Health-related quality of life for glioblastoma short and long-term survivors receiving treatment with TTfields.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2055-2055
Author(s):  
Joshua David Palmer ◽  
Po-Ya Chuang ◽  
Gordon Chavez ◽  
Bruce CM Wang ◽  
Christina Proescholdt
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Usual Activity ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Eq Vas ◽  
Time Since Diagnosis

2055 Background: The aim of this study was to administer the first large-scale, international survey eliciting real-world patient-reported quality-of-life (QoL) for patients with newly diagnosed and long-term glioblastoma (GBM) currently receiving treatment with TTFields. Methods: A survey was designed and mailed to 2,815 patients actively using TTFields for treatment of GBM in the United States (US, n = 2,182) and Europe (EU, n = 633). The survey included 1) demographic information, 2) patient-reported clinical information and 3) EuroQol’s EQ-5D-5L and EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) surveys. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activity, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression) of the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS to understand the impact of patient demographics and clinical characteristics on QOL. Results: A total of 1,106 patients were included (39.3% response rate) with 782 and 324 responses in the US and EU, respectively. The median time from diagnosis was 14 mos (range, 0-301 mos) and ≥24 mos in 28.4% of patients. Patients were mostly male (62.3%) with a mean age of 58.5 (SD = 12.5) and 69.3% had stable disease. Mean EQ-VAS was 68.2 for all patients and was significantly higher for those with > 15 months since diagnosis compared to < 15 months since diagnosis (p = 0.008). There were significantly fewer problems reported on self-care ( p = 0.04) and usual activity ( p = 0.007) in patients with a longer time since diagnosis in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, patients with a longer time since diagnosis reported significantly better EQ-VAS ( p = 0.04). The effect size in the multivariate analysis for time since diagnosis on EQ-VAS was higher in the progressed subgroup ( p = 0.17) compared to the broader sample (0.08). The EQ-VAS and all five dimensions including mobility, self-care, usual activity, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression were improved for stable patients compared to progressed patients in the univariate and multivariate analyses. However, when stratified by progression status, progressed patients with longer time from diagnosis had significantly fewer reported problems with mobility ( p = 0.04), self-care ( p = 0.004) and usual activity ( p = 0.008), and significantly better self-rated health status ( p = 0.02). Conclusions: GBM survivors receiving TTFields reported significantly improved health status over time since diagnosis. Long-term survival with TTFields does not have a detriment in patient reported quality of life, in fact with longer time from diagnosis QOL significantly improves. This is true for patients with stable and progressed disease. Future prospective clinical trials are needed to further study the impact of our treatment and tumor progression on patient QOL.

scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life for Patients Receiving Tumor Treating Fields for Glioblastoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua D. Palmer ◽  
Gordon Chavez ◽  
Wesley Furnback ◽  
Po-Ya Chuang ◽  
Bruce Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Tumor Treating Fields ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Eq Vas ◽  
Time Since Diagnosis

BackgroundTo date, there has been no large-scale, real-world study of the health-related quality of life outcomes for patients using tumor treating fields (TTFields) therapy for glioblastoma (GBM) treatment.MethodsA survey was mailed to 2,815 patients actively using TTFields for treatment of GBM in the USA (n = 2,182) and Europe (n = 633). The survey included patient-reported demographic and clinical information, as well as EuroQol’s EQ-5D-5L and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) overall health score.ResultsA total of 1,106 applicable patients responded to the survey (USA = 782 and Europe = 324), with a mean age of 58.6 years (SD = 12.3). The average time since diagnosis and time using TTFields were 21.5 months (SD = 25.1) and 13.5 months (SD = 13.2), respectively. Over 61% of patients had been diagnosed at least 1 year prior and 28.4% at least 2 years prior; 45 patients (4.2%) had been diagnosed at least 5 years prior. Progressed disease was reported in 307 patients, while 690 reported non-progressed disease. Regression analyses showed that GBM disease progression and older age had predictable negative associations (p &lt; 0.001) with most EQ-5D-5L dimensions and the EQ-VAS. However, longer time since diagnosis was associated with improved self-care (p &lt; 0.05), usual activities (p &lt; 0.01), and EQ-VAS (p &lt; 0.05) overall and in patients with progressed disease (p &lt; 0.01, p &lt; 0.05, and p &lt; 0.01, respectively). Additionally, longer time using TTFields was associated with improved mobility (p &lt; 0.05), self-care (p &lt; 0.001), usual activities (p &lt; 0.01), and EQ-VAS (p &lt; 0.01) overall; with improved EQ-VAS in progression-free patients (p &lt; 0.05); and with improved mobility (p &lt; 0.05), self-care (p &lt; 0.01), usual activities (p &lt; 0.05), and EQ-VAS (p &lt; 0.05) in patients with progressed disease.ConclusionThis is the largest real-world study of patient-reported quality of life in GBM and TTFields treatment to date. It shows unsurprising negative associations between quality of life and disease progression and older age, as well as more novel, positive associations between quality of life and longer time since diagnosis and time using TTFields therapy.

