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1.
Support Care Cancer ; 32(7): 485, 2024 Jul 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38960966

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To explore cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving venetoclax in combination with hypomethylating agents or low-dose cytarabine chemotherapy. METHODS: This study is a longitudinal, qualitative descriptive study. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 11 older adults with AML at cycle 2, cycle 4, and cycle 7 of chemotherapy. An early end-of-study interview was conducted for those who changed treatment plans during the study follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 22 transcripts were included for thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) CRCI experiences, (2) impact of CRCI, (3) CRCI coping strategies, and (4) perceived CRCI-related factors. Older adults with AML experienced challenges in memory, language, and attention both intermittently and daily. These cognitive changes impacted their emotion, daily activities, social connection, and their caregivers' responsibilities. Hence, these older adults with AML developed problem-solving and emotional coping strategies to cope with CRCI. Older adults with AML also identified demographic, physiology/clinical, psychological, and other factors that might contribute to CRCI. CONCLUSION: This study offers important insight for clinicians to understand how older adults with AML experience CRCI and how it impacts their daily routines. It indicates that clinicians should ask patients about their experience with cognitive changes at each encounter to provide support or coping strategies as needed to prevent CRCI from further hindering their quality of life.


Subject(s)
Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , Sulfonamides , Humans , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/psychology , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/complications , Aged , Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/administration & dosage , Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use , Male , Female , Longitudinal Studies , Sulfonamides/administration & dosage , Aged, 80 and over , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Middle Aged , Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology , Qualitative Research , Adaptation, Psychological , Cytarabine/administration & dosage
2.
J Occup Environ Hyg ; 21(4): 287-309, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38451466

ABSTRACT

Environmental services (EVS) workers are essential to preventing the spread of disease in hospitals. However, their exposure to hazardous chemicals and drugs is understudied. This scoping review will synthesize literature on hazardous chemical exposures and adverse health outcomes among EVS workers to identify research gaps and trends for further investigation. The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure complete and accurate reporting. The scoping review included 25 studies on occupational exposure to chemicals among EVS workers in hospitals. Most studies focused on exposure to cleaning products, which led to dermal, respiratory, and ocular symptoms, oxidative stress, and inflammation. While personal protective equipment (PPE), training, education, and policies have the potential to enhance safety, further research is required to examine the long-term impacts of exposure and the cost-effectiveness of interventions. Future studies should utilize longitudinal approaches and self-reported data collection methods, such as diaries and interviews, to comprehensively assess exposure risks and develop effective interventions and policies. Future research is needed to understand the potential health risks faced by EVS workers from exposure to chemicals in hospitals. Longitudinal studies with objective exposure assessments and larger sample sizes should be conducted. Policies and interventions must be developed and implemented to improve safe work practices and reduce negative health outcomes.


Subject(s)
Occupational Exposure , Humans , Occupational Exposure/analysis , Hazardous Substances/analysis , Personnel, Hospital , Hospitals , Outcome Assessment, Health Care
3.
J Geriatr Oncol ; 15(3): 101740, 2024 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38513534

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Studies about clinician acceptability of integrative palliative care interventions in the inpatient and outpatient cancer settings are limited. In this study, we examined clinician acceptability of a NIH-funded interdisciplinary PAlliative and Supportive Care inTervention (PACT) for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and their care partners that transcends both inpatient and outpatient settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with clinicians who were directly involved in PACT. The domains of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability were used to guide the qualitative analysis. RESULTS: The clinicians consisted of occupational therapists (37%), physical therapists (25%), registered nurses (25%), and a clinical rehabilitation manager (13%). Five themes were identified in the thematic analysis: (1) Emotions and affect towards the intervention, (2) Intervention coherence and self-efficacy, (3) Barriers, burden, and opportunity costs of delivering the intervention, (4) Usefulness and effectiveness of the intervention, and (5) Recommendations to improve intervention delivery. DISCUSSION: All clinicians found the PACT intervention highly acceptable and expressed the positive impact of the intervention on job fulfillment and satisfaction. Our findings provide evidence to inform the delivery and implementation of future large scale integrative palliative care intervention trials.


