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Douglas SL, Plow M, Packer T, Lipson AR, Lehman MJ. Effect of 2-Arm Intervention on Emotional Outcomes in Informal Caregivers of Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Pilot Study Trial. Int J MS Care 2023; 25:252-258. [PMID: 37969909 PMCID: PMC10634597 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2022-111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) report poor emotional outcomes yet few interventions have been tested. The goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a remotely delivered intervention with 2 arms (ie, website and telecoaching vs website only) aimed at reducing depression, anxiety, stress, and distress in informal caregivers of individuals with MS. METHODS From March 2021 through August 2021, 151 care-givers were enrolled in the study. The intervention occurred over a 4-month period. The website plus telecoaching arm received (a) a monthly coaching session focused on information, skill building, and support that was delivered by a licensed social worker via videoconference or telephone, and (b) had access to a study-designed website for caregivers of individuals with MS. The website-only arm did not receive coaching sessions and had the same website access. Data were obtained at baseline, immediately after the intervention period, and 6 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS A linear mixed-effects model using an autoregressive covariance structure was used. It showed that the group by time interaction was statistically significant for the overall composite emotion score (depression, anxiety, stress) (P = .037) and the stress subscale score (P = .047), and it indicated that the website plus telecoaching arm demonstrated greater effectiveness at reducing the overall composite emotion and stress subscale scores. CONCLUSIONS Use of a remotely delivered psychoeducational intervention that included individual coaching sessions as well as website access demonstrated preliminary efficacy in improving emotional outcomes in caregivers of individuals with MS. Further testing of the intervention with a larger sample is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L. Douglas
- From the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (SLD, MP, ARL)
| | - Matthew Plow
- From the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (SLD, MP, ARL)
| | - Tanya Packer
- School of Occupational Therapy (TP) and School of Health Administration (MJL), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Amy R. Lipson
- From the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (SLD, MP, ARL)
| | - Michelle J. Lehman
- School of Occupational Therapy (TP) and School of Health Administration (MJL), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Douglas SL, Plow M. Psychometric Properties and Clinical Utility of the Distress Thermometer in Caregivers of Persons With Multiple Sclerosis. Int J MS Care 2023; 25:93-98. [PMID: 37250193 PMCID: PMC10211350 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2022-024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) report high levels of distress. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) is used extensively with patients with cancer and their caregivers but has not been tested in nononcology caregivers. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties and clinical utility of the barometer portion of the DT in caregivers of persons with MS. METHODS A secondary analysis was performed of data from a randomized trial comparing the effectiveness of 2 interventions aimed at reducing psychological outcomes associated with caregiving. The DT and the 4-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Anxiety and Depression scales, which were administered at baseline, were used for all analyses. Construct validity (known groups) and convergent validity (interscale correlations) were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate clinical diagnostic test evaluation. RESULTS The DT had good construct validity supported by strong correlations for known-groups analyses and good convergent validity (r = 0.70-0.72). The DT also demonstrated good discrimination for anxiety (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.83) and depression (AUC = 0.80). The optimal screening cut point on the DT was 4 for anxiety and 5 for depression. CONCLUSIONS The barometer portion of the DT demonstrates good psychometric properties and clinical utility in caregivers of persons with MS. This is the first examination of the DT in MS care partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Douglas
- From the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA (SLD, MP)
| | - Matthew Plow
- From the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA (SLD, MP)
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Ebob-Anya BA, Bassah N. Psychosocial distress and the quality of life of cancer patients in two health facilities in Cameroon. Palliat Care 2022; 21:96. [PMID: 35650571 PMCID: PMC9158288 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00981-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psychosocial distress interferes with the ability to cope effectively with cancer, its physical symptoms and treatment. This in turn leads to poor outcomes in patients. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the level of psychosocial distress, emotional distress and the quality of life of cancer patients in two health facilities in Cameroon. Methods This study used a cross-sectional hospital-based design. The study was carried out over a period of three months from July–September 2020. The sample size was 120 cancer patients. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select participants. Three validated questionnaires were used: DT, HADS and EORTC QLQ-C30 to assess, psychosocial distress, emotional distress and quality of life respectively. Results were presented using descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean) and inferential statistics (Chi square, Pearson’s correlation, ANOVA). Data were analysed with SPSS version 21. All statistics were considered significant at an alpha value set at 0.05 level. Results The majority of patients 83 (69.2%) presented with clinically significant distress, with financial difficulties 87 (72.5%), fatigue 83 (69.2%), transportation 73 (60.8%) and difficulties with work/school 69(57.5%) being the most reported problems. Fifty nine (50.0%) and 56(47.5%) had moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. Overall on HADS, 67 patients (56.8%) presented with emotional distress. The quality of life was fair, with a mean of 52.4 ± 21.3.There was a statistically significant negative relationship (P < 0.0001), between psychosocial distress and quality of life of patients. Conclusion Cancer patients suffer from psychosocial distress, which has a negative relationship on their quality of life. It is important that healthcare professionals working in these settings, assess psychosocial distress early in patients with cancer to improve the quality of care and enhance quality of life. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00981-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bachi-Ayukokang Ebob-Anya
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P.O Box 63, Buea, South-West Region, Cameroon. .,Buea Regional Hospital Annex, Buea, South-West Region, Cameroon.
