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Washington KT, Van Vleck ML, Becker TD, Demiris G, Oliver DP, Tatum PE, Benson JJ, Cagle JG. Adapting an Intervention to Address Barriers to Pain Management in Hospice: Formative Research to Inform EMPOWER-D for Dementia Caregivers. Palliat Med Rep 2024; 5:238-246. [PMID: 39044760 PMCID: PMC11262577 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2024.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Nearly half of more than 1.7 million older Americans who receive hospice care each year have a primary or comorbid diagnosis of dementia. Pain is often undertreated in this patient population owing to myriad factors, including unmet informational needs among family caregivers. Objective We sought to inform the adaptation of a pain education intervention for hospice family caregivers to the context of dementia by eliciting feedback on the educational content covered in adapted intervention materials. Design We conducted a multimethod, formative research study to inform the adaptation of an existing, evidence-based intervention. Setting/Subjects The study included a purposively recruited sample (n = 33) of hospice professionals (n = 18) and family caregivers (n = 15) from across the United States. Measurements Participants quantitatively rated the importance of each of the eight pain concerns presented in the adapted intervention materials (1 = not important to 3 = very important) and provided qualitative feedback via Zoom interview on the acceptability, clinical accuracy, and potential benefits of the adapted content. We analyzed quantitative data via descriptive statistics and qualitative data via content analysis. Results Participants rated the adapted educational content as highly important (rangemean = 2.56-3.00), particularly regarding concerns about caregivers' pain assessment, communicating with the hospice team about pain, and addressing misinformation regarding pain medication outcomes. Participants also provided suggestions to strengthen specific educational messages to improve comprehension and uptake. Conclusions Findings support the continued development and testing of the adapted intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla T. Washington
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Morgan L. Van Vleck
- The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Todd D. Becker
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - George Demiris
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul E. Tatum
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA St. Louis Health Care System, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacquelyn J. Benson
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John G. Cagle
- University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Starr LT, Washington KT, Jabbari J, Benson JJ, Oliver DP, Demiris G, Cagle JG. Pain Management Education for Rural Hospice Family Caregivers: A Pilot Study With Embedded Implementation Evaluation. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:619-633. [PMID: 37491002 PMCID: PMC11032627 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231191114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing and managing hospice patients' pain is a common source of anxiety among hospice family caregivers (HFCGs), especially caregivers in rural communities who face special challenges including distance, limited access, and concerns about opioid misuse. OBJECTIVE To pilot test Ready2Care, a pain management education intervention for rural HFCGs. We sought to determine whether there was a signal of benefit for clinically-relevant outcomes and to identify contextual factors pertinent to conducting a future randomized clinical trial of Ready2Care. METHODS We conducted a multi-method, single-arm study, enabling completion of paired t-tests comparing pre- and post-intervention measures of caregiver anxiety, pain management self-efficacy, barriers to pain management, and reports of patient pain intensity and corresponding patient and caregiver distress. We concurrently conducted an embedded implementation evaluation via calculation of descriptive statistics (recruitment and retention data) and directed content analysis of brief caregiver interviews. RESULTS Twenty-seven (n = 27) HFCGs participated; 15 completed the study. Among completers, significant improvement was observed in patient pain intensity (average 1.4 points decrease on 0-10 scale) and in overall pain experience. No statistically significant changes were detected in caregiver anxiety, barriers to pain management, or pain management self-efficacy. Facilitators to successful conduct of a future clinical trial included high acceptability of Ready2Care, driven by its perceived clarity and relevance to caregivers' concerns. Barriers included lower-than-anticipated accrual and an attrition rate of nearly 44%. CONCLUSION A multisite clinical trial of Ready2Care is warranted; however, its success may require more effective recruitment and retention strategies for rural caregiver participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T. Starr
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - JoAnn Jabbari
- Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Barnes-Jewish College, Goldfarb School of Nursing, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Barnes-Jewish College, Goldfarb School of Nursing, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - George Demiris
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John G. Cagle
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Washington KT, Oliver DP, Donehower AK, White P, Benson JJ, Lyons PG, Demiris G. Accessibility, Relevance, and Impact of a Symptom Monitoring Tool for Home Hospice Care: Theory Elaboration and Qualitative Assessment. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e51789. [PMID: 38781581 PMCID: PMC11157174 DOI: 10.2196/51789] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early users found Engagement and Visualization to Improve Symptoms in Oncology Care (ENVISION), a web-based application designed to improve home management of hospice patients' symptoms and support patients' and family caregivers' well-being, to be generally useful and easy to use. However, they also raised concerns about potential challenges users with limited technological proficiency might experience. OBJECTIVE We sought to concurrently accomplish two interrelated study aims: (1) to develop a conceptual framework of digital inclusivity for health information systems and (2) to apply the framework in evaluating the digital inclusivity of the ENVISION application. METHODS We engaged ENVISION users (N=34) in a qualitative study in which data were collected via direct observation, think-aloud techniques, and responses to open-ended queries. Data were analyzed via theory elaboration and basic qualitative description. RESULTS Accessibility, relevance, and impact were identified as 3 essential considerations in evaluating a health system's digital inclusivity. Study findings generally supported ENVISION's digital inclusivity, particularly concerning its perceived relevance to the work of family caregivers and hospice clinicians and its potentially positive impact on symptom management and quality of life. Limitations to ENVISION's digital inclusivity centered around issues of accessibility, particularly operability among individuals with limited technological knowledge and skills. CONCLUSIONS The Accessibility, Relevance, and Impact conceptual framework of digital inclusivity for health information systems can help identify opportunities to strengthen the digital inclusivity of tools, such as ENVISION, intended for use by a broad and diverse range of users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla T Washington
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes-Jewish College, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Allison K Donehower
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Education and Human Development, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Patrick White
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- BJC Hospice, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jacquelyn J Benson
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Patrick G Lyons
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - George Demiris
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, & Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Borna S, Maniaci MJ, Haider CR, Gomez-Cabello CA, Pressman SM, Haider SA, Demaerschalk BM, Cowart JB, Forte AJ. Artificial Intelligence Support for Informal Patient Caregivers: A Systematic Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:483. [PMID: 38790350 PMCID: PMC11118398 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore how artificial intelligence can help ease the burden on caregivers, filling a gap in current research and healthcare practices due to the growing challenge of an aging population and increased reliance on informal caregivers. We conducted a search with Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science, focusing on AI and caregiving. Our inclusion criteria were studies where AI supports informal caregivers, excluding those solely for data collection. Adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we eliminated duplicates and screened for relevance. From 947 initially identified articles, 10 met our criteria, focusing on AI's role in aiding informal caregivers. These studies, conducted between 2012 and 2023, were globally distributed, with 80% employing machine learning. Validation methods varied, with Hold-Out being the most frequent. Metrics across studies revealed accuracies ranging from 71.60% to 99.33%. Specific methods, like SCUT in conjunction with NNs and LibSVM, showcased accuracy between 93.42% and 95.36% as well as F-measures spanning 93.30% to 95.41%. AUC values indicated model performance variability, ranging from 0.50 to 0.85 in select models. Our review highlights AI's role in aiding informal caregivers, showing promising results despite different approaches. AI tools provide smart, adaptive support, improving caregivers' effectiveness and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Borna
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Michael J. Maniaci
- Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Clifton R. Haider
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Cesar A. Gomez-Cabello
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Sophia M. Pressman
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Syed Ali Haider
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Bart M. Demaerschalk
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
- Center for Digital Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jennifer B. Cowart
- Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Antonio Jorge Forte
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Center for Digital Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Pergolizzi J, LeQuang JAK, Wagner M, Varrassi G. Challenges in Palliative Care in Latin America: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e60698. [PMID: 38899235 PMCID: PMC11186623 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In "graying" populations with extended lifespans and survivable forms of cancer, palliative services become increasingly important but may be difficult to introduce into public discourse, public policy, and healthcare systems. Latin America (LATAM) faces many challenges as it introduces and, in some cases, develops its palliative care programs; though the challenges faced here are in many ways universal ones, LATAM approaches may be unique and based on the region's specific culture, politics, and economics. This narrative review based on a literature search identified 10 main themes that can be interpreted as challenges and opportunities for palliative care in LATAM. These challenges are integrating palliation into healthcare systems; public policy and funding; therapeutic obstinacy; changing demographics; access to services; analgesia; the role of religion, spirituality, and folk medicine; social determinants of palliative care; low health literacy; and limited clinician training. Some of the LATAM nations have palliative programs and palliative care training in place while others are developing these systems. Integrating this care into existing healthcare and reimbursement systems has been a challenge. A notable challenge in LATAM is also access to care since palliative programs tend to cluster in metropolitan areas and create hardships for rural citizens to access them. The better-defined role of familial caregivers and telehealth may be important factors in the expansion of palliative care in LATAM and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Pergolizzi
- Anesthesiology - Pain Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, NEMA Research, Inc., Naples, USA
| | | | - Morgan Wagner
- Entrepreneur Program, NEMA Research, Inc., Naples, USA
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Patano A, Wyatt G, Lehto R. Palliative and End-of-Life Family Caregiving in Rural Areas: A Scoping Review of Social Determinants of Health and Emotional Well-Being. J Palliat Med 2024. [PMID: 38598274 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0566] [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: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Due to their remote location, rural-dwelling family caregivers (FCGs) experience geographic and psychosocial challenges when providing home-based palliative and end-of-life (PEOL) care for their care recipient. Limited research has evaluated the social and environmental factors that may compound FCG burden and contribute to adverse emotional health outcomes among rural-dwelling PEOL FCGs. Objective: To characterize the social determinants of health (SDOH) that affect the provision of PEOL care among rural-dwelling FCGs, along with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's Framework. Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane, and 511 articles published between 2010 and 2023 were screened. Keywords included "rural," "PEOL care," and "FCG." Inclusion criteria included FCGs, ages ≥18 years; findings reported on SDOH, anxiety, and/or depressive symptoms; within a rural context; and U.S. based. Findings: In this review, 18 studies met eligibility and were included. Apart from six studies that specifically investigated Black and Latinx FCGs, most FCGs were middle-aged White female spouses. SDOH impacting PEOL care provision included: limited access to PEOL services due to remote distance and travel needs for services; low health literacy in medical terminology and patient symptom management; limited English-language proficiency; perceived clinician racial and ethnic discrimination; financial vulnerabilities affecting health care coverage; and underdeveloped infrastructure. These barriers negatively impacted decision making, communication with clinicians, and patient symptom management. FCGs reported emotional distress related to patients' symptom management and limited opportunities for respite. There was a limited investigation of emotional well-being and minimal interventions aimed toward improving rural-dwelling FCG emotional health. The presence of community support promoted hospice use and facilitated the provision of care. Conclusions: FCGs are vulnerable to adverse emotional health when providing home-based PEOL care. Research is needed to develop supportive interventions (e.g., digital health) for rural-dwelling FCGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arienne Patano
