Quality of life in bladder cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, bladder cancer (BC) has been regarded as the tenth most common cancer with more than 573 000 new cases in 2020. This research presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the quality of life (QOL) among patients with BC.

METHODS

The study was designed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 11 articles were extracted from a literature search conducted through electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science from the onset of January 2000 to June 2022. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled QOL in patients with BC.

RESULTS

We included 11 primary studies in the final meta-analysis. Based on random effect analysis, total score of QOL was 53.92 (95% CI: 47.84 to 60) representing a moderate level of QOL among patients. Based on the analysis, it was found that physical items with a score of 49.82 (95% CI: 45.8 to 53.84) had a lower score in comparison with mental items at a score of 52 (95% CI: 49.54 to 54.47). In addition, the item of role limitations due to physical health with a score of 46.26 (95% CI: 20.11 to 72.41), and social functioning with a score of 46.25 (95% CI: 18.85 to 73.66), respectively, had the lowest QOL in patients with BC.

CONCLUSION

Generally, the QOL among patients with BC was in a moderate condition, which can be improved through determining the influencing factors on QOL as a crucial strategy to define future treatment procedures in an effective manner.

Development and Implementation of an Online Education Program on Advanced Breast Cancer for European Cancer Nurses: ABC4Nurses Project: a Brief Report

Breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Approximately 30% of those who present with early breast cancer later develop advanced breast cancer (ABC). Additionally, approximately 6% have advanced breast cancer at diagnosis. New treatment options result in an extended lifespan dominated by cycles of deterioration and stable disease. Specialist nurse knowledge is key to multidisciplinary care of people with ABC; however, access to education on ABC for nurses is not universally available in Europe. This paper describes the development and implementation of an online bespoke program on ABC care for specialist and generalist nurses in Europe. The project team is affiliated with the European Oncology Nurses Society (EONS) and comprises specialist breast cancer nurses, oncology nurse academics and breast cancer advocates associated with EUROPA DONNA Turkey, an independent non-profit European breast cancer organisation. The program development involved (1) a systematic review of ABC educational resources for cancer nurses; (2) a modified four-round Delphi study to seek agreement on curriculum content and (3) curriculum development, conversion to an interactive online platform and translation into four European languages. The program evaluation will be guided by Kirkpatrick's framework. The phases described in this short report could guide others involved in developing bespoke cancer education programs.

A Delphi Study of Core Patient-Reported Outcomes for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma and Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

There is little research to help health care professionals understand what patient outcomes are considered a priority in advanced liver or kidney cancer. Knowing what is important to patients can help promote person-centered approaches to treatment and disease management. The aim of this study was to identify those patient-reported outcomes (PROs) that patients, carers, and health care professionals consider as "core" when providing care to those with advanced liver or kidney cancer.

DATA SOURCES

A three-round Delphi study was undertaken to ask experts by profession or experience to rank PROs identified from a previous literature review. Fifty-four experts, including people living with advanced liver or kidney cancer (44.4%), family members and caregivers (9.3%), and health care professionals (46.8%), reached consensus on 49 PROs including 12 new items (eg, palpitations, hopefulness, or social isolation). Items with the highest rate of consensus included quality of life, pain, mental health, and capacity to do daily activities.

CONCLUSION

People living with advanced liver or kidney cancer experience complex health care needs. Some important outcomes were not actually captured in practice in this population and were suggested as part of this study. There are discrepancies between the views of health care professionals, patients, and family in what is important, highlighting the need of using measures to facilitate communication.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Identification of priority PROs reported here will be key to facilitate more focused patient assessments. The actual use of measures in cancer nursing practice to allow monitoring of PROs must be tested for feasibility and usability.

A Smart Digital Health Platform to Enable Monitoring of Quality of Life and Frailty in Older Patients with Cancer: A Mixed-Methods, Feasibility Study Protocol

OBJECTIVES

LifeChamps is an EU Horizon 2020 project that aims to create a digital platform to enable monitoring of health-related quality of life and frailty in patients with cancer over the age of 65. Our primary objective is to assess feasibility, usability, acceptability, fidelity, adherence, and safety parameters when implementing LifeChamps in routine cancer care. Secondary objectives involve evaluating preliminary signals of efficacy and cost-effectiveness indicators.

DATA SOURCES

This will be a mixed-methods exploratory project, involving four study sites in Greece, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The quantitative component of LifeChamps (single-group, pre-post feasibility study) will integrate digital technologies, home-based motion sensors, self-administered questionnaires, and the electronic health record to (1) enable multimodal, real-world data collection, (2) provide patients with a coaching mobile app interface, and (3) equip healthcare professionals with an interactive, patient-monitoring dashboard. The qualitative component will determine end-user usability and acceptability via end-of-study surveys and interviews.

CONCLUSION

The first patient was enrolled in the study in January 2023. Recruitment will be ongoing until the project finishes before the end of 2023.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

LifeChamps provides a comprehensive digital health platform to enable continuous monitoring of frailty indicators and health-related quality of life determinants in geriatric cancer care. Real-world data collection will generate "big data" sets to enable development of predictive algorithms to enable patient risk classification, identification of patients in need for a comprehensive geriatric assessment, and subsequently personalized care.

Digital Transformation of Cancer Care in the Era of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Interventions: Navigating the Field

OBJECTIVES

To navigate the field of digital cancer care and define and discuss key aspects and applications of big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven interventions.

DATA SOURCES

Peer-reviewed scientific publications and expert opinion.

CONCLUSION

The digital transformation of cancer care, enabled by big data analytics, AI, and data-driven interventions, presents a significant opportunity to revolutionize the field. An increased understanding of the lifecycle and ethics of data-driven interventions will enhance development of innovative and applicable products to advance digital cancer care services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

As digital technologies become integrated into cancer care, nurse practitioners and scientists will be required to increase their knowledge and skills to effectively use these tools to the patient's benefit. An enhanced understanding of the core concepts of AI and big data, confident use of digital health platforms, and ability to interpret the outputs of data-driven interventions are key competencies. Nurses in oncology will play a crucial role in patient education around big data and AI, with a focus on addressing any arising questions, concerns, or misconceptions to foster trust in these technologies. Successful integration of data-driven innovations into oncology nursing practice will empower practitioners to deliver more personalized, effective, and evidence-based care.

