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Strahlentherapie Und Onkologie : Organ... Sep 2023Reirradiation is a potentially useful option for many patients with recurrent cancer, aiming at cure or symptom palliation, depending on disease/recurrence type and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Reirradiation is a potentially useful option for many patients with recurrent cancer, aiming at cure or symptom palliation, depending on disease/recurrence type and stage. The purpose of this follow-up study to a previous review from 2016 was to summarize all recently published randomized trials. Points of interest again included identifcation of methodological strengths and weaknesses, practice-changing results, and open questions.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Systematic review of trials published between 2015 and February 2023.
RESULTS
We reviewed 7 additional trials, most of which addressed reirradiation of head and neck or brain tumours. The median number of patients was 60. Mirroring the previous review, trial design, primary endpoints and statistical hypotheses varied widely. The updated results only impact on decision making for reirradiation of nasopharynx cancer and glioma. Patients with one of these diseases, as well as other head and neck cancers, may benefit from reirradiation-induced local control, e.g. in terms of progression-free survival. For the first time, hyperfractionated radiotherapy emerged as preferred option for recurrent, inoperable nasopharynx cancer. Despite better therapeutic ratio with hyperfractionation, serious toxicity remains a concern after high cumulative total doses. Randomized trials are still lacking for prostate cancer and other sites.
CONCLUSION
Multicentric randomized trials on reirradiation are feasible and continue to refine the current standard of care for recurrent disease after previous radiotherapy. Ongoing prospective studies such as the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (ESTRO-EORTC) observational cohort ReCare (NCT: NCT03818503) will further shape the clinical practice of reirradiation.
Topics: Male; Humans; Re-Irradiation; Prospective Studies; Follow-Up Studies; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37500926
DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02118-1 -
Age and Ageing Sep 2023There is evidence that community-based palliative care programmes can improve patient outcomes and caregiver experiences cost-effectively. However, little is known about...
BACKGROUND
There is evidence that community-based palliative care programmes can improve patient outcomes and caregiver experiences cost-effectively. However, little is known about which specific components within these programmes contribute to improving the outcomes.
AIM
To systematically review research that evaluates the effectiveness of community-based palliative care components.
DESIGN
A systematic mixed studies review synthesising quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods study findings using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PROSPERO: ID # CRD42022302305.
DATA SOURCES
Four databases were searched in August 2021 (CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest Federated and PubMed including MEDLINE) and a close review of included article references. Inclusion criteria required articles to evaluate a single, specific component of a community-based palliative care programme either within an individual programme or across several programmes.
RESULTS
Overall, a total of 1,674 articles were identified, with 57 meeting the inclusion criteria. Of the included studies, 21 were qualitative, 25 were quantitative and 11 had mixed methods. Outcome measures consistently examined included patient/caregiver satisfaction, hospital utilisation and home deaths. The components of standardised sessions (interdisciplinary meetings about patients), volunteer engagement and early intervention contributed to the success of community-based palliative care programmes.
CONCLUSIONS
Certain components of community-based palliative care programmes are effective. Such components should be implemented and tested more in low- and middle-income countries and key and vulnerable populations such as lower-income and marginalised racial or ethnic groups. In addition, more research is needed on the cost-effectiveness of individual programme components.
Topics: Humans; Palliative Care; Databases, Factual; Income; Patient Satisfaction; Volunteers
PubMed: 37740895
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad175 -
Palliative Medicine Apr 2024Shared decision-making is a key element of person-centred care and promoted as the favoured model in preference-sensitive decision-making. Limitations to implementation... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Shared decision-making is a key element of person-centred care and promoted as the favoured model in preference-sensitive decision-making. Limitations to implementation have been observed, and barriers and limitations, both generally and in the palliative setting, have been highlighted. More knowledge about the process of shared decision-making in palliative cancer care would assist in addressing these limitations.
AIM
To identify and synthesise qualitative data on how people with cancer, informal carers and healthcare professionals experience and perceive shared decision-making in palliative cancer care.
DESIGN
A systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative studies. We analysed data using inductive thematic analysis.
DATA SOURCES
We searched five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Scopus) from inception until June 2023, supplemented by backward searches.
RESULTS
We identified and included 23 studies, reported in 26 papers. Our analysis produced four analytical themes; (1) Overwhelming situation of 'no choice', (2) Processes vary depending on the timings and nature of the decisions involved, (3) Patient-physician dyad is central to decision-making, with surrounding support and (4) Level of involvement depends on interactions between individuals and systems.
