How Are You Feeling? Who Wants To Know? Patients’ and Oncologists’ Preferences for Discussing Health-Related Quality-of-Life Issues

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 3295-3301 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.B. Detmar ◽  
N.K. Aaronson ◽  
L.D. V. Wever ◽  
M. Muller ◽  
J.H. Schornagel

PURPOSE: This study investigated (1) the attitudes of cancer patients toward discussing health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) issues; (2) the association between such attitudes and patients’ characteristics; and (3) oncologists’ attitudes and self-reported behavior regarding these same issues. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred seventy-three patients receiving palliative chemotherapy and ten physicians were asked to complete a series of questionnaires. RESULTS: Almost all patients wanted to discuss their physical symptoms and physical functioning and were also willing to address their emotional functioning and daily activities. However, 25% of the patients were only willing to discuss these latter two issues at the initiative of their physician. Patients varied most in their willingness to discuss their family and social life, with 20% reporting no interest in discussing these issues at all. Female patients were more reluctant to discuss various HRQL issues than male patients. Older and less well-educated patients were more likely to prefer that their physician initiate discussion of HRQL issues. All physicians considered it to be primarily their task to discuss the physical aspects of their patients’ health, whereas four physicians indicated that discussion of psychosocial issues was a task to be shared with other health care providers. All physicians indicated that they generally defer to their patients in initiating discussion of psychosocial issues. CONCLUSION: Although both patients and oncologists seem willing to discuss a wide range of HRQL issues, communication regarding psychosocial issues may be hampered by competing expectations as to who should take the lead in initiating such discussions.

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-118
Author(s):  
Shigeharu Tanaka ◽  
Shawn M Robbins ◽  
Yu Inoue ◽  
Ryo Tanaka

Background/Purpose: Chronic symptoms related with hip osteoarthritis (OA) can negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to a HRQoL measure that considers an Asian lifestyle in Japanese patients with hip OA. Methods: Forty-seven female subjects participated. The dependent variable was the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ), which assessed HRQoL. Potential factors were measured as independent variables. After screening, potential variables were entered into a multiple regression analysis to determine which variables were related to HRQoL. Results: In the regression model, knee extension muscle strength on the unaffected side and hip flexion range of motion (ROM) on the affected side were associated with HRQoL. Higher strength and higher ROM were related to greater HRQoL. Conclusion: Results can help health-care providers develop appropriate rehabilitation programs for improving HRQoL in patients with hip OA.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mar Miserachs ◽  
David B. Nicholas ◽  
Anthony R. Otley ◽  
Vicky Lee Ng

With improved survival outcomes after pediatric liver transplantation (LT), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important outcome metric. Understanding the elements contributing to HRQoL after LT in children would enable more targeted strategies towards optimizing best outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to explore health care providers (HCP) perceptions about HRQoL after pediatric LT. Thirteen experienced HCP participated in two focus group discussions. Data analysis via a thematic analysis approach revealed 4 major themes: “LT as a facilitator of better HRQoL,” “coping and adapting to LT,” “living with a transplanted liver,” and “the family context.” HCP identified elements that both enhance (improved physical health, peer relationship, and activities of daily living) and challenge (need for immunosuppression, transplant follow-up, and restrictions) the multidimensional domains of HRQoL. HCP perceived LT to be a stressful life-changing event for children and their families. Patients and their parents’ ability to cope and adjust positively to LT was perceived as a key contributor to better HRQoL. HCP perspective highlights the importance of promoting psychosocial support and a family-centered care delivery model towards the overarching goal of optimizing durable outcomes.


Author(s):  
Mohamed Thayub S ◽  
Lydia Jeris W ◽  
RajGanesh R ◽  
Jaya Shree D ◽  
Kotturathu Mammen Cherian

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in India. Adherence to medication has been shown to reduce mortality and rate of hospital readmissions. Medication adherence as well as patient’s medication knowledge is also an important factor in validation and management of chronic illness. HRQoL indicates patient’s perceptions of their general, physical, mental health status and describes health burden in a population. Hence the aim of this was to assess the level of medication adherence, barrier to medication compliance, association between knowledge about medication and medication adherence and health related quality of life among CVD patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for a period3 months. Interview questionnaires for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics as well as the HRQoL, medication adherence, medication knowledge were used to collect data from 211 patients from the cardiovascular unit of Frontier Lifeline Hospital. Result: Of the study population 59% were male and had a mean age of 58 years.  The majority of participants (53%) were taking more than five medications. 34% of the study population had low adherence towards medication intake. The physical component of HRQOoL revealed that 28% of the participants had low scores in physical functioning, bodily pain and general health domains. Conclusion: Medication adherence may be a surrogate marker of Health Related Quality of Life among patients and hence health care providers should identify patients with poor medication adherence and monitor their medication use. Keywords: Medication Adherence, HRQoL , Medication Knowledge , Cardiovascular Patients


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 140-151
Author(s):  
Markus A. Wirtz ◽  
Matthias Morfeld ◽  
Elmar Brähler ◽  
Andreas Hinz ◽  
Heide Glaesmer

Abstract. The association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Short-Form Health Survey-12; SF-12) and patient-reported morbidity-related symptoms measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) is analyzed in a representative sample of older people in the general German population. Data from 1,659 people aged 60 to 85 years were obtained. Latent class analysis identified six classes of patients, which optimally categorize clusters of physical symptoms the participants reported: musculoskeletal impairments (39.8%), healthy (25.7%), musculoskeletal and respiratory/cardiac impairments (12.8%), musculoskeletal and respiratory impairments, along with bowel and digestion problems (12.9%), general impairments (4.9%), and general impairments with no bowel and digestion problems (4.8%). The participants’ SF-12 Physical Health Scores (η2 = .39) and their Mental Health Scores (η2 = .28) are highly associated with these latent classes. These associations remain virtually identical after controlling for age. The results provide evidence that profiles of patient-reported physical impairments correspond strongly with reduced HRQoL independently from aging processes.


