scholarly journals The Patient Navigation Project for Socially Vulnerable Cancer Patients Improves Quality of Life and Health Literacy

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 110s-110s
Author(s):  
S. Scheuer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Patient Navigation ◽  
Cancer Survival ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Distress Level

Background: Social inequality in cancer survival and rehabilitation is a major problem. Patient navigation has shown to empower cancer patients to take part in their health care and help them navigate through an increasingly complex health care system. These promising results makes it relevant to explore whether patient navigation can improve the lives of vulnerable cancer patients. Aim: The aim of this study is to examine whether the Danish Cancer Society's nation-wide Patient Navigation Project improves quality of life and health literacy among socially vulnerable cancer patients. Methods: Socially vulnerable cancer patients were included in the project and matched with a navigator (volunteer). The navigators, who had a background in social welfare or health care, supported the patients during a 6-month period. The navigators participated in health care visits, helped the patients to keep track of their disease and treatment, and gave the patients emotional support. The support was based on the patients' needs and the navigators focused on empowering the patients. The patients completed a baseline questionnaire and a 6-month follow-up questionnaire. The questionnaires focused on quality of life (WHO-5 Well-being Index and distress thermometer) and health literacy. Results: Of the 268 participants enrolled in the project, 45 were still enrolled when data were collected and 110 did not complete the 6-month navigation period, due to death or disease worsening. Of the 113 participants who completed the 6-month navigation period, 97 participants filled out the 6-month follow-up questionnaire (86%). The participants were predominantly on retirement benefit (61%), 19% were unemployed and 56% had no or a short education. At baseline, the mean distress level was 8.1, and 64% had a low well-being score and were therefore at risk for depression/long term stress. 6 month after enrolment, the distress level had decreased to 6.7 ( P < 0.001) and 28% had a low well-being score ( P < 0.001). When it comes to health literacy, 60% of the participants stated that they had become better at finding information about their disease 6 month after enrolment, and 74% had become better at asking questions at meetings at the hospital. Conclusion: The socially vulnerable cancer patients enrolled in the Patient Navigation Project experienced increased well-being, a lower distress level and improved health literacy 6 months after enrollment. The findings of the study suggests that patient navigation can improve quality of life and health literacy for socially vulnerable cancer patients.

LuCaS (Lung Cancer Surveillance) study: Surveillance models for advanced lung cancer patients.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20546-e20546
Author(s):  
Sarah Anne Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
Advanced Lung Cancer ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
Lung Cancer Patients

e20546 I hope to present the trial protocol as a poster at ASCO with co design work commencing 2017. Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in NZ.1 85% of registrations annually are stage four at diagnosis, presenting a significant burden on resources. Despite novel therapies, survival is poor and quality of life is a key consideration in patient management .2,3 Currently the aim of surveillance is to detect for disease progression and follows a three monthly pattern. There is little literature around benefits of surveillance on survival, and quality of life in these patients. 4-6 Alternative approaches to surveillance should be evaluated to ensure safe, convenient, economical care. Lung cancer outcomes for Maori patients sit significantly lower than those for New Zealand Europeans. Maori patients are twice as likely to present with locally advanced disease and four times less likely to receive curative treatment (multivariate analysis). There are significant barriers for Maori patients to attending health care including time off work, health literacy, costs, child care, language barriers, and transport. 19 Ministry of Health data describes poor outcomes for Maori lung cancer patients with rate of death sitting at 3.4 times that of non-Maori. Co-Primary End Points To determine if there is a reduction in health services utilisation (ED visits, hospital visits, unplanned clinic visits, GP visits, and Nurse Specialist contact) with the end point identified at progression, lost to follow up, or death. To compare the impact of a novel virtual surveillance model (VSM) versus usual follow-up care on patient anxiety measured using the HADS-A tool. Methods: LuCaS is a Randomised Controlled trial in patients with advanced lung cancer randomised to virtual model or standard care. Results: recruitment begins this year. Conclusions: Hypothesis:A virtual follow up model for advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer patients, extensive stage small cell lung cancer patients, and mesothelioma patients will reduce health care utilisation and patient experienced anxiety defined by reduction in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) score, while maintaining effectiveness detecting recurrence and survival.

