A pilot examination of the impact of cancer patients' fatigue on their spousal caregivers

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
STEVEN D. PASSIK ◽  
KENNETH L. KIRSH
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Dyadic Adjustment ◽  
Spousal Caregivers ◽  
Caregiver Strain ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Small Pilot Study ◽  
The Impact

Objective: In this pilot project we examined the quality of life of spouses of cancer patients who had significant fatigue.Methods: We assessed both the spouses of cancer patients and the patients who presented with chemotherapy-induced fatigue and anemia. Study endpoints included the impact that cancer patients' fatigue had on their spouses' quality of life, including their own levels of fatigue, depressive symptoms, activity levels, work absenteeism, and marital adjustment. We examined the extent to which changes in patients' fatigue from baseline to one month follow-up were associated with changes in spouses' quality of life indices.Results: 25 couples completed the study. Seven (28%) spousal caregivers reported handling fewer responsibilities at work, 8 (32%) had reduced their work hours, and 8 (32%) felt that they were less effective overall at work. Spousal caregivers also missed a significant amount of time at work during the month long study, missing an average of 2.7 (SD = 2.95) days, with an additional 1.29 (SD = 2.97) sick days and 1.76 (SD = 2.63) vacation days during that time. Spouses reporting greater levels of caregiver strain were more likely to have increased fatigue at baseline (F1,23 = 8.11, p < .01), and worse dyadic adjustment at both time points (baseline: F1,23 = 7.80, p < .01; follow-up: F1,21 = 9.24, p < .01). Also, those with more caregiver strain were less likely to engage in social activity at baseline (F1,23 = 6.11, p < .05) and more likely to engage in less work by the one month follow-up (F1,20 = 8.36, p < .01).Significance of results: Spouses who were identified as having elevated burden experienced more personal fatigue, had worse dyadic adjustment, reported poor energy levels, and tended to engage in fewer work and social activities; the impact of patient's fatigue level on these parameters was highly variable in this small pilot study.

Psychosocial outcomes 3 years after facial transplantation of a blind patient

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S392-S392 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Lemmens ◽  
H. Hendrickx ◽  
C. Poppe ◽  
N. Roche ◽  
P. Peeters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Dyadic Adjustment ◽  
Reliable Change Index ◽  
Facial Transplantation ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundTo date, psychosocial outcomes after facial transplantation are promising although long-term consequences, outcome of blind patients and the impact on family members are less well investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the long-term psychosocial of a blind patient and his partner 2 and 3 years after facial transplantation.MethodsDepressive and anxiety symptoms, hopelessness, coping, resilience, illness cognitions, marital support, dyadic adjustment, family functioning and quality of life of the patient and the partner were assessed before and 2 and 3 years after transplantation. Reliable change index (RCI) was further calculated to evaluate the magnitude of change.ResultsMost psychological, marital and family scores of both the patient and the partner remained within a normative and healthy range at follow-up. Resilience (RCI: 2.5 & 3.4 respectively), affective responsiveness (RCI: −4.1 & −3.2 respectively), physical quality of life (RCI: 8.7 & 7.2 respectively) and helplessness (RCI: −2.2 & −2.9 respectively) of the patient improved at 2 and 3 years follow-up. Further, dyadic cohesion (RCI: 2.4) of the patient improved at 2 years whereas marital depth (RCI: −2.0) of the partner decreased at 3 years.ConclusionsThe results of this study point to positive long-term psychosocial outcomes of a blind patient and his partner after facial transplantation. Further, they may underscore the importance of patient selection, social support and involvement of family members in treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Healing by design: The influence of an artistic design on the well being of cancer patients—A 10 years follow up

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 18615-18615
Author(s):  
H. Samonigg ◽  
E. Andritsch ◽  
G. Dietmaier ◽  
T. Bauernhofer ◽  
H. Andritsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact

18615 Background: The style of the surrounding in which cancer patients, who experience physical as well as high psychological distress are treated, can help them to acquire a sense of security, to reduce their anxiety and depression. Inspired by this model the famous artist F. Hundertwasser created the redesign of the oncological ward with the aim to generate an atmosphere of security by utilizing bright, warm and vivid colours, light and plants. The aim of this study was to investigate in a prospective manner whether the artistic redesign have an influence on the welfare of cancer patients using standardized questionnaires pre and immediately post reconstruction and in a follow up 10 years later. Methods: A total of 261 patients were interviewed (93 before the redesign, 81 immediately and 87 ten years after redesign) to assess the influence of depression (Zerssen Depression Scale, PD-S) quality of life (Spitzer Index)and perceptions of the ward design (semi-structured interview) on wellbeing (Zerrsen Mood Scale, Bf-S). Results: A factor analysis of the semi-structured interview yielded four factors assessed with a MANOVA showing that patients interviewed after redesign reported more positive effects of the ward design (F2;227 = 484.274; p < 0.001). In addition, they were more content with treatment and medical care (F2;227 = 20.103; p < 0.001), more positive in their emotions and thoughts regarding illness (F2;227 = 8.600; p = 0.003) and placed greater importance on the fixtures (F2;227 = 6.067; p = 0.003) than the patients interviewed before the redesign. In a regression analysis depression, the “impact of ward design”, quality of life, gender, “emotions and thoughts regarding illness”, age and education predicted wellbeing with an “R” of 0.0469 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results provide important aspects for the discussion if the physical surroundings in which cancer patients are treated serve as a potentially positive factor in the “healing process”. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The effect of surgery in tenosynovial giant cell tumours as measured by patient-reported outcomes on quality of life and joint function

2019 ◽  
Vol 101-B (3) ◽  
pp. 272-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. G. M. Verspoor ◽  
M. J. L. Mastboom ◽  
G. Hannink ◽  
W. T. A. van der Graaf ◽  
M. A. J. van de Sande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Diffuse Type ◽  
Joint Function ◽  
Population Means ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and joint function in tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) patients before and after surgical treatment. Patients and Methods This prospective cohort study run in two Dutch referral centres assessed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)) in 359 consecutive patients with localized- and diffuse-type TGCT of large joints. Patients with recurrent disease (n = 121) and a wait-and-see policy (n = 32) were excluded. Collected data were analyzed at specified time intervals preoperatively (baseline) and/or postoperatively up to five years. Results A total of 206 TGCT patients, 108 localized- and 98 diffuse-type, were analyzed. Median age at diagnosis of localized- and diffuse-type was 41 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29 to 49) and 37 years (IQR 27 to 47), respectively. SF-36 analyses showed statistically significant and clinically relevant deteriorated preoperative and immediate postoperative scores compared with general Dutch population means, depending on subscale and TGCT subtype. After three to six months of follow-up, these scores improved to general population means and continued to be fairly stable over the following years. VAS scores, for both subtypes, showed no statistically significant or clinically relevant differences pre- or postoperatively. In diffuse-type patients, the improvement in median WOMAC score was statistically significant and clinically relevant preoperatively versus six to 24 months postoperatively, and remained up to five years’ follow-up. Conclusion Patients with TGCT report a better HRQoL and joint function after surgery. Pain scores, which vary hugely between patients and in patients over time, did not improve. A disease-specific PROM would help to decipher the impact of TGCT on patients’ daily life and functioning in more detail. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:272–280.

scholarly journals Fear of Falling, Recurrence of Falls, and Quality of Life in Patients with a Low Energy Fracture—Part II of an Observational Study

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 584
Author(s):  
Puck C. R. van der Vet ◽  
Jip Q. Kusen ◽  
Manuela Rohner-Spengler ◽  
Björn-Christian Link ◽  
Roderick M. Houwert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Restriction ◽  
One Year ◽  
Falls In Elderly

Background and objective: Falls in elderly cause injury, mortality, and loss of independence, making Fear of Falling (FoF) a common health problem. FoF relates to activity restriction and increased fall risk. A voluntary intervention including fall risk assessment and prevention strategies was implemented to reduce falls in elderly patients with low energy fractures (LEF). The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate FoF and the number of subsequent falls in trauma patients one year after a LEF. The secondary aim was to examine how FoF affects patients’ lives in terms of Quality of Life (QoL), mobility, and activity levels. Finally, participation in the voluntary fall prevention program (FPP) was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Observational cohort study in one Swiss trauma center. LEF patients, treated between 2012 and 2015, were analyzed one year after injury. Primary outcomes were Falls-Efficacy Score-International (FES-I) and number of subsequent falls. Secondary outcomes were EuroQoL-5-Dimensions-3-Levels (EQ5D-3L), mobility, activity levels, and participation in the FPP. Subgroup analysis was performed for different age categories. Results: 411 patients were included for analysis. Mean age was 72 ± 9.3, mean FES-I was 21.1 ± 7.7. Forty percent experienced FoF. A significant negative correlation between FoF and QoL (R = 0.64; p < 0.001) was found. High FoF correlated with lower activity levels (R= −0.288; p < 0.001). Six percent visited the FPP. Conclusions: At follow-up, 40% suffered from FoF which seems to negatively affect patients’ QoL. Nevertheless, participation in the FPP was low. Simply informing patients about their susceptibility to falls and recommending participation in FPPs seems insufficient to motivate and recruit patients into FPPs. We suggest implementing repeated fall risk- and FoF screenings as standard procedures in the follow-up of LEF, especially in patients aged over 75 years.

