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Aunan ST, Wallgren GC, Hansen BS. The value of information and support; Experiences among patients with prostate cancer. J Clin Nurs 2021; 30:1653-1664. [PMID: 33590945 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15719] [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] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore and analyse prostate cancer survivors` experiences and critical reflections of information received during their cancer trajectory. BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in men worldwide. Treatment causes side effects such as urinary incontinence, bowel changes and erection problems influencing sex life and manhood. Cancer pathways are designed to give patients and their relatives a predictable and as stress-free as possible treatment trajectory and minimise waiting time. DESIGN Qualitative, explorative research design. METHODS Focus groups with 16 prostate cancer survivors after having participated in an educational programme. The COREQ checklist was followed to ensure rigour in the study. RESULTS The main theme, 'Help me stay in control', and three subthemes, 'To be met with interest and support, enough knowledge to understand what is happening and a plan to build the new life on', emerged from qualitative analysis and highlighted the participants' need for information and support, specially scheduled at critical times in the treatment trajectory: the diagnostic phase, the treatment phase and the life after treatment. They also highlighted the need for empathy and interest from healthcare professionals and highlighted the need for arenas to discuss vulnerable topics. Contact with peers was perceived as supportive and encouraging. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals must support prostate cancer survivors with empathy, interest and information tailored to their needs in three different phases. Continuity in information flow may increase trust and satisfaction among the prostate cancer survivors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE PCa patients' need for information varied at critical times in their treatment trajectory. HCP should meet them with empathy and interest to be able to tailor their need for information and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siv Tove Aunan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Caring and Ethics, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Gry Ciekals Wallgren
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Britt Saetre Hansen
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Quality and Safety in Health Care Systems, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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Albaugh JA, Sufrin N, Lapin BR, Petkewicz J, Tenfelde S. Life after prostate cancer treatment: a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners. BMC Urol 2017; 17:45. [PMID: 28619019 PMCID: PMC5472970 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-017-0231-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men and sexual dysfunction is the most frequently reported long-term side effect of prostate cancer surgery or radiation. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners following prostate cancer treatment. METHODS Men with sexual dysfunction from either surgical removal or radiation therapy 1-5 years after treatment were interviewed, as well as their partners. A mixed method design was used to determine the lived experience of men with sexual dysfunction. Open-ended questions guided the interviews. RESULTS Twenty seven men completed the study with a mean age of 61 years (SD = 8.0; range = 44-77 years). Nine partners also participated. The majority of men (92.6%) had surgery. The average time from treatment to the interview was 23.5 months (SD = 11.7). Themes were frustration with sexual dysfunction, importance of support and understanding from others, depression and anxiety related to sexual dysfunction, importance of intimacy with partner, factors that impact treatment satisfaction, and education and comprehensive information about sex. CONCLUSIONS Prostate cancer survivors and partners need accurate information about sexual side effects before during and after treatment. Men and partners required individualized help and guidance to manage sexual dysfunction. Support and understanding from partners, family, and others was also identified as an important aspect of healing and adjustment after prostate cancer treatment. Prostate cancer education/support groups played a key role in helping men and partners gain advocacy, education, and support. Psychological problems such as depression and anxiety need to be identified and addressed in men after prostate cancer treatment. Men and partners need assistance in understanding and navigating their way through intimacy to move forward with connectedness in their relationship. Satisfaction with treatment and with providers is dependent on patient education and understanding of all aspects of prostate cancer treatment including sexual side effects and incontinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Albaugh
- John and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health, NorthShore University HealthSystem, 2180 Pfingsten Road, Suite 3000, Glenview, Illinois, 60026, USA.