scholarly journals Need for transition medicine in pediatric surgery – health related quality of life in adolescents and young adults with congenital malformations

2022 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Uecker ◽  
Benno Ure ◽  
Julia Hannah Quitmann ◽  
Jens Dingemann
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Congenital Malformations ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Surgical Conditions ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Survival rates of patients with visceral congenital malformations have increased considerably. However, long-term morbidity in these patients is high. In the last decades, these circumstances have led to a shift in goals of caretakers and researchers with a new focus on patients’ perspectives and long-term morbidity. Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) is the most commonly used patient-reported outcome measure to assess the impact of chronic symptoms on patients’ everyday lives. Most pediatric surgical conditions can cause a significantly decreased HrQoL in affected patients compared to the healthy population. In order to guarantee life-long care and to minimize the impact on HrQoL a regular interdisciplinary follow-up is obligatory. The period of transition from child-centered to adult-oriented medicine represents a critical phase in the long-term care of these complex patients. This scoping review aims to summarize relevant pediatric surgical conditions focusing on long-term-morbidity and HrQoL assessment in order to demonstrate the necessity for a well-structured and standardized transition for pediatric surgical patients.

scholarly journals Long Covid in adults discharged from UK hospitals after Covid-19: A prospective, multicentre cohort study using the ISARIC WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Sigfrid ◽  
Tom M Drake ◽  
Ellen Pauley ◽  
Edwin C Jesudason ◽  
Piero Olliaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

Structured Abstract Objectives: The long-term consequences of severe Covid-19 requiring hospital admission are not well characterised. The objective of this study was to establish the long-term effects of Covid-19 following hospitalisation and the impact these may have on patient reported outcome measures. Design: A multicentre, prospective cohort study with at least 3 months follow-up of participants admitted to hospital between 5th February 2020 and 5th October 2020. Setting: 31 hospitals in the United Kingdom. Participants: 327 hospitalised participants discharged alive from hospital with confirmed/high likelihood SARS-CoV-2 infection. Main outcome measures and comparisons: The primary outcome was self-reported recovery at least ninety days after initial Covid-19 symptom onset. Secondary outcomes included new symptoms, new or increased disability (Washington group short scale), breathlessness (MRC Dyspnoea scale) and quality of life (EQ5D-5L). We compared these outcome measures across age, comorbidity status and in-hospital Covid-19 severity to identify groups at highest risk of developing long-term difficulties. Multilevel logistic and linear regression models were built to adjust for the effects of patient and centre level risk factors on these outcomes. Results: In total 53.7% (443/824) contacted participants responded, yielding 73.8% (327/443) responses with follow-up of 90 days or more from symptom onset. The median time between symptom onset of initial illness and completing the participant questionnaire was 222 days (Interquartile range (IQR) 189 to 269 days). In total, 54.7% (179/327) of participants reported they did not feel fully recovered. Persistent symptoms were reported by 93.3% (305/325) of participants, with fatigue the most common (82.8%, 255/308), followed by breathlessness (53.5%, 175/327). 46.8% (153/327) reported an increase in MRC dyspnoea scale of at least one grade. New or worse disability was reported by 24.2% (79/327) of participants. Overall (EQ5D-5L) summary index was significantly worse at the time of follow-up (median difference 0.1 points on a scale of 0 to 1, IQR: -0.2 to 0.0). Females under the age of 50 years were five times less likely to report feeling recovered (adjusted OR 5.09, 95% CI 1.64 to 15.74), were more likely to have greater disability (adjusted OR 4.22, 95% CI 1.12 to 15.94), twice as likely to report worse fatigue (adjusted OR 2.06, 95% CI 0.81 to 3.31) and seven times more likely to become more breathless (adjusted OR 7.15, 95% CI 2.24 to 22.83) than men of the same age. Conclusions: Survivors of Covid-19 experienced long-term symptoms, new disability, increased breathlessness, and reduced quality of life. These findings were present even in young, previously healthy working age adults, and were most common in younger females. Policymakers should fund further research to identify effective treatments for long-Covid and ensure healthcare, social care and welfare support is available for individuals with long-Covid.  