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , Humans , Aged , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy , Palliative Care
4.
Support Care Cancer ; 32(3): 197, 2024 Feb 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38416230

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Treatment decision-making for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is complex and preference-sensitive. We sought to understand the patient experience of treatment decision-making to identify specific challenges in shared decision-making to improve clinical care and to inform the development of directed interventions. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with newly diagnosed older (≥ 60 years) adults with AML and their caregivers following a semi-structured interview guide at a public safety net academic hospital. Interviews were digitally recorded, and qualitative thematic analysis was employed to synthesize findings. RESULTS: Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted. Age ranged from 62 to 78 years. Patients received intermediate- (50%) or high-intensity (44%) chemotherapy or best supportive care only (6%). Six themes of patient experiences emerged from the analysis: patients (1) felt overwhelmed and in shock at diagnosis, (2) felt powerless to make decisions, (3) felt rushed and unprepared to make a treatment decision, (4) desired to follow oncologist recommendations for treatment, (5) balanced multiple competing factors during treatment decision-making, and (6) desired for ongoing engagement into their care planning. Patients reported many treatment outcomes that were important in treatment decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with newly diagnosed AML feel devastated and in shock at their diagnosis which appears to contribute to a feeling of being overwhelmed, unprepared, and rushed into treatment decisions. Because no one factor dominated treatment decision-making for all patients, the use of strategies to elicit individual patient preferences is critical to inform treatment decisions. Interventions are needed to reduce distress and increase a sense of participation in treatment decision-making.


Subject(s)
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , Oncologists , Humans , Aged , Middle Aged , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy , Decision Making, Shared , Emotions , Patient Preference
5.
Geriatr Nurs ; 56: 40-45, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38237339

ABSTRACT

Oral health declines in older adults with cognitive impairment. We aimed to improve oral hygiene outcomes for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia (MD) by fostering behavior changes among carepartners assisting them. We used qualitative data of verbatim transcripts of coaching sessions with carepartners (n = 17 dyads:10 dyads for MCI, 7 dyads for MD). Directed and emergent coding were used to understand behavior change techniques (BCTs). BCTs were compared with carepartners of participants with MCI and MD. Most frequently used BCTs in both groups: prompts and cues, instruction on how to perform the behavior, review behavioral goal, and problem solving. Different BCTs emerged in study: social support-unspecified of the MCI group and credible source for MD group. Findings clarified active intervention components, common BCTs used by carepartners, and different BCT approaches for both participants. Findings help to elucidate the mechanisms of changes in individuals' behaviors in these interventions.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Dysfunction , Dementia , Humans , Aged , Caregivers , Oral Health , Behavior Therapy/methods , Cognitive Dysfunction/therapy
6.
Innov Aging ; 7(9): igad123, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38034933

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Cognitive impairment is associated with poor oral health outcomes. Oral hygiene tasks are an essential target of interventions aiming to improve oral health for older adults with cognitive impairment. We aimed to examine whether experiences in an oral health intervention based on the Adaptive Leadership Framework for Chronic Illness differed between individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia (MD) and their respective care partners. Research Design and Methods: This was a secondary analysis using directed content analysis and then an interpretive-description approach to analyze the data from a theory-driven intervention study. We included 10 people with MCI and their care partners (n = 20) and 8 people with MD and their care partners (n = 16) in the treatment arm of the intervention. For each participant, we analyzed audio recordings of 4 intervention coaching sessions, each ranging between 30 and 45 min. We managed the data and coding using ATLAS.TI software. Results: Participants in both the MCI and MD groups experienced similar challenges in adapting to changes in oral hygiene techniques, and both groups worked on learning new oral hygiene techniques taught by the dental hygienist and meeting individualized goals developed with their care partner, interventionist, and hygienist. On the other hand, there were subtle differences in technical challenges between participants in MCI and MD groups; participants in the MCI group reacted more actively to dental hygienist suggestions than the MD group. Discussion and Implications: Study findings provide information about how researchers and clinicians might tailor interventions to meet the learning needs of individuals and care partners in each group.

