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Asuzu CC, Akin-Odanye EO, Asuzu MC, Adedokun T, Ntekem A, Ogundiran T, Henry M, Watson M. Effect of a novel pilot support group on distress and quality of life in breast cancer patients in Nigeria. Psychooncology 2023; 32:133-138. [PMID: 36316969 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of a new breast cancer support group (BCSG) on breast cancer patients' self-reported distress and quality of life. METHODS A single arm pre-post trial providing an eight session healthcare provider led BCSG. Primary outcome variables were distress and quality of life assessed using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) and The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast plus Arm Morbidity (FACT-B+4), respectively. Topics in each session addressed a wide range of issues some of which were pre-selected by the patients themselves. DATA ANALYSIS Paired sample t-test was used for data analysis on International Business Machine Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 21. RESULTS The participants (N = 18) had a mean age of 51. Most had secondary school level education (54%), were traders (59%) and had stage 3 or 4 disease (67%). A larger proportion (78% or n = 14) of the patients lived in rural areas, while 4 (22%) of the patients lived in Ibadan. Out of the 8 sessions, 12 (67%) of the participants attended 1-3 sessions while 6 (33%) attended 4-8 sessions. There were, significant improvements in emotional wellbeing (t = -4.253; p < 0.05) and functional wellbeing (t = -2.191; p < 0.05) on the FACT-B+4. There was a significant reduction in the DT score (t = 2.345; p < 0.05) but the number of items on the problem list were not significantly reduced (t = 1.191; p > 0.05). Majority (75%) of the patients rated the support group activities as satisfactory. CONCLUSION These data show that the support group can benefit breast cancer patients in terms of reduced distress levels along with satisfaction and improvement in the functional and emotional wellbeing indices of quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma C Asuzu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Michael C Asuzu
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Tunde Adedokun
- Centre for Observational Research, Amgen, Califonia, USA
| | - Atara Ntekem
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Mellissa Henry
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Hatton RA, Crane J, Rogers SN, Patterson J. Head and neck cancer peer-to-peer support and quality of life: systematic scoping review. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2022; 31:S30-S36. [PMID: 35271361 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2022.31.5.s30] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The aim of this scoping review was to summarise the current evidence for peer-to-peer support and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS Five search engines were used-PubMed, CINAHL, APA PyscInfo, Web of Science and HaNDLE-on-QoL-to look for publications between 1981 and 2020. Adapted PICO (population, intervention, comparator and outcome) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) methodology was used. RESULTS Of the 1408 papers identified, 10 met the inclusion criteria: five qualitative, two cross-sectional, one case-control, one cohort and one quasi-experimental design. There were four common themes: patient experience of peer-to-peer support, delivery of peer-to-peer support, engagement with peer-to-peer support and impact on QoL. CONCLUSION This review highlights the paucity of evidence with regard to QoL and peer-to-peer support in HNC. It provides a summary of the literature and identifies considerations for clinical practice and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Hatton
- Medical Student, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Population Health/Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, University of Liverpool
| | - Julie Crane
- Senior Lecturer, Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, formerly Centre Manager, North West Cancer Research Centre, University of Liverpool
| | - Simon N Rogers
- Professor and Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University and Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Liverpool University Hospital Aintree, ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5989-6142
| | - Jo Patterson
- Professor of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Population Health/Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, University of Liverpool
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Patterson JM, Lu L, Watson LJ, Harding S, Ness AR, Thomas S, Waylen A, Pring M, Waterboer T, Sharp L. Associations between markers of social functioning and depression and quality of life in survivors of head and neck cancer: Findings from the Head and Neck Cancer 5000 study. Psychooncology 2021; 31:478-485. [PMID: 34591369 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between markers of social functioning (trouble with social eating and social contact), depression and health-related quality of life (QOL) among head and neck cancer survivors. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis included individuals with oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, salivary gland and thyroid cancers from Head and Neck 5000 alive at 12 months. Trouble with social eating and social contact were measured using items from EORTC QLQ-H&N35 and QOL using EORTC QLQ-C30; responses were converted into a score of 0-100, with a higher score equalling more trouble or better QOL. A HADS subscale score of ≥8 was considered significant depression. Associations between tertiles of trouble with social eating and social contact and depression and QoL were assessed using multivariable logistic and linear regression (with robust errors), respectively. RESULTS Of 2561 survivors, 23% reported significant depression. The median QOL score was 75.0 (interquartile range 58.3-83.3). For trouble with social eating, after confounder adjustment, those in the intermediate and highest tertiles had higher odds of depression (intermediate: OR = 4.5, 95% CI 3.19-6.45; high: OR = 21.8, 15.17-31.18) and lower QOL (intermediate:β = -8.7, 95% CI -10.35 to -7.14; high: β = -24.8, -26.91 to -22.77). Results were similar for trouble with social contact. CONCLUSION We found strong clinically important associations between markers of social functioning and depression and QOL. More effective interventions addressing social eating and contact are required. These may help survivors regain their independence, reduce levels of isolation and loneliness, and depression, and improve QOL outcomes generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne M Patterson
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, School of Health Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Liya Lu
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Sam Harding
- Bristol Speech and Language Therapy Research Unit, Southmead Hospital North Bristol NHS Hospital Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Andy R Ness
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, UK and Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Steve Thomas
- Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrea Waylen
- Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Miranda Pring
- Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tim Waterboer
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Linda Sharp
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Hatton R, Crane J, Patterson J, Rogers S. A survey to ascertain peer support models available in Head and Neck cancer across the United Kingdom. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2021; 60:488-492. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Wu CL, Liou CH, Liu SA, Chen CH, Sheu WHH, Chou IJ, Tsai SF. Quality Improvement Initiatives in Reforming Patient Support Groups-Three-Year Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17197155. [PMID: 33007826 PMCID: PMC7579603 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little has been done regarding the research on quality and quantity of patient support groups (PSGs) and how they can be improved. Here, we present three-year experiences of a quality improvement (QI) program of our PSGs. METHODS We launched earlier on a three-year project to improve our PSGs, including the number and quality of curricula. Data were collected on the number of PSGs, curricula, and participants. RESULTS In the first year, we organized relevant resources of our hospital and established a standard protocol for applying financial support and reporting the results. In the second year, we elected "the best patient" to promote sense of honor and better peer supports. In the third year, we surveyed through questionnaires participants' health literacy to improve their feedback. Competitions and exhibitions of achievements were held each year to share results of every PSG. Finally, we had increased the volume of participation of patients and family over these three years (3968, 5401 (+35.5%) and 5963 (+50.3%)). Participation of staff also increased significantly (489 and 551 (+12.7%)). Furthermore, more interdisciplinary curricula were generated, with fewer doctors (38.2% to 29%), but greater numbers of the following: nurses (4.9% to 17.4%), nurse practitioners (0.4% to 14.5%), medical laboratory scientists (2.5% to 16.3%), social workers (4.7% to 41.7%), and teachers from outside (0% to 1.8%). CONCLUSION In this first study on QI efforts on PSGs, we enlisted a core change team, drew a stakeholder map, and selected an improvement framework with good results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Liang Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan;
- Department of Automatic Control Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40700, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Liou
- Center for Quality Management, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (S.-A.L.); (I.-J.C)
| | - Shih-An Liu
- Center for Quality Management, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (S.-A.L.); (I.-J.C)
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngolog, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsu Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan;
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
| | - Wayne H-H Sheu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - I-Ju Chou
- Center for Quality Management, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan; (C.-H.L.); (S.-A.L.); (I.-J.C)
| | - Shang-Feng Tsai
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan;
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-2359-2525; Fax: +886-4-2359-4980
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[Nutritional aspects of the palliative care of head and neck cancer patients]. HNO 2020; 68:483-491. [PMID: 32130458 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-020-00841-0] [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: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Nutrition remains a relevant issue until the end of life, both for patients and their relatives. This is particularly true for palliative patients with advanced head and neck cancer. In addition to local problems caused by the disease and its treatment, patients suffer from social aspects such as isolation, decreasing strength, and reduced mobility. Effective nutritional counselling and therapy are necessary to retain quality of life and self-care for as long as possible. Dialogue between the palliative care team and ENT oncologists should serve as the basis for developing an individual plan for each patient in this difficult situation. A special section of this manuscript focuses on the value of traditional herbal medicine for different ENT symptoms in the context of nutrition. The aim of this review is to promote qualified discussion between patient, relatives, and professionals.
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Abstract
A patient support group is defined as "a group of people with common experiences and concerns who provide emotional and moral support for one another." Support groups fulfill many functions: educating patients/family, sharing the illness experience, providing strength to its members, raising public awareness, and fundraising. Some research has shown an improvement in quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer who have participated in support groups. A wide variety of support groups are available for otolaryngology patients, ranging from head and neck oncology to tinnitus and spasmodic dysphonia. Some support groups are face-to-face, while others use social media and the Internet. Surprisingly, engagement in patient support groups is low-about 10%. Some barriers to accessing support groups are awareness, time constraints, and confrontation of negative aspects of the disease. As otolaryngologists, we can help our patients access support groups so that they can benefit from these resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Hu
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Finnigan JP, Sikora AG. Counseling the patient with potentially HPV-related newly diagnosed head and neck cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 2014; 16:375. [PMID: 24488548 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-013-0375-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The recent emergence of a clinically distinct subset of head and neck cancers (HNC) caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) necessitates critical reevaluation of the existing counseling paradigm for patients with newly diagnosed HNC. Herein we propose a structural framework for patient counseling in which HPV testing is incorporated and the impact of HPV-status is discussed in the context of multiple medical and psychosocial domains. We strive to maintain a balance between making recommendations based on the best available scientific evidence and acknowledgment of uncertainty for both patients and providers. We anticipate that both the standard-of-care diagnostic workup and treatment, and counseling guidelines for these patients will change rapidly in the years ahead, as data from ongoing and planned prospective clinical trials become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Finnigan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA,
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