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Carr AL, Massou E, Kelly MP, Ford JA. Mediating pathways that link adverse childhood experiences with cardiovascular disease. Public Health 2024; 227:78-85. [PMID: 38134567 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is uncertainty about which factors mediate the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This could inform secondary prevention targets. STUDY DESIGN Mediation analysis of a prospective cohort study. METHODS English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) wave 3 data (2006/7) were used to measure retrospective exposure to 12 individual ACEs and waves 2 to 4 (2004/5 to 2008/9) data to measure current exposure to potential mediators [smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, body mass index, depression, and C-reactive protein (CRP)]. Waves 4 to 9 ELSA data (2008/9 to 2018/19) were used to measure incident CVD. Cumulative ACE exposure was categorised into experiencing 0, 1 to 3, or ≥4 individual ACEs. Associations were tested between ACE categories, potential mediators, and incident CVD, to inform which variables were analysed in causal mediation models. RESULTS The analytical cohort consisted of 4547 participants (56% women), with a mean age of 64 years (standard deviation = 9 years). At least one ACE had been experienced by 45% of the cohort, and 24% developed incident CVD over a median follow-up period of 9.7 years (interquartile range: 5.3-11.4 years). After adjusting for potential confounders, experiencing ≥4 ACEs compared with none was associated with incident CVD [odds ratio (OR): 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10, 2.17], and the association of one to three ACEs compared with none was non-significant (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.24). There were two statistically significant mediators of the association between ≥4 ACEs and incident CVD: CRP and depression, which accounted for 10.7% and 10.8% of the association, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Inflammation and depression partially mediated the association between ACEs and CVD. Targeting these factors may reduce the future incidence of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Carr
- Cambridge Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK.
| | - E Massou
- Cambridge Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - M P Kelly
- Cambridge Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - J A Ford
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), UK
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Carr AL, Vinod N, Farha P, Lu T, Farha MJ, Graves KD. An exploration of facilitators and barriers to patient navigator core functions with breast cancer patients: Implications for the development of a human-centered mHealth app. PEC Innov 2023; 3:100226. [PMID: 37859864 PMCID: PMC10583173 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To understand the barriers to core functions and workflow among patient navigators (PN) who navigate people diagnosed with breast cancer (BC). To identify how a mobile health (mHealth) app could assist PNs in providing care to BC patients. Methods This qualitative research study used purposive sampling to recruit stakeholders (N = 33) from January to August 2021. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with PNs (n = 11), oncology care providers (n = 12), and BC patients (n = 10). We used conventional content analysis to analyze the interview data. Results Participants identified the following sociotechnical systems barriers in PN workflows that negatively impact BC patient care: 1) resources, 2) insurance coverage, 3) communication challenges, and 4) impact of logistical tasks. Participants identified the user experience, app features, and interoperability customizations to enhance PNs' provision of patient care as important design elements to include in a mHealth app. Conclusion Feedback from stakeholders provided valuable insights into key design considerations, functions, and content areas for developing a mHealth app for PN use in BC care delivery. Innovation This is one of the first studies to incorporate the human-centered design and sociotechnical systems frameworks to understand barriers to PN workflow and provision of BC patient care across the cancer care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina L. Carr
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Naomi Vinod
- Department of Psychology, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Tan Lu
- Avident Health LLC, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Surgery, MedStar Union Memorial and Good Samaritan Hospitals, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maen J. Farha
- Avident Health LLC, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Surgery, MedStar Union Memorial and Good Samaritan Hospitals, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristi D. Graves
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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Carr AL, Bilenduke E, Adolf E, Kessler ER, Arch JJ, Ranby KW, Kilbourn K. A pilot randomized study of a telephone-based cognitive-behavioral stress-management intervention to reduce distress in phase 1 oncology trial caregivers. Palliat Support Care 2023; 21:820-828. [PMID: 36994841 PMCID: PMC10544682 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caregivers of adult phase 1 oncology trial patients experience high levels of distress and face barriers to in-person supportive care. The Phase 1 Caregiver LifeLine (P1CaLL) pilot study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and general impact of an individual telephone-based cognitive behavioral stress-management (CBSM) intervention for caregivers of phase I oncology trial patients. METHODS The pilot study involved 4 weekly adapted CBSM sessions followed by participant randomization to 4 weekly cognitive behavioral therapy sessions or metta-meditation sessions. A mixed-methods design used quantitative data from 23 caregivers and qualitative data from 5 caregivers to examine the feasibility and acceptability outcomes. Feasibility was determined using recruitment, retention, and assessment completion rates. Acceptability was assessed with self-reported satisfaction with program content and participation barriers. Baseline to post-intervention changes in caregiver distress and other psychosocial outcomes were assessed for the 8-session intervention. RESULTS The enrollment rate was 45.3%, which demonstrated limited feasibility based on an a priori criterion enrollment rate of 50%. Participants completed an average of 4.9 sessions, with 9/25 (36%) completing all sessions and an 84% assessment completion rate. Intervention acceptability was high, and participants found the sessions helpful in managing stress related to the phase 1 oncology trial patient experience. Participants showed reductions in worry and isolation and stress. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The P1CaLL study demonstrated adequate acceptability and limited feasibility and provided data on the general impact of the intervention on caregiver distress and other psychosocial outcomes. Caregivers of phase 1 oncology trial patients would benefit from supportive care services; a telephone-based intervention may have more utilization and thus make a larger impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina L. Carr
