Aligned Activity Engagement as a Transdiagnostic Intervention for Common Geriatric Conditions. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad046. [PMID: 37068017 PMCID: PMC10943502 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad046] [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: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Scalable, transdiagnostic interventions are needed to meet the needs of a growing population of older adults experiencing multimorbidity and functional decline. Behavioral activation (BA) is a pragmatic, empirically supported treatment for depression that focuses on increasing engagement in values-aligned activities. We propose BA is an ideal transdiagnostic intervention approach for older adults because it (a) specifically targets activity restriction, a shared characteristic of common conditions of aging; and (b) has strong potential for scalability through delivery by a broad range of clinician and nonclinician interventionists and via telehealth. We describe the history of BA and review recent literature demonstrating impacts beyond depression including on cognition, social isolation, and disability. We also describe the feasibility of delivering BA across interventionists, settings, and modalities. Our approach advances scholarship by proposing BA as a scalable, transdiagnostic behavioral intervention to address functional decline in older adults with common geriatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan A Kennedy
- New England Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Courtney J Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medicine Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Renée Pepin
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Kathleen D Lyons
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Lyons KD, Wechsler SB, Ejem DB, Stevens CJ, Azuero A, Khalidi S, Hegel MT, dos Anjos SM, Codini ME, Chamberlin MD, Morency JL, Coffee-Dunning J, Thorp KE, Cloyd DZ, Goedeken S, Newman R, Muse C, Rocque G, Keene K, Pisu M, Echols J, Bakitas MA. Telephone-Based Rehabilitation Intervention to Optimize Activity Participation After Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e242478. [PMID: 38517442 PMCID: PMC10960198 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.2478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Following treatment, breast cancer survivors face challenges participating in valued activities. Objective To determine whether a telephone-based coaching rehabilitation intervention enhances activity participation in the year following breast cancer treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants In this multisite, single-blind randomized clinical trial (Optimizing Functional Recovery of Breast Cancer Survivors), recruitment occurred between August 28, 2019, and April 30, 2022. Data collection was completed by April 1, 2023. Participants were recruited from 2 cancer centers (Dartmouth College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham) and via social media advertisements. Women aged 18 years or older who had completed primary treatment for stage I to III breast cancer within 1 year and reported participation restrictions were eligible to participate. Randomization was stratified by site, treatment, and time since treatment. Interventions The intervention, delivered via telephone over 9 sessions, used behavioral activation and problem-solving principles to promote activity participation. The education-based attention control condition was delivered via telephone at matched intervals. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was participation, assessed using 5 measures, including Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) social participation-satisfaction measure. One individualized outcome allowed participants to specify activities for which they wanted to foster recovery. Outcomes were collected by telephone by blinded coordinators at baseline and at 8, 20, and 44 weeks. The individualized outcome was assessed at the first and last intervention and control session. Results Among 1996 patients identified, 303 were eligible and enrolled. Of these, 284 women (94%; mean [SD] age, 56.1 [10.2] years) completed baseline assessments and were randomized, and 81% or more of each group completed the final assessment with no adverse events. Of those who completed the final assessment, 118 of 114 (82%) were in the intervention group, and 113 of 140 (81%) were attention control participants. Between-group differences were not statistically significant for the main measures of PROMIS satisfaction (week 20: Cohen d, 0.1 [95% CI, -0.09 to 0.29] and week 44: Cohen d, -0.08 [95% CI, -0.27 to 0.11]) and ability (week 20: Cohen d, 0.15 [95% CI, -0.06 to 0.37] and week 44: Cohen d, -0.08 [95% CI, -0.27 to 0.11]). On the individualized outcome, intervention participants reported significantly greater improvements in activity satisfaction (Cohen d, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.48-1.02]) and performance (Cohen d, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.32-0.87]). Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, the intervention catalyzed greater improvements in self-selected activity participation and goal disengagement but did not otherwise accelerate recovery compared with the control condition. Future research should determine what intervention features may lead to the greatest reductions in participation restrictions and other measures that may detect functional recovery. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03915548.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Doyle Lyons
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston
| | - Stephen B. Wechsler
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston
| | - Deborah B. Ejem
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Courtney J. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Andres Azuero
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Sarah Khalidi
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Mark T. Hegel
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Sarah M. dos Anjos
- School of Health Professions, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Megan E. Codini
- Department of Rehabilitation, Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
| | - Mary D. Chamberlin
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Jamme L. Morency
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | | | - Karen E. Thorp
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | | | - Susan Goedeken
- Department of Neurology, Mass General Brigham, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robin Newman
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Colleen Muse
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston
| | - Gabrielle Rocque
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
- Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Kimberly Keene
