Rates and prospective psychosocial correlates of pre-loss grief in cancer and dementia family members

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910532199594
Author(s):  
Jonathan Singer ◽  
M. Rosie Shrout ◽  
Anthony Papa
Keyword(s):  
Family Member ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Psychosocial Correlates ◽  
Dementia Patients

This study examined changes in Pre-Loss Grief (PLG) among individuals whose family member has a life limiting illness and how baseline psychosocial factors predicted PLG. This two-wave study recruited family members of advanced cancer ( N = 100) and dementia ( N = 38) patients. A subsample completed 1-month follow-up (Cancer = 33; Dementia = 28). Higher caregiver burden and female participants predicted greater PLG at follow-up, accounting for baseline PLG. Family members of dementia patients (10.5%) were significantly more likely than family members of cancer patients (2.1%) to be in the “severe PLG” group. Findings demonstrate psychosocial factors related to PLG, informing interventions aimed at reducing PLG.

scholarly journals Changes in fatigue, barriers, and predictors towards physical activity in advanced cancer patients over a period of 12 months—a comparative study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Frikkel ◽  
M. Beckmann ◽  
N. De Lazzari ◽  
M. Götte ◽  
S. Kasper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Psychological Conditions ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Purpose Physical activity (PA) is recommended to improve advanced cancer patients’ (ACP) physical functioning, fatigue, and quality of life. Yet, little is known about ACPs’ attitude towards PA and its influence on fatigue and depressiveness over a longer period. This prospective, non-interventional cohort study examined ACPs’ fatigue, depression, motivation, and barriers towards PA before and after 12 months of treatment among ACP Methods Outpatients with incurable cancer receiving treatment at a German Comprehensive Cancer Center reporting moderate/severe weakness/tiredness during self-assessment via MIDOS II were enrolled. Fatigue (FACT-F), depression (PHQ-8), cancer-related parameters, self-assessed PA behavior, motivation for and barriers against PA were evaluated (T0). Follow-up data was acquired after 12 months (T1) using the same questionnaire. Results At follow-up, fatigue (p=0.017) and depressiveness (p=0.015) had increased in clinical relevant extent. Physically active ACP did not show significant progress of FACT-F (p=0.836) or PHQ-8 (p=0.799). Patient-reported barriers towards PA remained stable. Logistic regression analyses identified motivation as a positive predictor for PA at both time points (T0, β=2.152, p=0.017; T1, β =2.264, p=0.009). Clinically relevant depression was a negative predictor for PA at T0 and T1 (T0, β=−3.187, p=0.044; T1, β=−3.521, p=0.041). Conclusion Our findings emphasize the importance of psychological conditions in physical activity behavior of ACP. Since psychological conditions seem to worsen over time, early integration of treatment is necessary. By combining therapy approaches of cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise in interdisciplinary care programs, the two treatment options might reinforce each other and sustainably improve ACPs’ fatigue, physical functioning, and QoL. Trial registration German Register of Clinical Trials, DRKS00012514, registration date: 30.05.2017

Wernicke encephalopathy in a caregiver: A serious physical issue resulting from stress in a family member caring for an advanced cancer patient

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Mayumi Ishida ◽  
Nozomu Uchida ◽  
Akira Yoshioka ◽  
Izumi Sato ◽  
Tetsuya Hamaguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patient ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Family Members ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mental Condition ◽  
Wernicke Encephalopathy ◽  
Level Of Consciousness ◽  
Loss Of Appetite ◽  
Burden Of Caring

Abstract Objective It is well known that the burden on the families of cancer patient extends across many aspects, but there have been no reports of family members developing delirium due to the burden of caring for a cancer patient. Methods We reported a caregiver who developed Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) while caring for a family member with advanced cancer. Results The subject was a 71-year-old woman who had been caring for her husband, diagnosed with gastric cancer and liver metastases, for 5 months. She visited the “caregivers’ clinic” after referral by an oncologist who was worried about a deterioration in her mental condition that had appeared several weeks previously. The woman had a history of diabetes mellitus. Some giddiness was observed and, based on her inability to answer questions, her level of consciousness was checked and some disorientation was observed. She was diagnosed with delirium. A blood sample was collected to investigate the cause of the delirium, but the test data showed no hypoglycemia. Her appetite had declined since her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Thiamine deficiency was suspected as thiamine stores in the body are depleted within about 18 days and her loss of appetite had continued for 5 months. On intravenous injection of 100 mg of thiamine, her consciousness level was returned to normal in 1 h. A diagnosis of WE was supported by the patient's abnormally low serum thiamine level. Significance of the results The family members of cancer patients may develop a loss of appetite due to the burden of caring, resulting in WE. When providing care for signs of distress in family members, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the psychological aspects but also to their level of consciousness and physical aspects, particularly the possibility of serious illness resulting from reduced nutritional status.