8.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37672189

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify how studies measure racism-related variables at the interpersonal level and identify associated breast and gynecological cancer disparities among Black women. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Scopus using terms centered on racism and cancer. Inclusion criteria consisted of the study being conducted in the USA with Black or African American women and the study stating an outcome or focus identified as a breast or gynecological cancer health disparity. Two researchers independently screened titles and abstracts and full texts articles and completed quality assessments of included studies. Data were extracted into a matrix table, and common concepts were identified and synthesized using the matrix method. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools. RESULTS: Thirteen studies that examined the effect of racism-related variables operating at the interpersonal level on breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer outcomes in Black women were identified for inclusion. Across studies, racism-related variables were measured as discrimination, trust, racism, and clinician-patient interactions. Additionally, across studies, disparities were identified in cancer screening, treatment received, survivorship quality of life, and incidence. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the need for valid, reliable, and consistent measurement of racism operating at the interpersonal level to first understand its impact on cancer health disparities and to also facilitate the development and evaluation of interventions aimed at mitigating interpersonal-level racism.

9.
PLoS One ; 18(7): e0286630, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37478078

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to determine barriers and facilitators to the implementation of medication adherence interventions to support cancer patients taking novel, targeted oral anticancer agents (OAAs). METHODS: We conducted qualitative interviews using a semi-structured guide from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We used purposive sampling to identify clinicians (physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, nurses) and administrators (leadership from medicine, pharmacy, and nursing) who delivered care and/or oversee care delivery for patients with chronic leukemia prescribed an OAA. RESULTS: A total of 19 individuals participated in an interview (12 clinicians and 7 administrators), with 10 primarily employed by an academic cancer center; 5 employed by the community cancer center; and 4 employed by the integrated health-system specialty pharmacy. Barriers identified included low awareness of adherence interventions, difficulty in adherence measurement, complexity of designing and implementing a structured adherence intervention, and competing priorities. Facilitators identified included support of hospital administrators, value for pharmacists, and willingness to embrace change. Participants also made recommendations moving forward including standardizing workflow, designating champions, iterating implementation strategies, and improving communication between clinicians and with patients. CONCLUSION: Individual and system level factors were identified as determinants of implementation effectiveness of medication adherence interventions. A multidisciplinary advisory panel will be assembled to design comprehensive and actionable strategies to refine and implement a structured intervention to improve medication adherence in cancer patients.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Neoplasms , Physicians , Humans , Delivery of Health Care , Pharmacists , Communication , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Qualitative Research
10.
J Cancer Educ ; 38(5): 1624-1628, 2023 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37208558

ABSTRACT

Malawi has a high cancer incidence and mortality. Efforts to train and educate oncology nurses have been identified as an area of need. This study evaluates the educational needs of oncology nurses in Malawi and the effects of a virtual cancer education program on improving the knowledge of cancer epidemiology, treatment, and nursing care of common cancers among oncology nurses in Malawi. The educational programs consisted of four sessions at one-month intervals focused on Cancer Screening, Survivorship, Radiation Therapy, and Complementary and Alternative Therapies. A pretest-posttest design was used. Overall, there was an increase in knowledge at each session: cancer screening (47% vs 95%), survivorship (22% vs 100%), radiation therapy (66% vs 100%), and complementary and alternative therapies (63% vs 88%). Using virtual continuing education sessions is an effective tool to enhance the knowledge of oncology nurses in Malawi. These education sessions can serve as an example of how other Schools of Nursing and cancer centers in high-resource countries can collaborate with hospitals and Schools of Nursing in low- and middle-resource countries to support the advancement of oncology nursing knowledge, and ultimately, oncologic care.


Subject(s)
Education, Nursing , Neoplasms , Nurses , Humans , Oncology Nursing/education , Education, Continuing , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Education, Nursing, Continuing
11.
Oncol Nurs Forum ; 50(3): 325-336, 2023 04 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37155975

ABSTRACT

PROBLEM STATEMENT: Better understanding of oncology nurses' perspectives about how interventions should be designed can promote physical activity (PA) in clinical settings. DESIGN: 75 oncology nurses completed online surveys. DATA SOURCES: A published survey, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, was used to assess multilevel factors that influence implementation of evidence-based interventions. ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were applied to quantitative data; directed content analyses were applied to qualitative data. FINDINGS: Participants believed it was important to discuss PA with patients; however, they had limited self-efficacy and resources to provide PA counseling. Barriers to providing counseling included competing clinical demands and a lack of education about PA for cancer survivors and resources. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Findings inform how interventions can be designed for implementation and sustained practice change in clinical settings. Integration of PA education in routine clinical practice will lead to increased PA and, ultimately, improved quality of life among cancer survivors.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Nurses , Humans , Quality of Life , Exercise/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires
12.
Glob Public Health ; 18(1): 2199062, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37054448