Consensus views on an advanced breast cancer education curriculum for cancer nurses: A Delphi study

BACKGROUND

Specialist nursing care is a core indicator of quality care for people living with advanced breast cancer. However, access to and quality of nurse education programmes in advanced breast cancer is variable.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to define the topics for inclusion in an international curriculum for an advanced breast cancer education programme.

METHODS

A modified four-round Delphi study was undertaken with experts by profession and experience in advanced breast cancer. Thirty-four topics related to advanced breast cancer and six online teaching and learning methods were pre-selected following a systematic review. Between September 2021 and March 2022, the expert panel determined the importance of topics for inclusion in the education programme. Consensus was defined by at least 80 % agreement on the highest three points on a 9-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

A total of 31 experts participated in rounds 1-3 of this study, and 156 experts by profession and experience participated in an additional fourth round, including people living with advanced breast cancer (n = 72, 46 %), healthcare professionals (n = 46, 29 %), family members or caregivers of a person diagnosed with advanced breast cancer (n = 30, 19 %) and advocacy professionals working in the area of advanced breast cancer (n = 8, 5 %). In round 4, 36 topics and five of six learning methods reached consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide a framework to develop education programmes in advanced breast cancer, defining the essential elements of curriculum content for such programmes. The results highlight the need for advanced breast cancer education programmes to use multiple teaching and learning methods to promote nurses' understanding of person-centred supportive care and the physical, psychosocial and spiritual issues experienced by people living with advanced breast cancer.

The Perceptions of Healthcare Staff Regarding Moral Injury and the Impact on Staff Life and Work During COVID-19: A Scoping Review of International Evidence

The COVID-19 response introduced legal restrictions on social distancing globally, affecting healthcare staff personally and professionally. These restrictions suspended routine hospital visiting, which may have left staff feeling they had to compromise on the care they provided. Such conflict may be experienced as moral injury. This scoping review aimed to synthesise international evidence, to answer this question: "Have COVID-19 restrictions affected healthcare staff's experiences of moral injury? If so, how?" Nine studies met the search criteria. Although healthcare staff seemed to be aware of the risks and effects of moral injury, they were still reluctant to "name" it. Healthcare staff's own emotional and spiritual needs were mostly ignored. Although psychological support is often the recommended approach by organisations, a greater focus on spiritual and emotional support is recommended.

How to Write a Comprehensive and Informative Research Abstract

OBJECTIVES

This article provides practical guidance on developing a comprehensible abstract, including those required for funding applications, conferences, and publication. In addition, we discuss and demonstrate the practicalities of editing and revising an abstract for conference or peer review and identify emerging formats that may be more relevant to nurses and researchers.

DATA SOURCES

This article has been informed by literature and the coauthors' respective experiences of preparing and reviewing abstracts for publication and conference presentation.

CONCLUSION

Abstracts are a valuable tool to communicate the most important elements of the methods and results of a research project for a conference, manuscript, or even a research funding application. However, abstracts may often be an overlooked part of the dissemination process. An abstract determines whether or not a piece of research is relevant for presentation at a conference or valuable enough to be considered for peer review and subsequent publication. A strong and clearly written abstract positively predisposes reviewers of grant applications.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Writing an abstract is arguably the most challenging component of academic writing, summarizing the results of a substantive research project in three to five sentences and positioning them concisely within the background and implications for future practice, policy, and research. A well-written abstract is clear, concise, and critical and requires time and revision to ensure success.

A Primer to Experimental and Nonexperimental Quantitative Research: The Example Case of Tobacco-Related Mouth Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To present a comprehensive overview of key constructs of experimental and nonexperimental quantitative research, drawing on one example case from cancer care.

DATA SOURCES

Published scientific articles, research textbooks, and expert advice were used in this article.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative research turns information collected about people or about processes into numerical data. Depending on the underlying purpose, the goal is to address questions that have to do with intervention, prognosis, causation, association, description, or assessment. In experimental research, an intervention is manipulated. True experimental research (randomized controlled trial) controls confounding variables via use of both randomization and a control group; quasi-experimental research misses one or both of these elements. In either case, the aim is to generate evidence to confidently say that an intervention is the true cause of an observed outcome. Nonexperimental research is multifaceted. Cohorts and case-control studies can be used to test cause-and-effect relationships where experimental research is unethical or impractical. Correlational research aims to explore possible associations (exploratory) or help anticipate outcomes (predictive) and, quite often, is the precursor of experimental research. Descriptive research (simple, comparative, survey, retrospective chart review) can be used to describe and assess situations, conditions, or behaviors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Understanding the different aims and goals of the different types of quantitative research can help increase capacity and confidence in understanding, appraising, and applying quantitative evidence among health care students, professionals, and novice researchers in the quest for the provision of quality cancer care.

An Overview of the Fundamentals of Data Management, Analysis, and Interpretation in Quantitative Research

OBJECTIVES

To provide an overview of three consecutive stages involved in the processing of quantitative research data (ie, data management, analysis, and interpretation) with the aid of practical examples to foster enhanced understanding.

DATA SOURCES

Published scientific articles, research textbooks, and expert advice were used.

CONCLUSION

Typically, a considerable amount of numerical research data is collected that require analysis. On entry into a data set, data must be carefully checked for errors and missing values, and then variables must be defined and coded as part of data management. Quantitative data analysis involves the use of statistics. Descriptive statistics help summarize the variables in a data set to show what is typical for a sample. Measures of central tendency (ie, mean, median, mode), measures of spread (standard deviation), and parameter estimation measures (confidence intervals) may be calculated. Inferential statistics aid in testing hypotheses about whether or not a hypothesized effect, relationship, or difference is likely true. Inferential statistical tests produce a value for probability, the P value. The P value informs about whether an effect, relationship, or difference might exist in reality. Crucially, it must be accompanied by a measure of magnitude (effect size) to help interpret how small or large this effect, relationship, or difference is. Effect sizes provide key information for clinical decision-making in health care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Developing capacity in the management, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative research data can have a multifaceted impact in enhancing nurses' confidence in understanding, evaluating, and applying quantitative evidence in cancer nursing practice.

