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Clarke JJ, Halkett GKB, McDougall E, Dhillon HM, Lobb E, Phillips JL, Hudson P, Nowak AK. What do carers of people with high-grade glioma perceive could improve their preparedness to care, and what additional support do they require? Neurooncol Pract 2024; 11:296-306. [PMID: 38737602 PMCID: PMC11085844 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npae015] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Concerning levels of stress, strain, and poorer mental health are observed in family carers of patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma (HGG). Understanding the reported unmet needs of these carers will enable future interventions to address such needs to improve their preparedness for care and well-being. In this secondary analysis, we aimed to explore: (i) what carers of people with HGG perceive could improve their preparedness to care; and (ii) what needs carers reported they required additional support with. Methods Responses from 188 carers of patients with HGG participating in a randomized controlled trial of the Care-IS intervention were analyzed to identify reported unmet needs. Of this larger sample, 92 participants answered a qualitative question seeking to identify perceived unmet needs in carer preparedness over 12 months. These responses comprised the data for the current secondary analysis. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data and observe trends across participant responses. Results Five overarching themes were identified: carer needs, providing emotional and practical care, coping with uncertainty, coping with the consequences of illness progression, and processing and supporting end-of-life care. Notably, the content analysis identified differences in response numbers between groups in the Care-IS trial, particularly with the control group having more needs regarding illness progression and end-of-life care. Conclusions Future interventions aimed at improving the well-being and preparedness of carers of people with HGG should consider providing better support centered on carer needs, their changed circumstances, living with uncertainty, and care transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Clarke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Nursing/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Population Health/Curtin EnAble Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Georgia K B Halkett
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Nursing/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emma McDougall
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Nursing/Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Haryana M Dhillon
- Faculty of Science, Psycho-Oncology Cooperative Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Lobb
- Faculty of Health, ImPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane L Phillips
- Faculty of Health, ImPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Hudson
- Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- End of LIfe Research Department, Vrije University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna K Nowak
- University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Forst DA, Rhee JY, Mesa MM, Podgurski AF, Strander SM, Datta S, Kaslow-Zieve E, Horick NK, Greer JA, El-Jawahri A, Sannes TS, Temel JS, Jacobs J. Study protocol for NeuroCARE: a randomised controlled trial of a psychological intervention for caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumours. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069410. [PMID: 37678946 PMCID: PMC10496674 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069410] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumours experience substantial psychological distress while caring for someone with a progressive, life-limiting neurological illness. However, there are few interventions aimed at addressing the psychosocial needs of this population. We developed and are testing a population-specific, evidence-based, telehealth intervention (NeuroCARE) to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve psychosocial functioning in this caregiver population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a non-blinded, randomised controlled trial of a psychological intervention for caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumours receiving care at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. We will enrol 120 caregivers who screen positive for heightened anxiety. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to the NeuroCARE intervention or a usual care control condition. Caregivers assigned to NeuroCARE will complete six individual telehealth sessions with a trained behavioural health specialist over 12 weeks. Caregivers randomised to the control condition will receive usual care, including possible referral to social work or other appropriate resources. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires at baseline and 11 weeks and 16 weeks postrandomisation. The primary outcome is anxiety symptoms at 11 weeks among NeuroCARE participants, compared with usual care. Secondary outcomes include caregiver-reported depressive symptoms, quality of life, caregiver burden, caregiving self-efficacy, perceived coping skills and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. We also will explore potential mediators of the NeuroCARE effect on caregiver anxiety symptoms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study is funded by a Career Development Award from Conquer Cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology Foundation (award number 2019CDA-7743456038) and approved by the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Institutional Review Board (Protocol #19-250 V.10.1). The study will be reported in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement for non-pharmacological trials. Results will be presented at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04109209.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Anne Forst
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John Y Rhee
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle Marie Mesa
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alyx F Podgurski
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sumita Madhok Strander
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shibani Datta
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emilia Kaslow-Zieve
- Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nora K Horick
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph A Greer
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Timothy S Sannes
- Adult Psychosocial Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer S Temel
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jamie Jacobs
