Factors associated with patient-reported subjective well-being among advanced lung or non-colonic gastrointestinal cancer patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sriram Yennurajalingam ◽  
Yu Jung Kim ◽  
Yi Zhang ◽  
Jichan Park ◽  
Joseph Arthur ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with a feeling of well-being using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS)–Feeling of Well-Being item (ESAS–FWB; where 0 = best and 10 = worst) among advanced lung or non-colonic gastrointestinal cancer patients who were referred to an outpatient palliative care clinic (OPCC). We also examined the association of performance on the ESAS–FWB with overall survival (OS).Method:We reviewed the records of consecutive patients with incurable advanced lung cancer and non-colonic gastrointestinal cancer presenting to an OPCC from 1 January 2008 through to 31 December 2013. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize patient characteristics. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with ESAS–FWB severity. We also examined the association of ESAS–FWB scores and survival using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.Results:A total of 826 evaluable patients were analyzed (median age = 62 years, 57% male). Median ESAS–FWB scores were five times the interquartile range (5 × IQR; 3–7). ESAS–FWB score was found to be significantly associated with ESAS fatigue (OR = 2.31, p < 0.001); anxiety (OR = 1.98, p < 0.001); anorexia (OR = 2.31, p < 0.001); cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye opener (CAGE) score (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.80, p = 0.008); and family caregiver distress (HR = 1.93, p = 0.002). A worse ESAS–FWB score was significantly associated with decreased OS (r = –0.18, p < 0.001). However, ESAS–FWB score was not independently associated with OS in the final multivariate model (p = 0.35), which included known major clinical prognostic factors.Conclusions:Worse ESAS–FWB scores were significantly associated with high scores on ESAS fatigue, anorexia, anxiety, CAGE, and family caregiver distress. More research is necessary to understand how palliative care interventions are capable of improving the contributory factors related to ESAS–FWB score.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 199-199
Author(s):  
Sriram Yennu ◽  
Yu Jung Kim ◽  
Yi Zhang ◽  
Ji Chan Park ◽  
David Hui ◽  
...  

199 Background: The aim of this study was to determine the association between feeling of well-being (FWB, 0= best, 10= worst) and overall survival in advanced lung or non-colonic gastrointestinal patients who were referred to an outpatient palliative care clinic (OPC). We also determined the predictors of severity of moderate or severe - feeling of well-being in advanced lung or non-colonic gastrointestinal patients presenting to palliative care. Methods: We reviewed the records of consecutive patients with incurable advanced lung cancer and non-colonic gastrointestinal cancer presenting to OPC. Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores were obtained at the initial visit between from Jan. 1, 2008-Dec. 31, 2013. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics. Clinically significant FWB was defined as ≥4/10. Overall Survival (OS) was calculated from the time of diagnosis of advanced cancer to death or last contact. Univariate analyses were performed and only significant variables were included in multivariate regression analysis to determine factors associated with severity OF FWB. Results: A total of 826 evaluable patients were analyzed (median age, 62 years; 57% male). Median ESAS FWB scores was 5 IQR (3-7). Worse FWB was significantly associated with OS (months) 6.33 (5.03, 8) vs 4.2 (3.37, 4.67) P=0.0003, from the time of diagnosis of advanced cancer. The final model of the Backwards Stepwise regression of factors associated with OS found that FWB (HR 1.09, p=0.3) was not an independent predictor of OS. ESAS FWB was significantly associated with ESAS fatigue (OR 2.31, p<0.001); anxiety (OR 1.98, p<0.001); anorexia (OR 2.31, p<0.001); CAGE positivity [alcoholism] (HR 1.80, p=0.008); and family distress (HR 1.93, p=0.002). Conclusions: Worse ESAS FWB showed univariate association with OS but it does not appear to be an independent predictor of OS when controlling for other known predictors. ESAS FWB was significantly associated with fatigue, anxiety, anorexia, CAGE positivity, and family distress, suggests that ESAS FWB may be a multidimensional screening measure for patient reported health related quality of life.