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Maria Pisu
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Jennifer Echols
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Marie A. Bakitas
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
- Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
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Romero-Ayuso D, García-López R, Lozano-Villena C, Martínez JR, Parga-Amado P, García-Ferreiro P, Gallud JA, Lozano M, Triviño-Juárez JM. Usability of a mobile phone application to enhance activities of daily living in occupational therapy services for breast cancer survivors. Hong Kong J Occup Ther 2023; 36:128-140. [PMID: 38027046 PMCID: PMC10680858 DOI: 10.1177/15691861231206489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: The use of new technologies in rehabilitation to evaluate and improve occupational performance and quality of life is increasing. Technological applications in the health field could help meet the needs of patients, including those of women breast cancer survivors. The main aim of this study was to design a mobile phone application "MAIA" focused on the perceived needs of women who have had breast cancer to achieve optimal performance in their daily lives in a meaningful way. Methods: A cross-sectional usability study using an online questionnaire was designed. Sociodemographic and occupational performance data were collected. System Usability Scale, Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey, Occupational Balance Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand were administered. Descriptive statistics were used to describe categorical (frequencies and percentages) and quantitative variables (mean and standard deviation). Results: The sample was composed of seventy-eight women diagnosed with breast cancer. Nine activities of daily living were affected in more than 20% of women with breast cancer. The most affected were sleep and rest and functional mobility. Conclusions: Women survivors of breast cancer showed difficulties in daily life performance and participation. The MAIA App could be useful as a new online resource in occupational therapy for the rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Romero-Ayuso
- University of Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs, Spain
- CIMCYC, University de Granada, Spain
| | - Raquel García-López
- Hospital Provincial de Conxo, Unidad de Trastornos Alimentarios (UDAL), Servicio Gallego de Salud, Spain
| | - Carmen Lozano-Villena
- Hospital Universitario Ntra. Sra. De La Candelaria, Servicio Canario de Salud, Spain
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Ejem DB, Wechsler S, Gallups S, Khalidi S, Coffee-Dunning J, Montgomery AP, Stevens CJ, Keene K, Rocque GB, Chamberlin M, Hegel MT, Azuero A, Pisu M, Ellis D, Ingram SA, Lawhon VM, Gilbert T, Morrissette K, Morency J, Thorp K, Codini M, Newman R, Echols J, Cloyd D, dos Anjos S, Muse C, Goedeken S, Laws KE, Herbert J, Bakitas M, Lyons KD. Enhancing Efficiency and Reach Using Facebook to Recruit Breast Cancer Survivors for a Telephone-Based Supportive Care Randomized Trial During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:1020-1030. [PMID: 37733975 PMCID: PMC10667016 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence supporting social media-based recruitment of cancer survivors is limited. This paper describes how we used Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic to augment our recruitment of breast cancer survivors for our two-site telephone-based randomized clinical trial (RCT) at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. METHODS Originally a two-site RCT of a telephone-delivered breast cancer survivorship intervention, we extended our clinic-based recruitment to Facebook. Participant characteristics, geographic reach, and baseline outcomes were compared across recruitment sources (ie, two clinics and Facebook) using descriptive statistics and effect sizes. RESULTS Enrollment rates (20%-29%) were comparable across recruitment sources. The 21-month Facebook marketing campaign accounted for 59% (n = 179/303) of our total sample and had the greatest geographic reach, recruiting women from 24 states. The Facebook campaign reached a total of 51,787 unique individuals and cost $88.44 in US dollars (USD) per enrolled participant. Clinic samples had a greater proportion of women who were widowed (8% v 1%; P = .03) and Facebook had a higher proportion of women with a household income over $40,000 USD (83% v 71%; P = .02). There were no statistically significant differences between Facebook and the two clinics on baseline survey scores. CONCLUSION Augmenting traditional recruitment with Facebook increased our RCT's geographic and sociodemographic reach and supported meeting recruitment goals in a timely way. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer survivorship researchers should consider using social media as a recruitment strategy while weighing the advantages and potential biases introduced through such strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah B. Ejem
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Stephen Wechsler
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah Gallups
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Sarah Khalidi
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Aoyjay P. Montgomery
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Al
| | | | - Kimberly Keene
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Gabrielle B. Rocque
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Divisions of Hematology & Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Mary Chamberlin
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Lebanon, NH
| | - Mark T. Hegel
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Lebanon, NH
| | - Andres Azuero
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Daphne Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Lebanon, NH
| | - Stacey A. Ingram
- Divisions of Hematology & Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Valerie M. Lawhon
- Divisions of Hematology & Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Tiffany Gilbert
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Lebanon, NH
| | - Kali Morrissette
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Lebanon, NH
| | - Jamme Morency
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Karen Thorp
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Megan Codini
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Robin Newman
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer Echols
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Danielle Cloyd
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Sarah dos Anjos
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Colleen Muse
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Susan Goedeken
