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Wang T, Cheung K, Cheng H. Death education interventions for people with advanced diseases and/or their family caregivers: A scoping review. Palliat Med 2024; 38:423-446. [PMID: 38634233 DOI: 10.1177/02692163241238900] [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] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with life-threatening diseases and their family caregivers confront psychosocial and spiritual issues caused by the persons' impending death. Reviews of death education interventions in the context of life-threatening diseases are scarce and limited to certain intervention types. AIMS This study aims to ascertain existing evidence on death education interventions for the population of adults with advanced diseases and/or their family caregivers and identify gaps for future research. DESIGN A scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework. DATA SOURCES Thirteen electronic databases were searched for experimental and qualitative studies on death education interventions for the advanced disease population and/or their family caregivers between 1 January 1960 and 25 October 2023. RESULTS Nine types of interventions were identified in 47 studies, which included 5 qualitative and 42 experimental designs, half of which were pilot and feasibility trials. Most of the studies focused on people with advanced cancer, and only seven investigated caregivers or families/couples. Death-related outcomes were less likely to be assessed relative to psychological outcomes, spiritual well-being, and quality of life. Life review interventions, cognitive-behavior therapy, narrative therapy, and general psychosocial interventions decreased depression and anxiety, but evidence was limited. Factors contributing to the interventions' success included intervention content, which enabled the disclosure of personal experience and death concerns comfortably, trained professionals, and connection to family caregivers. CONCLUSIONS This work identified a few potentially effective death education interventions for psychological outcomes for people with advanced cancer or their caregivers. Additional trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wang
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, Hung Hom, China
| | - Kin Cheung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, Hung Hom, China
| | - Huilin Cheng
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, Hung Hom, China
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Dusel J, Meng K, Arnold H, Rabe A, Jentschke E. Effectiveness of structured psycho-oncological counseling for relatives of lung cancer patients based on the CALM approach-study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:115. [PMID: 38336739 PMCID: PMC10858519 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-07954-9] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high incidence combined with the high lethality and bad prognosis of lung cancer highlight the need for psycho-oncological care for both patients and their relatives. While psychological interventions for relatives might be helpful, further research on the impact of specific interventions is necessary. Therefore, this trial aims to evaluate structured psycho-oncological counseling for relatives of lung cancer patients based on the Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully (CALM) approach compared to usual care. In addition, we explore the impact of psycho-oncological support of relatives on the patients' mental health outcomes. METHODS The study is a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial with two measurement time points. Relatives of lung cancer patients and, thus, the patients themselves (i.e., dyads) are randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG) regardless of their disease or treatment stage. Relatives in the IG receive structured counseling based on the CALM approach (three to six sessions with psycho-oncologists). The CG receives usual psycho-oncological care. In addition, cancer patients in both study arms can request psycho-oncological support (usual care) as needed, but they will not get a specific intervention. Relatives and patients complete assessments at baseline (T0) and after the intervention/6 weeks (T1). The primary outcome for relatives is anxiety. Relatives' secondary outcomes include depressive symptoms, distress, supportive care needs, and quality of life. Patients' outcomes include anxiety, depression, and distress. All outcomes are assessed using self-report validated questionnaires. Intervention effects will be evaluated using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusting for baseline values. Power calculations reveal the need to enroll 200 subjects to detect an effect of d = 0.4. DISCUSSION The study will provide evidence for the effectiveness of the CALM intervention in relatives of lung cancer patients. Furthermore, study results will contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness of a psycho-oncological intervention for highly impaired cancer patients and their relatives. If the CALM intervention positively affects the relatives' psychosocial outcome, it may be implemented in routine care. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00030077. Retrospectively registered on 26 October 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dusel
- University Hospital Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Josef-Schneider Str. 6, Würzburg, D-97080, Germany
| | - Karin Meng
- University Hospital Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Josef-Schneider Str. 6, Würzburg, D-97080, Germany
| | - Hanna Arnold
- University Hospital Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Josef-Schneider Str. 6, Würzburg, D-97080, Germany
| | - Antonia Rabe
- University Hospital Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Josef-Schneider Str. 6, Würzburg, D-97080, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Jentschke
- University Hospital Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Josef-Schneider Str. 6, Würzburg, D-97080, Germany.
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de Vries FE, Mah K, Malfitano C, Shapiro GK, Zimmermann C, Hales S, Rodin G. Clinical evaluation questionnaire in advanced cancer: a psychometric study of a novel measure of healthcare provider interactions. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e1093-e1102. [PMID: 35172981 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Clinical Evaluation Questionnaire (CEQ) is a patient-reported experience measure (PREM) that assesses the perceived benefit of therapeutic interactions of patients with advanced cancer with their healthcare providers concerning issues relevant to their illness. It was developed for a randomised controlled trial of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), a brief supportive-expressive therapy for patients with advanced cancer. The present study evaluates the preliminary psychometric properties of the CEQ. METHOD Patients in the CALM and usual care groups completed the CEQ 3 (n=195) and 6 (n=186) months after randomisation. The CEQ's internal consistency, factor structure and concurrent validity were evaluated, and CEQ scores in the treatment groups were compared. RESULTS The CEQ demonstrated high internal consistency for both treatment arms (Cronbach's α=0.94 to 0.95), and a single factor was consistently found in exploratory factor analyses. CEQ scores correlated significantly with satisfaction with the relationship with healthcare providers (r=0.23 to 0.61, p≤0.02) and life completion (r=0.24 to 0.37, p≤0.02) in both groups and with spiritual well-being in the CALM group (meaning: r=0.23 to 0.24, p=0.01 to 0.02; faith: r=0.24 to 0.34, p=0.001 to 0.02). The CALM group showed higher CEQ total scores than usual care at 6 months (CALM: 18.19±6.59; usual care: 14.36±7.67, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The CEQ is a reliable and valid PREM of the benefit perceived by patients with advanced cancer from their interactions with healthcare providers. Further study is needed to establish its value as a measure of perceived intervention benefit across different clinical and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Froukje E de Vries
- Department of Psychiatry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenneth Mah
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carmine Malfitano
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care (GIPPEC), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network) and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gilla K Shapiro
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care (GIPPEC), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network) and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Hales
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care (GIPPEC), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network) and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kool M, Hafkamp E, Gol J, Aukema EJ, Malfitano C, Reyners A, Hales S, van de Poll L, Rodin G, de Vries F. Managing cancer and living meaningfully (CALM): Implementation in Dutch cancer care. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6281. [PMID: 38282218 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6281] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) is a brief, evidence-based psychotherapy tailored for patients with advanced cancer that has not yet been implemented routinely in Dutch cancer care. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, sustainability and effectiveness of CALM in different clinical settings in the Netherlands. METHODS In 2019 and 2020 a multi-center, intervention-only study was performed in three Dutch cancer care settings. Professionals were trained to provide CALM under supervision. Patients diagnosed with advanced cancer were included and filled out questionnaires to measure depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), death anxiety (Death and Dying Distress Scale), and anxiety (hospital anxiety and depression scale-anxiety) at baseline, 3 and 6 months. The Clinical Evaluation Questionnaire was used to assess acceptability of CALM at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS Sixty-four patients (55% of the eligible patients) were included in the study and 85% of the included patients received 3 or more CALM sessions. Of the 24 trained therapists, 15 (63%) started providing CALM. Two years post-study, CALM was provided in each center by a total of 19 therapists. On average, patients perceived CALM to be at least somewhat helpful. A significant decrease in severity of depression (p = 0.006), death anxiety (p = 0.008), and anxiety (p = 0.024) was observed over time. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that CALM therapy is feasible, acceptable, and sustainable in three Dutch cancer care settings, although not all predefined feasibility criteria for therapists were met. CALM can be effective in decreasing feelings of depression, anxiety, and death anxiety in patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Kool
- Center for Quality of Life, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek -Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Emma Hafkamp
- Center for Quality of Life, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek -Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janna Gol
- Centre of Expertise in Palliative Care, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eline J Aukema
- Ingeborg Douwes Centrum (IDC), Centre of Expertise in Psycho-Oncology, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carmine Malfitano
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - An Reyners
- Centre of Expertise in Palliative Care, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah Hales
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lonneke van de Poll
- Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek-Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic Disorders (CoRPS), Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Froukje de Vries
- Department of Psychiatry, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek-Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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McConnell MH, Miljanovski M, Rodin G, O'Connor MF. Measuring double awareness in patients with advanced cancer: A preliminary scale development study. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-6. [PMID: 38124362 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001669] [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: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with advanced cancer face the challenge of living meaningfully while also preparing for end of life. The ability to sustain this duality, called "double awareness," may reflect optimal psychological adaptation, but no psychometric scale exists to measure this construct. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to develop a novel scale to measure double awareness in patients living with advanced cancer. METHODS Guided by best practices for scale development, this study addresses the first three of nine steps in instrument development, including domain clarification and item generation, establishment of content validity of the items, and pre-testing of the items with patients. RESULTS Instrument development resulted in a 41-item measure with two dimensions titled "life engagement" and "death contemplation." Items retained in the measure displayed face validity and were found to be both acceptable by patients and relevant to their lived experience. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The results of this scale development study will allow for full validation of the measure and future use in clinical and research settings. This novel measure of double awareness will have clinical utility and relevance in a variety of settings where patients with advanced cancer are treated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Miljanovski
