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Speckemeier C, Maus K, Bialobrzeski A, Jaspers B, Radbruch L, Hahn S, Wasem J, Grünwald V, Dirksen U, Neumann A. Exploring long-term cancer survivors' care experiences and unmet needs: protocol for a qualitative study. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:783. [PMID: 38951760 PMCID: PMC11218380 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12527-9] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of cancer survivors has increased in recent decades, and the majority of them suffer from sequelae of their disease and treatment. This study, which is part of the larger research project OPTILATER, aims to explore different aspects of care services for long-term survivors (≥ 5 years after initial cancer diagnosis) in Germany. The study places an emphasis on the situation of people from different age groups, with different socio-demographic and cultural backgrounds, and sexually and gender diverse individuals. METHODS To investigate experiences related to follow-up care, focus groups (n = 2) will be conducted with members of patient advisory councils and advocacy groups, representatives of communities, healthcare workers and networks, as well as members of Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. Guided interviews will be carried out with patients and relatives (n = 40) to investigate needs, barriers and obstacles in terms of follow-up care. On this basis, additional focus groups (n = 2) will be carried out to derive possible scenarios for improving the consideration of needs. Focus groups and interviews will follow a semi-structured format and will be analysed content-analytically. Focus groups and interviews will be conducted online, recorded, transcribed, and analysed independently by two persons. DISCUSSION The qualitative approach is considered suitable because of the exploratory research aims. The identification of experiences and barriers can reveal disparities and optimization potential in the care of long-term cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Speckemeier
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45127, Thea-Leymann-Str. 9, Essen, Germany.
| | - K Maus
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - A Bialobrzeski
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - B Jaspers
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - L Radbruch
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - S Hahn
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Germany
| | - J Wasem
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45127, Thea-Leymann-Str. 9, Essen, Germany
| | - V Grünwald
- Clinic for Urology, Clinic for Medical Oncology, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Hufelandstr. 55, Essen, Germany
| | - U Dirksen
- Paediatrics III, German Cancer Research Centre (DKTK), West German Cancer Center, National Center for Tumordiseases (NCT) site Essen, University Hospital Essen, 45147, Hufelandstraße 55, Essen, Germany
| | - A Neumann
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45127, Thea-Leymann-Str. 9, Essen, Germany
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Heckel M, Herbst FA. Non-kin caregivers of terminally ill people: Contributions, experiences, and needs: A protocol for a mixed-methods study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306282. [PMID: 38935665 PMCID: PMC11210750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of non-kin caregivers, such as friends, neighbours, and acquaintances, in providing end-of-life care is significant but often overlooked in research and policy discussions. These caregivers provide extensive support for individuals in end-of-life care, in addition to or instead of family members. However, there is limited evidence in the literature regarding the experiences, burdens, and benefits of non-kin caregivers. AIMS The aim of this research is to examine the role and contributions of non-kin caregivers in end-of-life care. The study intends to uncover their experiences, associated challenges, benefits, and requirements for support. METHODS In order to achieve this objective, a mixed-methods approach will be employed, gathering data through structured questionnaires from approximately 150 non-kin caregivers and in-depth interviews with up to 25 participants. The questionnaires will measure the impact, burden, and benefits of caregiving. The Burden Scale for Family Caregivers, the Benefits of Being a Caregiver Scale, the Family Inventory of Needs, the Positive Mental Health Scale, a Graphic Closeness Scale, and selected items of the Eurofamcare Common Assessment Tool for socio-demographic and caregiving-related data will be used. Quantitative data will be analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28 for descriptive analysis and group comparison. The objective of the qualitative in-depth interviews is to obtain a comprehensive picture of the personal experiences, motivations and support needs of members of the non-kin caregivers cohort, who are as heterogeneous as possible in terms of gender, socio-economic status, and facility with the German language. The qualitative data from the interviews will be examined using MAXQDA software, adopting a grounded theory approach for analysis. DISCUSSION This research will develop a comprehensive framework that captures the nuanced experiences of non-kin caregivers at the end of life. The framework will identify areas where support for non-kin caregivers is lacking and where further research is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was prospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) (Registration N° DRKS00033889; date of registration: 05 April 2024). The study is searchable under the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal of the World Health Organization, under the German Clinical Trials Register number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Heckel
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen–EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska A. Herbst