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention and Control, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Emily Bilenduke
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Esmeralda Adolf
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Kessler
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joanna J. Arch
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Krista W. Ranby
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kristin Kilbourn
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
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Carr AL, Roberts S, Bonnell LN, Kolva E. Existential distress and meaning making among female breast cancer patients with cancer-related fertility concerns. Palliat Support Care 2022; 21:1-9. [PMID: 36562084 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522001675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study explored the impact of cancer-related fertility concerns on existential distress and meaning making among female breast cancer (BC) patients of childbearing age and assessed support needs. METHODS The current study was embedded within a larger study. A seven-question online survey was administered to female BC participants to explore meaning and identity in their lives. Applied thematic analysis was used to analyze participants' written responses. RESULTS A total of 98 participants completed the survey, the majority of whom identified as white, married or partnered, and employed full time and with stage I or II BC. More than 50% of the participants expressed a need for support from a counselor or support group during their cancer experience. Three subthemes emerged related to existential distress and cancer-related fertility concerns: (1) loss of womanhood: treatment-related physical changes impact on gender identity; (2) existential distress due to treatment decisions impacting fertility; and (3) shattered vision: cancer-related infertility impact on meaning and purpose. Four subthemes emerged related to meaning making with fertility-related existential concerns: (1) coping with loss of meaning, (2) re-evaluating priorities in life; (3) resilience to loss, and (4) persistent loss of meaning. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Study results offer valuable insights into the experiences of female BC survivors' cancer-related fertility on existential distress and meaning making. Development of psychological interventions targeted to support this population to cope with existential distress due to cancer-related fertility concerns and meaning making are needed to improve the quality of life of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina L Carr
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sydneyjane Roberts
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Levi N Bonnell
- Population Health Research Core, University of Colorado Cancer Center - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Elissa Kolva
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Kolva E, Karam SD, Carr AL, Roberts S, Torkko K, Lanning R, Cox-Martin E. Guided imagery for treatment (GIFT): protocol of a pilot trial of guided imagery versus treatment as usual to address radiotherapy-related distress in head and neck cancer. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:199. [PMID: 36064748 PMCID: PMC9446833 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01134-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancers of the head and neck region are associated with high symptom burden and elevated levels of psychological distress. Radiotherapy (RT) is a common treatment for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) that is associated with psychological distress related to the immobilizing nature of the treatment, frequency of treatment delivery, and side effects. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that is beneficial in reducing psychological distress in patients with other cancer diagnoses but has not been studied in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a brief guided imagery intervention (guided imagery for treatment, GIFT) to reduce RT-related anxiety and depression in patients with HNC relative to treatment as usual (TAU). Methods Patients with HNC planning to receive RT will be recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial evaluating a brief, two-session guided imagery intervention (GIFT) relative to TAU alone. Primary aims include acceptability and feasibility evaluated through quantitative and qualitative methods. Measures of anxiety and depression, symptom burden, health-related quality of life, and anxiolytic medication use will be collected at baseline, during treatment, and at 1-month follow-up. Discussion There are no published interventions of guided imagery for anxiety and depression in patients with HNC despite its efficacy in other populations of patients with cancer. This proposed project evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention that has the potential to reduce psychological distress in a vulnerable population. Additionally, we will preliminarily examine the impact of behavioral intervention on psychological distress and the use of anxiolytic medication, a novel area of study. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03662698; registered on 9/6/2018. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01134-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa Kolva
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, MS 8117 12801 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alaina L Carr
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, MS 8117 12801 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, USA
| | - Sydneyjane Roberts
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, MS 8117 12801 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, USA
