Toward a new personalized psycho-social approach for the support of prostate cancer and their caregivers dyads: a pilot study

Introduction

Prostate cancer patients (PCP) often struggle with a significant emotional, physical, and social burden during the care-flow pathway. Noteworthy, PCP should not be considered a standalone patient, but someone who is connected with a relevant social environment and that is usually supported by a beloved one, the caregiver. The involvement of the caregivers through the care pathway might bring significant benefits both on the psychological and the treatment and decision-making side. The present pilot study aimed at preliminarily assessing quantitatively the psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis on the degree of agreement of PCPs and their caregivers on medical decisions, coping resources and psychological distress levels.

Methods

16 PCP and their caregivers were enrolled in the study and fulfilled a battery of standardized questionnaires.

Results

Results showed low concordance in decision making styles and preferences in patients and their caregivers and that the dyads showed similar depression symptoms levels. Relevant features of the psychological needs of the analyzed dyads, such as need for information and support, also emerged.

Conclusion

On the basis of these preliminary results, guidelines for the construction of tailored brief psychological support interventions for PCP dyads are provided.

Effectiveness of Serious Games in Improving Genetic Literacy and Genetic Risk Awareness in the General Public: A Pilot Study

Background: Genomics is an integral part of medical science; however, European citizens' literacy on basic genetic concepts is still poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Serious Games (SGs) in increasing genetic literacy in laypeople and to assess the impact of SGs on participants' perceived self-efficacy (SE) in managing genetic risk implications. Materials and Methods: Two minigames and an adventure game were created, together with leaflets reporting the same information as the SGs. Sixty participants enrolled at baseline and completed a brief sociodemographic questionnaire and an ad hoc questionnaire assessing their genetic knowledge. They were assigned to the SGs group (30 subjects) or to the Leaflets group (30 subjects) by matching age and sex. Both groups had about 40 minutes to play the SGs or to read the leaflets. In the postlearning session, participants completed the same genetic knowledge questionnaires administered at baseline and five items from the Self-Efficacy Scale, whereas the SGs group also filled in the In-Game Experience Questionnaire. Results and Conclusion: Results showed that learning genetic concepts through SGs was comparable to learning through leaflets. Playing SGs was also associated with poor feelings of frustration or annoyance, good engagement in the game challenges and contents, and positive feelings, particularly in subjects under 30 years. Participants perceiving SE increased significantly in both Leaflets and SGs groups, but the effect was higher for SGs players. SGs have the potential to increase genetic literacy in the public by making the learning process more engaging, pleasant and by enhancing SE.

The Sound of Grief: A Critical Discussion on the Experience of Creating and Listening to the Digitally Reproduced Voice of the Deceived

Technological tools allow for the reproduction and control of peculiar stimuli, such as the possibility of producing audio clips with the voices of deceased people. Artificial intelligence allows to create at-home vocal messages from an audioclip. Recently, some videos and documentaries depicting people interacting with artificial intelligence content related to the deceased have been released to the general public. However, the possibility of interacting with realistic stimuli related to deceased loved ones can create peculiar and delicate experiences and should gain the attention of the scientific community and mental health professionals. Listening and searching for experiences related to the deceived ones might indicate a natural way to elaborate and live the experience of grieving or the presence of symptoms related to more severe conditions. Moreover, such powerful stimuli might be potentially harmful to users, if not appropriately used. To the best of our knowledge, no scientific literature exists on the topic of listening to audio clips with the voice of the deceased yet, although various people shared thoughts and feelings about these habits on social networks and forums. Given the relevant psychological impact that grief can have on a person, an open discussion on the possibility and risks of the availability of digital stimuli related to grief should be taken into account by the scientific community.

Caregiving and Shared Decision Making in Breast and Prostate Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

A cancer diagnosis can impact patients' and caregivers' lives, posing different challenging situations. In particular, breast cancer and prostate cancer are two types of cancer involving families and especially spouses in challenges linked with the diagnosis and treatment process. Caregivers are usually involved in the treatment decision-making (TDM) process concerning patients' clinical pathway, cancer treatment, and ongoing therapies. To date, no contributions provide an exhaustive overview of the role of caregivers in cancer care and their involvement in the TDM process related to the therapies.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of caregiver and patients experiences and perceptions of caregiver involvement in cancer TDM. Articles were searched on Public/Publisher MEDLINE (PubMed), Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), and American Psychological Association APA PsycINFO.