ABSTRACT

Cancer is becoming a public health issue in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This systematic review aims to synthesise psychosocial interventions and their effects on the health outcomes of adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in SSA. We identified eligible publications in English language from PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus with Full Text, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and African Index Medicus databases. We included psychosocial interventions targeted adult cancer patients/survivors or their family caregivers in SSA. This review identified five psychosocial interventions from six studies that support adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in SSA. The interventions focused on providing informational, psycho-cognitive, and social support. Three interventions significantly improved quality of life outcomes for cancer patients and their caregivers. Significant gaps exist between the rapidly increasing cancer burdens and the limited psychosocial educational interventions supporting adult cancer patients and their families in SSA. The reviewed studies provide preliminary evidence on development and testing interventions that aim to improve patients' and caregivers' quality of life.


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Neoplasms , Humans , Adult , Caregivers/psychology , Quality of Life/psychology , Psychosocial Intervention , Neoplasms/therapy , Africa South of the Sahara
13.
Palliat Support Care ; : 1-6, 2023 Mar 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36946462

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Since 2015, the Harvard Workshop on Research Methods in Supportive Oncology has trained early-career investigators in skills to develop rigorous studies in supportive oncology. This study examines workshop evaluations over time in the context of two factors: longitudinal participant feedback and a switch from in-person to virtual format during the COVID pandemic. METHODS: We examined post-workshop evaluations for participants who attended the workshop from 2015 to 2021. We qualitatively analyzed evaluation free text responses on ways in which the workshop could be improved and "other comments." Potential areas of improvement were categorized and frequencies were compiled longitudinally. Differences in participants' ratings of the workshop and demographics between in-person and virtual formats were investigated with t-tests and Chi-square tests, respectively. RESULTS: 286 participants attended the workshop over 8 years. Participant ratings of the workshop remained consistently high without substantial variation across all years. Three main themes emerged from the "other comments" item: (1) sense of community; (2) passion and empowerment; and (3) value of protected time. Participants appeared to identify fewer areas for improvement over time. There were no significant differences in participant ratings or demographics between the in-person and virtual formats. SIGNIFINACE OF RESULTS: While the workshop has experienced changes over time, participant evaluations varied little. The core content and structure might have the greatest influence on participants' experiences.

14.
Psychooncology ; 32(5): 760-778, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36944593

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize and examine current literature on survivorship experiences and psychosocial oncologic care programs of individuals affected by cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS: This was a systematic review guided by the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We searched 6 databases for articles published from inception to 21 October 2021. Articles were appraised using the Johanna Briggs Institute's Checklist for Qualitative Research. For data synthesis, we used the World Health Organization (WHO) quality of life framework [WHOQOL] to organize experiences into 6 domains/themes. RESULTS: Twenty-five qualitative studies were included in the synthesis. Studies focused on psychosocial care of adults (>18 years) affected by cancer in SSA. The common WHOQOL domains were social relations, spirituality/religion/personal beliefs, and psychological. CONCLUSION: Findings echo need for individuals with cancer and their caregivers. Healthcare professionals are an essential resource for information and support services that can be tailored to individuals need. This synthesis highlighted caregiver stress and stressors from the community that could impact care of individuals with cancer. A holistic approach is needed that incorporates professional and social aspects of care.


Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Adult , Humans , Caregivers , Quality of Life , Qualitative Research , Health Personnel , Neoplasms/therapy
15.
J Psychosoc Oncol ; 41(2): 235-241, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36815246

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to explore whether patient-centered communication (PCC) would partially mediate the relationship between social support and mental health status among adult survivors of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Methods: Secondary analysis of self-administered questionnaires mailed to 682 adults with NHL who were assumed living and had completed the baseline 2005 study (83% response rate). Adult NHL survivors (n = 566) and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Sobel test. Results: PCC partially mediated the relationship between social support and three measures of mental health outcomes (SF-36 Mental Component Summary [SF36-MCS], Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version [PCL-C], Impact of Cancer - Negative Impact Summary [IOCv2 NIS]). Results of the conservative Sobel test were significant (p < .01) in three mediation models. Conclusions: Future research should focus on testing interventions that target PCC and identifying additional mediators and moderators between social support and mental health outcomes among cancer survivors.