| | - Kathleen Torkko
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ryan Lanning
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Emily Cox-Martin
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, MS 8117 12801 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Cervantes L, Rizzolo K, Carr AL, Steiner JF, Chonchol M, Powe N, Cukor D, Hasnain-Wynia R. Social and Cultural Challenges in Caring for Latinx Individuals With Kidney Failure in Urban Settings. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2125838. [PMID: 34533567 PMCID: PMC8449281 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.25838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Latinx individuals with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) constitute 19% of US patients receiving in-center scheduled hemodialysis. Compared with non-Latinx White patients, Latinx individuals often face poor economic, environmental, and living circumstances. The challenges for health care professionals engendered by these circumstances when Latinx individuals present with ESKD and possible solutions have not been well described. OBJECTIVE To examine the perceptions of interdisciplinary health care professionals who work in dialysis centers in urban settings with large racial and ethnic minority populations about how social challenges affect the care of Latinx patients with ESKD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study administered semistructured interviews of interdisciplinary health care professionals at 4 urban dialysis centers in Denver, Colorado, from April 1 to June 30, 2019. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Themes and subthemes of barriers to care. RESULTS Thirty interdisciplinary dialysis center health care professionals (23 [77%] female; mean [SD] age, 42.0 [11.6] years) participated. Four themes were identified. The first 3 themes and their respective subthemes (in parentheses) describe challenges to kidney care: compromised quality of care attributable to communication and cultural barriers (language interpretation by telephone, in-person language interpretation, burden of ad hoc interpretation, low-quality health care, lack of language- and culturally concordant materials, and health literacy levels), difficulty with health care access (unreliable transportation, economic instability, and loss of insurance benefits), and concerns about patient psychosocial well-being (social isolation, hopelessness, stigma of illness, and balancing personal social challenges). The fourth theme describes solutions to improve care (culturally responsive care, patient empowerment and activation, supporting primary caregivers, and peer support with navigation of the health care system). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study's findings suggest that dialysis center policies are needed that require high-quality language interpretation and the availability of culturally concordant educational materials. Community-based interventions that improve patient activation and provide peer support as well as culturally responsive care may improve the care of Latinx patients with ESKD receiving in-center scheduled hemodialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Cervantes
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Denver Health, Denver, Colorado
- Office of Research, Denver Health, Denver, Colorado
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Katherine Rizzolo
- Department of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Alaina L. Carr
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Denver
| | - John F. Steiner
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora
| | - Michel Chonchol
- Department of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Neil Powe
- Department of Medicine, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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Pensak NA, Carr AL, Jones J, Mikulich-Gilbertson SK, Kutner JS, Kilbourn K, Sannes TS, Brewer BB, Kolva E, Joshi T, Laudenslager ML. A pilot study of mobilized intervention to help caregivers of oncology patients manage distress. Psychooncology 2020; 30:520-528. [PMID: 33217070 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Caregivers of patients with advanced cancer experience significant anxiety, depression, and distress. Caregivers have barriers to accessing in-person treatment to manage stress. Technology allows for the dissemination of evidence-based interventions in a convenient way. This study examined usage rates of Pep-Pal (an evidence-based mobilized intervention to help caregivers of patients with advanced cancer manage distress) and estimates of efficacy on anxiety, depression, stress, and sexual dysfunction. METHODS Fifty-six primary caregivers of patients with advanced cancer were recruited through oncology clinics and randomized to either Pep-Pal (a mobilized psychoeducation and skills-based intervention for caregivers, n = 26) or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 30). All were screened for moderate anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety screening assessment (A ≥ 8) at baseline. RESULTS Participants randomized to Pep-Pal experienced greater reductions in perceived stress (PSS; F = 3.91, p = .05), greater increases in ability to learn and use stress management skills (F = 6.16, p = 0.01), and greater increases in sexual function (women only; F = 5.07, p = 0.03) compared to participants in TAU. Of Pep-Pal participants, only 10 (38.5%) watched at least 7/9 full-length sessions. The a priori hypothesis and criterion that participants would watch at least 75% full-length sessions were not met. CONCLUSIONS A brief, easily disseminated mobile intervention showed poor adherence, but had limited estimates of efficacy for secondary outcomes; perceived stress, learning stress management skills, and sexual functioning (women only). Future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alaina L Carr
- University of Colorado-Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Jacqueline Jones
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Jean S Kutner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Timothy S Sannes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Benjamin B Brewer
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elissa Kolva
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Tanisha Joshi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark L Laudenslager