RESULTS

17 studies were included, 10 on prostate cancer and 7 on breast cancer. According to the reviewed studies, patients and caregivers experienced the cancer diagnosis with a sense of unity. Most patients preferred to have an active or collaborative role with caregivers in TDM, feeling it was important to consult or share the decision made with their caregivers. Caregivers preferred to collaborate with patients or let patients decide by themselves after considering their opinions. Caregiver involvement could have a positive influence on the patient's medical decisions, even if cancer diagnosis and treatments overwhelmed patients and caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of using a perspective that focuses on the relationship between a patient and caregivers when they receive a cancer diagnosis and have to make a treatment decision. Targeting caregiver-patient dyads, rather than individuals, is important since a supported relationship could have a protective effect on psychological distress, quality of life (QOL), and relationship satisfaction. Moreover, dyads may benefit from interventions that focus on the needs of both the patient and caregiver.

The role of caregivers in the clinical pathway of patients newly diagnosed with breast and prostate cancer: A study protocol

Background

Caregivers may play a fundamental role in the clinical pathway of cancer patients. They provide emotional, informational, and functional support as well as practical assistance, and they might help mediate the interaction and communication with the oncologists when care options are discussed, or decisions are made. Little is known about the impact of dyadic dynamics on patient-doctor communication, patient's satisfaction, or adherence to the therapies. This study protocol aims to evaluate the efficacy of a psychological support intervention on patients-caregivers relationship and their alignment in the treatment decision-making (TDM) process and estimate related improvement in patient' compliance/adherence to treatments.

Methods

A total of 102 patients-caregivers' dyads will be involved, among breast and prostate cancer patients. The study entails a pre- post- evaluation through psychological questionnaires, with a randomization of participants in two conditions, the experimental one in which subjects participate in a psychological support consultation, and the control one, where dyads do not receive any intervention. A follow up after 6 months from the enrollment is planned.

Discussion

A positive impact of the psychological support intervention on patients' anxiety, depression, distress, and perceived social support is expected. Such improvements can directly affect patients' satisfaction and adherence to treatments. Data gathered from this study may inform health care providers, policy makers, and public health managers about the importance of caregiver's involvement in the cancer care pathway, and the best way to manage it. A further impact is to develop a specific intervention protocol to support caregivers' involvement in cancer care pathway, improve patient's wellbeing, the interaction with physicians and the compliance with the cancer treatment.

Genetic testing users in Italy and Germany: Health orientation, health-related habits, and psychological profile

Background

Rapid advances in genomic knowledge and widespread access to the web contributed to the development of genetic services by private companies or medical laboratories. In the European landscape, though, there is not a single coherent regulatory approach to genetic testing (GT). The study aimed to investigate differences and similarities between two populations of GT users, Italians and Germans, in terms of health‐related behaviors, psychological characteristics, and attitudes toward genetic information.

Methods

Ninety‐nine Italian GT users from one private genetic company and 64 Germans GT users from one medical laboratory, completed an ad hoc self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Results showed significant differences in health‐related behaviors (unhealthy eating behaviors, smoking behaviors, and frequency in medical check‐ups), with Germans reporting higher levels of unhealthy eating habits and smoking behaviors than Italians; Italian users also were more medically controlled. Furthermore, German participants were less willing to change their lifestyle following the GT results compared to Italian participants. Regarding psychological variables, German users felt more confident about their physical well‐being and they seemed more motivated than Italians to avoid becoming unhealthy. Finally, two samples differed in the way they accessed genetic testing (with the Italians guided predominately by a physician in contrast with the Germans who were recommended by friends) and managed genetic testing results (with Italian participants significantly more willing to share results with doctors than German participants, who preferred sharing with the family).

Conclusion

The analysis of cultural and organizational differences could help in defining adequate guidelines for counseling, and provide inputs for regulators in different European contexts.

Remote Psychological Interventions for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer and survivors may experience the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a preoccupation with the progression or recurrence of cancer. During the spread of COVID-19 in 2019, patients and survivors experienced increased levels of FCR. Hence, there is a greater need to identify effective evidence-based treatments to help people cope with FCR. Remotely delivered interventions might provide a valuable means to address FCR in patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to first discuss the available psychological interventions for FCR based on traditional cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) or contemporary CBTs, in particular, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, and then propose a possible approach based on the retrieved literature.

METHODS

We searched key electronic databases to identify studies that evaluated the effect of psychological interventions such as CBT on FCR among patients with cancer and survivors.

