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Snaman JM, Chen L, Mazzola E, Helton G, Feifer D, Broden E, McCarthy S, Rosenberg AR, Baker JN, Wolfe J. Family characteristics and childcare patterns associated with early social functioning in cancer-bereaved parents. Cancer 2024; 130:2822-2833. [PMID: 38620040 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35325] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bereaved parents experience life-long grief after the death of their child from cancer. Parents who can integrate their grief and maintain their social functioning early in bereavement, even in the setting of concurrent psychosocial distress, have improved outcomes. Identifying the factors associated with bereaved parents' early social functioning can guide future supportive interventions. METHODS The authors surveyed parents of children who died from cancer at two large centers 6-24 months after death, assessing bereavement experiences using validated and pilot tested tools. Univariable and multivariable logistical regression models were used to examine which family and child demographic, treatment, and end-of-life (EOL) factors were associated with maintained parental social functioning (T scores ≥40 on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities-Short Form questionnaire). RESULTS One hundred twenty-eight parents of 88 children participated (38% household response rate); most parents identified as female (63%) and White (88%). Parents' median age was 47 years (interquartile range, 10 years); and the median time from the child's death to survey completion was 13 months (interquartile range, 10 months). In multivariate modeling, parents without household material hardship and those who felt prepared for EOL circumstances had increased odds of maintained social functioning (odds ratio, 4.7 [95% confidence interval, 1.6-13.7; p < .004] and 5.5 [95% confidence interval, 1.9-15.9; p < .002], respectively). CONCLUSIONS Parents who felt prepared for their child's EOL and those without household material hardship were more likely to have maintained social functioning in the first 2 years after their child's death. Interventions targeting EOL preparedness and alleviating household material hardship may improve bereavement outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emanuele Mazzola
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gabrielle Helton
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Doctor of Medicine Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Deborah Feifer
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth Broden
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sarah McCarthy
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Division of Quality of Life and Pediatric Palliative Care, Stanford School of Medicine and Stanford Medicine Children's Health, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Boyden JY, Ersek M, Widger KA, Shea JA, Feudtner C. The Home-Based Experiences of Palliative and Hospice Care for Children and Caregivers (EXPERIENCE) Measure: Evaluation of Psychometric Properties. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00838-8. [PMID: 38942094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.06.018] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Home-based pediatric palliative and hospice care (PPHC) supports the hundreds of thousands of children with serious illness and complex care needs and their families in the home setting. Considerable variation, however, exists in the provision and quality of home-based PPHC in the U.S. Ensuring equitable, high-quality home-based PPHC for all children requires the evaluation of families' care experiences and assessment of whether these experiences are aligned with their needs and priorities. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the psychometric properties of the previously developed 23-item home-based PPHC EXPERIENCE Measure for use with families of children receiving home-based PPHC in the United States. METHODS Participants included families recruited from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Courageous Parents Network, and several other hospital- and community-based PPHC programs across the U.S. who provide home-based PPHC services. Participants completed the EXPERIENCE Measure at baseline and again at retest. We evaluated the factor structure of the EXPERIENCE Measure, as well as evidence regarding score reliability and validity. RESULTS Eighty-two family participants completed the baseline and 53 completed the retest questionnaire from 15 states across the U.S. We found evidence for the score reliability and validity of a four-domain EXPERIENCE measure. CONCLUSION The EXPERIENCE Measure is a tool with evidence for reliable and valid scores to evaluate family-reported home-based PPHC experiences at the time care is being received. Future work will evaluate the usability (i.e., acceptability, feasibility, and clinical actionability) of EXPERIENCE, including the sensitivity of the instrument to change over time and its impact on real-time clinical actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Department of Family and Community Health (J.Y.B.), Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences (M.E.), School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics (J.Y.B., C.F.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Mary Ersek
- Department of Family and Community Health (J.Y.B.), Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences (M.E.), School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (M.E.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kimberley A Widger
- Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.A.W.), University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Hospital for Sick Children (K.A.W.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judy A Shea
- Department of Medicine (J.A.S.), Department of Pediatrics (C.F.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Department of Pediatrics (J.Y.B., C.F.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Medicine (J.A.S.), Department of Pediatrics (C.F.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Owusu WE, Burger JR, Lubbe MS, Joubert R. Treatment Cost and Psychological Impact of Burkitt Lymphoma on Ghanaian Families and Caregivers. Value Health Reg Issues 2024; 44:101016. [PMID: 38917509 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2024.101016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Before June 2022, the treatment cost of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in Ghana was mainly borne by the child's family or caregiver. We determined the treatment cost of BL in children and its psychological impact on parents and caregivers. METHOD This prospective observational study assessed the direct medical and nonmedical costs (US dollars [USD]) incurred during the treatment of a child with BL for 6 consecutive months using a cost diary. Productivity losses and the psychological impact on parents and caregivers were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire and the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC). RESULTS Of the 25 participants, 7 abandoned the treatment of their children, and 4 withdrew because the children passed away. The median (Q1, Q3) cost for treating BL per child for caregivers/parents (N = 12) was USD 947.42 (USD 763.03, USD 1953.05). Direct medical costs formed 71% (USD 11 458.97) of total treatment costs. Working hours of parents before the child's cancer diagnosis decreased from a median (Q1, Q3) of 44.00 (20.00, 66.00) hours to 1.50 (0, 20.00) hours after the diagnosis. The mean (SD) CQOLC score was 107.92 (15.89), with higher scores in men (111.00 [17.26]), married participants (111.26 [17.29]), Higher National Diploma certificate holders (113.00 [1.41]), and participants earning a monthly income more than USD 84.60. CONCLUSION Treatment costs reduced the overall household income of 5 families. Parents and caregivers experienced reduced work hours and loss of employment. CQOLC scores were higher in married participants, those with a higher educational background, and those with higher income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winifred E Owusu
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), North-West University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Johanita R Burger
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), North-West University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Martie S Lubbe
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), North-West University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Rianda Joubert
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), North-West University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Lin JJ, Evans EM, Praxedes K, Agrawal AK, Winestone LE. Financial assistance and other financial coping strategies after a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30890. [PMID: 38302828 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Families experience financial burden and household material hardship (HMH) after a pediatric cancer diagnosis. This study investigates types of financial assistance and other financial coping strategies (FCS) adopted by families during the first year after diagnosis. METHODS Retrospective survey of caregivers of pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer from 2015 to 2019. The survey collected data on demographics, diagnosis, income, HMH, and private, hospital, and government assistance received and other FCS adopted after diagnosis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze FCS by income. Subgroup analysis of families experiencing HMH was used to identify predictors of receiving government assistance. RESULTS Of 156 respondents, 52% were low-to-middle income, 29% had public insurance, and 22% had non-English language preference. Low-to-middle-income families were more likely to incur debt (odds ratio [OR] 6.24, p < .001) and reduce consumption (OR 2.16, p = .03) than high-income families, and this association persisted in multivariable analysis. Among families with housing, food, and energy insecurity, 40%, 70%, and 39%, respectively, received hospital or government assistance specific to the experienced hardship. In subgroup analysis of families with HMH, after adjusting for income and other confounders, non-English language preference was associated with lower odds of receiving government assistance. CONCLUSIONS After a pediatric cancer diagnosis, low-to-middle-income families are more likely to incur debt than high-income families. Most families experiencing food insecurity received some food assistance, while housing and energy assistance were less common. Future studies should investigate methods to equitably improve access to financial assistance and minimize long-term financial consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie J Lin
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Erica M Evans
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kathleen Praxedes
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anurag K Agrawal
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lena E Winestone
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California, USA
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Salazar MM, Khera N, Chino F, Johnston E. Financial hardship for patients with cancer and caregivers at end of life in the USA: narrative review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 14:25-35. [PMID: 38123962 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004556] [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] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients and their families face financial hardship during cancer treatment, which may intensify at end of life (EOL) due to increased symptoms and care needs. We undertook a narrative literature review to describe the current understanding of the causes, impacts and factors associated with financial hardship at EOL. We identify gaps in research, policy and clinical practice and propose steps to mitigate financial hardship for patients and caregivers at EOL. METHODS We conducted a Medline search to identify US studies since 2000 that examined EOL financial hardship for patients with cancer and their caregivers. RESULTS Twenty-seven adult and four paediatric studies met review criteria. Adults with cancer and their caregivers face significant financial hardship at EOL and in bereavement, especially due to employment changes and informal caregiving time costs. Financial hardship may be higher for younger caregivers and for patients who are uninsured, low income, rural, with high symptom burdens or with certain cancer types. The few paediatric studies showed high financial hardship and employment impact lasting well beyond a child's death. CONCLUSIONS There is limited literature examining financial hardship at EOL in the USA, especially in paediatrics. Priorities for future research include longitudinal studies in diverse populations of patients with cancer and informal caregivers using standardised financial hardship measures. Policies to address financial hardship at EOL, especially with hospice care, should include insurance coverage for family caregiving and medical leave policies. There is need for increased financial hardship screening at EOL and in bereavement and a need for financial navigation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Martinez Salazar
- School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine-Scottsdale Campus, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Nandita Khera
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Johnston
- Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Ndlovu JT, Mokwena KE. Burden of Care of Family Caregivers for People Diagnosed with Serious Mental Disorders in a Rural Health District in Kwa-Zulu-Natal, South Africa. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2686. [PMID: 37830723 PMCID: PMC10572910 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11192686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
