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Terrasson J, Seigneur É, Rault A, El Mellah L, Dolbeault S, Brédart A. The announcement of treatment resistance from the pediatric oncologist's point of view: a qualitative study. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 39:132-144. [PMID: 34392770 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2021.1956030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Breaking bad news in pediatric oncology covers widely diverse clinical situations. The aim of this study was to highlight the specificities of the announcement of treatment resistance as perceived by pediatric oncologists, particularly in comparison with the disclosure of a cancer diagnosis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in two pediatric oncology departments in France, with 15 pediatric oncologists (66.7% were women, aged 44.7 years on average). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed and a thematic content analysis was conducted. Most pediatric oncologists reported emotional difficulties in announcing treatment resistance. Some of them mentioned a personal need to accept resistance to treatment and to mourn the child's chances of recovery, and reported feelings of medical failure. This disclosure was considered more difficult than the announcement of the cancer diagnosis because it was associated with less optimism and more complex and fewer therapeutic options. The attachment bond created with families in the course of treatment seemed to exacerbate the emotional difficulties associated with this announcement. In conclusion, resistance to treatment has an impact on prognosis. It makes it more uncertain. Its announcement for pediatric oncologists is a turning point that affects their initial optimistic perspective. Their emotional difficulties are accentuated by the attachment that has been created with the families. Focusing on difficulties experienced by pediatricians could help to improve parent-pediatrician communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Terrasson
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Étienne Seigneur
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Institut Curie, SIREDO Oncology Center, Paris, France
| | - Aude Rault
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Leïla El Mellah
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Dolbeault
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Research Center in Epidemiology and Health Population, INSERM, U1018, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Anne Brédart
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Psychopathology and Health Process Laboratory, University of Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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What Makes Chinese Adult Children Behave Differently during Parents' End of Life: A Discriminant Analysis of Macao Chinese. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010737. [PMID: 34682505 PMCID: PMC8535581 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The daily practice of filial piety (FP) is well prescribed under the traditional filial norms in the Chinese community. However, exploration of FP practices at the end of parents' lives is limited. The current study explored the FP representation and good death preferences of Macao Chinese. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted and discriminant analysis was used to identify possible predictors of FP representation in the context of parents' end of life. Results showed that Macao Chinese were inclined to perform most of the filial duties in the last journey of their parents. Among 705 participants, 150 (21.3%) tended to practice authoritarian FP, and 555 (78.7%) tended to practice reciprocal FP. Age, education, religion, and good death preferences were identified as predictors of different FP representation groups. The findings could help clinicians to obtain a preliminary perception of FP representation of Chinese patients and to determine the appropriate approach for end-of-life care from a family perspective.
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Abraha Woldemariam A, Andersson R, Munthe C, Linderholm B, Berbyuk Lindström N. Breaking Bad News in Cancer Care: Ethiopian Patients Want More Information Than What Family and the Public Want Them to Have. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1341-1348. [PMID: 34491813 PMCID: PMC8423395 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explores the preferences of patients with cancer, family caregivers, and the general public regarding breaking bad news in an Ethiopian oncology setting. METHODS The study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa (Black Lion) Specialized Hospital. The sample consists of patients with a confirmed cancer diagnosis, their family caregivers, and representatives from the general public with 150 subjects per cohort. The study used a comparative cross-sectional design and multivariable data analysis. RESULTS The patients would like to be informed, which contradicts the preferences of family caregivers. This creates an ethical dilemma for staff in terms of how much they involve their patients in clinical decision making. The patients also indicate that information should not be withheld from them. By contrast, the general public prefers information about poor life expectancy to be communicated to family only, which may reflect a widespread public perception of cancer as a deadly disease. CONCLUSION The findings indicate the complexity of communication-related preferences concerning breaking bad news in oncology care in Ethiopia. It requires oncologists to probe patient attitudes before information disclosure to find a balance between involving patients in communication at the same time as keeping a constructive alliance with family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aynalem Abraha Woldemariam
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Health Science College, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Deceased
| | - Rune Andersson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christian Munthe
- Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Barbro Linderholm
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Oncology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Mondal S. Truth-Telling to Terminal Stage Cancer Patients in India: A Study of the General Denial to Disclosure. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2021:302228211032732. [PMID: 34275387 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211032732] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Telling the truth to the terminal-stage cancer patients differs socio-culturally based on the priorities assigned to patients' autonomy and the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. After conducting in-depth interviews with 108 terminal-stage adult cancer patients, 306 family members, and 25 physicians, in private and public hospitals in both rural and urban areas, in the state of West Bengal, India it has been found that even though 85.60% of the patients prefer full disclosure, only 22.03% are actually informed. Though demographic characteristics, like age, gender, education etc., have marginal influences over the pattern of truth-telling, the main factor behind non-disclosure is the family members' preference for principles of beneficence and non-maleficence over patient autonomy. Hence, only 9.32% of those 118 patients' family members have agreed to full disclosure. Physicians comply with this culture of non-disclosure as family, in India, is the centre of decision-making and acts as the primary unit of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Mondal
