scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life Before and After Use of a Smartphone App for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Pre-Post Interventional Study

10.2196/13829 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e13829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helle Pappot ◽  
Gry Assam Taarnhøj ◽  
Abbey Elsbernd ◽  
Maiken Hjerming ◽  
Signe Hanghøj ◽  
...  

Background Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer are a group with underexplored needs throughout treatment and in survivorship. This missing knowledge can influence their quality of life (QoL). Given this fact, we have developed a smartphone app based on a cocreation process and have an investigation of QoL among users planned as part of pilot testing this app. Future research is warranted to determine the effect of mobile health (mHealth) tools such as smartphone apps among the AYA cancer population. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a smartphone app among AYA patients with cancer in active treatment and posttreatment, in a pilot test by measuring health-related QoL before and after the use of the app. Methods Participants were recruited via the youth support initiative and social organization for AYAs with cancer, Kræftværket, based at Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants were evenly distributed in active treatment and posttreatment groups. After written informed consent, all participants were asked to use the app Kræftværket as they deemed appropriate over a 6-week period. The participants were asked to complete the 30-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire before and after the 6-week period. The collected QoL data were analyzed with t tests to determine differences between groups and from baseline. Results In total, we enrolled 20 participants, 10 in active treatment and 10 posttreatment (median time after treatment was 4 months) group. Median age of the participants was 25 years. No differences in QoL were seen at baseline (P=.65). The posttreatment group experienced a significant increase in overall QoL after the 6-week period (global QoL: baseline 62.5, SD 22.3; after 6 weeks 80.8, SD 9.7; P=.04). For the group in active treatment, the QoL remained stable throughout the 6 weeks. Conclusions This study shows the feasibility and possible effect on QoL associated with the use of an mHealth tool in AYA patients. mHealth support tools are warranted for this population.

Author(s):  
Helle Pappot ◽  
Gry Assam Taarnhøj ◽  
Abbey Elsbernd ◽  
Maiken Hjerming ◽  
Signe Hanghøj ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer are a group with underexplored needs throughout treatment and in survivorship. This missing knowledge can influence their quality of life (QoL). Given this fact, we have developed a smartphone app based on a cocreation process and have an investigation of QoL among users planned as part of pilot testing this app. Future research is warranted to determine the effect of mobile health (mHealth) tools such as smartphone apps among the AYA cancer population. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a smartphone app among AYA patients with cancer in active treatment and posttreatment, in a pilot test by measuring health-related QoL before and after the use of the app. METHODS Participants were recruited via the youth support initiative and social organization for AYAs with cancer, Kræftværket, based at Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants were evenly distributed in active treatment and posttreatment groups. After written informed consent, all participants were asked to use the app Kræftværket as they deemed appropriate over a 6-week period. The participants were asked to complete the 30-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire before and after the 6-week period. The collected QoL data were analyzed with <italic>t</italic> tests to determine differences between groups and from baseline. RESULTS In total, we enrolled 20 participants, 10 in active treatment and 10 posttreatment (median time after treatment was 4 months) group. Median age of the participants was 25 years. No differences in QoL were seen at baseline (<italic>P</italic>=.65). The posttreatment group experienced a significant increase in overall QoL after the 6-week period (global QoL: baseline 62.5, SD 22.3; after 6 weeks 80.8, SD 9.7; <italic>P</italic>=.04). For the group in active treatment, the QoL remained stable throughout the 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the feasibility and possible effect on QoL associated with the use of an mHealth tool in AYA patients. mHealth support tools are warranted for this population.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e032889
Author(s):  
Solveigh Paola Lingens ◽  
Georgia Schilling ◽  
Julia Harms ◽  
Holger Schulz ◽  
Christiane Bleich

IntroductionIn recent years, medical treatment for cancer has improved, thereby increasing the life expectancy of patients with cancer. Hence, the focus in healthcare shifted towards analysing treatments that offer to decrease distress and improve the quality of life of patients with cancer. The psychological burden of patients with cancer originates from all kinds of psychosocial challenges related to diagnosis and treatment. Cancer counselling centres (CCounCs) try to address these concerns. However, the current literature lacks research on the effectiveness of CCounCs. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of CCounCs with regard to distress and other relevant psychosocial variables (quality of life, anxietyand so on).Methods and analysisThis prospective observational study with a non-randomised control group has three measurement points: before the first counselling session (baseline, t0) and at 2 weeks and 3 months after baseline (t1, t2). Patients and their relatives who seek counselling between December 2018 and November 2020 and have sufficient German language skills will be included. The control group will be recruited at clinics and oncological outpatient centres in Hamburg. Propensity scoring will be applied to adjust for differences between the control and intervention groups at baseline. Sociodemographic data, medical data and counselling concerns are measured at baseline. Distress (distress thermometer), quality of life (Short Form-8 Health Survey, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30), anxiety (Generalized AnxietyDisorder-7), depression (Patient HealthQuestionnaire-9) and further psychosocial variables are assessed at all time points. With a total of 787 participants, differences between the intervention and control groups of a small effect size (f=0.10) can be detected with a power of 80%.Ethics and disseminationThe study was registered prior to data collection with the German Registration of Clinical Trials in September 2018. Ethical approval was received by the local psychological ethical committee of the Center for Psychosocial Medicine at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf in August 2018. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberDRKS00015516; Pre-results.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Relvas-Silva ◽  
Rui Almeida Silva ◽  
Mário Dinis-Ribeiro

