Information needs in breast reconstruction after mastectomy: a qualitative analysis of free-text responses from 2077 women

BACKGROUND

For many, breast reconstruction following mastectomy (BR) forms an integral part of breast cancer survivorship. For those considering BR, provision of information is essential to allow informed decisions. Using free-text responses from a survey of breast cancer survivors, this study aims to understand current gaps in information regarding BR.

METHOD

At the end of an online survey assessing BR experiences, participants were asked the open-ended question: "Thinking about women who may experience BR in the future, is there anything you think needs to change so that they have a better experience?". Responses were analysed to identify common themes.

RESULTS

3384 people completed the survey with 2,077 (61%) responding to the open-ended question. Three themes were identified: (1) content of information, (2) managing expectations, and (3) information sources, each associated with multiple subthemes. Information wanted in theme (1) covered a range of topics including BR options, risks, recovery and 'going flat.' Information on BR's psychological impact was also needed, with comments indicating many were not prepared for this. Theme (2) stressed the importance of realistic information about BR outcomes and processes to reduce discrepancies between expectations and experiences. In theme (3), peer insights and photos were important sources of realistic information.

CONCLUSION

Multiple gaps exist in BR-related information available to women. BR information needs to be comprehensive, realistic, and provided at the right time to allow informed decision-making. Developing strategies to strengthen existing information provision as well as new resources to fill information gaps might enhance BR experiences.

Qualitative Analysis of Initial Palliative Care Consultations in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Palliative care (PC) benefits patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), however the needs of patients and caregivers and the optimal timing of PC discussions remains unclear. This study reports the analysis of PC consult notes from a larger feasibility trial. The specific aims of this analysis were to i) identify the PC needs of patients with ALS via qualitative analysis and ii) identify characteristics of patients and caregivers that could predict specific PC needs.

METHODS

This study was nested within a nonrandomized, prospective study of patients with ALS (and their caregivers) being treated at a multidisciplinary ALS clinic. Exclusion criteria of the main study were age <18 years, inability to complete questionnaires, and prior receipt of PC. All patients were offered a PC consultation (PCC); those who accepted were included in this nested study. Consultation notes were reviewed and thematic and content analyses were conducted. The occurrence of themes across patient and caregiver contextual variables were examined.

RESULTS

Thirty-two PCCs were completed between October 2020 and April 2022. Six major themes were identified: PC roles (with subthemes encompassing the spectrum of specialist PC practice including symptom management and advance care planning), engagement with PC, patients' concerns for their caregivers, caregiver-specific concerns, finances, and COVID-19. An average of 12 topics were discussed per PCC (range = 3-22). Discussion of advance care planning, care coordination, and symptom management was common, and these topics were not discussed more frequently in PCCs with patients with lower functional status, more bulbar symptoms, or lower quality of life. Time from diagnosis did not impact topics of discussion. Patients reporting more symptoms of depression more frequently required psychological support, particularly regarding loss of independence, employment, and leisure activities.

DISCUSSION

Patients with ALS and their caregivers have a wide range of PC needs. These needs vary irrespective of time from diagnosis, functional status, or quality of life, therefore PCC is recommended for all patients with ALS. PCC should be individualized based on patient and caregiver preferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04257760; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04257760) on February 6, 2020. The first enrollment occurred on October 20, 2020.

A next-generation social media-based relapse prevention intervention for youth depression: Qualitative data on user experience outcomes for social networking, safety, and clinical benefit

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has a high prevalence and relapse rate among young people. For many individuals depression exhibits a severe course, and it is therefore critical to invest in innovative online interventions for depression that are cost-effective, acceptable and feasible. At present, there is a scarcity of research reporting on qualitative data regarding the subjective user experience of young people using social networking-based interventions for depression. This study provides in-depth qualitative insights generated from 38 semi-structured interviews, and a follow-up focus group, with young people (15-25 years) after the implementation of a moderated online social therapy intervention for depression relapse prevention ("Rebound"). Exploratory analysis identified patterns of content from interview data related to three main themes: 1) preferred content compared to perceived helpfulness of the online platform, 2) interest in social networking, and 3) protective environment. Two clear groups emerged; those who perceived the social networking component of the intervention as the most helpful component; and those who preferred to engage in therapy content, receiving individualized content suggested by moderators. The Rebound intervention was shown to be acceptable for young people with major depression. Integration of social networking features appears to enhance intervention engagement for some young people recovering from depression.