An estimated 6% of the world population has serious mental illness, with one in four families having a member with some form of psychiatric disorder, who is mostly cared for by their relatives within a family setting. Although care-giving in a home setting is reported to be associated with significant mental distress, the burden of such distress is rarely measured. The purpose of this study was to quantify the burden of care among family caregivers of relatives with serious mental disorders, as well as to explore possible associations between the caregiver burden of care and a range of caregiver and Mental Health Care User (MHCU) variables in a rural district in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scale was used to collect data from 357 caregivers, and STATA 14 was used to analyze data. The ages of the sample ranged from 18 to 65 years, with a mean of 50.29, and the majority (86%) were female and unemployed (83%). The ZBI scores ranged from 8 to 85, with a mean of 41.59. The majority (91%) were found to be affected by family caregiver burden, which ranged from mild to severe. Using the Pearson Chi-square test of association (p = 0.05), variables that were significantly associated with the burden of care were clinically related (caregiver self-reported depression, MHCU diagnosis, recent relapse of the MHCU), socio-economic (caregiver family monthly income, MHCU disability grant status and MHCU employment status) and socio-demographic (MHCU gender and MHCU level of education). The prevalence of the burden of care is high and severe, and the scarcity of resources in families and communities contributes to the high burden of care in these rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jabulile Thembelihle Ndlovu
- Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Ga-Rankuwa 0204, South Africa;
| | - Kebogile Elizabeth Mokwena
- Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Ga-Rankuwa 0204, South Africa;
- Substance Abuse and Population Mental Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Ga-Rankuwa 0204, South Africa
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Ritter J, Allen S, Cohen PD, Fajardo AF, Marx K, Loggetto P, Auste C, Lewis H, de Sá Rodrigues KE, Hussain S, Omotola A, Bolous NS, Thirumurthy H, Essue BM, Steliarova-Foucher E, Huang IC, Meheus F, Bhakta N. Financial hardship in families of children or adolescents with cancer: a systematic literature review. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:e364-e375. [PMID: 37657477 PMCID: PMC10775706 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00320-0] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Financial hardship in childhood cancer contributes to poor health outcomes and global disparities in survival, but the extent of the financial burden on families is not yet fully understood. We systematically reviewed financial hardship prevalence and individual components characterising financial hardship across six domains (medical, non-medical, and indirect costs, financial strategies, psychosocial responses, and behavioural responses) and compared characteristics across country income levels using an established theory of human needs. We included 123 studies with data spanning 47 countries. Extensive heterogeneity in study methodologies and measures resulted in incomparable prevalence estimates and limited analysis. Components characterising financial hardship spanned the six domains and showed variation across country income contexts, yet a synthesis of existing literature cannot establish whether these are true differences in characterisation or burden. Our findings emphasise a crucial need to implement a data-driven methodological framework with validated measures to inform effective policies and interventions to address financial hardship in childhood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ritter
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Kelsey Marx
- Prometheus Federal Services, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patrícia Loggetto
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Hedley Lewis
- CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, Rivonia, South Africa
| | | | | | - Ayomide Omotola
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nancy S Bolous
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Harsha Thirumurthy
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Beverley M Essue
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - I-Chan Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Filip Meheus
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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8
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Evans EM, Lin J, Sanchez-Alvarez J, Agrawal AK, Winestone LE. Disparities in household material hardship, financial toxicity, and income loss in pediatric cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023:e30496. [PMID: 37394628 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on previous reports of disparities in financial burden following a cancer diagnosis, this study aims to characterize mechanisms of disparities experienced by caregivers of children with cancer, including the impact of work flexibility and social support. METHODS Cross-sectional survey (in English or Spanish) of caregivers of children with cancer that assessed household material hardship (HMH), financial toxicity, and income change. RESULTS Of 156 caregivers surveyed, 32% were Hispanic and 32% were low income. Hispanic caregivers were more likely to report HMH and financial toxicity compared to non-Hispanic White and Asian (HMH: 57% vs. 21% vs. 19%, p < .001; financial toxicity: 73% vs. 52% vs. 53%, p = .07). Low- and middle-income caregivers were more likely to experience HMH and financial toxicity compared to high-income caregivers (HMH: 68% low vs. 38% middle vs. 8.7% high, p < .001; financial toxicity: 81% vs. 68% vs. 44%, p < .001). All income categories demonstrated significant increases in HMH 1 year after diagnosis. Seventeen percent reported more than 40% income loss, more of whom were low income than high income (27% vs. 12%, p = .20). Work flexibility and social support were associated with income and financial toxicity. CONCLUSION HMH, financial toxicity, and income loss are prevalent after a child's cancer diagnosis, suggesting that screening should be incorporated into routine care. This financial burden disproportionately affects low-income and Hispanic caregivers. Further research is needed to elucidate the roles of work flexibility and social support, how safety net services are utilized by families, and how best to support families with HMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Evans
- Department of Pediatrics, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospitals, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jackie Lin
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jacklyn Sanchez-Alvarez
- Department of Pediatrics, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospitals, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anurag K Agrawal
- Department of Pediatrics, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospitals, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lena E Winestone
- Department of Pediatrics, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospitals, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Metin T, Uğur Ö, Özdemir SÇ, Gönderen A, Sunu C. The unknown impact of multiple myeloma: assessing the impact of financial well-being on quality of life of caregivers. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:288. [PMID: 37079098 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07751-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with multiple myeloma and their caregivers are financially burdened, and their quality of life is significantly affected by treatment costs and care expenses. The aim of our study is to examine the impact of financial well-being of the caregiver on the life quality of patients with multiple myeloma. METHODS The study included 113 patients with multiple myeloma and 113 caregivers in two hospitals located in Western Turkey. This study evaluated the demographic characteristics of patients and their caregivers, financial status, financial well-being, and quality of life of caregivers. Simple linear regression analyses were used to examine the impact of financial well-being on caregiver quality of life. RESULTS The average age of multiple myeloma patients and caregivers is 64.00 ± 11.05 and 48.02 ± 11.4, respectively. Of patients, 50.4% and 62.8% of their caregivers were female. It is determined that 51.3% of the patients were diagnosed in 1-5 years, 85% received chemotherapy, and 80.5% had an ECOG performance status between 0 and 1. Caregivers' quality of life and financial well-being were found to be low. On one hand, while caregivers' financial well-being (β = - 1.003; t = - 3.831; p = .000) negatively affected the quality of their lives, their financial satisfaction (β = 2.507; t = 3.820; p = .000) positively affected the quality of their lives, on the other hand. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers' quality of life declined as their financial well-being got worse. Decreased quality of life of caregivers may affect the quality of care they provide to patients with MM. Hence, this study recommends the following. First, nurses who care for patients with MM should always assess the financial situation of patients and caregivers. Second, patient navigators, hospital billing specialists, and social workers should provide financial guidance to multiple myeloma patients and caregivers and provide help in solving their financial problems. Finally, policies that support the financial situation of patients and caregivers should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Metin
- Simav Vocational School of Health Services, Kutahya Health Sciences University, Kutahya, Turkey.
| | - Özlem Uğur
- Department of Oncology Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Aysun Gönderen
- Department of Hematology, Kutahya Health Sciences University Evliya Çelebi Training and Research Hospital, Kutahya, Turkey
| | - Cenk Sunu
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Adapazarı, Sakarya, Turkey
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10
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Snaman JM, Mazzola E, Helton G, Feifer D, Morris SE, Clark L, Baker JN, Wolfe J. Early Bereavement Psychosocial Outcomes in Parents of Children Who Died of Cancer With a Focus on Social Functioning. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e527-e541. [PMID: 36724414 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The early grief experience of parents of children who died of cancer remains understudied. Understanding psychosocial symptomology and functioning of parents early in their bereavement is essential to developing supportive interventions aimed at offsetting poor mental and physical outcomes. METHODS Parents of children from two centers who died of cancer 6 to 24 months before were mailed a survey that included validated tools and additional Likert scale-based questions. We used correlation and univariate and multiple regression analyses to assess the associations between psychosocial and grief outcomes and parental social functioning. RESULTS One hundred twenty-five parents representing 88 children completed the survey. Most respondents identified as female (63%), White (84%), and non-Hispanic (91%). The mean time since child's death was 14.7 (range, 8-26) months. Bereaved parents' mean score for social functioning was only slightly below normative values, and most parents indicated post-traumatic growth and adaptive coping. Parents had high symptom levels for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and prolonged grief, with those identifying as female having significantly higher symptom scores. Using multivariate analysis, parental scores for resilience and continuing bonds were associated with higher social functioning scores and parental scores for depressive symptoms and prolonged grief were associated with lower social functioning scores. CONCLUSION Although bereaved parents exhibit resilience and positive coping, they also show high levels of psychosocial distress in the first 2 years after their child's death, which may reflect the typical parental bereavement experience. Screening for low parental social functioning may identify parents who would benefit from additional support early in bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Emanuele Mazzola
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Gabrielle Helton
- Doctor of Medicine Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Deborah Feifer
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Sue E Morris
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lisa Clark
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Justin N Baker
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
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11
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Davis ES, Wimberly CE, Towry L, Johnston EE, Walsh KM. Financial hardships and psychosocial outcomes among parents of children who die of cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30066. [PMID: 36510751 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers experience financial hardship during a child's cancer treatment and after their child's death. These bereaved caregivers also experience negative psychosocial outcomes following the death of a child, but the relationship between financial hardship and negative psychosocial outcomes is poorly understood in this population. METHODS We surveyed self-selected bereaved caregivers as part of a publicly posted survey through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation in order to explore family experiences after losing a child to cancer. The survey contained questions regarding parent psychosocial and financial outcomes following their child's death. RESULTS One-hundred seventy-six caregivers completed the survey a median of 7 years after their child's death. The majority were female (91%), non-Hispanic White (97%), and married or living with a domestic partner (76%). Overall, 31% of caregivers reported that their child's death significantly impacted the financial well-being of their family, 23% experienced a decrease in income following their child's death, and 14% were still paying medical expenses. Financial hardship that the caregiver attributed to the child's death was associated with feeling lonely and isolated (adjusted relative risk [ARR] = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.7) and living day to day (ARR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3-2.5), even after adjustment for household income and time since child's death. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers experience multiple financial hardships following the death of a child to cancer, which endure for years after the child's death. These hardships are associated with negative psychosocial outcomes, demonstrating the need for both financial and psychosocial interventions for caregivers following the death of a child to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Davis
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Courtney E Wimberly
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa Towry
- Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kyle M Walsh