Introduction: Health-related quality of life assessment is increasingly important as it can help both clinical research and care for patients, particularly among oncological patients. Quality of Life Questionnaire – OES18 (esophageal module) and Quality of Life Questionnaire – OG25 (esophagogastric module) are the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer modules for the evaluation of quality of life in patients with esophageal and esophagogastric cancers, respectively. The aim of our study was to translate, to culturally adapt and to perform a pilot testing to create the Portuguese version of both questionnaires.Material and Methods: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer guidelines were followed for translation, cultural adaptation and pilot testing of Quality of Life Questionnaire – OES18 (esophageal module) and Quality of Life Questionnaire – OG25 (esophagogastric module). The Quality of Life Questionnaire – OG25 (esophagogastric module) went through a process of forward (English → Portuguese) and backward (Portuguese → English) translation, by independent native speaker translators. After review, a preliminary version was created to be pilot tested among Portuguese patients. As a Brazilian version was already available for Quality of Life Questionnaire – OES18 (esophageal module), the questionnaire was simply culturally adapted and pilot tested. Both cancer and non-cancer patients were included.Results: Overall, 30 patients completed the Portuguese version of each questionnaire. Afterwards, a structured interview was conducted to find and report any problematic items. Troublesome items and wording were changed according to the pilot testing results. The final versions were sent to the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group and approved.Conclusion: The Portuguese versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire – OES18 (esophageal module) and OG25 (esophagogastric module) questionnaires are useful, reliable and valid tools for measuring health-related quality of life in patients with esophageal and esophagogastric cancers, respectively. They can now be used in clinical setting and for scientific purposes.


2020 ◽  
pp. 089801012095885
Author(s):  
Osama N. Zamel ◽  
Ergie P. Inocian ◽  
Abdualrahman S. Alshehry ◽  
Regie B. Tumala ◽  
Joel G. Patalagsa ◽  
...  

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the functioning, symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast or colon cancer before and after their first-cycle (FC) chemotherapy. Design: One-group pretest/posttest design. Method: The study utilized the standardized Arabic-translated Quality of Life Questionnaire Version 3 from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer in measuring the functioning, symptoms, and QoL of 120 Saudi patients diagnosed with breast or colon cancer. Dependent t test was used in analyzing the presence of significant differences in mean scores before and after chemotherapy with periods ranging from 14 days to 21 days following the treatment protocol. Results: The findings revealed significant differences in the functioning, symptoms, and QoL among patients with breast or colon cancer before and after FC chemotherapy ( p < .001). Baseline scores showed higher physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning; lesser symptoms; lower financial difficulties; and better overall global health status compared to post-FC chemotherapy. Conclusion: Assessing the QoL of patients with breast or colon cancer undergoing FC chemotherapy is essential to establish a holistic care plan in supporting and alleviating the unfavorable effects of chemotherapy and implement patient-centered interventions that aid in the enhancement of their overall QoL.


2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuelle da Cunha Ferreira ◽  
Maria Helena Barbosa ◽  
Helena Megumi Sonobe ◽  
Elizabeth Barichello

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess self-esteem (SE) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in ostomized patients due to colorectal cancer. Method: cross sectional research with a quantitative approach. Three instruments were used for data collection: one instrument containing sociodemographic and clinical data, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: SE and HRQoL were considered satisfactory. Significant statistical difference was found in the social function domain and marital status, ostomy duration, location, and time; global health scale and ostomy type; cognitive function and pain in the ostomy site. There was a correlation between self-esteem and all the functional scales and the global health scale. Conclusion: knowing SE and HRQoL levels, in addition to the variables that influence them, supports ostomized patients' care planning, rehabilitation, and social autonomy.


2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 3381-3388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Efficace ◽  
Patrick Therasse ◽  
Martine J. Piccart ◽  
Corneel Coens ◽  
Kristel Van Steen ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether baseline health-related quality of life (HRQOL) parameters are prognostic factors for survival in locally advanced breast cancer patients. Although the literature highlights the important role of HRQOL parameters in predicting survival in advanced metastatic disease, little evidence exists for earlier stages. Patients and Methods The overall sample consisted of 448 patients randomly assigned to receive cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil versus epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Patients were enrolled in 12 countries. HRQOL baseline scores were assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for both univariate and multivariate analyses of survival. In addition, a bootstrap resampling technique was used to assess the stability of the outcomes. Bootstrap results were then applied for model averaging purposes as a means to account for the observed model selection uncertainty. Results The final multivariate model retained inflammatory breast cancer (T4d) as the only factor predicting overall survival (OS) with a hazard ratio of 1.375 (95% CI, 1.027 to 1.840; P = .03). The presence of inflammatory breast cancer lowers the median survival time from 6.6 to 4.2 years (36% reduction). None of the preselected HRQOL variables were prognostic for OS or disease-free survival, in either the univariate or multivariate analysis. Conclusion Our findings suggest that baseline HRQOL parameters have no prognostic value in a nonmetastatic breast cancer population.