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Liu S, Huang R, Li A, Yu S, Yao S, Xu J, Tang L, Li W, Gan C, Cheng H. Effects of the CALM intervention on resilience in Chinese patients with early breast cancer: a randomized trial. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:18005-18021. [PMID: 37980293 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05498-0] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Resilience is an important regulating factor for anxiety and depression in breast cancer. The Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) intervention has been confirmed to improve anxiety and depression in patients, but the role of resilience is still unclear. This study explores this issue. METHODS In this study, a cohort of 124 patients diagnosed with breast cancer was recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). In addition, we enrolled a group of cancer-free women (regular control group) and assessed their resilience. All patients were evaluated using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-B) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at different time points. The primary outcomes were resilience, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the scores of the IG and CG groups. The relationship between resilience and quality of life was analyzed using Pearson's correlation test. The paired-sample t-test was used to compare the changes in each score at different time points. RESULTS The intervention group showed significant differences in resilience, adamancy, optimism, tenacity, anxiety, depression, perceived stress and QOL scores before and after 6, 12, and 24 weeks (F = 17.411, F = 226.55, F = 29.096, F = 50.67, F = 82.662, F = 105.39, F = 62.66, F = 72.43, F = 34.561, respectively; P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement in resilience and quality of life (t = -11.517, p < 0.001; t = - 4.929, p < 0.001), as well as a significant reduction in anxiety, depression, and perceived stress scores (t = 5.891, p < 0.001; t = 2.654, p < 0.001; t = 4.932, p < 0.001). In the intervention group, a significant positive correlation was observed between resilience in breast cancer survivors and quality of life (QOL) scores. (before CALM treatment: r = 0.3204, P = 0.0111; after 6 weeks: r = 0.3619, P = 0.0038; after 12 weeks: r = 0.3355, P = 0.0077; after 24 weeks: r = 0.2801, P = 0.0274). CONCLUSIONS A positive impact of the CALM intervention can be seen in improved resilience and reduced anxiety and depression, supporting its use as an effective psychological management tool and intervention strategy in the early stages of long-term breast cancer recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochun Liu
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Runze Huang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Anlong Li
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Sheng Yu
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Senbang Yao
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Lingxue Tang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Chen Gan
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- Shenzhen Clinical Medical School of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Lynch FA, Rodin G, Jefford M, Duffy M, Lai-Kwon J, Heynemann S, Mileshkin L, Briggs L, Burke J, Leigh L, Spelman T, Ftanou M. Evaluation of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) in people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with immunotherapies or targeted therapies: protocol for a single-arm, mixed-methods pilot study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072322. [PMID: 37524546 PMCID: PMC10391815 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immunotherapies (IT) or targeted therapies (TT) may have improved outcomes in a subset of people who respond, raising unique psychological concerns requiring specific attention. These include the need for people with prolonged survival to reframe their life plans and tolerate uncertainty related to treatment duration and prognosis. A brief intervention for people with advanced cancer, Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), could help people treated with IT or TT address these concerns. However, CALM has not been specifically evaluated in this population. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of CALM in people with advanced NSCLC treated with IT or TT and obtain preliminary evidence regarding its effectiveness in this population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Twenty people with advanced NSCLC treated with IT or TT will be recruited from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Participants will complete three to six sessions of CALM delivered over 3-6 months. A prospective, single-arm, mixed-methods pilot study will be conducted. Participants will complete outcome measures at baseline, post-intervention, 3 months and 6 months, including Patient Health Questionnaire, Death and Dying Distress Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General and Clinician Evaluation Questionnaire. The acceptability of CALM will be assessed using patient experiences surveys and qualitative interviews. Feasibility will be assessed by analysis of recruitment rates, treatment adherence and intervention delivery time. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been granted by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/82047/PMCC). Participants with cancer will complete a signed consent form prior to participation, and carers and therapists will complete verbal consent. Results will be made available to funders, broader clinicians and researchers through conference presentations and publications. If CALM is found to be acceptable in this cohort, this will inform a potential phase 3 trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Anne Lynch
- Psychosocial Oncology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Psychology Department, Andrew Love Cancer Centre, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gary Rodin
- Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of- Life Care (GIPPEC), Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Jefford
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Health Services Research and Implementation Science, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary Duffy
- Lung Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julia Lai-Kwon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Heynemann
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Pty Ltd, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linda Mileshkin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Lung Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Briggs
- Patient Representative, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Burke
- Patient Representative, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lilian Leigh
- Patient Representative, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tim Spelman
- Department of Health Services Research and Implementation Science, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Ftanou
- Psychosocial Oncology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Zhao J, Wang M, Huang R, Xu J, Gan C, Yu S, Tang L, Yao S, Li W, Cheng H. Effects of CALM intervention on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), fear of cancer recurrence and quality of life in patients with lung cancer. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:447. [PMID: 37414980 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07929-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility and practicability of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) as a psychological intervention to reduce neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), fear of cancer recurrence, general distress, and improve quality of life in lung cancer survivors. METHODS Eighty lung cancer patients with FCRI severity subscale (≥13 points) were recruited and randomly assigned to CALM or usual care (UC). NLR was recorded before and after treatment. The Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI), Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to evaluate patients at baseline (T0), immediately after treatment (T1), and at 2 (T2) and 4 (T3) months. RESULTS Compared with UC, NLR was significantly different before and after CALM intervention (z=-5.498; P=0.000). There were significant differences in the scores of QLQ, FCR and general distress before and after the T1, T2 and T3 interventions (F=220.30, F=315.20, F=290.10, respectively; P<0.001). NLR was negatively correlated with QOL both before (r=-0.763; P<0.0001) and after the intervention (r=-0.810, P<0.0001). FCR and general distress were negatively correlated with QOL in CALM (T0: r=-0.726, r=-0.776, respectively; P<0.0001; T1: r=-0.664, r=-0.647, respectively; P<0.0001; T2: r=-0.678, r=-0.695, respectively; P<0.0001; T3: r=-0.511, P = 0.0008; r=-0.650, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION CALM intervention can effectively reduce the NLR, alleviate the recurrence fear and general distress and improve the quality of life in patients. This study suggests that CALM may be an effective psychological intervention for reducing symptoms associated with lung cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Menglian Wang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Runze Huang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Chen Gan
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Sheng Yu
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Lingxue Tang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Senbang Yao
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China.
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Rom-Arjona B, Atanacio E, Crisologo D, Narvaez RA. Impact of Environment and Milieu Therapy in Palliative Care. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231180235. [PMID: 37258425 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231180235] [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: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The collaborative approach offered by palliative care benefits both patients and their caregivers. They provide a system of support that enables patients to lead as active a life as possible. This integrative review aimed to find out whether milieu and environment therapy has a significant impact on palliative care patients. Analyses and summaries of seventeen (17) papers were completed. There were three themes identified: environmental factors for quality of life, milieu therapy in forms of arts and music, and milieu therapy is safe, structured, and psychotherapeutic. This review demonstrates that milieu and environment therapy may also help to reduce physical symptoms, such as pain, and enhance quality of life. The study suggests that even if there are many interventions for palliative patients, more research is needed to generate a more thorough evaluation of the efficacy of various environmental control components and milieu therapies for palliative care patients.
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Arshinoff R, Roldan C, Balboni T. Spirituality and spiritual distress in neurologic illness. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 191:221-234. [PMID: 36599510 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-824535-4.00004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neurologic illnesses present multiple challenges to patients and their families from the time of initial diagnosis and throughout their illness trajectory, including challenges related to accepting the diagnosis and its various impacts and anxiety about future living with their illness. Often patients and their families rely on their spirituality to cope with and to maintain meaning and dignity in the midst of disease. As a result, spiritual care provision is a critical component of holistic medical care to patients with neurologic illness. Spiritual care provision follows a generalist-specialist model, which requires all healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients facing serious illness to play a role in recognizing and addressing spiritual needs. This model is characterized by generalist spiritual care providers (e.g., nurses, physicians, social workers) who perform spiritual screenings through history taking. Chaplains function as specialist spiritual care providers and can address spiritual care more deeply. In addition, several developed psychotherapeutic approaches may be useful for patients with neurologic disease, and chaplains are especially trained to offer supportive spiritual care to patients with neurologic illnesses and their families and to work together with physicians and other members of the healthcare team as part of a holistic approach to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena Arshinoff
- Department of Spiritual Care, Baycrest Center for Geriatrics, Division of Palliative Care, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Claudia Roldan
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tracy Balboni
- Departments of Radiation Oncology and of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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11
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Pang L, Yao S, Li W, Jing Y, Yin X, Cheng H. Impact of the CALM intervention on breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:121. [PMID: 36648574 PMCID: PMC9843115 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 outbreak has adversely affected breast cancer patients both physically and mentally. Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) is a psychological intervention that is easy to implement. It also decreases the possibility of virus transmission because it can be administered online. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of CALM on the sleep quality, memory, psychological distress, and quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer patients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Sixty breast cancer patients were recruited and randomly assigned to a CALM group and a Care as Usual (CAU) group. They filled in questionnaires before and after the CALM intervention and CAU. These included the Sleep Quality Scale (SQS), Prospective Memory Scale (PM), Retrospective Memory Scale (RM), Psychological Distress Thermometer (DT), and Quality of life (QoL) Scale. RESULTS The scores of all the aforementioned scales after the CALM intervention (ACM) were significantly lower compared to the said scores before the CALM intervention (BCM) and after Care as Usual (ACU) (t = 12.369/8.013, t = 8.632/4.583, t = 7.500/6.900, t = 12.479/9.780, t = 12.224/6.729 respectively, P < 0.05) There was a linear correlation between the QoL, DT, and SQS scores. CONCLUSION CALM is an effective psychotherapy for breast cancer patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, for improving the QoL because it relieves psychological distress and enhances sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulian Pang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Senbang Yao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Yanyan Jing
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Xiangxiang Yin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China. .,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510500, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China.
