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de Campos AP, Santostefano D, Daniels S. Using Existing Resources to Create a Successful End-of-Life Doula Program. Home Healthc Now 2024; 42:285-294. [PMID: 39250259 DOI: 10.1097/nhh.0000000000001281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
The end-of-life doula role has emerged as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team caring for patients. The doulas provide an extra layer of support from a non-clinical lens to prevent crises, follow-up with families, and guide them through their journey. This manuscript describes how a hospice agency developed a performance improvement project to train volunteers to become end-of-life doulas through a rigorous training program, based on the Doula Model of Care. The implementation of the program was evaluated based on caregiver and staff satisfaction, and volunteer knowledge competency. The results from the pilot program showed mixed outcomes for patient and staff satisfaction, but created a rigorous training program for hospice volunteers. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted data gathering and implementation of the program, so outcomes were varied. However, the program remains successful with ongoing training of the end-of-life doulas and an increase in new volunteers to support the program.
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McClement S. Family Members' Explanatory Models of Cancer Anorexia-Cachexia. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1610. [PMID: 39201169 PMCID: PMC11354127 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The experience of bearing witness to the lack of appetite and involuntary weight loss that characterizes cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) is reported to be stressful for family members. Research identifies that family members engage in a wide range of behaviors in response to a relative who shows minimal interest in eating and is literally 'wasting away' before their eyes. Some families, though concerned about the symptoms of CACS, do not dwell excessively on the patient's nutritional intake while others continually harass the patient to eat and petition health care providers for aggressive nutritional interventions to eat in an attempt to stave off further physical deterioration. While studies have detailed how family members respond to a terminally ill relative with CACS, empirical work explicating the explanatory models of CACS that they hold is lacking. Explanatory models (EMs) reflect the beliefs and ideas that families have about why illness and symptoms occur, the extent to which they can be controlled, how they should be treated, and how interventions should be evaluated. To address this gap in the literature, a grounded theory study guided by Kleinman's Explanatory Model questions was conducted with 25 family members of advanced cancer patients. The core category of 'Wayfaring' integrates the key categories of the model and maps onto Kleinman's questions about CACS onset, etiology, natural course, physiological processes/anatomical structures involved, treatment, and the impacts of disease on patient and family. Findings suggest that a divergence between some biomedical constructions of CACS and explanatory models held by family members may fuel the family-health care provider conflict, thereby providing direction for communication with families about care of the patient with anorexia-cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan McClement
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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Collins EF, Galloway-Salazar Q, Johnson E, Blechman J, Rush M, Clare E, Johnson A, Sethi A, Rosa WE, Izumi S. Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About End-of-Life Doulas. J Palliat Med 2024. [PMID: 39069890 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2024.0261] [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: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Palliative care has made great strides in improving the lives of people living with serious illness, with an empirical premise for increasing quality, and sometimes quantity of life. Yet in some cases, there exist gaps that impede the ability of palliative care clinicians to truly advocate, procure, and provide the comprehensive services needed for patients, family caregivers, and communities, particularly in the contexts of caring for marginalized populations and working in under-resourced practice settings. The end-of-life doula role has emerged over the last decade and the availability of trained doulas in the community has burgeoned. An end-of-life doula is a nonmedical, holistic support person who provides education, guidance, emotional, spiritual, and practical support to persons and families navigating serious and terminal illness, ideally early in the disease process, throughout the time surrounding death, and during bereavement. A pervasive Western culture of avoiding the subject of death means that we, as a society, often do not know or remember how to navigate the journey of end of life in a way that is caring, compassionate, skilled, holistic, and centered on the needs and worldview of the dying one. The ten tips provided here can guide palliative care clinicians to leverage collaboration with trusted, community-based end-of-life doulas to ensure comprehensive and people-centered palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Emma Clare
- End-of-Life Doula International Research Group, End-of-Life Doula UK, University of Derby, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Johnson
- National End-of-life Doula Alliance, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Aditi Sethi
- Center for Conscious Living and Dying, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
| | - William E Rosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Seiko Izumi