Subject(s)
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin , Quality of Life , Adult , Humans , Quality of Life/psychology , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/psychology , Survivors/psychology , Social Support , Communication , Patient-Centered Care , Health Status
16.
PLoS One ; 18(2): e0281940, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36795792

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the lack of diversity among clinical trial participants. Equitable representation is key when testing novel therapeutic and non-therapeutic interventions to ensure safety and efficacy across populations. Unfortunately, in the United States (US), racial and ethnic minority populations continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials compared to their White counterparts. METHODS: Two webinars in a four-part series, titled "Health Equity through Diversity," were held to discuss solutions for advancing health equity through diversifying clinical trials and addressing medical mistrust in communities. Each webinar was 1.5 hours long, beginning with panelist discussions followed by breakout rooms where moderators led discussions related to health equity and scribes recorded each room's conversations. The diverse groups of panelists included community members, civic representatives, clinician-scientists, and biopharmaceutical representatives. Scribe notes from discussions were collected and thematically analyzed to uncover the central themes. RESULTS: The first two webinars were attended by 242 and 205 individuals, respectively. The attendees represented 25 US states, four countries outside the US, and shared various backgrounds including community members, clinician/researchers, government organizations, biotechnology/biopharmaceutical professionals, and others. Barriers to clinical trial participation are broadly grouped into the themes of access, awareness, discrimination and racism, and workforce diversity. Participants noted that innovative, community-engaged, co-designed solutions are essential. CONCLUSIONS: Despite racial and ethnic minority groups making up nearly half of the US population, underrepresentation in clinical trials remains a critical challenge. The community engaged co-developed solutions detailed in this report to address access, awareness, discrimination and racism, and workforce diversity are critical to advancing clinical trial diversity.


Subject(s)
Ethnicity , Health Equity , Humans , United States , Minority Groups , Trust , Racial Groups
17.
Cancer Med ; 12(7): 8804-8814, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36647557

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer supportive care interventions often have limited generalizability, goal misalignment, and high costs. We developed and piloted a health coaching intervention, UNC HealthScore, in patients undergoing cancer treatment (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04923997). We present feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcome data. METHODS: HealthScore is a six-month, theory-based, multicomponent intervention delivered through participant-driven coaching sessions. For the pilot study, participants were provided a Fitbit, responded to weekly symptom and physical function digital surveys, and met with a health coach weekly to develop and monitor goals. Coaching notes were discussed in weekly interdisciplinary team meetings and provided back to the treating oncology team. Symptom alerts were monitored and triaged through a study resource nurse to relevant supportive care services. Feasibility was determined based on intervention enrollment and completion. Acceptability was based on satisfaction with coaching and Fitbit-wearing and was informed by semistructured exit interviews. Outcomes evaluated for signs of improvement included several PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) measures, including the primary intervention target, physical function. RESULTS: From May 2020 to March 2022, 50 participants completed the single-arm pilot. Feasibility was high: 66% enrolled and 71% completed the full intervention. Participants reported an average of 4.8 and 4.7 (out of 5) on the acceptability of coaching calls and using the Fitbit, respectively. Physical function scores rose 3.1 points (SE = 1.1) from baseline to 3 months, and 4.3 (SE = 1.0) from baseline to 6 months, above established minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Improvements above MCID were also evident in anxiety and depression, and smaller improvements were demonstrated for emotional support, social isolation, cognitive function, symptom burden, and self-efficacy. DISCUSSION: HealthScore shows feasibility, acceptability, and promising preliminary outcomes. Randomized studies are underway to determine the efficacy of preserving physical function in patients with advanced cancer.