- Department of Sociology, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
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Zhang Z, Min X. The Ethical Dilemma of Truth-Telling in Healthcare in China. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2020; 17:337-344. [PMID: 32394322 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-020-09979-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Truth-telling is often regarded as a challenge in Chinese medical practices given the amount of clinical and ethical controversies it may raise. This study sets to collect and synthesize relevant ethical evidence of the current situation in mainland China, thereby providing corresponding guidance for medical practices. This study looks into the ethical issues on the basis of the philosophy of deontology and utilitarianism and the ethical principles of veracity, autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence. Chinese philosophy, context and culture are also discussed to provide some suggestions for decision-making about disclosure in a medical setting. This study holds that, in order to respect the basic rights to which critically ill patients are entitled, decisions regarding truth-telling and their implementation should be carried out with thorough consideration, which can be achieved by critical thinking, well-developed and effective communication skills, the consideration of cultural context, an understanding of individual differences, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanhua Zhang
- Department of Emergency Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaoyan Min
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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Abstract
Much of the scholarly literature sees death as a taboo topic for Chinese. To test this assumption, this study held seven focus groups in the Greater Toronto Area in 2017. It found that the majority of the older Chinese immigrant participants talked about death freely using either the word death or a euphemism. They talked about various issues including medical treatment and end-of-life care, medical assistance in dying, death preparation, and so on. A small number did not talk about death, but it seemed their reluctance was related to anxiety or discomfort or simply reflected a choice of words. The study concludes death as taboo could be a myth, at least for older Chinese immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Zhang
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Canada
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Lin B, Gutman T, Hanson CS, Ju A, Manera K, Butow P, Cohn RJ, Dalla‐Pozza L, Greenzang KA, Mack J, Wakefield CE, Craig JC, Tong A. Communication during childhood cancer: Systematic review of patient perspectives. Cancer 2019; 126:701-716. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Beryl Lin
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Talia Gutman
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Camilla S. Hanson
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Angela Ju
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Karine Manera
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Phyllis Butow
- Psycho‐oncology Co‐operative Research Group School of Psychology University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Richard J. Cohn
- School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick New South Wales Australia
| | - Luciano Dalla‐Pozza
- Cancer Centre for Children The Children's Hospital at Westmead Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Katie A. Greenzang
- Dana‐Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Mack
- Dana‐Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick New South Wales Australia
| | - Jonathan C. Craig
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Allison Tong
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
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Xiao J, Chow KM, Liu Y, Chan CWH. Effects of dignity therapy on dignity, psychological well-being, and quality of life among palliative care cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychooncology 2019; 28:1791-1802. [PMID: 31243850 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The review aims to identify available evidence related to the effects of dignity therapy on dignity, psychological well-being, and quality of life (QoL) among patients with cancer under palliative care. METHODS Thirteen electronic databases were searched for published articles in English or Chinese from inception to May 2018. Methodological rigour was assessed through the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies. Sufficient data from four trials were statistically pooled with Review Manager; otherwise, a narrative summary was used. RESULTS Ten articles describing eight studies met the selection criteria and were included in the review. None of the studies met all JBI checklist criteria. Meta-analysis results revealed that dignity therapy significantly improved dignity-related distress in existential distress domain (mean differences [MD]: -0.26, 95% CI, -0.50 to -0.02, .03) and social support domain (MD: -0.23, 95% CI, -0.39 to -0.07, .004), but nonsignificant improved depression and anxiety. Narrative summaries indicated that dignity therapy exerted positive effects on patients' dignity, psychological well-being, and QoL. CONCLUSIONS Dignity therapy is a promising approach to improve psychological well-being among patients with cancer under palliative care. However, the effects of dignity therapy on dignity and QoL are inconsistent. Further extensive studies should measure the impact of dignity therapy through qualitative and quantitative approaches to establish outcomes in psychological well-being. Studies with sensitivity to the cultural context within which dignity therapy applied should be conducted to explore its effects on patients with cancer at the early stages of illness trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinnan Xiao
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka Ming Chow
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yunhong Liu