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Kristen Elizabeth Laws
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Jennae Herbert
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Marie Bakitas
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Kathleen D. Lyons
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
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Stevens CJ, Wechsler S, Ejem DB, Khalidi S, Coffee-Dunning J, Morency JL, Thorp KE, Codini ME, Newman RM, Echols J, Cloyd DZ, dos Anjos S, Muse C, Gallups S, Goedeken SC, Flannery K, Bakitas MA, Hegel MT, Lyons KD. A Process Evaluation of Intervention Delivery for a Cancer Survivorship Rehabilitation Clinical Trial Conducted during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9141-9155. [PMID: 37887560 PMCID: PMC10605104 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30100660] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to conduct a process evaluation of intervention delivery for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic (NCT03915548). The RCT tested the effects of a telephone-delivered behavioral intervention on changes in breast cancer survivors' satisfaction with social roles and activities, as compared to an attention control condition. This process evaluation examined (a) fidelity monitoring scores; (b) participants' perceived benefit ratings for gaining confidence, reducing distress, adjusting habits and routines, setting goals, and increasing exercise; and (c) field notes, email communications, and transcripts of coach supervision and debriefing sessions. The behavioral and attention control conditions were delivered with a high degree of fidelity (global quality rating score for the BA/PS condition was M = 4.6 (SD = 0.6) and M = 4.9 (SD = 0.3) for the attention control condition, where "5" is the highest rating). The behavioral intervention participants perceived greater benefits than the control participants pertaining to goal setting, t(248) = 5.73, p = <0.0001, adjusting habits and routines, t(248) = 2.94, p = 0.0036, and increasing exercise, t(248) = 4.66, p = <0.0001. Moreover, coaches' perceptions regarding the behavioral intervention's therapeutic aspects aligned with the study's a priori conceptual model including the use of a structured process to set small, observable goals and facilitate the independent use of problem-solving skills. However, coaches also noted that aspects of the attention control condition, including the perceived relevance of the educational content and opportunities for social support, may have made it more therapeutically potent than intended. The pandemic may have affected the activity goals behavioral intervention participants could set as well as augmented the relevancy of social support provided in both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney J. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Stephen Wechsler
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA 02129, USA (K.D.L.)
| | - Deborah B. Ejem
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Sarah Khalidi
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | | | - Jamme L. Morency
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Karen E. Thorp
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA
| | - Megan E. Codini
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA 02129, USA (K.D.L.)
| | - Robin M. Newman
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jennifer Echols
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Danielle Z. Cloyd
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Sarah dos Anjos
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Colleen Muse
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA 02129, USA (K.D.L.)
| | - Sarah Gallups
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Susan C. Goedeken
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kaitlin Flannery
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA 02129, USA (K.D.L.)
| | - Marie A. Bakitas
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Mark T. Hegel
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Kathleen Doyle Lyons
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA 02129, USA (K.D.L.)
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Algeo N, Bennett K, Connolly D. Rehabilitation interventions to support return to work for women with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:895. [PMID: 34353286 PMCID: PMC8340442 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08613-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research recommends the development and evaluation of interventions to support women with breast cancer in returning to, or managing, work. Despite this, there has historically been a paucity of rehabilitation interventions to support women with breast cancer to maintain or return to their work role. The aim of this systematic review was to examine key characteristics of rehabilitation interventions, and their effectiveness on work outcomes for women with breast cancer, compared to usual care. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of controlled studies of rehabilitation interventions with work outcomes for women with breast cancer. Six databases were systematically searched: EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Results are presented either as pooled odds ratio (OR) or pooled effect size (hedges g) between groups, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Narrative synthesis was conducted on intervention outcomes not suitable for meta-analysis. RESULTS Five thousand, five hundred and thirty-five studies were identified. Nine out of 28 abstracts met inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes precluded meta-analysis for most outcomes. Of the interventions included in meta-analysis, no significant differences compared to usual care were found for sick leave (2 studies (12 months); OR 1.11 (95% CI: 0.66 to 1.87), number of sick days taken (2 studies (six months); difference in effect: - 0.08, (95% CI: - 0.48 to 0.38) or working hours (2 studies (12 months); 0.19, (95% CI: - 0.20 to 0.64). Only one study, with a multidisciplinary intervention, showed a significant difference for work outcomes when compared to usual care. Work-specific content featured in three interventions only, none of which provided conclusive evidence for improvement in work outcomes. Enhanced physical and psychological sequalae, and quality of life was observed in some studies. CONCLUSION There remains a lack of effective and methodologically rigorous rehabilitation intervention studies for breast cancer survivors. The development and evaluation of effective rehabilitation interventions to support return to work is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Algeo
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Connolly
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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