scholarly journals The Temporal World in Caregivers of Cancer Survivors: Intertextual Analysis of their Experiences about the Perception of Time Compared with Excerpts from the Book "Einstein's Dreams

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-18
Author(s):  
Rafael Vargas ◽  
Andrés Camargo

Purpose: The perception of time and its measurements depend on subjective constructs that vary according to changes in health. The evidence has shown that cancer diagnosis induces new relationships with time in patients and caregivers. The purpose of this study was to propose a multifaceted view about time perception referred by caregivers of cancer survivors. Methods: This study used a qualitative phenomenological methodology including semi-structured interviews with caregivers of cancer survivors. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using an approach for intertextual analysis, taking as reference the book "Einstein's dreams". Results: The analysis of transcripts shows changes caregivers’ time perception. Participants were grouped into three essential moments related to each stage of the disease. The variations found in the perception of time in caregivers can be explained by common physiological and behavioral responses associated with the diagnosis of a chronic disease (i.e. stress, anxiety, fear, unhappiness, and sadness), which can be modified in the course of the disease. Conclusions: We propose that a holistic approach to patient and caregiver care should include management of time perception, thus establishing interventions that facilitate a change in the experience of time perception into a more pleasant experience after a cancer diagnosis. The above may result in increased quality of patient care and possibly increased quality of life of caregivers.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayah M. Liska ◽  
Angie Kolen

Abstract Purpose As a result of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, many cancer survivors experience persistent physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that affect their quality of life. Physical activity has been identified as an intervention that may help to manage the side effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on overall quality of life in adult cancer survivors.Methods One-on-one semi structured interviews were conducted in person or via telephone with 13 adult (≥18 yrs) cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatment.Results These cancer survivors described their physical activity as improving their physical functioning and mental health, as a means of positive social engagement, and adding positivity to their daily life.Conclusion These results support the role of physical activity to enhance cancer survivors’ quality of life regardless of the treatment(s) type, duration, or time since the end of active cancer treatment. Further research is warranted to (a) expand this research with a larger sample, (b) examine healthcare providers’ knowledge and application of exercise guidelines to cancer survivors in cancer care, and (c) explore implementation strategies for greater advocacy for healthcare providers to share the exercise recommendations with cancer survivors.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayah M. Liska ◽  
Angie Kolen

Abstract Purpose: As a result of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, many cancer survivors experience persistent physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that affect their quality of life. Physical activity has been identified as an intervention that may help to manage the side effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on overall quality of life in adult cancer survivors. Methods: One-on-one semi structured interviews were conducted in person or via telephone with 13 adult (≥18 yrs) cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatment. Results: These cancer survivors described their physical activity as improving their physical functioning and mental health, as a means of positive social engagement, and adding positivity to their daily life. Conclusion: These results support the role of physical activity to enhance cancer survivors’ quality of life regardless of the individuals’ treatment(s) type, duration, or time since the end of active cancer treatment. Further research is warranted to (a) expand this research with a larger sample, (b) examine healthcare providers’ knowledge and application of exercise guidelines to cancer survivors in cancer care, and (c) explore implementation strategies for greater advocacy for healthcare providers to share the exercise recommendations with cancer survivors.


Author(s):  
Joel H Fuhrman ◽  
Deana M Ferreri

Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors in cancer survivors has the potential to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve quality of life. Although whole diet intervention studies in cancer survivors are scarce, the available evidence supports a plant-based diet, and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) recommends following cancer prevention diet and lifestyle guidelines to reduce the risk of recurrence. There is sufficient evidence to presume that the same phytochemical-rich foods that have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer (prevention) are beneficial and lifespan promoting for those who have a diagnosis of cancer. The nutrient-dense, plant-rich (NDPR) diet (also called a Nutritarian diet) is a plant-based diet that places emphasis on foods with evidence backing anti-tumor activity such as inhibition of proliferation and angiogenesis, apoptosis promotion, anti-inflammatory effects, and induction of the master regulator of detoxification and antioxidant response nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2): leafy green vegetables, beans, garlic and onion, seeds and nuts, mushrooms, berries, and other carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables, assuring rich sources of phytonutrients and plant lignans. Here, we present seven cases of patients who had adopted the NDPR diet following a cancer diagnosis and conveyed details of their results. Patients generally reported improved quality of life, intentional weight loss, no recurrence, and improvement in other aspects of health in the years after cancer diagnosis provoked their dietary change.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Danbee Kang ◽  
Nayeon Kim ◽  
Gayeon Han ◽  
Sooyeon Kim ◽  
Hoyoung Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This study aims to identify factors associated with divorce following breast cancer diagnosis and measures the impact of divorce on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Methods We used cross-sectional survey data collected at breast cancer outpatient clinics in South Korea from November 2018 to April 2019. Adult breast cancer survivors who completed active treatment without any cancer recurrence at the time of the survey (N = 4,366) were included. The participants were classified into two groups: “maintaining marriage” and “being divorced,” between at the survey and at the cancer diagnosis. We performed logistic regression and linear regression to identify the factors associated with divorce after cancer diagnosis and to compare the QoL of divorced and nondivorced survivors. Results Approximately 11.1/1,000 of married breast cancer survivors experienced divorce after cancer diagnosis. Younger age, lower education, and being employed at diagnosis were associated with divorce. Being divorced survivors had significantly lower QoL (Coefficient [Coef] = −7.50; 95% CI = −13.63, −1.36), social functioning (Coef = −9.47; 95% CI = −16.36, −2.57), and body image (Coef = −8.34; 95% CI = −6.29, −0.39) than survivors who remained married. They also experienced more symptoms including pain, insomnia, financial difficulties, and distress due to hair loss. Conclusion Identifying risk factors of divorce will ultimately help ascertain the resources necessary for early intervention.


