European journal of cancer care
-
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Sep 2011
Associations among musculoskeletal impairments, depression, body image and fatigue in breast cancer survivors within the first year after treatment.
The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between pressure pain thresholds, shoulder movement, mood state, pain perception, muscle endurance, quality of life and fatigue in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Fifty-nine BCS reporting fatigue were examined at 6 months post-treatment. Women completed the Piper Fatigue Scale, the Breast Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Profile of Mood State, and neck-shoulder visual analogue scale. ⋯ Fatigue was greater in those patients with higher depression (r= 0.45, P < 0.05), higher shoulder pain (r= 0.39, P < 0.05), higher neck pain (r= 0.46, P < 0.01), lower body image (r=-0.34, P < 0.05) and reduced shoulder movement (r=-0.32, P < 0.05). Regression analyses demonstrated that depression, cervical pain intensity, body image and shoulder mobility were associated with fatigue (r= 0.55, P < 0.001). A psychological state characterised with higher depression and reduced body image and a physical impairment with higher cervical pain intensity and reduced shoulder mobility confirm multidimensional character of fatigue in BCS.
-
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · May 2011
Validity of the Greek EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 for measuring health-related quality of life in breast cancer patients.
The aim of this study was to assess construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the Greek EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 instruments. A sample of female breast cancer patients (n= 105) were self-administered the QLQ-C30, QLQ-BR23 and SF-36 and questions on treatment and socio-demographic status. Hypothesised scale structure, reliability (Cronbach's α) and construct validity (convergent, discriminative, concurrent and known-groups) were assessed. ⋯ QLQ-BR23 scales showed comparatively low (<0.40) correlations with QLQ-C30 functional scales, and higher correlations with conceptually related symptom scales. Most QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 scales discriminated between pre-treatment and current treatment patients. The overall psychometric results for the Greek version of the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 confirmed it as a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing breast cancer-specific HRQoL in Greece.
-
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Mar 2011
What is important in cancer care coordination? A qualitative investigation.
Although it is widely recognised that better coordination of cancer care holds considerable potential to improve patients' experience of care and their outcomes, there is no agreed definition of the term 'care coordination' or consensus as to what it entails. An explorative descriptive qualitative study was undertaken to explore the views and experiences of key stakeholders to identify the key components of cancer care coordination. We conducted semi-structured individual and focus groups interviews with patients (n= 20) who have been treated for any cancer and carers (n= 4) as well as clinicians (n= 29) involved in cancer care, using open-ended questions. ⋯ A phenomenological approach based on grounded theory was used to explore the participants' experiences and views. Seven key components were identified: organisation of patient care, access to and navigation through the healthcare system, the allocation of a 'key contact' person, effective communication and cooperation among the multidisciplinary team and other health service providers, delivery of services in a complementary and timely manner, sufficient and timely information to the patient and needs assessment. The components of cancer care coordination identified provide an empirical basis for the development of metrics and interventions to improve this aspect of cancer care.
-
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Mar 2011
Review'Listening to Patients': what is the value of age-appropriate care to teenagers and young adults with cancer?
Current healthcare policy increasingly recognises the importance of patient experience in determining care. The 2005 UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Improving Outcomes Guidance encompasses caring for young people with cancer in an age-appropriate model of care developing regional principal treatment centres for this purpose. When published this was based upon limited outcomes evidence, and only a small amount of teenage and young adult patient and parent opinion. ⋯ Many patients are prepared to travel to receive such care, if services are not in place to deliver excellent shared care between principal treatment centres and services nearer home. Some of these needs are unmet in non-specialist units. There remains, however, a paucity of rigorous comparative studies quantifying the value of specialist cancer care for this patient group.
-
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Nov 2010
ReviewOncological emergencies: clinical importance and principles of management.
Oncological emergencies are common conditions associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Delay in diagnosis and treatment can result in unfavourable outcomes. Cancer itself, cancer-related hormones or cytokines, or treatment effects can cause emergency problems. ⋯ Localised back pain is the most common presenting symptom while late presentation of neurological deficit is associated with irreversible outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice. Treatment includes corticosteroids, radiotherapy and/or decompressive surgery.