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12
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Gan LL, Gong S, Kissane DW. Mental state of demoralisation across diverse clinical settings: A systematic review, meta-analysis and proposal for its use as a 'specifier' in mental illness. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1104-1129. [PMID: 34879712 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211060746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Demoralisation is a state of poor coping characterised by low morale, hopelessness, subjective incompetence, and loss of meaning and purpose in life. While studied extensively in oncology and palliative care, there has been recent exploration in broader medical and mental health settings. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of demoralisation and associated sociodemographic and psychological factors across these clinical settings. METHOD Six electronic databases were used to locate articles from January 2014 to March 2020. A pre-publication update of non-oncology populations was completed in September 2021. The review has been reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Pooled prevalence of demoralisation was determined through % prevalence and mean demoralisation score; this was synthesised through meta-analysis of single means to determine pooled mean prevalence of Demoralisation Scale scores using the 'R' statistical software. RESULTS Demoralisation has been examined in 52 studies (n = 11,670) and found to be prevalent in 24-35% of oncology and non-oncology, including mental health, populations. The mean score on the Demoralisation Scale was 24.3 (95% confidence interval, CI = [21.3, 27.3]). There was evidence of divergent validity in addition to significant comorbidity between depression, demoralisation and suicidal ideation. Burdensome physical symptoms, and psychological and demographic factors are strongly correlated with demoralisation. CONCLUSION There remains a need to recognise demoralisation in various clinical and cultural settings and to strongly consider its inclusion as a 'specifier' within formal nosological systems for adjustment and depressive disorders. This is important to initiate targeted interventions and prevent significant morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy L Gan
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Susanna Gong
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - David W Kissane
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia and Cunningham Centre for Palliative Medicine Research, St Vincent's Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cabrini Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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13
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Perceptions of the meaning of life among Korean patients with advanced cancer: A mixed-methods study. Palliat Support Care 2022:1-12. [PMID: 36017653 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522000979] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore perceptions of the meaning of life among Korean patients living with advanced cancer. METHOD The study employed a mixed-methods design, and 16 participants were included in the analysis. Qualitative data gathered from in-depth interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's ρ correlation. RESULTS Participants experienced both the existence of meaning and the will to find meaning in terms of four categories: "interpersonal relationships based on attachment and cohesion" (three themes - family as the core meaning of one's life, supportive and dependent interconnectedness with significant others, and existential responsibility embedded in familism), "therapeutic relationships based on trust" (one theme - communication and trust between the patient and medical staff), "optimism" (two themes - positivity embodied through past experiences and a positive attitude toward the current situation), and "a sense of purpose with advanced cancer" (two themes - the will to survive and expectations for the near future). The meaning in life questionnaire (MLQ) and the purpose in life scale (PIL) showed a significant positive correlation tendency with the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-spiritual well-being scale (FACIT-Sp). The patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) showed significant negative correlation tendency with both the MLQ-presence of meaning (MLQ-PM) and PIL-Initiative (PIL-I) questionnaires. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Finding meaning in life helps advanced cancer patients realize their will to live. It also acts as a coping mechanism that palliates negative experiences in the fight against the disease. In particular, among advanced cancer patients in the Korean culture, the dynamics of relationships with family and medical staff was a key axis that instilled optimism and will to live. These results suggest that considering the meaning of life in advanced cancer patients by reflecting Korean culture in the treatment process improves the quality of care.
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The Impact of VR-CALM Intervention Based on VR on Psychological Distress and Symptom Management in Breast Cancer Survivors. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:1012813. [PMID: 35712124 PMCID: PMC9197609 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1012813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully based on VR (VR-CALM), which is used to manage expected symptoms of cancer itself, relieve psychological distress, and improve quality of life (QOL) in the Chinese breast cancer survivors (BCs). Methods Ninety-eight patients with breast cancer were recruited in this study. These patients were randomly assigned to the VR-CALM group or the care as usual (CAU) group. All patients were evaluated by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast cancer patient (FACT-B), Distress Thermometer (DT), Concerns About Recurrence Scale (CARS), Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and The Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) before and after VR-CALM or CAU application to BCs. We compared the differences in all these scores between the VR-CALM group and the control group. Results Patients in the VR-CALM group showed a significant decrease in levels of distress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and fatigue (t = −6.829, t = −5.819, t = −2.094, t = −3.031, t = −10.082, P ≤ 0.001, 0.001, 0.05, 0.01, 0.001, respectively) and had higher level of quality of life (t = 8.216, P ≤ 0.001) compared with the CAU group after intervention. And postintervention patients in VR-CALM group compared with preintervention showed lower level of distress and remarkable improvement of QOL (t = 11.521, t = −10.379, P ≤ 0.001, 0.001). The preintervention questionnaire revealed no significant between-group differences regarding distress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, fatigue, and quality of life. Conclusion VR-CALM is a psychotherapy tailored to the needs of patients with breast cancer. This research innovatively used VR-based CALM intervention to improve psychological and chronic symptoms in BCs. The results of the present study indicate that VR-CALM has salutary effects on the improvement of QOL and relieves psychological distress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and fatigue in BCs.
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15
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Loughan AR, Willis KD, Braun SE, Rodin G, Lanoye A, Davies AE, Svikis D, Mazzeo S, Malkin M, Thacker L. Managing cancer and living meaningfully (CALM) in adults with malignant glioma: a proof-of-concept phase IIa trial. J Neurooncol 2022; 157:447-456. [PMID: 35437687 PMCID: PMC9909556 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-03988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) is an evidence-based, brief, semi-structured psychotherapy designed to help patients with advanced cancer cope with the practical and profound challenges of their illness. However, no study to date has investigated its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness in adults with malignant glioma, despite the well-documented incidence of psychological distress in this vulnerable and underserved population. METHODS Fourteen patients with glioma and elevated symptoms of depression and/or death anxiety enrolled in the trial: 83% glioblastoma, 75% female, Mage = 56 years (SD = 15.1; range = 27-81). Feasibility was assessed based on established metrics. Acceptability was measured by post-session surveys and post-intervention interviews. Preliminary intervention effects were explored using paired t-tests, comparing psychological distress at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS Of the 14 enrolled patients, 12 were evaluable. Nine completed the study (75% retention rate). Three patients withdrew due to substantial disease progression which affected their ability to participate. Participants reported high perceived benefit, and all recommended the program to others. Baseline to post-intervention assessments indicated reductions in death anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depression, and increases in spirituality. Quality of life and fear of cancer recurrence remained stable throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS CALM appears feasible for use with adults with malignant glioma. Enrollment and retention rates were high and comparable to psychotherapy trials for patients with advanced cancer. High perceived benefit and reductions in symptoms of death anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depression were reported by participants. These findings are extremely encouraging and support further study of CALM in neuro-oncology. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04646213 registered on 11/27/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee R Loughan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 East Marshall St, Richmond, VA, 23298-0037, USA.
- Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA.
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, 1201 East Marshall St, Richmond, VA, 23298-0037, USA.
| | - Kelcie D Willis
- Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sarah Ellen Braun
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 East Marshall St, Richmond, VA, 23298-0037, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gary Rodin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, Canada
| | - Autumn Lanoye
- Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Alexandria E Davies
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Dace Svikis
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Suzanne Mazzeo
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Mark Malkin
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 East Marshall St, Richmond, VA, 23298-0037, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Leroy Thacker
- Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
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Miyamoto S, Yamazaki T, Shimizu K, Matsubara T, Kage H, Watanabe K, Kobo H, Matsuyama Y, Rodin G, Yoshiuchi K. Brief, manualised and semistructured individual psychotherapy programme for patients with advanced cancer in Japan: study protocol for Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) phase 2 trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056136. [PMID: 35277407 PMCID: PMC8919444 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) is a novel, brief and manualised psychotherapeutic intervention intended to treat and prevent depression and end-of-life distress in patients with advanced cancer. This phase 2 trial aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of CALM in Japanese patients with cancer. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a single-arm clinical trial. All patients involved in the study are ≥18 years of age, have been diagnosed with advanced or metastatic solid-tumour cancer, and their expected survival is at least 6 months. CALM comprises three to six individual therapy sessions, each lasting approximately 45-60 min, provided over 3- 6 months. The participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at baseline (t0), 3 months (t1) and 6 months (t2). The primary outcomes are rates of completion of the intervention and of the outcome measures and improvement of depressive symptoms measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 between t0 and t2. The criteria for the successful rate of completion is that at least 70% participants who participate in at least three sessions will complete measures at t2. The secondary outcomes are the improvement in scores on: (1) the Quality of Life at the End of Life-Cancer Scale, (2) the Experiences in Close Relationships scale, (3) the Death and Dying Distress Scale and (4) the Clinical Evaluation Questionnaire. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of The University of Tokyo, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research and Yamaguchi University. We will conduct the study in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects. The results of this study will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication and presentation at local, national and international scientific meetings and conferences. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER UMIN000040032; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seraki Miyamoto
- Department of Stress Sciences and Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Yamazaki
- Department of Stress Sciences and Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Shimizu
- Department of Psycho-Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Matsubara
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
- Health Service Center, Yamaguchi University Organization for University Education, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hidenori Kage
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The University Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Next-Generation Precision Medicine Development Laboratory, The University Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kousuke Watanabe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The University Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kobo
- Department of Psycho-Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Matsuyama
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kazuhiro Yoshiuchi
- Department of Stress Sciences and Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Dwan C, Willig C. Existential uncertainty in the patient cancer experience: Delimiting the concept. Palliat Support Care 2022; 21:1-7. [PMID: 35166199 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522000104] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To delimit the concept of existential uncertainty in the patient cancer experience from other, related aspects of uncertainty in the context of an existing framework of health-related uncertainty. METHODS In-depth interviews were carried out with six people living with cancer and analyzed using theory-driven, concept-focused thematic analysis. RESULTS Our analysis suggests that existential uncertainty is concerned with meaning rather than information; with the person rather than the disease; and with the fundamental nature of our human being-in-the-world rather than the more practical aspects of our relationships with others. Patient expressions of existential uncertainty may involve a nonscientific discourse of metaphor, analogy, and imagination. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS It is important for professionals working in supportive oncology to have a conceptual understanding of uncertainty in order to choose how best to respond to patients' needs, as different interventions may be more or less appropriate to different aspects of patient uncertainty.
