CancerCare

2019 ◽  
pp. 288-304
Author(s):  
Sarah K. Kelly ◽  
William Goeren
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
New York ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Quality Cancer Care ◽  
Caregiver Quality ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
Cancer Trajectory

As the population in the United States continues to grow and life expectancy increases, the need for quality cancer care increases accordingly. A cancer diagnosis and related treatments can significantly impact the quality of life of not only the person with cancer, but also the caregiver. Caregivers’ physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are affected throughout the cancer trajectory. CancerCare was founded in 1944 in New York City to address these needs in both patients and caregivers and improve quality of life and overall care. Today, CancerCare is a leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of CancerCare’s specialized caregiver services that address the unique needs of this population and seek to improve caregiver quality of life.

Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer in Korçe, Albania

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathon Judkins ◽  
Irena Laska ◽  
Judith Paice ◽  
Priya Kumthekar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to quantify cancer family caregiver (FCG) quality of life (QOL) in a Southern Albanian population and to determine whether differences exist between 4 domains of QOL (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual). This study also sought to compare QOL in our cohort to QOL in historical studies that used the same survey instrument, and to examine correlations between demographic characteristics and QOL to identify any high-risk groups. Methods: A sample of 40 FCGs was recruited at the Mary Potter Palliative Care Clinic in Korçe, Albania. Each participant completed the City of Hope Quality of Life (Family Version), a validated 37-question instrument that measures caregiver well-being in 4 domains: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Results: There were no significant differences between the composite scores of the 4 QOL domains in our study. However, there were differences when comparing self-reported QOL between domains (“Rate your overall physical/psychological/social/spiritual well-being”). The QOL measured in our study was significantly lower than in 3 studies from the United States that used the same questionnaire. There were no significant correlations between demographic groups and QOL. Conclusions: This study examines the impact that the paucity of palliative services has on the QOL of Albanian cancer FCGs. Although there were no domains of QOL or demographic groups identified in our study that were faring significantly worse than others, the poor overall QOL provides further evidence to support the continued development of palliative services for both patients and family members in Albania.

Faktor yang Memengaruhi Kualitas Hidup Pasien dengan Penyakit Jantung Koroner

1970 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aan Nuraeni ◽  
Ristina Mirwanti ◽  
Anastasia Anna ◽  
Ayu Prawesti ◽  
Etika Emaliyawati
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Beck Depression Inventory ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety Scale ◽  
Seattle Angina Questionnaire ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Prevalensi Penyakit Jantung Koroner (PJK) terus mengalami peningkatan setiap tahunnya dan menjadi masalah kesehatan utama di masyarakat saat ini. PJK berdampak terhadap berbagai aspek kehidupan penderitanya baik fisik, psikososial maupun spiritual yang berpengaruh terhadap kualitas hidup pasien. Isu kualitas hidup dan faktor-faktor yang berhubungan didalamnya belum tergambar jelas di Indonesia. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengidentifikasi faktor yang memengaruhi kualitas hidup pada pasien PJK yang sedang menjalani rawat jalan. Faktor-faktor yang diteliti dalam penelitian ini meliputi jenis kelamin, tingkat penghasilan, revaskularisasi jantung, rehabilitasi jantung, kecemasan, depresi dan kesejahteraan spiritual. Kecemasan diukur dengan Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale, depresi diukur dengan Beck Depression Inventory II, kesejahteraan spiritual diukur dengan kuesioner Spirituality Index of Well-Beingdan kualitas hidup diukur menggunakan Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan kuantitatif deskriptif dan analitik multivariatedengan regresi logistic. Diteliti pada 100 responden yang diambil secara randomdalam kurun waktu 1 bulan di Poli Jantung. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan faktor yang memengaruhi kualitas hidup pada pasien PJK adalah cemas (p) 0,002; Odd Ratio(OR) 4,736 (95% confidence interval(CI), 1,749 – 12,827); depresi (p) 0,003; OR 5,450 ( 95% CI, 1,794 – 16,562); dan revaskularisasi (p) 0,033; OR 3,232 (95% CI, 1,096 – 9,528). Depresi menjadi faktor yang paling berpengaruh terhadap kualitas hidup pasien PJK. Faktor yang memengaruhi kualitas hidup pada pasien PJK meliputi depresi, cemas dan revaskularisasi. Dari ketiga variabel tersebut depresi merupakan variabel yang paling signifikan berpengaruh, sehingga manajemen untuk mencegah depresi perlu mendapatkan perhatian lebih baik lagi dalam discharge planningataupun rehabilitasi jantung.Kata kunci: Cemas, depresi, faktor yang memengaruhi, kualitas hidup, spiritual.Factors Influenced the Quality of Life among Patients Diagnosed with Coronary Heart Disease AbstractCoronary Heart Disease (CHD) has affected multidimensional aspects of human live nowadays. Yet, quality of life and factors associated with quality of life among people who live with heart disease has not been explored in Indonesia. This study aimed to identify factors influenced the quality of life among people with CHD received outpatient services. Those factors are gender, income, revascularization, cardiac rehabilitation, anxiety, depression and spiritual well-being. Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale was used to measure anxiety where depression level measured using Beck Depression Inventory II. Spirituality index was used to measure spiritual well-being. The quality of life level was measured using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. This study used quantitative descriptive with multivariate analysis using logistic regression. 100 respondents were randomly selected from the Cardiac Outpatient Unit. Findings indicated factors influenced the quality of life of CHD patients using a significance of ƿ-value < 0.005 were: anxiety (ƿ=0,002, OR = 4,736, 95% CI, 1,749 – 12,827); depression (ƿ=0,003; OR=5,450, 95% CI, 1,794 – 16,562); and revascularizations (ƿ=0,033; OR=3,232, 95% CI, 1,096 – 9,528). Depression was considered as the most significant factor; therefore, managing depression is a priority in the discharge planning or cardiac rehabilitation programme. Keywords: Anxiety, depression, quality of life, spiritual, well-being.

