Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Alessandro Alberto Rossi, Maria Marconi, Federica Taccini, Claudio Verusio, Stefania Mannarini
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Psychological Distress Inventory (PDI) through two independent studies. Study 1 found that the original PDI had an unclear structure and needed to be reconsidered; whereas Study 2 showed that the revised version (PDI-R) had a solid factorial structure, was invariant across gender and age, and had good psychometric properties, suggesting it is a reliable measure for psychological distress in oncological patients.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sonia Silva, Tiago Paredes, Ricardo Joao Teixeira, Tania Brandao, Klara Dimitrovova, Diogo Marques, Joana Sousa, Monick Leal, Albina Dias, Carole Neves, Graciete Marques, Natalia Amaral
Summary: This study assessed emotional distress in a large sample of cancer patients attending psychological services at an NGO, finding that factors such as sadness, depression, sleep, breathing, being female, and being in the palliative phase were significantly associated with higher levels of distress. The results highlight the importance of early emotional screening and individualized care for cancer patients.
Article
Oncology
Tien Quang Nguyen, Tuyet Mai Do, Tuan Anh Pham
Summary: Psychological distress is common in cancer patients, impacting their treatment and quality of life. This study in Vietnam identified a cutoff score of 4 on the Distress Thermometer to effectively screen for distress, with a relationship to items on the Problem List.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maaike L. Seekles, Paula Ormandy
Summary: This study explores the role of renal social workers in the UK for the first time. The findings show that the role is creative, broad, and fluid, with variations in roles based on employment and funding arrangements, multidisciplinary team configurations, standardization of psychosocial care, availability of community services, and staff-to-patient ratios. Additionally, the study found that the support provided by renal social workers significantly reduces distress and anxiety in patients.
Article
Oncology
Yung-Chih Chiang, Jeremy Couper, Jing-Wen Chen, Ke-Jui Lin, Han-Ping Wu
Summary: This study aimed to assess the association between Distress Thermometer (DT) score and suicide risk in patients with cancer, and determine the best cutoff score to predict suicide risk. Results showed a significant association between DT score and suicide risk, suggesting the potential clinical utility of DT in evaluating emotional distress and suicide risk in cancer patients.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shirley Lewis, Saket Pandey, Naveen Salins, Jayita Deodhar, Vijay Patil, Tejpal Gupta, Sarbani Ghosh Laskar, Ashwini Budrukkar, Vedang Murthy, Amit Joshi, Kumar Prabhash, Sudhir Nair, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Vanita Noronha, Jai Prakash Agarwal
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of baseline distress in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radical intent radiotherapy, finding that 56% of patients had clinically significant distress. Factors predictive of distress included low socioeconomic status, presence of proliferative growth, tumor site, comorbidity, and medical devices at baseline. Patients with low socioeconomic status had higher distress levels, highlighting the need for interventions to alleviate distress.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Jochen Ernst, Michael Friedrich, Sigrun Vehling, Uwe Koch, Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf
Summary: The study found that the subjective perception of distress in cancer patients is not clearly related to mental burden (mental disorders). While there is some correlation between distress levels and mental disorders, increasing distress severity does not necessarily indicate a higher likelihood of having a mental disorder.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Lidya Genene Abebe, Abigiya Wondimagegnehu, Aynalem Abraha Woldemariam, Bizu Gelaye, Eva Johanna Kantelhardt, Adamu Addissie
Summary: This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the EORTC-QLQ-CR29 tool in Ethiopia among colorectal cancer patients. The tool showed good convergent and divergent validity, with some issues identified in the Blood and Mucus in Stool scale. The Amharic version of the tool can be used to assess the health-related quality of life in Ethiopian colorectal cancer patients.
CANCER MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Lauren A. Zimmaro, Mengying Deng, Elizabeth Handorf, Carolyn Y. Fang, Crystal S. Denlinger, Jennifer B. Reese
Summary: Benefit finding is common among colorectal cancer patients, characterized by psychological and social benefits such as gratitude, acceptance, and stronger family relationships. Women and racial minorities tend to report higher levels of benefit finding than men and White patients, respectively, while medical factors do not seem to influence benefit finding. Benefit finding tends to increase over time, but its association with distress remains uncertain.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Jan Ben Schulze, Moritz Philipp Gunther, Cosima Riemenschnitter, Andreas Wicki, Roland von Kanel, Sebastian Euler
Summary: This study used latent class analysis to identify four subgroups of cancer patients based on their levels of distress, physical and emotional challenges, and desire for psycho-oncological services. The findings provide valuable insights for healthcare providers to tailor their efforts and offer more personalized treatment options.