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Siminoff LA, Wilson-Genderson M, Chwistek M, Thomson M. The cancer caregiving burden trajectory over time: varying experiences of perceived versus objectively measured burden. Oncologist 2024; 29:629-637. [PMID: 38652165 PMCID: PMC11224987 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae069] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to comprehensively understand the burden experienced by caregivers (CGs) providing home-based, end-of-life care to patients with cancer. We examined the relationship between objective and subjective burden including whether and how burden changes over time. METHODS A case series of terminal cancer patient-caregiver dyads (n = 223) were recruited from oncology clinics and followed for 12 months or until patient death. Data were collected every other week and in-person from CGs in their homes using quantitative surveys, diaries, and monthly structured observations. RESULTS Bivariate correlations revealed a significant association between subjective burden and activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), high-intensity tasks, and time spent on ADLs; these correlations varied over time. Models examining the slope of subjective burden revealed little systematic change; spouse caregiver and patient functional limitations were positively, and Black caregiver was negatively associated with subjective burden. Generally, the slopes for measures of objective burden were significant and positive. Models showed subjective burden was positively associated with most measures of objective burden both within caregiver (concurrent measures were positively associated) and between CGs (those with higher subjective also had higher objective). CONCLUSIONS Cancer caregiving is dynamic; CGs must adjust to the progression of the patient's disease. We found an association between subjective and objective burden both within and between CGs. Black CGs were more likely to report lower subjective burden compared to their White counterparts. More detailed investigation of the sociocultural components that affect caregiver experience of burden is needed to better understand how and where to best intervene with targeted supportive care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Siminoff
- College of Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Maureen Wilson-Genderson
- College of Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marcin Chwistek
- Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Maria Thomson
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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Basley SA, Ferszt GG, DeSanto-Madeya S. The Experiences of Nurses as Double-Duty Caregivers for a Family Member at the End of Life: Interpretive Description. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2024; 26:132-139. [PMID: 38206386 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000001009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of individuals with complex, advanced illnesses are living longer and being cared for in the home by family members. As a result, family caregivers often experience physical, emotional, psychological, and social distress. A unique subset of this population are nurses who find themselves providing care in both their family lives and work lives, a phenomenon known as "double-duty caregiving." This study explored the experiences of nurses providing end-of-life care for family members while continuing to work as a nurse and the consequences of this experience. A qualitative design, using semistructured, in-depth interviews, was used to capture the double-duty caregivers' experiences. Four overarching themes were identified: It Takes a Village, Driving the Bus, Juggling Many Hats, and Moving Through and Looking Back. These themes captured the components of a support system that are essential for the double-duty caregiver to perform this work, the multifaceted expectations placed upon the double-duty caregiver, the double-duty caregiver's relentless need to balance multiple roles, and the immediate and long-term impact of double-duty caregiving. As nurses, we must acknowledge the need for self-care during this experience, and as a profession, we must provide support for the double-duty caregiver to preserve their personal and professional well-being.
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Ibrahim AM, Elnaghy SF, Abo Elmatty GM, Mohamed Ghida NI, Mohamed MA. Effectiveness of a palliative care education program for caregivers of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in Port Said City: A pre-post quasi-experimental study. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:546-562. [PMID: 38287515 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523002067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emphasizing the pivotal role of caregivers in the cancer care continuum, a program designed to educate caregivers of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy underscores their significance. The palliative care education initiative strives to cultivate a compassionate and effective care environment, benefiting both patients and caregivers. By imparting education, fostering positive attitudes, offering support, encouraging appropriate behaviors, and providing essential resources, the program aims to enhance the overall caregiving experience and contribute to the well-being of those navigating the challenges of cancer treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of a palliative care education program for caregivers of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS The research employed a purposive sample comprising 155 caregivers who were actively present with their cancer patients throughout the pre- and post-test phases within a quasi-experimental research design. The study took place at the outpatient oncology center of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Port Said City, Egypt. To gather comprehensive data, 4 instruments were utilized: a demographic questionnaire, a nurse knowledge questionnaire, a scale measuring attitudes toward palliative care, and an assessment of reported practices in palliative care. This methodological approach allowed for a thorough exploration of caregiver perspectives, knowledge, attitudes, and practices within the context of a palliative care education program. RESULTS Before the palliative care education program, only 1.3% of caregivers had a good overall level of knowledge about cancer and palliative care; this increased to 40.6% after the program. Similarly, before the palliative care education program, 32.9% of caregivers had a positive overall attitude, which increased to 72.3% after the program. Similarly, 27.1% of caregivers had an overall appropriate palliative care practice during the pre-test phase, which increased to 93.5% after the palliative care education program. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESULTS The palliative care education program significantly improved caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and practice scores. It is strongly recommended that caregivers of cancer patients receive continuing education in palliative care. In addition, it is crucial to conduct further research with a larger sample size in different situations in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateya Megahed Ibrahim
- College of Nursing, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Family and Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Sara Fawzy Elnaghy
- Family and Community Health Nursing Department, Health Technical Institute in Port Said, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Gehad Mohamed Abo Elmatty
- Family and Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | | | - Magda Ali Mohamed
- Family and Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
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Im J, Abedini NC, Wong ES. Disability and Place of Death in Older Americans: The Moderating Role of Household Wealth. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:411-419.e3. [PMID: 38340907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Home-based deaths are increasing, yet, how wealth influences where people die in the presence of disability remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine place of death by help with (instrumental) activities of daily living (I/ADLs) at the end of life (EOL) and the modifying role of wealth. METHODS Retrospective study of decedents from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 13,210). The exposure was intensity of help with I/ADLs at the EOL (no help/ lower intensity/higher intensity). The outcome was place of death (hospital/nursing home/home). Household wealth was an effect modifier with six categories: ≤$0, first-fifth quintile. Covariates included age, gender, race, marital status at the EOL, last place of residence, and receipt of hospice care. We used multinomial logit regression models with estimates reported as average marginal effects (AMEs). RESULTS Mean age was 79.8 years; 53.2% were female. In the adjusted models, compared to not receiving help at EOL, receiving higher-intensity help was associated with a lower probability of dying in a hospital (AME = -3.8 percentage points (pp), 95% CI = -6.3 to -1.3) and a higher probability of dying at home (AME = 3.6 pp, 95% CI = 1.4-5.7). Associations were most pronounced among decedents in the top two wealth quintiles; older adults who received higher-intensity help had a lower probability of dying in a hospital (AME = -9.0 pp, 95% CI = -14.8 to -3.1), and a higher probability of dying at home (AME = 8.4 pp, 95% CI = 3.8-13.0). CONCLUSION Receiving higher intensity of help with I/ADLs was associated with lower likelihood of dying in a hospital, and higher likelihood of dying at home, particularly among older adults with greater wealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Im
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health (J.I., E.S.W.), University of Washington, Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Fourth Floor Box 351621, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence (J.I., N.C.A.), Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359762, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA.
| | - Nauzley C Abedini
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence (J.I., N.C.A.), Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359762, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA; Department of Medicine (N.C.A.), University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359755, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA
| | - Edwin S Wong
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health (J.I., E.S.W.), University of Washington, Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Fourth Floor Box 351621, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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Cham CQ, Ibrahim N, Kalaman CR, Ho MC, Visvalingam U, Ahmad Shahabuddin F, Abd Rahman FN, Halim MRTA, Harbajan Singh MK, Azhar FL, Yahya AN, Roslan S, Siau CS. Factors associated with depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with life among Malaysian parental caregivers of adolescent psychiatric patients: A cross-sectional study. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2024; 11:e12. [PMID: 38390253 PMCID: PMC10882176 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2024.