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Partnership, sexuality, and fertility-related communication: findings from a register-based study among long-term hematological cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:26. [PMID: 36513784 PMCID: PMC9747843 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07495-4] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Even though the number of hematological cancer survivors suffering from long-term and late consequences of their disease is growing, knowledge about their situation regarding partnership, sexuality, and fertility-related communication is sparse to date. METHODS We recruited survivors of hematological malignancies (≥ 3 years after diagnosis) from two cancer registries in Germany. We applied validated instruments and study-specific items on satisfaction with partnership, sexual functioning, and fertility-related communication with physicians. We provided descriptive statistics and conducted multiple regression analyses to identify associations of the outcomes with patient factors and well-being (anxiety, depression, and quality of life). RESULTS Of 2001 eligible survivors, 922 (46%) participated. Fifty-seven percent were male, and the mean age was 64 years. Ninety percent and 60% reported to be satisfied with their partnership and sexual life, respectively. However, 81% and 86% reported being sexually impaired by physical or mental symptoms, respectively. Seventy-four percent of those with incomplete family planning had a fertility-related conversation with a physician. Female gender (p < .05, Beta = - .09), older age (p < .01, Beta = .10), and chemotherapy (p < .01, Beta = .10) were associated with less sexual pleasure caused by physical impairment. Satisfaction with partnership (p < .001, Beta = .22), satisfaction with sexual life (p < .001, Beta = .28), and conversation about fertility (p < .05, Beta = .26) were associated with better quality of life. CONCLUSION Even though long-term survivors seem to be generally satisfied with their partnership and sexual life, they may suffer from specific impairments. Our findings need to be verified in longitudinal studies.
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Savaş BB, Märtens B, Cramer H, Voiss P, Longolius J, Weiser A, Ziert Y, Christiansen H, Steinmann D. Effects of an Interdisciplinary Integrative Oncology Group-Based Program to Strengthen Resilience and Improve Quality of Life in Cancer Patients: Results of a Prospective Longitudinal Single-Center Study. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354221081770. [PMID: 35225054 PMCID: PMC8891834 DOI: 10.1177/15347354221081770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients with cancer receiving oncological treatment often suffer from a reduced quality of life (QoL) and resilience. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an interdisciplinary integrative oncology group-based program on resilience and quality of life in patients with cancer during or after conventional oncological therapy. Methods: This prospective longitudinal single-center study evaluated the resilience (Resilience Scale), quality of life (EORTC-QLQ C30), anxiety, depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and distress levels (Distress Thermometer) of 60 patients with cancer who participated in a 10-week interdisciplinary integrative oncology group-based program during or after cancer treatment in outpatient clinics. An average of 12 (range 11-13) patients participated in each 10-week group. The program included recommendations for diet, stress management, relaxation, and exercise, as well as naturopathic self-help strategies and psychosocial support. Results: There were slight increases in global quality of life scores (week 0: 58.05 ± 20.05 vs week 10: 63.13 ± 18.51, n = 59, P = .063, d = −.25) and resilience scores (week 0: 63.50 ± 13.14 vs week 10: 66.15 ± 10.17, n = 52, P = .222, d = −.17) after the group program compared to before; however, these changes were not statistically significant and had small effect sizes. Patients with at least moderate anxiety symptoms (P = .022, d = .42) and low resilience (P = .006, d = −.54) benefited most from the program. The patients reported no relevant side effects or adverse events from the program. Conclusions: No significant effects on global quality of life or resilience were found in the general sample; notably, patients with anxiety and low initial resilience benefited the most from the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Babadağ Savaş
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Special Oncology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bettina Märtens
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Special Oncology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Petra Voiss
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Julia Longolius
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Special Oncology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Weiser
- Department of Organisation, Innovation and Quality of Management, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yvonne Ziert
- Institute of Biometrics, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hans Christiansen
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Special Oncology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Diana Steinmann
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Special Oncology, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Marzorati C, Mazzocco K, Monzani D, Pavan F, Casiraghi M, Spaggiari L, Monturano M, Pravettoni G. One-Year Quality of Life Trends in Early-Stage Lung Cancer Patients After Lobectomy. Front Psychol 2020; 11:534428. [PMID: 33362618 PMCID: PMC7758417 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.534428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Quality of Life (QoL) is an important predictor of patient's recovery and survival in lung cancer patients. The aim of the present study is to identify 1-year trends of lung cancer patients' QoL after robot-assisted or traditional lobectomy and investigate whether clinical (e.g., pre-surgery QoL, type of surgery, and perioperative complications) and sociodemographic variables (e.g., age) may predict these trends. Methods: An Italian sample of 176 lung cancer patients undergoing lobectomy completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire—Core 30 (QLQ-C30) at the pre-hospitalization (t0), 30 days (t1), 4 months (t2), 8 months (t3), and 12 months (t4) after surgery. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (age, gender, perioperative complications, and type of surgery) were also collected. The individual change over time of the 15 dimensions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the effects of pre-surgery scores of QoL dimensions, type of surgery, perioperative complications, and age on patients' QoL after surgery were studied with the individual growth curve (IGC) models. Results: Patients had a good recovery after lobectomy: functioning subscales improved over time, while most of the symptoms became less severe over the care process. Perioperative complications, type of surgery, pre-surgery status, and age significantly affected these trends, thus becoming predictors of patients' QoL. Conclusion: This study highlights different 1-year trends of lung cancer patients' QoL. The measurement of pre- and post-surgery QoL and its clinical and sociodemographic covariables would be necessary to better investigate patients' care process and implement personalized medicine in lung cancer hospital divisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Marzorati