1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Osoba ◽  
G Rodrigues ◽  
J Myles ◽  
B Zee ◽  
J Pater

PURPOSE To determine the significance to patients of changes in health-related quality-of-life (HLQ) scores assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30). PATIENTS AND METHODS A subjective significance questionnaire (SSQ), which asks patients about perceived changes in physical, emotional, and social functioning and in global quality of life (global QL) and the QLQ-C30 were completed by patients who received chemotherapy for either breast cancer or small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). In the SSQ, patients rated their perception of change since the last time they completed the QLQ-C30 using a 7-category scale that ranged from "much worse" through "no change" to "much better." For each category of change in the SSQ, the corresponding differences were calculated in QLQ-C30 mean scores and effect sizes were determined. RESULTS For patients who indicated "no change" in the SSQ, the mean change in scores in the corresponding QLQ-C30 domains was not significantly different from 0. For patients who indicated "a little" change either for better or for worse, the mean change in scores was about 5 to 10; for "moderate" change, about 10 to 20; and for "very much" change, greater than 20. Effect sizes increased in concordance with increasing changes in SSQ ratings and QLQ-C30 scores. CONCLUSION The significance of changes in QLQ-C30 scores can be interpreted in terms of small, moderate, or large changes in quality of life as reported by patients in the SSQ. The magnitude of these changes also can be used to calculate the sample sizes required to detect a specified change in clinical trials.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e13541-e13541
Author(s):  
Yong Liu ◽  
Liang Wang

e13541 Background: The therapeutic methods of recurrent glioma are limited. Most studies evaluating treatment effect for brain tumor mainly focused on overall survival and progression-free survival. It is increasingly recognized that the health related quality of life (HRQL) is of great value in clinical practice when choices of treatment for recurrent glioma have to be made. We retrospectively analyzed the HRQL and treatment response of patients with recurrent glioma treated by bevacizumab (BEV) plus daily temozolomide (TMZ). Methods: Twenty patients with recurrent glioma were treated with BEV (5-10mg/kg, i.v. every 2 weeks) plus daily TMZ (daily, 50 mg/m2). The treatment response was evaluated via the RANO criteria. HRQL was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire core 30 (QLQ-C30) and Brain Module (QLQ-BN20). HRQL was assessed at the baseline (before salvage therapy) and after every two cycles of BEV. Results: Twenty patients totally received 85 cycles of BEV with the median number of 4 cycles (range: 2-10). There was no patient with complete response (CR), 12 patients with partial response (PR), 5 patients with stable disease (SD), and 3 patients with progressive disease (PD). Objective response rate (CR+PR) was 60.0%. The clinical benefit rate (CR+PR+SD) was 85.0%. In the functioning domains of QLQ-C30, physical functioning, cognitive functioning and emotional functioning were significantly improved after the second cycle of BEV compared to baseline. In the symptom scales, the scores of pain and nausea/vomiting were significantly decreased. Score of global health status was significantly increased. In the QLQ-BN20, motor dysfunction, weakness of legs, headache, and drowsiness after the second cycle of BEV were also significantly improved. Conclusions: BEV plus daily TMZ could improve HRQL in patients with recurrent glioma. BEV plus daily TMZ as the salvage therapy is an effective treatment for recurrent glioma.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 652-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Husson ◽  
Brad J. Zebrack ◽  
Rebecca Block ◽  
Leanne Embry ◽  
Christine Aguilar ◽  
...  

Purpose To examine changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its predictors during the first 2 years after initial cancer diagnosis in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer. Patients and Methods A multicenter, longitudinal, prospective study was conducted among a diverse sample of AYA patients with cancer ages 15 to 39 years. One hundred seventy-six patients (75% response) completed a self-report measure of HRQoL (Short Form-36 [SF-36]) within the first 4 months after diagnosis and again 12 and 24 months later. Linear mixed models with random intercepts and slopes estimated changes in QoL. Results Recently diagnosed AYA patients with cancer had significantly worse physical component scale (PCS) scores (38.7 v 52.8; P < .001) and mental component scale (MCS) scores (42.9 v 48.9; P < .001) when compared with population norms. Significant improvements in PCS and MCS scores from baseline to 24-month follow-up were observed; however, these increases were largest during the first 12 months. At the 24-month follow-up, AYA patients still had significantly lower PCS scores (48.0 v 52.8; P < .001) and MCS scores (45.8 v 48.9; P = .002) when compared with population norms. Multivariable analyses revealed that improvements in PCS and MCS scores were primarily a function of being off-treatment and being involved in school or work. PCS but not MCS scores were worse for AYA patients diagnosed with cancers with poorer prognoses. Conclusion Although HRQoL improved over time, it was still compromised 24 months after primary diagnosis. Given relatively little observed improvement in HRQoL during the 12- to 24-month period after diagnosis, AYA patients may benefit from supportive care interventions administered during the second year after diagnosis.


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