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Jones D, Pinkham MB, Wallen MP, Hart NH, Joseph R, Strodl E, Ownsworth T, Beesley V, Crichton M, Chan RJ. Benefits of supportive strategies for carers of people with high-grade glioma: a systematic review : Strategies for addressing the needs of high-grade glioma carers. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:10359-10378. [PMID: 36282336 PMCID: PMC9715523 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To systematically review and examine current evidence for the carer-reported benefits of supportive care strategies for carers of adults with high-grade glioma (HGG). METHODS Four databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO) were searched for articles published between January 2005 and April 2022 that assessed strategies for addressing the supportive care needs of carers of adults with HGG (WHO grade 3-4). Study selection and critical appraisal were conducted independently by three authors (DJ/MC, 2021; DJ/RJ 2022). Data extraction was conducted by one author (DJ) and checked by a second author (RJ). Results were synthesised narratively. RESULTS Twenty-one studies involving 1377 caregivers were included, targeting the carer directly (n = 10), the patient-carer dyad (n = 3), or focused on people with HGG + / - their carers (n = 8). A paucity of high-quality evidence exists for effective and comprehensive support directly addressing outcomes for carers of adults with HGG. Strategies that demonstrated some benefits included those that built carer knowledge or provided emotional support, delivered by health professionals or through peer support. Supportive and early palliative care programmes have potential to reduce unmet carer needs while providing ongoing carer support. CONCLUSION Strategies incorporating an educational component, emotional support, and a regular needs assessment with corresponding tailored support are most valued by carers. Future practice development research should adopt a value-based approach and exceed evaluation of efficacy outcomes to incorporate evaluation of the experience of patients, carers, and staff, as well as costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Jones
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark B Pinkham
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew P Wallen
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
- School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicolas H Hart
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ria Joseph
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Esben Strodl
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tamara Ownsworth
- School of Applied Psychology & The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Vanessa Beesley
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Supportive Care in Cancer Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Megan Crichton
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Bond University Nutrition and Dietetics Research Group, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Raymond J Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia.
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Peters S, Van Hout E, Jansen L, van den Akker M. Psychosocial Well-Being of Older Spouses During End-of-Life Caregiving for Their Partners With Cancer: A Phenomenological Study. J Gerontol Nurs 2022; 48:33-39. [PMID: 35648580 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20220506-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Specific burdens of older spousal caregivers often remain invisible, and spousal caregivers rarely receive the support they need to perform their role. To provide suitable support for spousal caregivers, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive understanding of their well-being, particularly during end-of-life caregiving. The aim of the current study was to gain more insight into the psychosocial well-being of older spouses engaged in end-of-life caregiving for their partners with cancer. This qualitative study uses a phenomenological approach with in-depth interviews conducted with older (aged ≥65 years) spousal caregivers of individuals who died of cancer. Eleven spouses participated in the study. Strains on psychosocial well-being during end-of-life caregiving fell into four major themes: The Disease Itself, The Caregiving Process, The Partner Relationship, and Support From Others. Results suggest that older spousal caregivers are experiencing issues that might be more pronounced due to their older age, for example, physical and emotional exhaustion and loneliness. Providing care is time-consuming and often leads to a reduced social network, which enhances loneliness. Moreover, as relationships with ailing partners changed and communication deteriorated, participants reported feeling more like a caregiver rather than a partner. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(6), 33-39.].
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Spouse Caregivers' Experiences of Suffering in Relation to Care for a Partner With Brain Tumor: A Qualitative Study. Cancer Nurs 2021; 45:E320-E328. [PMID: 33654012 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spouses often undertake the main caring role for a partner with primary malignant brain tumor (PMBT). Yet, demanding and challenging caring responsibilities especially because of the partner's cognitive declines can affect the spouse caregiver's well-being. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate spouses' experiences of suffering in their role as main caregiver of a partner with PMBT. METHODS A hermeneutical qualitative design was used to collect and analyze data. Ten spouses (aged 36-76 years) were interviewed in depth twice 1 year apart, using semistructured interview guides. RESULTS The spouse caregivers' experiences of suffering in their role as their partner's main caregiver were interpreted according to 3 central themes: "Enduring everyday life," "Being overlooked and hurt," and "Being acknowledged and feeling good." CONCLUSION Spouse caregivers of a partner with PMBT are suffering from exhaustion and suppression of their own emotions to endure the caring responsibilities. They need support to manage their everyday hardship; however, their experiences seem to be easily overlooked. This causes disappointment and hurts their dignity. Acknowledgment through simple acts of practical help or time to talk are consoling and alleviate their experiences of suffering. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE An intervention that supports healthcare professionals to facilitate the spouse caregivers' suffering is welcoming. The focus of the intervention may involve a sensitive awareness toward the spouse caregiver's individual resources and limitations and the relational and communicative competences of the healthcare professionals in their encounters with spouse caregivers that avoid hurting the spouse caregiver's dignity.