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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12
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Schoonover KL, Yadav H, Prokop L, Lapid MI. Accommodating Bereaved Parents in the Workplace: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2022; 28:348-363. [PMID: 37635848 PMCID: PMC10456992 DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2022.2122221] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Helpful workplace support strategies and accommodations (WSSA) for bereaved parents returning to work was assessed via comprehensive search of databases from 1990-1/21/22. 11 of 45 qualitative articles met inclusion. Bereaved parents often felt returning to work provided a coping strategy for and/or distraction from grief; however, some received insensitive comments by employer/coworkers. Helpful WSSA included flexibility on date to return to work and schedule. In conclusion, due to the intensity of their grief, bereaved parents benefit from a workplace offering individualized time off for bereavement & workplace accommodations to address potential difficulty meeting prior productivity demands.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hemang Yadav
- Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Larry Prokop
- Department of Education, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Maria I Lapid
- Center for Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Mayo Clinic Hospice, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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13
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Bogetz JF, Revette A, Partin L, DeCourcey DD. Relationships and Resources Supporting Children With Serious Illness and Their Parents. Hosp Pediatr 2022; 12:832-842. [PMID: 35945359 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-006596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with complex chronic conditions (CCCs) and their parents benefit from supportive serious illness care when their conditions are severe and impact their quality of life and stress. This includes not only expert medical care but also effective relationships with the clinical team. Existing data suggest that there are opportunities for improvement. This study's aim was to explore important aspects of the relationships and resources that facilitate supportive serious illness care among children with CCCs and their parents. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with CCCs (aged 13-35 years), and parents of children with CCCs across 2 academic pediatric centers in the United States from December 2018 to April 2019. Transcripts were iteratively coded and analyzed by a team that included a sociologist, pediatric intensivist, and palliative care researcher by using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Seven AYAs with CCCs and 9 parents participated (16 total; 1 AYA-parent dyad). Two key categories were identified around relationships with the clinical team: trust and fostering collaboration. Three key categories related to resources are information needs, making sense of life with illness, and supportive community. Many of the key categories and themes identified by participants had both tangible and intangible components and revealed the distinct yet interconnected nature of these aspects of care. CONCLUSIONS Awareness and cultivation of relationship and resource support through innovative interventions and attention to those with increased needs in these areas may improve the serious illness care provided to children with CCCs and their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jori F Bogetz
- Division of Pediatric Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anna Revette
- Survey Qualitative Methods Core, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lindsay Partin
- Division of Medical Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
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14
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Johnston EE, Davis ES, Bhatia S, Kenzik K. Location of death and hospice use in children with cancer varies by type of health insurance. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29521. [PMID: 34962704 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in end-of-life (EOL) care for children with cancer remain understudied. We addressed this gap by examining patterns of EOL care, with a focus on location of death and hospice utilization. METHODS We used MarketScan - a nationally representative dataset with Medicaid and commercial claims to conduct a retrospective observational study of children with cancer who died between 2011 and 2017 at age ≤21 years. We examined rates of (a) home death, (b) hospice utilization, (c) and medically intense interventions in the last 30 days (e.g., intubation). RESULTS Of the 1492 children in the cohort, 44% had Medicaid and 56% commercial insurance; 71% carried a solid tumor diagnosis, and 37% were between the ages of 15 and 21 years at the time of death. Forty percent died at home; children with Medicaid were less likely to die at home (relative risk [RR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.92; reference: commercial). Forty-five percent enrolled in hospice, for a median of 2 days. Hospice enrollment rates did not vary with insurance. However, children with Medicaid spent less time enrolled (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.17-0.27). Among children with Medicaid, Black children were less likely to die at home (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.92) and enroll on hospice (RR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55-0.91) than non-Hispanic White children. Medically intense interventions did not vary with insurance or race. CONCLUSION Only 40% of children with cancer die at home, and the duration of hospice enrollment is short. EOL care varies significantly with insurance. It is imperative that we determine if these patterns and disparities represent EOL preferences, provider biases, or differences in quality or availability of hospice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Davis
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kelly Kenzik
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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15
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A Scoping Review of Food Insecurity and Related Factors among Cancer Survivors. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132723. [PMID: 35807902 PMCID: PMC9269347 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite growing awareness of the financial burden that a cancer diagnosis places on a household, there is limited understanding of the risk for food insecurity among this population. The current study reviewed literature focusing on the relationship between food insecurity, cancer, and related factors among cancer survivors and their caregivers. In total, 49 articles (across 45 studies) were reviewed and spanned topic areas: patient navigation/social worker role, caregiver role, psychosocial impacts, and food insecurity/financial toxicity. Patient navigation yielded positive impacts including perceptions of better quality of care and improved health related quality of life. Caregivers served multiple roles: managing medications, emotional support, and medical advocacy. Subsequently, caregivers experience financial burden with loss of employment and work productivity. Negative psychosocial impacts experienced by cancer survivors included: cognitive impairment, financial constraints, and lack of coping skills. Financial strain experienced by cancer survivors was reported to influence ratings of physical/mental health and symptom burden. These results highlight that fields of food insecurity, obesity, and cancer control have typically grappled with these issues in isolation and have not robustly studied these factors in conjunction. There is an urgent need for well-designed studies with appropriate methods to establish key determinants of food insecurity among cancer survivors with multidisciplinary collaborators.
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16
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Boyden JY, Hill DL, Nye RT, Bona K, Johnston EE, Hinds P, Friebert S, Kang TI, Hays R, Hall M, Wolfe J, Feudtner C. Pediatric Palliative Care Parents' Distress, Financial Difficulty, and Child Symptoms. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:271-282. [PMID: 34425212 PMCID: PMC8816828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Parents of patients with a serious illness experience psychological distress, which impacts parents' wellbeing and, potentially, their ability to care for their children. Parent psychological distress may be influenced by children's symptom burden and by families' financial difficulty. OBJECTIVES This study examined the associations among parent psychological distress, parent-reported patient symptoms, and financial difficulty, seeking to determine the relative association of financial difficulty and of patient symptoms to parent psychological distress. METHODS Cross-sectional study of baseline data for 601 parents of 532 pediatric palliative care patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study conducted at seven US children's hospitals. Data included self-reported parent psychological distress and parent report of child's symptoms and family financial difficulty. We used ordinary least squares multiple regressions to examine the association between psychological distress and symptom score, between psychological distress and financial difficulty, and whether the degree of financial difficulty modified the relationship between psychological distress and symptom score. RESULTS The majority of parents were moderately to severely distressed (69%) or severely distressed (17%) and experienced some degree of financial difficulty (65%). While children's symptom scores and family financial difficulty together explained more of the variance in parental psychological distress than either variable alone, parental distress was associated more strongly, and to a larger degree, with financial difficulty than with symptom scores alone. CONCLUSIONS Parent psychological distress was associated with parent-reported patient symptoms and financial difficulty. Future work should examine these relationships longitudinally, and whether interventions to improve symptom management and ameliorate financial difficulties improve parental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care (J.Y.B., D.L.H., R.T.N., C.F.), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Douglas L Hill
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care (J.Y.B., D.L.H., R.T.N., C.F.), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Russell T Nye
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care (J.Y.B., D.L.H., R.T.N., C.F.), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kira Bona
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences (K.B.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School (K.B.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Department of Pediatrics (E.E.J.), Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Pamela Hinds
- Children's National Hospital (P.H.), Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice & Quality, Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sarah Friebert
- Department of Pediatrics( S.F.), Division of Palliative Care, Akron Children's Hospital and Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Tammy I Kang
- Department of Pediatrics (T.I.K.), Section of Palliative Care, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ross Hays
- Department of Pediatrics (R.H.), Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Matt Hall
- Children's Hospital Association (M.H.), Lenexa, Kansas, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology (J.W.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care (J.Y.B., D.L.H., R.T.N., C.F.), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics (C.F.), Medical Ethics and Health Policy, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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17
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Health-Related and Economic Burden Among Family Caregivers of Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Hematological Malignancies. Adv Ther 2021; 38:5002-5024. [PMID: 34499319 PMCID: PMC8478752 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-021-01872-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with lower survival and greater unmet need compared with some other hematologic malignancies (HMs). Despite differences in acuteness between AML and other HMs, the burden of family caregivers (FCs) of patients with these malignancies offer similar patient experiences. A targeted literature review was conducted to explore FC burden of patients with AML and HM with and without hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Instruments to measure and interventions to address FC burden were identified. Methods Studies on economic burden and compromised health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with FC burden, family affairs, and childcare from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2019 were identified through database and hand searches. Published English articles on randomized controlled trials or standardized qualitative or quantitative observational studies were included. FCs were those in close familial proximity to the patient (i.e., spouse, parents, children, relatives, other family members, significant others). Results Seventy-one publications were identified (AML, n = 3; HM, n = 29; HSCT, n = 39). Predominant burden categories included humanistic (n = 33), economic (n = 17), and interventions (n = 22); one study was classified as humanistic and economic. FCs lack sufficient resources to manage stressors and experience negative psychological, behavioral, and physiological effects. FCs of patients with HMs reported post-traumatic stress disorder, significant sleep problems, moderate-to-poor HRQoL, and negative impacts on family relationships. Instruments designed to measure caregiver burden were generic and symptom-specific. Educational, expressional, and self-adjustment interventions were used to improve FC burden. Conclusion Findings indicate a need for additional research, public health approaches to support FCs, and effective interventions to address FC burden. Minimizing FC burden and improving quality of life may reduce the overall healthcare service use and allow FCs to more effectively fulfill caregiver tasks. Support systems to alleviate caregiver burden may create reinforced integrators, thus positively affecting quality of life and possibly the outcomes of patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01872-x.