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Carr AL, Jones J, Mikulich Gilbertson S, Laudenslager ML, Kutner JS, Kilbourn K, Sannes TS, Brewer BW, Kolva E, Joshi T, Amoyal Pensak N. Impact of a Mobilized Stress Management Program (Pep-Pal) for Caregivers of Oncology Patients: Mixed-Methods Study. JMIR Cancer 2019; 5:e11406. [PMID: 31066678 PMCID: PMC6524452 DOI: 10.2196/11406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of patients with advanced diseases are known to have high levels of distress, including depression and anxiety. Recent research has focused on recognizing caregivers in need of psychosocial support to help them manage their distress. Evidenced-based technological interventions have the potential to aid caregivers in managing distress. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to describe caregiver perceptions of the usability and acceptability, and their suggestions for future adaptations, of a mobilized psychoeducation and skills-based intervention. METHODS This study was a part of a larger trial of a mobilized psychoeducation and skills-based intervention (Psychoeducation and Skills-Based Mobilized Intervention [Pep-Pal]) for caregivers of patients with advanced illness. This substudy used a mixed-methods analysis of quantitative data from all 26 intervention participants and qualitative data from 14 intervention caregivers who completed the Pep-Pal intervention. The qualitative semistructured individual interviews, which we conducted within the first 4 weeks after participants completed the intervention, assessed the acceptability and usability of Pep-Pal. Additionally, the qualitative interviews provided contextual evidence of how the intervention was helpful to interviewees in unanticipated ways. We conducted applied thematic analysis via independent review of transcripts to extract salient themes. RESULTS Overall, caregivers of patients with advanced cancer deemed Pep-Pal to be acceptable in all Web-based sessions except for Improving Intimacy. Caregivers perceived the program to be of use across the areas they needed and in others that they had not anticipated. Caregiver recommendations of key changes for the program were to include more variety in caregiver actors in sessions, change the title of Improving Intimacy to Improving Relationships, provide an audio-only option in addition to video, and change the format of the mobilized website program to a stand-alone mobile app. CONCLUSIONS The valuable feedback in key areas from individual interviews will be integrated into the final version of Pep-Pal that will be tested in a fully powered randomized clinical trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03002896; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03002896 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/76eThwaei).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina L Carr
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado-Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Jacqueline Jones
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Mark L Laudenslager
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jean S Kutner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Kristin Kilbourn
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado-Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Timothy S Sannes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Benjamin W Brewer
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Elissa Kolva
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Tanisha Joshi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Nicole Amoyal Pensak
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Neptune, NJ, United States.,Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
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Lennes IT, Luberto CM, Carr AL, Hall DL, Strauss NM, Ponzani C, Park ER. Project reach: Piloting a risk-tailored smoking cessation intervention for lung screening. J Health Psychol 2018; 25:1472-1482. [PMID: 29502458 DOI: 10.1177/1359105318756500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a telephone-based smoking cessation intervention for lung screening patients. Participants (N = 39) were enrolled in a single-arm pilot study of a four-session telephone-based intervention. Self-report measures were completed at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Participants were long-term smokers; 62 percent were not motivated to quit. Twenty-three percent attempted quitting, 29 percent decreased their smoking, and 11 percent reported abstinence. Confidence increased (p < .001) and there were trends toward increased importance (p = .09) and comparative disease risk (p = .02). This intervention was acceptable and associated with improvements in smoking-related beliefs and behaviors.
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Arch JJ, Vanderkruik R, Kirk A, Carr AL. A closer lens: Cancer survivors' supportive intervention preferences and interventions received. Psychooncology 2017; 27:1434-1441. [PMID: 28792097 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer survivor preferences for formal interventions designed to provide psychological support remain relatively unknown. To address this gap, we evaluated cancer survivors' preferences for psychological intervention, whom they preferred to recommend such intervention, and how their preferences compared with what they currently received. METHODS US cancer survivors (n = 345) who were at least 2 months post-treatment for diverse forms of cancer were recruited online to complete a survey study. RESULTS Based on Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to distinguish among ranked preferences, cancer survivors rated individual professional counseling as their most-preferred form of psychological intervention (among 6 choices), p < .001, followed by professionally led cancer support groups and individual peer counseling. Anti-depressant or other psychiatric medication represented their least-preferred intervention, ps < .001, but was the one they were most likely to currently receive. Preference for individual professional counseling over psychiatric medication was evident even among the subgroups of cancer survivors screening positively for probable anxiety disorder (n = 188) or major depression (n = 137), ps < .001. Cancer survivors most preferred to learn about psychological interventions from their medical oncologist, p < .001, followed by primary care physician, cancer nurse, or another cancer survivor; they least preferred to learn from a social worker or on their own, ps < .001. CONCLUSIONS Cancer survivors reported significant unmet need for psychological intervention, preference for non-pharmacological forms of such support, and a gap between their preferred forms of support and what they currently receive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna J Arch
