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Emotion Regulation Flexibility and Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Framework for Understanding Symptoms and Affect Dynamics in Pediatric Psycho-Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163874. [PMID: 36010870 PMCID: PMC9405711 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The individual’s ability to conceive and regulate the broad spectrum of their human emotions is closely linked to their mental health. The implications of a serious disease such as cancer represent an extraordinary burden to these internal coping mechanisms, especially in the case of young patients. Regarding their well-being and support, it is therefore of particular interest for caregivers to be able to follow the dynamics of the patient’s emotional world and perceptions. Technical progress enables new possibilities for data collection through tools for digital patient self-reports while simultaneously creating new challenges. Within the scope of this article, we provide an overview of the literature on this topic, outlining the current strengths and weaknesses and possible perspectives on digital aids, especially in terms of capturing the flexibility, fluctuations and early detection of symptom changes. Abstract Emotion dysregulation is regarded as a driving mechanism for the development of mental health problems and psychopathology. The role of emotion regulation (ER) in the management of cancer distress and quality of life (QoL) has recently been recognized in psycho-oncology. The latest technological advances afford ways to assess ER, affective experiences and QoL in child, adolescent and young adult (CAYA) cancer patients through electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) in their daily environment in real-time. Such tools facilitate ways to study the dynamics of affect and the flexibility of ER. However, technological advancement is not risk-free. We critically review the literature on ePRO in cancer existing models of ER in pediatric psycho-oncology and analyze strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of ePRO with a focus on CAYA cancer research and care. Supported by personal study-based experiences, this narrative review serves as a foundation to propose a novel methodological and metatheoretical framework based on: (a) an extended notion of ER, which includes its dynamic, adaptive and flexible nature and focuses on processes and conditions rather than fixed categorical strategies; (b) ePRO as a means to measure emotion regulation flexibility and affect dynamics; (c) identifying early warning signals for symptom change via ePRO and building forecasting models using dynamical systems theory.
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Currow DC, Agar MR, Phillips JL. Role of Hospice Care at the End of Life for People With Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2020; 38:937-943. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.18.02235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-defined factors that are important at the end of life include being physically independent for as long as possible, good symptom control, and spending quality time with friends and family. Hospice care adds to the quality of care and these patient-centered priorities for people with cancer and their families in the last weeks and days of life. Evidence from large observational studies demonstrate that hospice care can improve outcomes directly and support better and more appropriate health care use for people in the last stages of cancer. Team-based community hospice care has measurable benefits for patients, their family caregivers, and health services. In addition to improved symptom control for patients and a greater likelihood of time spent at home, caregiver outcomes are better when hospice care is accessed: informational needs are better met, and caregivers have an improved ability to move on with life after the patient’s death compared with people who did not have access to these services. Hospice care continues to evolve as its reach expands and the needs of patients continue to broaden. This is reflected in the transition from hospice being based on excellence in nursing to teams with a broad range of health professionals to meet the complex and changing needs of patients and their families. Additional integration of cancer services with hospice care will help to provide more seamless care for patients and supporting family caregivers during their caregiving and after the death of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Currow
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Meera R. Agar
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Schouten B, Avau B, Bekkering G(TE, Vankrunkelsven P, Mebis J, Hellings J, Van Hecke A. Systematic screening and assessment of psychosocial well-being and care needs of people with cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 3:CD012387. [PMID: 30909317 PMCID: PMC6433560 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012387.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receiving a diagnosis of cancer and the subsequent related treatments can have a significant impact on an individual's physical and psychosocial well-being. To ensure that cancer care addresses all aspects of well-being, systematic screening for distress and supportive care needs is recommended. Appropriate screening could help support the integration of psychosocial approaches in daily routines in order to achieve holistic cancer care and ensure that the specific care needs of people with cancer are met and that the organisation of such care is optimised. OBJECTIVES To examine the effectiveness and safety of screening of psychosocial well-being and care needs of people with cancer. To explore the intervention characteristics that contribute to the effectiveness of these screening interventions. SEARCH METHODS We searched five electronic databases in January 2018: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. We also searched five trial registers and screened the contents of relevant journals, citations, and references to find published and unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised controlled trials (NRCTs) that studied the effect of screening interventions addressing the psychosocial well-being and care needs of people with cancer compared to usual care. These screening interventions could involve self-reporting of people with a patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) or a semi-structured interview with a screening interventionist, and comprise a solitary screening intervention or screening with guided actions. We excluded studies that evaluated screening integrated as an element in more complex interventions (e.g. therapy, coaching, full care pathways, or care programmes). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted the data and assessed methodological quality for each included study using the Cochrane tool for RCTs and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for NRCTs. Due to the high level of heterogeneity in the included studies, only three were included in meta-analysis. Results of the remaining 23 studies were analysed narratively. MAIN RESULTS We included 26 studies (18 RCTs and 8 NRCTs) with sample sizes of 41 to 1012 participants, involving a total of 7654 adults with cancer. Two studies included only men or women; all other studies included both sexes. For most studies people with breast, lung, head and neck, colorectal, prostate cancer, or several of these diagnoses were included; some studies included people with a broader range of cancer diagnosis. Ten studies focused on a solitary screening intervention, while the remaining 16 studies evaluated a screening intervention combined with guided actions. A broad range of intervention instruments was used, and were described by study authors as a screening of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), distress screening, needs assessment, or assessment of biopsychosocial symptoms or overall well-being. In 13 studies, the screening was a self-reported questionnaire, while in the remaining 13 studies an interventionist conducted the screening by interview or paper-pencil assessment. The interventional screenings in the studies were applied 1 to 12 times, without follow-up or from 4 weeks to 18 months after the first interventional screening. We assessed risk of bias as high for eight RCTs, low for five RCTs, and unclear for the five remaining RCTs. There were further concerns about the NRCTs (1 = critical risk study; 6 = serious risk studies; 1 = risk unclear).Due to considerable heterogeneity in several intervention and study characteristics, we have reported the results narratively for the majority of the evidence.In the narrative synthesis of all included studies, we found very low-certainty evidence for the effect of screening on HRQoL (20 studies). Of these studies, eight found beneficial effects of screening for several subdomains of HRQoL, and 10 found no effects of screening. One study found adverse effects, and the last study did not report quantitative results. We found very low-certainty evidence for the effect of screening on distress (16 studies). Of these studies, two found beneficial effects of screening, and 14 found no effects of screening. We judged the overall certainty of the evidence for the effect of screening on HRQoL to be very low. We found very low-certainty evidence for the effect of screening on care needs (seven studies). Of these studies, three found beneficial effects of screening for several subdomains of care needs, and two found no effects of screening. One study found adverse effects, and the last study did not report quantitative results. We judged the overall level of evidence for the effect of screening on HRQoL to be very low. None of the studies specifically evaluated or reported adverse effects of screening. However, three studies reported unfavourable effects of screening, including lower QoL, more unmet needs, and lower satisfaction.Three studies could be included in a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed no beneficial effect of the screening intervention on people with cancer HRQoL (mean difference (MD) 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.83 to 8.12, 2 RCTs, 6 months follow-up); distress (MD 0.0, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.36, 1 RCT, 3 months follow-up); or care needs (MD 2.32, 95% CI -7.49 to 12.14, 2 RCTs, 3 months follow-up). However, these studies all evaluated one specific screening intervention (CONNECT) in people with colorectal cancer.In the studies where some effects could be identified, no recurring relationships were found between intervention characteristics and the effectiveness of screening interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found low-certainty evidence that does not support the effectiveness of screening of psychosocial well-being and care needs in people with cancer. Studies were heterogeneous in population, intervention, and outcome assessment.The results of this review suggest a need for more uniformity in outcomes and reporting; for the use of intervention description guidelines; for further improvement of methodological certainty in studies and for combining subjective patient-reported outcomes with objective outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojoura Schouten
- Hasselt UniversityResearch Group Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesHasseltLimburgBelgium3500
| | - Bert Avau
- Belgian Red CrossCentre for Evidence‐Based PracticeMotstraat 42MechelenBelgium2800
- Belgian Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine ‐ Cochrane BelgiumKapucijnenvoer 33, blok JLeuvenBelgium3000
| | - Geertruida (Trudy) E Bekkering
- Belgian Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine ‐ Cochrane BelgiumKapucijnenvoer 33, blok JLeuvenBelgium3000
- KU LeuvenDepartment of Public Health and Primary Care ‐ Faculty of MedicineKapucijnenvoer 33 Blok J Bus 7001LeuvenBelgium3000
| | - Patrick Vankrunkelsven
- Belgian Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine ‐ Cochrane BelgiumKapucijnenvoer 33, blok JLeuvenBelgium3000
- KU LeuvenDepartment of Public Health and Primary Care ‐ Faculty of MedicineKapucijnenvoer 33 Blok J Bus 7001LeuvenBelgium3000
| | - Jeroen Mebis
- Jessa HospitalDepartment of Medical OncologyHasseltBelgium
- Hasselt UniversityResearch Group Immunology and BiochemistryFaculty of Medicine and Life SciencesHasseltBelgium
| | - Johan Hellings
- Hasselt UniversityResearch Group Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesHasseltLimburgBelgium3500
- AZ DeltaRode‐Kruisstraat 20RoeselareBelgium