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18
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Yao S, Ding K, Liu S, Zhang Q, Li W, Tang L, Yu S, Pang L, Yin X, Cheng H. The Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) Intervention Alleviates Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Breast Cancer by Modulating Pan-Immune-Inflammation Values. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354221140498. [DOI: 10.1177/15347354221140498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The number of patients with breast cancer is increasing worldwide, resulting in a growing number of patients with chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), which seriously affects their quality of life. CRCI is associated with inflammatory factors and systemic inflammatory markers such as pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), which can reflect the level of inflammation in the body. While the Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) intervention has been demonstrated to alleviate CRCI in patients with breast cancer, the specific mechanism remains unclear. Objective: This study evaluated the impact of the CALM intervention on systemic inflammation. Methods: Ninety patients with breast cancer with CRCI were enrolled and randomized into care as usual (CAU) and CALM intervention groups. All patients were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog), Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) before and after the CAU/CALM intervention. The blood levels of inflammatory markers were also analyzed before and after the intervention. Results: Compared to the CAU group, the CALM group showed significantly improved cognitive function and significantly decreased PIV ( P < .05). PIV was significantly negatively correlated with FACT-Cog ( P < .05). The levels of other inflammatory markers, including MLR, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (GLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), were also reduced in the CALM group. Conclusion: PIV is an important marker of inflammation. The CALM intervention may improve the cognitive function of patients by regulating the systemic inflammation marker PIV through the neuroimmune axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senbang Yao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fuyang Cancer Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Shaochun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lingxue Tang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Sheng Yu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lulian Pang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangxiang Yin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Nursing, psychotherapy and advanced cancer: A scoping review. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2021; 56:102090. [PMID: 35026499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many individuals with advanced cancer have unmet psychological needs and often lack access to supportive care. Psychotherapy for adults with advanced cancer is a promising way to address some of the challenges in meeting these care needs. Nurses are the largest cohort of healthcare workers who can practice as psychotherapists and are positioned ideally to integrate these interventions as part of routine care. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the literature on psychotherapeutic interventions among adults with advanced cancer and to explore the nursing role in this body of evidence. METHODS We conducted a scoping review for relevant quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies. The content of included studies was analyzed and grouped based on two broad categories that describe how nursing's role was mentioned, described, and utilized: 1. Nurses are not the interventionist/psychotherapist and, 2. Nurses are mentioned as the interventionist/psychotherapist. RESULTS Eighty-six studies were included. Overall, majority of studies did not mention a role for nursing in any capacity. Some studies mentioned a non-interventionist role for nursing in the research study. Fourteen studies mentioned nurses as interventionists/psychotherapists. These studies focused on feasibility, acceptability and patient related outcomes of brief psychotherapies. Dignity therapy was the most common psychotherapy in studies where nurses were utilized as interventionists, followed by life review and supportive expressive therapies. Very few studies discussed nursing's role in this area and nursing's capacity to deliver this form of care. CONCLUSION There is paucity in nursing research focused on psychotherapy for adults with advanced cancer. It is feasible and acceptable for nurses to deliver brief psychotherapies to adults with advanced cancer, and the integration of these techniques in everyday practice has great potential that must be explored. The development of this knowledge base is needed to support future education, research, and practice policy agendas.
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Kukla H, Herrler A, Strupp J, Voltz R. The effects of confronting one's own end of life on older individuals and those with a life-threatening disease: A systematic literature review. Palliat Med 2021; 35:1793-1814. [PMID: 34486450 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211042528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Awareness of the impending end of one's life can pose profound existential challenges, thereby impairing well-being. Confronting one's own end of life may be an approach to meet the psychological needs and consequently enhance overall well-being. Different approaches of confrontation have been evaluated positively using measures of psychosocial comfort. To date, there exists no systematic overview on the different ways of confrontation (e.g. psychosocial or individual coping approaches). AIM To synthesize the existing knowledge on the effects of different approaches of confronting one's own end of life on older individuals and those with a life-threatening disease. DESIGN A systematic review of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods full research reports was conducted. The retrieved studies were screened and appraised for methodological quality by two independent reviewers based on MMAT and CASP. The findings were synthesized narratively using the meta-summary technique by Sandelowski and Barroso. DATA SOURCES Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 12/2020. RESULTS N = 49 studies reported on different approaches of confronting one's own end of life, including psychosocial interventions, meaning-enhancing approaches, educational programs, and learning from lived experiences. The results suggest a clear trend toward beneficial effects on psychosocial comfort (e.g. anxiety, sense of meaning, well-being). CONCLUSION Low-threshold opportunities of confrontation have the potential to improve well-being and should be emphasized in practical implementation. The results can serve as a comprehensive basis for future research aiming to investigate the determinants of psychosocial comfort for people nearing the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Kukla
- Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School GROW - Gerontological Research on Well-being, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Angélique Herrler
- Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School GROW - Gerontological Research on Well-being, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Strupp
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Raymond Voltz
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Clinical Trials Center Cologne (ZKS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Center for Health Services Research (ZVFK), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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21
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Wong PTP, Yu TTF. Existential Suffering in Palliative Care: An Existential Positive Psychology Perspective. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:924. [PMID: 34577847 PMCID: PMC8471755 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57090924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the inadequacies of the current healthcare system and needs a paradigm change to one that is holistic and community based, illustrated by the healing wheel. The present paper proposes that existential positive psychology (PP 2.0) represents a promising approach to meet the rising needs in palliative care. This framework has a twofold emphasis on (a) how to transcend and transform suffering as the foundation for wellbeing and (b) how to cultivate our spiritual and existential capabilities to achieve personal growth and flourishing. We propose that these objectives can be achieved simultaneously through dialectical palliative counselling, as illustrated by Wong's integrative meaning therapy and the Conceptual Model of CALM Therapy in palliative care. We then outline the treatment objectives and the intervention strategies of IMT in providing palliative counselling for palliative care and hospice patients. Based on our review of recent literature, as well as our own research and practice, we discover that existential suffering in general and at the last stage of life in particular is indeed the foundation for healing and wellbeing as hypothesized by PP 2.0. We can also conclude that best palliative care is holistic-in addition to cultivating the inner spiritual resources of patients, it needs to be supported by the family, staff, and community, as symbolized by the healing wheel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T. P. Wong
- Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Timothy T. F. Yu
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada;
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22
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Caruso R, Sabato S, Nanni MG, Hales S, Rodin G, Malfitano C, Tiberto E, De Padova S, Bertelli T, Belvederi Murri M, Zerbinati L, Grassi L. Application of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) in Advanced Cancer Patients: An Italian Pilot Study. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021; 89:402-404. [PMID: 32191940 DOI: 10.1159/000505875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Caruso
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvana Sabato
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nanni
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Hales
- University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Integrated Department of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, Health Trust and University S. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Integrated Department of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, Health Trust and University S. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carmine Malfitano
- University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Integrated Department of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, Health Trust and University S. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elisa Tiberto
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Silvia De Padova
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bertelli
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Martino Belvederi Murri
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Luigi Zerbinati
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luigi Grassi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy,
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23
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Koranyi S, Philipp R, Quintero Garzón L, Scheffold K, Schulz-Kindermann F, Härter M, Rodin G, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A. Testing the Treatment Integrity of the Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully Psychotherapeutic Intervention for Patients With Advanced Cancer. Front Psychol 2020; 11:561997. [PMID: 33343443 PMCID: PMC7744681 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.561997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) therapy for patients with advanced cancer was tested against a supportive psycho-oncological counseling intervention (SPI) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). We investigated whether CALM was delivered as intended (therapists' adherence); whether CALM therapists with less experience in psycho-oncological care show higher adherence scores; and whether potential overlapping treatment elements between CALM and SPI can be identified (treatment differentiation). Methods Two trained and blinded raters assessed on 19 items four subscales of the Treatment Integrity Scale covering treatment domains of CALM (SC: Symptom Management and Communication with Health Care Providers; CSR: Changes in Self and Relationship with Others; SMP: Spiritual Well-being and Sense of Meaning and Purpose; FHM: Preparing for the Future, Sustaining Hope and Facing Mortality). A random sample of 150 audio recordings (75 CALM, 75 SPI) were rated on a three-point Likert scale with 1 = "adherent to some extent," 2 = "adherent to a sufficient extent," 3 = "very adherent." Results All 19 treatment elements were applied, but in various frequencies. CALM therapists most frequently explored symptoms and/or relationship to health care providers (SC_1: n_applied = 62; 83%) and allowed expression of sadness and anxiety about the progression of disease (FHM_2: n_applied = 62; 83%). The exploration of CALM treatment element SC_1 was most frequently implemented in a satisfactory or excellent manner (n_sufficient or very adherent = 34; 45%), whereas the treatment element SMP_4: Therapist promotes acknowledgment that some life goals may no longer be achievable (n_sufficient or very adherent = 0; 0%) was not implemented in a satisfactory manner. In terms of treatment differentiation, no treatment elements could be identified which were applied significantly more often by CALM therapists than by SPI therapists. Conclusion Results verify the application of CALM treatment domains. However, CALM therapists' adherence scores indicated manual deviations. Furthermore, raters were not able to significantly distinguish CALM from SPI, implying that overlapping treatment elements were delivered to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Koranyi
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Section of Psychosocial Oncology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rebecca Philipp
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leonhard Quintero Garzón
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Section of Psychosocial Oncology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Scheffold
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schulz-Kindermann
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Härter
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Section of Psychosocial Oncology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Sethi R, Rodin G, Hales S. Psychotherapeutic Approach for Advanced Illness: Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) Therapy. Am J Psychother 2020; 73:119-124. [PMID: 33203228 DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20190050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