A rapid review of patient-reported outcomes investigated in the context of advanced renal cell cancer or advanced hepatocellular cancer

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are key indicators of health status and functioning, coming directly from the patient. Comprehensive monitoring of PROs enables implementation of person-centred care. Currently, the PROs that patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) consider of greatest importance remains unknown.

METHODS

A rapid literature review was carried out to identify PROs commonly reported in clinical studies of patients with advanced RCC/HCC. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL & PsycInfo for relevant peer-reviewed publications in the period from 2000 to 2021. Pre-specified selection criteria were applied to all retrieved records. Findings were integrated into a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Eighty-one studies met our selection criteria and were retained. Most research was on advanced RCC (n = 64, 79%); 46 studies (57%) were drug trials. Only twenty-six studies (32%) employed PROs as their primary endpoint. Most PROs concerned physical symptoms (45% RCC, 54% HCC) and emotional wellbeing (19% RCC, 16% HCC). The most common outcome measured was quality of life (65% of the total), followed by fatigue (62%) and pain (54%). Whether selection of these PROs was patient-driven was not reported.

CONCLUSIONS

A wide range of PROs were assessed. Deficits in PROs often cause patients to seek out help; however, which PROs matter the most to people with advanced RCC/HCC must be further clarified. Targeting, monitoring, and responding to the 'right' PROs can enhance provision of person-centred care in advanced RCC/HCC and augment the clinical efficacy of established and emerging targeted therapies.

A multinational investigation of healthcare needs, preferences, and expectations in supportive cancer care: co-creating the LifeChamps digital platform

Purpose

This study is to evaluate healthcare needs, preferences, and expectations in supportive cancer care as perceived by cancer survivors, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Methods

Key stakeholders consisted of cancer survivors diagnosed with breast cancer, prostate cancer, or melanoma; adult family caregivers; and healthcare professionals involved in oncology. Recruitment was via several routes, and data were collected via either online surveys or telephone interviews in Greece, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. Framework analysis was applied to the dataset.

Results

One hundred and fifty-five stakeholders participated: 70 cancer survivors, 23 family caregivers, and 62 healthcare professionals (13 clinical roles). Cancer survivors and family caregivers’ needs included information and support on practical/daily living, as frustration was apparent with the lack of follow-up services. Healthcare professionals agreed on a multidisciplinary health service with a “focus on the patient” and availability closer to home. Most healthcare professionals acknowledged that patient-reported outcomes may provide “better individualised care”. Cancer survivors and family caregivers generally felt that the digital platform would be useful for timely personalised support and aided communication. Healthcare professionals were supportive of the “proactive” functionality of the platform and the expected advantages. Anticipated challenges were integration obstacles such as workload/infrastructure and training/support in using the new technology.

Conclusions

Obtaining key stakeholders’ insights provided a foundation for action to further co-create the LifeChamps digital platform to meet needs and priorities and deliver enhanced supportive care to “older” cancer survivors.

Implications for cancer survivors

Co-creation provided insight into gaps where digital support may enhance health and well-being.

Determinants and consequences of workplace violence against hospital-based nurses: a rapid review and synthesis of international evidence

Workplace violence against nurses is an international public health issue with likely detrimental consequences for individuals, systems and societies. To effectively address workplace violence against nurses, its root causes must be understood and its effect on nurse outcomes quantified. In line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the authors rapidly reviewed the international literature to identify determinants of workplace violence against hospital-based nurses and the effects of workplace violence on nurse outcomes. Twenty-one studies (22 articles) formed the final sample - 16 quantitative, three qualitative and two mixed-methods studies. Supervisors, other nurses and physicians were the major perpetrators of workplace violence against nurses. Perpetrators of workplace violence were other nurses or physicians, the workplace, patients, and organisational management. Workplace violence was linked to deficits in nurses' health, job satisfaction and intention to stay in their role. To address workplace violence, evidence-based zero-tolerance policies, preventive interventions and appropriate disciplinary actions must be implemented at organisational and national level.

Benefits, Challenges, and Opportunities of Integrating Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Geriatric Oncology to Advance Patient Screening for Functional Fitness for Treatment

OBJECTIVES

To discuss potential benefits, challenges, and opportunities of integrating patient-reported outcome measures in geriatric oncology, with the goal being to advance patient screening for 'functional fitness for treatment.'

DATA SOURCES

This is narrative review of the relevant literature using PubMed.

CONCLUSION

Patient screening in geriatric cancer care can be driven by patient self-reports. Most of the research on patient-reported outcome measures in cancer care to date has involved, in different proportions and to different extents, older patients with cancer (≥70 years of age). However, reports specifically targeting implementation of patient-reported outcome measures in geriatric cancer care are surprisingly fewer. The International Society of Geriatric Oncology Priorities Initiative calls for more research into the use of patient-reported outcome measures for older adults with cancer. More feasibility studies will be required to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures as fit-for-purpose, reporting frequency, patient burden, integration and display of patient-reported information, and workflow impact. Developing, adapting, and validating patient-reported outcome measures for use in geriatric oncology will be key to ensure adequacy of measurement. Groundwork involving consultation of all potential end users of patient-reported information is paramount because there is no one size fits all. When the ground is ready for implementation adequate preparation, training, resources, and ongoing support will be needed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Working within the multidisciplinary team, nurses can promote patient screening that is led by the patient. Nursing roles can be developed, supported, expanded, or repurposed to involve greater use of patient-reported outcome measures for several key patient outcomes in geriatric cancer care.

Real time remote symptom monitoring during chemotherapy for cancer: European multicentre randomised controlled trial (eSMART)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate effects of remote monitoring of adjuvant chemotherapy related side effects via the Advanced Symptom Management System (ASyMS) on symptom burden, quality of life, supportive care needs, anxiety, self-efficacy, and work limitations.

DESIGN

Multicentre, repeated measures, parallel group, evaluator masked, stratified randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Twelve cancer centres in Austria, Greece, Norway, Republic of Ireland, and UK.