| | - Ann Van Hecke
- Ghent UniversityUniversity Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public HealthDe Pintelaan 185GhentBelgium9000
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Allgar VL, Chen H, Richfield E, Currow D, Macleod U, Johnson MJ. Psychometric Properties of the Needs Assessment Tool-Progressive Disease Cancer in U.K. Primary Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 56:602-612. [PMID: 30009964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of patients' needs for care is a critical step in achieving patient-centered cancer care. Tools can be used to assess needs and inform care planning. The Needs Assessment Tool:Progressive Disease-Cancer (NAT:PD-C) is an Australian oncology clinic tool for assessment by clinicians of patients' and carers' palliative care needs. This has not been validated in the U.K. primary care setting. AIM The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties and acceptability of a U.K. primary care adapted NAT:PD-C. DESIGN Reliability: NAT:PD-C-guided video-recorded consultations were viewed, rated, and rerated by clinicians. Weighted Fleiss' kappa and prevalence- and bias-adjusted kappa statistics were used. Construct: During a consultation, general medical practitioners (GPs) used NAT:PD-C, patient measures (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale; Research Utilisation Group Activities of Daily Living; Palliative care Outcome Score; Australian Karnofsky Performance Scale), and carer measures (Carer Strain Index; Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool). Kendall's Tau-b was used. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS GPs, nurses, patients, and carers were recruited from primary care practices. RESULTS Reliability: All patients' well-being items and four of five items in the carer/family ability to care section showed adequate interrater reliability. There was moderate test-retest reliability for five of six in the patients' well-being section and five of five in the carer/family ability to care section. Construct: There was at least fair agreement for five of six of patients' well-being items; high for daily living (Kendall's Tau-b = 0.57, P < 0.001). The NAT:PD-C has adequate carer construct validity (five of eight) with strong agreement for two of eight patients. Over three-quarters of GPs considered the NAT:PD-C to have high acceptability. CONCLUSION The NAT PD-C is reliable, valid, and acceptable in the UK primary care setting. Effectiveness in reducing patient and carer unmet needs and issues regarding implementation are yet to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong Chen
- Hull York Medical School, Allam Medical Building, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Ed Richfield
- Elderly Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - David Currow
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Una Macleod
- Hull York Medical School, Allam Medical Building, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- Hull York Medical School, Allam Medical Building, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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Lambert S, Bellamy T, Girgis A. Routine assessment of unmet needs in individuals with advanced cancer and their caregivers: A qualitative study of the palliative care needs assessment tool (PC-NAT). J Psychosoc Oncol 2017; 36:82-96. [DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2017.1382645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Lambert
- McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Ingram School of Nursing, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- St. Mary's Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- UNSW Medicine, South Western Sydney Clinical School, Psycho-oncology Research Group, Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation (CONCERT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Bellamy
- Hunter New England Local Health District, James Fletcher Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Afaf Girgis
- UNSW Medicine, South Western Sydney Clinical School, Psycho-oncology Research Group, Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation (CONCERT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Kreuter M, Bendstrup E, Russell AM, Bajwah S, Lindell K, Adir Y, Brown CE, Calligaro G, Cassidy N, Corte TJ, Geissler K, Hassan AA, Johannson KA, Kairalla R, Kolb M, Kondoh Y, Quadrelli S, Swigris J, Udwadia Z, Wells A, Wijsenbeek M. Palliative care in interstitial lung disease: living well. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2017; 5:968-980. [PMID: 29033267 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(17)30383-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Progressive fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are characterised by major reductions in quality of life and survival and have similarities to certain malignancies. However, palliative care expertise is conspicuously inaccessible to many patients with ILD. Unmet patient and caregiver needs include effective pharmacological and psychosocial interventions to improve quality of life throughout the disease course, sensitive advanced care planning, and timely patient-centred end-of-life care. The incorrect perception that palliative care is synonymous with end-of-life care, with no role earlier in the course of ILD, has created a culture of neglect. Interventions that aim to improve life expectancy are often prioritised without rigorous assessment of the individual's health and psychosocial needs, thereby inadvertently reducing quality of life. As in malignant disorders, radical interventions to slow disease progression and palliative measures to improve quality of life should both be prioritised. Efficient patient-centred models of palliative care must be validated, taking into account religious and cultural differences, as well as variability of resources. Effective implementation of palliative care for ILD will require multidisciplinary participation from clinicians, specialist nurses, psychologists, social workers, and, in some countries, non-governmental faith and community-based organisations with access to palliative care expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kreuter
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Bendstrup
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Russell
