Occupations creating joy for people living with advanced cancer: A qualitative descriptive study

2021 ◽  
pp. 030802262110094
Author(s):  
Hannah Holt Bentz ◽  
Stine Hviid Madsen ◽  
Marc Sampedro Pilegaard ◽  
Lisa Gregersen Østergaard ◽  
Åse Brandt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Cancer Experience ◽  
Occupational Therapy Intervention

Introduction For people living with advanced cancer, the possibilities for experiences of joy are seriously influenced by the consequences of the illness. Due to the limited expected lifetime, the need to support such experiences that may entail joy and contribute to quality of life are of importance. Research shows that people with advanced cancer experience quality of life through occupations they are able to perform and enjoy. The aim of this study was to describe which occupations contribute to joy for people living with advanced cancer and explore how they reflect upon these occupations during an occupational therapy intervention. Methods In total, 111 people with advanced cancer from the intervention group in a randomised controlled trial participated in the present study. Thirty-six of these participants were interviewed, and for 10 participants, this was combined with participant observations. A directed and a conventional content analysis were applied. Results 148 occupations contributing to joy were categorised into self-care, leisure and productivity. Most occupations were placed into leisure (89%). Participants had three distinct approaches to occupations contributing to joy: Finding solutions to maintain occupations contributing to joy; having an all or nothing approach; and hoping to resume occupations contributing to joy. Conclusion This study found a wide range of occupations contributing to joy and shows the importance of focusing on enabling leisure occupations for people living with advanced cancer. The wide range of occupations as well as participants’ approaches to occupations may be useful to inform future interventions to enable enjoyment for people living with advanced cancer.

scholarly journals Mindful gratitude journaling: psychological distress, quality of life and suffering in advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2021-003068
Author(s):  
Ting Ting Tan ◽  
Maw Pin Tan ◽  
Chee Loong Lam ◽  
Ee Chin Loh ◽  
David Paul Capelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ContextNumerous studies have shown that gratitude can reduce stress and improve quality of life.ObjectiveOur study aimed to examine the effect of mindful gratitude journaling on suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.MethodsWe conducted a parallel-group, blinded, randomised controlled trial at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Ninety-two adult patients with advanced cancer, and an overall suffering score ≥4/10 based on the Suffering Pictogram were recruited and randomly assigned to either a mindful gratitude journaling group (N=49) or a routine journaling group (N=43).ResultsAfter 1 week, there were significant reductions in the overall suffering score from the baseline in both the intervention group (mean difference in overall suffering score=−2.0, 95% CI=−2.7 to −1.4, t=−6.125, p=0.000) and the control group (mean difference in overall suffering score=−1.6, 95% CI=−2.3 to −0.8, t=−4.106, p=0.037). There were also significant improvements in the total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (mean difference=−3.4, 95% CI=−5.3 to −1.5, t=−3.525, p=0.000) and the total Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being score (mean difference=7.3, 95% CI=1.5 to 13.1, t=2.460, p=0.014) in the intervention group after 7 days, but not in the control group.ConclusionThe results provide evidence that 7 days of mindful gratitude journaling could positively affect the state of suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.Trial registration numberThe trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN1261800172191) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Hysteroscopic management of a uterine caesarean scar defect (niche) in women with postmenstrual spotting: a randomised controlled trial

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hatem Hussein El-Gamal ◽  
Walid El-Basuony Mohammad ◽  
Ahmed Samir Mohamed Zeerban
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Expectant Management ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Caesarean Scar Defect ◽  
Interventional Group