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18
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Mitterer S, Zimmermann K, Bergsträsser E, Simon M, Gerber AK, Fink G. Measuring Financial Burden in Families of Children Living With Life-Limiting Conditions: A Scoping Review of Cost Indicators and Outcome Measures. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2021; 24:1377-1389. [PMID: 34452718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of cost indicators and outcome measures used to measure financial burden in families of children with life-limiting conditions. METHODS A scoping review methodology was used to map the existing literature and provide an overview of available cost indicators and outcome measures. Key medical, economic, and scientific databases were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published in 2000 or later. RESULTS The database search yielded 7194 records, including 30 articles eligible for final inclusion. Retrieved cost indicators and outcome measures fell into 3 broad categories: direct costs, indirect costs, and financial support. No study comprehensively assessed all 3 categories. Cost indicators used to measure direct costs were grouped into 5 medical and 11 nonmedical out-of-pocket expenses categories, of which 5 were commonly assessed (ie, treatment and diagnostics, travel and transport, accommodation, food, childcare and home help). Half of the reviewed studies included assessments of indirect costs, most commonly estimating work-related income loss by evaluating employment disruptions. Assessments of opportunity costs arising from informal caregiving and of financial support were rarely included. CONCLUSIONS Current estimates of the financial burden faced by families of children with life-limiting conditions are inconsistent and often incomplete, likely resulting in severe underestimations of the costs these families incur. We hope that the framework presented in this article will contribute to a more comprehensive assessment of illness-related financial burden and help guide future policies in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Mitterer
- Department Public Health - Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karin Zimmermann
- Department Public Health - Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Paediatric Palliative Care and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Eva Bergsträsser
- Paediatric Palliative Care and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Simon
- Department Public Health - Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Kathrin Gerber
- Department Public Health - Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Günther Fink
- Household Economics and Health Systems Research, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Gordon LG, Ownsworth T, Bradford NK, Pinkham MB, Chan RJ. Electronic finance-related outcome measures (eFROMs): a new approach to screen for cancer-related financial toxicity in clinical practice. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:5549-5551. [PMID: 33822242 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06191-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louisa G Gordon
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Q4006, Australia. .,School of Nursing and Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Q4059, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Q4006, Australia.
| | - Tamara Ownsworth
- School of Applied Psychology and Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, Q4122, Australia
| | - Natalie K Bradford
- Division of Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Q4102, Australia
| | - Mark B Pinkham
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Q4006, Australia.,Division of Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Q4102, Australia
| | - Raymond J Chan
- School of Nursing and Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Q4059, Australia.,Division of Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Q4102, Australia
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20
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Johnston EE, Martinez I, Wolfe J, Asch SM. Quality measures for end-of-life care for children with cancer: A modified Delphi approach. Cancer 2021; 127:2571-2578. [PMID: 33784408 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of adult end-of-life (EOL) cancer care has benefited from quality measures, but corresponding pediatric measures are lacking. Therefore, the authors used a validated expert panel method to recommend EOL quality measures for pediatric oncology. METHODS The authors used the modified Delphi method to assess potential quality measures. Panelists were selected on the basis of professional organization nominations and expert qualifications. Pediatric and adult oncology, pediatric palliative care, social work, nursing, and hospice were represented. The authors provided the panel with a literature review on 20 proposed measures derived from adult measures and bereaved family interviews. The panel first scored the importance of each measure on a 9-point scale and then discussed the measures via a conference call. The panel then rescored the measures. According to a priori standards, measures with median scores ≥ 7 with at least 7 of 9 experts ranking it as ≥4 were endorsed. RESULTS The 16 endorsed measures included measures related to avoidance of medically intense care (eg, intensive care unit death and intubation in the last 14 days of life), death location (eg, death in the preferred location), hospital policies/programs (eg, the removal of visitor restrictions at EOL and the presence of a bereavement program), and supportive care services (eg, pediatric palliative care involvement and sibling needs assessment). Unendorsed measures included avoidance of chemotherapy at EOL and home death. CONCLUSIONS Expert panel-endorsed quality measures have been developed for EOL care in pediatric oncology. The measures need validation with bereaved families and further refinement before they are ready for real-world application as a tool for standardizing EOL care in pediatric oncology. LAY SUMMARY Quality measures for end-of-life care for children with cancer lag behind adult quality measures. Therefore, the authors have conducted an expert panel to develop an endorsed list of quality measures for end-of-life care for children with cancer. The 16 endorsed measures include measures related to avoidance of medically intense care (eg, intensive care unit death and intubation in the last 14 days of life), location of death (eg, death in the preferred location), hospital policies/programs (eg, the removal of visitor restrictions at the end of life and the presence of a bereavement program), and supportive care services (eg, pediatric palliative care involvement and sibling needs assessment).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Johnston
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Isaac Martinez
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven M Asch
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Palo Alto, California
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21
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Australian Experiences of Out-of-Pocket Costs and Financial Burden Following a Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052422. [PMID: 33801282 PMCID: PMC7967550 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: This systematic review was conducted to identify cancer patient experiences, and the impact of out-of-pocket costs and financial burden in Australia. (2) Methods: A systematic review, following the Preferring Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, was conducted. Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PubMed were searched. The primary outcome was financial burden among cancer patients and their families in Australia. The secondary outcome was out-of-pocket costs associated with cancer care and treatment within the population sample, and the impact of financial burden. (3) Results: Nineteen studies were included, covering more than 70,000 Australians affected by cancer. Out-of-pocket costs varied by cancer type and ranged from an average of AUD 977 for breast cancer and lymphoedema patients to AUD 11,077 for prostate cancer patients. Younger aged patients (≤65 years), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people in rural and/or remote areas, households with low income, those who were unemployed and people with private health insurance were at increased risk of experiencing out-of-pocket costs, financial burden or a combination of both. (4) Conclusions: Australians diagnosed with cancer frequently experience financial burden, and the health and financial consequences are significant. Focusing efforts on the costs of care and options about where to have care within the context of informed decisions about cancer care is necessary.
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22
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Parents' views on what facilitated or complicated their grief after losing a child to cancer. Palliat Support Care 2020; 19:524-529. [PMID: 33239119 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951520001212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The loss of a child is a devastating event, and bereaved parents often suffer intense and long-lasting grief reactions and are at risk for psychological symptoms. More knowledge about how parents cope with grief may improve the support to bereaved parents. This study, therefore, aimed to explore parents' views on what facilitated or complicated their grief coping after losing a child to cancer. METHODS This study was derived from a nationwide postal survey. Cancer-bereaved parents (n = 161) provided written responses to two open-ended questions: "Is there anything that has helped you cope with your grief after your child's death?" and "Is there anything that made it difficult for you to cope with your grief?" Content analysis was used to analyze the responses. RESULTS Parents reported that a supportive social network of family and friends, and having remaining children, facilitated their coping with grief. Meeting professional counselors and meeting other bereaved parents, connecting to memories of the deceased child in various contexts, including school and pediatric care settings, were also reported facilitating grief coping. Parents stated that the following experiences had complicated grief coping: additional losses in their family or social network; not being able to share emotions with their partner; when they perceived that friends, relatives, or colleagues lacked empathy or patience; when they felt challenging demands from employers at a too early stage. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS This study contributes to the understanding of parents' grief experiences and what has facilitated or complicated their coping with grief, which can help health care professionals and others improve bereavement support services.
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23
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Chae W, Kim J, Park S, Park EC, Jang SI. The Financial Burden Associated with Medical Costs among Childhood Cancer Patients and Their Families Related to Their Socioeconomic Status: The Perspective of National Health Insurance Service. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6020. [PMID: 32824940 PMCID: PMC7503756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The number of cancer survivors is increasing as a consequence of improved therapeutic options. Many families are suffering from the resultant financial burden. Our study aims to determine the total medical cost for 5 years after the initial diagnosis of childhood cancers. A customized dataset from the Korean National Health Insurance Claims Database was requested for this study. A total of 7317 patients were selected to determine the total medical cost. The costs are presented as the 2% trimmed mean value to exclude extreme costs. The medical costs were further classified according to cancer type, treatment phase, and socioeconomic status. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. The average total medical cost per patient is 36.8 million Korean Wons or 32,157 United States Dollars. Analysis of socioeconomic status revealed that the higher income group demonstrated higher medical expenditure when compared to other groups. Analysis of the treatment phase showed that costs associated with the early phase of treatment are the highest, especially in the first 3 months after initial diagnosis. To alleviate the financial burden and reduce the socioeconomic disparities associated with medical care and costs, a better understanding of the current experience of patients and their families is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjeong Chae
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Juyeong Kim
- Department of Health & Human Performance, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Korea;
| | - Sohee Park
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Eun-Cheol Park
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Sung-In Jang