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Koffman J, Bajwah S, Davies JM, Hussain JA. Researching minoritised communities in palliative care: An agenda for change. Palliat Med 2022; 37:530-542. [PMID: 36271636 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221132091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care access, experiences and outcomes of care disadvantage those from ethnically diverse, Indigenous, First nation and First people communities. Research into this field of inquiry raises unique theoretical, methodological, and moral issues. Without the critical reflection of methods of study and reporting of findings, researchers may inadvertently compromise their contribution to reducing injustices and perpetuating racism. AIM To examine key evidence of the place of minoritised communities in palliative care research to devise recommendations that improve the precision and rigour of research and reporting of findings. METHODS Narrative review of articles identified from PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar for 10 years augmented with supplementary searches. RESULTS We identified and appraised 109 relevant articles. Four main themes were identified (i) Lack of precision when working with a difference; (ii) 'black box epidemiology' and its presence in palliative care research; (iii) the inclusion of minoritised communities in palliative care research; and (iv) the potential to cause harm. All stymie opportunities to 'level up' health experiences and outcomes across the palliative care spectrum. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings of this review palliative care research must reflect on and justify the classification of minoritised communities, explore and understand intersectionality, optimise data quality, decolonise research teams and methods, and focus on reducing inequities to level up end-of-life care experiences and outcomes. Palliative care research must be forthright in explicitly indentifying instances of structural and systemic racism in palliative care research and engaging in non-judgemental debate on changes required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Koffman
- University of Hull, Hull York Medical School, Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull, UK
| | - Sabrina Bajwah
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, UK
| | - Joanna M Davies
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, UK
| | - Jamilla Akhter Hussain
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
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Meijers MC, Stouthard J, Evers AWM, Das E, Drooger HJ, Jansen SJAJ, Francke AL, Plum N, van der Wall E, Nestoriuc Y, Dusseldorp E, van Vliet LM. Possible alleviation of symptoms and side effects through clinicians' nocebo information and empathy in an experimental video vignette study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16112. [PMID: 36167876 PMCID: PMC9515213 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19729-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To alleviate anti-cancer treatment burden in advanced breast cancer, patient-clinician communication strategies based on nocebo-effect mechanisms are promising. We assessed distinct/combined effects on psychological outcomes (e.g. anxiety; main outcome) and side-effect expectations of (1) nocebo information about the (non)pharmacological origin of side effects, and (2) clinician-expressed empathy through reassurance of continuing support. Furthermore, we explored whether information and empathy effects on side-effect expectations were mediated by decreased anxiety. In a two-by-two experimental video-vignette design, 160 cancer patients/survivors and healthy women watched one of four videos differing in level of nocebo information (±) and empathy (±). Regression and mediation analysis were used to determine effects of information/empathy and explore anxiety's mediating role. Anxiety was not influenced by empathy or information (Stai-state: p = 0.295; p = 0.390, VAS p = 0.399; p = 0.823). Information improved (specific) side-effect coping expectations (p < 0.01). Empathy improved side-effect intensity expectations (p < 0.01 = specific; p < 0.05 = non-specific/partial) and specific side-effect probability expectations (p < 0.01), and increased satisfaction, trust, and self-efficacy (p < 0.001). No mediating effects were found of anxiety on expectations. Mainly empathy, but also nocebo information improved psychological outcomes and-mainly specific-side-effect expectations. Exploring the power of these communication elements in clinical practice is essential to diminish the anti-cancer treatment burden in advanced breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Meijers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Health-, Medical and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - J Stouthard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Health-, Medical and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Medical Delta, Leiden University, TU Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - E Das
- Centre for Language Studies, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H J Drooger
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Health-, Medical and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - S J A J Jansen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Health-, Medical and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A L Francke
- NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - N Plum
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E van der Wall
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Y Nestoriuc
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Helmut-Schmidt-University/University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
- Systemic Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - E Dusseldorp
- Methodology and Statistics Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - L M van Vliet
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Health-, Medical and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Medical Delta, Leiden University, TU Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Delft, The Netherlands.