Abstract Background Long-term complaints after caesarean section, such as postmenstrual spotting, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, or chronic pelvic pain, are frequently described in relation to the presence of a niche. A post-caesarean niche is defined as an indentation in the myometrium at the site of the uterine scar. Two independent prospective cohort studies reported that the presence of a niche after caesarean section increases the risk of postmenstrual spotting for more than 2 days from 15 to 30%. Postmenstrual spotting may be caused by a mechanical outflow problem, with the retention of menstrual blood in a niche, or by the accumulation of blood because of impaired uterine contractions at the site of the niche. Additionally, newly formed fragile vessels in the niche may play a role in the formation of blood or fluid in the niche and uterine cavity. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a hysteroscopic niche resection versus no treatment in women with postmenstrual spotting and a uterine caesarean scar defect. Methods This trial is a randomised controlled trial that provides evidence for the (cost) effectiveness of hysteroscopic resection of a niche versus expectant management in women with niche related postmenstrual spotting. It was carried out on 28 cases divided into two equal group. The study was conducted at Ain Shams University on the women reporting postmenstrual spotting after a caesarean section. The primary outcome was the number of days of postmenstrual spotting 6 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes were spotting at the end of menstruation, intermenstrual spotting, dysuria, sonographic niche measurements, quality of life, women’s satisfaction, sexual function, and additional therapy. Outcomes were measured at 3 months and, also at 6 months after randomization. Results The results of this study show a significant improvement in interventional group after 3 months more than the control group in bleeding micturition characteristics which includes total days of spotting, spotting end of menstruation, intermenstral spotting, discomfort from spotting, dysmenorrhea and daily pain during micturition, after 6 months the two group improved but the interventional group was significantly higher than control group. Regarding the radiological assessment it was found that there was a significant improvement in intervention group more than the control group after 3 months, also the control group improved after 6 months also, but the intervention groups was significantly higher than the control group. The quality of life show a significant increasing in intervention group more than the control group after 3 months of intervention, at the end of follow up the intervention group was significantly higher in quality of life more than the control group. Conclusion A hysteroscopic niche resection reduces postmenstrual spotting, and the discomfort from spotting, compared with expectant management after 3 months of follow-up in women with a niche with a residual myometrium of at least 3 mm.

scholarly journals The ‘Cancer Home-Life Intervention’: A randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of an occupational therapy–based intervention in people with advanced cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 744-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Sampedro Pilegaard ◽  
Karen la Cour ◽  
Lisa Gregersen Oestergaard ◽  
Anna Thit Johnsen ◽  
Line Lindahl-Jacobsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Home Life ◽  
Everyday Activities ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background: People with advanced cancer face difficulties with their everyday activities at home that may reduce their health-related quality of life. To address these difficulties, we developed the ‘Cancer Home-Life Intervention’. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of the ‘Cancer Home Life-Intervention’ compared with usual care with regard to patients’ performance of, and participation in, everyday activities, and their health-related quality of life. Design and intervention: A randomised controlled trial ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02356627). The ‘Cancer Home-Life Intervention’ is a brief, tailored, occupational therapy–based and adaptive programme for people with advanced cancer targeting the performance of their prioritised everyday activities. Setting/participants: Home-living adults diagnosed with advanced cancer experiencing functional limitations were recruited from two Danish hospitals. They were assessed at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome was activities of daily living motor ability. Secondary outcomes were activities of daily living process ability, difficulty performing prioritised everyday activities, participation restrictions and health-related quality of life. Results: A total of 242 participants were randomised either to the intervention group ( n = 121) or the control group ( n = 121). No effect was found on the primary outcome (between-group mean change: −0.04 logits (95% confidence interval: −0.23 to 0.15); p = 0.69). Nor was any effect on the secondary outcomes observed. Conclusion: In most cases, the ‘Cancer Home-Life Intervention’ was delivered through only one home visit and one follow-up telephone contact, which not was effective in maintaining or improving participants’ everyday activities and health-related quality of life. Future research should pay even more attention to intervention development and feasibility testing.