Abstract 241: Evaluation of the Parameters of the Euro Qol- 5 D Questionnaire Among Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease With Normal and Elevated BMI

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyril James ◽  
Shreya Ohri ◽  
Snezhana Tisheva ◽  
Dilyana Yakova ◽  
Martin Hristov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Ischemic Heart Disease ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Ischemic Heart ◽  
Usual Activity ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
The Impact

Objective: The epidemic of obesity and obesity related morbidities is an important public health challenge, and is paralleled by growing incidence of metabolic syndrome which acts as a strong and significant risk factor for Ischemic heart disease and other atherosclerotic vascular events. The psychological impact of these chronic conditions can be very disturbing. In practical terms the functional effect of an illness and its therapy upon a patient, as perceived by the patient - could be estimated by introducing the quantitative approach of - Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of obesity on quality of life of patients with ischemic heart disease. Design and method: Questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted among patients with established Coronary Artery Disease admitted in the Department of Cardiology in the University Hospital. 520 patients who were admitted in the Cardiology Department between 1st of January 2012 and 30th June 2014 with acute coronary syndrome or coronary angiographic or Electrocardiography evidence of ischemic heart disease were included in the study, stratified by age, sex and BMI ( normal weight 18.5 - 24.9, overweight 25 - 29.9, obese 30 and above). EuroQol - 5D (EQ-5D) was administered in the patients during their hospital stay. EQ-5D comprises 5 dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Each dimension has 5 levels: no problems, slight problems, moderate problems, severe problems and extreme problems. The height, weight and basic laboratory parameters were recorded. Results: Mean age of the participants was 65.1± 10.6 years. Male female ratio was 0.76. The distribution of patients in BMI groups was 36.8%/ 24.4%/ 38.8%. Statistically significant differences between BMI groups were seen in Usual activity (p=0.005) and self-care (p=0.044) dimensions of EQ-5D-5L with poorest outcome in the obese. We have found significantly positive correlation between BMI and usual activities (R=0.234, p=0.001) and between age and anxiety (R= 0.366 p=0.045). Mean BMI of patients with extreme problems with extreme problems with usual activities is significantly greater than those with lower intensity of problems. Patients with extreme anxiety tend to have higher mean age. Conclusion: Our study revealed that Ischemic heart disease patients with obesity had impaired QoL in terms of health, mobility, usual activity, discomfort and anxiety. Hence non-obese ischemic heart disease patients had a better sense of overall wellbeing.

scholarly journals Long-term health sequelae and quality of life at least 6 months after infection with SARS-CoV-2: design and rationale of the COVIDOM-study as part of the NAPKON population-based cohort platform (POP)

Infection ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Horn ◽  
L. Krist ◽  
W. Lieb ◽  
F. A. Montellano ◽  
M. Kohls ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
National Network ◽  
Multiple Organs ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Over the course of COVID-19 pandemic, evidence has accumulated that SARS-CoV-2 infections may affect multiple organs and have serious clinical sequelae, but on-site clinical examinations with non-hospitalized samples are rare. We, therefore, aimed to systematically assess the long-term health status of samples of hospitalized and non-hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals from three regions in Germany. Methods The present paper describes the COVIDOM-study within the population-based cohort platform (POP) which has been established under the auspices of the NAPKON infrastructure (German National Pandemic Cohort Network) of the national Network University Medicine (NUM). Comprehensive health assessments among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals are conducted at least 6 months after the acute infection at the study sites Kiel, Würzburg and Berlin. Potential participants were identified and contacted via the local public health authorities, irrespective of the severity of the initial infection. A harmonized examination protocol has been implemented, consisting of detailed assessments of medical history, physical examinations, and the collection of multiple biosamples (e.g., serum, plasma, saliva, urine) for future analyses. In addition, patient-reported perception of the impact of local pandemic-related measures and infection on quality-of-life are obtained. Results As of July 2021, in total 6813 individuals infected in 2020 have been invited into the COVIDOM-study. Of these, about 36% wished to participate and 1295 have already been examined at least once. Conclusion NAPKON-POP COVIDOM-study complements other Long COVID studies assessing the long-term consequences of an infection with SARS-CoV-2 by providing detailed health data of population-based samples, including individuals with various degrees of disease severity. Trial registration Registered at the German registry for clinical studies (DRKS00023742).