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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Wilson DM, Rodríguez-Prat A, Low G. The potential impact of bereavement grief on workers, work, careers, and the workplace. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2020; 59:335-350. [PMID: 32510280 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2020.1769247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bereavement grief is typically very painful and often highly consequential. People who are working could be significantly impacted by the death of someone they care about. A qualitative study sought an understanding of the lived experience of bereavement on the mourner's ability to work and their work-related experiences following the death of a loved one. Three themes emerged: (a) grief is universal but individually impactful, (b) accommodation is needed to assist the return to work and to regain work abilities, and (c) there are many impediments to working again. These themes highlight the potential for bereavement grief to substantially effect mourners and thus their work, careers, and the workplace. Older workers could be particularly disadvantaged because of workplace ageism. Societal and other changes appear to be needed for the health and wellbeing of mourning workers, and to address related work and bereavement issues. Bereavement grief is highly relevant to the social work profession, given its involvement in providing information, developing supportive services, and making referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna M Wilson
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Gail Low
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Morris S, Fletcher K, Goldstein R. The Grief of Parents After the Death of a Young Child. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2020; 26:321-338. [PMID: 30488260 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-018-9590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Research demonstrates that severe forms of grief and grief-related pathology exist in the general population. Less attention, however, has been paid to the grief of parents following the death of a young, dependent child. In this review, we summarize a search of Pubmed, PsycINFO and Web of Science from 1995 to 2017, using the terms 'parental complicated grief', 'parental traumatic grief', and 'parent Prolonged Grief Disorder', specifically addressing parental grief and identified risk factors for complicated or prolonged grief. Forty-two studies met criteria and indicate a significant burden of complicated or prolonged grief in parents of children dying from virtually any cause. It appears that the empiric literature is undermined by great variability, including the composition of samples, the causes of death studied, the psychometric measures used, and post-loss intervals. We conclude that the uniform severity of grief experiences following the death of a young child is potentially a distinct subtype of grief, deserving of attention in its own right in future research and diagnostic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Morris
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Kalen Fletcher
- Department of Social Work, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Richard Goldstein
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Santacroce SJ, Kneipp SM. A Conceptual Model of Financial Toxicity in Pediatric Oncology. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2020; 36:6-16. [PMID: 30798687 DOI: 10.1177/1043454218810137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to explicate a conceptual framework for financial toxicity in pediatric oncology to guide nursing practice and research. The framework is based on one for financial outcomes of severe illness attributed to Scott Ramsey and adapted by the National Cancer Institute to describe relationships between preexisting factors, a cancer diagnosis, financial distress, and health outcomes for adult cancer patients and survivors. The adaption for pediatric oncology was informed by the results of a systematic scoping review to identify advances and gaps in the recent literature about the personal costs of illness to parents in the pediatric oncology context. The conceptual model for pediatric oncology indicates that existing and dynamic parent and family factors, other risk and protective factors, the child's diagnosis and treatment, and treatment-related financial costs can affect parent financial coping behaviors and parent health and family financial outcomes, all of which may affect child outcomes. Additionally, nursing's historic emphasis on holistic care, quality of life, and health determinants justify attention to financial toxicity as a nursing role. Therefore, pediatric oncology nurses must be sensitive to financial toxicity and related risk factors, become comfortable communicating about treatment-related financial costs and financial distress with parents and other health professionals, and collaborate in efforts that draw on the expertise of multiple stakeholders to identify potential or actual financial toxicity in parents and mitigate its impact on childhood cancer health outcomes through direct care, referral, research, quality improvement, and health advocacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shawn M Kneipp
- 1 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Johnston EE, Molina J, Martinez I, Dionne-Odom JN, Currie ER, Crowl T, Butterworth L, Chamberlain LJ, Bhatia S, Rosenberg AR. Bereaved parents' views on end-of-life care for children with cancer: Quality marker implications. Cancer 2020; 126:3352-3359. [PMID: 32383817 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND End-of-life (EOL) quality markers in adult oncology include home death and intensive care unit avoidance. Corresponding markers are lacking in pediatric oncology. This study was aimed at describing bereaved parents' perspectives of high-quality EOL care in pediatric oncology. METHODS This study enrolled a convenience sample of 28 bereaved parents (English- or Spanish-speaking) whose children (0-21 years old) had died of cancer ≥6 months before. Semistructured interviews were conducted to elicit parental perceptions of medically intense/quality EOL care. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim (30 hours), and study team consensus and content analyses identified themes related to EOL quality markers. Related quotes were scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (supported comfort care) to 5 (supported medically aggressive care). RESULTS The children died in 1998-2017 at a mean age of 10 years (SD, 5.2 years); 50% had a solid tumor, and 46% were Spanish-speaking. Themes included 1) home death preference (unless home support was inadequate; median score, 1.6), nonaggressive care (median score, 2.4), and continued anticancer therapy (median score, 3.2); 2) programs/policies that could alleviate barriers limiting a family's time with a dying child (visiting restrictions and financial strains); 3) the need to prepare the family for death (eg, what would happen to the child's body), and 4) perceived abandonment. CONCLUSIONS This is the first qualitative study to identify quality makers for children dying of cancer from bereaved parents' perspectives. Natural death is generally preferred, and quality measures that address barriers to parents' spending time with their children, a lack of preparation for the events surrounding death, and feelings of abandonment are critical. Future studies need to validate these findings and develop targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Johnston
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jannelle Molina
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Isaac Martinez
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Erin R Currie
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Terra Crowl
- Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services, Watsonville, California, USA
| | - Lori Butterworth
- Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services, Watsonville, California, USA
| | - Lisa J Chamberlain
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Santacroce SJ, Kneipp SM. Influence of pediatric cancer-related financial burden on parent distress and other stress-related symptoms. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28093. [PMID: 31762180 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric cancer-induced financial burden is source of stress for parents, particularly mothers, single parents, and parents with lower incomes. This financial burden has been linked to poorer family quality of life (QOL) in terms of new onset material hardships, and could also affect individual QOL in terms of parents' stress-related symptoms. Our purpose was to describe pediatric cancer-induced financial burden among parents of children with that diagnosis, its effects on their stress-related symptoms (distress, anxiety, cognition impairment, sleep impairment), and associations between select risk factors (relationship to the child, marital status, income) and the extent that financial burden affected parents' symptoms. PROCEDURE We recruited via two parent-led groups and collected data using an online survey. We calculated frequencies of demographic characteristics, financial burden, and symptoms. We used chi-square statistics to examine bivariate associations between the risk factors and extent that cancer-related financial burden affected parents' symptoms. RESULTS Most (63.6%) respondents reported that pediatric cancer severely affected their finances. The majority (50.23-69.86%) also reported that this burden severely affected their symptoms. Marital status, income, and, for some symptoms, relationship to the child were associated with the extent that financial burden affected the symptoms. Greater proportions of mothers (53-73.5%), divorced/single parents (69.2-90.4%), and parents in the lowest income category (77.3-95.5%) experienced severely affected symptoms compared to fathers (41.7-59.5%), married/partnered parents (41.7-59.5%), and parents in the highest income category (28.6-42.9%). CONCLUSION Financial burden and symptoms are fitting targets for interventions to improve family and individual QOL in the context of pediatric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Judge Santacroce
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Shawn M Kneipp
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Reconsidering early parental grief following the death of a child from cancer: a new framework for future research and bereavement support. Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:4131-4139. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05249-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Dionne-Odom JN, Currie ER, Johnston EE, Rosenberg AR. Supporting Family Caregivers of Adult and Pediatric Persons with Leukemia. Semin Oncol Nurs 2019; 35:150954. [DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.150954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Ren Y, Li X. Direct and indirect costs of families with a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in an academic hospital in China: a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030511. [PMID: 31324687 PMCID: PMC6661580 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the direct and indirect costs in families with a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in China. DESIGN A single-site, cross-sectional survey of primary caregiver of a child with ALL was performed. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We analysed the total costs incurred on the completion of the first three-phase treatment (induction, consolidation and intensification), which requires intensive hospitalisation. Eligible patients were (1) diagnosed with ALL between 2010 and 2012 at Shanghai Children's Medical Center (SCMC), (2) aged 0-14 years at diagnosis and (3) completed the first three-phase treatment at SCMC. The data were collected between October 2014 and December 2014. OUTCOME MEASURES We decomposed the total costs into three categories: (1) direct medical costs, which were further divided into outpatient and inpatient costs; (2) direct non-medical costs, which referred to expenses incurred in relation to the illness; and (3) indirect costs due to productivity loss. RESULTS A total of 161 patients were included in the study. Direct medical costs accounted for about 51.7% of the overall costs, and the rest of 48.3% of the total costs were attributed to direct non-medical costs and indirect costs. Regarding families with different household registration type (rural vs urban), the total costs were significantly different between the two groups (US$36 125 vs US$25 593; p=0.021). Specifically, urban families incurred significantly larger indirect costs than rural families (US$12 343 vs US$4157; p=0.018). Although the direct non-medical costs were not significantly different, urban families spent more money on hygiene cleaning products and auxiliary treatment equipment (p=0.041) and gifts and treats (p=0.034) than rural families. CONCLUSIONS The financial burden faced by the Chinese families with a child with ALL was tremendous, and the distributions of costs among the three categories were different between urban and rural families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijiong Ren
- Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The societal value of unpaid caregiving is estimated to exceed $470 billion annually. In spite of the high value care they provide, caregivers experience significant financial burden. This paper examines the sources and impact of financial burden on cancer caregivers. DATA SOURCES Survey of the published peer-reviewed literature complemented by Web-based sources. CONCLUSION Caregivers for cancer patients may experience financial burden disproportionately relative to other caregivers because of the intensity of care they provide and the cost and complexity of cancer treatment. Financial burden stems from employment loss and cost of care and can continue long after the death of the patient. Few federal policy protections are available for caregivers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Oncology nurses can play an important role in recognizing the needs of caregivers and act as navigators to connect caregivers to available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy J Bradley
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, and Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO.