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Gwen Wyatt
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Rebecca Lehto
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Starr LT, Washington K, Pitzer K, Oliver DP, Demiris G. Close but Not Close Enough: How Distance Caregiving is Associated with Hospice Family Caregiver Hospice Communication Experiences. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:482-492. [PMID: 36683376 PMCID: PMC10362092 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2170199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Half of hospice family caregivers report having unmet information needs, which can contribute to poor pain and symptom management, emergency department use, and hospice disenrollment for care-recipients and to caregiver strain and stress. Effective communication between hospice teams and family caregivers is critical yet communication inadequacies persist. Despite the growing prevalence of distance caregiving, including in hospice care, and the relationship between caregiver proximity and communication effectiveness, little is known about how caregiver proximity is associated with caregiver perceptions of hospice communication. In this secondary analysis of quantitative data from two multisite randomized clinical trials (NCT03712410 and NCT02929108) for hospice family caregivers (N = 525), multivariate linear models with demographic and contextual controls were used to analyze caregivers' perceptions of caregiver-centered communication with hospice providers based on caregiver proximity to the hospice care-recipient. In multivariate models, "local" hospice family caregivers who lived within 1 hour of the hospice care-recipient reported less effective communication with the hospice team than co-residing caregivers; and older caregivers rated communication more favorably than younger caregivers. To improve communication and collaboration between hospice teams and caregivers, regardless of proximity, distance communication training for hospice teams and interventions such as telehealth communication and virtual tools that enable triadic collaboration are recommended. Research is needed to understand why local caregivers, specifically, perceive communication quality less favorably and how hospice teams can better meet local and distance caregiver communication needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T. Starr
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Karla Washington
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kyle Pitzer
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Barnes Jewish College, Goldfarb School of Nursing, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - George Demiris
- NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Cotton A, Sayers J, Green H, Magann L, Paulik O, Sikhosana N, Fernandez R, Foster J. Older persons' perceptions and experiences of community palliative care: a systematic review of qualitative evidence. JBI Evid Synth 2024; 22:234-272. [PMID: 37930393 PMCID: PMC10871598 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-22-00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to critically appraise and synthesize qualitative evidence of older persons' perceptions and experiences of community palliative care. INTRODUCTION Palliative care focuses on the relief of symptoms and suffering at the end of life and is needed by approximately 56.8 million people globally each year. An increase in aging populations coupled with the desire to die at home highlights the growing demand for community palliative care. This review provides an understanding of the unique experiences and perceptions of older adults receiving community palliative care. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review appraised qualitative studies examining the perceptions and experiences of older adults (65 years or older) receiving community palliative care. Eligible research designs included, but were not limited to, ethnography, grounded theory, and phenomenology. METHODS A search of the literature across CINAHL (EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid SP), Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus databases was undertaken in July 2021 and updated November 1, 2022. Included studies were published in English between 2000 and 2022. The search for unpublished studies included ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Study selection, quality appraisal, and data extraction were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Findings from the included studies were pooled using the JBI meta-aggregation method. RESULTS Nine qualitative studies involving 98 participants were included in this review. A total of 100 findings were extracted and grouped into 14 categories. Four synthesized findings evolved from these categories: i) Older persons receiving palliative care in the community recognize that their life is changed and come to terms with their situation, redefining what is normal, appreciating life lived, and celebrating the life they still have by living one day at a time; ii) Older persons receiving palliative care in the community experience isolation and loneliness exacerbated by their detachment and withdrawal from and by others; iii) Older persons receiving palliative care in the community face major challenges managing prevailing symptoms, medication management difficulties, and costs of medical care and equipment; and iv) Older persons want to receive palliative care and to die at home; however, this requires both informal and formal supports, including continuity of care, good communication, and positive relationships with health care providers. CONCLUSIONS Experiences and perceptions of community palliative care vary among older adults. These are influenced by the individual's expectations and needs, available services, and cost. Older adults' input into decision-making about their care is fundamental to their needs being met and is contingent on effective communication between the patient, family, and staff across services. Policy that advocates for trained palliative care staff to provide care is necessary to optimize care outcomes, while collaboration between staff and services is critical to enabling holistic care, managing symptoms, and providing compassionate care and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Cotton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The New South Wales Centre for Evidence Based Health Care: A JBI Affiliated Group, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Jan Sayers
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Heidi Green
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Transformative Nursing, Midwifery and Health Research: A JBI Affiliated Group, The University of Newcastle, Gosford, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Nqobile Sikhosana
- The New South Wales Centre for Evidence Based Health Care: A JBI Affiliated Group, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Ritin Fernandez
- Centre for Transformative Nursing, Midwifery and Health Research: A JBI Affiliated Group, The University of Newcastle, Gosford, NSW, Australia
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jann Foster
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The New South Wales Centre for Evidence Based Health Care: A JBI Affiliated Group, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Ingham Research Institute, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Volberg C, Schmidt-Semisch H, Maul J, Nadig J, Gschnell M. Pain management in German hospices: a cross-sectional study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:7. [PMID: 38172899 PMCID: PMC10763107 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01291-5] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pain management is a necessary component of palliative care as most patients suffer from pain during the final phase of life. Due to the complex causation of pain in the last phase of life, it is important to utilize methods other than pharmacotherapeutic options in order to achieve adequate pain control. As little is known about treatment of pain in German hospices, a nationwide survey was conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS All German hospices (259) were contacted by post in June 2020 and asked to participate in an anonymous cross-sectional survey. RESULTS A total of 148 (57%) German hospices took part in the survey. A broad variety of medication is used in the hospice setting. Metamizole is the most commonly used non-opiod analgesic , hydromorphone the most commonly used opioid, and pregabalin is the most commonly prescribed co-analgesic drug. The pain medication is usually prescribed as an oral slow-release substance. Standardized treatment schemes are rare among the responding hospices. Most of the respondents also use complementary treatment options, such as aroma (oil) therapy or music therapy, in the treatment of pain. Palliative sedation is used by nearly all responding hospices if all other treatment options fail. CONCLUSION This survey provides an overview of the treatment options for pain management in German hospices. A broad variety of pain medication is used. Compared to international literature, it is debatable whether such a large variety of different types of pain medication is necessary, or whether a reduction in the type of medication available and the use of standardized treatment schemes could benefit everyone involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Volberg
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
- Research Group Medical Ethics, Department of Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Henning Schmidt-Semisch
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Department of Health and Society, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Julian Maul
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jens Nadig
- University Children's Hospital Marburg, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin Gschnell
- Department of Dermatology und Allergology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Cuomo A. Fentanyl in cancer pain management: avoiding hasty judgments and discerning its potential benefits. Drugs Context 2023; 12:2023-10-2. [PMID: 38148830 PMCID: PMC10751104 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-10-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer pain is an important challenge in treatment and requires a rapid onset of action for its control. In particular, breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) should be adequately controlled with a stable dose of a short-acting oral opioid. Fentanyl is a synthetic, highly selective opioid with many advantageous chemical properties, including high lipophilicity and distinct pharmacokinetic properties. It is recommended for pain management in a variety of settings, including acute pain, chronic pain and BTcP. To date, its variously designed formulations allow non-invasive administration; amongst others, sublingual fentanyl has proven useful in the management of BTcP and in improving the quality of life of patients with cancer. This review provides an update on the management of BTcP with fentanyl, with consideration of safety, as it remains an important tool in the treatment of cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Cuomo
- Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples,
Italy
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Mayahara M, Wilbur J, Miller AM, Fogg L. A study protocol for e-PainSupport: The use of a digital application for reporting pain and pain management in home hospice. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 36:101071. [PMID: 38156243 PMCID: PMC10753172 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
High pain intensity is commonly experienced by patients with serious advanced illness. Impediments to improving pain intensity in home hospice include poor adherence to a pain management regimen due to caregivers' lack of knowledge and self-efficacy (confidence) in administering analgesics. e-PainSupport is a self-administered, digital application directly linked to patients' medical records. It has three elements: Education Module, Patient Pain Record, and the Pain Summary for Nurses. This study will test the effects of e-PainSupport on pain intensity when used by patients, caregivers, and nurses. The study's specific aims are as follows: Aim 1, compare the effects of e-PainSupport to a standard care condition, controlling for covariates (role [patient or caregiver], age, sex, ethnicity, education, and patient's diagnosis), on clinical improvement in pain intensity (primary outcome) and significant improvement on a pain intensity scale (secondary outcome); Aim 2, examine the mediating effects of patient and caregiver knowledge, self-efficacy, and adherence on change in pain intensity during 2 weeks, controlling for covariates and treatment condition; and Aim 3, identify nurses' perceptions of the use of e-PainSupport, including facilitators for and barriers to integration into agency workflow and benefits for patients. Participants (132 triads of patients, caregivers, and hospice nurses) will be recruited from Midwest hospice agencies. Patient and caregiver outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks later. Data will be analyzed with multilevel modeling. Post-intervention, semi-structured interviews with nurses in the e-PainSupport condition will be analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify perceived practice changes. e-PainSupport has the potential to facilitate nurse-patient communication and improve hospice patient pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Mayahara