scholarly journals Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) Improves Overall Stuttering Experience among Adults Who Stutter: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2187
Author(s):  
Omrit Feldman ◽  
Eran Goldstien ◽  
Benjamin Rolnik ◽  
Ariel B. Ganz ◽  
Shahar Lev-Ari
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Adults Who Stutter

Stuttering is a speech disorder that can cause disturbances in the timing and flow of speech. In addition to being a communication disorder, stuttering is often accompanied by a reduction in the quality of life and has impacts on social status, mental well-being, self-acceptance, and the chances of integration into the labor market. The Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) program, developed in the United States by Byron Katie in 1986, is the clinical application of “The Work” method (Thework.com) and represents an emerging mindfulness and cognitive-reframing method. IBSR has been demonstrated to improve mental health and well-being in adults and may alleviate psychological and psychosocial symptoms of stuttering. The purpose of this trial was to examine the effect of a 12-week IBSR intervention on the overall stuttering experience and indicators of anxiety, psychological flexibility, and well-being among adults who stutter (AWS). This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomized to IBSR (n = 28) and control (n = 28) groups. Validated questionnaires of overall stuttering experience (OASES-A), anxiety (STAI), psychological flexibility (PFQ), and satisfaction with life (SWLS) were completed before, after, and one month after the intervention. An intention-to-treat approach was implemented for analysis. Our results show that participants in the IBSR intervention group exhibited a greater improvement in their overall stuttering experience as compared to the control group, as well as in general information on stuttering awareness and perception, reactions to stuttering, communication in daily situations, and quality of life. In addition, we found a greater reduction in anxiety levels and an increase in satisfaction-with-life scores in the IBSR group. These results indicate that IBSR can improve the overall stuttering experience.

The effectiveness of hope-fostering interventions in palliative care: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632199472
Author(s):  
Natalia Salamanca-Balen ◽  
Thomas V Merluzzi ◽  
Man Chen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Background: The concept of hope is an important theme in chronic illness and palliative care and has been associated with increased psycho-spiritual well-being and quality of life. Psycho-spiritual interventions have been described in this population, but no systematic review of hope-enhancing interventions or hopelessness-reducing interventions has been conducted for persons with palliative care diseases. Aim: To describe and assess the effectiveness of interventions in palliative care that measure hope and/or hopelessness as an outcome. Design: This systematic review and meta-analysis was pre-registered (Prospero ID: CRD42019119956). Data sources: Electronic databases, journals, and references were searched. We used the Cochrane criteria to assess the risk of bias within studies. Results: Thirty-five studies (24 randomized controlled trials, 5 quasi-experimental, 6 pre-post studies) involving a total of 3296 palliative care patients were included. Compared with usual/standard cancer care alone, interventions significantly increased hope levels at a medium effect size ( g = 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.28–0.93) but did not significantly reduce hopelessness ( g = −0.08, 95% CI = −0.18 to 0.02). It was found that interventions significantly increase spirituality ( g = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.02–1.37) and decrease depression ( g = −0.29, 95% CI = −0.51 to −0.07), but had no significant effect over anxiety, quality of life, and symptom burden. Overall, quality of evidence across the included studies was rated as low. Conclusions: Evidence suggests that interventions can be effective in increasing hope in palliative care patients.

Current measures of distress may not account for what's most important in existential care interventions: Results of the outlook trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 648-657
Author(s):  
Karen E. Steinhauser ◽  
Karen M. Stechuchak ◽  
Katherine Ramos ◽  
Joseph Winger ◽  
James A. Tulsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
Screening For Distress ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Stage Renal Disease

AbstractObjectiveCompare the efficacy of two interventions addressing emotional and existential well-being in early life-limiting illness.MethodPrimary trial analysis (n = 135) included patients with advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, or end-stage renal disease; Arm 1 received the Outlook intervention, addressing issues of life completion and preparation, and Arm 2 received relaxation meditation (RM). Primary outcomes at five weeks (primary endpoint) and seven weeks (secondary): completion and preparation (QUAL-E); secondary outcomes: anxiety (POMS) quality of life (FACT-G) and spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp) subscales of faith, meaning, and peace.ResultsAverage age was 62; 56% were post-high school-educated, 54% were married, 52% white, 44% female, and 70% had a cancer diagnosis. At baseline, participants demonstrated low levels of anxiety (<5 on POMS subscale) and depression (<10 on CESD) relative to population norms. Results of the primary analysis revealed no significant differences in mean Preparation by treatment arm at five weeks (14.4 Outlook vs. 14.8 RM; between-group difference −0.4 [95% CI, −1.6, 0.8], p = 0.49) or seven weeks (15.2 vs.15.4; between-group difference −0.2 [95% CI, −1.5, 1.0], p = 0.73). There were also no significant differences in mean Life Completion by treatment arm between five weeks (26.6 Outlook vs. 26.3 RM; between-group difference 0.2 [95% CI, −1.2, 1.7], p = 0.76) or seven weeks (26.5 vs. 27.5; between-group difference −1.0 [95% CI, −2.7, 0.7], p = 0.23). Compared to RM, Outlook participants did not have significant differences over time in the secondary outcomes of overall quality of life, anxiety, depression, FACT-G subscales, and FACIT-Sp subscales.DiscussionIn early-stage life-limiting illness, Outlook did not demonstrate a significant difference in primary or secondary outcomes relative to RM. Results underscore the importance of pre-screening for distress. Qualitatively, Outlook participants were able to express suppressed emotions, place illness context, reflect on adaptations, and strengthen identity. Screening for distress and identifying specified measures of distress, beyond anxiety and depression, is essential in our ability to adequately assess the multi-dimensional mechanisms that decrease existential suffering.

scholarly journals Understanding the Link between Family Caregiver Quality of Life and the Care Provided to Older People With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 153-154
Author(s):  
Afeez Hazzan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dementia is one of the most rapidly growing diseases in the United States. In 2018, the direct costs to American society of caring for older people with dementia was approximately $277 billion. Primary informal caregivers are mainly responsible for the care of older people with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers perform a myriad of duties ranging from shopping for their loved ones’ groceries, helping with medications, and managing finances. The caregiving role becomes more demanding as the disease progresses over time, and studies have shown that the quality-of-life (QoL) experienced by caregivers of older adults who have dementia is lower than the QoL of caregivers for older people who do not have dementia. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no research conducted to investigate whether lower caregiver QoL affects the level or quality of care that caregivers provide to persons with dementia. In the current study, we interviewed family caregivers living in Rochester, New York to inquire about their quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia. Further, caregivers completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as a draft questionnaire for measuring the quality of care provided to older people living with dementia. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from this study reveals important relationships between family caregiver QoL and the care provided, including the impact of social support and financial well-being. The study findings could have significant impact, particularly for the provision of much needed support for family caregivers.

scholarly journals Quality of life support in advanced cancer—web and technological interventions: systematic review and narrative synthesis

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002820
Author(s):  
Kathleen Kane ◽  
Fiona Kennedy ◽  
Kate L Absolom ◽  
Clare Harley ◽  
Galina Velikova
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Monitoring Tools ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Cancer Trajectory ◽  
Interactive Health Communication

BackgroundAs treatments continue to progress, patients with advanced cancer are living longer. However, ongoing physical side-effects and psychosocial concerns can compromise quality of life (QoL). Patients and physicians increasingly look to the internet and other technologies to address diverse supportive needs encountered across this evolving cancer trajectory.Objectives1. To examine the features and delivery of web and technological interventions supporting patients with advanced cancer. 2. To explore their efficacy relating to QoL and psychosocial well-being.MethodsRelevant studies were identified through electronic database searches (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science and ProQuest) and handsearching. Findings were collated and explored through narrative synthesis.ResultsOf 5274 identified records, 37 articles were included. Interventions were evaluated within studies targeting advanced cancer (13) or encompassing all stages (24). Five subtypes emerged: Interactive Health Communication Applications (n=12), virtual programmes of support (n=11), symptom monitoring tools (n=8), communication conduits (n=3) and information websites (n=3). Modes of delivery ranged from self-management to clinically integrated. Support largely targeted psychosocial well-being, alongside symptom management and healthy living. Most studies (78%) evidenced varying degrees of efficacy through QoL and psychosocial measures. Intervention complexity made it challenging to distinguish the most effective components. Incomplete reporting limited risk of bias assessment.ConclusionWhile complex and varied in their content, features and delivery, most interventions led to improvements in QoL or psychosocial well-being across the cancer trajectory. Ongoing development and evaluation of such innovations should specifically target patients requiring longer-term support for later-stage cancer.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018089153.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Outpatients With Advanced Cancer: The Accuracy of Clinician Estimations and the Relevance of Spiritual Well-Being—A Hoosier Oncology Group Study

2003 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 2754-2759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Fisch ◽  
Michael L. Titzer ◽  
Jean L. Kristeller ◽  
Jianzhao Shen ◽  
Patrick J. Loehrer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Therapeutic Trial ◽  
Slight Variation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Spiritual Well Being

Purpose: To evaluate the association between quality-of-life (QOL) impairment as reported by patients and QOL impairment as judged by nurses or physicians, with and without consideration of spiritual well-being (SWB). Patients and Methods: A total of 163 patients with advanced cancer were enrolled onto a therapeutic trial, and cross-sectional data were derived from clinical and demographic questionnaires obtained at baseline, including assessment of patient QOL and SWB. Clinicians rated the QOL impairment of their patients as mild, moderate, or severe. Clinician-estimated QOL impairment and patient-derived QOL categories were compared. Correlation coefficients were estimated to associate QOL scores using different instruments. The analysis of variance method was used to compare Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General scores on categorical variables. Results: There was no significant association between self-assessment scores and marital status, education level, performance status, or predicted life expectancy. However, a strong relationship between SWB and QOL was noted (P < .0001). Clinician-estimated QOL impairment matched the level of patient-derived QOL correctly in approximately 60% of cases, with only slight variation depending on the method of categorizing patient-derived QOL scores. The accuracy of clinician estimates was not associated with the level of SWB. Interestingly, a subset analysis of the inaccurate estimates revealed an association between lower SWB and clinician underestimation of QOL impairment (P = .0025). Conclusion: Clinician estimates of QOL impairment were accurate in more than 60% of patients. SWB is strongly associated with QOL, but it is not associated with the overall accuracy of clinicians’ judgments about QOL impairment.

Quality of Life and the Carbon Footprint: A Zip-Code Level Study Across the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-343
Author(s):  
Matthew Thomas Clement ◽  
Chad L. Smith ◽  
Tyler Leverenz
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
United States ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Alternative Measure ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Zip Code

Much sustainability scholarship has examined the environmental dimensions of subjective and objective well-being. As an alternative measure of human well-being, we consider the notion of quality of life and draw on a framework from the sustainability literature to study its association with ecological impact, specifically the carbon footprint. We conduct a quantitative analysis, combining zip-code level data on quality of life and the carbon footprint per household for the year 2012 across the continental United States ( n=29,953). Findings consistently show a significant, negative association between quality of life and the carbon footprint. Our findings point to the potential advantages of utilizing robust objective measures of quality of life that extends beyond economic well-being and life expectancy alone. Furthermore, our findings question the conventional wisdom that sustainability requires sacrifices, while suggesting opportunities for how increased levels of sustainability may be achieved while retaining high levels of quality of life.

scholarly journals Spiritual well-being and quality of life in advanced age women post-mastectomy for breast cancer operated

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
Mónica Gallegos Alvarado ◽  
Ma Cristina Ochoa Estrada ◽  
Mayra Guadalupe Hernández Romero ◽  
Martha Lilia Parra Dominguez ◽  
Eloísa Esquivel Rodriguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Advanced Age ◽  
Spiritual Well Being
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