With advances in medical treatment and an aging population, there is an increasing global burden of advanced and life-limiting illnesses. Individuals living with these conditions may experience substantial distress related to disease progression, changes in important roles and life goals, loss of meaning, and uncertainty about the future, but there has been limited evidence to inform their psychotherapeutic care. Managing cancer and living meaningfully (CALM) therapy is a brief, evidence-based, semistructured intervention that provides a framework to address practical issues, such as navigating the health care system and treatment decisions, and existential issues, including finding meaning and hope in the face of mortality. CALM has been shown to alleviate and prevent depression and to facilitate preparation for the end of life among patients with advanced cancer. It is being adapted to other life-threatening illnesses and different cultural contexts and health care settings. Advocacy is needed to support such approaches for individuals living with advanced and life-threatening illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickinder Sethi
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto (all authors); Department of Psychiatry (all authors) and Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative, and End-of-Life Care (Rodin), University of Toronto, Toronto
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto (all authors); Department of Psychiatry (all authors) and Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative, and End-of-Life Care (Rodin), University of Toronto, Toronto
| | - Sarah Hales
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto (all authors); Department of Psychiatry (all authors) and Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative, and End-of-Life Care (Rodin), University of Toronto, Toronto
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25
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Rodin GM. Psychotherapeutic Interventions Near the End of Life: Theory, Evidence, and Future Directions. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gary M. Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network,
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto,
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26
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Caruso R, Nanni MG, Rodin G, Hales S, Malfitano C, De Padova S, Bertelli T, Murri MB, Bovero A, Miniotti M, Leombruni P, Zerbinati L, Sabato S, Grassi L. Effectiveness of a brief manualized intervention, Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), adapted to the Italian cancer care setting: Study protocol for a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2020; 20:100661. [PMID: 33089003 PMCID: PMC7566943 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced cancer suffer from psychosocial distress that may impair quality of life and that may be ameliorated by psychotherapeutic treatment. We describe here the methodology of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the effectiveness of a novel, brief, semi-structured psychotherapeutic intervention to reduce distress and increase well-being in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. The intervention, called Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), was originally developed in Canada and we are now testing its Italian adaptation (CALM-IT). The study is a single-blinded phase III RCT with assessment at baseline, 3 and 6 months with two conditions: CALM-IT versus a nonspecific supportive intervention (SPI). Eligibility criteria include: ≥ 18 years of age; fluency in the Italian language; no cognitive deficit, and diagnosis of advanced or metastatic cancer with an expected survival of 12–18 months. CALM-IT includes up to 12 sessions, delivered over 6 months and covers 4 domains: i) Symptom Management and Communication with Health Care Providers; ii) Changes in Self and Relations with Close Others; iii) Sense of Meaning and Purpose; and iv) the Future and Mortality. The primary outcome is difference in severity of depressive symptoms between treatment arm and the primary endpoint is 6 months. The secondary endpoint is 3 months and secondary outcomes are: generalized anxiety, distress about dying and death, demoralization, spiritual well-being, attachment security, posttraumatic growth, communication with partners, quality of life, and satisfaction with clinical care. If shown to be effective, CALM-IT can be implemented nationally to relieve distress and to promote psychological well-being in patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Caruso
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Program on Psycho-Oncology and Psychiatry in Palliative Care, Integrated Department of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, Health Trust and University S. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nanni
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Program on Psycho-Oncology and Psychiatry in Palliative Care, Integrated Department of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, Health Trust and University S. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, 16th Floor, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 8th Floor, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Sarah Hales
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, 16th Floor, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 8th Floor, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Carmine Malfitano
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, 16th Floor, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 8th Floor, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Silvia De Padova
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per Lo Studio e La Cura Dei Tumori (IRST), IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bertelli
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per Lo Studio e La Cura Dei Tumori (IRST), IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Martino Belvederi Murri
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Program on Psycho-Oncology and Psychiatry in Palliative Care, Integrated Department of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, Health Trust and University S. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Bovero
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, "Città Della Salute e Della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Miniotti
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, "Città Della Salute e Della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Leombruni
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, "Città Della Salute e Della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Luigi Zerbinati
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvana Sabato
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luigi Grassi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Program on Psycho-Oncology and Psychiatry in Palliative Care, Integrated Department of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, Health Trust and University S. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
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27
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Mehnert A, Koranyi S, Philipp R, Scheffold K, Kriston L, Lehmann-Laue A, Engelmann D, Vehling S, Eisenecker C, Oechsle K, Schulz-Kindermann F, Rodin G, Härter M. Efficacy of the Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) individual psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. Psychooncology 2020; 29:1895-1904. [PMID: 32803815 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether the Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) therapy is superior to a non-manualized supportive psycho-oncological counselling intervention (SPI). METHODS Adult patients with advanced cancer and ≥9 points on the PHQ-9 and/or ≥5 points on the DT were randomized to CALM or SPI. We hypothesized that CALM patients would report significantly less depression (primary outcome) on the BDI-II and the PHQ-9 6 months after baseline compared to SPI patients. RESULTS From 329 eligible patients, 206 participated (61.2% female; age: M = 57.9 [SD = 11.7]; 84.5% UICC IV stage). Of them, 99 were assigned to CALM and 107 to SPI. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed significantly less depressive symptoms at 6 months than at baseline (P < .001 for BDI-II and PHQ-9), but participants in the CALM and SPI group did not differ in depression severity (BDI-II: P = .62, PHQ-9: P = .998). Group differences on secondary outcomes were statistically not significant either. CONCLUSIONS CALM therapy was associated with reduction in depressive symptoms over time but this improvement was not statistically significant different than that obtained within SPI group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Mehnert
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susan Koranyi
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rebecca Philipp
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Scheffold
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Levente Kriston
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Antje Lehmann-Laue
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dorit Engelmann
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sigrun Vehling
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christina Eisenecker
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karin Oechsle
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with section of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schulz-Kindermann
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, 16-724, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Härter
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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28
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Ding K, Zhang X, Zhao J, Zuo H, Bi Z, Cheng H. Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) Intervention on Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1534735420938450. [PMID: 32683997 PMCID: PMC7370330 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420938450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), which is used to reduce chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), relieve psychological distress, and improve quality of life (QOL) in Chinese breast cancer survivors (BCs). Methods: Seventy-four BCs were enrolled in this study. All patients were randomly assigned to either the CALM group or the care as usual (CAU) group. All patients were evaluated by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog), Distress Thermometer (DT), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast (FACT-B) before and after CALM or CAU application to BCs with CRCI. We compared the differences in all these scores between the CALM group and the control group and analyzed the correlation between cognitive function and QOL. Results: Compared with the CAU group, the performance of the CALM group on the FACT-Cog, DT, and FACT-B showed significant differences before and after CALM (t = −18.909, −5.180, −32.421, P = .000, .000, .000, respectively). Finally, there was a positive correlation between cognitive function and QOL in breast cancer patients before (r = 0.579, P = .000) and after (r = 0.797, P = .000) treatment. Conclusions: The present results indicated that CALM has salutary effects on the improvement of cognitive impairment and QOL and relieves psychological distress in breast cancer patients, which may be due to a positive correlation between psychological distress and cognitive function or QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ding
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiuqing Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - He Zuo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ziran Bi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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29
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Rodin G, An E, Shnall J, Malfitano C. Psychological Interventions for Patients With Advanced Disease: Implications for Oncology and Palliative Care. J Clin Oncol 2020; 38:885-904. [PMID: 32023159 DOI: 10.1200/jco.19.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of research demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of psychological interventions for adult patients with advanced cancer. Findings from quantitative studies of psychotherapeutic interventions with primary psychological outcomes for such patients are reviewed here and recommendations for best practice are made. We consider these interventions according to three broad phases in which they are most commonly applied: soon after diagnosis of advanced cancer, when living with the disease, and at or near the end of life. Cumulative evidence from well-designed studies demonstrates the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for patients with advanced disease to relieve and prevent depression, anxiety, and distress related to dying and death, as well as to enhance the sense of meaning and preparation for end of life. Individual and couple-based interventions have been proven to be most feasible, and the development and use of tailored and validated measures has enhanced the rigor of research and clinical care. Palliative care nurses and physicians can be trained to deliver many such interventions, but a core of psychosocial clinicians, including social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, is usually required to train other health professionals in their delivery and to ensure their quality. Few of the interventions for which there is evidence of effectiveness have been routinely incorporated into oncology or palliative care. Advocacy on the basis of this evidence is required to build psychosocial resources in cancer treatment settings and to ensure that psychological care receives the same priority as other aspects of palliative care in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Rodin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ekaterina An
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna Shnall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carmine Malfitano
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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30
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“Art on Behalf”: Introducing an accessible art therapy approach used in palliative care. ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2019.101616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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31
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Zimmermann FF, Jordan J, Burrell B. Coping with cancer mindfully: A feasibility study of a mindfulness intervention focused on acceptance and meaning in life for adults with advanced cancer. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2020; 44:101715. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2019.101715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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32
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Martin V, Sarker T, Slusarek E, McCarthy MA, Granton J, Tan A, Lo C. Conversational avoidance during existential interviews with patients with progressive illness. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2020; 25:1073-1082. [PMID: 31975623 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2020.1719282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We examined patterns of avoidance when existential emotional topics were raised during conversations with patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), an incurable life-limiting disease. 30 adult outpatients with PAH were recruited for a 20 to 60-minute interview about their illness experience. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify avoidance strategies that patients employed. Participants averaged 58 years in age (SD = 18), 77% were female, and mean length of illness was 6.3 years (SD = 5.3). We found four avoidance strategies: (1) Reversal, when individuals would begin discussing a negative concern and then backtrack to more positive sentiments; (2) Diversion for when patients would sidetrack the conversation to a different and less uncomfortable topic; (3) Diminishment for when a concern is raised and then made to seem unimportant; and (4) Obstruction, when patients refuse to discuss a concern further. Exploration of existential concerns can elicit distress but may be necessary to promote adaptation to progressive illness and to the foreseeable challenges that may affect the sense of life meaning and value. By recognizing when existential concerns may be present but not adequately discussed, clinicians may be better able to assist patients to cope and prepare for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Martin