PARTICIPANTS

829 patients with non-metastatic breast cancer, colorectal cancer, Hodgkin's disease, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma receiving first line adjuvant chemotherapy or chemotherapy for the first time in five years.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomised to ASyMS (intervention; n=415) or standard care (control; n=414) over six cycles of chemotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was symptom burden (Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale; MSAS). Secondary outcomes were health related quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General; FACT-G), Supportive Care Needs Survey Short-Form (SCNS-SF34), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Revised (STAI-R), Communication and Attitudinal Self-Efficacy scale for cancer (CASE-Cancer), and work limitations questionnaire (WLQ).

RESULTS

For the intervention group, symptom burden remained at pre-chemotherapy treatment levels, whereas controls reported an increase from cycle 1 onwards (least squares absolute mean difference -0.15, 95% confidence interval -0.19 to -0.12; P<0.001; Cohen's D effect size=0.5). Analysis of MSAS sub-domains indicated significant reductions in favour of ASyMS for global distress index (-0.21, -0.27 to -0.16; P<0.001), psychological symptoms (-0.16, -0.23 to -0.10; P<0.001), and physical symptoms (-0.21, -0.26 to -0.17; P<0.001). FACT-G scores were higher in the intervention group across all cycles (mean difference 4.06, 95% confidence interval 2.65 to 5.46; P<0.001), whereas mean scores for STAI-R trait (-1.15, -1.90 to -0.41; P=0.003) and STAI-R state anxiety (-1.13, -2.06 to -0.20; P=0.02) were lower. CASE-Cancer scores were higher in the intervention group (mean difference 0.81, 0.19 to 1.43; P=0.01), and most SCNS-SF34 domains were lower, including sexuality needs (-1.56, -3.11 to -0.01; P<0.05), patient care and support needs (-1.74, -3.31 to -0.16; P=0.03), and physical and daily living needs (-2.8, -5.0 to -0.6; P=0.01). Other SCNS-SF34 domains and WLQ were not significantly different. Safety of ASyMS was satisfactory. Neutropenic events were higher in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant reduction in symptom burden supports the use of ASyMS for remote symptom monitoring in cancer care. A "medium" Cohen's effect size of 0.5 showed a sizable, positive clinical effect of ASyMS on patients' symptom experiences. Remote monitoring systems will be vital for future services, particularly with blended models of care delivery arising from the covid-19 pandemic.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02356081.

COVID-19 and Hospital Palliative Care - A service evaluation exploring the symptoms and outcomes of 186 patients and the impact of the pandemic on specialist Hospital Palliative Care

BACKGROUND

Patients hospitalised with COVID-19 have increased morbidity and mortality, which requires extensive involvement of specialist Hospital Palliative Care Teams. Evaluating the response to the surge in demand for effective symptom management can enhance provision of Palliative Care in this patient population.

AIM

To characterise the symptom profile, symptom management requirements and outcomes of hospitalised COVID-19 positive patients referred for Palliative Care, and to contextualise Palliative Care demands from COVID-19 against a 'typical' caseload from 2019.

DESIGN

Service evaluation based on a retrospective cohort review of patient records.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

One large health board in Scotland. Demographic data, patient symptoms, drugs/doses for symptom control, and patient outcomes were captured for all COVID-19 positive patients referred to Hospital Palliative Care Teams between 30th March and 26th April 2020.

RESULTS

Our COVID-19 cohort included 186 patients (46% of all referrals). Dyspnoea and agitation were the most prevalent symptoms (median 2 symptoms per patient). 75% of patients were prescribed continuous subcutaneous infusion for symptom control, which was effective in 78.6% of patients. Compared to a 'typical' caseload, the COVID-19 cohort were on caseload for less time (median 2 vs 5 days; p < 0.001) and had a higher death rate (80.6% vs 30.3%; p < 0.001). The COVID-19 cohort replaced 'typical' caseload; overall numbers of referrals were not increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalised COVID-19 positive patients referred for Palliative Care may have a short prognosis, differ from 'typical' caseload, and predominantly suffer from dyspnoea and agitation. Such symptoms can be effectively controlled with standard doses of opioids and benzodiazepines.

How effective are self-management interventions in promoting health-related quality of life in people after primary treatment for breast cancer? A critical evidence synthesis

PURPOSE

Self-management interventions (SMIs) are designed to empower people living beyond breast cancer and help them adjust to a new normal. This structured review aimed to critically appraise and synthesise up-to-date evidence on the effectiveness of SMIs to promote health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with breast cancer in the post-treatment period.

METHODS

According to PRISMA statement guidelines, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched for peer-reviewed publications of randomised controlled trials of SMIs. Pre-specified selection criteria were applied to all retrieved records. Methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated by using the Caldwell framework and Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool, respectively. Findings were integrated into a narrative critical evidence synthesis.

RESULTS

Nine eligible trials were identified that tested nine SMIs. Five SMIs were based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Eight SMIs targeted recipients' decision-making and taking-action skills. Across trials, gains in one to four domains of HRQoL were reported. SMIs predominantly promoted recipients' physical and functional well-being, regardless of methodological quality or self-management skills applied, but effect sizes were consistently small. SMIs were mainly prescribed for 12 weeks, but optimal dosage cannot be confirmed currently. SMIs informed by CBT and/or offered through recipient education were marginally more effective. Evidence derived from moderate-to-good quality trials.

CONCLUSIONS

SMIs are potentially effective after primary treatment for breast cancer, although effect sizes are small and inconsistent across HRQoL domains. More rigorous development and testing is required, while co-production from the early development stages or at the refinement phase is recommended.

Associations of screen time, sedentary time and physical activity with sleep in under 5s: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sleep is crucial to children's health and development. Reduced physical activity and increased screen time adversely impact older children's sleep, but little is known about these associations in children under 5 y. This systematic review examined the association between screen time/movement behaviors (sedentary behavior, physical activity) and sleep outcomes in infants (0-1 y); toddlers (1-2 y); and preschoolers (3-4 y). Evidence was selected according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and synthesized using vote counting based on the direction of association. Quality assessment and a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation was performed, stratified according to child age, exposure and outcome measure. Thirty-one papers were included. Results indicate that screen time is associated with poorer sleep outcomes in infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Meta-analysis confirmed these unfavorable associations in infants and toddlers but not preschoolers. For movement behaviors results were mixed, though physical activity and outdoor play in particular were favorably associated with most sleep outcomes in toddlers and preschoolers. Overall, quality of evidence was very low, with strongest evidence for daily/evening screen time use in toddlers and preschoolers. Although high-quality experimental evidence is required, our findings should prompt parents, clinicians and educators to encourage sleep-promoting behaviors (e.g., less evening screen time) in the under 5s.