Healing by design: The influence of an artistic design on the well being of cancer patients—A 10 years follow up

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 18615-18615
Author(s):  
H. Samonigg ◽  
E. Andritsch ◽  
G. Dietmaier ◽  
T. Bauernhofer ◽  
H. Andritsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact

18615 Background: The style of the surrounding in which cancer patients, who experience physical as well as high psychological distress are treated, can help them to acquire a sense of security, to reduce their anxiety and depression. Inspired by this model the famous artist F. Hundertwasser created the redesign of the oncological ward with the aim to generate an atmosphere of security by utilizing bright, warm and vivid colours, light and plants. The aim of this study was to investigate in a prospective manner whether the artistic redesign have an influence on the welfare of cancer patients using standardized questionnaires pre and immediately post reconstruction and in a follow up 10 years later. Methods: A total of 261 patients were interviewed (93 before the redesign, 81 immediately and 87 ten years after redesign) to assess the influence of depression (Zerssen Depression Scale, PD-S) quality of life (Spitzer Index)and perceptions of the ward design (semi-structured interview) on wellbeing (Zerrsen Mood Scale, Bf-S). Results: A factor analysis of the semi-structured interview yielded four factors assessed with a MANOVA showing that patients interviewed after redesign reported more positive effects of the ward design (F2;227 = 484.274; p < 0.001). In addition, they were more content with treatment and medical care (F2;227 = 20.103; p < 0.001), more positive in their emotions and thoughts regarding illness (F2;227 = 8.600; p = 0.003) and placed greater importance on the fixtures (F2;227 = 6.067; p = 0.003) than the patients interviewed before the redesign. In a regression analysis depression, the “impact of ward design”, quality of life, gender, “emotions and thoughts regarding illness”, age and education predicted wellbeing with an “R” of 0.0469 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results provide important aspects for the discussion if the physical surroundings in which cancer patients are treated serve as a potentially positive factor in the “healing process”. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals Exploring the relationship among dispositional optimism, health-related quality of life, and CIPN severity among colorectal cancer patients with chronic peripheral neuropathy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hester.R. Trompetter ◽  
Cynthia S. Bonhof ◽  
Lonneke V. van de Poll-Franse ◽  
Gerard Vreugdenhil ◽  
Floortje Mols
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Purpose Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy ((CI)PN) becomes chronic in 30% of cancer patients. Knowledge of predictors of chronic (CI)PN and related impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is lacking. We examined the role of optimism in chronic (CI)PN severity and associated HRQoL in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients up to two years after diagnosis. Methods CRC patients from a prospective cohort study participated, with sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) 1 year after diagnosis (n = 142). Multivariable regression analyses examined the cross-sectional association between optimism (measured by the LOT-R) and SPN severity/HRQoL (measured by the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 and QLQ-C30), as well as the prospective association in a subsample that completed measures 2 years after diagnosis and still experienced SPN (n = 86). Results At 1-year follow-up, higher optimism was associated with better global HRQoL, and better physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning (all p < .01). Optimism at year one was also prospectively associated with better global HRQoL (p < .05), and emotional and cognitive functioning at 2-year follow-up (both p < .01). Optimism was not related to self-reported SPN severity. Significant associations were retained when controlling for demographic/clinical variables, and became non-significant after controlling for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions Optimism and depressive and anxiety symptoms are associated with HRQoL in CRC patients with chronic (CI)PN. Future research may illuminate the mechanisms that these factors share, like the use of (non)adaptive coping styles such as avoidance and acceptance that may inform the design of targeted interventions to help patients to adapt to chronic (CI)PN.

scholarly journals Comparison of the Quality of Life of Patients with Breast or Colon Cancer with an Arm Vein Port (TIVAD) Versus a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1495-1506
Author(s):  
Brent Burbridge ◽  
Hyun Lim ◽  
Lynn Dwernychuk ◽  
Ha Le ◽  
Tehmina Asif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Venous Access ◽  
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter ◽  
Central Catheter ◽  
Access Device ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Venous Access Device