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Roser K, Erdmann F, Michel G, Winther JF, Mader L. The impact of childhood cancer on parents' socio‐economic situation—A systematic review. Psychooncology 2019; 28:1207-1226. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.5088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Roser
- Department of Health Sciences and Health PolicyUniversity of Lucerne Lucerne Switzerland
| | - Friederike Erdmann
- Childhood Cancer Research GroupDanish Cancer Society Research Center Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Gisela Michel
- Department of Health Sciences and Health PolicyUniversity of Lucerne Lucerne Switzerland
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Childhood Cancer Research GroupDanish Cancer Society Research Center Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of HealthAarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Luzius Mader
- Childhood Cancer Research GroupDanish Cancer Society Research Center Copenhagen Denmark
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Wan C, Berlinguette MK, Skomorovsky A. The impact of financial satisfaction on well-being of Canadian military members. JOURNAL OF MILITARY, VETERAN AND FAMILY HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.3138/jmvfh.5.s1.2018-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The ability to attain financial satisfaction is becoming progressively difficult due to increasing living standards, costs, and accruement of debt. Military members are arguably at greater risk of being dissatisfied with their current financial situation and suffering from financial strain and psychological distress due to the demands of a military lifestyle. Methods: The present study aimed to explore the predictive relationships between financial satisfaction and daily coping ability on two facets of well-being – life satisfaction and psychological distress – among Canadian military personnel. Results: The hierarchical regression results demonstrated that financial satisfaction was a significant predictor of life satisfaction and psychological distress. Moreover, daily coping ability played a vital role in improving participants’ life satisfaction and reducing psychological distress, above and beyond the positive impact of financial satisfaction. Discussion: The qualitative difference between the predictors and outcome variables as well as directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Wan
- Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - M. Katharine Berlinguette
- Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alla Skomorovsky
- Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Youngblut JM, Brooten D. Comparison of mothers and grandmothers physical and mental health and functioning within 6 months after child NICU/PICU death. Ital J Pediatr 2018; 44:89. [PMID: 30097046 PMCID: PMC6086060 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-018-0531-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Losing a child is devastating for parents and grandparents. Family and friends generally focus on comforting and supporting the bereaved parents, unintentionally ignoring the bereaved grandparents. Grandmothers and grandfathers often struggle with wanting to help their adult children (deceased child’s parents) without usurping the parents’ responsibilities and decisions regarding the deceased child. Research on mothers’ and grandmothers’ health at about the same time after the same child’s death in the neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare mothers and grandmothers on physical health, mental health, and functioning in the first 1–6 months after the same child’s death in a neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit. Methods This cross-sectional secondary analysis compared 32 mothers with 32 grandmothers of the same 32 deceased children (newborn-6 years). Grandmothers were recruited through these 32 mothers. Most grandmothers and mothers were Hispanic (25%, 34%) or Black (44%, 41%), respectively. Mothers and grandmothers separately completed questions about their Physical Health, Mental Health [depression (Beck Depression Inventory), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD, Impact of Events-R), grief (Hogan Grief Reaction Checklist)], and Functioning (social support [MSPSS] and Employment) since the child’s/grandchild’s death. Paired t-tests and Chi Square tests were used to compare grandmothers with mothers of the same deceased infant/child on their private and separate responses to study measures. Results Mothers had significantly more acute illnesses than grandmothers. More mothers (63%) than grandmothers (37%) were categorized as clinically depressed. More mothers (69%) than grandmothers (44%) had clinical PTSD. Mothers reported significantly higher levels of despair and detachment than grandmothers. Only 4 mothers and 2 grandmothers were in therapy at the time of interview. Grandmothers and mothers rated their ability to concentrate on their work and their level of social support similarly. Conclusions Mothers had more acute illnesses, more severe depression, and a higher level of grief than grandmothers. However, few received therapy despite their high levels of depressive and PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne M Youngblut
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Florida International University, AHC 3, Rm 241, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Dorothy Brooten
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Florida International University, AHC 3, Rm 241, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199, USA
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Santacroce SJ, Tan KR, Killela MK. A systematic scoping review of the recent literature (∼2011-2017) about the costs of illness to parents of children diagnosed with cancer. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2018; 35:22-32. [PMID: 30057080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study purpose was to map and identify gaps in the recent (∼2011-2017) literature on the costs of illness to parents of children diagnosed with cancer. The costs of illness include direct costs, indirect costs and psychosocial costs. METHODS A systematic scoping review was conducted. Data sources included PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo and EconLit. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were conducted in high-income countries, published in the English language, and reported parent perspectives on direct costs, indirect costs and/or psychosocial costs due to financial costs. RESULTS 25 studies were eligible. Most were conducted in Canada, the USA, or Sweden. The studies used a variety of designs, target populations, time frames and sample sizes. Intervention studies were lacking. Across studies fathers were underrepresented. While no study comprehensively measured costs of illness, more studies used rigorous methods and considered psychosocial costs. Financial costs were measured using a micro-costing or general estimates approach. Psychosocial costs were measured using a variety of PRO measures, some of which were investigator developed. The studies provide evidence that financial toxicity occurs in pediatric oncology. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should comprehensively measure costs using a consistent set of established measures and make efforts to recruit fathers to cost of illness research. Interventions to mitigate financial toxicity are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Judge Santacroce
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
| | - Kelly R Tan
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Mary K Killela
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Knaul FM, Farmer PE, Krakauer EL, De Lima L, Bhadelia A, Jiang Kwete X, Arreola-Ornelas H, Gómez-Dantés O, Rodriguez NM, Alleyne GAO, Connor SR, Hunter DJ, Lohman D, Radbruch L, Del Rocío Sáenz Madrigal M, Atun R, Foley KM, Frenk J, Jamison DT, Rajagopal MR. Alleviating the access abyss in palliative care and pain relief-an imperative of universal health coverage: the Lancet Commission report. Lancet 2018; 391:1391-1454. [PMID: 29032993 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)32513-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 649] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Marie Knaul
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; Tómatelo a Pecho, A.C., Mexico City, Mexico; Fundación Mexicana para la Salud, A.C., Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | - Eric L Krakauer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Liliana De Lima
- International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Afsan Bhadelia
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoxiao Jiang Kwete
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Héctor Arreola-Ornelas
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; Tómatelo a Pecho, A.C., Mexico City, Mexico; Fundación Mexicana para la Salud, A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Natalia M Rodriguez
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - George A O Alleyne
- Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office of WHO, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - David J Hunter
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Diederik Lohman
- Health and Human Rights Division, Human Rights Watch, Maplewood, NJ, USA
| | - Lukas Radbruch
- International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Germany; The Malteser Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Rifat Atun
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Julio Frenk
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; School of Business Administration, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | | | - M R Rajagopal
- Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences, WHO Collaborating Centre for Training and Policy on Access to Pain Relief, Pallium India, Kerala, India
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Jones B, Currin-McCulloch J, Pelletier W, Sardi-Brown V, Brown P, Wiener L. Psychosocial standards of care for children with cancer and their families: A national survey of pediatric oncology social workers. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2018; 57:221-249. [PMID: 29498614 PMCID: PMC6726426 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2018.1441212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, an interdisciplinary group of psychosocial experts developed The Standards of Psychosocial Care for Children with Cancer and Their Families. This paper presents data from a national survey of pediatric oncology social workers and their experiences in delivering psychosocial care to children and families. In total, 107 social workers from 81 cancer institutions participated in a 25-item online survey that mirrored the 15 Standards for Psychosocial Care. Both closed and open-ended questions were included. Social work participants reported that psychosocial support is being provided at most cancer centers surveyed, primarily by social workers and child life specialists, addressing adaptation to the cancer diagnosis, treatment, and transitions into survivorship or end-of-life care and bereavement. While social workers reported offering comprehensive services throughout the cancer trajectory, many of the 2015 Standards are not being systematically implemented. Areas for improvement include funding for psychosocial support staff and programs, incorporation of standardized assessment measures, assessment for financial burden throughout treatment and beyond, consistent access to psychology and psychiatry, integrated care for parents and siblings, and more inclusion of palliative care services from time of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Jones
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | | | - Wendy Pelletier
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/Blood & Marrow Transplant Program, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Peter Brown
- Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Lori Wiener
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA
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Farazi PA, Watanabe-Galloway S, Westman L, Rettig B, Hunt P, Cammack R, Sparks JW, Coulter DW. Temporal and geospatial trends of pediatric cancer incidence in Nebraska over a 24-year period. Cancer Epidemiol 2017; 52:83-90. [PMID: 29278840 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) revealed that the incidence of pediatric cancer in Nebraska exceeded the national average during 2009-2013. Further investigation could help understand these patterns. METHODS This retrospective cohort study investigated pediatric cancer (0-19 years old) age adjusted incidence rates (AAR) in Nebraska using the Nebraska Cancer Registry. SEER AARs were also calculated as a proxy for pediatric cancer incidence in the United States (1990-2013) and compared to the Nebraska data. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping was also used to display the spatial distribution of cancer in Nebraska at the county level. Finally, location-allocation analysis (LAA) was performed to identify a site for the placement of a medical center to best accommodate rural pediatric cancer cases. RESULTS The AAR of pediatric cancers was 173.3 per 1,000,000 in Nebraska compared to 167.1 per 1,000,000 in SEER. The AAR for lymphoma was significantly higher in Nebraska (28.1 vs. 24.6 per 1,000,000; p = 0.009). For the 15-19 age group, the AAR for the 3 most common pediatric cancers were higher in Nebraska (p < 0.05). Twenty-three counties located >2 h driving distance to care facilities showed at least a 10% higher incidence than the overall state AAR. GIS mapping identified a second potential treatment site that would alleviate this geographic burden. CONCLUSIONS Regional differences within Nebraska present a challenge for rural populations. Novel use of GIS mapping to highlight regional differences and identify solutions for access to care issues could be used by similar states.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Farazi
- College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.