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Royal Brompton Hospital and Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sabrina Bajwah
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kathleen Lindell
- Dorothy P & Richard P Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease at UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yochai Adir
- Pulmonary Division, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Crystal E Brown
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Greg Calligaro
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Tamera J Corte
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Azza Adel Hassan
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Supportive and Palliative Section, Oncology Department, Doha, Qatar; Medical Research Institute, Clinical Oncology Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Ronaldo Kairalla
- Pulmonary Division, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martin Kolb
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Department of Medicine, Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yasuhiro Kondoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Tosei General Hospital, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Jeff Swigris
- Interstitial Lung Disease Program, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Zarir Udwadia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, P D Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Center, Mumbai, India
| | - Athol Wells
- NIHR Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, UK; Fibrosis Research Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marlies Wijsenbeek
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Providing palliative care for cardiovascular disease from a perspective of sociocultural diversity: a global view. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2016; 10:11-7. [PMID: 26808051 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article discusses the available information on providing palliative care for cardiovascular disease (CVD) for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and argues the need for cultural competence and awareness of healthcare providers. RECENT FINDINGS The burden of CVD is increasing globally and access to palliative care for individuals and populations is inconsistent and largely driven by policy, funding models, center-based expertise and local resources. Culture is an important social determinant of health and moderates health outcomes across the life trajectory. Along with approachability, availability, accommodation, affordability and appropriateness, culture moderates access to services. Health disparities and inequity of access underscore the importance of ensuring services meet the needs of diverse populations and that care is provided by individuals who are culturally competent. In death and dying, the vulnerability of individuals, families and communities is most pronounced. Using a social-ecological model as an organising framework, we consider the evidence from the literature in regard to the interaction between the individual, interpersonal relationships, community and society in promoting access to individuals with cardiovascular disease. SUMMARY This review highlights the need for considering individual, provider and system factors to tailor and target healthcare services to the needs of culturally diverse populations. Beyond translation of materials, there is a need to understand the cultural dimensions influencing health-seeking behaviors and acceptance of palliative care and ensuring the cultural competence of health professionals in both primary and specialist palliative care.
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Abstract
A 'need-supply' and 'requirement-distribution mismatch' along with a continuingneed explosion are the biggest hurdles faced by palliative medicine today. It is the need of the hour to provide an unbiased, equitable and evidence-based palliative care to those in need irrespective of the diagnosis, prognosis, social and economic status or geographical location. Palliative care as a fundamental human right, ensuring provision throughout the illness spectrum, global as well as region-specific capacity building, uniform availability of essential drugs at an affordable price, a multidisciplinary team approachand caregiver-support are some of the achievable goals for the future. This supplanted with a strong political commitment, professional dedication and 'public-private partnerships' are necessaryto tackle the existing hurdles and the exponentially increasing future need. For effectively going ahead it is of utmost importance to integrate palliative medicine into medical education, healthcare system and societal framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushma Bhatnagar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mayank Gupta
- Department of Medical Intensive Care Unit and Pain, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi, India
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Poulose JV, Do YK, Neo PSH. Association between referral-to-death interval and location of death of patients referred to a hospital-based specialist palliative care service. J Pain Symptom Manage 2013. [PMID: 23177723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The time interval between palliative care referral and death may play a role in determining the last place of care and location of death of patients referred to palliative care teams. OBJECTIVES To examine the association between the referral-to-death interval and location of death of patients referred to a hospital-based palliative care service in Singapore. METHODS A retrospective analysis of data from a palliative care service's administrative database was performed. Individual patient's referral-to-death interval was calculated using the date of first contact with the service and date of death. Multinomial regression analysis was done to determine the influence of referral-to-death interval in predicting death at home and in an inpatient hospice facility compared with death in hospital, separately by gender. RESULTS Of 842 patients, 52% were female and 56% were aged 65 years or older. Terminal cancer was the diagnosis for most patients (86%). Three hundred ninety patients (46%) died outside the hospital setting. A referral-to-death interval of ≥30 days (as opposed to <30 days) was associated with an increased likelihood of dying at home (odds ratio [OR] 2.21, 95% CI 1.34-3.67 for males and OR 3.33, 95% CI 2.07-5.35 for females) or in an inpatient hospice facility (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.13-3.60 for males and OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.55-4.66 for females) compared with death in hospital. Male patients' age, ethnicity, and marital status were found to be the contributing factors in predicting death at home. CONCLUSION Longer referral-to-death interval was associated with death outside the hospital for patients enrolled in a hospital-based service. The study highlights the importance of early referral in predicting the last place of care and location of death of palliative care patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jissy Vijo Poulose