Lung cancer stigma: A concept with consequences for patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with lung cancer (LC) report lower quality of life (QoL) and higher levels of psychological distress compared with other cancer populations. Lung cancer stigma (LCS) may in part explain these findings.

AIM

We investigated the prevalence of patient-perceived lung cancer stigma (LCS) and its relationships to symptom burden/severity, depression, and deficits in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL).

METHODS

In this descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study, 201 participants were sent questionnaires. These included the Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale (CLCSS), the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, and the Quality of Life Inventory.

RESULTS

Participants were on average 69 years old, 52% women, 95% ever smokers, and 18.5% current smokers. The mean total CLCSS score was 53.1 (SD = 14.1; range = 31-94). LCS was significantly correlated with younger age (P < .001), greater social deprivation (P < .05), being unemployed (P < .001), depression (P < .001), symptom burden (P < .001), and HR-QoL deficits (P < .001). Symptom burden explained 18% of variance in LCS (P < .001). LCS explained 8.5% and 14.3% of the variance in depression (P < .001) and HR-QoL (P < .001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with lung cancer are vulnerable to LCS. Symptom burden can directly contribute to greater perceived LCS. Greater perceived LCS can be directly related to greater levels of depression and lower HR-QoL. A tailored approach is required to screen for LCS and implement interventions to enhance the psychosocial well-being of patients with perceived LCS.

Healthcare professional perceived barriers and facilitators to discussing sexual wellbeing with patients after diagnosis of chronic illness: A mixed-methods evidence synthesis

OBJECTIVES

To explore healthcare professional perceived barriers and facilitators to discussing sexual health and wellbeing with patients after diagnosis of chronic illness.

METHODS

Five databases were searched and included data were synthesised using a meta-ethnographic approach. Confidence in findings was assessed using the GRADE-CERQual framework. Searches, extraction and quality assessment procedures were conducted independently by at least two authors.

RESULTS

Concepts extracted from 30 included studies were used to develop a conceptual framework based on five overarching themes. These were [1] individual and societal attitudes to sex and sexual wellbeing [2], patient specific factors [3], organizational and professional factors [4], strategies to overcome barriers in practice and [5] perceived training needs. Healthcare professionals acknowledged the importance of discussing and providing support for sexual wellbeing needs, but recognized it is not routinely provided.

CONCLUSIONS

While patient specific factors and organizational issues such as lack of time were frequently identified as barriers, intra-personal and social perceptions appear to have the strongest influence on healthcare professional perspectives.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Brief education and tools to support healthcare professionals to have effective conversations with patients are required. These should address social barriers, normalise sexual issues, and support healthcare professionals to initiate discussions around sexual concerns.

Adaptation and Implementation of a Mobile Phone-Based Remote Symptom Monitoring System for People With Cancer in Europe

BACKGROUND

There has been an international shift in health care, which has seen an increasing focus and development of technological and personalized at-home interventions that aim to improve health outcomes and patient-clinician communication. However, there is a notable lack of empirical evidence describing the preparatory steps of adapting and implementing technology of this kind across multiple countries and clinical settings.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the steps undertaken in the preparation of a multinational, multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test a mobile phone-based remote symptom monitoring system, that is, Advanced Symptom Management System (ASyMS), designed to enhance management of chemotherapy toxicities among people with cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy versus standard cancer center care.

METHODS

There were 13 cancer centers across 5 European countries (Austria, Greece, Ireland, Norway, and the United Kingdom). Multiple steps were undertaken, including a scoping review of empirical literature and clinical guidelines, translation and linguistic validation of study materials, development of standardized international care procedures, and the integration and evaluation of the technology within each cancer center.

RESULTS

The ASyMS was successfully implemented and deployed in clinical practices across 5 European countries. The rigorous and simultaneous steps undertaken by the research team highlighted the strengths of the system in clinical practice, as well as the clinical and technical changes required to meet the diverse needs of its intended users within each country, before the commencement of the RCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Adapting and implementing this multinational, multicenter system required close attention to diverse considerations and unique challenges primarily related to communication and clinical and technical issues. Success was dependent on collaborative and transparent communication among academics, the technology industry, translation partners, patients, and clinicians as well as a simultaneous and rigorous methodological approach within the 5 relevant countries.

Undergraduate nursing students' knowledge about palliative care and attitudes towards end-of-life care: A three-cohort, cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Ensuring adequate knowledge about palliative care and positive attitudes towards death and dying are crucial educational aspects when preparing undergraduate nursing students to respond effectively to the complexities of care for people affected by a progressive, life-limiting illness. In undergraduate nursing education in Greece, the level of students' attained knowledge and developed attitudes towards palliative and end-of-life care remain unknown.

PURPOSE

To investigate undergraduate nursing students' knowledge about palliative care and attitudes towards death and end-of-life care, and explore demographic and academic factors as potential moderators of student knowledge and attitudes.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey. We recruited 2nd, 3rd and 4th year undergraduate nursing students from the country's two University Faculties. Participants completed a demographic form, the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN), and the Frommelt Attitudes Towards Care of the Dying (FATCOD) questionnaire.

RESULTS

The final sample was 529 students (response rate = 87.6%). Mean total PCQN scores revealed low levels of knowledge. Knowledge about pain/symptom management and psychosocial/spiritual care was insufficient. Mean total FATCOD scores indicated positive, liberal and supportive attitudes towards end-of-life care, with 60% of respondents keen to care for a dying person and their family. We noted less positive attitudes mainly in relation to student comfort with the care of a dying person and his/her imminent death. Academic parameters (year of study) and student demographic characteristics (older age) were the most significant moderators of both knowledge and attitudes. Greater knowledge about palliative care was a relatively weak, yet significant, predictor of more liberal attitudes towards care of the dying.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that structured courses in palliative care can be a core part of undergraduate nursing education. Specific attention could be given to such areas patient-health professional communication, misconceptions and biases towards death and dying, and comfort in caring for the dying in order to prepare student nurses to psychologically deal with the sensitive and challenging process of death and dying.