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Fritz L, Peeters MCM, Zwinkels H, Koekkoek JAF, Reijneveld JC, Vos MJ, Pasman HRW, Dirven L, Taphoorn MJB. Advance care planning (ACP) in glioblastoma patients: Evaluation of a disease-specific ACP program and impact on outcomes. Neurooncol Pract 2022; 9:496-508. [PMID: 36388414 PMCID: PMC9665067 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The feasibility of implementing an advance care planning (ACP) program in daily clinical practice for glioblastoma patients is unknown. We aimed to evaluate a previously developed disease-specific ACP program, including the optimal timing of initiation and the impact of the program on several patient-, proxy-, and care-related outcomes. METHODS The content and design of the ACP program were evaluated, and outcomes including health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression, and satisfaction with care were measured every 3 months over 15 months. RESULTS Eighteen patient-proxy dyads and two proxies participated in the program. The content and design of the ACP program were rated as sufficient. The preference for the optimal timing of initiation of the ACP program varied widely, however, most of the participants preferred initiation shortly after chemoradiation. Over time, aspects of HRQoL remained stable in our patient population. Similarly, the ACP program did not decrease the levels of anxiety and depression in patients, and a large proportion of proxies reported anxiety and/or depression. The needed level of support for proxies was relatively low throughout the disease course, and the level of feelings of caregiver mastery was relatively high. Overall, patients were satisfied with the provided care over time, whereas proxies were less satisfied in some aspects. CONCLUSIONS The content and design of the developed disease-specific ACP program were rated as satisfactory. Whether the program has an actual impact on patient-, proxy-, and care-related outcomes proxies remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Fritz
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Marthe C M Peeters
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Zwinkels
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Johan A F Koekkoek
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap C Reijneveld
- Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike J Vos
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - H Roeline W Pasman
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Dirven
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martin J B Taphoorn
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Kirby E, van Toorn G, Lwin Z. Routines of isolation? A qualitative study of informal caregiving in the context of glioma in Australia. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1924-1932. [PMID: 34528743 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Informal caregiving for a person living with glioma can be both rewarding and multidimensionally challenging, given the potential for debilitating symptoms, cognitive impairment or personality changes, as early as diagnosis. There is growing evidence that, due to the demands of care, experiences and feelings of loneliness and isolation among informal caregivers are widespread, and opportunities for quality or meaningful social connectedness are lacking. While considerable research has quantified the causes and effects of loneliness and isolation in informal care contexts, the lived experience of loneliness has received relatively little attention. The aim of this study was to better understand the everyday experiences of a group of home-based informal caregivers of people living with glioma in Queensland, Australia. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 32 informal caregivers, purposively sampled, and recruited through a tertiary hospital, in this paper, we explore how the various experiences, demands, and social and relational dynamics in/of informal care (re)produce forms of isolation and loneliness. Using the framework approach to thematic analysis, we derived four themes: (a) the 'need' to be near the care recipient, and the implications for caregiver mobility; (b) the strong sense of responsibility for care, and the virtues of 'good' caring; (c) experiences of loneliness in the company of others and (d) postponement of social connection and minimising the self. The findings, we argue, are reflective of broader social and moral norms and expectations within experiences of home-based informal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kirby
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Georgia van Toorn
- Disability Innovation Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zarnie Lwin
- Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Benefits of supportive strategies for carers of people with high-grade glioma: a systematic review : Strategies for addressing the needs of high-grade glioma carers. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:10359-10378. [PMID: 36282336 PMCID: PMC9715523 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To systematically review and examine current evidence for the carer-reported benefits of supportive care strategies for carers of adults with high-grade glioma (HGG). METHODS Four databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO) were searched for articles published between January 2005 and April 2022 that assessed strategies for addressing the supportive care needs of carers of adults with HGG (WHO grade 3-4). Study selection and critical appraisal were conducted independently by three authors (DJ/MC, 2021; DJ/RJ 2022). Data extraction was conducted by one author (DJ) and checked by a second author (RJ). Results were synthesised narratively. RESULTS Twenty-one studies involving 1377 caregivers were included, targeting the carer directly (n = 10), the patient-carer dyad (n = 3), or focused on people with HGG + / - their carers (n = 8). A paucity of high-quality evidence exists for effective and comprehensive support directly addressing outcomes for carers of adults with HGG. Strategies that demonstrated some benefits included those that built carer knowledge or provided emotional support, delivered by health professionals or through peer support. Supportive and early palliative care programmes have potential to reduce unmet carer needs while providing ongoing carer support. CONCLUSION Strategies incorporating an educational component, emotional support, and a regular needs assessment with corresponding tailored support are most valued by carers. Future practice development research should adopt a value-based approach and exceed evaluation of efficacy outcomes to incorporate evaluation of the experience of patients, carers, and staff, as well as costs.