CONCLUSION
Shared decision-making in palliative cancer care is a complex process of many decisions in a challenging, multifaceted and evolving situation where equipoise and choice are limited. Implications for practice: Implementing shared decision-making in clinical practice requires (1) clarifying conceptual confusion, (2) including members of the interprofessional team in the shared decision-making process and (3) adapting the approach to the ambiguous, existential situations which arise in palliative cancer care.
Topics: Humans; Physician-Patient Relations; Health Personnel; Caregivers; Palliative Care; Decision Making; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38481012
DOI: 10.1177/02692163241238384 -
BMC Geriatrics Dec 2023Sedentary behaviour is considered to contribute to sarcopenia when combined with physical inactivity. Whether sedentary behaviour is independently associated with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Sedentary behaviour is considered to contribute to sarcopenia when combined with physical inactivity. Whether sedentary behaviour is independently associated with sarcopenia remains controversial. The aim of this study is to explore the association between sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia in older adults in community and long-term care facility settings.
METHODS
Eight electronic databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Wanfang were searched from inception until August 2023. The review included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies concerning the association between sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia among participants over 60 years old. Evidence was pooled by both random-effects meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Subgroup analyses explored variation according to adjustment of physical activity, settings, and measurements of sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia. Quality assessment for individual studies was performed with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist.
RESULTS
Seventeen articles (16 cross-sectional studies and 1 longitudinal study) of 25,788 participants from community or long-term care facility settings were included. The overall quality of the included studies was rated high. Meta-analysis of 14 cross-sectional studies showed that sedentary behaviour was independently positively associated with sarcopenia: pooled odd ratio 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.58). The independent positive association remained in subgroup analyses by adjustment of physical activity, settings, and measurements of sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia. The narrative analysis corroborated the findings of the meta-analysis and provided additional evidence suggesting that interruptions in sedentary periods were linked to a decreased likelihood of developing sarcopenia.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings support the hypothesis that sedentary behaviour is independently positively associated with sarcopenia in older adults, providing vital indications for the development of strategies to prevent sarcopenia.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
The systematic review protocol has been registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42022311399).
Topics: Aged; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Longitudinal Studies; Sarcopenia; Sedentary Behavior
PubMed: 38124026
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04489-7 -
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management Nov 2023People with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) have significant morbidity, yet for many, access to palliative care occurs late, if at all.
CONTEXT
People with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) have significant morbidity, yet for many, access to palliative care occurs late, if at all.
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to examine criteria for referral to specialist palliative care for adults with advanced CKD with a view to improving use of these essential services.
METHODS
Systematic review of studies detailing referral criteria to palliative care in advanced CKD conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guideline and registered (PROSPERO: CRD42021230751).
DATA SOURCES
Electronic databases (Ovid, MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and PubMed) were used to identify potential studies, which were subjected to double review, data extraction, thematic coding, and descriptive analyses.
RESULTS
Searches yielded 650 unique titles ultimately resulting in 56 studies addressing referral criteria to specialist palliative care in advanced CKD. Of 10 categories of referral criteria, most commonly discussed were: Critical times of treatment decision making (n = 23, 41%); physical or emotional symptoms (n = 22, 39%); limited prognosis (n = 18, 32%); patient age and comorbidities (n = 18, 32%); category of CKD/ biochemical criteria (n = 13, 23%); functional decline (n = 13, 23); psychosocial needs (n = 9, 16%); future care planning (n = 9, 16%); anticipated decline in illness course (n = 8, 14%); and hospital use (n = 8, 14%).
CONCLUSION
Clinicians consider referral to specialist palliative care for a wide range of reasons, with many related to care needs. As palliative care continues to integrate with nephrology, our findings represent a key step towards developing consensus criteria to standardize referral for patients with chronic kidney diseases.
PubMed: 37507095
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.07.013 -
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management Aug 2023With the expansion of palliative care services in clinical settings, clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) have become increasingly crucial for assisting bedside... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
With the expansion of palliative care services in clinical settings, clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) have become increasingly crucial for assisting bedside nurses and other clinicians in improving the quality of care to patients with life-limiting health conditions.
OBJECTIVES
To characterize palliative care CDSSs and explore end-users' actions taken, adherence recommendations, and clinical decision time.