| | - Nat Sufrin
- The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jacqueline Petkewicz
- John and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health, NorthShore University HealthSystem, 2180 Pfingsten Road, Suite 3000, Glenview, Illinois, 60026, USA
| | - Sandi Tenfelde
- The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University of Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
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Sundberg K, Wengström Y, Blomberg K, Hälleberg-Nyman M, Frank C, Langius-Eklöf A. Early detection and management of symptoms using an interactive smartphone application (Interaktor) during radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Support Care Cancer 2017; 25:2195-2204. [PMID: 28236145 PMCID: PMC5445148 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3625-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Patients undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer suffer from a variety of symptoms which influence health-related quality of life. We have developed an application (Interaktor) for smartphones and tablets for early detection, reporting and management of symptoms, and concerns during treatment for prostate cancer. The study evaluates the effect on symptom burden and quality of life when using the application for real-time symptom assessment and management during radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. Methods A non-randomized controlled study was used at two university hospitals in Sweden where 64 patients constituted a control group and 66 patients made up an intervention group. The intervention group was asked to report symptoms via the application daily during the treatment as well as 3 weeks after. The EORTC QLQ-C30 and its module PR25 and the Sense of Coherence questionnaire were administered at three time points in both groups. Results The intervention group rated significantly lower levels of fatigue and nausea at the end of radiotherapy. Moreover, they had significantly less burden in emotional functioning, insomnia, and urinary-related symptoms at the end of treatment as well as 3 months later compared with the control group. In the multivariate analyses, with education and sense of coherence as covariates, the intervention group still significantly rated emotional functioning (p = 0.007), insomnia (p = 0.017), and urinary-related symptoms (p = 0.008) as better than the control group at T2. Conclusion Study findings suggest that Interaktor could be an efficient mHealth tool for facilitating supportive care needs during cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Sundberg
- Department of NVS, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, 23 300, Huddinge, 14183, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Radiumhemmet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Yvonne Wengström
- Department of NVS, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, 23 300, Huddinge, 14183, Stockholm, Sweden.,Radiumhemmet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Blomberg
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Maria Hälleberg-Nyman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Catharina Frank
- Department of NVS, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, 23 300, Huddinge, 14183, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Langius-Eklöf
- Department of NVS, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, 23 300, Huddinge, 14183, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zanchetta MS, Cognet M, Lam-Kin-Teng MR, Dumitriu ME, Renaud L, Rhéaume J. From early detection to rehabilitation in the community: reading beyond the blog testimonies of survivors' quality of life and prostate cancer representation. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2016; 14:171. [PMID: 27986091 PMCID: PMC5162078 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-016-0568-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Survivors’ testimonies can reveal much about men’s experiences of prostate cancer and impacts on their quality of life (QOL) during the clinical trajectory of the disease. These survivors’ shared thoughts and views were hypothesized to reflect salient features of their lived social representation of prostate cancer. Context We explored the content of testimonies posted by men to a public blog hosted by a French national prostate cancer patients’ association. The study question, “What do French bloggers’ testimonies reveal about their lived experiences with prostate cancer, especially regarding their quality of life in community settings, that underpin their social representation of prostate cancer?” guided the exploration and analysis of the textual data. The aims were to better understand men’s experiences and predominant thoughts and views, to elucidate patients’ behaviours, and to enlighten medical policy and practice. Purpose Explore issues of QOL as reported by French prostate cancer survivors in a public blog by: (a) identifying the salient aspects and issues of the experience of living with prostate cancer from the perspective of survivors; and (b) analyzing the content in the posted testimonies regarding perceived and lived impacts of prostate cancer on QOL. Methods A critical ethnographic study guided the selection of textual data from 196 male bloggers’ testimonies about prostate cancer posted in the period from 2008 to 2013. Media content analysis method was undertaken on blog testimonies, framed by a multidimensional conceptual framework of QOL. Results Testimonies focused mainly on medical care and rehabilitation, recovery, health education and self-care, as well as on a global vision of prostate cancer and its impacts on personal views of manhood and masculinity. The language used indicated that political, educative and compassionate discourses were intertwined to create a complex representation of the experience and effects of prostate cancer; this multi-faceted representation can inform the public and professional debate about men’s capacity to provide emotional support and problem-solve within a community of interest. Conclusion Findings, while based on data limited to mostly one-time entries to a French blog, contribute to understanding a unique, collective expression of men’s lived experiences of prostate cancer. These anonymous survivors shared their varied reactions, ways of coping, and thoughts on needed change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margareth Santos Zanchetta
- Ryerson University- Faculty of Community Services, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, 350 Victoria St. office POD 470C, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada.