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Nordentoft S, Dieperink KB, Johansson SD, Jarden M, Piil K. Evaluation of a multimodal rehabilitative palliative care programme for patients with high-grade glioma and their family caregivers. Scand J Caring Sci 2021; 36:815-829. [PMID: 34296773 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma and their family caregivers often experience intense disease and treatment trajectories. Fluctuations in patient's symptoms lead to enormous burdens for caregivers and the risk of developing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. AIM The study aim is to explore patient and caregiver experiences and evaluate the relevance of and satisfaction with a multimodal rehabilitative palliative care programme for patients diagnosed with a high-grade glioma and their family caregivers. METHODS In a longitudinal multi-methods study, adult patients with high-grade glioma (n = 17) and their family caregivers (n = 16) completed a 4-day residential programme and a 2-day follow-up programme 3 months later. Participants completed questionnaires after each programme, scoring relevance and satisfaction on a 5-point Likert scale. Qualitative data were collected during four evaluation group interviews with patients and caregivers. RESULTS The mean overall satisfaction score was 4.80 (standard deviation [SD], 0.55) for the initial 4-day programme and 4.28 (SD, 0.83) for the follow-up programme. Three themes emerged in the evaluation group interviews: (1) meeting peers strengthens social well-being, (2) the value of information and focusing on individual needs, and (3) accepting life as an unpredictable passage. CONCLUSION Participants found completing the REHPA-HGG programme feasible and rated all sessions highly for relevance and satisfaction. Qualitative findings confirm the value of individualised information, acceptance, and peer interactions. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE A multimodal rehabilitative palliative care programme addressed unmet patient and caregiver needs. Peer-to-peer interventions for family caregivers may address individual support needs. Similar programmes may maximise benefit by avoiding planned behaviour changes and enhancing palliative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nordentoft
- Research Unit, Center for Cancer and Organ Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Neurosurgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin B Dieperink
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Danish Center for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, REHPA, Nyborg, Denmark.,Family Focused Healthcare Center (FaCe), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Susan D Johansson
- Danish Center for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, REHPA, Nyborg, Denmark
| | - Mary Jarden
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin Piil
- Center for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Boele FW, Rooney AG, Bulbeck H, Sherwood P. Interventions to help support caregivers of people with a brain or spinal cord tumour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 7:CD012582. [PMID: 31264707 PMCID: PMC6604115 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012582.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis and treatment of a brain or spinal cord tumour can have a huge impact on the lives of patients and their families with family caregiving often resulting in considerable burden and distress. Meeting the support needs of family caregivers is critical to maintain their emotional and physical health. Although support for caregivers is becoming more widely available, large-scale implementation is hindered by a lack of high-quality evidence for its effectiveness in the neuro-oncology caregiver population. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of supportive interventions at improving the well-being of caregivers of people with a brain or spinal cord tumour. To assess the effects of supportive interventions for caregivers in improving the physical and emotional well-being of people with a brain or spinal cord tumour and to evaluate the health economic benefits of supportive interventions for caregivers. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 7), MEDLINE via Ovid, and Embase via Ovid. We also handsearched relevant published conference abstracts (previous five years), publications in the two main journals in the field (previous year), searched for ongoing trials via ClinicalTrials.gov, and contacted research groups in the field. The initial search was in March 2017 with an update in August 2018 (handsearches completed in January 2019). SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) where caregivers of neuro-oncology patients constituted more than 20% of the sample and which evaluated changes in caregiver well-being following any supportive intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected studies and carried out risk of bias assessments. We aimed to extract data on the outcomes of psychological distress, burden, mastery, quality of patient-caregiver relationship, quality of life, and physical functioning. MAIN RESULTS In total, the search identified 2102 records, of which we reviewed 144 in full text. We included eight studies. Four interventions focused on patient-caregiver dyads and four were aimed specifically at the caregiver. Heterogeneity of populations and methodologies precluded meta-analysis. Risk of bias varied, and all studies included only small numbers of neuro-oncology caregivers (13 to 56 participants). There was some evidence for positive effects of caregiver support on psychological distress, mastery, and quality of life (low to very low certainty of evidence). No studies reported significant effects on caregiver burden or quality of patient-caregiver relationship (low to very low certainty of evidence). None of the studies assessed caregiver physical functioning. For secondary outcomes (patient emotional or physical well-being; health economic effects), we found very little to no evidence for the effectiveness of caregiver support. We identified five ongoing trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The eight small-scale studies included employed different methodologies across different populations, with low certainty of evidence overall. It is not currently possible to draw reliable conclusions regarding the effectiveness of supportive interventions aimed at improving neuro-oncology caregiver well-being. More high-quality research is needed on support for family caregivers of people diagnosed, and living, with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florien W Boele
- University of Leeds and Leeds Cancer CentreLeeds Institute of Health Sciences and Leeds Institute of Cancer and PathologyPOG, Level 3, Bexley WingSt James's Institute of OncologyLeedsUKLS9 7TF
| | - Alasdair G Rooney
- Edinburgh Centre for Neuro‐Oncology (ECNO)Department of Psychological MedicineWestern General HospitalCrewe Road SouthEdinburghScotlandUKEH4 2XU
| | - Helen Bulbeck
- brainstrustDirector of Services4 Yvery CourtCastle RoadCowesIsle of WightUKPO31 7QG
| | - Paula Sherwood