METHODS
The CINAHL, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched from inception to September 2022. The review was developed following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews guidelines. Qualified studies were described in tables and assessed the level of evidence.
RESULTS
A total of 284 abstracts were screened, and 12 studies comprised the final sample. The CDSSs selected focused on identifying patients who could benefit from palliative care based on their health status, making referrals to palliative care services, and managing medications and symptom control. Despite the variability of palliative CDSSs, all studies reported that CDSSs assisted clinicians in becoming more informed about palliative care options leading to better decisions and improved patient outcomes. Seven studies explored the impact of CDSSs on end-user adherence. Three studies revealed high adherence to recommendations while four had low adherence. Lack of feature customization and trust in guideline-based in the initial stages of feasibility and usability testing were evident, limiting the usefulness for nurses and other clinicians.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that implementing palliative care CDSSs can assist nurses and other clinicians in improving the quality of care for palliative patients. The studies' different methodological approaches and variations in palliative CDSSs made it challenging to compare and validate the applicability under which CDSSs are effective. Further research utilizing rigorous methods to evaluate the impact of clinical decision support features and guideline-based actions on clinicians' adherence and efficiency is recommended.
Topics: Humans; Palliative Care; Decision Support Systems, Clinical; Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing; Referral and Consultation
PubMed: 36933748
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.03.006 -
BMJ Open Sep 2023Co-production is promoted as an effective way of improving the quality of health and social care but the diversity of measures used in individual studies makes their... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Co-production is promoted as an effective way of improving the quality of health and social care but the diversity of measures used in individual studies makes their outcomes difficult to interpret.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to explore how empirical studies in health and social care have described the outcomes of co-production projects and how those outcomes were measured.
DESIGN AND METHODS
A scoping review forms the basis for this systematic review. Search terms for the concepts (co-produc* OR coproduc* OR co-design* OR codesign*) and contexts (health OR 'public service* OR "public sector") were used in: CINAHL with Full Text (EBSCOHost), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials (Wiley), MEDLINE (EBSCOHost), PsycINFO (ProQuest), PubMed (legacy) and Scopus (Elsevier). There was no date limit. Papers describing the process, original data and outcomes of co-production were included. Protocols, reviews and theoretical, conceptual and psychometric papers were excluded. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline was followed. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool underpinned the quality of included papers.
RESULTS
43 empirical studies were included. They were conducted in 12 countries, with the UK representing >50% of all papers. No paper was excluded due to the Mixed Methods Quality Appraisal screening and 60% of included papers were mixed methods studies. The extensive use of self-developed study-specific measures hampered comparisons and cumulative knowledge-building. Overall, the studies reported positive outcomes. Co-production was reported to be positively experienced and provided important learning.
CONCLUSIONS
The lack of common approaches to measuring co-production is more problematic than the plurality of measurements itself. Co-production should be measured from three perspectives: outputs of co-production processes, the experiences of participating in co-production processes and outcomes of co-production. Both self-developed study-specific measures and established measures should be used. The maturity of this research field would benefit from the development and use of reporting guidelines.
Topics: Humans; Social Support; Empirical Research; Knowledge; Learning; MEDLINE
PubMed: 37739472
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073808 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Jun 2023The effect of meditative movement, which includes yoga, tai chi and qi gong, on breathlessness in advanced disease is unknown. This systematic review aims to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effect of meditative movement, which includes yoga, tai chi and qi gong, on breathlessness in advanced disease is unknown. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the evidence on the effect of meditative movement on breathlessness (primary outcome), health-related quality of life, exercise capacity, functional performance and psychological symptoms (secondary outcomes) in advanced disease. 11 English and Chinese language databases were searched for relevant trials. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals were computed. 17 trials with 1125 participants (n=815 COPD, n=310 cancer), all with unclear or high risk of bias, were included. Pooled estimates (14 studies, n=671) showed no statistically significant difference in breathlessness between meditative movement and control interventions (SMD (95% CI) 0.10 (-0.15-0.34); Chi=30.11; I=57%; p=0.45), irrespective of comparator, intervention or disease category. Similar results were observed for health-related quality of life and exercise capacity. It was not possible to perform a meta-analysis for functional performance and psychological symptoms. In conclusion, in people with advanced COPD or cancer, meditative movement does not improve breathlessness, health-related quality of life or exercise capacity. Methodological limitations lead to low levels of certainty in the results.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Dyspnea; Neoplasms; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 37343961
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0243-2022 -
PharmacoEconomics Mar 2024Cost-of-illness studies in palliative care are of growing interest in health economics. There is no standard methodology to capture direct and non-direct healthcare and...