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ketti Mazzocco
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Monzani
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pavan
- Patient Safety & Risk Management Service, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Casiraghi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spaggiari
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Monturano
- Patient Safety & Risk Management Service, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Dang M, Noreika D, Ryu S, Sima A, Ashton H, Ondris B, Coley F, Nestler J, Fabbro ED. Feasibility of Delivering an Avatar-Facilitated Life Review Intervention for Patients with Cancer. J Palliat Med 2020; 24:520-526. [PMID: 32896200 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Life review, a narrative-based intervention, helps individuals organize memories into a meaningful whole, providing a balanced view of the past, present, and future. Examining how the content of memories contributes to life's meaning improves some clinical outcomes for oncology patients. Combining life review with other modalities may enhance therapeutic efficacy. We hypothesized a life review intervention might be enhanced when combined with a kinetic, digital representation (avatar) chosen by the patient. Our goal was to determine the feasibility of an avatar-based intervention for facilitating life review in patients with advanced cancer. Methods: We conducted an observational, feasibility trial in a supportive care clinic. Motion capture technology was used to synchronize voice and movements of the patient onto an avatar in a virtual environment. Semistructured life review questions were adapted to the stages of child, teenager, adult, and elder. Outcome measures included adherence, recruitment, comfort of study procedure, patients' perceived benefits, and ability to complete questionnaires, including the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp). Results: Seventeen patients were approached, with 11/12 completing the intervention. The total visit time of a single intervention averaged 67 minutes. The post-intervention survey found all patients agreed or strongly agreed (Likert Scale 1-5) they would participate again, would recommend it to others, and found the experience beneficial. After one month, ESAS scores were either unchanged or improved in 80% of patients. Conclusion: An avatar-facilitated life review was feasible with a high rate of adherence, completion, and acceptability by patients. The findings support the need for a clinical trial to test the efficacy of this novel intervention. Clinical Trial Number NCT03996642.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malisa Dang
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Danielle Noreika
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Semi Ryu
- Department of Kinetic Imaging School of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Adam Sima
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Holly Ashton
- Department of Kinetic Imaging School of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Brianna Ondris
- Department of Kinetic Imaging School of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Felicia Coley
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - John Nestler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Egidio Del Fabbro
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Baumann E, Kuba K, Götze H, Mehnert-Theuerkauf A, Esser P. Initial validation of the German version of the Attentional Function Index in a sample of haematological cancer survivors. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2020; 29:e13226. [PMID: 31958365 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13226] [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: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To date, no German instrument exists to assess subjective levels of cancer-related cognitive impairments (CRCI) in cancer survivors. We translated the validated Attentional Function Index (AFI) into German and explored its psychometric properties. METHODS The validation sample consisted of 1,111 haematological cancer survivors mainly recruited from two cancer registries. Factorial structure was explored using principal component analysis, internal consistency via Cronbach's α, construct validity through correlational analyses (Pearson's r) and associations of patient characteristics with the AFI score via regression analyses. RESULTS In line with the original version, we revealed three factors, that is "effective action" (seven items), "attentional lapses" (three items) and "interpersonal effectiveness" (three items). The overall reliability α was .91. Verifying construct validity, the AFI score correlated positively with cognitive functioning (r = .64, p ≤ .01) and global QoL (r = .44, p ≤ .01), but negatively with fatigue (r = -.60, p ≤ .01) and depressive symptomatology (r = -.6, p ≤ .01). Older age (β = .12, p < .001), higher comorbidity (β = -.07, p = .02) and being male patient (β = .07, p = .01) were significantly associated with the AFI scores, but effect sizes were small. CONCLUSION The German translation of the AFI shows good psychometric properties and thus may be reasonably applied to measure the subjective level of CRCI in German-speaking oncological populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Baumann
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Kuba
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heide Götze
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Esser