Introduction: Venous access is a crucial element in chemotherapy delivery. It remains unclear whether cancer patients prefer a port to a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Our study aimed to assess cancer patients’ satisfaction with their venous access device and to compare the quality of life (QoL) of subjects with a PICC to those with a port. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, EORTC QLQ-C30, and a locally developed quality of life survey (QLAVD), designed to assess satisfaction with venous access devices, were administered to breast or colorectal cancer patients over a one-year period following the device insertion. Mixed effects models were used to assess changes on mean scores at different time points. Results: A total of 101 patients were recruited over a three-year period, (PICC group, n = 50; port group, n = 51). Survey response rates for months one and three were 72% and 48%, respectively. Overall, no significant differences were noted between the two groups in relation to EORTC QOL. At three months, the mean pain scores were 3.5 ± 2.3 for the port and 1.3 ± 0.75 for PICC (<0.001). The mean score for a negative effect of the venous access device on psychosocial well-being was 6.0 ± 4.1 for PICC and 3.0 ± 2.7 for the port (p = 0.005). Complications related to PICCs occurred in 38% patients versus 41% with a port (p > 0.24). Conclusions: Although subjects with a port experienced more pain during the device insertion or access for chemotherapy, it had a smaller negative impact on psychosocial scores than the PICC. No significant differences in complications rates were observed between the two devices.

Significance of patient-reported outcomes for occupational resumption and quality of life after cardiac rehabilitation

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Salzwedel ◽  
I Koran ◽  
E Langheim ◽  
A Schlitt ◽  
J Nothroff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Returning To Work

Abstract Introduction Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs based on the bio-psycho-social approach of the international classification of functioning and disease are carried out to achieve improved prognosis, superior health-related quality of life (HRQL) and social integration. We aimed to identify predictors of returning to work (RTW) and HRQL among cardiovascular risk factors and physical performance as well as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) modifiable during CR. Methods We designed a prospective observational multi-center study and enrolled 1,586 patients (2017/18) in 12 German rehabilitation centers regardless of their primary allocation diagnoses (e.g. acute myocardial infarction (AMI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), coronary artery disease (CAD), valvular disease). Besides general data (e.g. age, gender, diagnoses), parameters of risk factor management (e.g. smoking, lipid profile, hypertension, lifestyle change motivation), physical performance (e.g. maximum exercise capacity, endurance training load, 6-min walking distance), and PROMs (e.g. depression, heart-focused anxiety, HRQL, subjective well-being, somatic and mental health, pain, general self-efficacy, pension desire as well as self-assessment of occupational prognosis using several questionnaires) were documented at CR admission and discharge. 6 months after discharge, status of RTW and HRQL (SF-12) were captured by a follow-up (FU) survey and analyzed in multivariable regression models with multiple imputation of missing values. Results Out of the study participants, 1,262 patients (54±7 years, 77% men) responded to the follow-up survey and could be analyzed regarding the outcome parameters. Most of them were assigned to CR primarily due to AMI (40%) or CAD without myocardial infarction (18%), followed by heart valve diseases in 12% of patients and CABG (8%). 864 patients (69%) returned to work within the follow-up period. Pension desire, negative self-assessed occupational prognosis, heart-focussed anxiety, major life events, smoking and heart failure were negatively associated with RTW, while higher endurance training load, HRQL and work stress were positively associated (Figure 1). HRQL after 6 months was determined more by PROMs (e.g. pension desire, heart-focused anxiety, physical/mental HRQL in SF-12, physical/mental health in indicators of rehab-status questionnaire (IRES-24), stress, well-being in the World Health Organization well-being index and self-efficacy expectations) than by clinical parameters or physical performance. Conclusions Patient-reported outcome measures predominantly influenced RTW and HRQL in heart-disease patients, whereas patients' pension desire and heart-focussed anxiety had a dominant impact on all investigated endpoints. Therefore, the multi-component CR approach focussing on psychosocial support is crucial for subjective health prognosis and occupational resumption. Figure 1. Predictors of returning to work Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): German pension insurance