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health issues worldwide, especially among parental caregivers. By expanding the family stress model, this cross-sectional study investigated the relevant factors associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and satisfaction with life among Malaysian parental caregivers of adolescent psychiatric patients. Data were collected through questionnaires (N = 207) across five major public hospitals through convenience sampling. Participants answered questionnaires measuring financial strain, caregiver burden, relationship quality, belief in mental illness, perceived COVID-19 stress, satisfaction with health services, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and life satisfaction. Findings revealed that relationship quality among spouses, COVID-19 stress and caregiver burden were significantly correlated with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life. The multiple regression model also suggested that depressive symptoms (β = .613, p < .001), anxiety symptoms (β= .657, p < .001) and relationship quality among spouses (β = .264, p < .001) were the most influential predictors of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life respectively. By addressing the mental health needs of parental caregivers, this study can contribute to improving the overall quality of care and support provided to adolescent patients and their caregivers in Malaysia and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choy Qing Cham
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Ibrahim
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Islam Hadhari, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Clarisse Roswini Kalaman
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Meng Chuan Ho
- Centre for Pre-U Studies, UCSI University (Springhill Campus), Port Dickson, Malaysia
| | - Uma Visvalingam
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Sungai Buloh, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | | | - Fairuz Nazri Abd Rahman
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Radzi Tarmizi A Halim
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | | | - Fatin Liyana Azhar
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amira Najiha Yahya
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Samsilah Roslan
- Department of Foundation of Education, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Alaryni AA, Alrowaie F, Alghamdi A, Alabdullah R, Alnutaifi RA, Alajlan R, Alnutaifi RA, Aldakheelallah A, Alshabanat A, Bin Shulhub AS, Moazin OM, Qutob R, Alsolami E, Hakami OA. Assessment of Burden in Caregivers of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e52513. [PMID: 38371074 PMCID: PMC10874250 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
A caregiver attends to the needs or concerns of someone limited by disease, injury, or disability to enhance the patient's quality of life, which can be assessed in three areas: social, physical, and psychological. This cross-sectional study assessed the extent of burden experienced by the caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy in King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Zarit Burden Interview Arabic Abridged version (ZBI-A) was used to assess the level of burden experienced by caregivers. The data was collected and examined by professionals using the SPSS version 23. Based on the data of 50 participants, a mean ZBI-12 score of 12.22 ± 7.2 was reported. According to the ZBI scale, "No to mild burden," "Mild to moderate burden," and "High burden" were reported as 46% (n = 23), 38% (n = 19), and 16% (n = 8) of participants, respectively. The internal consistency of the ZBI-12 scale, assessed using Cronbach's alpha, was 0.664, indicating a satisfactory level of internal consistency. It was determined that caregivers of individuals undergoing PD and HD encounter different degrees of burden, with a significant proportion of caregivers experiencing a substantial burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah A Alaryni
- Internal Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Abdullah Alghamdi
- Internal Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Razan Alabdullah
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Raneem A Alnutaifi
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Renad Alajlan
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Raed A Alnutaifi
- College of Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Alanoud Alshabanat
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Othillah M Moazin
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Rayan Qutob
- Internal Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Enad Alsolami
- Internal Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, SAU
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Dias R, Robinson K, Poirier P. The Effect of Simulation on Nursing Student Perceptions of Readiness to Provide End-of-Life Care. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2023; 25:E116-E123. [PMID: 37930167 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that nursing students in a prelicensure nursing program lack the required preparation to care for patients at the end of life (EOL), causing feelings of inadequacy and stress. New graduate nurses (years 0-5) struggle to address the needs of this patient population, leading to considering career changes. Nursing simulation has been shown to enhance competency and is gaining increasing favor in prelicensure nursing education. Little research has been conducted on the application of simulation using standardized patients in EOL patient scenarios. This study used live standardized patients who simulated a home health patient encounter with the nursing student acting as a home health hospice nurse. Watson's theory of caring and interpretive phenomenological analysis guided the qualitative research method and analysis. Five students chose to participate in this simulation and completed 6 reflective questions. After simulation, they felt more comfortable having difficult discussions about EOL care, treatment options, and patient fears. Participants noted the importance of communication in a team setting, which included the caregiver as an integral member. The use of standardized patient-simulated experiences increases realism and provides students the opportunity to bridge the gap between didactic education and clinical practice. This will enhance their readiness and confidence in providing EOL care.