2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Güell ◽  
Adelaida Ramos ◽  
Tania Zertuche ◽  
Antonio Pascual

AbstractObjective:We aimed to address the prevalence of desire-to-die statements (DDSs) among terminally ill cancer patients in an acute palliative care unit. We also intended to compare the underlying differences between those patients who make desire-to-die comments (DDCs) and those who make desire-for-euthanasia comments (EUCs).Method:We conducted a one-year cross-sectional prospective study in all patients receiving palliative care who had made a DDC or EUC. At inclusion, we evaluated symptom intensity, anxiety and depression, and conducted a semistructured interview regarding the reasons for these comments.Results:Of the 701 patients attended to during the study period, 69 (9.8%; IC95% 7.7–12.3) made a DDS: 51 (7.3%) a DDC, and 18 (2.5%) an EUC. Using Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) DDC group showed higher percentage of moderate-severe symptoms (ESAS > 4) for well-being (91 vs. 25%; p = 0.001), depression (67 vs. 25%; p = 0.055), and anxiety (52 vs. 13%; p = 0.060) than EUC group. EUC patients also considered themselves less spiritual (44 vs. 84%; p = 0.034). The single most common reason for a DDS was pain or physical suffering, though most of the reasons given were nonphysical.Significance of results:Almost 10% of the population receiving specific oncological palliative care made a DDC (7.3%) or EUC (2.5%). The worst well-being score was lower in the EUC group. The reasons for both a DDC and EUC were mainly nonphysical. We find that emotional and spiritual issues should be identified and effectively addressed when responding to a DDS in terminally ill cancer patients.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 19-19
Author(s):  
YuJung Kim ◽  
Yi Zhang ◽  
Ji Chan Park ◽  
David Hui ◽  
Gary B. Chisholm ◽  
...  

19 Background: The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) is one of the most commonly used assessment tools among oncologists and palliative care specialists caring advanced cancer patients. However, the inter-observer difference between the oncologist and palliative care specialist has never been reported. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who were first referred to an outpatient palliative care clinic in 2013 and identified 278 eligible patients. The ECOG PS assessments by palliative care specialists, nurses, and oncologists, and the symptom burden measured by Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) were analyzed. Results: According to the pairwise comparisons using Sign tests, palliative care specialists rated the ECOG PS grade significantly higher than oncologists (median 0.5 grade, P<0.0001) and nurses also rated significantly higher (median 1.0 grade, P<0.0001). The assessments of palliative care specialists and nurses were not significantly different (P=0.10). Weighted kappa values for inter-observer agreement were 0.26 between palliative care specialists and oncologists, and 0.61 between palliative care specialists and nurses. Palliative care specialists’ assessments showed a moderate correlation with fatigue, dyspnea, anorexia, feeling of well-being, and symptom distress score measured by ESAS. The ECOG PS assessments by all three groups were significantly associated with survival (P<0.001), but the assessments by oncologists could not distinguish survival of patients with PS 2 from 3. Independent predictors of discordance in PS assessments between palliative care specialists and oncologists were the presence of an effective treatment option (odds ratio [OR] 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-5.23) and poor feeling of well-being (≥4) by ESAS (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.34-4.21). Conclusions: ECOG PS assessments by the palliative care specialists and nurses were significantly different from the oncologists. Systematic efforts to increase regular interdisciplinary meetings and communications might be crucial to bridge the gap and establish a best care plan for each advanced cancer patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santhosshi Narayanan ◽  
Akhila Reddy ◽  
Gabriel Lopez ◽  
Wenli Liu ◽  
Sara Ali ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Sleep disturbance (SD) is highly prevalent in oncology and negatively affects quality of life and mortality. Evidence supports the use of integrative oncology (IO) practices to treat SD, but there is limited published data on the characteristics of SD and factors associated with SD in IO. We determined the prevalence, severity, and factors associated with SD. Methods Patients with cancer referred for initial outpatient IO consultation in 2017 were eligible. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and patient-reported outcomes [Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, (ESAS), Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW), PROMIS-10] were retrospectively reviewed. Results 1520 patients were included in the analysis. The majority (70%) were women with breast cancer (42%). 971 (64%) patients reported significant SD with ESAS Sleep ≥ 4, yet only 11% expressed poor sleep as their primary or secondary concern for the IO consultation. The median SD (IQR) was 5 (3,7). ESAS scores for fatigue (adjusted OR 1.16; CI 1.07–1.26, p < 0.001), pain (adjusted OR 1.07; CI 1.00-1.15, p < 0.05), hot flashes (adjusted OR 1.14; CI 1.07–1.22, p < 0.001), well-being (adjusted OR 1.33; CI 1.22–1.46, p < 0.001), and psychological distress score (anxiety and depression) (adjusted OR 1.16; CI 1.01–1.11, P < 0.01) were independently associated with SD in multivariate analysis. Acupuncture was the most frequent intervention prescribed 175 (35%). Other modalities included oncology massage (15%), health psychology (5%) and meditation (1%). Conclusions Although 64% of patients seeking IO consultation reported clinically significant SD, only 11% were seeking integrative approaches for managing SD. ESAS fatigue, hot flashes, well-being, and psychological symptoms were significantly associated with SD.