BACKGROUND
Cost-of-illness studies in palliative care are of growing interest in health economics. There is no standard methodology to capture direct and non-direct healthcare and non-healthcare expenses incurred by health services, patients and their caregivers in the course of the ambulatory palliative care process.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to describe the type of healthcare and non-healthcare expenses incurred by patients with cancer and non-cancer patients and their caregivers for palliative care in ambulatory-based settings and the methodology used to capture the data.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of studies on the costs of ambulatory-based palliative care in patients with cancer (breast, lung, colorectal) and non-cancer conditions (chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia) found in six bibliographic databases (PubMed, EMBASE [via Ovid], Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EconLit, the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Database and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database at the University of York, and Google Scholar). The studies were published between January 2000 and December 2022. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology for study selection and assessed study quality using the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021250086).
RESULTS
Of 1434 identified references, 43 articles met the inclusion criteria. The primary data source was databases. More than half of the articles presented data from public healthcare systems (65.12%) were retrospective (60.47%), and entailed a bottom-up costing analysis (93.2%) made from a healthcare system perspective (53.49%). The sociodemographic characteristics of patients and families/caregivers were similar across the studies. Cost outcomes reports were heterogeneous; almost all of the studies collected data on direct healthcare costs (97.67%). The main driver of costs was inpatient care (55.81%), which increased during the end-of-life period. Nine studies (20.97%) recorded costs due to productivity losses for caregivers and three recorded such costs for patients. Caregiving costs were explored through an opportunity cost analysis in all cases, based on interviews conducted with and questionnaires administered to patients and caregivers, mainly via telephone calls (23.23%).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review reveals that studies on the costs of ambulatory-based palliative care are increasing. These studies are mostly conducted from a healthcare system perspective, which leaves out costs related to patients'/caregivers' economic burden. There is a need for prospective studies to assess this financial burden and evaluate, with strong evidence, the interventions and actions designed to improve the quality of life of palliative care patients. Future studies should propose cost calculation approaches using a societal perspective to better estimate the economic burden imposed on patients in ambulatory-based palliative care.
Topics: Humans; Palliative Care; Quality of Life; State Medicine; Retrospective Studies; Health Care Costs
PubMed: 38151673
DOI: 10.1007/s40273-023-01336-w -
Palliative Care and Social Practice 2023The exploration and monitoring of the personal values, wishes, and needs (VWN) of patients in the palliative phase by hospital clinicians is essential for guiding... (Review)
Review
Barriers and facilitators that hospital clinicians perceive to discuss the personal values, wishes, and needs of patients in palliative care: a mixed-methods systematic review.
BACKGROUND
The exploration and monitoring of the personal values, wishes, and needs (VWN) of patients in the palliative phase by hospital clinicians is essential for guiding appropriate palliative care.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the barriers and facilitators concerning communication with patients in the palliative phase about their VWN as perceived by hospital clinicians.
DESIGN
A mixed-methods systematic review following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for mixed-method systematic reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021216693).
DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
Eight databases, including PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL, were searched without time restrictions. The search string was built using the search Palliative cAre Literature rEview iTeraTive mEthod (PALETTE) framework. Eligible studies focused on (1) hospital clinicians and (2) perceived barriers and facilitators regarding the exploration and monitoring of the VWN of adult patients in the palliative phase. Two researchers independently selected articles and evaluated the quality. Findings were synthesized using a convergent integrated approach.
RESULTS
In total, 29 studies were included: 14 quantitative, 13 qualitative, and 2 mixed methods. Five synthesized findings were identified: (1) the clinician's professional manners, (2) the image formed of the patient and loved ones, (3) the human aspect of being a clinician, (4) the multidisciplinary collaboration, and (5) the contextual preconditions. Most studies seemed focused on communication about treatment decision making.
CONCLUSION
A patient-centered approach seems lacking when clinicians discuss the patient's VWN, since most studies focused on treatment decision making rather than on the exploration and monitoring of the multidimensional well-being of patients. This review emphasizes the need for the development and integration of a systematic approach to explore and monitor the patients' VWN to improve appropriate palliative care in hospitals.
PubMed: 38044932
DOI: 10.1177/26323524231212510