Impact of an outpatient interdisciplinary team (IDT) consultation on symptom clusters in advanced cancer patients seen at a supportive care outpatient clinic (OSC) in a tertiary cancer center

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20542-e20542
Author(s):  
S. Yennurajalingam ◽  
D. L. Urbauer ◽  
R. Chacko ◽  
D. Hui ◽  
Y. A. Amin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Interdisciplinary Team ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Symptom Clusters ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale ◽  
Cluster Composition ◽  
The Impact

e20542 Background: Advanced cancer patients develop severe physical and psychosocial symptom clusters. There is limited data on the impact of an outpatient interdisciplinary team (IDT) consultation lead by palliative care specialists on symptom clusters. Cluster composition and consistence, response rate and predictors of response are unknown. Methods: 914 consecutive patients with advanced cancer presenting in the OSC from Jan 2003 to Oct 2008 with a complete Edmonton symptom assessment scale at the initial and follow-up visit (median 14 days, range 1–4 wks), and CAGE status (alcohol screening) were reviewed. Wilcoxon ranked sign test was used to determine whether symptoms changed over time. Principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to determine clusters of symptoms at baseline and at follow-up. The number of factors calculated was determined based upon the number of eigen values that were greater than one. Results: Median age was 59 yrs, female were 46%. The most common primary cancer was Lung (19%). Baseline and follow-up visit scores (mean, SD) were: fatigue 5.7 (2.1) and 5.2 (2.2, p<0.0001), pain 4.9 (2.6) and 4.1 (2.6 p<0.0001), nausea 1.8 (2.4) and 1.7 (2.3, p=0.1), depression 2.6 (2.5) and 2.2(2.4,p<0.0001), anxiety 2.9 (2.7) and 2.4 (2.4, p<0.0001), drowsiness 3.2 (2.8) and 3.2 (2.6, p=0.7), dyspnea 2.6 (2.7) and 2.4 (2.6), p=0.0027), appetite 4.2(2.7) and 3.9 (2.7, p<0.0001), sleep 4.2 (2.6) and 3.8 (2.6, p<0.0001) and well being 4.3 (2.5) and 3.9 (2.3, p<0.0001). During the follow- up the symptom clusters varied from a 3 factor to a 2 factor model, reflecting the impact of the IDT on symptom burden. CAGE positive and CAGE negative patients had a significantly different symptom cluster model. Conclusions: Cluster composition differs when patients are assessed and managed by an IDT and among patients who screen positive for alcoholism. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Preferred lifestyle upon advanced cancer diagnosis: Comparison of perspectives of advanced cancer patients, family members, and physicians in Japan.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20559-e20559
Author(s):  
Mioko Ikushima ◽  
Jiichiro Sasaki ◽  
Seigo Nakamura ◽  
Naomi Sakurai ◽  
Michiko Oki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Comparison Of Perspectives

Advanced cancer patients’ changes in terminal illness understanding (TIU) and their psychological well-being.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 11617-11617
Author(s):  
Login S. George ◽  
Megan Johnson Shen ◽  
Paul K. Maciejewski ◽  
Andrew S. Epstein ◽  
Holly Gwen Prigerson
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Change Scores

11617 Background: Although accurate TIU is necessary for informed treatment decision-making, clinicians worry that patients’ recognition of the terminal nature of their illness may lower psychological well-being. This study examines if such recognition is associated with lowered psychological well-being, that persists over time. Methods: Data came from 87 advanced cancer patients, with a life expectancy of less than 6 months. Patients were assessed pre and post an oncology visit to discuss cancer restaging scan results, and again one month later (follow-up). TIU was assessed at pre and post as the sum of four indicator variables — understanding of terminal nature of illness, curability, stage, and life-expectancy — and a TIU change score was computed (post minus pre). Psychological well-being (psychological symptoms subscale, McGill questionnaire) was assessed at pre, post, and follow-up, and two change scores were computed (post minus pre; follow-up minus post). Results: Changes toward more accurate TIU was associated with a corresponding decline in psychological well-being ( r = -0.33, p < .01), but thereafter was associated with subsequent improvements in psychological well-being ( r = .40, p < .001). This pattern persisted even after adjustment for relevant demographic factors, prognostic discussion, scan results, and physical well-being change. TIU change scores ranged from positive to negative, with some participants showing improvements in TIU ( n = 19), some showing decrements in TIU ( n = 14), and others showing stable TIU ( n = 54). Among patients with improved TIU, psychological well-being initially decreased, but subsequently recovered [7.03 (2.23) to 6.30 (1.80), to 7.63 (2.08)]; the stable TIU group showed relatively unchanged well-being [7.34 (2.37) to 7.45 (2.32), to 7.36 (2.66)], and the less accurate TIU group showed an initial improvement followed by a subsequent decline [6.30 (2.62) to 7.36 (2.04), to 5.63 (3.40)]. Conclusions: Improved TIU may be associated with initial decrements in psychological well-being, followed by patients rebounding to baseline levels. Concerns about psychological harm may not need to be a deterrent to having prognostic discussions with patients.