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rachel Vanderkruik
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Alex Kirk
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Alaina L Carr
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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Arch JJ, Carr AL. Using Mechanical Turk for research on cancer survivors. Psychooncology 2016; 26:1593-1603. [PMID: 27283906 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The successful recruitment and study of cancer survivors within psycho-oncology research can be challenging, time-consuming, and expensive, particularly for key subgroups such as young adult cancer survivors. Online crowdsourcing platforms offer a potential solution that has not yet been investigated with regard to cancer populations. The current study assessed the presence of cancer survivors on Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and the feasibility of using MTurk as an efficient, cost-effective, and reliable psycho-oncology recruitment and research platform. METHODS During a <4-month period, cancer survivors living in the United States were recruited on MTurk to complete two assessments, spaced 1 week apart, relating to psychosocial and cancer-related functioning. The reliability and validity of responses were investigated. RESULTS Within a <4-month period, 464 self-identified cancer survivors on MTurk consented to and completed an online assessment. The vast majority (79.09%) provided reliable and valid study data according to multiple indices. The sample was highly diverse in terms of U.S. geography, socioeconomic status, and cancer type, and reflected a particularly strong presence of distressed and young adult cancer survivors (median age = 36 years). A majority of participants (58.19%) responded to a second survey sent one week later. CONCLUSIONS Online crowdsourcing represents a feasible, efficient, and cost-effective recruitment and research platform for cancer survivors, particularly for young adult cancer survivors and those with significant distress. We discuss remaining challenges and future recommendations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna J Arch
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Alaina L Carr
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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Carr AL, Traeger L, Cashavelly BJ, Pirl WF. Resiliency among nursing staff in an inpatient medical oncology unit. J Clin Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.33.29_suppl.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
24 Background: Inpatient medical oncology nursing staff members often care for seriously ill patients with complex needs, and are at particular risk for burn out. This qualitative study explored the experiences of registered nurses (RN) and nurse practitioners (NP) on an inpatient medical oncology unit. We identified factors influencing resiliency in caring for oncology inpatients on a daily basis. Methods: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 24 RNs and 13 NPs working on an inpatient medical oncology unit at an academic medical center. A semi-structured interview guide was used to elicit perspectives on facilitators and barriers to resilience in caring for oncology patients. Content analysis was conducted to identify themes between RNs and NPs. Results: Both RNs and NPs described being emotionally affected by daily experiences with patient suffering and death. However, they commonly identified that relationships with patients at the end of life (EOL) were sources of profound inspiration; and they felt privileged to engage with patients during this significant phase of their lives. Factors that negatively impacted resilience included a) barriers to communicating with team members and patients about EOL issues, b) successions of acutely ill patients on the unit, and c) work-life balance issues in the context of intensive shift schedules. Following emotionally difficult days, staff found motivation to return to work the next day through: a) mutual understanding and support from unit coworkers, b) sense of connection to seriously ill patients and their families, and c) general perception of oncology nursing as part of one’s identity. Conclusions: Nursing staff were intrinsically motivated to connect with seriously ill patients and to provide meaningful EOL care. Connections with coworkers and patients/families and personal identification with the role of oncology nursing helped staff to return to work after emotionally difficult experiences on the unit. Results identify potential targets for intervention to increase resiliency, including increasing workplace cohesion, communication and support within the unique inpatient milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Traeger
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
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Carr AL, Roe RM, Arellano C, Sonenshine DE, Schal C, Apperson CS. Responses of Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis to odorants that attract haematophagous insects. Med Vet Entomol 2013; 27:86-95. [PMID: 22681499 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2012.01024.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO(2) ), 1-octen-3-ol, acetone, ammonium hydroxide, L-lactic-acid, dimethyl trisulphide and isobutyric acid were tested as attractants for two tick species, Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae), in dose-response bioassays using Y-tube olfactometers. Only CO(2) , acetone, 1-octen-3-ol and ammonium hydroxide elicited significant preferences from adult A. americanum, and only CO(2) was attractive to adult D. variabilis. Acetone, 1-octen-3-ol and ammonium hydroxide were separately evaluated at three doses against CO(2) (from dry ice) at a field site supporting a natural population of A. americanum nymphs and adults. Carbon dioxide consistently attracted the highest number of host-seeking ticks. However, for the first time, acetone, 1-octen-3-ol and ammonium hydroxide were shown to attract high numbers of A. americanum. Further research is needed to determine the utility of these semiochemicals as attractants in tick surveillance and area-wide management programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Carr
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA
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