scholarly journals Stress Management in Elementary School Students: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. e976
Author(s):  
Katerina Sofianopoulou ◽  
Flora Bacopoulou ◽  
Dimitrios Vlachakis ◽  
Ioulia Kokka ◽  
Evaggelos Alexopoulos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Elementary School Students ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Research has shown that stress experiences begin in early stages of life. Stress management techniques have appeared to be beneficial for the development or enhancement of stress coping skills. The aim of this pilot randomised controlled trial was to assess the effect of a 12-week intervention, comprising training in diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscular relaxation, on elementary school students’ stress levels. Outcomes on the quality of life and behavioural aspects of the students were also assessed. Standardised questionnaires were administered at baseline and after the 12-week intervention program. Fifty-two children aged 10 to 11 years were randomly assigned to intervention (n=24) and control groups (n=28). Children of the intervention group demonstrated lower levels of stress (in all three subscales of lack of well-being, distress, and lack of social support) and improved aspects of quality of life (physical, emotional, and school functioning). No significant differences were observed regarding the examined behavioural dimensions, in the intervention group. Larger randomised controlled trials with follow-up evaluations are needed to ascertain the positive outcomes of such programs on elementary school children.

Inspiratory muscle training does not improve clinical outcomes in 3-week COPD rehabilitation: results from a randomised controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 1702000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konrad Schultz ◽  
Danijel Jelusic ◽  
Michael Wittmann ◽  
Benjamin Krämer ◽  
Veronika Huber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Inspiratory Muscle ◽  
Inspiratory Muscle Training ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Muscle Training ◽  
Randomised Controlled

The value of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. The RIMTCORE (Routine Inspiratory Muscle Training within COPD Rehabilitation) randomised controlled trial examined the effectiveness of IMT added to pulmonary rehabilitation.In total, 611 COPD patients (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage II–IV) received a 3-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation, of which 602 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. The intervention group (n=300) received highly intensive IMT and the control group (n=302) received sham IMT. The primary outcome was maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax). The secondary outcomes were 6-min walk distance, dyspnoea, quality of life and lung function. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-pulmonary rehabilitation. ANCOVA was used.The intervention group showed higher effects in PImax (p<0.001) and forced inspiratory volume in 1 s (p=0.013). All other outcomes in both study groups improved significantly, but without further between-group differences. Sex and pulmonary rehabilitation admission shortly after hospitalisation modified quality of life effects.IMT as an add-on to a 3-week pulmonary rehabilitation improves inspiratory muscle strength, but does not provide additional benefits in terms of exercise capacity, quality of life or dyspnoea. A general recommendation for COPD patients to add IMT to a 3-week pulmonary rehabilitation cannot be made.

Impacting Quality of Life for Patients With Advanced Cancer With a Structured Multidisciplinary Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 635-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa A. Rummans ◽  
Matthew M. Clark ◽  
Jeff A. Sloan ◽  
Marlene H. Frost ◽  
John Michael Bostwick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Analog Scale ◽  
Multidisciplinary Intervention ◽  
Linear Analog

Purpose The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a structured, multidisciplinary intervention targeted to maintain the overall quality of life (QOL), which is more comprehensive than psychosocial distress, of patients undergoing radiation therapy for advanced-stage cancer. Patients and Methods Radiation therapy patients with advanced cancer and an estimated 5-year survival rate of 0% to 50% were randomly assigned to either an eight-session structured multidisciplinary intervention arm or a standard care arm. The eight 90-minute sessions addressed the five domains of QOL including cognitive, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social functioning. The primary end point of maintaining overall QOL was assessed by a single-item linear analog scale (Linear Analog Scale of Assessment or modified Spitzer Uniscale). QOL was assessed at baseline, week 4 (end of multidisciplinary intervention), week 8, and week 27. Results Of the 103 participants, overall QOL at week 4 was maintained by the patients in the intervention (n = 49), whereas QOL at week 4 significantly decreased for patients in the control group (n = 54). This change reflected a 3-point increase from baseline in the intervention group and a 9-point decrease from baseline in the control group (P = .009). Intervention participants maintained their QOL, and controls gradually returned to baseline by the end of the 6-month follow-up period. Conclusion Although intervention participants maintained and actually improved their QOL during radiation therapy, control participants experienced a significant decrease in their QOL. Thus, a structured multidisciplinary intervention can help maintain or even improve QOL in patients with advanced cancer who are undergoing cancer treatment.