2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2019-001974
Author(s):  
Cédric Lefèvre ◽  
Guillaume Economos ◽  
Colombe Tricou ◽  
Élise Perceau-Chambard ◽  
Marilene Filbet

ObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of art therapy in reducing palliative symptoms, on social availability and on perceptions of aesthetics in hospitalised palliative care patients. The secondary objective was to evaluate its influence on bereaved families.MethodsA mixed-method quasi-experimental before and after study comprising a follow-up postal survey of bereaved families. All patients who were keen to have art therapy sessions were eligible. We used patient-reported outcome scales 5 min before and after the session. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale has been used for pain, anxiety, well-being, fatigue and depression. Ten-point visual analogue scales were used for social availability, lack of desire and wishes, and perceptions of aesthetics based on the Beautiful–Well–Good model. A postal survey was sent to bereaved families. Correlations and data mining analyses were performed.ResultsIn all, 24 patients were recruited for a total of 53 art therapy sessions analysed. Seven families completed the survey. Art therapy significantly reduced the assessed symptoms and overall symptom distress by 54.4% (p <0.001, d = 1.08). It also decreased the feeling of social unavailability (−59%, d = 0.67) and the lack of desire and wishes (−60%, d=0.86). The analysis of the family questionnaires indicates the positive effects regarding support, artwork and feelings during illness and grief.ConclusionOur results suggest an overall improvement in the symptoms experienced and social functioning of palliative patients. Based on our findings, we propose a model for the potential mechanism of action of art therapy.


Author(s):  
Livia Costa de Oliveira ◽  
Karla Santos da Costa Rosa ◽  
Ana Luísa Durante ◽  
Luciana de Oliveira Ramadas Rodrigues ◽  
Daianny Arrais de Oliveira da Cunha ◽  
...  

Background: Advanced cancer patients are part of a group likely to be more susceptible to COVID-19. Aims: To describe the profile of advanced cancer inpatients to an exclusive Palliative Care Unit (PCU) with the diagnosis of COVID-19, and to evaluate the factors associated with death in these cases. Design: Retrospective cohort study with data from advanced cancer inpatients to an exclusive PCU, from March to July 2020, with severe acute respiratory syndrome. Diagnostic of COVID-19 and death were the dependent variables. Logistic regression analyses were performed, with the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: One hundred fifty-five patients were selected. The mean age was 60.9 (±13.4) years old and the most prevalent tumor type was breast (30.3%). Eighty-three (53.5%) patients had a diagnostic confirmation of COVID-19. Having diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1-6.6) and having received chemotherapy in less than 30 days before admission (OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.2-12.2) were associated factors to diagnosis of COVID-19. Among those infected, 81.9% died and, patients with Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) < 30% (OR: 14.8; 95% CI 2.7-21.6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) >21.6mg/L (OR: 9.3; 95% CI 1.1-27.8), had a greater chance of achieving this outcome. Conclusion: Advanced cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy in less than 30 days before admission and who had diabetes mellitus were more likely to develop Coronavirus 2019 disease. Among the confirmed cases, those hospitalized with worse KPS and bigger CRP were more likely to die.