Author(s):  
Mary S. McCabe ◽  
Stacie Corcoran

Being told you are cancer-free does not mean you are free of the consequences of the disease. Seventy-six percent of cancer survivors are over age 60 years and have coexisting medical conditions that complicate posttreatment recovery to maximum health. Childhood cancer survivors also carry a heavy burden of medical and psychological problems resulting from their experience with cancer. Cancer diagnosis and treatment affects the family as well as the patient. Improvements are needed in the coordination of care for cancer survivors to assure optimal quality of life.


Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 901-907
Author(s):  
Sietske J. Tamminga ◽  
Lyanne P. Jansen ◽  
Monique H.W. Frings-Dresen ◽  
Angela G.E.M. de Boer

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer survivors are able to return to work. However, little is known about their work situation 5 years after diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To explore fluctuations in employment status and its association with quality of life 2, 3, and 5 years after cancer diagnosis of 65 cancer survivors employed at diagnosis. METHODS: In association with a randomised controlled trial (RCT), questionnaires were administrated to eligible cancer survivors at diagnosis, 2, 3, and 5 years thereafter comprising of validated questionnaires related to work (i.e. Work Ability Index (WAI), cancer, and quality of life (QOL) (i.e. SF-36, VAS QOL). The RCT studied a hospital-based work support intervention in female breast and gynaecological cancer survivors who were treated with curative intent and had paid work at diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and longitudinal multi-level analysis were employed. RESULTS: Sixty-five of the 102 eligible cancer survivors participated, who were primarily diagnosed with breast cancer (63%). Two and 5 years after cancer diagnosis respectively 63 (97%) and 48 (81%) participants were employed. Reasons for not being employed after 5 years included receiving unemployment benefits (7%), voluntary unemployment (3%), receiving disability benefits (3%), and early retirement (3%). Longitudinal multi-level analysis showed that employed cancer survivors reported in general statistically significant better quality of life outcomes at 5 years follow-up compared to those not being employed. CONCLUSIONS: We found high employment rates and few fluctuations in employment status. The steepest decline in employment rate occurs after the first two years of diagnosis. Employed participants reported better quality of life outcomes. Survivorship care should therefore focus on the population at risk possibly within the first two years after diagnosis.


2020 ◽  
pp. 140349482090875
Author(s):  
Finn Breinholt Larsen ◽  
Jes Bak Sørensen ◽  
Claus Vinther Nielsen ◽  
Anne-Mette Hedeager Momsen ◽  
Karina Friis ◽  
...  

Aims: This study aimed to compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among cancer survivors and controls in the Danish population, with special attention given to the impact of low educational attainment. Comparisons were made at population level and for subgroups stratified by education. Furthermore, comparisons were made for all cancer diagnoses combined and for the 14 most prevalent cancer sites and ‘other cancer sites’. Finally, the importance of time since initial diagnosis was examined. Methods: HRQOL was measured using the physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) of the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 in a population-based survey. By linking data with the Danish Cancer Registry, 11,166 cancer survivors and 151,117 individuals with no history of cancer were identified. Results: HRQOL was reduced in cancer survivors for all cancers combined and most cancer sites. Differences were found at population level and stratified by educational attainment. PCS was reduced to a similar extent in the three educational groups, whereas MCS was reduced slightly more in the low than in the high educational attainment group. HRQOL increased with time since initial diagnosis during the first years. Conclusions: Cancer survivors had lower HRQOL than controls, and HRQOL was lower in the low than in the high educational attainment group. However, low educational attainment did not widen the gap in HRQOL following a cancer diagnosis. Despite this, the combined effect of low educational attainment and a cancer diagnosis markedly reduced HRQOL in some cancer survivors. The study identified groups of cancer survivors with low HRQOL who may have unmet rehabilitation needs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Corder ◽  
Linda Ronnie