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Thomas Hebdon MC, Cloyes KG, Vega M, Rosenkranz SJ, Reblin M, Tay D, Mooney K, Ellington L. Hospice Family Caregivers' Uncertainty, Burden, and Unmet Needs in Prospective Audio Diaries. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2023; 25:321-329. [PMID: 37851960 PMCID: PMC10843703 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Hospice cancer caregivers' (HCCs') burden and unmet needs are well documented in the literature through retrospective, standardized self-report surveys. Hospice cancer caregiver daily experiences of burden and unmet needs are rarely captured within a real-time context. The purpose of this secondary data analysis was to characterize HCCs' day-to-day burden and unmet needs with prospective HCC (N = 50) audio diary data between hospice enrollment and patient death. Uncertainty theory provided a framework for analysis. Diaries were transcribed, analyzed deductively and inductively, and organized thematically. Uncertainty in day-to-day experiences was an important driver of HCC burden and unmet needs. Unmet needs included unclear/unmet expectations regarding hospice care team support; not understanding the extent of HCC role and involvement; and communication challenges with hospice team members. Sources of HCCs' burden were dissonance between how they "should" feel and how they actually felt; feeling alone/having no outlet to express feelings; concerns about their own health and subsequent patient impact; and feeling helpless/occupying a liminal space. Uncertainty surrounding HCCs' experiences encompassed interactions with hospice care teams and the nature of end-of-life caregiving with symptom management, the dying process, and the HCC role. Hospice care teams can respond to uncertainty through assessment, understanding, and recognition of the daily context of HCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Djin Tay
- University of Utah, College of Nursing
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12
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Chow AYM, Zhang AY, Chan IKN, Fordjour GA, Lui JNM, Lou VWQ, Chan CLW. Caregiving Strain Mediates the Relationship Between Terminally Ill Patient's Physical Symptoms and Their Family Caregivers' Wellbeing: A Multicentered Longitudinal Study. J Palliat Care 2023:8258597231215137. [PMID: 38018131 DOI: 10.1177/08258597231215137] [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: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Research considered patient outcomes primarily over caregivers in end-of-life care settings. The importance of family caregivers (FCs) in end-of-life care draws growing awareness, evidenced by an increasing number of evaluations of caregiver-targeted interventions. Little is known of FCs' collateral benefits in patient-oriented home-based end-of-life care. The study aims to investigate FC outcomes and change mechanisms in patient-oriented care. Methods: A pre-post-test study. We recruited FCs whose patients with a life expectancy ≤ 6 months enrolled in home-based end-of-life care provided by service organizations in Hong Kong. Patients' symptoms, dimensions of caregiving strain (ie, perception of caregiving, empathetic strain, adjustment demands), and aspects of FCs' wellbeing (ie, perceived health, positive mood, life satisfaction, spiritual well-being) were measured at baseline (T0) and 3 months later (T1). Results: Of the 345 FCs at T0, 113 provided T1 measures. Three months after the service commenced, FCs' caregiving strain significantly reduced, and their positive mood improved. Alleviation of the patient's physical symptoms predicted FC better outcomes, including the perception of caregiving, empathetic strain, and wellbeing. Changes in perception of caregiving mediated the effects of changes in patients' physical symptoms on FCs' changes in life satisfaction and spiritual wellbeing. Changes in empathetic strain mediated the changes between patient's physical symptoms and FCs' positive mood. Conclusions: Collateral benefits of patient-oriented home-based end-of-life care were encouraging for FCs. Patient's physical symptom management matters to FCs' caregiving strain and wellbeing. The active ingredients modifying FCs' perception of caregiving and addressing empathetic strain may amplify their benefits in wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Y M Chow
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Jockey Club End-of-life Community Care Project, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anna Y Zhang
- Jockey Club End-of-life Community Care Project, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Iris K N Chan
- Jockey Club End-of-life Community Care Project, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Genevieve A Fordjour
- Jockey Club End-of-life Community Care Project, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Julianna N M Lui
- Jockey Club End-of-life Community Care Project, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vivian W Q Lou
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Jockey Club End-of-life Community Care Project, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cecilia L W Chan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Jockey Club End-of-life Community Care Project, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Harding AJE, Gonella S. More investment in end-of-life care training of healthcare professionals is required to enhance care, evidence and outcomes. Evid Based Nurs 2023; 26:108. [PMID: 36627177 DOI: 10.1136/ebnurs-2022-103619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Gonella