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University , Kingston, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Guelph-Humber , Etobicoke, Canada
| | - Tasmie Sarker
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph-Humber , Etobicoke, Canada
| | - Emily Slusarek
- Department of Biology, Trent University , Peterborough, Canada
| | - Mary A McCarthy
- Pulmonary Hypertension Program, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network , Toronto, Canada
| | - John Granton
- Pulmonary Hypertension Program, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network , Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto, Canada
| | - Adrienne Tan
- Pulmonary Hypertension Program, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network , Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto , Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher Lo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto , Toronto, Canada.,Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto , Toronto, Canada
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Fraguell-Hernando C, Limonero JT, Gil F. Psychological intervention in patients with advanced cancer at home through Individual Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy-Palliative Care: a pilot study. Support Care Cancer 2020; 28:4803-4811. [PMID: 31974770 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05322-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare Individual Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy-Palliative Care (IMCP-PC) to counselling-based psychotherapy in patients receiving home palliative care (PC). METHODS Fifty-one patients with advanced-stage cancer receiving home PC were recruited for this. Two-arm (individual meaning-centered psychotherapy-palliative-IMCP-PC-care vs. counselling) randomized feasibility trial. Anxiety, depression, demoralization, and emotional distress were evaluated before and after three psychotherapy sessions. Patient perceptions of the treatment were assessed after completion of therapy. RESULTS Thirty-two patients (16 in each group) completed all three sessions as well as the pre- and post-therapy questionnaires and were therefore included in the final analysis. All patients in the IMCP-PC group showed a significant decrease in levels of demoralization (despair), anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. By contrast, the only variable that significantly improved in the counselling group was demoralization. The post-treatment questionnaire revealed no significant between-group differences regarding patient perception of the structure, focus, or length of treatment. However, the IMCP-PC group rated the treatment more highly with regard to its value in helping them to find meaning in life. CONCLUSIONS IMCP-PC is a specific psychotherapy tailored to the needs of patients with advanced cancer. The results of the present study indicate that this treatment is suitable for patients at end of life that are not able to attend outpatient sessions. Although more research is needed, the findings of this feasibility trial suggest that the IMCP-PC merits consideration for patients receiving home palliative care (PC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Fraguell-Hernando
- EAPS Mutuam Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Stress and Health Research Group, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín T Limonero
- Stress and Health Research Group, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francisco Gil
- Stress and Health Research Group, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.,Psycho-Oncology Unit, Hospital Duran i Reynals, Institut Català d'Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain
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Saracino RM, Rosenfeld B, Breitbart W, Chochinov HM. Psychotherapy at the End of Life. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2019; 19:19-28. [PMID: 31746703 PMCID: PMC6986450 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2019.1674552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross is credited as one of the first clinicians to formalize recommendations for working with patients with advanced medical illnesses. In her seminal book, On Death and Dying, she identified a glaring gap in our understanding of how people cope with death, both on the part of the terminally ill patients that face death and as the clinicians who care for these patients. Now, 50 years later, a substantial and ever-growing body of research has identified "best practices" for end of life care and provides confirmation and support for many of the therapeutic practices originally recommended by Dr. Kübler-Ross. This paper reviews the empirical study of psychological well-being and distress at the end of life. Specifically, we review what has been learned from studies of patient desire for hastened death and the early debates around physician assisted suicide, as well as demonstrating how these studies, informed by existential principles, have led to the development of manualized psychotherapies for patients with advanced disease. The ultimate goal of these interventions has been to attenuate suffering and help terminally ill patients and their families maintain a sense of dignity, meaning, and peace as they approach the end of life. Two well-established, empirically supported psychotherapies for patients at the end of life, Dignity Therapy and Meaning Centered Psychotherapy are reviewed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barry Rosenfeld
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Fordham University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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Petursdottir AB, Svavarsdottir EK. The effectivness of a strengths‐oriented therapeutic conversation intervention on perceived support, well‐being and burden among family caregivers in palliative home‐care. J Adv Nurs 2019; 75:3018-3031. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.14089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Asta B. Petursdottir
- Palliative Home‐Care Unit Landspitali – The National University Hospital of Iceland Kopavogur Iceland
- School of Health Sciences University of Iceland Reykjavík Iceland
| | - Erla Kolbrun Svavarsdottir
- School of Health Sciences University of Iceland Reykjavík Iceland
- Landspitali –The National University Hospital of Iceland Reykjavík Iceland
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Rodin G. From evidence to implementation: The global challenge for psychosocial oncology. Psychooncology 2018; 27:2310-2316. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.4837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Toronto Canada
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Toronto; Toronto Canada
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Ann-Yi S, Bruera E, Wu J, Liu DD, Agosta M, Williams JL, Balankari VR, Carmack CL. Characteristics and Outcomes of Psychology Referrals in a Palliative Care Department. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 56:344-351. [PMID: 29885458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Psychologists can provide unique contributions to interdisciplinary palliative care. Despite research indicating high distress in palliative care cancer patients, little has been reported regarding the feasibility and practice of psychology in this setting. OBJECTIVES To review the integration of clinical psychology practice in a palliative care department at a major comprehensive cancer center. METHODS Retrospective chart review of 1940 unique cancer patients (6451 total patient contacts) referred for psychology services provided by clinical psychologists in palliative care from September 1, 2013 to February 29, 2016. RESULTS Psychologists provided services to 1644 inpatients (24% of palliative care inpatients) and 296 outpatients (19% of palliative care outpatients). Most of them (85%) received services in the inpatient setting. Most patients were females (57%) and white (68%) with a variety of cancer diagnoses. Adjustment disorders were the most prevalent in both settings with significant differences in other Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition) diagnoses by service location (P < 0.0001). Psychological assessment (86%) and supportive expressive counseling (79%) were the most frequent services provided in the initial consult. Duration of initial visit was significantly longer in outpatient (median 60 minutes) compared with inpatient setting (median 40 minutes) (P < 0.0001). No significant differences were noted between settings regarding the median number of counseling sessions per patient; however, most (70%) only received one or two sessions. Over time, total patient encounters increased in the inpatient setting (P < 0.0001), whereas session lengths in both settings significantly decreased (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Palliative care psychology services successfully integrated into an interdisciplinary palliative care department and rapidly grew in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Ann-Yi
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jimin Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Diane D Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Monica Agosta
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Janet L Williams
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vishidha Reddy Balankari
- The University of North Texas Health Science Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cindy L Carmack
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Rodin G, Lo C, Rydall A, Shnall J, Malfitano C, Chiu A, Panday T, Watt S, An E, Nissim R, Li M, Zimmermann C, Hales S. Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM): A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Psychological Intervention for Patients With Advanced Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2018; 36:2422-2432. [PMID: 29958037 PMCID: PMC6085180 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.77.1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Individuals with advanced cancer experience substantial distress in response to disease burden and impending mortality. Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully (CALM) is a novel, brief, manualized psychotherapeutic intervention intended to treat and prevent depression and end-of-life distress in patients with advanced cancer. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare CALM with usual care (UC) in this population. Methods Patients with advanced cancer were recruited from outpatient oncology clinics at a comprehensive cancer center into an unblinded randomized controlled trial. Permuted block randomization stratified by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depression score allocated participants to CALM plus UC or to UC alone. Assessments of depressive symptoms (primary outcome), death-related distress, and other secondary outcomes were conducted at baseline, 3 months (primary end point), and 6 months (trial end point). Analyses were by intention to treat. Analysis of covariance was used to test for outcome differences between groups at follow-up, controlling for baseline. Mixed-model results are reported. Results Participants (n = 305) were recruited between February 3, 2012, and March 4, 2016, and randomly assigned to CALM (n = 151) or UC (n = 154). CALM participants reported less-severe depressive symptoms than UC participants at 3 months (Δ = 1.09; P = .04; Cohen's d = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.04 to 2.13) and at 6 months (Δ = 1.29; P = .02; d = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.24 to 2.35). Significant findings for greater end-of-life preparation at 6 months also favored CALM versus UC. No adverse effects were identified. Conclusion Findings suggest that CALM is an effective intervention that provides a systematic approach to alleviating depressive symptoms in patients with advanced cancer and addresses the predictable challenges these patients face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Rodin
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Lo
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Rydall
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna Shnall
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carmine Malfitano
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aubrey Chiu
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tania Panday
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Watt
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ekaterina An
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rinat Nissim
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madeline Li
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Hales
- All authors: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Gary Rodin, Christopher Lo, Rinat Nissim, Madeline Li, Camilla Zimmermann, and Sarah Hales, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Addressing personal barriers to advance care planning: Qualitative investigation of a mindfulness-based intervention for adults with cancer and their family caregivers. Palliat Support Care 2018; 17:276-285. [PMID: 29880064 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951518000354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advance care planning (ACP) increases quality of life and satisfaction with care for those with cancer and their families, yet these important conversations often do not occur. Barriers include patients' and families' emotional responses to cancer, such as anxiety and sadness, which can lead to avoidance of discussing illness-related topics such as ACP. Interventions that address psychological barriers to ACP are needed. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a mindfulness intervention designed to cultivate patient and caregiver emotional and relational capacity to respond to the challenges of cancer with greater ease, potentially decreasing psychological barriers to ACP and enhancing ACP engagement. METHOD The Mindfully Optimizing Delivery of End-of-Life (MODEL) Care intervention provided 12 hours of experiential training to two cohorts of six to seven adults with advanced-stage cancer and their family caregivers (n = 13 dyads). Training included mindfulness practices, mindful communication skills development, and information about ACP. Patient and caregiver experiences of the MODEL Care program were assessed using semistructured interviews administered immediately postintervention and open-ended survey questions delivered immediately and at 4 weeks postintervention. Responses were analyzed using qualitative methods.ResultFour salient themes were identified. Patients and caregivers reported the intervention (1) enhanced adaptive coping practices, (2) lowered emotional reactivity, (3) strengthened relationships, and (4) improved communication, including communication about their disease.Significance of resultsThe MODEL Care intervention enhanced patient and caregiver capacity to respond to the emotional challenges that often accompany advanced cancer and decreased patient and caregiver psychological barriers to ACP.