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Toze M, Ray M, George T, Sisson K, Nelson D. End of life care for long-term neurological conditions: A meta-ethnographic review of the experiences of informal carers. Palliat Med 2021; 35:335-354. [PMID: 33238811 PMCID: PMC7897797 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320974262] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family and friends are key providers of care for people living with a long-term neurological condition. Neurological conditions are a significant global contributor to disability and premature death. However, previous research suggests carers often struggle to access appropriate support at end of life. AIMS This review sought to synthesise qualitative studies discussing end-of-life and palliative issues for informal carers supporting people living with neurological conditions. DESIGN This was a meta-ethnographic synthesis of 38 qualitative studies discussing end-of-life and palliative issues for informal carers supporting people living with long-term neurological conditions. DATA SOURCES Qualitative articles published after January 2010 in English, addressing carers of people with long-term neurological conditions with regard to palliative care, end of life and/or bereavement. Papers were excluded if it was not possible to separately assess the views of carers. Quality appraisal was not undertaken, but consideration was given to research context. RESULTS Across the papers, five key themes were identified: the future (un)certainties in the progression of life-limiting neurological conditions; an information paradox of not receiving the right information at the right time; access to support; carers' roles in decision making around end of life; and maintaining continuity while facing change and disruption in day-to-day living. CONCLUSIONS Given the broad agreement on the challenges faced by carers of people living with long-term neurological conditions, future research should consider opportunities to improve information and support for this group, and the development and evaluation of practical models of service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Toze
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Mo Ray
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Thomas George
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Kelly Sisson
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - David Nelson
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
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Pertz M, Popkirov S, Schlegel U, Thoma P. Research on cognitive and sociocognitive functions in patients with brain tumours: a bibliometric analysis and visualization of the scientific landscape. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:1437-1449. [PMID: 32052308 PMCID: PMC8266703 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04276-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with brain tumours exhibit mild to severe (neuro)cognitive impairments at some point during the course of the disease. Social cognition, as an instance of higher-order cognitive functioning, specifically enables initiation and maintenance of appropriate social interactions. For individuals being confronted with the diagnosis of a brain tumour, impairment of social function represents an additional burden, since those patients deeply depend on support and empathy provided by family, friends and caregivers. METHODS The present study explores the scientific landscape on (socio)cognitive functioning in brain tumour patients by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer. The Web of Science Core Collection database was examined to identify relevant documents published between 1945 and 2019. RESULTS A total of 664 English titles on (socio)cognitive functions in patients with brain tumours was retrieved. Automated textual analysis revealed that the data available so far focus on three major topics in brain tumour patients: cognitive functions in general and in paediatric cases, as well as psychological factors and their influence on quality of life. The focus of research has gradually moved from clinical studies with cognitive functions as one of the outcome measures to investigations of interactions between cognitive functions and psychological constructs such as anxiety, depression or fatigue. Medical, neurological and neuropsychological journals, in particular neuro-oncological journals published most of the relevant articles authored by a relatively small network of well interconnected researchers in the field. CONCLUSION The bibliometric analysis highlights the necessity of more research on social cognition in brain tumour patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Pertz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, D-44892, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Stoyan Popkirov
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, D-44892, Bochum, Germany
| | - Uwe Schlegel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, D-44892, Bochum, Germany
| | - Patrizia Thoma
- Neuropsychological Therapy Centre (NTC)/Clinical Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
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