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Shabnam J, Timm HU, Nielsen DS, Raunkiær M. Palliative Care Utilisation Among Non-Western Migrants in Denmark: A Qualitative Study Of the Experiences of Patients, Family Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221111933. [PMID: 35786059 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221111933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study explores care experiences while utilising palliative care services of non-western migrant families from the perspectives of patients, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals in Denmark. Twenty-three semi-structured individual and group interviews were conducted among eight patients with a life-threatening disease, 11 family caregivers, and ten healthcare professionals. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: 1) Communication between families and healthcare professionals; 2) Building and lack of trusting relations, and feeling safe, and 3) Access to information and navigating in the healthcare system. Moreover, ''language and culture'' emerged as transaction themes that are not mutually exclusive, however, interconnect across the mentioned three themes. Non-western migrant families can be supported by healthcare professionals' cultural competency training, negotiating on providing services concerning information, patient preferences, family involvement, and palliative care setting. This study findings urge inter-sectoral collaboration to ensure needs-oriented and linguistically and culturally appropriate palliative care services for non-western migrant families in Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahan Shabnam
- REHPA, Danish Knowledge Centre of Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Odense University Hospital, Nyborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Helle Ussing Timm
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University Hospitals Center for Health Research (UCSF), Rigshospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorthe Susanne Nielsen
- Migrant Health Clinic, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mette Raunkiær
- REHPA, Danish Knowledge Centre of Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Odense University Hospital, Nyborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Herbst FA, Schneider N, Stiel S. Long-distance caregiving at the end of life: a protocol for an exploratory qualitative study in Germany. Palliat Care 2022; 21:69. [PMID: 35546403 PMCID: PMC9095417 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00967-8] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Of the approximately 4.7 million people in Germany caring for a relative, many live at a geographical distance from their loved one. The provision of remote care to a terminally ill patient is associated with specific challenges and burdens. In the German context, research is lacking on the specific experiences and needs of caregivers in end-of-life situations who are geographically distanced from their relative. Thus, the overarching goal of the proposed study is to detail the specifics of long-distance caregiving at the end of life in Germany, determining the role played by physical distance in shaping end-of-life caregiving and identifying the needs of long-distance caregivers in this situation. Methods The exploratory qualitative study will be guided by an inductive logic, drawing on one-time semi-structured interviews. To uncover the multiplicity of caregiving experiences, long-distance caregivers of both patients receiving early palliative care and patients at a very advanced stage of disease will be included. The study will be divided into five phases: (1) preparation and pretest, (2) data collection and primary analysis, (3) data analysis and interpretation, (4) advisory board workshop and (5) conclusions and recommendations. Discussion The study will aim at generating valuable insight regarding the experiences and needs of family caregivers of end-of-life patients. This is particularly relevant, given that families are becoming increasingly geographically dispersed. As this trend continues, it will challenge traditional models of family care and shed light on novel caregiving issues that will need to be addressed through social and health policy. Trial registration The study was prospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) (Registration N° DRKS00024164; date of registration: January 25, 2021), and is searchable under the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal of the World Health Organization, under the German Clinical Trials Register number. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00967-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska A Herbst
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Nils Schneider
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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7
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Palliative Care Utilization Among Non-Western Migrants in Europe: A Systematic Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 24:237-255. [PMID: 34709528 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01302-8] [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: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The paper aims to identify and describe the European evidence on opportunities and barriers to access and utilization of palliative care among non- western migrants. A systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was conducted in June 2020, searching Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO and EMBASE databases. PROSPERO# CRD42020193651. Studies included empirical research published between 2011 and 2020. Search words were, for example, ethnic groups and palliative care. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Twenty nine qualitative and six quantitative studies were included. Four main themes were identified: communication and language; knowledge and awareness; patient preferences, cultural and religious issues; and lack of resources at different levels of palliative care service provision. Migrants' access to palliative care is impeded at system, community and individual levels, yet, recommendations are mostly at the individual level. Closer attention is required to these different levels when designing future palliative interventions for migrants.
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Torensma M, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, de Voogd X, Willems DL, Suurmond JL. The role of research in improving responsiveness of palliative care to migrants and other underserved populations in the Netherlands: a qualitative interview study. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:5. [PMID: 33407358 PMCID: PMC7789154 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aging of migrant populations across Europe challenges researchers in palliative care to produce knowledge that can be used to respond to the needs of the growing group of patients with a migration background and address ethnic disparities in palliative care. The aim of this study was to identify what factors influence researchers' efforts to address responsiveness of palliative care to patients with a migration background and other underserved populations in their projects. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 researchers involved in seven projects under the Dutch national program for palliative care innovation. RESULTS Researchers' efforts to address responsiveness of palliative care in their projects were influenced by individual factors, i.e. awareness of the need for responsiveness to patients with a migration background; experience with responsiveness; and, differences in perceptions on responsiveness in palliative care. Researchers' efforts were furthermore influenced by institutional factors, i.e. the interaction with healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals as they rely on their ability to identify the palliative patient with a migration background, address the topic of palliative care, and enrol these patients in research; scientific standards that limit the flexibility needed for responsive research; and, the responsiveness requirements set by funding agencies. CONCLUSION Researchers play a key role in ensuring research addresses responsiveness to patients with a migration background. Such responsiveness may also benefit other underserved populations. However, at times researchers lack the knowledge and experience needed for responsive research. To address this we recommend training in responsiveness for researchers in the field of palliative care. We also recommend training for healthcare professionals involved in research projects to increase enrolment of patients with a migration background and other underrepresented populations. Lastly, we encourage researchers as well as research institutions and funding agencies to allow flexibility in research practices and set a standard for responsive research practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Torensma
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Expertise center for Palliative Care and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - B D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Expertise center for Palliative Care and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - X de Voogd
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Expertise center for Palliative Care and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - D L Willems
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC Expertise center for Palliative Care and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J L Suurmond
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Expertise center for Palliative Care and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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