Subject(s)
Mentoring , Neoplasms , Humans , Pilot Projects , Feasibility Studies , Neoplasms/therapy , Health Promotion
18.
Support Care Cancer ; 31(1): 95, 2023 Jan 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36598590

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Older adults with AML commonly receive a hypomethylating agent (HMA) as first-line therapy. The addition of venetoclax (VEN) to HMAs has been shown to improve remission rates and overall survival. The use of combination therapy (HMA + VEN) requires frequent follow-up, results in longer infusion times, and likely increases caregiver responsibility at home. We describe experiences of informal caregivers (family/friends) providing care to older adults with AML receiving HMA + VEN. METHODS: Fourteen caregivers of older adults with AML receiving HMA + VEN (September 2020 to September 2021) were recruited as part of a control group of an ongoing NIH-funded clinical trial. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain initial insight into caregiver experiences at the start of HMA + VEN treatment. Two researchers analyzed the data using thematic content analysis. Data saturation occurred when no new themes were found in subsequent interviews, but all interviews were coded and synthesized. RESULTS: Of the 14 caregivers interviewed, the majority were spouses (n = 10), female (n = 13), and aged 45 to 83 (median age 65). We identified five themes: (1) the impact of an AML diagnosis in older adulthood, (2) care recipient condition changes, (3) perspectives of caregiving roles and tasks, (4) factors influencing caregiving experiences, and (5) support system roles. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Caregivers for older adults with AML report a range of experiences navigating health systems, caregiving responsibilities, and resource needs. The risk for caregiver burden and unmet needs should be addressed to improve caregivers' abilities to provide care.


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use , Sulfonamides/therapeutic use , Clinical Trials as Topic
19.
Support Care Cancer ; 31(2): 136, 2023 Jan 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36700992

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To identify physical activity (PA) barriers and facilitators among Black and African American (Black/AA) cancer survivors that should be considered in future PA intervention development for this population. METHODS: A community advisory board (CAB) of Black/AA cancer survivors and patient advocates guided in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 19) that were completed via telephone using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using directed content analysis to detail a report of PA barriers and facilitators during and after cancer treatment. The CAB reviewed and interpreted these barriers and facilitators to identify the final results. RESULTS: Survivors (n = 19) of nine different types of cancer completed interviews. PA barriers during cancer treatments included physical and psychological suffering. PA barriers after cancer treatments included social and environmental constraints (e.g., lack of access needed for PA, safety concerns, and competing priorities). PA facilitators both during and after cancer treatments included family support, faith, and support from other survivors. PA facilitators during treatment also included feeling better after doing PA, setting realistic and flexible goals, and gaining a sense of control of one's health by striving for PA goals. CONCLUSIONS: To increase PA among Black/AA cancer survivors, PA interventions are needed that address structural barriers, include the role of faith, leverage family support, highlight the psychological benefits of PA, and use goal setting.


Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Neoplasms , Humans , Cancer Survivors/psychology , Black or African American , Exercise/psychology , Survivors/psychology , Qualitative Research , Neoplasms/therapy
20.
Haematologica ; 108(4): 1006-1014, 2023 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35861016

ABSTRACT

Time at home is a critically important outcome to adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) when selecting treatment; however, no study to date has adequately described the amount of time older adults spend at home following initiation of chemotherapy. We queried records from a multi-institution health system to identify adults aged ≥60 years newly diagnosed with AML who were treated with azacitidine or venetoclax and evaluated the proportion of days at home (PDH) following diagnosis. Days were considered "at home" if patients were not admitted or seen in the emergency department or oncology/infusion clinic. Assessed covariates included demographics and disease risk. Associations between PDH and baseline characteristics were evaluated via linear regression, adjusted for log length of follow-up. From 2015-2020, 113 older adults were identified. Most received azacitidine plus venetoclax (51.3%) followed by azacitidine monotherapy (38.9%). The mean PDH for all patients was 0.58 (95% confidence interval: 0.54-0.63, median 0.63). PDH increased among survivors over time. PDH did not differ between therapy groups (adjusted mean, azacitidine plus venetoclax: 0.68; azacitidine monotherapy: 0.66; P=0.64) or between disease risk categories (P=0.34). Compared to patients receiving azacitidine monotherapy, patients receiving azacitidine plus venetoclax had longer clinic visits (median minutes: 127.9 vs. 112.9, P<0.001) and infusion visits (median minutes: 194.3 vs. 132.5, P<0.001). The burden of care for older adults with AML treated with "less intense" chemotherapy is high. The addition of venetoclax to azacitidine did not translate into increased time at home. Future prospective studies should evaluate patient-centered outcomes, including time at home, to inform shared decision-making and drug development.


Subject(s)
Azacitidine , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , Humans , Aged , Prospective Studies , Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/etiology , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
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