RESULTS

Current evidence suggests that face-to-face psychological interventions for FCR are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for managing FCR. However, there are no specific data on the interventions that are most effective when delivered remotely.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT interventions can be efficacious in managing FCR, especially at posttreatment, regardless of whether it is delivered face to face, on the web, or using a blended approach. To date, no study has simultaneously compared the effectiveness of face-to-face, web-based, and blended interventions. On the basis of the retrieved evidence, we propose the hypothetical program of an intervention for FCR based on both traditional CBT and contemporary CBT, named Change Of Recurrence, which aims to improve the management of FCR in patients with cancer and survivors.

A 6-Month Follow-Up Study on Worry and Its Impact on Well-Being During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in an Italian Sample

The Italian state adopted serious safety measures to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020. The lockdown was associated with negative psychological consequences in healthy populations, mostly in terms of anxiety, distress, depression, and even traumatic symptoms. This longitudinal study aimed at briefly documenting the psychological impact among an Italian sample, in terms of worry and its impact on psychological well-being levels, of the first wave of COVID-19, taking into account the changes in the lockdown scenario. A three-time follow-up survey was administered to 177 subjects (Female: 78%, M age = 36.33), during (T0), at the end (T1), and 3 months after the end of the first lockdown (T2). Since the first wave of COVID-19, results showed a decrease in worry and the perception of virus diffusion's controllability over time while psychological well-being increased. Furthermore, factors such as personality traits (neuroticism and agreeableness) and dysfunctional coping strategies predicted increases in worry levels at the end of the lockdown and 3 months after in the Italian context. However, worry levels during and at the end of the lockdown did not predict well-being levels 3 months after the end of the lockdown. Based on these findings, mental health policymakers should design tailored interventions able to improve the perception of virus diffusion management, as well as address the psychological needs of Italian citizens and support it, including a plan for the follow-up evaluation.

Key Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life Among Advanced Lung Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study in Belgium and Italy

Background: The lung cancer (LC) treatment landscape has drastically expanded with the arrival of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. This new variety of treatment options, each with its own characteristics, raises uncertainty regarding the key aspects affecting patients' health-related quality of life (HRQL). The present qualitative study aimed to investigate how LC patients perceive their HRQL and the factors that they consider to be most influential in determining their HRQL. Methods: This qualitative research incorporates four focus group discussions, with six LC patients in each group. In total, 24 stage III and IV LC patients were included in the discussions, with Italian (n = 12) and Belgian (n = 12) patients, age range: 42-78, median age = 62 (IQR = 9.3 years), SD = 8.5; 62% men. Using thematic analysis, transcripts and notes from the FGDs were analyzed using NVivo software (edition 12). Results: Three main themes capturing determinants of HRQL were identified. First, patients agreed on the importance of physical aspects (symptoms and side-effects) in determining their HRQL. In particular, skin conditions, nausea, fatigue, risk of infections, sensory abnormalities, pain, and changes in physical appearance were highlighted. Second, patients worried about psychological aspects, negatively impacting their wellbeing such as uncertainties regarding their future health state, and a lower degree of autonomy and independence. Third, patients underlined the importance of social aspects, such as communication with healthcare providers and social interaction with friends, family and peers. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that physical, psychological, and social aspects are key factors driving LC patients' HRQL. Gaining a better understanding of how LC patients perceive their HRQL and how it is affected by their illness and therapy will aid patient-centric decision-making across the drug life cycle, by providing stakeholders (drug developers, regulators, reimbursement bodies, and clinicians) insights about the treatment and disease aspects of importance to LC patients as well as the unmet needs LC patients may have regarding available treatment modalities. Finally, this study underscores a need for individual treatment decision-making that is considerate of uncertainties among LC patients about their future health state, and ways for improving communication between healthcare providers and patients to do so.