The effect of surgery in tenosynovial giant cell tumours as measured by patient-reported outcomes on quality of life and joint function

2019 ◽  
Vol 101-B (3) ◽  
pp. 272-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. G. M. Verspoor ◽  
M. J. L. Mastboom ◽  
G. Hannink ◽  
W. T. A. van der Graaf ◽  
M. A. J. van de Sande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Diffuse Type ◽  
Joint Function ◽  
Population Means ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and joint function in tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) patients before and after surgical treatment. Patients and Methods This prospective cohort study run in two Dutch referral centres assessed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)) in 359 consecutive patients with localized- and diffuse-type TGCT of large joints. Patients with recurrent disease (n = 121) and a wait-and-see policy (n = 32) were excluded. Collected data were analyzed at specified time intervals preoperatively (baseline) and/or postoperatively up to five years. Results A total of 206 TGCT patients, 108 localized- and 98 diffuse-type, were analyzed. Median age at diagnosis of localized- and diffuse-type was 41 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29 to 49) and 37 years (IQR 27 to 47), respectively. SF-36 analyses showed statistically significant and clinically relevant deteriorated preoperative and immediate postoperative scores compared with general Dutch population means, depending on subscale and TGCT subtype. After three to six months of follow-up, these scores improved to general population means and continued to be fairly stable over the following years. VAS scores, for both subtypes, showed no statistically significant or clinically relevant differences pre- or postoperatively. In diffuse-type patients, the improvement in median WOMAC score was statistically significant and clinically relevant preoperatively versus six to 24 months postoperatively, and remained up to five years’ follow-up. Conclusion Patients with TGCT report a better HRQoL and joint function after surgery. Pain scores, which vary hugely between patients and in patients over time, did not improve. A disease-specific PROM would help to decipher the impact of TGCT on patients’ daily life and functioning in more detail. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:272–280.

scholarly journals The impact of lymphedema on health-related quality of life up to 10 years after breast cancer treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mads G. Jørgensen ◽  
Navid M. Toyserkani ◽  
Frederik G. Hansen ◽  
Anette Bygum ◽  
Jens A. Sørensen
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Breast Cancer Treatment ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe impact of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) on long-term quality of life is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of BCRL on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) up to 10 years after breast cancer treatment. This regional population-based study enrolled patients treated for breast cancer with axillary lymph node dissection between January 1st 2007 and December 31th 2017. Follow up and assessments of the included patients were conducted between January 2019 and May 2020. The study outcome was HRQoL, evaluated with the Lymphedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire and the Short Form (36) Health Survey Questionnaire. Multivariate linear logistic regression models adjusted for confounders provided mean score differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals in each HRQoL scale and item. This study enrolled 244 patients with BCRL and 823 patients without BCRL. Patients with BCRL had significantly poorer HRQoL than patients without BCRL in 16 out of 18 HRQoL subscales, for example, in physical function (MDs 27, 95%CI: 24; 30), mental health (MDs 24, 95%CI: 21; 27) and social role functioning (MDs 20, 95%CI: 17; 23). Age, BMI, BCRL severity, hand and dominant arm affection had only minor impact on HRQoL (MDs < 5), suggesting a high degree of inter-individual variation in coping with lymphedema. This study showed that BCRL is associated with long-term impairments in HRQoL, especially affecting the physical and psychosocial domains. Surprisingly, BCRL diagnosis rather than clinical severity drove the largest impairments in HRQoL.

Patients With a History of Oronasal Fistula Repair Exhibit Lower Oral Health Measured With Patient-Centric Outcomes Measures

2020 ◽  
pp. 105566562098133
Author(s):  
Alyssa Fritz ◽  
Diana S. Jodeh ◽  
Fatima Qamar ◽  
James J. Cray ◽  
S. Alex Rottgers
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Fistula Repair ◽  
Old Patients ◽  
Oronasal Fistula ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Oronasal fistulae following palatoplasty may affect patients’ quality of life by impacting their ability to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. We aimed to quantify the impact of previous oronasal fistula repair on patients’ quality of life using patient-reported outcome psychometric tools. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 8- to 9-year-old patients with cleft palate and/or lip was completed. Patients who had a cleft team clinic between September 2018 and August 2019 were recruited. Participants were divided into 2 groups (no fistula, prior fistula repair). Differences in the individual CLEFT-Q and Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF 19) Oral Health scores between the 2 groups were evaluated using a multivariate analysis controlling for Veau classification and syndromic diagnosis. Results: Sixty patients with a history of cleft palate were included. Forty-two (70%) patients had an associated cleft lip. Thirty-two (53.3%) patients had no history of fistula and 28 (46.7%) patients had undergone a fistula repair. CLEFT-Q Dental, Jaw, and Speech Function were all higher in patients without a history of a fistula repair; however, none of these differences were statistically significant. The COHIP-SF 19 Oral Health score demonstrated a significantly lower score in the fistula group, indicating poorer oral health ( P = .05). Conclusions: One would expect that successful repair of a fistula would result in improved function and patient satisfaction, but the consistent trend toward lower CLEFT-Q scores and significantly increased COHIP-SF 19 Oral Health scores in our study group suggests that residual effects linger and that the morbidity of a fistula may not be completely treated with a secondary correction.