Core Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) and PRO Measures (PROMs) for Polypharmacy Medicines Reviews: A Sequential Mixed-Methods Study

PURPOSE

Problematic polypharmacy can exaggerate "medicine burden" for the patient. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are key indicators of medicine burden, and PRO measures (PROMs) can help patients articulate their perceptions of medicine burden. We aimed to: (a) evaluate what PROMs currently exist that assess medicine burden, and what PROs they target, and (b) understand patients' experiences with using multiple medicines to establish a core set of most meaningful and relevant PROs for assessment in polypharmacy medicines reviews.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective, sequential mixed-methods study in two consecutive work phases. Phase 1 involved a rapid review of PROMs, informed by the published PRISMA and COSMIN initiative guidelines. We integrated all evidence in a thematic narrative synthesis. Phase 2 involved cross-sectional, one-to-one, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including members of the public and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We conducted thematic content analysis to identify and classify emerging PROs.

RESULTS

In Phase 1, 13 studies described the development and/or validation of 12 PROMs. The PROMs targeted 14 content domains of adult patients' experiences with prescribed medicines. PROMs varied widely in terms of length, comprehensiveness and psychometric robustness. In Phase 2, all participants (seven members of the public; eight HCPs) agreed on the clinical relevance of PROMs, providing a rich account of justifications. We identified four core PROs: 'Knowledge, information and communication about own medicines'; "Perceptions, views and attitudes about (own) medicines"; "Impact on daily living: Side-effects and practicalities", and "Medicine usage: 'as planned', misuse, abuse, no use".

CONCLUSION

We suggest combining psychometrically robust PROMs or domains across PROMs into a bespoke PROM that addresses comprehensively and succinctly the four core PROs. We recommend a careful implementation process that must involve consultation with all relevant stakeholders, while establishing a clear purpose for collecting a PROM and realistic and ongoing collection at key time-points.

Development and preliminary testing of a brief clinical tool to enable daily monitoring of chemotherapy toxicity: The Daily Chemotherapy Toxicity self-Assessment Questionnaire

Close monitoring of chemotherapy toxicity can be instrumental in ensuring prompt symptom management and quality care. Our aim was to develop a brief clinical tool to enable daily assessment of chemotherapy toxicity and investigate/establish its content validity, feasibility/applicability, internal consistency and stability. Development of the Daily Chemotherapy Toxicity self-Assessment Questionnaire (DCTAQ) was based on an initial item pool created from two scoping reviews. Expert panel review (n = 15) and cognitive debriefing with patients with cancer (n = 7) were used to establish content validity. Feasibility/acceptability, applicability (self-report vs. interview-like administration), internal consistency (KR-20) and test-retest reliability (at 1-hr intervals) of the DCTAQ were field-tested with 82 patients with breast or colorectal cancer receiving active chemotherapy at eight hospitals. Initial development/content validity stages enabled item revisions and re-wording that led to a final, 11-item DCTAQ version with 10 core symptom items plus one open-ended "any other symptom" item. Feasibility and acceptability were demonstrated through the absence of participant withdrawals, absence of missing data and no complaints about tool length. The DCTAQ was found to have modest internal consistency (KR-20 = 0.56), but very good test-retest reliability. The DCTAQ is a brief clinical tool that allows for rapid and accurate daily assessments of chemotherapy toxicity in clinical practice.

Personal domains assessed in multiple mini interviews (MMIs) for healthcare student selection: A narrative synthesis systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To examine the personal domains multiple mini interviews (MMIs) are being designed to assess, explore how they were determined and contextualise such domains in current and future healthcare student selection processes DESIGN: A systematic review of empirical research reporting on MMI model design was conducted from database inception to November 2017.

DATA SOURCES

Twelve electronic bibliographic databases.

REVIEW METHODS

Evidence was extracted from original studies, and integrated in a narrative synthesis guided by the PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews. Personal domains were clustered into themes using a modified Delphi technique.

RESULTS

A total of 584 articles were screened. 65 unique studies (80 articles) matched our inclusion criteria of which seven were conducted within nursing/midwifery faculties. Six in 10 studies featured applicants to medical school. Across selection processes, we identified 32 personal domains assessed by MMIs, the most frequent being: communication skills (84%), teamwork/collaboration (70%), and ethical/moral judgement (65%). Domains capturing ability to cope with stressful situations (14%), make decisions (14%), and resolve conflict in the workplace (13%) featured in fewer than ten studies overall. Intra- and inter-disciplinary inconsistencies in domain profiles were noted, as well as differences by entry level. MMIs deployed in nursing and midwifery assessed compassion and decision-making more frequently than in all other disciplines. Own programme philosophy and professional body guidance were most frequently cited (~50%) as sources for personal domains; a blueprinting process was reported in only 8% of studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare professionals should develop their theoretical frameworks for MMIs to ensure they are evidence-based and fit-for-purpose. We suggest a re-evaluation of domain priorities to ensure that students who are selected, not only have the capacity to offer the highest standards of care provision, but are able to maintain these standards when facing clinical practice and organisational pressures.

Patient-Reported Self-Efficacy, Anxiety, and Health-Related Quality of Life During Chemotherapy: Results From a Longitudinal Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To explore changes over time in self-efficacy and the predictive ability of changes in state anxiety and health-related quality of life during chemotherapy.
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DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a longitudinal dataset derived from a larger, multicenter study.
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SETTING

Outpatient oncology clinics across eight general hospitals in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
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SAMPLE

137 patients scheduled to receive adjuvant chemotherapy for breast or colorectal cancer.
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METHODS

At the beginning of each of six chemotherapy cycles, participants completed the Strategies Used by People to Promote Health questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast or -Colorectal questionnaire. Multilevel model analysis was used to analyze longitudinal data, adjusted for demographic and clinical variables.
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MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Self-efficacy, anxiety, and health-related quality of life.
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FINDINGS

No significant time effects were found for patients' overall perceived self-efficacy or self-efficacy parameters. A trend toward greater self-efficacy was evident as chemotherapy progressed. Self-efficacy was significantly associated with decreased state anxiety throughout chemotherapy. Increases in overall self-efficacy and perceived ability to maintain a positive attitude were significantly associated with over-time increases in physical, emotional, and functional well-being, as well as with fewer cancer-related concerns.
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CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the importance of clinical assessments throughout treatment that focus on patients' perceived self-efficacy as a positive regulator of mood and well-being. 
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IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

The current study suggests self-efficacy enhancement should be a key component of psycho-behavioral programs designed to support patients with cancer throughout chemotherapy.