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Han CJ, Gigic B, Schneider M, Kulu Y, Peoples AR, Ose J, Kölsch T, Jacobsen PB, Colditz GA, Figueiredo JC, Grady WM, Li CI, Shibata D, Siegel EM, Toriola AT, Ulrich AB, Syrjala KL, Ulrich CM. Risk factors for cancer-related distress in colorectal cancer survivors: one year post surgery. J Cancer Surviv 2020; 14:305-315. [PMID: 32166576 PMCID: PMC7261242 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-019-00845-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSES Cancer-related distress is known to persist long after completion of treatment. Factors related to distress are largely unexplored in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. We examined changes over time and risk factors for distress in CRC patients over the first year after surgery. METHODS We included 212 CRC patients with data at 6 and 12 months post-surgery from the ColoCare Study in Heidelberg, Germany. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, social support, and health-related quality of life (HrQOL) prior to surgery were evaluated as predictors of cancer-related distress. Distress was measured with the Cancer and Treatment Distress instrument (CTXD). Linear regression analyses examined associations between risk factors and distress. RESULTS Distress subscale scores varied significantly over time: health burden subscale score increased (P < .001), while finances (P = .004), medical demands (P < .001), and identity (P < .001) subscale scores decreased over time. Uncertainty and family strain subscale scores did not change. Younger age, lower income, advanced tumor stage, poorer social support, and poorer baseline HrQOL predicted higher level distress at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSION Cancer-related distress continues unresolved after surgery. Although some risk factors are difficult to alter, those at highest risk can be identified earlier for possible preventive strategies. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Screening for risk factors pre-surgery would allow for targeted interventions including strategies to improve resources for those with low support, thereby reducing long-term distress in CRC survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Han
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Biljana Gigic
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Martin Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yakup Kulu
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anita R Peoples
- Division of Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jennifer Ose
- Division of Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Torsten Kölsch
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul B Jacobsen
- Healthcare Delivery Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Graham A Colditz
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jane C Figueiredo
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, California, LA, USA
| | - William M Grady
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christopher I Li
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David Shibata
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Erin M Siegel
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Adetunji T Toriola
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alexis B Ulrich
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karen L Syrjala
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - Cornelia M Ulrich
- Division of Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Trauma- and stressor-related disorders among hematological cancer patients with and without stem cell transplantation: protocol of an interview-based study according to updated diagnostic criteria. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:870. [PMID: 31477049 PMCID: PMC6720985 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trauma- and stressor-related disorders pose an important threat for patients with medical conditions by negatively affecting the outcomes of the underlying somatic disease. Nevertheless, research on distress in the course of hematological cancer is sparse to date. For this patient group, however, treatment is often more toxic and invasive than for other cancer populations. A subgroup of these patients is treated with stem cell transplantation (SCT) which is associated with many stressors including spatial isolation or fear of life-threatening complications. Existing results are inconsistent and primarily based on self-report questionnaires and small samples. Moreover, diagnostic criteria of trauma- and stressor-related disorders have recently been updated. Methods This German cross-sectional study will recruit at total of 600 hematological cancer patients, of which 300 will have undergone either autologous or allogeneic SCT. Participants will be assessed for trauma- and stressor-related disorders (adjustment disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder) using a structured clinical interview (SCID-5) based on updated diagnostic criteria. Qualitative investigation of the reported stressors will be used for differential diagnostic investigations and to examine which stressors are experienced as most distressing. Additionally, severity of distress (i.e., general distress as well as anxious, depressive and stressor-related symptomatology) will be assessed by validated questionnaires. We will (i) provide the prevalence of trauma- and stressor-related disorders, (ii) investigate medical and sociodemographic risk factors and (iii) compare the levels of distress within the patient group (SCT vs. non-SCT) and between patients and age- and gender-matched reference groups from the German general population. Discussion This study will assess the prevalence of stressor-related disorders and the level of distress among hematological cancer patients across different treatment settings. Identification of medical and sociodemographic risk factors will help to closely monitor patients with a high risk of distress and to deliver psycho-oncological treatment as soon as possible. Comparisons between patients and norm values will be used to identify the need for psycho-oncological treatment in subgroups of hematological patients and thus help to further develop and implement tailored psycho-oncological interventions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-6047-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Which symptoms and problems do advanced cancer patients admitted to specialized palliative care report in addition to those included in the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL? A register-based national study. Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:1725-1735. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-04976-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Laryionava K, Mehlis K, Bierwirth E, Mumm F, Hiddemann W, Heußner P, Winkler EC. Development and Evaluation of an Ethical Guideline for Decisions to Limit Life-Prolonging Treatment in Advanced Cancer: Protocol for a Monocentric Mixed-Method Interventional Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2018; 7:e157. [PMID: 29907553 PMCID: PMC6026302 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.9698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with advanced cancer receive chemotherapy close to death and are referred too late to palliative or hospice care, and therefore die under therapy or in intensive care units. Oncologists still have difficulties in involving patients appropriately in decisions about limiting tumor-specific or life-prolonging treatment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this Ethics Policy for Advanced Care Planning and Limiting Treatment Study is to develop an ethical guideline for end-of-life decisions and to evaluate the impact of this guideline on clinical practice regarding the following target goals: reduction of decisional conflicts, improvement of documentation transparency and traceability, reduction of distress of the caregiver team, and better knowledge and consideration of patients' preferences. METHODS This is a protocol for a pre-post interventional study that analyzes the clinical practice on treatment limitation before and after the guideline implementation. An embedded researcher design with a mixed-method approach encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methods is used. The study consists of three stages: (1) the preinterventional phase, (2) the intervention (development and implementation of the guideline), and 3) the postinterventional phase (evaluation of the guideline's impact on clinical practice). We evaluate the process of decision-making related to limiting treatment from different perspectives of oncologists, nurses, and patients; comparing them to each other will allow us to develop the guideline based on the interests of all parties. RESULTS The first preintervention data of the project have already been published, which detailed a qualitative study with oncologists and oncology nurses (n=29), where different approaches to initiation of end-of-life discussions were ethically weighted. A framework for oncologists was elaborated, and the study favored an anticipatory approach of preparing patients for forgoing therapy throughout the course of disease. Another preimplementational study of current decision-making practice (n=567 patients documented) demonstrated that decisions to limit treatment preceded the death of many cancer patients (62/76, 82% of deceased patients). However, such decisions were usually made in the last week of life, which was relatively late. CONCLUSIONS The intervention will be evaluated with respect to the following endpoints: better knowledge and consideration of patients' treatment wishes; reduction of decisional conflicts; improvement of documentation transparency and traceability; and reduction of the psychological and moral distress of a caregiver team. REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER RR1-10.2196/9698.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsiaryna Laryionava
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Medical Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Mehlis
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Medical Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena Bierwirth
- Interdisciplinary Center of Psycho-Oncology, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Friederike Mumm
- Interdisciplinary Center of Psycho-Oncology, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hiddemann
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Pia Heußner
- Interdisciplinary Center of Psycho-Oncology, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva C Winkler
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Medical Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Esser P, Kuba K, Götze H, Mehnert A. Long-term effects and psychological adjustment: study protocol of a large register-based study on quality of life among survivors of hematological malignancies. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:482. [PMID: 28701154 PMCID: PMC5508694 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3454-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both incidence and survival rates of hematological cancers are increasing, leading to a growing number of survivors with specific late and long-term effects. However, relevant research in physical, psychological and social aspects of quality of life is scarce. Existing literature shows that a considerable number of cancer survivors report a relatively high quality of life despite a variety of adverse and persistent symptoms. To date, the reasons for this phenomenon as well as moderating and mediating factors are widely unknown. Given these research gaps, we aim to investigate the different domains of quality of life among long-term survivors of hematological cancers and to identify factors predicting high quality of life. METHODS/DESIGN This is a large cross-sectional study among hematological cancer survivors at a minimum of 3 years after diagnosis. We will collect 1000 survivors completing a set of self-report-questionnaires encompassing physical, psychological and social domains of quality of life. Participants are clustered in groups according to time since diagnosis and compared with each other. Furthermore, survivors will be compared with the general population. Factors predicting high quality of life will be identified via multiple regression analyses and structure equation modeling. DISCUSSION Our study will help to inform health care providers about the specific long-term burden among survivors with hematological malignancies. Identification of factors predicting high quality of life will help to develop adequate intervention strategies to enhance well-being in hematological cancer survivors. Our methodological advantages including the large sample as well as the assessment of different domains of quality of life will ensure novel and robust results. A limitation of the study is the cross-sectional design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Esser
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Katharina Kuba
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heide Götze
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Mehnert
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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