Digitally captured step counts for evaluating performance status in advanced cancer patients: A single cohort, prospective trial (Digi-STEPS).

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. TPS6651-TPS6651
Author(s):  
Gillian Gresham ◽  
Andrew Eugene Hendifar ◽  
Jun Gong ◽  
Arash Asher ◽  
Christine S. Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ecog Ps ◽  
Single Cohort

TPS6651 Background: Advanced cancer patients undergo dynamic changes in their functionality and physical activity over the course of their treatment. Monitoring patient function is important because it can inform treatment decisions and allow for timely and appropriate intervention. Current scales that assess patient function, such as the ECOG Performance Status (PS), are limited in their ability to capture the wide range in activity that cancer patients can experience on a daily basis outside of the clinic setting. Given recent technological advances in wearable activity monitors, we can collect real-time, objective information about a patient’s daily activity including steps, stairs, heart rate, sleep, and activity intensity. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to determine whether longitudinal changes in objectively-assessed activity are associated with change in physician-rated ECOG PS. Methods: This is a prospective, single cohort trial being conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Stage 3/4 cancer patients who are English or Spanish-speaking, ambulatory (assistive walking devices are allowed) and expected to be seen for treatment or follow-up with their oncologist at least every 8 weeks are eligible for study. Consenting patients will be asked to wear a Fitbit Charge HR continuously for 8 weeks during the study period and for one week prior to the 6 month and 1 year follow-up visits. Primary outcomes are change in average daily step counts and ECOG PS at 8 weeks from baseline. Secondary outcomes include: 1) Change in NIH PROMIS patient-reported outcomes (physical function, pain, sleep, emotional distress, and fatigue), 2) Change in frailty status at 8 weeks, 3) Occurrence of adverse events, and 4) 6-month and 1-year survival outcomes. Baseline assessments include a physical exam, medical history, and frailty assessment. The attending oncologist will rate the patient's ECOG PS at baseline and at the end-of-study visit. Weekly NIH PROMIS questionnaires will be administered online over the 8-week study and again at 6 months and 1 year follow-up. The occurrence of serious cancer-related adverse events, chemotherapy-associated toxicities, and hospitalizations will be documented up to 12 weeks from baseline. Survival will be assessed at 6 months and 1 year. Accrual is ongoing with 20 patients currently enrolled of a target sample size of 60 patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03757182.

scholarly journals Effect of Hemoglobin on the Prognosis of Patients with Advanced Cancer in Palliative Care Settings

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
xinghe liao ◽  
Cihang Bao ◽  
Minghui Liu ◽  
Menglei Chen ◽  
Xiaoli Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Time ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Median Survival ◽  
Median Survival Time ◽  
Palliative Treatment ◽  
Treatment Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients

Abstract Background: Hemoglobin is a prognostic factor for many cancer patients. However, its effect on the prognosis of patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative treatment is still unclear.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether hemoglobin can be used as a prognostic indicator for patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative treatment.Methods: From July 2013 to October 2015, 368 consecutive patients were treated in the palliative treatment center of the Shanghai Cancer Center of Fudan University. The data for 105 patients were extended in the follow-up. The cut-off value selected for hemoglobin was 100 g/L.Results: The median survival time of patients with low hemoglobin was shorter than that of patients with high hemoglobin (41 days vs. 84 days). In the follow-up readmission cohort (n = 105), the median survival time for patients with high hemoglobin (HHb → HHb) was 3.44 times longer than that of patients with low hemoglobin (HHb → LHb). Thus, both low hemoglobin and decreased hemoglobin were identified as independent prognostic factors for poor prognosis.Conclusions: In palliative treatment, hemoglobin can be used as a stratification factor to determine the prognosis of advanced cancer patients.

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