Review
Oncology
Lachlan McDowell, Danny Rischin, Karla Gough, Christina Henson
Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer with various risk factors. The treatment of HNSCC can cause significant side effects, and age is considered in treatment recommendations. However, there is limited evidence of vulnerability in older patients with HNSCC.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Gerben van Hinte, Ruud A. Leijendekkers, Matthias A. W. Merkx, Robert P. Takes, Maria W. G. Nijhuis-van der Sanden, Caroline M. Speksnijder
Summary: The study found that survivors of head and neck cancer have unmet needs and limitations in physical health to some extent. There is a certain degree of correlation between unmet needs and limitations in physical performance. Therefore, using SCNS and physical performance measurements during routine follow-up can help in early detection and identification of these issues.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE
(2021)
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
Oncology
Cecilie Hollaender-Mieritz, Anne Marie Juhl Elsborg, Claus Andrup Kristensen, Simon N. Rogers, Helle Pappot, Karin Piil
Summary: This study aims to establish a patient concerns inventory (PCI-HNC-PT) for patients with advanced head and neck cancer receiving palliative treatment. Through patient interviews and a focus group interview with oncology nurses, the items and concerns for the PCI-HNC-PT were determined.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brigitte Gerstl, Christina Signorelli, Claire E. Wakefield, Chantelle D'Souza, Rebecca Deans, Tejnei Vaishnav, Karen Johnston, Kristen A. Neville, Richard J. Cohn, Antoinette Anazodo
Summary: The majority of cancer survivors participating in the pilot study found the RS-PROM to be an acceptable, feasible, and useful tool to facilitate discussions about their sexual and reproductive health concerns with their clinical team.
Article
Oncology
Martina E. Schmidt, Siri Goldschmidt, Silke Hermann, Karen Steindorf
Summary: Significant efforts have been made in cancer treatment, leading to improved survival rates. However, research and care for long-term problems and late effects in cancer survivors are inadequate. This study found that while cancer survivors' overall health-related quality of life and physical function were comparable or better than the general population, emotional and cognitive function were worse, particularly among women. Commonly reported problems with moderate burden included loss of physical performance, fatigue, sexual problems, sleep problems, and anxiety. Survivors often rated the support they received as poor, especially for non-threatening medical issues or issues without effective medication or treatment. Factors such as older age, female gender, history of chemotherapy, and overweight/obesity were associated with higher burdens. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness and targeted care for the long-term and late effects experienced by cancer survivors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Review
Otorhinolaryngology
Anastasios Kanatas, Derek Lowe, Simon N. Rogers
Summary: This article reviews the development, validation, and clinical implications of the Patient Concerns Inventory for head and neck cancer (PCI-HN). It provides an overview of the PCI-HN's background, evaluation, and utility, which is essential for multidisciplinary teams and researchers.
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Margaret I. Fitch, Gina Lockwood, Irene Nicoll
Summary: This study examines the impact of residency location on cancer survivor experiences, finding that rural and urban residents had similar levels of concerns but differed in seeking help, with rural survivors facing greater challenges. The results suggest a need for community-based support services in rural areas.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY NURSING
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Kira S. van Hof, Arta Hoesseini, Maarten C. Dorr, Irma M. M. Verdonck-de Leeuw, Femke Jansen, C. Rene Leemans, Robert P. Takes, Chris H. J. Terhaard, Robert J. Baatenburg de Jong, Aniel Sewnaik, Marinella P. J. Offerman
Summary: This study examines the unmet supportive care needs of informal caregivers of head and neck cancer patients. The findings suggest that there is a high prevalence of unmet needs among caregivers, particularly in the healthcare & illness domain. The study highlights the importance of providing optimal support to caregivers and involving them in the counseling and support process.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Roxane Elaldi, Lise-Marie Roussel, Jocelyn Gal, Boris Scheller, Emmanuel Chamorey, Renaud Schiappa, Audrey Lasne-Cardon, Marie-Yolande Louis, Dorian Culie, Olivier Dassonville, Gilles Poissonnet, Esma Saada, Karen Benezery, Emmanuel Babin, Alexandre Bozec
Summary: The study identified fear of cancer recurrence as the main concern for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, with the need for referral to healthcare professionals being the main requirement. Quality of life outcomes were significantly influenced by psychological distress, while factors like gender and age also played a role in patient concerns and preferences for medical staff.
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
V. Kunz, G. Wichmann, A. Lehmann-Laue, A. Mehnert-Theuerkauf, A. