scholarly journals Lifestyle advice to cancer survivors: a qualitative study on the perspectives of health professionals

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e020313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios A Koutoukidis ◽  
Sonia Lopes ◽  
Abigail Fisher ◽  
Kate Williams ◽  
Helen Croker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Current Status ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Lifestyle Advice

ObjectivesAdoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours has shown promising effectiveness in reducing the high morbidity burden of cancer survivors. Health professionals (HPs) are well suited to provide lifestyle advice but few survivors report receiving guidance from them. This study aimed to explore HPs’ perspective of lifestyle advice (on healthy eating, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol) for cancer survivors.DesignIn-depth semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted by telephone or face to face. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Setting and participantsTwenty-one UK HPs working in secondary care with breast, prostate or colorectal cancer survivors were interviewed.ResultsThe overarching theme was that HPs’ desire to provide lifestyle advice was not necessarily matched by knowledge and action. Three main themes were identified: (1) survivorship-centred barriers to provision, (2) HP-centred barriers to provision, and (3) optimal delivery of lifestyle advice. Results suggested that HPs’ perceptions of survivors’ current status of practising health behaviours, their perceived socioeconomic barriers and ability to practise health behaviours, and HPs’ fear for potential loss of connection with the patient influenced provision of lifestyle advice. Further factors included HPs’ knowledge of healthy lifestyle guidelines, feeling that they were not the ‘right person’ to provide advice, and lack of time and resources. HPs stressed that the optimal delivery of lifestyle advice should (1) be tailored to the individual and delivered throughout the cancer journey, (2) be focused on small and achievable changes framed as part of their treatment regimen and (3) be cost-effective for wide-scale implementation.ConclusionsIncorporation of the identified barriers when developing HP training programmes and lifestyle interventions could increase the probability of successful behavioural change, and thus improve outcomes for cancer survivors.

Perception and Beliefs Regarding Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Lifestyle Modifications Among High-Risk College Students

2020 ◽  
pp. 084456211989931
Author(s):  
Dieu-My T. Tran ◽  
Catherine Dingley ◽  
Rogelio Arenas
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
College Students ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Lifestyle Modifications

Background Studying risk factors and corresponding behavior in young adults is important as atherosclerotic plaque begins to form in early adulthood, resulting in cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and beliefs regarding cardiovascular risk and lifestyle modification among high-risk college students (based on Framingham 30-year risk score). Methods Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Risk factors included overweight/obesity, alcohol consumption, elevated blood pressure, family history, and smoking. Qualitative interviews revealed six themes: (a) recognizing risk, (b) lifestyle trajectories, (c) factors influencing lifestyles, (d) ideal healthy lifestyle modifications, (e) perceived benefits of healthy lifestyles, and (f) integrating technology and health apps. Participants demonstrated a lack of understanding of how the various factors contributed to CV risk. Influencing factors to a healthy lifestyle were categorized as environmental, relational, financial, work/life/school balance, and internal/intrinsic motivation. Conclusions Understanding high-risk college students’ beliefs and perceptions regarding CVD risk factors and lifestyle modification is the first step to assessing the problem facilitating early intervention in the young adult population. Clinicians should assess, develop, and implement risk reduction programs that are tailored to individuals who need it the most, those at high risk.

scholarly journals Lifestyle advice to cancer survivors: a qualitative study on the perspectives of health professionals

2018 ◽  
Vol 77 (OCE1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D.A. Koutoukidis ◽  
S. Lopes ◽  
A. Fisher ◽  
H. Croker ◽  
K. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Lifestyle Advice

Physical activity promotion in primary health care in Slovenia

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Graduate Nurses ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
The Family ◽  
Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease

In Slovenia, the role of general practitioners in counselling physical activity for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is well recognized. The role of general practitioners in advising healthy lifestyle for individuals who are at risk of developing CVD is formally defined in the National Program for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, which has been running since 2001. Part of the program is counselling on healthy lifestyle including physical activity, performed in all health centres across the country. First a screening and medical examination is performed. In case of higher risk for CVD (>20%) the physician should give advice on the particular risk factor and direct patients to health-education centres, where they can participate in healthy lifestyle workshops lead by health professionals. Physicians and other health professionals who are involved in the implementation of prevention activities within the program need knowledge and skills that are crucial for successful counselling on healthy lifestyle. The educational program “basic education in health promotion and prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases in primary health care/family medicine” consists of two parts. The first part of the training is open to all health professionals working within the program. The second part is intended for health professionals working in health-education workshops. In the last few years a new family practice model has been introduced and disseminated. Some duties of the family physician, including health promotion and counselling, are being transferred to graduate nurses who become part of the family practice team. This new division of work undoubtedly brings many advantages, both in terms of the work organization, and of high-quality patient care. Nevertheless preventive action cannot be fully passed on to graduate nurses. Careful planning and education are needed to ensure a comprehensive approach in healthy life style counselling.

scholarly journals Letter to the Editor: The development of knights cabin cancer retreats: a community program to engage cancer survivors’ proactive health behaviors

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Lesser ◽  
Erin McGowan ◽  
Lisa Belanger
Keyword(s):  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Charitable Organization ◽  
Sleep Management ◽  
Management Techniques

Abstract Purpose Cancer survivors often lack the knowledge and skills to return to positive health behaviors following a cancer diagnosis. The use of retreats may be an ideal environment for cancer survivors to learn about health behaviours while receiving social support from other survivors. Methods Knights Cabin Cancer Retreats was created as a charitable organization in 2014 and is at no cost to participants or their supporters. Elements of the retreat include guided hikes, yoga, classes on nutrition, stress, mindfulness and sleep management techniques, all with a focus on the evidence based theories of behavioral change. Results Ten retreats have been hosted across Canada to date with 137 cancer survivors and their supporters. Survivors reported that their top learning outcomes from the retreat were physical activity/nutrition and behavioral change/habit development. Conclusion Knight’s Cabin Cancer retreats are unique in their programming with a format of health education that allows for emotional support and engagement with other cancer survivors in a therapeutically natural environment.

scholarly journals Therapeutic Alliance in Interpreter-Mediated Psychotherapy from the Perspective of Refugee Patients: Results of Qualitative Interviews

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Saskia Hanft-Robert ◽  
Nadine Janis Pohontsch ◽  
Cornelia Uhr ◽  
Alexander Redlich ◽  
Franka Metzner
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Successful Treatment ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Therapeutic Treatment ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Recommendations For Action ◽  
Patients Perspective

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The therapeutic alliance is considered to be one of the most important factors of psychotherapy and is a necessary requirement for a successful treatment in interpreter-mediated psychotherapy. <b><i>Patients and Methods:</i></b> Using interpreter-mediated guided interviews, 10 refugee patients who experienced interpreter-mediated psychotherapy were asked about factors influencing the development of a trusting therapeutic alliance in the triad. The analysis of the interviews followed the rules of content-structuring qualitative content analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 11 factors were identified which could be assigned to the interpreter, therapist, or patient. In the analysis, the central role of the interpreter in establishing a therapeutic alliance in the triad became particularly clear. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Consideration of the factors that, from the patients’ perspective, influence the establishment and maintenance of a trusting alliance within the triad, as well as the recommendations for action derived from this for psychotherapists and interpreters can lead to an improvement in the therapeutic treatment of refugees.

scholarly journals Cooking for Vitality: Pilot Study of an Innovative Culinary Nutrition Intervention for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2760
Author(s):  
Cheryl Pritlove ◽  
Geremy Capone ◽  
Helena Kita ◽  
Stephanie Gladman ◽  
Manjula Maganti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Cooking Skills ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Poor Nutritional Status