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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Guo P, Alajarmeh S, Alarjeh G, Alrjoub W, Al-Essa A, Abusalem L, Giusti A, Mansour AH, Sullivan R, Shamieh O, Harding R. Providing person-centered palliative care in conflict-affected populations in the Middle East: What matters to patients with advanced cancer and families including refugees? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1097471. [PMID: 37051537 PMCID: PMC10083486 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1097471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionUniversal health coverage highlights palliative care as an essential component of health services. However, it is unclear what constitutes person-centered care in populations affected by conflict, as they may have specific concerns in the dimensions of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. This study aimed to identify what matters to patients with advanced cancer and family caregivers in Jordan including refugees, to inform appropriate person-centered assessment and palliative care in conflict-affected populations.MethodsCross-sectional face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted at two sites in Amman. Adult patients with advanced cancer and family caregivers were purposively sampled to maximize diversity and representation. Interviews were digitally audio recorded, anonymized, and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis.FindingsFour themes were generated from 50 patients (22 refugees; 28 Jordanians) and 20 caregivers (7 refugees; 13 Jordanians) (1). Information, communication, and decision-making. Truth-telling and full disclosure from clinicians was valued, and participants expressed concerns that information was not shared in case patients would disengage with treatment. (2) Priorities and concerns for care and support. Participants’ top priority remained cure and recovery (which was viewed as possible). Other priorities included returning to their “normal” life and their “own” country, and to continue contributing to their family. (3) Role of spirituality and Islam. Most participants had strong faith in God and felt that having faith could comfort them. For refugees whose social network was fractured due to being away from home country, prayer and Quran reading became particularly important. (4) Unmet support needs of family caregivers. Family caregivers were affected physically and emotionally by worrying about and caring for the patients. They needed support and training, but often could not access this.DiscussionTruth-telling is highly valued and essential to achieving person-centered care and informed decision-making. This study also reveals specific concerns in conflict-affected populations, reflecting the experience of prior losses and fracturing of existing social networks and support. The role of religion is crucial in supporting refugee communities, and consideration should be paid to the needs of patients and caregivers when caring for a patient at home without access to their communities of origin and the support they accessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Guo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Ping Guo, ; Omar Shamieh,
| | - Sawsan Alajarmeh
- Center for Palliative & Cancer Care in Conflict (CPCCC), King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Ghadeer Alarjeh
- Center for Palliative & Cancer Care in Conflict (CPCCC), King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Waleed Alrjoub
- Center for Palliative & Cancer Care in Conflict (CPCCC), King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Ayman Al-Essa
- Center for Palliative & Cancer Care in Conflict (CPCCC), King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Lana Abusalem
- Center for Palliative & Cancer Care in Conflict (CPCCC), King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Alessandra Giusti
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asem H. Mansour
- Chief Executive Office, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Institute of Cancer Policy, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Omar Shamieh
- Center for Palliative & Cancer Care in Conflict (CPCCC), King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
- Department of Palliative Care, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
- Faculty of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- *Correspondence: Ping Guo, ; Omar Shamieh,
| | - Richard Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Shoults CC, Rutherford MW, Kemp AS, Addicott MA, Brown A, Greene CJ, Hayes CJ, Gan JM, Larson-Prior LJ, Bona JP. Analysis of Caregiver Burden Expressed in Social Media Discussions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1933. [PMID: 36767297 PMCID: PMC9915402 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Almost 40% of US adults provide informal caregiving, yet research gaps remain around what burdens affect informal caregivers. This study uses a novel social media site, Reddit, to mine and better understand what online communities focus on as their caregiving burdens. These forums were accessed using an application programming interface, a machine learning classifier was developed to remove low information posts, and topic modeling was applied to the corpus. An expert panel summarized the forums' themes into ten categories. The largest theme extracted from Reddit's forums discussed the personal emotional toll of being a caregiver. This was followed by logistic issues while caregiving and caring for parents who have cancer. Smaller themes included approaches to end-of-life care, physical equipment needs when caregiving, and the use of wearables or technology to help monitor care recipients. The platform often discusses caregiving for parents which may reflect the age of Reddit's users. This study confirms that Reddit forums are used for caregivers to discuss the burdens associated with their role and the types of stress that can result from informal caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C. Shoults
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Michael W. Rutherford
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Aaron S. Kemp
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Merideth A. Addicott
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Aliza Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Carolyn J. Greene
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Corey J. Hayes
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- VA HSR&D COIN Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Gan
- Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Linda J. Larson-Prior
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Bona
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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