scholarly journals Exploring the relationship among dispositional optimism, health-related quality of life, and CIPN severity among colorectal cancer patients with chronic peripheral neuropathy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hester.R. Trompetter ◽  
Cynthia S. Bonhof ◽  
Lonneke V. van de Poll-Franse ◽  
Gerard Vreugdenhil ◽  
Floortje Mols
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Purpose Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy ((CI)PN) becomes chronic in 30% of cancer patients. Knowledge of predictors of chronic (CI)PN and related impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is lacking. We examined the role of optimism in chronic (CI)PN severity and associated HRQoL in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients up to two years after diagnosis. Methods CRC patients from a prospective cohort study participated, with sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) 1 year after diagnosis (n = 142). Multivariable regression analyses examined the cross-sectional association between optimism (measured by the LOT-R) and SPN severity/HRQoL (measured by the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 and QLQ-C30), as well as the prospective association in a subsample that completed measures 2 years after diagnosis and still experienced SPN (n = 86). Results At 1-year follow-up, higher optimism was associated with better global HRQoL, and better physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning (all p < .01). Optimism at year one was also prospectively associated with better global HRQoL (p < .05), and emotional and cognitive functioning at 2-year follow-up (both p < .01). Optimism was not related to self-reported SPN severity. Significant associations were retained when controlling for demographic/clinical variables, and became non-significant after controlling for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions Optimism and depressive and anxiety symptoms are associated with HRQoL in CRC patients with chronic (CI)PN. Future research may illuminate the mechanisms that these factors share, like the use of (non)adaptive coping styles such as avoidance and acceptance that may inform the design of targeted interventions to help patients to adapt to chronic (CI)PN.

Assessing the impact of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting on patients’ quality of life: An Arabic version of the Functional Living Index-Emesis

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522199844
Author(s):  
Abdullah M Alhammad ◽  
Nora Alkhudair ◽  
Rawan Alzaidi ◽  
Latifa S Almosabhi ◽  
Mohammad H Aljawadi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Nausea And Vomiting ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Arabic Version ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Arabic Speaking ◽  
The Impact

Introduction Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is a serious complication of cancer treatment that compromises patients’ quality of life and treatment adherence, which necessitates regular assessment. Therefore, there is a need to assess patient-reported nausea and vomiting using a validated scale among Arabic speaking cancer patient population. The objective of this study was to translate and validate the Functional Living Index-Emesis (FLIE) instrument in Arabic, a patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess the influence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting on patients’ quality of life. Methods Linguistic validation of an Arabic-language version was performed. The instrument was administered to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a tertiary hospital's cancer center in Saudi Arabia. Results One-hundred cancer patients who received chemotherapy were enrolled. The participants’ mean age was 53.3 ± 14.9 years, and 50% were female. Half of the participants had a history of nausea and vomiting with previous chemotherapy. The Cronbach coefficient alpha for the FLIE was 0.9606 and 0.9736 for nausea and vomiting domains, respectively, which indicated an excellent reliability for the Arabic FLIE. The mean FLIE score was 110.9 ± 23.5, indicating no or minimal impact on daily life (NIDL). Conclusions The Arabic FLIE is a valid and reliable tool among the Arabic-speaking cancer population. Thus, the Arabic version of the FLIE will be a useful tool to assess the quality of life among Arabic speaking patients receiving chemotherapy. Additionally, the translated instrument will be a useful tool for future research studies to explore new antiemetic treatments among cancer patients.

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