- Rush University, College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - JoEllen Wilbur
- Rush University, College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | | | - Louis Fogg
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Occupational Therapy, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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Li X, Che SL, Zhu M, Ng WI. What we learnt from parents' death experience: A cross-sectional study of death literacy and parent's death quality among adult children in China. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-9. [PMID: 38031427 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001657] [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: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims at investigating the current status of death literacy and parent's death quality among adult children in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore the associations between death literacy and parent's death quality and to provide evidence for developing public policies for improving the quality of death and end-of-life care for the population in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) of China. METHODS A cross-sectional design was adopted. Participants who experienced their father's and/or mother's death were recruited from 5 cities in the GBA of China in 2022. The Good Death Inventory (GDI) and the Death Literacy Index (DLI) were used to investigate the perceived quality of death of the parents of the participants and the death literacy of the participants. RESULTS A total of 511 participants were recruited. Participants with higher GDI scores were positively associated with DLI scores (p < 0.001). Adult children who had close relationships before their parents' death also had higher levels of DLI. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS This study investigated death literacy among bereaved adult children in China, filling a gap in the investigation of death literacy among Chinese residents. It found that parents' death experience can have a significant impact on the death literacy of adult children, which may affect their understanding and preparation for their own eventual death. Promotion of family discussion on death, development of community palliative care, and improving public death literacy are urgently needed in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Education, Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Sok Leng Che
- Nursing and Health Education Research Centre, Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Mingxia Zhu
- Department of Education, Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Wai I Ng
- Department of Education, Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macao SAR, China
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13
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Parker D, Reymond L, Cooper K, Tieman J, Ivynian S. An evaluation of an online education programme to improve nurses' ability to support carers to use subcutaneous medicines. Int J Palliat Nurs 2023; 29:538-546. [PMID: 38039121 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2023.29.11.538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most Australians say they wish to die at home, but many are admitted to inpatient facilities for symptom management. Caring@home resources can be used to support informal carers to manage breakthrough symptoms safely using subcutaneous medicines. Nurses require education about how to teach informal carers to use these resources. AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of an online education programme for registered nurses (RNs) about using the caring@home resources. METHODS Nurses must complete an online survey prior to the commencement of the online education programme and again upon completion to assess their change in skills, knowledge, confidence and attitudes of the RNs. T-tests were conducted to compare average pre- and post-education scores. FINDINGS The knowledge, skills and confidence of RNs to teach carers improved significantly following the completion of an education programme. There was a significant change in attitude, meaning that the perceived benefit of teaching informal carers to give subcutaneous medicines improved. All reported they would use the resources in their clinical practice. CONCLUSION The online education programme is an effective and cost-efficient strategy to educate nurses to support informal carers to help manage breakthrough symptoms using subcutaneous medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Parker
- Professor of Nursing Aged Care (Dementia); Co-Director of the Ageing Research Collaborative, University of Technology Sydney
| | - Liz Reymond
- Director of Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Support and Pharmacy Service; Co-director of the Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning and of the Queensland-wide PallConsult service; Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative; Griffith University School of Medicine, Gold Coast Campus
| | - Karen Cooper
- Project Manager; Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative
| | - Jennifer Tieman
- Matthew Flinders Fellow; Director of the Research Centre in Palliative Care, Death and Dying (RePaDD), Director of CareSearch Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, Flinders University
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Mayahara M, Wilbur J, Fogg L, Paice JA, Miller AM. e-PainSupport: A Digital Pain Management Application for Home Hospice Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023:10499091231211493. [PMID: 37897444 PMCID: PMC11186512 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231211493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
e-PainSupport is a digital pain management application (app) designed to facilitate better pain management in hospice. Early testing revealed caregivers found it was easy to use and successful in communicating patient pain and caregiver administration of analgesics to hospice nurses. However, caregiver knowledge of analgesic management remained low. The purpose of this study was to enhance e-PainSupport by (a) adapting and integrating an evidence-based pain educational intervention; (b) increasing ease of accessing and navigating the app; and (c) facilitating app communication with agency electronic health records (EHRs). An advisory board method, including two key stakeholder groups (an expert panel and a caregiver advisory board), guided the adaptation of an evidence-based pain educational intervention. Further, stakeholders recommended format changes to increase app usability. Study staff worked with four hospice agencies to facilitate app communication with EHRs. While modification to the e-PainSupport app to integrate a pain educational intervention and facilitate usability was successful, EHR integration was challenging. Future evaluation is needed to evaluate the effects of e-PainSupport on pain intensity among home hospice patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Mayahara
- Barnes-Jewish College, Goldfarb School of Nursing, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Louis Fogg
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Judith A. Paice
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Riffin C, Brody L, Mukhi P, Herr K, Pillemer K, Rogers M, Henderson CR, Reid MC. Establishing the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Caregiver Targeted Intervention to Improve Pain Assessment Among Persons With Dementia. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad074. [PMID: 38094933 PMCID: PMC10714902 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Despite its prevalence and impact, pain is underdetected and undermanaged in persons with dementia. Family caregivers are well positioned to detect pain and facilitate its management in their care recipients, but they lack training in symptom recognition and communication. This study reports findings from a pilot trial evaluating the Pain Identification and Communication Toolkit (PICT), a multicomponent intervention that provides training in observational pain assessment and coaching in pain communication techniques. Research Design and Methods Family caregivers of persons with comorbid pain and moderate-to-advanced dementia were randomly assigned to PICT (n = 19) or a control condition (n = 15). Caregivers in the PICT group participated in four weekly sessions delivered by telephone with a trained interventionist; caregivers in the control group received an information pamphlet about pain and dementia. All participants completed surveys at baseline and 12 weeks. Caregivers in the intervention group also completed semistructured interviews at 12 weeks. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t tests; qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results All participants (100%) in the PICT group completed the intervention and most completed the 12-week assessment (94%). PICT randomized caregivers reported that the intervention helped them to feel more confident in their ability to recognize (67%) and communicate about pain symptoms (83%). At 12 weeks, caregivers in the PICT group showed a statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy in pain-related communication. In qualitative interviews, caregivers emphasized the utility of PICT's components, including pain assessment tools, and offered considerations for future enhancements, such as technology-based adaptations and integration within care delivery systems. Discussion and Implications This pilot trial demonstrates that PICT is feasible to implement, acceptable to caregivers, and has the potential to improve confidence in recognizing and communicating about pain. Results support conducting a fully powered efficacy trial, an important step toward future integration into real-world care delivery. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT03853291.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Riffin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lilla Brody
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Priya Mukhi
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Keela Herr
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Karl Pillemer
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Madeline Rogers
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - M Cary Reid
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Mansoor M, Hebatalla A, Hill J. Effectiveness of home-based end-of-life care. Br J Community Nurs 2023; 28:254-256. [PMID: 37130718 DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2023.28.5.254] [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: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Commentary on: Shepperd S, Gonçalves-Bradley DC, Straus SE, Wee B. Hospital at home: home-based end-of-life care. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021;Issue 3. 10.1002/14651858.CD009231.pub3 When a person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has less than 6 months to live, and curative treatments are no longer effective, end-of-life care or hospice care may be initiated. Studies suggest that approximately 7 million people a year are given this type of care, which strives to reduce distress and improve quality of life for patients and their families by providing comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and spiritual support. Surveys show that most individuals would prefer to receive this care at home when given the option. However, there are still some uncertainties regarding the effects of end-of-life care at home on a range of important patient outcomes. As a result, a Cochrane review was conducted/updated to study the effects of receiving end-of-life care at home, looking at these outcomes. The aim of this commentary is to critically appraise this Cochrane review and expand upon the findings of the review in context to practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Hill
- University of Central Lancashire, Synthesis, Economic Evaluation and Decision Science (SEEDS) Group
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Andrade FFD, Valete COS, Ferman S, Silva ARA. Pain Assessment in Pediatric Patients with Primary Bone Cancer in a Single Site Cohort. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE CANCEROLOGIA 2023. [DOI: 10.32635/2176-9745.rbc.2023v69n1.3299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pain is the main symptom described in cancer patients. Objective: To assess pain classification and management in pediatric patients with primary bone cancer over time: admission, during treatment and follow-up, and to investigate factors associated with pain classification at the last assessment. Method: Retrospective cohort study of osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma cases in individuals <19 years old treated at a single cancer referral site and followed up by a multidisciplinary team. The primary endpoint was pain score at the last assessment. Secondary outcome: evolution of pharmacological treatment. Results: 142 patients were included. The frequency of pain assessment increased during the study period from 53.5% at admission to 68.3% during treatment and 85.9% in follow-up. Of the patients who had pain assessed, 65.8% had pain at admission and 26.2% at the end of the study. There was an increase in the use of strong opioids and antidepressants. In the last evaluation, 56 patients (39.4%) were at the end-of-life and this was not associated with more pain (p=0.68). Meanwhile, those who had more pain used strong opioids (p=0.01) or steroids (p=0.03). Conclusion: Pain management during treatment resulted in increased use of strong opioids and antidepressants with pain reduction, revealing that pain control is possible. In the last assessment, end-of-life patients no longer had pain and patients with pain were the ones who used strong opioids and steroids at the most, showing the difficulty of pain control in some patients.