| | - Nahyeni Bassah
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P.O Box 63, Buea, South-West Region, Cameroon
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Normen M, Sahaya FE, Kulkarni K, Vidhubala E, Shewade HD, Kathiresan J. 'Patients with Cancer are Distressed!' Indian Healthcare Provider Perspectives on Distress Screening and Referrals to Psycho-oncology Services - A Mixed Methods Study. Indian J Palliat Care 2021; 27:561-570. [PMID: 34898952 PMCID: PMC8655644 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_142_21] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Routine screening for distress is a guideline prescribed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) to adequately assess distress in a cancer setting. Our centre conducted routine screening but failed to utilize psycho-oncology services. Our aim was to assess the extent of self-reported distress, referrals to psycho-oncology services and healthcare provider perspectives about the existing distress management system and psycho-oncology services. Materials and Methods: We conducted a record review of adult patients (n=372) who reported to the Out-patient department of the tertiary cancer centre. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen healthcare providers. We used a concurrent mixed methods study design. Adult patients were screened for distress using NCCN-Distress Thermometer and problem checklist. Healthcare providers from different oncology specialties were interviewed and the data was analysed using descriptive thematic analysis. Results: Patients screened for distress were found to report moderate to extreme levels of distress (53.5%). The total referrals to psycho-oncology support services were low (8.6%). Interviews with healthcare providers revealed three major themes: Enablers, barriers and solutions for utilization of distress management system and psycho-oncology services. Conclusions: Moderate to extreme distress was found among patients routinely screened for distress, although there was poor utilization of distress management system and psycho-oncology support services due to time constraints, patient’s negative attitudes towards mental health referrals, generic screening tools and use of own clinical judgement to make referrals by healthcare providers. Future research warrants implementation of strategies to integrate psycho-oncology services into routine cancer care by focusing on improving visibility of services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Normen
- Department of Psycho-Oncology Services, Cytecare Cancer Hospitals, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Kshitija Kulkarni
- Department of Clinical Operations, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - E Vidhubala
- Fenivi Research Solutions, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hemant D Shewade
- ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Douglas SL, Plow M, Packer T, Lipson AR, Lehman MJ. Psychoeducational Interventions for Caregivers of Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol for a Randomized Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e30617. [PMID: 34435971 PMCID: PMC8430872 DOI: 10.2196/30617] [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: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Of the approximately 1 million people living with multiple sclerosis in the United States, more than half receive informal, unpaid care or support from family or friends (caregivers). These caregivers report high levels of stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. Few researchers have conducted psychoeducational interventions for these caregivers. Objective This paper presents a protocol for a randomized clinical trial that aims to test the efficacy of two interventions for improving stress, anxiety, depression, and negative emotions for caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis. Methods Participants included any self-identified family or friend caregiver of a person with multiple sclerosis. Data collection began in April 2021 and is expected to continue until November 2021. Participants will be randomized to receive either a website-only or a website-coaching intervention delivered for 6 weeks. Data will be collected at baseline, 6 weeks after baseline (after delivery of intervention), and 6 weeks later. Results The protocol was approved by the institutional review board of the Case Western Reserve University on January 21, 2021 (protocol 20201484). As of May 2021, 66 participants were enrolled. Conclusions Our findings will have implications for identifying the efficacy of two types of interventions developed for caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis to reduce negative psychological outcomes associated with caregiving. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04662008; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04662008 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/30617
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Douglas
- School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Matthew Plow
- School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Tanya Packer
- School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Amy R Lipson
- School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Michelle J Lehman