Purpose Although private health care is regarded as providing a premium quality experience for both patients and staff alike, it is not without its daily challenges for health professionals. This study aims to explore the psychological contract of nurses to develop a greater understanding of how employee–employer interaction impacts motivation levels. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with thirteen nurses at a private hospital in South Africa. Five nursing managers were interviewed to provide a management perspective. Thematic analysis was used to identify the salient elements of the psychological contract and to establish connections with motivational features. Findings The psychological contract of nurses was balanced in nature, contained predominantly relational elements and was characterized by the need for manager support, leadership and autonomy. Motivation was a by-product of fulfilment and was enhanced by a combination of tangible and intangible rewards. Practical implications Nursing managers should recognize their role in caring for the wellbeing of their staff and should be trained accordingly. Equipping nurses with the necessary tools to work autonomously, as well as acknowledging their skills, will stimulate confidence and improve motivation. Originality/value This study makes an important contribution to the existing literature on the psychological contract of nurses within the health-care system. It provides insight into relationship-based mechanisms that can be used to improve the motivation of nurses and thus impact the overall quality of patient care.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-27
Author(s):  
A.I. Melehin

The process of cognition and perception of time in the elderly (55-75 years) and old (75-90 years) people was always a matter of interest for gerontologists and psychologists looking for the answer to the question why in old age time flows very quickly on one hand and very slowly on the other hand. Studies show that the ability to adequately perceive and prioritize its activities in time in elderly patients depends on the physical, intellectual and social activity, and other factors that determine the quality of life and promote productive aging. The purpose of this article is to familiarize professionals with notions of perception and cognition of time, as well as paradigms of time perception studies in psychology. The article also familiarizes the readers with foreign research aspects of time cognition, i.e, orientation in time, perception of time intervals, time perspective, and mental journey of elderly patients through time


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna L Roberts ◽  
Henry WW Potts ◽  
Dimitrios A Koutoukidis ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
Abigail Fisher

BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) can improve a range of outcomes following a cancer diagnosis. These include an improvement in experience of side effects of treatment (eg, fatigue) and management of comorbid conditions. PA might also increase survival and reduce recurrence. Digital interventions have shown potential for PA promotion among cancer survivors, but most in a previous review were Web-based, and few studies used mobile apps. There are many PA apps available for general public use, but it is unclear whether these are suitable as a PA intervention after a cancer diagnosis. OBJECTIVE This study sought posttreatment nonmetastatic breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors’ opinions of using smartphone apps to promote PA and gathered their views on existing publicly available PA apps to inform a future intervention. METHODS Each participant was randomly assigned to download 2 of 4 apps (Human, The Walk, The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout, and Gorilla Workout). Participants used each app for 1 week consecutively. In-depth semistructured telephone interviews were then conducted to understand participants’ experiences of using the apps and how app-based PA interventions could be developed for cancer survivors. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Thirty-two participants took part: 50% (16/32) had prostate cancer, 25% (8/32) had breast cancer, and 25% (8/32) had colorectal cancer. Three core themes were identified. The first theme was that multiple factors affect engagement with PA apps and this is highly personalized. Factors affecting engagement included participants’ perceptions of (1) the advantages and disadvantages of using apps to support PA, (2) the relevance of the app to the user (eg, in terms of cancer-related factors, their PA goals, the difficulty level of the app, the way in which they interact with their mobile phone, and the extent to which the app fits with their self-identity), (3) the quality of the app (eg, usability, accuracy, quality of production, and scientific evidence-base), and (4) the behavior change techniques used to promote PA. In the second theme, participants recommended that apps that promote walking are most appealing, as walking removes many barriers to PA. Finally, the participants suggested that PA apps should be integrated into cancer care, as they valued guidance and recommendations from health care professionals. CONCLUSIONS This sample of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors was receptive to the use of apps to promote PA. Although no publicly available PA app was deemed wholly suitable, many suggestions for adaptation and intervention development were provided. The results can inform the development of an app-based PA intervention for cancer survivors. They also highlight the wide-ranging and dynamic influences on engagement with digital interventions, which can be applied to other evaluations of mobile health products in other health conditions and other health behaviors.


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