Employing patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to support newly diagnosed patients with melanoma: Feasibility and acceptability of a holistic needs assessment intervention

PURPOSE

Living with a melanoma diagnosis can be challenging. We aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived value of a nurse-led intervention that utilised patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to identify and address the supportive care needs of newly diagnosed patients with Stage I/II melanoma over the first 4 months post-diagnosis.

METHODS

We conducted an exploratory, repeated-measures, single-arm, feasibility trial. One baseline (4 weeks post-diagnosis; T1) and one follow-up intervention session (4 weeks after wide local excision; T3) took place, two months apart. Patient survey data were collected monthly, at four assessment points (T1-T4), followed by exit interviews.

RESULTS

A recruitment rate of 55% (10/18) was achieved. The skin cancer nurse specialist (CNS) performed 19 in-clinic patient assessments within 6 months. One patient missed their follow-up intervention session (90% retention rate). Three participants (30%) were lost to follow-up at T4. Patients endorsed the standardised use of easy-to-use PRO measures as a means to help them shortlist, report and prioritise their needs. The CNS viewed the intervention as a highly structured activity that allowed tailoring support priority needs. A sizeable reduction in information needs was found from T1 to T4 (Standardised Response Mean [SRM] change = -0.99; p < 0.05). From T1 to T2, significant reductions in psychological (SRM change = -1.18; p < 0.001), practical (SRM change = -0.67; p < 0.05) and sexuality needs (SRM change = -0.78; p < 0.05) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention appears to be feasible in clinical practice and acceptable to both patients with newly diagnosed melanoma and clinicians. Future research is warranted to test its effectiveness against standard care.

Alterations and Interdependence in Self-Reported Sleep-Wake Parameters of Patient-Caregiver Dyads During Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To longitudinally explore changes, similarities, differences, and interrelations in the sleep-wake parameters of patient-caregiver dyads throughout adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.
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DESIGN

Observational, repeated-measures, dyadic study.
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SETTING

Four ambulatory oncology clinics in Scotland.
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SAMPLE

48 dyads consisting of patients and their primary informal caregivers.
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METHODS

Four dyadic, self-reported sleep-wake assessments took place before chemo-therapy (T0), during chemotherapy cycles 1 (T1) and 4 (T2), and after chemotherapy (T3). Dyads completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Multilevel hierarchical linear modeling was used to explore dyadic data.
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MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Perceived sleep quality, sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time, habitual sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, daily disturbance, daytime napping duration, overall sleep-wake impairment.
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FINDINGS

The majority of dyads had at least one poor sleeper throughout the study; 25%-35% were dyads of concurrent poor sleepers. Curvilinear patterns of change were evident for patients' (but not caregivers') sleep-wake parameters, steadily deteriorating from pre- to midtreatment, then leveling off close to baseline. Average trajectories were significantly different between the dyad members but indicative of a trend for concurrent deterioration at T2. Dyad members' perceived sleep quality, SOL, and overall sleep-wake impairment were closely interrelated; wake variables remained uncoupled.
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CONCLUSIONS

Despite overall differences in magnitude, sleep problems may be concurrently present in both dyad members, covary, and peak midway through chemotherapy. 
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IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Dyadic sleep assessments can shed light on potential areas of sleep interaction to enable interventions to support care dyads at risk of sleep distress during chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Feasibility and acceptability of the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the delivery of nurse-led supportive care to people with colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Logistical issues pertinent to the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) by colorectal cancer nurse specialists (CNS) to identify the needs of people with colorectal cancer (CRC) in acute care remain unknown. We explored the feasibility and acceptability of PROMs-driven, CNS-led consultations to enhance delivery of supportive care to people with CRC completing adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

A systematic literature review and focus groups with patients and CNS (Phase 1) were followed by a repeated-measures, exploratory study (Phase 2), whereby pre-consultation PROM data were collected during three consecutive, monthly consultations, and used by the CNS to enable delivery of personalised supportive care.

RESULTS

Based on Phase 1 data, the Supportive Care Needs Survey was selected for use in Phase 2. Fourteen patients were recruited (recruitment rate: 56%); thirteen (93%) completed all study assessments. Forty in-clinic patient-clinician consultations took place. At baseline, 219 unmet needs were reported in total, with a notable 21% (T2) and 32% (T3) over-time reduction. Physical/daily living and psychological domain scores declined from T1 to T3, yet not statistically significantly. In exit interviews, patients described how using the PROM helped them shortlist and prioritise their needs. CNS stressed how the PROM helped them tease out more issues with patients than they would normally.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-led, PROMs-driven needs assessments with patients with CRC appear to be feasible and acceptable in clinical practice, possibly associated with a sizeable reduction in the frequency of unmet needs, and smaller decreases in physical/daily living and psychosocial needs in the immediate post-chemotherapy period.

The eSMART study protocol: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate electronic symptom management using the advanced symptom management system (ASyMS) remote technology for patients with cancer

INTRODUCTION

While some evidence exists that real-time remote symptom monitoring devices can decrease morbidity and prevent unplanned admissions in oncology patients, overall, these studies have significant methodological weaknesses. The electronic Symptom Management using the Advanced Symptom Management System (ASyMS) Remote Technology (eSMART) study is designed to specifically address these weaknesses with an appropriately powered, repeated-measures, parallel-group stratified randomised controlled trial of oncology patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A total of 1108 patients scheduled to commence first-line chemotherapy (CTX) for breast, colorectal or haematological cancer will be recruited from multiple sites across five European countries.Patients will be randomised (1:1) to the ASyMS intervention (intervention group) or to standard care currently available at each site (control group). Patients in the control and intervention groups will complete a demographic and clinical questionnaire, as well as a set of valid and reliable electronic patient-reported outcome measures at enrolment, after each of their CTX cycles (up to a maximum of six cycles) and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after completion of their sixth cycle of CTX. Outcomes that will be assessed include symptom burden (primary outcome), quality of life, supportive care needs, anxiety, self-care self-efficacy, work limitations and cost effectiveness and, from a health professional perspective, changes in clinical practice (secondary outcomes).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval will be obtained prior to the implementation of all major study amendments. Applications will be submitted to all of the ethics committees that granted initial approval.eSMART received approval from the relevant ethics committees at all of the clinical sites across the five participating countries. In collaboration with the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC), the trial results will be disseminated through publications in scientific journals, presentations at international conferences, and postings on the eSMART website and other relevant clinician and consumer websites; establishment of an eSMART website (www.esmartproject.eu) with publicly accessible general information; creation of an eSMART Twitter Handle, and production of a toolkit for implementing/utilising the ASyMS technology in a variety of clinical practices and other transferable health care contexts.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02356081.