scholarly journals e-Monitoring of Asthma Therapy to Improve Compliance in children (e-MATIC): a randomised controlled trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 758-767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwin C. Vasbinder ◽  
Lucas M.A. Goossens ◽  
Maureen P.M.H. Rutten-van Mölken ◽  
Brenda C.M. de Winter ◽  
Liset van Dijk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Asthma Control ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Quality ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations ◽  
Sms Reminders ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Real-time medication monitoring (RTMM) is a promising tool for improving adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), but has not been sufficiently tested in children with asthma. We aimed to study the effects of RTMM with short message service (SMS) reminders on adherence to ICS, asthma control, asthma-specific quality of life and asthma exacerbation rate; and to study the associated cost-effectiveness.In a multicentre, randomised controlled trial, children (aged 4–11 years) using ICS were recruited from five outpatient clinics and were given an RTMM device for 12 months. The intervention group also received tailored SMS reminders, sent only when a dose was at risk of omission. Outcome measures were adherence to ICS (RTMM data), asthma control (childhood asthma control test questionnaire), quality of life (paediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire) and asthma exacerbations. Costs were calculated from a healthcare and societal perspective.We included 209 children. Mean adherence was higher in the intervention group: 69.3%versus57.3% (difference 12.0%, 95% CI 6.7%–17.7%). No differences were found for asthma control, quality of life or asthma exacerbations. Costs were higher in the intervention group, but this difference was not statistically significant.RTMM with tailored SMS reminders improved adherence to ICS, but not asthma control, quality of life or exacerbations in children using ICS for asthma.

scholarly journals Effect of occupation-based interventions in patients with haematopoietic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy: A pilot randomised controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-105
Author(s):  
Akira Sagari ◽  
Yuta Ikio ◽  
Nobuko Imamura ◽  
Kayoko Deguchi ◽  
Toko Sakai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background/objective Chemotherapy for cancer negatively affects activities of daily living and quality of life. This study aimed to validate and compare the efficacy of two different interventions in patients with haematopoietic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy: (1) occupation-based interventions, designed using the Aid for Decision-making in Occupation Choice (ADOC) (an iPAD application) and (2) impairment-based interventions. ADOC helps promote decision-making during activities and participation in occupation-based goal setting. The impairment-based intervention group served as the comparison group and underwent impairment-based interventions focusing on dysfunction. Methods In this single-blinded pilot randomised controlled trial, 19 participants received an occupation-based intervention (n = 9) or an impairment-based intervention (n = 10). The treatment period comprised two sessions. Recruitment, compliance and outcome completion rates were calculated for the study. Effect sizes were examined for outcomes regarding physical performance, instrumental activities of daily living and quality of life as evaluated by a blinded assessor. Results In this study, 24.8% (28/113) of the eligible patients with haematopoietic malignancies were enrolled, and 67.9% (19/28) of these were retained up to the post-assessment stage. Recruitment (25%) and compliance (68%) rates were satisfactory. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General emotional well-being and total scores were significantly higher for the occupation-based intervention group than for the impairment-based intervention group (both p < 0.05; d = 0.54, d = 0.51, respectively). Other outcomes showed no significant differences. Conclusion Occupation-based interventions designed using the ADOC application were useful for patients with haematopoietic malignancies.

A coaching program to improve quality of life in older people in Japan: a randomised controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 315-322
Author(s):  
Junko Ohashi ◽  
Toshiki Katsura
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older People ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Geriatric Center

As the world's population ages, efforts to improve quality of life (QOL) in old age are gaining public attention. In this study, a programme was conducted for older people with the aim of clarifying their life goals related to QOL and the meaning of their existence, and the effect of the programme in improving QOL was evaluated. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group after registration. The program consisted of four 90-minute classes. The primary outcome was the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale score (PGC), and changes in outcomes were compared between groups. The intervention group had significantly improved PGC scores (P<0.003). Further, the scores of PGC subscales ‘Acceptance of one's own ageing’ and ‘Lonely dissatisfaction’ showed significant improvements after the intervention (P<0.001). The findings suggest the effectiveness of the developed program in improving QOL in people aged ≥65 years.

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