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Oberstadt MCF, Esser P, Classen J, Mehnert A. Alleviation of Psychological Distress and the Improvement of Quality of Life in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Adaptation of a Short-Term Psychotherapeutic Intervention. Front Neurol 2018; 9:231. [PMID: 29713302 PMCID: PMC5911468 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is inevitably fatal. To be diagnosed with a terminal illness such as ALS deeply affects one’s personal existence and goes along with significant changes regarding the physical, emotional, and social domains of the patients’ life. ALS patients have to face a rapidly debilitating physical decline which restrains mobility and impairs all activities of daily living. This progressive loss of autonomy may lead to a sense of hopelessness and loss of quality of life, which in turn may even result in thoughts about physician-assisted suicide. Here, we would like to propose a psychotherapeutic manualized, individual, semi-structured intervention to relieve distress and promote psychological well-being in ALS patients. This short-term intervention was originally developed for advanced cancer patients. “Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM)” focuses on the four dimensions: (i) symptom management and communication with healthcare providers, (ii) changes in self and relations with close others, (iii) spirituality, sense of meaning and purpose and (iv) thinking of the future, hope, and mortality. We suggest to supplement the concept by two additional dimensions which take into account specific issues of ALS patients: (v) communication skills, and (vi) emotional expression and control. This therapeutic concept named “ManagIng Burden in ALS and Living Meaningfully (mi-BALM)” may be a further treatment option to help improving quality of life of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Esser
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joseph Classen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Mai SS, Gerlach C, Schmidtmann I, Vogt AR, Zeller V, Renner KH, Weber M. Are Repeated Self-Reports of Psychological Variables Feasible for Patients Near the End of Life at a Palliative Care Unit? J Palliat Med 2018; 21:1005-1010. [PMID: 29437545 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measurement is crucial to assess the benefit of psychotherapeutic interventions. Is repeated assessment of psychometric self-report data possible, as inpatient palliative care patients suffer from physical and psychological symptoms? What is the self-perceived strain caused by the assessment? Objective The main objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a repeated comprehensive psychometric self-assessment of inpatient palliative care patients. Secondary objectives were the PROs of the psychometric assessment. DESIGN We conducted a prospective cohort study. Patients admitted to our palliative care unit (PCU) were reviewed for eligibility within 72 hours. They were asked for weekly self-reports regarding hope (HHI-D), well-being (FACIT-Sp), anxiety and depression (STADI), and quality of life (QoL; EORTC-QLQ-C-30 single item). The strain caused by the assessment was assessed by a numeric rating scale (0-10) and free comments. RESULTS Within 11 months, 219 patients were admitted to the PCU. In total, 92 patients were eligible. The most frequent exclusion criterion was "life expectancy <1 week." A total of 60 patients participated at the first point of measurement. The mean of self-perceived strain (Likert scale 0-10) due to the assessment was 1.44 (SD 1.99) at T1. Twenty-four patients participated twice. Here we found increased scores for physical well-being and QoL. CONCLUSION Repeated assessment of psychological conditions is feasible for 27.4% of inpatients at a German PCU. The most limiting factor is life expectancy of only days at admission to the PCU. However, the self-perceived strain is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Stephanie Mai
- 1 Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Unit, III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz , Mainz, Germany
| | - Christina Gerlach
- 1 Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Unit, III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz , Mainz, Germany
| | - Irene Schmidtmann
- 2 Institute for Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Department of Biometry and Bioinformatics, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University , Mainz, Germany
| | - Annika Renate Vogt
- 1 Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Unit, III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz , Mainz, Germany
| | - Viola Zeller
- 1 Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Unit, III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz , Mainz, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Renner
- 3 Department of Psychology, Bundeswehr University Munich , Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Martin Weber
- 1 Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Unit, III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz , Mainz, Germany
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Lloyd-Williams M, Shiels C, Ellis J, Abba K, Gaynor E, Wilson K, Dowrick C. Pilot randomised controlled trial of focused narrative intervention for moderate to severe depression in palliative care patients: DISCERN trial. Palliat Med 2018; 32:206-215. [PMID: 28590157 PMCID: PMC5758926 DOI: 10.1177/0269216317711322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is poorly detected and sub-optimally managed in palliative care patients, and few trials of psychosocial interventions have been carried out in this group of patients. AIMS A pilot trial to determine the effect of a focused narrative intervention on depression in palliative care patients when used in addition to usual care. DESIGN Patients scoring 10 or higher on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 randomised to focused narrative intervention in addition to usual care or usual care only and followed up at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. A reduction of five points on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was regarded as clinically significant response to treatment. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Palliative care patients aged over 18 recruited from hospice day care services - exclusion criteria included an estimated prognosis of 6 weeks or less, cognitive impairment and unable to understand written or spoken English. RESULTS Out of 57 participating patients (71% female), with mean age 65.1 years (range 36-88 years), 33 patients were randomised to the intervention and 24 to usual care only. Mean Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score at baseline was 16.4. Patients receiving intervention had greater reduction in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score at 6-week follow-up ( p = 0.04). Median survival was 157 days for intervention and 102 days for control group patients ( p = 0.07). CONCLUSION This pilot trial suggests a focused narrative intervention in palliative care patients with moderate to severe depression can reduce depression scores more than usual care alone. Patients receiving intervention appeared to have longer survival. These results support the need for a fully powered trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Lloyd-Williams
- 1 Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christopher Shiels
- 1 Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jacqueline Ellis
- 1 Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Katharine Abba
- 1 Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Edward Gaynor
- 2 Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kenneth Wilson
- 3 Division of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christopher Dowrick
- 4 Primary Medical Care, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Hoeck B, Ledderer L, Ploug Hansen H. Dealing with cancer: a meta-synthesis of patients' and relatives' experiences of participating in psychosocial interventions. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2017; 26:e12652. [PMID: 28169475 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to synthesise patients' and relatives' experiences of participating in a psychosocial intervention related to having cancer. The study was a meta-synthesis inspired by Noblit & Hare's 'meta-ethnography' approach. We systematically searched six databases and included 33 studies in the meta-synthesis. Inclusion criteria were qualitative studies with relevance to the synthesis topic. The meta-synthesis conceptualised the way in which participants develop their way of living with cancer, and the role psychosocial interventions play in helping them to live through the illness. Five themes symbolising the participants' core experiences were identified: (1) Emotional relief and a sense of well-being, (2) normalisation of experiences and a sense of control, (3) shared experience and a sense of community, (4) a safe place and (5) transformation and adaptability. The findings indicated that psychosocial interventions were used to try to deal with the changes in the human conditions caused by cancer. Sharing their experiences and forming social relationships helped the participants adapt to cancer. An existential perspective may provide a nuanced understanding of patients' and relatives' experiences of participating in psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Hoeck
- Research Unit of User Perspectives, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - L Ledderer
- Section for Health Promotion and Health Services, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Ploug Hansen
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Guerrero-Torrelles M, Monforte-Royo C, Rodríguez-Prat A, Porta-Sales J, Balaguer A. Understanding meaning in life interventions in patients with advanced disease: A systematic review and realist synthesis. Palliat Med 2017; 31:798-813. [PMID: 28498025 DOI: 10.1177/0269216316685235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among patients with advanced disease, meaning in life is thought to enhance well-being, promote coping and improve the tolerance of physical symptoms. It may also act as a buffer against depression and hopelessness. As yet, there has been no synthesis of meaning in life interventions in which contextual factors, procedures and outcomes are described and evaluated. AIMS To identify meaning in life interventions implemented in patients with advanced disease and to describe their context, mechanisms and outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and realist synthesis of meaning in life interventions using criteria from the Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards project. DATA SOURCES The CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched. RESULTS A total of 12 articles were included in the systematic review, corresponding to nine different interventions. Five articles described randomized controlled trials, two were qualitative studies, two were commentaries or reflections, and there was one pre-post evaluation, one exploratory study and one description of a model of care. Analysis of context, mechanisms and outcomes configurations showed that a core component of all the interventions was the interpersonal encounter between patient and therapist, in which sources of meaning were explored and a sense of connectedness was re-established. Meaning in life interventions were associated with clinical benefits on measures of purpose-in-life, quality of life, spiritual well-being, self-efficacy, optimism, distress, hopelessness, anxiety, depression and wish to hasten death. CONCLUSION This review provides an explanatory model of the contextual factors and mechanisms that may be involved in promoting meaning in life. These approaches could provide useful tools for relieving existential suffering at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariona Guerrero-Torrelles
- 1 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Monforte-Royo
- 1 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Josep Porta-Sales
- 3 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.,4 Palliative Care Service, Institut Català d'Oncologia, l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Balaguer