What is the value of the routine use of patient-reported outcome measures toward improvement of patient outcomes, processes of care, and health service outcomes in cancer care? A systematic review of controlled trials

PURPOSE

The systematic use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has been advocated as an effective way to standardize cancer practice. Yet, the question of whether PROMs can lead to actual improvements in the quality of patient care remains under debate. This review examined whether inclusion of PROM in routine clinical practice is associated with improvements in patient outcomes, processes of care, and health service outcomes during active anticancer treatment.

METHODS

A systematic review of five electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL [Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature], PsycINFO, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection [PBSC]) was conducted from database inception to May 2012 to locate randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials of patients receiving active anticancer treatment or supportive care irrespective of type of cancer.

RESULTS

Based on prespecified eligibility criteria, we included 26 articles that reported on 24 unique controlled trials. Wide variability in the design and use of interventions delivered, outcomes evaluated, and cancer- and modality-specific context was apparent. Health service outcomes were only scarcely included as end points. Overall, the number of statistically significant findings were limited and PROMs' intervention effect sizes were predominantly small-to-moderate.

CONCLUSION

The routine use of PROMs increases the frequency of discussion of patient outcomes during consultations. In some studies, PROMs are associated with improved symptom control, increased supportive care measures, and patient satisfaction. Additional effort is required to ensure patient adherence, as well as additional support to clinicians who will respond to patient concerns and issues, with clear system guidelines in place to guide their responses. More research is required to support PROM cost-benefit in terms of patient safety, clinician burden, and health services usage.

Sleep and sleep-wake disturbances in care recipient-caregiver dyads in the context of a chronic illness: a critical review of the literature

CONTEXT

Alterations in sleep-wake patterns of care recipients and their informal caregivers are common in the context of a chronic illness. Given the current notion that sleep may be regulated within and affected by close human relationships, concurrent and interrelated sleep problems may be present in care recipient-caregiver dyads.

OBJECTIVES

To critically analyze evidence regarding concurrent sleep patterns or changes in care recipient-caregiver dyads in the context of a chronic illness and address methodological and research gaps.

METHODS

Using a wide range of key terms and synonyms, three electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, and Embase) were systematically searched for the period between January 1990 and July 2011.

RESULTS

Ten studies met prespecified selection criteria and were included for analysis. Study quality was fair to good on average. Seven studies were conducted in the context of dementia or Parkinson's disease, two in the context of cancer, and one study included a group of community elders with mixed related comorbidities and their informal caregivers. Bidirectional associations in the sleep of care recipient-caregiver dyads seem to exist. Concurrent and comparable nocturnal sleep disruptions also may be evident. Yet, inconsistencies in the methods implemented, and the samples included, as well as uncertainty regarding factors coaffecting sleep, still preclude safe conclusions to be drawn on.

CONCLUSION

The dyadic investigation of sleep is a promising approach to the development of truly effective interventions to improve sleep quality of care recipients and their caregivers. Nevertheless, more systematic, longitudinal dyadic research is warranted to augment our understanding of co-occurrence and over time changes of sleep problems in care recipient-caregiver dyads, as well as to clarify covariates/factors that appear to contribute to these problems within the dyad and across time and context of illness.

Validation of the revised Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale in Greek caregivers of patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative radiotherapy

PURPOSE

Caregiver burden considerably affects the lives of families providing care to people with advanced cancer. The aim of this study was to validate the Greek translation of the revised Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS) with a sample of informal caregivers of people with advanced cancer receiving outpatient palliative radiotherapy.

METHODS

Following a formal "forward-backward" method to translate the original BCOS into Greek, the scale was administered to 100 consecutive family caregivers. Participants also completed the Greek Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (G-HADS) and five quality-of-life related linear analogue scale assessment (LASA) scales. Validity and reliability analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The Cronbach's α coefficient for the total BCOS score was 0.83. Test-retest reliability analysis in a subgroup of caregivers (n = 40) revealed good short-term stability over a 2-week interval. Exploratory factor analysis generated a one-factor structure for the Greek translation, which was further confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. Construct validity was supported through the scale's high correlations with G-HADS anxiety (-0.524; p < 0.001) and depression (-0.533; p < 0.001) scores, and LASA quality of life scores (0.696; p < 0.001). The BCOS discriminated well between groups of caregivers with different levels of quality of life. A total score of 52.5 offered high sensitivity (91 %) and specificity (86 %) in detecting highly burdened caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS

The Greek version of the BCOS is a psychometrically sound instrument that can be usefully implemented into clinical practice to identify family caregivers in need for support, and stimulate relevant research in our country.

A critical review of women's sleep-wake patterns in the context of neo-/adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer

Complaints of poor nocturnal sleep and daytime dysfunction may be frequent among women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. A critical review of the literature was conducted, which aimed at summarising and critically analysing findings regarding sleep in women with early-stage breast cancer across neo-/adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. A systematic search of three electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE) was conducted from January 1980 to July 2011. Twenty-one articles reporting on 12 studies were included for analysis based on pre-specified selection criteria. Varying deficits in sleep parameters may be evident in a significant part of this population. Yet, research data are not equally distributed among the different sleep components, or across all major time points throughout chemotherapy. More systematic investigation of the experience of disrupted sleep in this population with longitudinal mixed-methods studies is warranted to ensure that person-tailored and clinically meaningful care is delivered.