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Volberg C, Corzilius J, Maul J, Morin A, Gschnell M. [Pain management in German specialized outpatient palliative care : A cross-sectional study to present the current pain management of palliative patients in the home environment]. Schmerz 2023:10.1007/s00482-023-00693-x. [PMID: 36752874 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00693-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the help of specialized outpatient palliative care teams (German abbreviation: SAPV), seriously ill and dying patients in Germany can be adequately cared for in their home environment until the end of their lives; however, there are no uniform standards or guidelines for well-executed pain management right now. OBJECTIVE This approach serves as basic research in the field of public health research. This is intended to present which methods (use of different professional groups, use of pain medications, alternative medical treatment etc.) the individual SAPV teams use for pain management. From this it can be deduced which procedures can be considered particularly effective. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2021. All German SAPV teams (n = 307) listed on the homepage of the German Association for Palliative Medicine (DGP) were contacted by post and invited to participate. A total of 175 teams (57%) responded to the request and were included in the evaluation. A descriptive data analysis was performed. RESULTS Pain management in the German outpatient care of palliative patients is based on several components. All common pain medications are used, but primarily metamizole (99.4%) as a non-opioid analgesic, morphine (98.3%) from the opiate series and pregabalin (96.6%) as a co-analgesic are mainly prescribed. If pain therapy fails, 22.5% of the SAPV teams perform palliative sedation for symptom control on a regular basis. CONCLUSION This cross-sectional study is the first of its kind to provide a general overview of the treatment options for pain management in German outpatient palliative care. In comparison with international studies, the question arises as to whether uniform therapy schemes and a reduction in the medication available in the individual SAPV teams could lead to an improvement in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Volberg
- Klinik für Anästhesie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland.
- AG Ethik in der Medizin, Fachbereich 20, Dekanat Humanmedizin, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland.
| | - Julien Corzilius
- Klinik für Anästhesie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Julian Maul
- Klinik für Anästhesie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Astrid Morin
- Klinik für Anästhesie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Martin Gschnell
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Hauttumorzentrum, Universitätsklinikum Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
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LeBaron V, Homdee N, Ogunjirin E, Patel N, Blackhall L, Lach J. Describing and visualizing the patient and caregiver experience of cancer pain in the home context using ecological momentary assessments. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231194936. [PMID: 37654707 PMCID: PMC10467200 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231194936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pain continues to be a difficult and pervasive problem for patients with cancer, and those who care for them. Remote health monitoring systems (RHMS), such as the Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention for Cancer (BESI-C), can utilize Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMAs) to provide a more holistic understanding of the patient and family experience of cancer pain within the home context. Methods Participants used the BESI-C system for 2-weeks which collected data via EMAs deployed on wearable devices (smartwatches) worn by both patients with cancer and their primary family caregiver. We developed three unique EMA schemas that allowed patients and caregivers to describe patient pain events and perceived impact on quality of life from their own perspective. EMA data were analyzed to provide a descriptive summary of pain events and explore different types of data visualizations. Results Data were collected from five (n = 5) patient-caregiver dyads (total 10 individual participants, 5 patients, 5 caregivers). A total of 283 user-initiated pain event EMAs were recorded (198 by patients; 85 by caregivers) over all 5 deployments with an average severity score of 5.4/10 for patients and 4.6/10 for caregivers' assessments of patient pain. Average self-reported overall distress and pain interference levels (1 = least distress; 4 = most distress) were higher for caregivers (x ¯ 3.02, x ¯ 2.60 , respectively ) compared to patients (x ¯ 2.82, x ¯ 2.25, respectively) while perceived burden of partner distress was higher for patients (i.e., patients perceived caregivers to be more distressed, x ¯ 3.21, than caregivers perceived patients to be distressed, x ¯ 2.55 ). Data visualizations were created using time wheels, bubble charts, box plots and line graphs to graphically represent EMA findings. Conclusion Collecting data via EMAs is a viable RHMS strategy to capture longitudinal cancer pain event data from patients and caregivers that can inform personalized pain management and distress-alleviating interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia LeBaron
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Nutta Homdee
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Emmanuel Ogunjirin
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Nyota Patel
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Leslie Blackhall
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - John Lach
- The George Washington University School of Engineering & Applied Science, Washington, DC, USA
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Chi NC, Nakad L, Han S, Washington K, Hagiwara Y, Riffin C, Oliver DP, Demiris G. Family Caregivers' Challenges in Cancer Pain Management for Patients Receiving Palliative Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:43-51. [PMID: 35503240 PMCID: PMC10201988 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221094564] [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] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Family caregivers (FCs) of cancer patients play a crucial role in managing their care partner's pain, but little research has examined FCs' specific challenges regarding the provision of pain management (PM) to cancer patients receiving palliative care. OBJECTIVES To determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of FCs who encounter challenges in PM and to elucidate the specific challenges that FCs face when managing pain for their care partner with cancer. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of 40 interview transcripts of FCs who were caring for persons with cancer. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. RESULTS The three major identified challenges to PM for FCs of persons with cancer were: (1) communication and teamwork issues, (2) caregiver-related issues, and (3) patient-related issues. Communication and teamwork issues encompassed caregivers' receipt of inadequate information regarding PM, and inappropriate and ineffective communication from the healthcare team. Caregiver issues pertained to caregivers' fear and beliefs, concurrent responsibilities, and lack of pain-related knowledge and skills. Patient issues related to their own fear and beliefs, psychological and physiological well-being, adherence to medications, and reluctance to report pain. CONCLUSION Findings of this study have implications for future research and practice related to cancer PM in palliative care. Results suggest the need for FC training in PM as well as clear clinical practice guidelines and resources to help providers prepare, educate, and communicate with FCs regarding PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Ching Chi
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Lynn Nakad
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Soojeong Han
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karla Washington
- School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yuya Hagiwara
- College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Catherine Riffin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - George Demiris
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Ijaopo EO, Zaw KM, Ijaopo RO, Khawand-Azoulai M. A Review of Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Imminent End-of-Life in Individuals With Advanced Illness. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2023; 9:23337214231183243. [PMID: 37426771 PMCID: PMC10327414 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231183243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: World population is not only aging but suffering from serious chronic illnesses, requiring an increasing need for end-of-life care. However, studies show that many healthcare providers involved in the care of dying patients sometimes express challenges in knowing when to stop non-beneficial investigations and futile treatments that tend to prolong undue suffering for the dying person. Objective: To evaluate the clinical signs and symptoms that show end-of-life is imminent in individuals with advanced illness. Design: Narrative review. Methods: Computerized databases, including PubMed, Embase, Medline,CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar were searched from 1992 to 2022 for relevant original papers written in or translated into English language that investigated clinical signs and symptoms of imminent death in individuals with advanced illness. Results: 185 articles identified were carefully reviewed and only those that met the inclusion criteria were included for review. Conclusion: While it is often difficult to predict the timing of death, the ability of healthcare providers to recognize the clinical signs and symptoms of imminent death in terminally-ill individuals may lead to earlier anticipation of care needs and better planning to provide care that is tailored to individual's needs, and ultimately results in better end-of-life care, as well as a better bereavement adjustment experience for the families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khin Maung Zaw
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
- Miami VA Medical Center, FL, USA
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Chi NC, Fu YK, Nakad L, Barani E, Gilbertson-White S, Tripp-Reimer T, Herr K. Family Caregiver Challenges in Pain Management for Patients with Advanced Illnesses: A Systematic Review. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1865-1876. [PMID: 36178473 PMCID: PMC9784612 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0806] [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] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although pain management is integral to the caregiving role, there is a paucity of evidence synthesizing specific challenges family caregivers (FCs) face when managing pain for their care partners. This review comprehensively identified and summarized such challenges in the setting of advanced illnesses. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Health and Psychosocial Instruments) were searched using index and keyword methods for all articles published before April 2021. Fifty-five studies were included in this review. Most articles were published within the last 10 years (54%) in community settings, with home hospice care comprising the majority (50%). Most studies included patients with an advanced cancer diagnosis (84%), and 16% of the studies included patients with a noncancer diagnosis. Four major categories of challenges were identified: (1) caregiver-related issues (e.g., fears, beliefs, function), (2) caregivers' limited knowledge and skills in pain management (e.g., verbal and nonverbal pain assessment skills, pharmacological knowledge, documentation, safe management of medication), (3) communication challenges with health care providers, and (4) patient-related issues (e.g., inability to report pain). Many of these challenges have not been fully addressed in prior literature. Thus, this review provides a framework for needed future research to develop interventions that target FCs' specific challenges in providing pain management. The results also highlight a significant lack of research surrounding challenges faced by caregivers of care partners having a noncancer, dementia, or multimorbidity diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Ching Chi
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ying-Kai Fu
- College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Lynn Nakad
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Emelia Barani
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Keela Herr
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Auclair I, Bourbonnais A, Lavoie A, Leclerc-Loiselle J. Inclusion of informal caregivers in the palliative and end-of-life care of older adults: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053858. [PMID: 35428622 PMCID: PMC9014003 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care will increasingly be required in years to come as a result of an ageing population. An important component of this type of care is the inclusion of informal caregivers, who are family members or friends offering unpaid assistance to older adults with a terminal illness. Although systematic reviews were conducted on topics related to the inclusion of informal caregivers in the palliative and EOL care of older adults, several gaps remain as they were specific to a health condition and/or setting. The purpose of our scoping review is to map the extent of knowledge on this subject. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct our scoping review following Levac's methodology. We will gather publications of various types through nine databases, manual searches in journals and search engines and reference lists. The selection process will be conducted by two independent reviewers and consist of screening by title and abstract, followed by reading the full text to confirm eligibility. An independent reviewer will then extract data and assess quality from included publications. Data extracted from different publication types will be synthesised together in the Excel software using a content analysis method, with quantitative data transformed into a qualitative description. Results will be presented through descriptive statistics and themes. During different steps of the review, we will also consult informal caregivers and health professionals for feedback as stakeholders. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The conduction of this scoping review requires no ethical approval. Results will provide an overview of the state of knowledge on the inclusion of informal caregivers in palliative and EOL of older adults, which could help guide clinical practice, the development of interventions and policy and further research. We will disseminate these results by publishing an article, presenting in conferences, and discussing findings with stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Auclair
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne Bourbonnais
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Audrey Lavoie