scholarly journals Vision-related quality of life in adults with severe peripheral vision loss: a qualitative interview study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Lange ◽  
Abigail Kumagai ◽  
Sara Weiss ◽  
Katherine B. Zaffke ◽  
Sherry Day ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Existing patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures may not be relevant to the full range of functional and vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) concerns of individuals with vision impairment due to severe peripheral field loss (PFL). Measurement of VR-QOL in severe PFL is important in order to determine the effectiveness of vision rehabilitation interventions for this population. The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of severe PFL due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and glaucoma on VR-QOL as the initial phase in the development of a novel PRO measure. Methods Individuals with severe PFL due to RP or glaucoma were recruited from the Kellogg Eye Center and the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews, the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) questionnaire and the RAND 36-Item Health Survey. Interviews were analyzed by two coders using thematic analysis. A matrix analysis was conducted to compare VR-QOL by cause of severe PFL. Sample size was determined by thematic saturation. Results The study included 37 participants (19 RP, 18 glaucoma). Median best-corrected visual acuity for those with RP and glaucoma was 20/40 and 20/27.5, while Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity was 1.2 log contrast sensitivity (logCS) and 1.1 logCS, respectively. Median domain scores on the IVI (reading, mobility, well-being) ranged from a low of − 0.2 to a high of 0.7 logits in those with RP and from 0.5 to 1.2 logits in those with glaucoma. Qualitative interviews identified six VR-QOL themes relevant across participants with both RP and glaucoma, including activity limitations, driving, emotional well-being, reading, mobility, and social function. VR-QOL concerns were largely consistent among those with severe PFL due to RP and glaucoma. These overarching themes contained content relevant to specific challenges related to severe PFL. Conclusions There are commonly occurring VR-QOL concerns among individuals with severe PFL due to RP and glaucoma. The outlined themes will serve as the basis for development of the Low Vision Severely Constricted Peripheral Eyesight (LV-SCOPE) Questionnaire.

scholarly journals Quality of life assessments in clinical practice using either the EORTC-QLQ-C30 or the SEIOQL-DW: a randomized study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Åsa Kettis ◽  
Hanna Fagerlind ◽  
Jan-Erik Frödin ◽  
Bengt Glimelius ◽  
Lena Ring
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Health Related Qol ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Effective patient-physician communication can improve patient understanding, agreement on treatment and adherence. This may, in turn, impact on clinical outcomes and patient quality of life (QoL). One way to improve communication is by using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Heretofore, studies of the impact of using PROMs in clinical practice have mostly evaluated the use of standardized PROMs. However, there is reason to believe that individualized instruments may be more appropriate for this purpose. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the standardized QoL-instrument, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life C-30 (EORTC-QOL-C30) and the individualized QoL instrument, the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW), in clinical practice. Methods In a prospective, open-label, controlled intervention study at two hospital out-patient clinics, 390 patients with gastrointestinal cancer were randomly assigned either to complete the EORTC-QOL-C30 or the SEIQoL-DW immediately before the consultation, with their responses being shared with their physician. This was repeated in 3–5 consultations over a period of 4–6 months. The primary outcome measure was patients’ health-related QoL, as measured by FACIT-G. Patients’ satisfaction with the consultation and survival were secondary outcomes. Results There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to study outcomes. Neither intervention instrument resulted in any significant changes in health-related QoL, or in any of the secondary outcomes, over time. This may reflect either a genuine lack of effect or sub-optimization of the intervention. Since there was no comparison to standard care an effect in terms of lack of deterioration over time cannot be excluded. Conclusions Future studies should focus on the implementation process, including the training of physicians to use the instruments and their motivation for doing so. The effects of situational use of standardized or individualized instruments should also be explored. The effectiveness of the different approaches may depend on contextual factors including physician and patient preferences.

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