| | - S Watanabe-Galloway
- College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - L Westman
- College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - B Rettig
- Department of Health and Human Services, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - P Hunt
- Department of Geography and Geology, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - R Cammack
- Department of Geography and Geology, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - J W Sparks
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - D W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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Randall DC. Two Futures: Financial and Practical Realities for Parents of Living With a Life Limited Child. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 2017; 40:257-267. [PMID: 29125321 DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2017.1376360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Today more and more children are living with complex health care needs, many of these children are living with life limiting and/or threatening conditions, some are medically fragile. To live a childhood these children must live in communities and with their families. In most cases this means the child's carers, their parents, most often their mothers, are required to undertake a great deal of the child's care. During a project on parental coping I became aware of the ways in which parents were restructuring their working lives in order to meet the demands of the nursing and medical care needs of their children. In this paper I relate the stories we discovered in this qualitative study and discuss the tensions between parental and state's responsibility for children, carers and the political and cultural rights and responsibilities pertaining to children's care. I use Margret Urban Walker's ideas of expressive collaborative morality to argue that the care of life limited and life threatened children should be framed in a negotiation between the state and the carers, both informal and professional. That such an agreement should include a covenant to assist parents and siblings when a child dies to recover and adjust to their loss, in recognition of the work they have performed in caring for the child during their child's life and their death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan C Randall
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Southampton , Southampton , United Kingdom
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Johnston EE, Rosenberg AR, Kamal AH. Pediatric-Specific End-of-Life Care Quality Measures: An Unmet Need of a Vulnerable Population. J Oncol Pract 2017; 13:e874-e880. [DOI: 10.1200/jop.2017.021766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We must ensure that the 20,000 US children (age 0 to 19 years) who die as a result of serious illness annually receive high-quality end-of-life care. Ensuring high-quality end-of-life care requires recognition that pediatric end-of-life care is conceptually and operationally different than that for adults. For example, in-hospital adult death is considered an outcome to be avoided, whereas many pediatric families may prefer hospital death. Because pediatric deaths are comparatively rare, not all centers offer pediatric-focused palliative care and hospice services. The unique psychosocial issues facing families who are losing a child include challenges for parent decision makers and young siblings. Furthermore, the focus on advance directive documentation in adult care may be less relevant in pediatrics because parental decision makers are available. Health care quality measures provide a framework for tracking the care provided and aid in agency and provider accountability, reimbursement, and educated patient choice for location of care. The National Quality Forum, Joint Commission, and other groups have developed several end-of-life measures. However, none of the current quality measures focus on the unique needs of dying pediatric patients and their caregivers. To evolve the existing infrastructure to better measure and report quality pediatric end-of-life care, we propose two changes. First, we outline how existing adult quality measures may be modified to better address pediatric end-of-life care. Second, we suggest the formation of a pediatric quality measure end-of-life task force. These are the next steps to evolving end-of-life quality measures to better fit the needs of seriously ill children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Johnston
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA; Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, and Duke Palliative Care, Duke Health, Durham, NC
| | - Abby R. Rosenberg
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA; Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, and Duke Palliative Care, Duke Health, Durham, NC
| | - Arif H. Kamal
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA; Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, and Duke Palliative Care, Duke Health, Durham, NC
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Mooney-Doyle K, Dos Santos MR, Szylit R, Deatrick JA. Parental expectations of support from healthcare providers during pediatric life-threatening illness: A secondary, qualitative analysis. J Pediatr Nurs 2017; 36:163-172. [PMID: 28888498 PMCID: PMC5659330 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSES To explain parental expectations of support from healthcare providers for their parenting roles and goals during a child's life-threatening illness (LTI). DESIGN AND METHODS Qualitative interpretive study guided by the Family Adjustment and Adaptation Response Model. Thematic analyses were conducted with data from 31 semi-structured interviews of parents of children with LTI using systematic strategies to ensure rigor including audit trails and prolonged engagement. RESULTS We identified three themes and one meta-theme or overall theme: (1) "Help us survive this," (2) "Let's fight together: please fight with me, not against me, to care for my family," and (3) "Guide me through the darkness: I am suffering." Overall, the parents conveyed that they expect mutuality with the health care providers and system in order to keep Fighting together for my family survival. CONCLUSIONS In the daily work of caring for their families, parents of children with LTI consider survival on multiple levels. They consider the life, illness, and potential death of one child while considering the on-going survival and sustenance of family relationships. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Parents are distressed and grapple with conflicted feelings about managing competing needs of various family members. Relationships with health care providers can influence parents' management of the situation and be a source of support as their parenting role changes over the illness trajectory, time, and in response to adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Mooney-Doyle
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | | | - Regina Szylit
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Nursing, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janet A Deatrick
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Rosenberg AR, Wolfe J. Approaching the third decade of paediatric palliative oncology investigation: historical progress and future directions. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2017; 1:56-67. [PMID: 29333484 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(17)30014-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Paediatric palliative care (PPC) endeavours to alleviate the suffering and improve the quality of life of children with serious illnesses and their families. In the past two decades since WHO defined PPC and called for its inclusion in paediatric oncology care, rigorous investigation has provided important insights. For example, the first decade of research focused on end-of-life experiences of the child and the family, underscoring the high prevalence of symptom burden, the barriers to parent-provider concordance with regards to prognosis, as well as the need for bereavement supports. The second decade expanded PPC oncology investigation to include the entire cancer continuum and the voices of patients. Other studies identified the need for support of parents, siblings, and racial and ethnic minority groups. Promising interventions designed to improve outcomes were tested in randomised clinical trials. Future research will build on these findings and pose novel questions about how to continue to reduce the burdens of paediatric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby R Rosenberg
- Seattle Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg MD); Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg); Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg); Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, and Center for Outcomes and Policy Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe MD); Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe); and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe)
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Seattle Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg MD); Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg); Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg); Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, and Center for Outcomes and Policy Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe MD); Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe); and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe)
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Eskola K, Bergstraesser E, Zimmermann K, Cignacco E. Maintaining family life balance while facing a child's imminent death-A mixed methods study. J Adv Nurs 2017; 73:2462-2472. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katri Eskola
- Institute of Nursing Science; University of Basel; Switzerland
- Clinical Nurse Specialist; Triemli Hospital; Zurich Switzerland
| | | | - Karin Zimmermann
- Institute of Nursing Science; University of Basel; Switzerland
- University Children's Hospital Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Eva Cignacco
- Institute of Nursing Science; University of Basel; Switzerland
- Health Division; University of Applied Sciences Bern; Switzerland
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Nelson L, Valle J, King G, Mills PK, Richardson MJ, Roberts EM, Smith D, English P. Estimating the Proportion of Childhood Cancer Cases and Costs Attributable to the Environment in California. Am J Public Health 2017; 107:756-762. [PMID: 28323471 PMCID: PMC5388954 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2017.303690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the proportion of cases and costs of the most common cancers among children aged 0 to 14 years (leukemia, lymphoma, and brain or central nervous system tumors) that were attributable to preventable environmental pollution in California in 2013. METHODS We conducted a literature review to identify preventable environmental hazards associated with childhood cancer. We combined risk estimates with California-specific exposure prevalence estimates to calculate hazard-specific environmental attributable fractions (EAFs). We combined hazard-specific EAFs to estimate EAFs for each cancer and calculated an overall EAF. Estimated economic costs included annual (indirect and direct medical) and lifetime costs. RESULTS Hazards associated with childhood cancer risks included tobacco smoke, residential exposures, and parental occupational exposures. Estimated EAFs for leukemia, lymphoma, and brain or central nervous system cancer were 21.3% (range = 11.7%-30.9%), 16.1% (range = 15.0%-17.2%), and 2.0% (range = 1.7%-2.2%), respectively. The combined EAF was 15.1% (range = 9.4%-20.7%), representing $18.6 million (range = $11.6 to $25.5 million) in annual costs and $31 million in lifetime costs. CONCLUSIONS Reducing environmental hazards and exposures in California could substantially reduce the human burden of childhood cancer and result in significant annual and lifetime savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Nelson
- Lauren Nelson is with the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service Fellowship Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond. Jhaqueline Valle, Galatea King, Maxwell J. Richardson, and Eric M. Roberts are with the California Environmental Health Tracking Program, Richmond. Paul K. Mills is with the Fresno Medical Education and Research Program, University of California San Francisco, Fresno. Daniel Smith and Paul English are with the California Department of Public Health, Richmond
| | - Jhaqueline Valle
- Lauren Nelson is with the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service Fellowship Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond. Jhaqueline Valle, Galatea King, Maxwell J. Richardson, and Eric M. Roberts are with the California Environmental Health Tracking Program, Richmond. Paul K. Mills is with the Fresno Medical Education and Research Program, University of California San Francisco, Fresno. Daniel Smith and Paul English are with the California Department of Public Health, Richmond
| | - Galatea King
- Lauren Nelson is with the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service Fellowship Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond. Jhaqueline Valle, Galatea King, Maxwell J. Richardson, and Eric M. Roberts are with the California Environmental Health Tracking Program, Richmond. Paul K. Mills is with the Fresno Medical Education and Research Program, University of California San Francisco, Fresno. Daniel Smith and Paul English are with the California Department of Public Health, Richmond
| | - Paul K Mills
- Lauren Nelson is with the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service Fellowship Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond. Jhaqueline Valle, Galatea King, Maxwell J. Richardson, and Eric M. Roberts are with the California Environmental Health Tracking Program, Richmond. Paul K. Mills is with the Fresno Medical Education and Research Program, University of California San Francisco, Fresno. Daniel Smith and Paul English are with the California Department of Public Health, Richmond
| | - Maxwell J Richardson
- Lauren Nelson is with the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service Fellowship Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond. Jhaqueline Valle, Galatea King, Maxwell J. Richardson, and Eric M. Roberts are with the California Environmental Health Tracking Program, Richmond. Paul K. Mills is with the Fresno Medical Education and Research Program, University of California San Francisco, Fresno. Daniel Smith and Paul English are with the California Department of Public Health, Richmond
| | - Eric M Roberts
- Lauren Nelson is with the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service Fellowship Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond. Jhaqueline Valle, Galatea King, Maxwell J. Richardson, and Eric M. Roberts are with the California Environmental Health Tracking Program, Richmond. Paul K. Mills is with the Fresno Medical Education and Research Program, University of California San Francisco, Fresno. Daniel Smith and Paul English are with the California Department of Public Health, Richmond
| | - Daniel Smith
- Lauren Nelson is with the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service Fellowship Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond. Jhaqueline Valle, Galatea King, Maxwell J. Richardson, and Eric M. Roberts are with the California Environmental Health Tracking Program, Richmond. Paul K. Mills is with the Fresno Medical Education and Research Program, University of California San Francisco, Fresno. Daniel Smith and Paul English are with the California Department of Public Health, Richmond
| | - Paul English