GENERAL HOSPITAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Hammoda Abu-Odah, Alex Molassiotis, Justina Yat Wa Liu
Summary: This study aimed to define the optimal cutoff score of distress thermometer for screening psychological distress among advanced cancer patients in resource-limited countries. The study found that a cutoff score of 6 on the distress thermometer was acceptable and effective for identifying distress in advanced cancer patients. The high prevalence of distress among Palestinian patients supports the need for psychological interventions in cancer care.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Sami Benli, Deniz Tikici, Ahmet Dag, Caner Baysan, Alper Ziblak
Summary: This study investigated the distress scores in breast cancer patients before and after mastectomy or breast conservation surgery, and found that the postoperative distress situation decreased.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lisa Graham-Wisener, Martin Dempster, Aaroon Sadler, Luke McCann, Noleen K. McCorry
Summary: The Distress Thermometer is a valid and accurate screening tool for advanced cancer patients, but caution is needed due to lack of specificity. In this study with 139 participants providing complete data, the optimal cut-off score on the Distress Thermometer was > 6 for total distress and anxiety, and > 4 for depression in patients with advanced cancer.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Xianchen Liu, Lu Liu, Yanyun Yang, Zhen-Zhen Liu, Cun-Xian Jia
Summary: This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ-CV) in adolescents, finding it to be a simple, reliable, and valid scale for assessing nightmare distress. Results showed that nightmare distress was significantly correlated with factors such as sleep, emotional issues, and academic performance.
Article
Oncology
Sun-young Park, Yoonjoo Kim, Hyunju Hong
Summary: Elderly patients with HMs experience high levels of distress, mainly from issues such as transportation, depression, and constipation. Most patients have physical or emotional problems, with fatigue, worry, tingling, difficulty with mobility, and memory/concentration problems being the most frequently reported.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Rozanne Wilson, Lena Cuthbertson, Lewis Kazis, Richard Sawatzky
Summary: The study aimed to assess the mental and physical health status of older adults living in long-term residential care (LTRC) and develop an adapted patient-reported outcome measure for this population. The findings revealed limited acceptability of two items in the VR-12 questionnaire in the LTRC setting, and a lack of time reference affected residents' comprehension.
CLINICAL GERONTOLOGIST
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jae-Yung Kwon, Richard Sawatzky, Jennifer Baumbusch, Pamela A. Ratner
Summary: This study examined health trajectories of atrial fibrillation patients using growth mixture models, identifying three subgroups with different health status trajectories. Patient characteristics were associated with these trajectories, providing valuable information for tailored interventions and patient education strategies.
QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Veronique Sebille, Lisa M. Lix, Olawale F. Ayilara, Tolulope T. Sajobi, A. Cecile J. W. Janssens, Richard Sawatzky, Mirjam A. G. Sprangers, Mathilde G. E. Verdam
Summary: This work is part of an international initiative to synthesize research on response shift in patient-reported outcome measures. The study critically examines current response shift methods, proposes new methods to address limitations, and highlights the need for further research to advance the field.
QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Richard Sawatzky, Jae-Yung Kwon, Ruth Barclay, Cynthia Chauhan, Lori Frank, Wilbert B. van den Hout, Lene Kongsgaard Nielsen, Sandra Nolte, Mirjam A. G. Sprangers
Summary: The use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in healthcare decision-making is increasing, with research showing that response shift can affect the results. A framework has been developed to address the implications of response shift at the micro, meso, and macro levels of patient care, healthcare institutes, and healthcare policy. The framework emphasizes the importance of interpreting patient-reported data, examining individual-level data for response shift, and critically reflecting on health conceptualization to avoid biases in decision-making.
QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jae-Yung Kwon, Richard Sawatzky, Jennifer Baumbusch, Sandra Lauck, Pamela A. Ratner
Summary: This paper discusses the process of using growth mixture modeling (GMM) to analyze longitudinal PRO data for patients with atrial fibrillation, focusing on methodological issues such as time metric determination, GMM specification, and predictors of latent classes. An example of longitudinal analysis is provided, highlighting the importance of transparency and reliable methods when utilizing GMM for classifying unique PRO trajectories.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Denghuang Zhan, Liang Xu, Yongdong Ouyang, Richard Sawatzky, Hubert Wong
Summary: This scoping review focused on the methodology for unequal cluster size CRTs, with most papers primarily addressing parallel-arm CRT and stepped-wedge CRT, mainly focusing on trial design issues. Investigated parameter values varied substantially across studies, and methods for dealing with unequal cluster sizes in the p-CRT have been extensively studied for Gaussian and binary outcomes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Iraj Poureslami, Jacek Kopec, Noah Tregobov, Jessica Shum, Rick Sawatzky, Richard Hohn, J. Mark FitzGerald
Summary: This study described the development process of a new HL assessment tool, the Vancouver Airways Health Literacy Tool (VAHLT), which involved systematic review, focus group sessions, surveys, and physician review to create a 44-item self-management questionnaire. The integration of literature information with knowledge from key stakeholders was highlighted, providing insights for researchers developing similar tools for patient self-management assessment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kara Schick-Makaroff, Richard Sawatzky, Lena Cuthbertson, Joakim Ohlen, Autumn Beemer, Dominique Duquette, Mehri Karimi-Dehkordi, Kelli Stajduhar, Nitya Suryaprakash, Landa Terblanche, Angela C. Wolff, S. Robin Cohen
Summary: The study highlighted the importance of tailored KT resources on QOL assessment for different audiences. Insights from older adults, family caregivers, healthcare providers, healthcare managers, and government leaders helped in developing infographic brochures, animations, videos, and a webpage for better understanding and promotion of QOL assessment tools.
QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kara Schick-Makaroff, Adrienne Levay, Stephanie Thompson, Rachel Flynn, Richard Sawatzky, Onouma Thummapol, Scott Klarenbach, Mehri Karimi-Dehkordi, Joanne Greenhalgh
Summary: This study aimed to develop a kidney-specific program theory about the use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in nephrology to enhance person-centered care, and to test and refine this theory through a systematic review of empirical literature. The study found that PROs have three types of application in providing nephrology care and highlighted the need for further empirical research to improve the evidence-base of PRO use at individual and aggregated levels of care in nephrology.
PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Health Care Sciences & Services
Aaron Gelfand, Julie Sou, Aslam Anis, Alison Pearce, Katrina Prescott, Rick Sawatzky, Christine Lee, Wei Zhang
QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sara Wallstrom, Jason Sutherland, Aslam Anis, Jacek Kopec, Rick Sawatzky
QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Critical Care Medicine
I Poureslami, R. Hohn, N. Tregobov, J. Shum, J. Kopec, R. Sawatzky, S. Aaron, S. Gupta, R. Goldstein, K. Lavoie, S. Pakhale, L. Boulet, C. Poirier, J. M. FitzGerald
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
Trisha Chakrabarty, Ivan Torres, Weizhong Su, Richard Sawatzky, Kamyar Keramatian, Lakshmi N. Yatham
Review
Gerontology
Kara Schick-Makaroff, Mehri Karimi-Dehkordi, Lena Cuthbertson, Duncan Dixon, S. Robin Cohen, Neil Hilliard, Richard Sawatzky
Summary: The study found that stakeholders' motivations for using patient- and family-reported outcome and experience measures varied, but there was a synergy between the goals of person/family-centered care and healthcare system-level goals. However, there is a missed opportunity currently for these tools to be fully utilized to inform continuity across transitions in care.
Article
Nursing
Richard Sawatzky, Della Roberts, Lara Russell, Ami Bitschy, Sean Ho, Jean-Francois Desbiens, Eric K. H. Chan, Carolyn Tayler, Kelli Stajduhar
Summary: This study examined the impact of self-perceived palliative care competence on the application of a palliative approach in nursing care settings, and psychometrically evaluated an instrument for measuring self-perceived palliative care competence. The results confirmed the reliability and equivalence of the instrument, providing valuable information for future research and interventions on integrating a palliative approach.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF NURSING RESEARCH
(2021)