- 3 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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An E, Wennberg E, Nissim R, Lo C, Hales S, Rodin G. Death talk and relief of death-related distress in patients with advanced cancer. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2017; 10:e19. [PMID: 28768681 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2016-001277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The circumstances of advanced cancer heighten the need for affected individuals to communicate mortality-related concerns, although there may be obstacles to such communication. Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully(CALM) is a supportive-expressive therapy designed to address such barriers and to facilitate communication of mortality-related concerns in patients and caregivers facing advanced disease. This study explores death-related distress in patients with advanced cancer and the perceived influence of CALM therapy on overcoming barriers to communication of this distress. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with a subset of patients with advanced cancer (n=17) participating in a CALM phase III trial at a large urban regional cancer centre. Interviews were transcribed, and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Death-related distress was experienced in terms of three key themes: diffuse and overwhelming fear, fear of uncertainty and fear of suffering. The perceived barriers to communicating such distress were as follows: reluctance of loved ones to discuss mortality-related issues and the participants´ own reluctance to discuss death-related concerns to protect their loved ones or themselves from distress. CALM therapists were perceived to facilitate discussions on dying and death in sessions and to support patients´ communication of death-related distress with healthcare providers and loved ones. CONCLUSIONS Patients with advanced cancer perceive barriers to effective communication of death distress to be related to their own reluctance, as well as reluctance of their loved ones to address such fears. CALM therapy may help patients with advanced cancer to overcome obstacles to communication and to alleviate death-related distress. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01506492.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina An
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Erica Wennberg
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rinat Nissim
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher Lo
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Guelph-Humber, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sarah Hales
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Vehling S, Malfitano C, Shnall J, Watt S, Panday T, Chiu A, Rydall A, Zimmermann C, Hales S, Rodin G, Lo C. A concept map of death-related anxieties in patients with advanced cancer. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2017; 7:427-434. [PMID: 28768678 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2016-001287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fear of death and dying is common in patients with advanced cancer, but can be difficult to address in clinical conversations. We aimed to show that the experience of death anxiety may be deconstructed into a network of specific concerns and to provide a map of their interconnections to aid clinical exploration. METHODS We studied a sample of 382 patients with advanced cancer recruited from outpatient clinics at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada. Patients completed the 15-item Death and Dying Distress Scale (DADDS). We used item ratings to estimate a regularised partial correlation network of death and dying-related concerns. We calculated node closeness-centrality, clustering and global network characteristics. RESULTS Death-related anxieties were highly frequent, each associated with at least moderate distress in 22%-55% of patients. Distress about 'Running out of time' was a central concern in the network. The network was organised into two areas: one about more practical fears concerning the process of dying and another about more psychosocial or existential concerns including relational problems, uncertainty about the future and missed opportunities. Both areas were yet closely connected by bridges which, for example, linked fear of suffering and a prolonged death to fear of burdening others. CONCLUSIONS Patients with advanced cancer may have many interconnected death-related fears that can be patterned in individual ways. The bridging links between more practical and more psychosocial concerns emphasise that the alleviation of death anxiety may require interventions that integrate symptom management, advance care planning and psychological treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrun Vehling
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carmine Malfitano
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna Shnall
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Watt
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tania Panday
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aubrey Chiu
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Rydall
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Hales
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Lo
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Guelph-Humber, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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47
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Vehling S, Kissane DW, Lo C, Glaesmer H, Hartung TJ, Rodin G, Mehnert A. The association of demoralization with mental disorders and suicidal ideation in patients with cancer. Cancer 2017; 123:3394-3401. [PMID: 28472548 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Demoralization refers to a state in which there is a perceived inability to cope, that is associated with a sense of disheartenment and a loss of hope and meaning. This study investigated the co-occurrence versus independence of demoralization with mental disorders and suicidal ideation to evaluate its features as a concept of distress in the context of severe illness. METHODS In a cross-sectional sample of 430 mixed cancer patients, we assessed demoralization with the Demoralization Scale (DS); the 4-week prevalence of mood, anxiety, and adjustment disorders and suicidal ideation with the standardized Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Oncology (CIDI-O); and depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). We compared the relative risk (RR) for mental disorders associated with demoralization to that associated with self-reported depression. RESULTS Clinically relevant levels of demoralization were present in 21% of the patients. Demoralization co-occurred with a mood/anxiety disorder in 7%; 14% were demoralized in absence of any mood/anxiety disorder. Demoralization and adjustment disorders co-occurred in 2%. The RR for any mood/anxiety disorder was 4.0 in patients with demoralization (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-6.2) and 3.0 in those with depression (95% CI, 1.9-4.6). Demoralization, but not depression, was associated with a significantly increased risk for suicidal ideation after controlling for mental disorders (RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.5). CONCLUSIONS Clinically relevant demoralization frequently occurs independently of a mental disorder in patients with cancer and has a unique contribution to suicidal ideation. Demoralization is a useful concept to identify profiles of psychological distress symptoms amenable to interventions improving psychological well-being in this population. Cancer 2017;123:3394-401. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrun Vehling
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - David W Kissane
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Lo
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Guelph-Humber, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heide Glaesmer
- Department of Medical Psychology and Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tim J Hartung
- Department of Medical Psychology and Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gary Rodin
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anja Mehnert
- Department of Medical Psychology and Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Leuteritz K, Weißflog G, Barthel Y, Brähler E, Zwerenz R, Wiltink J, Beutel ME. Therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome in psychodynamic psychotherapy of depressed breast cancer patients: the same old story or different from other populations? Breast Cancer 2017; 24:765-773. [PMID: 28451956 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-017-0777-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A good therapeutic alliance is associated with better treatment outcomes in diverse types of psychotherapy and patient populations, but little is known about therapeutic alliance in psychotherapies with cancer patients. This study examines the association of therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome in short term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) for breast cancer patients. METHODS Within a randomized controlled trial, 47 completers of STPP could be included in the analyses. The therapeutic alliance was assessed by patients and therapists at treatment termination with the Helping Alliance Questionnaire. Outcome was defined as no diagnosis of depression assessed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) and a reduction of the HADS-depression score by at least two points at treatment termination. RESULTS Patients' alliance ratings were significantly associated with outcome (r = 0.46, p = 0.015), while, in contrast to findings in non-cancer populations, therapists' ratings were unrelated. There was no association between patients' and therapists' ratings of therapeutic alliance. Especially success and working related aspects of patients' alliance scores were associated with outcome. Patients' and therapists' alliance scores were unrelated to any of their baseline characteristics, therapist characteristic or treatment variables. CONCLUSION We conclude that therapists should regularly assess the quality of patients' perceived therapeutic alliance in the course of psychotherapy with breast cancer patients to improve psychotherapy outcome. The breast cancer patients' perspective should be actively inquired and considered throughout treatment by therapists. Possible discrepancies between both judgements can be addressed in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Leuteritz
- Department of Mental Health, Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Gregor Weißflog
- Department of Mental Health, Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yvette Barthel
- Practice for Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, August-Bebel-Str. 48, 04275, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Mental Health, Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Zwerenz
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörg Wiltink
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Manfred E Beutel
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
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49
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Singer S, Kojima E, Beckerle J, Kleining B, Schneider E, Reuter K. Practice requirements for psychotherapeutic treatment of cancer patients in the outpatient setting-A survey among certified psychotherapists in Germany. Psychooncology 2017; 26:1093-1098. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.4427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Singer
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre; Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Mainz Germany
- University Cancer Centre Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Erika Kojima
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre; Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | | | | | | | - Katrin Reuter
- Psychotherapy Practice; Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
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50
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Scheffold K, Engelmann D, Schulz-Kindermann F, Rosenberger C, Krüger A, Rodin G, Härter M, Mehnert A. „Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully“. PSYCHOTHERAPEUT 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00278-017-0179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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