- Lauren Nelson is with the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service Fellowship Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond. Jhaqueline Valle, Galatea King, Maxwell J. Richardson, and Eric M. Roberts are with the California Environmental Health Tracking Program, Richmond. Paul K. Mills is with the Fresno Medical Education and Research Program, University of California San Francisco, Fresno. Daniel Smith and Paul English are with the California Department of Public Health, Richmond
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Collins A, Hennessy-Anderson N, Hosking S, Hynson J, Remedios C, Thomas K. Lived experiences of parents caring for a child with a life-limiting condition in Australia: A qualitative study. Palliat Med 2016; 30:950-959. [PMID: 26951065 DOI: 10.1177/0269216316634245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experiential studies in paediatric palliative care are needed to enable an ongoing international agenda which supports the development of responsive family supports. AIM To provide an in-depth exploration of the prevalent lived experiences of parents who are currently providing care for a child with a life-limiting condition in Australia. DESIGN Cross-sectional, prospective, qualitative study guided by an advisory group and reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies. Transcripts were subjected to a thematic analysis, underpinned by an interpretative phenomenological framework. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Purposively sampled parents (n = 14) recruited from a statewide paediatric hospice who self-identified as a 'primary caregiver' for one or more children and/or adolescents (⩽18 years) with a life-limiting condition. RESULTS Four key themes represented the prevalent experiences of parents: (1) trapped inside the house, (2) the protector, (3) living with the shadow and (4) travelling a different pathway. They describe parents' physical and social isolation, exclusion from the workforce, pervasive grief and associated impacts to their health and well-being. Limited professional and diminished social supports resulted in full ownership of care responsibility. Yet, parents embraced their role as 'protector', reporting acquired meaning and purpose. CONCLUSION This study builds upon the growing body of evidence available in paediatric palliative care internationally. The key themes highlight the substantial demand for both physical and emotional support beyond what is currently offered and call for the implementation of carefully planned support services and other societal initiatives which seek to alleviate the broad health impacts to caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Collins
- Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Jenny Hynson
- Paediatric Palliative Care Program, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Kristina Thomas
- Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia.,Palliative Care Research Network Victoria, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
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Papa A, Caruso D, Strudel M, Tomao S, Tomao F. Update on Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibition for ovarian cancer treatment. J Transl Med 2016; 14:267. [PMID: 27634150 PMCID: PMC5024442 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1027-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite standard treatment for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), that involves cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy, and initial high response rates to these, up to 80 % of patients experience relapses with a median progression-free survival of 12-18 months. There remains an urgent need for novel targeted therapies to improve clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer. Of the many targeted therapies currently under evaluation, the most promising strategies developed thus far are antiangiogenic agents and Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Particularly, PARP inhibitors are active in cells that have impaired repair of DNA by the homologous recombination (HR) pathway. Cells with mutated breast related cancer antigens (BRCA) function have HR deficiency, which is also present in a significant proportion of non-BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer ("BRCAness" ovarian cancer). The prevalence of germline BRCA mutations in EOC has historically been estimated to be around 10-15 %. However, recent reports suggest that this may be a gross underestimate, especially in women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). The emergence of the DNA repair pathway as a rational target in various cancers led to the development of the PARP inhibitors. The concept of tumor-selective synthetic lethality heralded the beginning of an eventful decade, culminating in the approval by regulatory authorities both in Europe as a maintenance therapy and in the United States treatment for advanced recurrent disease of the first oral PARP inhibitor, olaparib, for the treatment of BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer patients. Other PARP inhibitors are clearly effective in this disease and, within the next years, the results of ongoing randomized trials will clarify their respective roles. CONCLUSION This review will discuss the different PARP inhibitors in development and the potential use of this class of agents in the future. Moreover, combination strategies involving PARP inhibitors are likely to receive increasing attention. The utility of PARP inhibitors combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy is of doubtful value, because of enhanced toxicity of this combination; while, more promising strategies include the combination with antiangiogenic agents, or with inhibitors of the P13K/AKT pathway and new generation of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anselmo Papa
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Latina, Italy
| | - Davide Caruso
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Latina, Italy
| | - Martina Strudel
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Latina, Italy
| | - Silverio Tomao
- Oncology Unit, Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Latina, Italy
| | - Federica Tomao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Rome, Italy
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Iskrov G, Astigarraga I, Stefanov R, López-Bastida J, Linertová R, Oliva-Moreno J, Serrano-Aguilar P, Posada-de-la-Paz M, Schieppati A, Taruscio D, Péntek M, von der Schulenburg JMG, Kanavos P, Chevreul K, Persson U, Fattore G. Social/economic costs and health-related quality of life in patients with histiocytosis in Europe. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2016; 17 Suppl 1:67-78. [PMID: 27042831 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-016-0790-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the economic burden from a societal perspective and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with histiocytosis in Europe. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with histiocytosis from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, the UK, and Sweden. Data on demographic characteristics, health resource utilisation, informal care, loss of labour productivity and HRQOL were collected from the questionnaires completed by patients or their caregivers. HRQOL was measured with the EuroQol 5-domain (EQ-5D) questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 134 patients (35 France, 32 Germany, 30 Italy, 24 Spain, 7 Bulgaria, 4 UK and 2 Sweden) completed the questionnaire. The average annual costs ranged from € 6832 to € 33,283 between countries, the year of reference being 2012. Estimated direct healthcare costs ranged from € 1698 to € 18,213; direct nonhealthcare costs ranged from € 2936 to € 17,622 and labour productivity losses ranged from € 1 to € 8855. The mean EQ-5D score for adult histiocytosis patients was estimated at between 0.32 and 0.85, and the mean EQ-5D visual analogue scale score was estimated at between 50.00 and 66.50. CONCLUSION The main strengths of this study lie in our bottom-up approach to costing and in the evaluation of histiocytosis patients from a broad perspective (societal costs). This type of analysis is very scarce in international literature for rare diseases in comparison with other illnesses. We conclude that histiocytosis patients incur considerable societal costs and experience substantial deterioration in HRQOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgi Iskrov
- Institute for Rare Diseases, 22 Maestro G. Atanasov Street, 4023, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Itziar Astigarraga
- Department of Pediatrics, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Rumen Stefanov
- Institute for Rare Diseases, 22 Maestro G. Atanasov Street, 4023, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Julio López-Bastida
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Servicios Sanitarios en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Renata Linertová
- Red de Investigación en Servicios Sanitarios en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC), Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Canaria de Investigación Sanitaria (FUNCANIS), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Juan Oliva-Moreno
- Red de Investigación en Servicios Sanitarios en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC), Madrid, Spain
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Pedro Serrano-Aguilar
- Red de Investigación en Servicios Sanitarios en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC), Madrid, Spain
- Evaluation and Planning Service at Canary Islands Health Service, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Arrigo Schieppati
- Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per Malattie Rare Aldo e Cele Daccò, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Domenica Taruscio
- National Centre for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Márta Péntek
- Department of Health Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Panos Kanavos
- Department of Social Policy and LSE Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Karine Chevreul
- URC Eco Ile de France, AP-HP, Hôtel Dieu, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, ECEVE, UMRS 1123, Paris, France
- INSERM, ECEVE, U1123, Paris, France
| | - Ulf Persson
- The Swedish Institute for Health Economics, Lund, Sweden
| | - Giovanni Fattore
- Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management (CERGAS), Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
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Mader L, Rueegg CS, Vetsch J, Rischewski J, Ansari M, Kuehni CE, Michel G. Employment Situation of Parents of Long-Term Childhood Cancer Survivors. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151966. [PMID: 26990301 PMCID: PMC4798766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taking care of children diagnosed with cancer affects parents' professional life. The impact in the long-term however, is not clear. We aimed to compare the employment situation of parents of long-term childhood cancer survivors with control parents of the general population, and to identify clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with parental employment. METHODS As part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we sent a questionnaire to parents of survivors aged 5-15 years, who survived ≥5 years after diagnosis. Information on control parents of the general population came from the Swiss Health Survey (restricted to men and women with ≥1 child aged 5-15 years). Employment was categorized as not employed, part-time, and full-time employed. We used generalized ordered logistic regression to determine associations with clinical and socio-demographic factors. Clinical data was available from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry. RESULTS We included 394 parent-couples of survivors and 3'341 control parents (1'731 mothers; 1'610 fathers). Mothers of survivors were more often not employed (29% versus 22%; ptrend = 0.007). However, no differences between mothers were found in multivariable analysis. Fathers of survivors were more often employed full-time (93% versus 87%; ptrend = 0.002), which remained significant in multivariable analysis. Among parents of survivors, mothers with tertiary education (OR = 2.40, CI:1.14-5.07) were more likely to be employed. Having a migration background (OR = 3.63, CI: 1.71-7.71) increased the likelihood of being full-time employed in mothers of survivors. Less likely to be employed were mothers of survivors diagnosed with lymphoma (OR = 0.31, CI:0.13-0.73) and >2 children (OR = 0.48, CI:0.30-0.75); and fathers of survivors who had had a relapse (OR = 0.13, CI:0.04-0.36). CONCLUSION Employment situation of parents of long-term survivors reflected the more traditional parenting roles. Specific support for parents with low education, additional children, and whose child had a more severe cancer disease could improve their long-term employment situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzius Mader
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Corina S. Rueegg
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Janine Vetsch
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Rischewski
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Children’s Hospital, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Marc Ansari
- Unit of Oncology/Hematology, Department of Pediatric, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudia E. Kuehni
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gisela Michel
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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50
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Bona K, London WB, Guo D, Frank DA, Wolfe J. Trajectory of Material Hardship and Income Poverty in Families of Children Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Prospective Cohort Study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2016; 63:105-11. [PMID: 26398865 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poverty is correlated with negative health outcomes in pediatric primary care, and is emerging as a negative prognostic indicator in pediatric oncology. However, measures of poverty amenable to targeted intervention, such as household material hardship (HMH)--including food, energy, and housing insecurity--have not been described in pediatric oncology. We describe the trajectory of family reported HMH and income poverty at a pediatric oncology referral center in New England with high psychosocial supports. PROCEDURE Single site, prospective cohort study including 99 English-speaking families of children receiving chemotherapy for primary cancer. Families completed face-to-face surveys at two time-points: (1) Within 30 days of child's diagnosis (T1) (N = 99, response rate 88%); (2) 6-months following diagnosis (T2) (N = 93, response rate 94%). HMH was assessed in three domains: food, energy, and housing insecurity. RESULTS Twenty percent of families reported low-income (≤200% Federal Poverty Level) and at least one HMH prior to their child's diagnosis. At T2, 25% of families lost >40% annual household income secondary to treatment-related work disruptions, and 29% of families reported HMH despite utilization of psychosocial supports. CONCLUSIONS Low-income and HMH are prevalent in a significant proportion of newly diagnosed pediatric oncology families at a large referral center. Despite psychosocial supports, the proportion of families experiencing unmet basic needs increases during chemotherapy to nearly one in three families. HMH provides a quantifiable and remediable measure of poverty in pediatric oncology. Interventions to ameliorate this concrete component of poverty could benefit a significant proportion of pediatric oncology families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Bona
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Outcomes and Population Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wendy B London
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dongjing Guo
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah A Frank
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Outcomes and Population Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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