Author(s):  
Raditya Wratsangka ◽  
Rully Ayu Nirmalasari Haryadi Putri

Anemia is a global health problem with an extremely high prevalence and occurring in nearly 25% of the world population, particularly in the elderly group. Currently Indonesia is facing a rapid growth of the elderly population, with around 21 million elderly (8.2% of the total population), that is projected to increase to 33.7 million (11.8%) in the year 2025. Anemia in the elderly is frequently neglected, although the facts show that low hemoglobin concentration is an important marker of physiological decline and functional limitations. Although the factor of intrinsic aging may cause low hemoglobin concentration, anemia in the elderly is known to have a wide range w88ith regard to etiology, underlying disorders, and  possible mechanisms, such that it should be clinically followed up. Whatever its causes or underlying pathophysiological, anemia in the elderly has been proven to play a role in their morbidity and mortality, and may decrease their quality of life, that comprises all aspects of physical, mental, and social health, known as health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The impact of anemia on HRQoL has been studied in various populations, and most studies report the presence of an association between HRQoL and anemia in elderly individuals, which on the subscale level is particularly associated with physical health. Early diagnosis of anemia is important to prevent aggravation of the condition, to retard the progress of the disease, and to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the patient. Prior to determining the treatment plan, the primary diagnosis and the comorbidities, especially treatable disorders, had better be identified first. The available data show that the overall prognosis will improve for anemia in patients with well-managed and corrected chronic disorders.


Author(s):  
Rebecca Iles ◽  
Melanie Simms ◽  
Alistair Ledsam

Disorders spanning a wide range of body systems may, directly or indirectly, impact upon the orofacial tissues. Specifically, the oral mucosa may be the first, or most severely affected site of systemic disease, posing significant implications for oral health-related quality of life. It is not uncommon for patients to present to their GP with orofacial symptoms, therefore a firm understanding of how systemic disease can manifest in this way is important. This article will discuss oral mucosal presentations of systemic disease, aiming to improve understanding and recognition of these conditions, allowing appropriate referral for investigation, diagnosis and management.


2013 ◽  
Vol 154 (35) ◽  
pp. 1381-1388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julianna Rozália Sallai ◽  
Aniella Hunka ◽  
Gábor Héjj ◽  
István †Ratkó ◽  
Judit Ortutay ◽  
...  

Introduction: There are limited data about the quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients admitted to rehabilitation centres in Hungary. Aim: The aim of the authors was to assess demographic data, social status, health related quality of life, and needs for assistance and disease-related information of 239 rheumatoid arthritis patients (169 women and 7 men) admitted to four rehabilitation centres in Hungary. Method: For the assessment of demographic, social and other data the authors developed questionnaires. The health related quality of life was evaluated using the validated Short Form 36 questionnaire. Results: The authors found that rheumatoid arthritis patients require in-patient rehabilitation relatively early in their disease course. 80.4% of the patients were over 50 years of age, and their social status was low as compared to the average of the Hungarian population. The health related quality of life of patients was significantly lower than that of the average population, but it was similar to the quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and low back pain. Among domains of the quality of life, the scores for physical function and pain were the lowest. The most common accompanying diseases included hypertension and osteoporosis. In case of knee and hip surgeries, postoperative rehabilitation was performed in due time. Patients were not satisfied with disease-related information and education given by health care providers. Conclusions: There is poor quality of life of rheumatoid arthritis patients admitted to rehabilitation centres in Hungary. More efforts should be done to provide disease-related information and education for patients. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1381–1388.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victório Poletto Neto ◽  
Gabriela Lamas Lamas ◽  
Mauro Elias Mesko ◽  
Fernanda Valentini Mioso ◽  
Marcos Britto Corrêa ◽  
...  

Objective: to assess the characteristics associated withtemporomandibular disorders (TMD) and their impacton oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of institutionalizedelderly people. Subjects and method: itwas a cross-sectional study performed in 30 private institutionsfor the elderly. The data collected included theTMD questionnaire and clinical evaluation assessed bythe Research Diagnostic Criteria/TemporomandibularDisorders (RDC/TMD), as well as the OHIP-49 questionnairefor OHRQoL. Results: twenty-four institutionsaccepted to participate in the study (n = 375 with 133fit for answering both questionnaires). Considering thecharacteristics, tinnitus was the most frequent symptomreported, while 98.5% of the research participants didnot present myofascial pain. Disc displacement wasobserved in 26.3%, while 93% of individuals did notpresent chronic pain. Severe depression was found in23.3% of the elderly with 24.1% presenting moderatelevels of non-specific physical symptoms, includingpain. Poisson regression analysis showed that the characteristicsreported were associated with a negativeimpact on OHRQoL. Conclusion: the domain-specificanalysis showed that all domains were affected negativelyby TMD characteristics and higher levels of depressionare associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL. Keywords: Elderly people. Oral health-related qualityof life. Temporomandibular disorders. Facial pain. Depression.


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