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Clarke G, Chapman E, Crooks J, Koffman J, Ahmed S, Bennett MI. Does ethnicity affect pain management for people with advanced disease? A mixed methods cross-national systematic review of 'very high' Human Development Index English-speaking countries. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:46. [PMID: 35387640 PMCID: PMC8983802 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00923-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial disparities in pain management have been observed in the USA since the 1990s in settings such as the emergency department and oncology. However, the palliative care context is not well described, and little research has focused outside of the USA or on advanced disease. This review takes a cross-national approach to exploring pain management in advanced disease for people of different racial and ethnic groups. METHODS Mixed methods systematic review. The primary outcome measure was differences in receiving pain medication between people from different racial and ethnic groups. Five electronic databases were searched. Two researchers independently assessed quality using JBI checklists, weighted evidence, and extracted data. The quantitative findings on the primary outcome measure were cross-tabulated, and a thematic analysis was undertaken on the mixed methods studies. Themes were formulated into a conceptual/thematic matrix. Patient representatives from UK ethnically diverse groups were consulted. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. RESULTS Eighteen papers were included in the primary outcome analysis. Three papers were rated 'High' weight of evidence, and 17/18 (94%) were based in the USA. Ten of the eighteen (56%) found no significant difference in the pain medication received between people of different ethnic groups. Forty-six papers were included in the mixed methods synthesis; 41/46 (89%) were based in the USA. Key themes: Patients from different ethnically diverse groups had concerns about tolerance, addiction and side effects. The evidence also showed: cultural and social doctor-patient communication issues; many patients with unmet pain management needs; differences in pain assessment by racial group, and two studies found racial and ethnic stereotyping. CONCLUSIONS There was not enough high quality evidence to draw a conclusion on differences in receiving pain medication for people with advanced disease from different racial and ethnic groups. The mixed methods findings showed commonalities in fears about pain medication side effects, tolerance and addiction across diverse ethnic groups. However, these fears may have different foundations and are differently prioritised according to culture, faith, educational and social factors. There is a need to develop culturally competent pain management to address doctor-patient communication issues and patients' pain management concerns. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO- CRD42020167890 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Clarke
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, England, UK.
| | - Emma Chapman
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, England, UK
| | - Jodie Crooks
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, England, UK
| | - Jonathan Koffman
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, England, UK
| | - Shenaz Ahmed
- Division of Psychological & Social Medicine, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, England, UK
| | - Michael I Bennett
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, England, UK
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Ferrell BR, Ruel N, Borneman T, Koczywas M, Cristea M. Family Caregiver Preparedness: Developing an Educational Intervention for Symptom Management. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2022; 26:165-175. [PMID: 35302549 DOI: 10.1188/22.cjon.165-175] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers provide complex care for patients with cancer, including management of multiple symptoms associated with the disease and its treatment. OBJECTIVES The objective of this pilot project was to develop and conduct feasibility testing of a family caregiver educational intervention for symptom management. METHODS The intervention was conducted with 23 family caregivers of patients with lung or gynecologic cancer to evaluate feasibility testing and assessment of caregiver preparedness, quality of life, and psychological distress at baseline and three and seven weeks postintervention. FINDINGS Family caregivers were very interested in education related to their role in symptom management, with management of constipation, dyspnea, and diarrhea as the highest priorities. The intervention was feasible and valuable in assisting family caregivers in assessing symptoms and making decisions regarding treatment choices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nora Ruel
- City of Hope National Medical Center
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LeBaron V, Boukhechba M, Edwards J, Flickinger T, Ling D, Barnes LE. Exploring the use of wearable sensors and natural language processing technology to improve patient-clinician communication: Protocol for a feasibility study (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e37975. [PMID: 35594139 PMCID: PMC9166632 DOI: 10.2196/37975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia LeBaron
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Mehdi Boukhechba
- School of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - James Edwards
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tabor Flickinger
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - David Ling
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Laura E Barnes
- School of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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LeBaron V, Alam R, Bennett R, Blackhall L, Gordon K, Hayes J, Homdee N, Jones R, Lichti K, Martinez Y, Mohammadi S, Ogunjirin E, Patel N, Lach J. Deploying the Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention for Cancer (BESI-C) smart health system to support patients and family caregivers in managing pain: A feasibility and acceptability study. (Preprint). JMIR Cancer 2022; 8:e36879. [PMID: 35943791 PMCID: PMC9399893 DOI: 10.2196/36879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Distressing cancer pain remains a serious symptom management issue for patients and family caregivers, particularly within home settings. Technology can support home-based cancer symptom management but must consider the experience of patients and family caregivers, as well as the broader environmental context. Objective This study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of a smart health sensing system—Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention for Cancer (BESI-C)—that was designed to support the monitoring and management of cancer pain in the home setting. Methods Dyads of patients with cancer and their primary family caregivers were recruited from an outpatient palliative care clinic at an academic medical center. BESI-C was deployed in each dyad home for approximately 2 weeks. Data were collected via environmental sensors to assess the home context (eg, light and temperature); Bluetooth beacons to help localize dyad positions; and smart watches worn by both patients and caregivers, equipped with heart rate monitors, accelerometers, and a custom app to deliver ecological momentary assessments (EMAs). EMAs enabled dyads to record and characterize pain events from both their own and their partners’ perspectives. Sensor data streams were integrated to describe and explore the context of cancer pain events. Feasibility was assessed both technically and procedurally. Acceptability was assessed using postdeployment surveys and structured interviews with participants. Results Overall, 5 deployments (n=10 participants; 5 patient and family caregiver dyads) were completed, and 283 unique pain events were recorded. Using our “BESI-C Performance Scoring Instrument,” the overall technical feasibility score for deployments was 86.4 out of 100. Procedural feasibility challenges included the rurality of dyads, smart watch battery life and EMA reliability, and the length of time required for deployment installation. Postdeployment acceptability Likert surveys (1=strongly disagree; 5=strongly agree) found that dyads disagreed that BESI-C was a burden (1.7 out of 5) or compromised their privacy (1.9 out of 5) and agreed that the system collected helpful information to better manage cancer pain (4.6 out of 5). Participants also expressed an interest in seeing their own individual data (4.4 out of 5) and strongly agreed that it is important that data collected by BESI-C are shared with their respective partners (4.8 out of 5) and health care providers (4.8 out of 5). Qualitative feedback from participants suggested that BESI-C positively improved patient-caregiver communication regarding pain management. Importantly, we demonstrated proof of concept that seriously ill patients with cancer and their caregivers will mark pain events in real time using a smart watch. Conclusions It is feasible to deploy BESI-C, and dyads find the system acceptable. By leveraging human-centered design and the integration of heterogenous environmental, physiological, and behavioral data, the BESI-C system offers an innovative approach to monitor cancer pain, mitigate the escalation of pain and distress, and improve symptom management self-efficacy. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/16178
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia LeBaron
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ridwan Alam
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rachel Bennett
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Leslie Blackhall
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kate Gordon
- Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - James Hayes
- Trident Systems, Inc, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Nutta Homdee
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Randy Jones
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kathleen Lichti
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Yudel Martinez
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Sahar Mohammadi
- Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emmanuel Ogunjirin
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Nyota Patel
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - John Lach
- The George Washington University School of Engineering & Applied Science, Washington, DC, United States
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Nguyen HQ, Haupt EC, Duan L, Hou AC, Wang SE, Mariano JD, Lee JA, McMullen C. Hospital utilisation in home palliative care: caregiver health, preparedness and burden associations. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022:bmjspcare-2021-003455. [PMID: 35078873 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies show that family caregiver factors influence patient outcomes. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the association between family caregiver self-rated health, perception of preparedness and burden at the time of patient admission to home palliative care (HomePal) with downstream patient hospital utilisation and time to hospice enrolment and death. METHODS Data for this cohort study (n=441) were drawn from a trial testing two models of HomePal. Caregiver self-rated health, preparedness (Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, CPS) and burden (Zarit-12) were measured at admission to HomePal. Caregivers were categorised as having good/very good/excellent or fair/poor health, scoring above or below the CPS median score (23), or having no/mild (0-10), moderate (11-20) or high (>20) burden. Proportional hazard competing risk models assessed the association between caregiver factors with hospital utilisation (emergency department visits, observation and inpatient stays). RESULTS Patients whose caregivers reported poor health and low preparedness received more visits by home health aides and social workers, respectively (both, p<0.05). Adjusted models showed that worse caregiver health (HR: 0.69 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.92), p=0.01), low preparedness (HR: 0.73 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.94), p=0.01) and high burden (HR: 0.77 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.06), p=0.10) were associated with lower risk for hospital utilisation. There were no significant associations between caregiver factors with time to patient enrolment in hospice or death in adjusted models (both, p>0.05). CONCLUSION Prospective studies are needed to understand how greater in-home supports for family caregivers with poor health could help achieve quality palliative care that aligns with families' priorities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03694431; ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Q Nguyen
- Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Eric C Haupt
- Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Lewei Duan
- Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Anthony C Hou
- Geriatrics, Palliative and Continuing Care, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Susan E Wang
- Geriatrics, Palliative and Continuing Care, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, West Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Mariano
- Geriatrics, Palliative and Continuing Care, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, West Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jung-Ah Lee
- Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Carmit McMullen
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Poggiali E, De Iaco F. The pain in the Emergency Department: Choosing and treating wisely before and during the COVID-19 era. EMERGENCY CARE JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.4081/ecj.2021.9903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a frequent reason for referral to the Emergency Department (ED). Adequate management of pain is a moral and ethical imperative. If not correctly treated, acute pain can cause physical and psychological complications, and become chronic with severe consequences such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation. As consequence, emergency clinicians should treat pain as soon as possible, avoiding delays even in case of acute abdominal pain. Pain management is particularly complex in the elderly and emergency clinicians should always consider AGS Beers criteria ® to avoid inappropriate medications, severe side-effects, and drug-drug interactions. Pain is also a common cause of delirium in older patients. The SARS CoV-2 infection not only can cause acute pain, but also exacerbate chronic pain, particularly in the elderly, who are at high risk to be infected. Looking at all this evidence, emergency clinicians should treat pain with different strategies according to their experience and cultural background, making the right choice for each patient. This work is a critical review of the pain management in the ED, with a particular attention on the effects of COVID-19 in the EDs. We conducted a systematic search of the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Medline from 2000 to 2020, using the keywords of “pain”, “emergency”, “COVID19”, “elderly”, “palliative care”, “ketamine”, “dexmedetomidine”, and “post-traumatic stress disorder”. The aim of this review is to help emergency clinicians to correctly manage pain in the ED with a new point of view regarding the pain management in COVID-19 patients.
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Tjia J, Lund JL, Mack DS, Mbrah A, Yuan Y, Chen Q, Osundolire S, McDermott CL. Methodological Challenges for Epidemiologic Studies of Deprescribing at the End of Life. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2021; 8:116-129. [PMID: 34722115 PMCID: PMC8553236 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-021-00264-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review To describe approaches to measuring deprescribing and associated outcomes in studies of patients approaching end of life (EOL). Recent Findings We reviewed studies published through 2020 that evaluated deprescribing in patients with limited life expectancy and approaching EOL. Deprescribing includes reducing the number of medications, decreasing medication dose(s), and eliminating potentially inappropriate medications. Tools such as STOPPFrail, OncPal, and the Unnecessary Drug Use Measure can facilitate deprescribing. Outcome measures vary and selection of measures should align with the operationalized deprescribing definition used by study investigators. Summary EOL deprescribing considerations include medication appropriateness in the context of patient goals for care, expected benefit from medication given life expectancy, and heightened potential for medication-related harm as death nears. Additional data are needed on how EOL deprescribing impacts patient quality of life, caregiver burden, and out-of-pocket medication-related costs to patients and caregivers. Investigators should design deprescribing studies with this information in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Tjia
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jennifer L Lund
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deborah S Mack
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Attah Mbrah
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yiyang Yuan
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Qiaoxi Chen
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Seun Osundolire
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Cara L McDermott
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Cruz-Oliver DM, Abshire M, Budhathoki C, deCardi Hladek M, Volandes A, Jorgensen L, Oliver DP. Comparison of Traditional Videos With Telenovelas for Hospice Family Caregivers Education. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 38:1230-1237. [PMID: 33550835 PMCID: PMC9058977 DOI: 10.1177/1049909121991524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While research has shown that hospice family caregivers (HFCG) seek additional information related to patient care, pain and symptom management, and self-care, it is unknown how the use of telenovela videos for education in hospice would be received by HFCG. OBJECTIVE To explore HFCG perceived benefits and challenges with the use of telenovelas as compared to traditional educational videos during online support group. METHODS A mixed methods study with a concurrent triangulated design that analyzed qualitative interviews and YouTube analytics report to identify how viewers responded (number of views and their feedback) to telenovela videos as compared to traditional educational videos. RESULTS Among 39 (n = 39) HFCGs, most participants were female (80%) of White/Caucasian race, with more than high school education (85%) and they were adult children of hospice cancer patient (49%). Comparing HFCG that viewed traditional videos with HFCG that viewed telenovela videos, the telenovela video was watched more (12% longer viewing duration) and caregivers reported better content recall with informative benefits, more follow up actions and reflection about their own hospice experience. CONCLUSION Caregiver feedback indicated that watching the telenovela was engaging, acceptable and produced more conversations about patient care, than watching a non-telenovela format video. Further research is needed to test telenovela efficacy in enhancing HFCG outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce M. Cruz-Oliver
- Internal Medicine, Palliative Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Martha Abshire
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Angelo Volandes
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lucas Jorgensen
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
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Moncho MEI, Palomar-Abril V, Soria-Comes T. Palliative Care Unit at Home: Impact on Quality of Life in Cancer Patients at the End of Life in a Rural Environment. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:523-529. [PMID: 34427124 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211038303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced cancer is accompanied by a substantial burden of symptoms, and palliative care (PC) plays an essential role, especially at the end of life (EOL). In fact, a comprehensive PC through Home Palliative Care Units (HPCU) has been associated with reducing potentially aggressive care at the EOL. We aim to study the impact of HPCU on the quality of assistance of cancer patients at Alcoy Health Department. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted including patients diagnosed with terminal cancer at the Medical Department of Hospital Virgen de los Lirios who died between January 2017 and December 2018. The Multivariate Cox regression model was used to assess the impact of HPCU assistance on the quality of life indicators. RESULTS 388 patients were included. The median age was 71 years; 65% patients were male, and 68% presented with a 0-2 score on the ECOG scale. On the multivariate analysis, a lack of assistance by HPCU was associated with a higher risk of consulting in the emergency department (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.02-1.67), of hospital admissions (OR = 4.72, 95% CI: 2.45-9.09), a higher probability of continuing active treatment (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.44-4.67), and a greater probability of dying in hospital (OR = 6.52, 95% CI: 3.78-11.27). CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving HPCU assistance have a lower number of emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and are more likely to die at home. Taken together, these results support the relevance of HPCU providing a high quality attention of cancer patients.
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Robertson SB, Hjörleifsdóttir E, Sigurðardóttir Þ. Family caregivers' experiences of end-of-life care in the acute hospital setting. A qualitative study. Scand J Caring Sci 2021; 36:686-698. [PMID: 34382701 PMCID: PMC9545473 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute hospital settings are generally not considered adequate places for end-of-life care, but terminally ill patients will continue to die in acute medical wards in the unforeseeable future. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate family caregivers' experiences of end-of-life care in an acute community hospital in Iceland. METHODS Fifteen in-depth qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had been primary caregivers. The transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis. FINDINGS Findings indicated that the acute hospital setting is not a suitable environment for end-of-life care. Effective communication and management of symptoms characterised by warmth and security give a sense of resilience. Three main themes emerged: (1) Environmental influences on quality of care; (2) Communication in end-of-life care; (3) The dying process. Each of the themes encompassed a variety of subthemes. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that effective communication is the cornerstone of quality of care in the acute hospital environment and essential for establishing a sense of security. The severity of symptoms can deeply affect family caregivers' well-being. Acknowledging and appreciating the meaning of respect and dignity at the end-of-life from family caregivers' perspective is vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svala Berglind Robertson
- Palliative Home-Care Unit, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Nursing, University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland
| | | | - Þórhalla Sigurðardóttir
- Department of Nursing, University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland.,Department of Accident and Emergency, Akureyri Regional Hospital, Akureyri, Iceland
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Bazargan M, Bazargan-Hejazi S. Disparities in Palliative and Hospice Care and Completion of Advance Care Planning and Directives Among Non-Hispanic Blacks: A Scoping Review of Recent Literature. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 38:688-718. [PMID: 33287561 PMCID: PMC8083078 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120966585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Published research in disparities in advance care planning, palliative, and end-of-life care is limited. However, available data points to significant barriers to palliative and end-of-life care among minority adults. The main objective of this scoping review was to summarize the current published research and literature on disparities in palliative and hospice care and completion of advance care planning and directives among non-Hispanc Blacks. METHODS The scoping review method was used because currently published research in disparities in palliative and hospice cares as well as advance care planning are limited. Nine electronic databases and websites were searched to identify English-language peer-reviewed publications published within last 20 years. A total of 147 studies that addressed palliative care, hospice care, and advance care planning and included non-Hispanic Blacks were incorporated in this study. The literature review include manuscripts that discuss the intersection of social determinants of health and end-of-life care for non-Hispanic Blacks. We examined the potential role and impact of several factors, including knowledge regarding palliative and hospice care; healthcare literacy; communication with providers and family; perceived or experienced discrimination with healthcare systems; mistrust in healthcare providers; health care coverage, religious-related activities and beliefs on palliative and hospice care utilization and completion of advance directives among non-Hispanic Blacks. DISCUSSION Cross-sectional and longitudinal national surveys, as well as local community- and clinic-based data, unequivocally point to major disparities in palliative and hospice care in the United States. Results suggest that national and community-based, multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary, theoretical-based, resourceful, culturally-sensitive interventions are urgently needed. A number of practical investigational interventions are offered. Additionally, we identify several research questions which need to be addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Zhou S, Zhao Q, Weng H, Wang N, Wu X, Li X, Zhang L. Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool for family caregivers of cancer patients receiving home-based hospice care. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:71. [PMID: 34011333 PMCID: PMC8136129 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00766-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Family caregivers need to be supported in caring for patients at the end of life, but practical tools to assess their support needs have been missing in China. So this study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT). Methods Cross-cultural adaptation of the original CSNAT for a Chinese setting was performed according to Brislin’s translation guidelines. A pilot study was conducted with 15 Chinese family caregivers of cancer patients receiving hospice home care and 5 medical staff. A cross-sectional survey of 205 family caregivers was conducted from December 2018 to May 2019 at a home-based hospice care institute in Shenzhen, China. The validation procedure comprised the establishment of (1) content validity by a group of six experts; (2) face validity by 15 family caregivers; (3) criterion validity by calculating Spearman’s correlations between the CSNAT and caregiving burden, caregiving preparedness and quality of life scales; (4) internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha. Results The CSNAT demonstrated good face validity and good content validity. CSNAT scores showed clear positive correlations with caregiving burden and negative correlations with preparedness for caregiving and quality of life. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.899), although such reliability testing is not recommended for this tool. Conclusions The Chinese version of the CSNAT is a valid tool that is appropriate for identifying needs of family caregivers of cancer patients in home-based hospice care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Zhou
- Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, 1023 Sha Tai South Road, Bai Yun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huimin Weng
- Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, 1023 Sha Tai South Road, Bai Yun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xia Wu
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, 1023 Sha Tai South Road, Bai Yun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, 1023 Sha Tai South Road, Bai Yun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, 1023 Sha Tai South Road, Bai Yun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
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Luth EA, Maciejewski PK, Phongtankuel V, Xu J, Prigerson HG. Associations Between Hospice Care and Scary Family Caregiver Experiences. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:909-916. [PMID: 33038426 PMCID: PMC8024420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hospice deaths in the U.S. are increasing. Dying hospice patients may have rapidly emerging needs the hospice team cannot immediately meet, exposing family caregivers to fright-inducing (i.e., scary) situations. OBJECTIVES To examine relationships between hospice care and family caregiver exposures and psychological responses to witnessing common and distressing patient symptoms near the end of life. METHODS Secondary analysis of prospective cohort study of 169 patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers was analyzed. Multivariable regression analyses modeled associations between hospice use and caregiver exposures and psychological responses (fear and helplessness) to witnessing distressing symptoms common near death, adjusting for potential confounding influences (e.g., home death, patient characteristics, and suffering). Caregiver self-reported exposures and responses to observing patient symptoms during the last month of life were assessed using the validated Stressful Caregiving Response to Experiences of Dying (SCARED) scale. RESULTS Hospice care was significantly positively associated with more exposures and negative psychological responses to distressing patient symptoms, adjusting for home death, patient characteristics, and physical and mental suffering. On average, hospice patients' caregivers scored 1.6 points higher on the SCARED exposure scale and 6.2 points higher on the SCARED psychological response scale than caregivers of patients without hospice (exposure: 10.53 vs. 8.96; psychological responses: 29.85 vs. 23.67). Patient pain/discomfort, delirium, and difficulty swallowing/choking were reported by three-fourths of caregivers and associated with the most fear and helplessness among caregivers. CONCLUSION Hospice care is associated with more exposures to and caregiver fear and helplessness in response to scary patient experiences. Research is needed to understand how better to support family caregivers of hospice patients to enable them to cope with common distressing symptoms of dying cancer patients. Hospice clinicians providing additional education and training about these symptoms might enable caregivers to better care for dying loved ones and reduce the stresses of end-of-life caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jiehui Xu
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Shalev A, Henderson CR, Gutierrez I, Mullen E, Reid MC. The Prevalence and Potential Role of Pain Beliefs When Managing Later-Life Pain. Clin J Pain 2021; 37:251-258. [PMID: 33323790 PMCID: PMC8686205 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study of 154 community-dwelling older adults with chronic noncancer pain, we sought to assess participants' beliefs about pain as well as pain management treatments and to determine the influence of those beliefs on participants' willingness to undertake 3 physician-recommended pain treatments, that is, a pharmacologic, physical, and psychological therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 16-item questionnaire was employed to ascertain participants' pain beliefs, divided into 4 subscales representing: (1) negative beliefs about pharmacological treatments, (2) positive beliefs about physical treatment approaches, for example, exercise, (3) positive beliefs about psychological treatments, and (4) fatalistic beliefs about pain. Participants were asked to rate their willingness to undertake a pharmacologic, physical, or psychological therapy if their physician recommended that they do so. Agreement with each belief was measured, and we examined willingness to undertake each treatment as a function of pain belief subscale scores after controlling for relevant covariates. RESULTS Positive beliefs about physical treatments (eg, benefits of exercise) were the most strongly endorsed items on the pain beliefs questionnaire. All 3 treatment-focused pain beliefs subscales were significantly associated with willingness to undertake that form of treatment (eg, negative beliefs about pain medication use were associated with decreased willingness to take pain medication). Fatalistic attitudes were significantly associated with a decreased willingness to undertake physical treatments. DISCUSSION These results support the notion that patients' beliefs about pain and pain treatments can have important effects on treatment engagement and, if assessed, can help guide clinical management of chronic pain in older adults.
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LeBaron V, Bennett R, Alam R, Blackhall L, Gordon K, Hayes J, Homdee N, Jones R, Martinez Y, Ogunjirin E, Thomas T, Lach J. Understanding the Experience of Cancer Pain From the Perspective of Patients and Family Caregivers to Inform Design of an In-Home Smart Health System: Multimethod Approach. JMIR Form Res 2020; 4:e20836. [PMID: 32712581 PMCID: PMC7481872 DOI: 10.2196/20836] [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: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inadequately managed pain is a serious problem for patients with cancer and those who care for them. Smart health systems can help with remote symptom monitoring and management, but they must be designed with meaningful end-user input. Objective This study aims to understand the experience of managing cancer pain at home from the perspective of both patients and family caregivers to inform design of the Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention for Cancer (BESI-C) smart health system. Methods This was a descriptive pilot study using a multimethod approach. Dyads of patients with cancer and difficult pain and their primary family caregivers were recruited from an outpatient oncology clinic. The participant interviews consisted of (1) open-ended questions to explore the overall experience of cancer pain at home, (2) ranking of variables on a Likert-type scale (0, no impact; 5, most impact) that may influence cancer pain at home, and (3) feedback regarding BESI-C system prototypes. Qualitative data were analyzed using a descriptive approach to identity patterns and key themes. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS; basic descriptive statistics and independent sample t tests were run. Results Our sample (n=22; 10 patient-caregiver dyads and 2 patients) uniformly described the experience of managing cancer pain at home as stressful and difficult. Key themes included (1) unpredictability of pain episodes; (2) impact of pain on daily life, especially the negative impact on sleep, activity, and social interactions; and (3) concerns regarding medications. Overall, taking pain medication was rated as the category with the highest impact on a patient’s pain (=4.79), followed by the categories of wellness (=3.60; sleep quality and quantity, physical activity, mood and oral intake) and interaction (=2.69; busyness of home, social or interpersonal interactions, physical closeness or proximity to others, and emotional closeness and connection to others). The category related to environmental factors (temperature, humidity, noise, and light) was rated with the lowest overall impact (=2.51). Patients and family caregivers expressed receptivity to the concept of BESI-C and reported a preference for using a wearable sensor (smart watch) to capture data related to the abrupt onset of difficult cancer pain. Conclusions Smart health systems to support cancer pain management should (1) account for the experience of both the patient and the caregiver, (2) prioritize passive monitoring of physiological and environmental variables to reduce burden, and (3) include functionality that can monitor and track medication intake and efficacy; wellness variables, such as sleep quality and quantity, physical activity, mood, and oral intake; and levels of social interaction and engagement. Systems must consider privacy and data sharing concerns and incorporate feasible strategies to capture and characterize rapid-onset symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia LeBaron
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Rachel Bennett
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ridwan Alam
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Leslie Blackhall
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kate Gordon
- Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - James Hayes
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Nutta Homdee
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Randy Jones
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Yudel Martinez
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Emmanuel Ogunjirin
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tanya Thomas
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - John Lach
- The George Washington University School of Engineering & Applied Science, Washington, DC, United States
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Barnett MD, Bridenbaugh AJ, Fierro LA. The development of an individual differences end-of-life treatment preferences scale. DEATH STUDIES 2020; 46:902-910. [PMID: 32644008 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1788666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to create an individual differences measure of end-of-life treatment preferences (EOLTPs). Young adults (n = 427) and older adults (n = 333) completed a survey. Results found that hope of recovery was an important factor in whether individuals preferred a given medical intervention. A single factor explained the majority of the variance in EOLTPs, and EOLTPs were distinct from more general attitudes about medical care. Older adults preferred less end-of-life medical intervention compared to younger adults. Overall, the results of the study support the use of an individual differences approach to measuring EOLTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Barnett
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, USA
| | | | - Leigh A Fierro
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, USA
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Feasibility of e-Pain Reporter: A Digital Pain Management Tool for Informal Caregivers in Home Hospice. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2020; 21:193-199. [PMID: 31045994 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Informal hospice caregivers often have difficulty managing patient pain at home. We developed a digital application, e-Pain Reporter, for informal caregivers to record and providers to monitor patient pain and pain management. The purpose of this study was (1) to assess the feasibility of informal caregivers using the e-Pain Reporter for 9 days in home hospice by investigating recruitment and retention and caregiver satisfaction with and frequency of use of the e-Pain Reporter and (2) describe patient pain characteristics and caregiver's barriers to pain management and self-efficacy in providing patient care in the home. One-group pre-post design was used. Patient-caregiver dyads were recruited from 1 hospice agency. Caregivers were asked to report all patient pain and pain management using the e-Pain Reporter. Feasibility of the e-Pain Reporter was assessed by the average number of times caregivers recorded breakthrough and daily pain and caregiver satisfaction with the app. The 27-item Barriers Questionnaire II and 21-item Caregiver Self-efficacy Scale were administered at baseline. Fourteen dyads enrolled, 2 patients died, and 12 dyads completed the study. Mean number of pain reports over 9 days was 10.5. Caregivers reported high overall satisfaction with the e-Pain Reporter. Barriers scores were moderately high, suggesting erroneous beliefs and misconceptions about pain reporting and use of analgesics, but self-efficacy in managing pain was also high (93% confidence). Findings suggest that the e-Pain Reporter is a feasible method to report and monitor caregiver management of pain at home. Caregiver high barriers and high overconfidence suggest the need for an educational component to the e-Pain Reporter to address misconceptions about pain and pain management.
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Partnering with Family Caregivers in Pain Management. Pain Manag Nurs 2020; 21:223-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Carr D, Boerner K, Moorman S. Bereavement in the Time of Coronavirus: Unprecedented Challenges Demand Novel Interventions. J Aging Soc Policy 2020; 32:425-431. [DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2020.1764320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Carr
- Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathrin Boerner
- Associate Professor, Department of Gerontology, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sara Moorman
- Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
Family caregivers are centrally involved in cancer pain management, especially for patients with advanced disease. This issue is becoming ever more important as care shifts to the outpatient setting and home care and as the aging population creates more patients who have multiple illnesses and family caregivers who often live with serious illnesses. This narrative review evaluated current knowledge and literature regarding family caregivers' involvement in cancer pain management and identified areas for future research and clinical practice. There is a need for additional research in this area and for clinical models of support for family caregivers as they provide pain management for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty R Ferrell
- From the Division of Nursing Research and Education, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
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45
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Washington KT, Oliver DP, Benson JJ, Rolbiecki AJ, Jorgensen LA, Cruz-Oliver DM, Demiris G. Factors influencing engagement in an online support group for family caregivers of individuals with advanced cancer. J Psychosoc Oncol 2019; 38:235-250. [PMID: 31690247 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2019.1680592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To explore factors that influenced engagement in an online support group (OSG) for family caregivers of hospice patients with cancer.Design: Secondary qualitative data analysis.Sample: 58 family caregivers of hospice patients with advanced cancer.Methods: Template analysis of individual family caregiver interviews.Findings: Emotional isolation and caregiving downtime positively influenced engagement, while reluctance to share personal information, a short timeframe of participation in the OSG, and caregiving commitments were negatively influential. While the group facilitation and secure privacy settings of the OSG were viewed positively, reactions to the OSG platform and group tone were mixed. Information on pain and the dying process was found to be particularly engaging.Practice implications: Providers offering OSGs for family caregivers should maximize factors that promote meaningful member engagement, responding to changes in activity and tone over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla T Washington
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacquelyn J Benson
- Development of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Abigail J Rolbiecki
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Lucas A Jorgensen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Dulce M Cruz-Oliver
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - George Demiris
- Department of Biobehavioral and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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Washington KT, Oliver DP, Smith JB, Kruse RL, Meghani SH, Demiris G. A Comparison of Rural and Urban Hospice Family Caregivers' Cancer Pain Knowledge and Experience. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 58:685-689. [PMID: 31325546 PMCID: PMC6754759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Family caregivers play a vital role in managing the pain of hospice patients with cancer; however, caregivers' knowledge of pain management principles and experiences as pain managers vary widely. Differences in cultural values and access to resources suggest that rural and urban hospice family caregivers may differ with regard to their pain knowledge and experience, but this has not been empirically investigated. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine if rural and urban hospice family caregivers differed in terms of their knowledge of cancer pain management principles and their experiences managing cancer pain. METHODS Our study consisted of a secondary analysis of baseline, cross-sectional data from hospice family caregivers (N = 196) participating in an ongoing cluster randomized crossover pragmatic trial. We performed multivariable regression to model associations between caregivers' demographic characteristics and their scores on the Family Pain Questionnaire (FPQ), which included subscales measuring pain knowledge and experience. RESULTS When controlling for other demographic variables, rural caregivers' scores on the FPQ knowledge subscale were worse (P = 0.01) than their urban counterparts. FPQ experience subscale scores and FPQ total scores were not statistically significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION Rural hospice family caregivers report greater pain knowledge deficits than urban hospice family caregivers, although the two groups report comparable pain management experiences. Additional research is needed to better explain observed differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla T Washington
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
| | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jamie B Smith
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Robin L Kruse
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Salimah H Meghani
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - George Demiris
- Schools of Nursing and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Family Caregivers’ Satisfaction With Specialized End-of-Life Care Provided at Home. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2019; 21:412-421. [DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
Pain is one of the most feared symptoms experienced by patients at the end of life and one of the most difficult to manage. Families identify patient comfort as a priority in hospice, yet many have concerns regarding pain management and medication side effects. Timely, open, and ongoing communication with hospice teams can assuage concerns to improve care and outcomes relevant to pain medication use in hospice. A pilot project was undertaken to improve the patient and family/caregiver experience in end-of-life care relevant to communication regarding pain medication side effects and management within an inpatient hospice. A 5% improvement in the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Services (CAHPS) Hospice quality indicator 18 (Understanding Side Effects) was sought. An evidence-based, interprofessional educational protocol and tool were designed and implemented to guide pertinent conversations. A 6.6% increase in favorable responses to the CAHPS Hospice target indicator occurred over the course of the pilot. Feedback from staff revealed positive responses to the tool with recommended expansion of use across hospice settings. Educational programming holds promise to support communication with hospice patients and families regarding pain medication side effects and management to improve experiential care quality as reflected in CAHPS Hospice surveys.
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Wilson E, Caswell G, Turner N, Pollock K. Managing Medicines for Patients Dying at Home: A Review of Family Caregivers' Experiences. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 56:962-974. [PMID: 30217417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Increased life expectancy, technical advances in treatment and symptom control, and the extension of palliative care in community settings not only lengthen life but also make it possible for many patients to be cared for, and to die, at home. Moreover, death increasingly occurs in late old age and after a prolonged period of comorbidity and/or frailty. This has far-reaching consequences for the way that professional services are resourced and organized and for the informal carers who are often responsible for providing the greater part of patient care, including management of complex medication regimes. OBJECTIVES To explore the literature focused on family caregivers' (FCGs) experiences of medication management for patients being cared for and dying at home. METHODS This literature review takes a critical interpretive synthesis approach to the review of 15 identified articles. RESULTS Findings show that FCGs can struggle to manage medications for someone who is dying at home, yet there is an expectation that they will take on these roles and are often judged by professional standards. Five key themes identified particular issues around administration, organizational skills, empowerment, relationships, and support. CONCLUSION As increasing demands are placed on FCGs, there remains limited acknowledgment or understanding of the challenges they face, how they cope, or could be best supported. Alongside training, FCGs need access to 24 hours of support and medication reviews to rationalize unnecessary medications. Furthermore, the ethical challenges arising from administering medicines at the end of life also need to be acknowledged and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Wilson
- Nottingham Centre for the Advancement of Research in End of Life Care (NCARE), School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Glenys Caswell
- Nottingham Centre for the Advancement of Research in End of Life Care (NCARE), School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Turner
- Nottingham Centre for the Advancement of Research in End of Life Care (NCARE), School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kristian Pollock
- Nottingham Centre for the Advancement of Research in End of Life Care (NCARE), School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Family caregivers for adult cancer patients: knowledge and self-efficacy for pain management in a resource-limited setting. Support Care Cancer 2018; 27:2265-2274. [PMID: 30327878 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Adult cancer patients (ACPs) in resource-limited settings disproportionately suffer from inadequate pain control despite advancements in pain management. Family caregivers (FCGs) can support optimal pain control for ACPs in these settings if they are knowledgeable and confident about the needed care. However, the status of FCGs' knowledge and self-efficacy (SE) for pain management in developing countries is not well established. PURPOSE To assess the FCGs' knowledge and SE levels for pain management among ACPs while at home in a resource-limited setting. METHODS Using a questionnaire that comprised a Family Pain Questionnaire and Chronic Pain Self-efficacy Scale, data were collected from 284 FCGs of ACPs receiving care from two cancer care centres. RESULTS The FCGs had moderate knowledge (mean = 41.70 ± 14.1) and SE (mean = 795.95 ± 301.3) levels for pain management at home for ACPs. Majority of the FCGs had low knowledge (52.1%), but expressed higher SE (52.5%). Poor self-rated health among FCGs was significantly associated with low knowledge levels (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.024-2.978, p = 0.041). SE was significantly associated with perceiving a low impact of caregiving on health (OR = 1.55; 95% CI 1.074-2.239, p = 0.019), hours of caregiving per week (OR = 0.52; 95% CI 0.315-0.854; p = 0.01) and receiving organisational support (OR = 0.388; 95% CI 0.222-0.679; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The results show a need for deliberate interventions to enhance FCG knowledge and SE for pain management at home as one of the ways of improving cancer pain management in resource-limited settings.
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