scholarly journals The impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on late radiation toxicity and quality of life in breast cancer patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilot C. T. Batenburg ◽  
Wies Maarse ◽  
Femke van der Leij ◽  
Inge O. Baas ◽  
Onno Boonstra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Oxygen Therapy ◽  
Radiation Toxicity ◽  
Breast Pain ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract Purpose To evaluate symptoms of late radiation toxicity, side effects, and quality of life in breast cancer patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Methods For this cohort study breast cancer patients treated with HBOT in 5 Dutch facilities were eligible for inclusion. Breast cancer patients with late radiation toxicity treated with ≥ 20 HBOT sessions from 2015 to 2019 were included. Breast and arm symptoms, pain, and quality of life were assessed by means of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and -BR23 before, immediately after, and 3 months after HBOT on a scale of 0–100. Determinants associated with persistent breast pain after HBOT were assessed. Results 1005/1280 patients were included for analysis. Pain scores decreased significantly from 43.4 before HBOT to 29.7 after 3 months (p < 0.001). Breast symptoms decreased significantly from 44.6 at baseline to 28.9 at 3 months follow-up (p < 0.001) and arm symptoms decreased significantly from 38.2 at baseline to 27.4 at 3 months follow-up (p < 0.001). All quality of life domains improved at the end of HBOT and after 3 months follow-up in comparison to baseline scores. Most prevalent side effects of HBOT were myopia (any grade, n = 576, 57.3%) and mild barotrauma (n = 179, 17.8%). Moderate/severe side effects were reported in 3.2% (n = 32) of the patients. Active smoking during HBOT and shorter time (i.e., median 17.5 vs. 22.0 months) since radiotherapy were associated with persistent breast pain after HBOT. Conclusion Breast cancer patients with late radiation toxicity reported reduced pain, breast and arm symptoms, and improved quality of life following treatment with HBOT.

Quality of life and adherence to mediterranean diet among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of a primary health care clinic in Hebron city, Palestine

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Manal Badrasawi ◽  
May Hamdan ◽  
Mohammad Al Tamimi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Primary Health Care Clinic ◽  
Primary Health

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a lifelong metabolic disease with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. Uncontrolled and untreated diabetes results in serious complications that subsequently cause patients’ quality of life (QoL) to deteriorate. Adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) may relieve the complications of diabetes, thereby improving the quality of life for these patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the QoL of DM patients who adhered to MD. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we examined the QoL and MD data of 106 DM II patients being treated at a primary health care clinic in Hebron. We used the SF-36 questionnaire to measure the patients’ QoL and the MEDAS tool to assess their MD adherence. We also recorded their anthropometric measurements, abdominal obesity, lifestyle habits and blood biochemical results. RESULTS: The sample comprised male and female DM II patients between the ages of 35 and 72, with their mean age being 55.8±10.24. Patients’ QoL scores showed a significant relationship with three BMI categories, i.e., total QoL score, physical function, and pain domains (p <  0.05). In terms of diet, high adherence to MD had a positive impact on all domains and on patients’ total QoL with significant differences in physical functioning, emotional well-being, social functioning and pain domains. CONCLUSION: Patients’ QoL domains were relatively low and highly affected by DM II. Patients with greater MD adherence reported higher scores in all QoL domains. Significantly higher scores were noted for the physical, social and pain domains. Hence, MD is a recommended dietary pattern for DM II patients to achieve a better QoL.

scholarly journals Factors related to perceived continuity of care in hospitalized cardiac patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Safstrom ◽  
T.J Jaarsma ◽  
L.N Nordgren ◽  
M.L Liljeroos ◽  
A.S Stomberg
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Background Since healthcare systems are increasingly complex and often fragmented, continuity of care after hospitalization is a priority to increase patient safety and satisfaction. Aim Describe factors related to continuity of care in patients hospitalized due to cardiac conditions. Methods This cross-sectional multicenter study enrolled patients 6 weeks after hospitalization due to cardiac conditions. A total of 993 patients were included (mean age 72.2 (SD 10.4), males 66%) with AMI (35%), AF (25%), angina (21%) and HF (17.3%). Patients completed the Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire, a questionnaire based on the definition that continuity of care is “the extent to which a series of health care services is experienced as connected and coherent and is consistent with a patient's health needs and personal circumstances”. The total score of the questionnaire ranges from 6 to 30, higher score indicating higher continuity and a score &lt;24 indicating insufficient continuity. Cronbach's alpha on the total PCCQ was 0.94. Correlations between PCCQ and quality of life, depression, anxiety, perceived control and health care utilization were estimated using spearman rang correlation. Results Insufficient continuity of care ranged between 47% to 59% in the different diagnosis groups, which the highest continuity in the AMI group and lowest in patients with atrial fibrillation. In patients hospitalized due to AMI (n=355, mean age 71 (± 11), 70% men), continuity of care was related to higher perceived control, higher quality of life, a good financial situation, being a man, no symptoms of anxiety or depression (ᚹ range 0.17–0.26 p≤0.002). A low score on the PCCQ were associated with follow-up visit to a nurse in primary care after hospitalization (ᚹ −0.12 p=0.033). In patients hospitalized due to angina (n=210, mean age 73 (± 9), 74% men), continuity of care was related to higher perceived control, higher quality of life and no depressive symptoms (ᚹ range between 0.20 and 0.26 p=0.005). In patients with AF, (n=255, mean age 71 (± 10.), 58% men), continuity of care was related to having had contact by telephone with a nurse-led AF clinic, higher perceived control, higher quality of life and not being depressed (ᚹ range between 0.14–0.25 p=0.03). In patients with HF, (n=173, mean age 77 (±8) 59% men), continuity was related to male ender, younger age, follow-up in a nurse-led HF clinic and not being anxious (ᚹ range between 0.16 and 0.22 p=0.004–0.047). Low total score on PCCQ correlated to having had telephone contact with nurse in primary care (ᚹ −0.24 p=0.002). Conclusion Almost half of all patient reported insufficient continuity of care. Perceived control, quality of life, and symptoms of depression were related to higher continuity of care in all diagnose groups except heart failure. Further, there was a correlation between continuity and follow-up visits or contact by telephone with nurse-led clinics in all diagnose groups except angina. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden, Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland