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, Singapore
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Charns MP, Foster MK, Alligood EC, Benzer JK, Burgess JF, Li D, McIntosh NM, Burness A, Partin MR, Clauser SB. Multilevel interventions: measurement and measures. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2012; 2012:67-77. [PMID: 22623598 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgs011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multilevel intervention research holds the promise of more accurately representing real-life situations and, thus, with proper research design and measurement approaches, facilitating effective and efficient resolution of health-care system challenges. However, taking a multilevel approach to cancer care interventions creates both measurement challenges and opportunities. METHODS One-thousand seventy two cancer care articles from 2005 to 2010 were reviewed to examine the state of measurement in the multilevel intervention cancer care literature. Ultimately, 234 multilevel articles, 40 involving cancer care interventions, were identified. Additionally, literature from health services, social psychology, and organizational behavior was reviewed to identify measures that might be useful in multilevel intervention research. RESULTS The vast majority of measures used in multilevel cancer intervention studies were individual level measures. Group-, organization-, and community-level measures were rarely used. Discussion of the independence, validity, and reliability of measures was scant. DISCUSSION Measurement issues may be especially complex when conducting multilevel intervention research. Measurement considerations that are associated with multilevel intervention research include those related to independence, reliability, validity, sample size, and power. Furthermore, multilevel intervention research requires identification of key constructs and measures by level and consideration of interactions within and across levels. Thus, multilevel intervention research benefits from thoughtful theory-driven planning and design, an interdisciplinary approach, and mixed methods measurement and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P Charns
- Center for Organization, Leadership and Management Research, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Boston, MA, USA
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Waller A, Girgis A, Johnson C, Lecathelinais C, Sibbritt D, Forstner D, Liauw W, Currow DC. Improving outcomes for people with progressive cancer: interrupted time series trial of a needs assessment intervention. J Pain Symptom Manage 2012; 43:569-81. [PMID: 22209224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Improving the effectiveness of cancer care delivery has become a major focus of research. OBJECTIVES This study assessed the uptake and impact of the Palliative Care Needs Assessment Guidelines and Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease--Cancer (NAT: PD-C) on the outcomes of people with advanced cancer. METHODS Given widely varying survival in people with advanced cancer, an interrupted time series design was used, with data on unmet needs, depression, anxiety, and quality of life collected from 195 patients using telephone interviews every two months, for up to 18 months. Patients completed at least two baseline interviews before health professionals were academically detailed in the use of the Palliative Care Needs Assessment Guidelines and NAT: PD-C. Health professionals completed the NAT: PD-C with patients approximately monthly for the remainder of the study. Changes in patients' outcomes were compared prior to and following the introduction of the NAT: PD-C using general estimating equations. RESULTS Moderate to high needs across all domains were frequently seen in the preintervention phase. The use of the NAT: PD-C was associated with a significant reduction in health system and information and patient care and support needs. CONCLUSION These resources have the potential as an efficient and acceptable strategy for supporting needs-based cancer care. Further work is required to determine their unique contribution to improvements in patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Waller
- Centre for Health Research & Psycho-oncology, The Cancer Council NSW, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
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Burridge LH, Mitchell GK, Jiwa M, Girgis A. Consultation etiquette in general practice: a qualitative study of what makes it different for lay cancer caregivers. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2011; 12:110. [PMID: 21970440 PMCID: PMC3198678 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-12-110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background It is commonplace for lay caregivers to overlook their own health concerns when supporting someone with advanced cancer. During this time, caregivers' needs as patients are often marginalised by health professionals, including General Practitioners (GPs), who may miss the breadth of caregivers' needs by focusing on the practicalities of caregiving. GPs traditionally rely on patients to raise their concerns, and then respond to these concerns, but caregivers as patients may be disinclined to cue their GP. The norms of engagement when caregivers consult their GP are less defined, and how they interact with their GP regarding their own health is under-explored. This sub-study investigates the norms, assumptions and subtleties which govern caregiver-GP consultations, and explores factors affecting their interaction regarding caregivers' own health concerns. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with six lay caregivers and 19 health professionals in Brisbane, Australia, and analyzed the interview transcripts thematically. Results Traditional norms of engagement are subjected to assumptions and expectations which caregivers and GPs bring to the consultation. Practice pressures also influence both parties' capacity and willingness to discuss caregivers' health. Nonetheless, some GPs monitor caregivers' health opportunistically. Their interaction is enhanced by the quality of the caregiver-GP relationship and by the GP's skills. Conclusions Caregivers are caught in a paradox whereby their health needs may become subsumed by the care recipient's needs in a setting where patient needs are normally scrutinised and supported. Caregivers may not raise their health concerns with their GP, who instead may need to cue them that it is timely and safe to do so. The routine use of a prompt may help to address caregivers' needs systematically, but it needs to be complemented by GPs' desire and capacity to engage with patients in a caregiving role. The potential difference GPs can make to the health of these patients is substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letitia H Burridge
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Level 8, Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospitals, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.
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Waller A, Girgis A, Johnson C, Lecathelinais C, Sibbritt D, Seldon M, Bonaventura T, Currow D. Implications of a needs assessment intervention for people with progressive cancer: Impact on clinical assessment, response and service utilisation. Psychooncology 2011; 21:550-7. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.1933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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14
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Mitchell GK. Palliative care in australia. Ochsner J 2011; 11:334-337. [PMID: 22190884 PMCID: PMC3241066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Australia is a very large country with a relatively small, diverse population. Palliative care is delivered by a range of professionals, from general (family) practitioners and community care nurses to large tertiary referral palliative care services. A national strategy provides a service development framework that informs the provision of these services. The National Palliative Care Program has provided extensive service improvement in the past decade. Challenges to improving the delivery of palliative care center around meeting the requirements of people with nonmalignant life-limiting illnesses; growing the specialist workforce; maintaining the skills of the primary care workforce; and providing palliative care to special populations such as the aged, indigenous Australians, non-English-speaking Australians, and children.
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Schneider N, Mitchell GK, Murray SA. Palliative care in urgent need of recognition and development in general practice: the example of Germany. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2010; 11:66. [PMID: 20843334 PMCID: PMC2945968 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-11-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Specialist palliative care is being increasingly recognised and developed to improve end-of-life care in many developed countries. However, only a small proportion of the total number of patients with incurable, progressive diseases actually has direct contact with specialist palliative care practitioners. Using the German situation as an example, the main purpose of this paper is to argue that the emphasis on specialist palliative care services without a similar encouragement of primary palliative care will deliver a constrained service. Discussion For the vast majority of people with incurable, progressive diseases, good palliative care delivered by General Practitioners and community nurses, with access to specialist support when needed, is the optimal response. In Germany, specialist palliative care in the community was established in the 2007 health care reforms. However actual and potential delivery of palliative care by general practitioners and community based nurses has been sorely neglected. The time-consuming care of palliative patients and their families is currently far from accurately reflected in German, indeed most European primary care payment systems. However, it is not just a question of adequate financial compensation but also of the recognition of the fundamental value of this intense form of holistic family medicine. Summary It is imperative palliative care carried out by community nurses and general practitioners is better recognised by health professionals, health insurers, government and the scientific community as a central part of the delivery of health care for people in the last phase of life. Health systems should be arranged so that this critical role of general practice and primary care is intentionally fostered. Palliative care carried out by generalists needs an identity at an academic and practical level, developing in concert with specialist palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Schneider
- Institute of Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health System Research, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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Mitchell GK, Johnson CE, Thomas K, Murray SA. Palliative care beyond that for cancer in Australia. Med J Aust 2010; 193:124-6. [DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2010.tb03822.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire E Johnson
- Cancer and Palliative Care Research and Evaluation Unit, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA
| | - Keri Thomas
- National Gold Standards Framework Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England
| | - Scott A Murray
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
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