(1) Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent and distressing side effects experienced by patients with cancer during and after treatment, and this negatively impacts all aspects of quality of life. An increasing body of evidence supports the role of poor nutritional status in the etiology of CRF and of specific diets in mitigating CRF. We designed a group-based two session culinary nutrition intervention for CRF, Cooking for Vitality (C4V), aimed at increasing understanding of how food choices can impact energy levels and establishing basic food preparation and cooking skills as well as the application of culinary techniques that minimize the effort/energy required to prepare meals. The purpose of this pilot mixed-method study was to evaluate: Feasibility of the experimental methods and intervention; acceptability and perceived helpfulness of intervention; and to obtain a preliminary estimate of the effectiveness of the intervention on fatigue (primary outcome), energy, overall disability, and confidence to manage fatigue (secondary outcomes). (2) Methods: Prospective, single arm, embedded mixed-methods feasibility study of cancer survivors with cancer-related fatigue was conducted. Participants completed measures at baseline (T0), immediately following the intervention (T1), and three months after the last session (T2). Qualitative interviews were conducted at T2. (3) Results: Recruitment (70%) and retention (72%) rates along with qualitative findings support the feasibility of the C4V intervention for cancer survivors living with CRF (program length and frequency, ease of implementation, and program flexibility). Acceptability was also high and participants provided useful feedback for program improvements. Fatigue (FACT-F) scores significantly improved from T0–T1 and T0–T2 (p < 0.001). There was also a significant decrease in disability scores (WHO-DAS 2.0) from T0–T2 (p = 0.006) and an increase in POMS-Vigor (Profile of Mood States) from T0–T1 (p = 0.018) and T0–T2 (p = 0.013). Confidence in managing fatigue improved significantly from T0–T1 and T0–T2 (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that the C4V program was acceptable and helpful to patients and may be effective in improving fatigue levels and self-management skills. A randomized controlled trial is required to confirm these findings.

The current status of follow-up services for childhood cancer survivors, are we meeting goals and expectations: A report from the consortium for New England childhood cancer survivors

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 1062-1066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa B. Kenney ◽  
Heather Bradeen ◽  
Nina S. Kadan-Lottick ◽  
Lisa Diller ◽  
Alan Homans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
New England ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Childhood Cancer Survivors ◽  
Current Status

scholarly journals Use of symptom checkers for COVID-19-related symptoms among university students: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjinnov-2020-000498
Author(s):  
Stephanie Aboueid ◽  
Samantha B Meyer ◽  
James R Wallace ◽  
Shreya Mahajan ◽  
Teeyaa Nur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Positive Experience ◽  
Perceived Credibility ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

ObjectiveSymptom checkers are potentially beneficial tools during pandemics. To increase the use of the platform, perspectives of end users must be gathered. Our objectives were to understand the perspectives and experiences of young adults related to the use of symptom checkers for assessing COVID-19-related symptoms and to identify areas for improvement.MethodsWe conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 22 young adults (18–34 years of age) at a university in Ontario, Canada. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified six main themes related to the decision of using a symptom checker for COVID-19 symptoms: (1) presence of symptoms or a combination of symptoms, (2) knowledge about COVID-19 symptoms, (3) fear of seeking in-person healthcare services, (4) awareness about symptom checkers, (5) paranoia and (6) curiosity. Participants who used symptom checkers shared by governmental entities reported an overall positive experience. Individuals who used non-credible sources reported suboptimal experiences due to lack of perceived credibility. Five main areas for improvement were identified: (1) information about the creators of the platform, (2) explanation of symptoms, (3) personalised experience, (4) language options, and (5) option to get tested.ConclusionsThis study suggests an increased acceptance of symptom checkers due to the perceived risks of infection associated with seeking in-person healthcare services. Symptom checkers have the potential to reduce the burden on healthcare systems and health professionals, especially during pandemics; however, these platforms could be improved to increase use.

Spiritual issues and needs: Perspectives from patients with advanced cancer and nonmalignant disease. A qualitative study

2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELIZABETH GRANT ◽  
SCOTT A. MURRAY ◽  
MARILYN KENDALL ◽  
KIRSTY BOYD ◽  
STEPHEN TILLEY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Spiritual Needs ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
Nonmalignant Disease

Objective: Health care professionals and policy makers acknowledge that spiritual needs are important for many patients with life-limiting illnesses. We asked such patients to describe their spiritual needs and how these needs may impinge on their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Patients were also encouraged to explain in what ways their spiritual needs, if they had any, could be addressed.Methods: We conducted two qualitative interviews, 3 months apart, with 20 patients in their last year of life: 13 patients with advanced cancer and 7 with advanced nonmalignant illness. We also interviewed each patient's general practitioner. Sixty-six interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.Results: Patients' spiritual needs centered around their loss of roles and self-identity and their fear of dying. Many sought to make sense of life in relation to a nonvisible or sacred world. They associated anxiety, sleeplessness, and despair with such issues, which at times resulted in them seeking support from health professionals. Patients were best able to engage their personal resources to meet these needs when affirmed and valued by health professionals.Significance of results: Enabling patients to deal with their spiritual needs through affirmative relationships with health professionals may improve quality of life and reduce use of health resources. Further research to explore the relationship between spiritual distress and health service utilization is indicated.

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