L'Impatto Della Patologia Neoplastica Sullo Stato di Benessere Del Paziente

1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (1_suppl1) ◽  
pp. S20-S23
Author(s):  
Enrico Cortesi ◽  
E. Ballatori ◽  
P. Casali ◽  
E. Cortesi ◽  
M. Costantini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Family Relationship ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Common Interest ◽  
Careful Study ◽  
Medical Environment ◽  
Disease Information

The peculiar characteristics of the italian neoplastic patients, as far as their knowledge concerning the disease (information, prognosis, therapeutic options, etc) and the different cultural, environmental and health realities, place different problems on the routine application of the quality of life questionnaires wich were constructed and edited in North European or North American Countries, even if correctly translated and validated in Italy. The QVonc (Quality of Life in Oncology) Project started five years ago from the common interest of medical oncologists who felt the need to make a careful study on some aspects regarding the evaluation of italian patient's quality of life. A multidisciplinary working group, comprehensive of statisticians, epidemiologists, psychologists, nurses and methodologists, was then put together. During the last three years the Group produced a deep analysis of the different aspects and determinants of the italian patient's quality of life, mainly about their disease and medical environment perception. A prospective research was started in 1995 with the aims of identifying the contents of quality of life, using a sample of cancer patients as “experts” and of measuring the relevance of selected contents in different subgroups of patients. In the first study the quality of life dimensions were analysed as perceived from 248 neoplastic patients, uniformely and randomly distributed for pathology and place of residence in Italy, through an open questionnaire and interviews conducted by our psychologists. Some peculiar aspects of the quality of life perception in italian patients were evidenced: relationship with the family, with the medical team and health facilities, economic problems and occupational difficulties. The study confirmed that the information on the contents of quality of life can be derived only studying people suffering the specific disease and cast a doubt on the available QL instruments currently used. The second study evaluated the quality of life perception in 6939 consecutive cancer patients referred in the second week of July 1996 to 79 Italian medical oncology/radiotherapy Institutions. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire concerning the importance of 46 domains of QL, each one scored on 4 levels (not at all, a little, much and very much). Domains were derived from a previous content analysis of 268 pts answers to 4 questions related to their own QL: “in your experience, what is QL?”, “what is a bad QL?”, “what is a good QL?”, “Did the diagnosis and treatment received modify your QL?”. 6939 patients entered the study; of these, 820 (11.8%) did not fill out the questionnaire due to various reasons. Among the 6,119 evaluable pts, the most frequent cancers were: breast (2,328), colo-rectal (968), lung (517), lymphoma (351), gastric (225). The most frequently chosen domains (much or very much) were related to health facilities or communication between patient-physician/nurse. Family relationship and general well being were also found important, while from the negative perspective the presence of the disease and the related anxiety were the most relevant problems. In conclusion, when choosing or constructing QL instruments, at least for Italian cancer pts, factors such as health facilities and pt ‘- physician/nurse relationship should be more adequately considered. Most currently used QL questionnaires are probably lacking in this regard.

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