What people really change after genetic testing (GT) performed in private labs: results from an Italian study

Despite the widespread diffusion of direct-to-consumer genetic testing (GT), it is still unclear whether people who learn about their genetic susceptibility to a clinical condition change their behaviors, and the psychological factors involved. The aim of the present study is to investigate long-term changes in health-related choices, individual tendencies and risk attitudes in an Italian sample of GT users. In the context of the Mind the Risk study, which investigated a sample of Italian adults who underwent GT in a private laboratory, 99 clients participated in the follow up assessment. They completed a self-administered questionnaire investigating: (a) clinical history and motivation for testing, (b) lifestyle and risk behaviors, (c) individual tendencies toward health, and (d) risk-taking attitude and risk tolerance. Such variables were measured at three different time-points: T0—before GT, T1—at 6 months after genetic results, and T2—at 1 year from results. Results showed that, at baseline, participants who stated they intended to modify their behavior after GT results, effectively did so over time. This result held both for participants who received a positive or negative test result. In general, a healthier diet was the most frequently observed long-term behavioral change. As regards psychological variables, a risk-taking attitude and risk tolerance did not seem to affect the decision to change the lifestyle. Finally, we found an overall reduction in anxiety and worry over health over time, but also a reduction in the motivation for health promotion and prevention, health esteem, and positive expectations for their health in the future.

Worry during the initial height of the COVID-19 crisis in an Italian sample

In the earliest months of 2020, the COVID-19 emergency reached a pandemic status of international concern. In this situation, people tended to think more about current difficulties and their negative consequences due to the fear of infection and changed daily life during quarantine. The aim of this study was to explore the severity of worry in relation to individual characteristics and emotions during COVID-19 outbreak in the Italian people. Socio-demographic questions and standardized self-report questionnaires were administered online. Results highlighted a moderate level of worry, anxiety and distress. People with higher perceptions of COVID-19 severity exhibited higher levels of worry in contrast to those who perceived a greater control over the possibility of infection. Multiple regression analysis indicated that coping styles, emotion regulation strategies and personality traits significantly contributed to explain the variance in worry scores. Findings supported that cognitive reappraisal, emotion-focused coping and extraversion were protective factors for worry, while expressive suppression, dysfunctional and problem-focused coping, and neuroticism were related to high worry. However, neuroticism and dysfunctional coping were particularly important predictors of worry. This paper also considers possible psychological interventions that might be implemented in order to deal with mental health issues emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exploring public attitude toward biofeedback technologies: Knowledge, preferences and personality tendencies

Background: Biofeedback is increasingly used in the clinical area and in daily health monitoring through wearable devices (e.g. smart watches). Nevertheless, it remains rather unknown. This study aimed to assess, in a sample of Italian citizens, the level of knowledge, attitudes, perceived efficacy and personality tendencies which could affect the uptake of biofeedback technologies.

Design and Methods: Participants were recruited by advertising the survey on the social networks, from March to May 2019. 160 subjects filled in an ad hoc online questionnaire assessing socio-demographic variables, clinical status, physical activity, knowledge and attitude towards biofeedback, psychological tendencies toward health.

Results: Data showed a good level of interest in biofeedback training in spite of poor knowledge about such technologies. Sport and chronic diseases were not correlated to a greater use of biofeedback. People informed about biofeedback technologies were more interested in undergoing biofeedback training and had higher scores in the Health Locus of Control. Finally, people who showed a positive perception of their own health (Health Esteem) did not rely on these technologies.

Discussion: Despite the huge spread of biofeedback technologies, our results disconfirmed the expectation that people having an active lifestyle or a disease were more familiar with biofeedback systems. The attitude toward such technologies seems to depend on individual tendencies.

Conclusions: This study suggests the importance to improve general public literacy on biofeedback technologies, tailor tools on their needs and characteristics, empower people’s sense of internal health control for promoting a valid use and a proper knowledge of biofeedback.

Health orientation and individual tendencies of a sample of Italian genetic testing consumers

Background

Over the last decade, genetic testing (GT) had markedly spread in European countries and struggled the debate concerning the psychological effects on the population. The aim of this study was to investigate the individual tendencies of GT consumers in a sample of Italian citizens.

Methods

A total of 152 Italian clients from GenomaLab, a private genetic company, were enrolled from February 2016 to September 2018 and completed an ad hoc survey.

Results

Results showed that GT consumers were motivated to preserve their well‐being, they felt responsible for their health, they were neither pessimistic nor optimistic toward negative occurrences, and poorly inclined to take high risks in their lives. Participants who had suffered from a disease in the past appear to be less tolerant to the uncertainty for future negative events.

Conclusion

Our results depict Italian GT consumers as health‐oriented, focused on prevention, who do not have a pessimistic perception of their condition but do not like to “bet” on their health, and probably their intention (and belief) is to acquire genetic information in order to reduce uncertainty and increase their decision‐making “power” related to their health. Taken together, all these results contribute to describe the population of GT users in European countries, to regulate the provision of GT results and to entail the communication of genetic risk information based on a consumers’ personal profile.