2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHERYL L. NEKOLAICHUK ◽  
EDUARDO BRUERA

Objective:The purpose of this study was to gather validity evidence for an innovative experience of hope scale, theHope Differential-Short (HDS), and evaluate its clinical utility for assessing hope in advanced cancer patients.Methods:A consecutive sampling approach was used to recruit 96 patients from an inpatient tertiary palliative care unit and three hospice settings. Each participant completed an in-person survey interview, consisting of the following measures: HDS (nine items), Herth Hope Index (HHI), hope visual analog scale (Hope-VAS) and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS).Results:Using factor analytic procedures, a two-factor structure for the HDS was identified, consisting ofauthentic spirit(Factor I) andcomfort(Factor II). The HDS factors had good overall internal consistency (α = 0.83), with Factor I (α = 0.83) being higher than Factor II (α = 0.69). The two factors positively correlated with the HHI, Hope-VAS, and one of the ESAS visual analog scales, well-being (range: 0.38 to 0.64) and negatively correlated with depression and anxiety, as measured by the ESAS (range: −0.25 to −0.42).Significance of results:This is the first validation study of the HDS in advanced cancer patients. Its promising psychometric properties and brief patient-oriented nature provide a solid initial foundation for its future use as a clinical assessment measure in oncology and palliative care. Additional studies are warranted to gather further validity evidence for the HDS before its routine use in clinical practice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 77 (7) ◽  
pp. 1017-1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imke Redeker ◽  
Falk Hoffmann ◽  
Johanna Callhoff ◽  
Hildrun Haibel ◽  
Joachim Sieper ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the psychological well-being and to analyse factors associated with depressive symptoms in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).MethodsA stratified random sample of subjects with a diagnosis of axSpA (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, German Modification M45) was drawn from health insurance data in Germany. These persons received a postal questionnaire on disease-related, psychological and lifestyle factors as well as socioeconomic status. Additional information to verify the axSpA diagnosis was also collected. The psychological well-being was assessed by means of the 5-item WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5), which is considered a screening tool for depression. The following established cut-offs on the WHO-5 were applied: >50: good well-being, no depressive symptoms; 29–50: mild depressive symptoms; ≤28: moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Information on comorbidities, drug prescriptions and non-pharmacological treatment was retrieved from claims data and linked to the questionnaire data.ResultsA total of 1736 persons with a confirmed axSpA diagnosis were included. Using the cut-offs on the WHO-5, 533 persons (31%) were found to have moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, 479 (28%) had mild depressive symptoms and 724 (42%) had a good well-being. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that higher disease activity, higher level of functional impairment, lower income, self-reported stress and lack of exercise, and younger age represent factors associated with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms in axSpA subjects is high and associated with disease-related parameters, socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors. These findings highlight the need for the careful evaluation of depressive symptoms as a part of the management strategy for axSpA.


Author(s):  
Jennifer S. Temel ◽  
Laura A. Petrillo ◽  
Joseph A. Greer

The evidence base demonstrating the benefits of an early focus on palliative care for patients with serious cancers, including advanced lung cancer, is substantial. Early involvement of specialty-trained palliative care clinicians in the care of patients with advanced lung cancer improves patient-reported outcomes, such as quality of life, and health care delivery, including hospice utilization. Since the time that many of these palliative care trials were conducted, the paradigm of cancer care for many cancers, including lung cancer, has changed dramatically. The majority of patients with advanced lung cancer are now treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors or targeted therapies, both of which have had a significant impact on patient's experience and outcomes. With this changing landscape of lung cancer therapeutics, patients are facing new and different challenges, including dealing with novel side effect profiles and coping with greater uncertainty regarding their prognosis. Patients who are living longer with their advanced cancer also struggle with how to address survivorship issues, such as sexual health and exercise, and decision making about end-of-life care. Although palliative care clinicians remain well-suited to address these care needs, they may need to learn new skills to support patients treated with novel therapies. Additionally, as the experience of patients with advanced lung cancer is becoming more varied and individualized, palliative care research interventions and clinical programs should also be delivered in a patient-centered manner to best meet patient's needs and improve their outcomes. Tailored and technology-based palliative care interventions are promising strategies for delivering patient-centered palliative care.


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