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Carmen W H Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Lee MC, Auth R, Hinderer KA, Alexander CS. Challenges to advance care planning among multidisciplinary health professionals in China. Int J Palliat Nurs 2019; 23:552-557. [PMID: 29172890 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2017.23.11.552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance care planning (ACP) is a critical component of quality end-of-life care. Little is known regarding the cultural influences on health professionals' attitudes toward the discussion of ACP in China. OBJECTIVE To better understand attitudes toward ACP among Chinese healthcare professionals in China and the influence of cultural factors such as filial piety, or xiào. METHODS A mixed methods study was used. This study reports the results of a descriptive cross-sectional survey of physicians, nurses and social workers with experience in palliative and end-of-life care. RESULTS Some 102 completed surveys were obtained. Most Chinese health professionals had an overall positive attitude toward ACP, acknowledging that these discussions should occur. However, there was a general lack of confidence and sense of reluctance among participants to engage in ACP discussions. CONCLUSION The lack of statistical difference between the various health professionals suggests that they all faced challenges in participating in ACP discussions. Future research should focus on the influences of cultural factors such as xiào on ACP discussion, and develop culturally sensitive strategies to facilitate these discussions in the Chinese community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Ching Lee
- Assistant Professor, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Organizational Systems and Adult Health, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Roger Auth
- Medical Student, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US
| | | | - Carla S Alexander
- Assistant Professor of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology Clinical Care and Research Division; Director of Palliative Care and Support Medical Director, Palliative Care Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US
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"It doesn't exist…": negotiating palliative care from a culturally and linguistically diverse patient and caregiver perspective. BMC Palliat Care 2018; 17:90. [PMID: 29966521 PMCID: PMC6027583 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0343-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The end of life represents a therapeutic context that acutely raises cultural and linguistic specificities, yet there is very little evidence illustrating the importance of such dynamics in shaping choices, trajectories and care practices. Culture and language interplay to offer considerable potential challenges to both patient and provider, with further work needed to explore patient and caregiver perspectives across cultures and linguistic groups, and provider perspectives. The objective of this study was to develop a critical, evidence-based understanding of the experiences of people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and their caregivers, in a palliative care setting. Methods A qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews to explore key experiences and perspectives of CALD patients and caregivers currently undergoing treatment under oncology or palliative care specialists in two Australian hospitals. Interviews were digitally audio recorded and transcribed in full. A thematic analysis was conducted utilising the framework approach. Results Sixteen patients and fourteen caregivers from a range of CALD backgrounds participated in semi-structured interviews. The research identified four prevalent themes among participants: (1) Terminology in the transition to palliative care; (2) Communication, culture and pain management; (3) (Not) Talking about death and dying; and, (4) Religious faith as a coping strategy: challenging the terminal diagnosis. Conclusions CALD patients and caregivers’ experiences are multifaceted, particularly in negotiating linguistic difficulties, beliefs about treatment, and issues related to death and dying. Greater attention is needed to develop effective communication skills, recognise CALD patients’ particular cultural, linguistic and spiritual values and needs, and acknowledge the unique nature of each doctor-patient interaction.
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Corrigendum. Int J Palliat Nurs 2017. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2017.23.11.557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Tang WR, Hong JH, Rau KM, Wang CH, Juang YY, Lai CH, Fujimori M, Fang CK. Truth telling in Taiwanese cancer care: patients' and families' preferences and their experiences of doctors' practices. Psychooncology 2016; 26:999-1005. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.4257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Woung-Ru Tang
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine; Chang Gung University; Taoyuan Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Ji-Hong Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Kun-Ming Rau
- Department of Hematology; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsu Wang
- Department of Hematology; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Keelung Taiwan
| | - Yeong-Yuh Juang
- Department of Psychiatry; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hong Lai
- Department of Hematology; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Keelung Taiwan
| | - Maiko Fujimori
- Center for Suicide Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health; National Center for Neurology & Psychiatry; Tokyo Japan
| | - Chun-Kai Fang
- Department of Psychiatry, Suicide Prevention Center & Hospice and Palliative Care Center; MacKay Memorial Hospital; Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Medicine; MacKay Medical College; New Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Thanatology and Health Counseling; National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences; Taipei Taiwan
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Broom A, Good P, Kirby E, Lwin Z. Negotiating palliative care in the context of culturally and linguistically diverse patients. Intern Med J 2013; 43:1043-6. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.12244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Broom
- School of Social Science; University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - P. Good
- Department of Palliative Care; Mater Health Service; Brisbane Queensland Australia
- St Vincent's Private Hospital Brisbane; Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Mater Research Institute; University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - E. Kirby
- School of Social Science; University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Z. Lwin
- Department of Medical Oncology; Mater Health Services; Brisbane Queensland Australia
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