- School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Cochrane A, Reid O, Woods S, Gallagher P, Dunne S. Variables associated with distress amongst informal caregivers of people with lung cancer: A systematic review of the literature. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1246-1261. [PMID: 33945184 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Informal caregivers of people with lung cancer often experience a substantial care burden and associated negative consequences due to the often-contracted course of the disease. The objective of this review was to systematically examine the evidence on the factors associated with lung cancer caregiver distress. METHODS Five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Web of Science) were searched for studies investigating factors associated with distress amongst caregivers of people with lung cancer. Empirical studies published up to July 2020 were included if they measured distress using a valid and reliable measure and examined its association with at least one other factor, with a sample of 50 or more caregivers. RESULTS Thirty publications describing 27 studies (16 cross-sectional; 6 prospective; 8 intervention) involving 3744 caregivers (primarily spouse or adult child) were included. A narrative synthesis of the findings is presented due to heterogeneity in study design, variables measured and analyses conducted. Patient variables associated with greater distress included: stage of cancer and quality of spousal relationship. Caregiver variables associated with higher distress included: social support, coping strategies and self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Several variables were associated with distress amongst lung cancer caregivers. Understanding these variables could inform the development of interventions that will enable caregivers to care effectively while maintaining their own well-being. Screening for distress among caregivers may identify those caregivers who would benefit from early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Cochrane
- School of Psychology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Olivia Reid
- School of Psychology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Woods
- School of Psychology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | | | - Simon Dunne
- School of Psychology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
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Mendonça AB, Pereira ER, Magnago C, Medeiros AYBBV, Silva RMCRA, Martins ADO, Meira KC. Suffering experiences of people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A meta-ethnographic study. Nurs Health Sci 2021; 23:586-610. [PMID: 33817939 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This meta-ethnography had the objectives of identifying, evaluating, and summarizing the findings of qualitative studies regarding the suffering experiences of people undergoing chemotherapy, as well as developing an explanatory conceptual structure regarding what affects these experiences. A systematic literature review was carried out, covering the past 10 years, in the following databases: CINAHL, Embase, Medline, LILACS and Scopus. By using meta-ethnographic synthesis methods, the following themes were found: the pain of loss; evaluating, measuring, and neutralizing the threat; and social contours of suffering. The experience of living with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy was synthesized into a theoretical-explanatory model with a structure that resembles barbed-wire loops. The model expresses people's suffering experiences as marked by the feeling of loss, restraint of emotions, and resilience. While transcendent movements broke the cycle of suffering, resilience emerged as a learning experience that made patients more resistant to the pain of loss. The results indicated a complex and diverse set of factors that influence suffering, which confirmed that experiences are individual, comprehensive, and continuously reinterpreted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Braga Mendonça
- Healthcare Sciences Program, School of Nursing, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Eliane Ramos Pereira
- Healthcare Sciences Program, School of Nursing, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Carinne Magnago
- Public Health Faculty, Universidade de São Paulo, Niterói, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Karina Cardoso Meira
- Health Sciences School, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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Douglas SL, Mazanec P, Lipson AR, Day K, Blackstone E, Bajor DL, Saltzman J, Krishnamurthi S. Videoconference Intervention for Distance Caregivers of Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e26-e35. [PMID: 33434451 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 20% of caregivers (CGs) live > 1 hour away from the patient and are considered distance caregivers (DCGs) who often report higher distress and anxiety than local CGs. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at reducing anxiety and distress in DCGs of patients with cancer. METHODS This randomized controlled trial enrolled DCGs of patients with all cancer types who were being seen monthly by oncologists in outpatient clinics. There were three arms of the intervention delivered over a 4-month period: arm 1 (a) received 4 monthly videoconference-tailored coaching sessions with an advanced practice nurse or social worker focused on information and support, (b) participated in patient's appointments with the oncologist via videoconference over the 4-month study period, and (c) had access to a website designed for DCGs. Arm 2 did not receive the coaching sessions but received the other two components, and arm 3 received access to the DCG website only. RESULTS There were 302 DCGs who provided pre- and postintervention data. There were significant anxiety by group (P = .028 and r = 0.16) and distress by group interactions (P = .014 and r = 0.17). Arm 1 had the greatest percentage of DCGs who demonstrated improvement in anxiety (18.6%) and distress (25.2%). CONCLUSION Coaching and use of videoconference technology (to join the DCG into the patient-oncologist office visit) were effective in reducing both anxiety and distress for DCGs. These components could be considered for local CGs who-with COVID-19-are unable to accompany the patient to oncologist visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Douglas
- School of Nursing and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Polly Mazanec
- Case Western Reserve University, School of Nursing, Cleveland, OH
| | - Amy R Lipson
- Case Western Reserve University, School of Nursing, Cleveland, OH
| | - Kim Day
- Independent Contractor, Cleveland, OH
| | - Eric Blackstone
- Case Western Reserve University, School of Nursing, Cleveland, OH
| | - David L Bajor
- Seidman Cancer Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Joel Saltzman
- Lake Health UH Seidman Cancer Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mentor, OH
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