| | - Marguerite Cognet
- Université Denis Diderot- UFR Sciences sociales, Unité de recherche Migrations et Sociétés, Paris, France
| | - Mary Rachel Lam-Kin-Teng
- Ryerson University- Faculty of Community Services, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, 350 Victoria St. office POD 470C, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Marie Elisabeth Dumitriu
- Ryerson University- Faculty of Community Services, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, 350 Victoria St. office POD 470C, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Lise Renaud
- Université du Québec à Montréal, CSSS de la Montagne, Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques Rhéaume
- CSSS de la Montagne, Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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[Prostate cancer in routine healthcare: health-related quality of life after inpatient treatment]. Urologe A 2015; 53:1793-9. [PMID: 25297490 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-014-3615-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCA) is the most common form of neoplasm in men and various treatment options are available. Knowledge of health-related quality of life (HRQL) can provide information to support informed decision-making. In addition, information on factors influencing HRQL can provide indications for the further development of medical treatment. The aim of the study was to obtain data on HRQL after inpatient treatment of PCA and the identification of determinants of HRQL after PCA in routine healthcare. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study a total of 1165 beneficiaries of a German health insurance with a hospital stay due to prostate cancer (ICD C61) were surveyed on their health-related quality of life using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire version 3 (EORTC QLQ-C30 V3.0) and disease-specific symptoms using the perceived sensitivity to medicine (PSM) scale 14 months after discharge. Survey data were linked with pseudonymous claims data of the health insurance provider. Determinants of HRQL were examined by logistic regression. RESULTS Responses from 825 men (mean age 67.6 years and 80% treated with radical prostatectomy) were available for analysis (response 70.8%). Compared to the reference population impairments in HRQL were reported especially in terms of the roles and social functionality. The prostate-specific symptoms varied depending on the treatment strategy. A nerve-sparing surgical technique reduced the likelihood of erectile dysfunction. Other protective factors were no pre-existing comorbidities and younger age. DISCUSSION The effects of PCA on the HRQOL varied by age, comorbidities and treatment modality which should be considered in healthcare information and counseling of patients.
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Chu D, Popovic M, Chow E, Cella D, Beaumont JL, Lam H, Nguyen J, Giovanni JD, Pulenzas N, Bedard G, Bottomley A. Development, characteristics and validity of the EORTC QLQ-PR25 and the FACT-P for assessment of quality of life in prostate cancer patients. J Comp Eff Res 2014; 3:523-31. [DOI: 10.2217/cer.14.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to compare and contrast the development, characteristics and validity of two widely used quality of life assessment tools in patients with prostate cancers: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-PR25) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACT-P). Both questionnaires present several strengths as well as some limitations in measuring the quality of life of prostate cancer patients. Each tool may be selected accordingly based on study design and needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Chu
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marko Popovic
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward Chow
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Cella
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer L Beaumont
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Henry Lam
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jasmine Nguyen
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Di Giovanni
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie Pulenzas
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gillian Bedard
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Bottomley
- European Organisation for Research & Treatment of Cancer Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
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Albaugh J. Small study finds that 3 years after prostate cancer treatment, men may report high quality of life and functioning. Evid Based Nurs 2014; 17:42-43. [PMID: 23852889 DOI: 10.1136/eb-2013-101420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
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Jakobsson L, Fransson P. Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) of Quality of Life After Prostatectomy - Results from a 5-Year Study. Open Nurs J 2013; 7:165-73. [PMID: 24454589 PMCID: PMC3893719 DOI: 10.2174/1874434601307010165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Sweden, and treatment is negatively affecting the patients' quality of life. Even so, long term experiences are sparse and implications for nursing practice are little known. The aim of this study was to determine areas of functioning and factors impacting quality of life, QOL, during and five years after radical prostatectomy (RP) using a quality of life questionnaire and a specific module for prostate cancer. A longitudinal study was performed with consecutively included Swedish men from baseline and after RP treatment (n=222) from 2003 to 2011 to obtain their opinions on quality of life. Data was gathered through a mail out - mail in procedure at baseline, 3 months, 1-3 and 5 years after treatment with a response rate of 94.14% - 75.2%. One reminder was sent on each occasion. Identified areas with increased functioning after five years were emotional and social functioning. QOL ratings did not change over the years. Sexual activity and functioning decreased and hormonal treatment-related symptoms increased. Impact on QOL was found regarding emotional and social functioning, nausea/vomiting, pain and hormone-related symptoms. Increasing age, living with a partner and educational level had no significant impact on QOL. Implications for nursing are to initially focus on physical problems and at times for follow-up visits pay attention also to emotional and social aspects of life. To be able to make a difference in the patient’s life, nurses need to bridge the gap between in-hospital treatment and everyday life outside hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselotte Jakobsson
- School of Health and Society, Kristianstad University, SE-291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Per Fransson
- School of Health and Society, Kristianstad University, SE-291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden
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