- University of PittsburghDepartment of Acute and Tertiary Care336 Victoria Building3500 Victoria StreetPittsburghMAUSA15261
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8
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Fritz L, Zwinkels H, Koekkoek JAF, Reijneveld JC, Vos MJ, Dirven L, Pasman HRW, Taphoorn MJB. Advance care planning in glioblastoma patients: development of a disease-specific ACP program. Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:1315-1324. [PMID: 31243585 PMCID: PMC6989589 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-04916-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unknown if the implementation of an advance care planning (ACP) program is feasible in daily clinical practice for glioblastoma patients. We aimed to develop an ACP program and assess the preferred content, the best time to introduce such a program in the disease trajectory, and possible barriers and facilitators for participation and implementation. METHODS A focus group with health care professionals (HCPs) and individual semi-structured interviews with patients and proxies (of both living and deceased patients) were conducted. RESULTS All predefined topics were considered relevant by participants, including the current situation, worries/fears, (supportive) treatment options, and preferred place of care/death. Although HCPs and proxies of deceased patients indicated that the program should be implemented relatively early in the disease trajectory, patient-proxy dyads were more ambiguous. Several patient-proxy dyads indicated that the program should be initiated later in the disease trajectory. If introduced early, topics about the end of life should be postponed. A frequently mentioned barrier for participation was that the program would be too confronting, while a facilitator was adequate access to information. CONCLUSION This study resulted in an ACP program specifically for glioblastoma patients. Although participants agreed on the program content, the optimal timing of introducing such a program was a matter of debate. Our solution is to offer the program shortly after diagnosis but let patients and proxies decide which topics they want to discuss and when. The impact of the program on several patient- and care-related outcomes will be evaluated in the next step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Fritz
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, PO BOX 2191, 2501, VC, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Zwinkels
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, PO BOX 2191, 2501, VC, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Johan A F Koekkoek
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, PO BOX 2191, 2501, VC, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap C Reijneveld
- Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (location VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (location Academic Medical Center), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike J Vos
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, PO BOX 2191, 2501, VC, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Dirven
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, PO BOX 2191, 2501, VC, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - H Roeline W Pasman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Expertise Center for Palliative care Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin J B Taphoorn
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, PO BOX 2191, 2501, VC, The Hague, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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9
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Boele FW, van Uden-Kraan CF, Hilverda K, Weimer J, Donovan HS, Drappatz J, Lieberman FS, Verdonck-de Leeuw I, Sherwood PR. Neuro-oncology family caregivers' view on keeping track of care issues using eHealth systems: it's a question of time. J Neurooncol 2017; 134:157-167. [PMID: 28550505 PMCID: PMC5543187 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-017-2504-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Primary brain tumors (PBTs) are rare but have a great impact on both patient and family caregiver wellbeing. Supporting caregivers can help them to continue their caregiving activities to maintain the patients’ best possible level of quality of life. Efforts to improve PBT caregiver wellbeing should take into account country- or culture-specific differences in care issues and supportive care needs to serve larger caregiver groups. We aimed to explore PBT caregivers’ satisfaction with the current supportive care provision, as well as their thoughts on monitoring their care issues with both paper-based and digital instruments. Twelve PBT caregivers were interviewed in the United States. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by two coders independently. Data were combined with those collected in the Netherlands, following similar methodology (N = 15). We found that PBT caregivers utilize both formal and informal support services, but that those who experience more care issues would prefer more support, particularly in the early disease phase. Keeping track of care issues was thought to provide more insight into unmet needs and help them find professional help, but it requires investment of time and takes discipline. Caregivers preferred a brief and easy-to-use ‘blended care’ instrument that combines digital monitoring with personal feedback. The present study shows that the preferences of family caregivers in neuro-oncology toward keeping track of care issues are likely not heavily influenced by country- or culture-specific differences. The development of any instrument thus has the potential to benefit a large group of family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florien W Boele
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 336 Victoria Bldg, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA. .,Leeds Institute for Cancer and Pathology, St James's Hospital, University of Leeds, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK. .,Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9NL, UK.
| | - Cornelia F van Uden-Kraan
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, VU University, Van der Boechorststraat 1-3, 1081BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karen Hilverda
- Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jason Weimer
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 336 Victoria Bldg, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Heidi S Donovan
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 336 Victoria Bldg, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Jan Drappatz
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
| | - Frank S Lieberman
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
| | - Irma Verdonck-de Leeuw
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, VU University, Van der Boechorststraat 1-3, 1081BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paula R Sherwood
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 336 Victoria Bldg, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
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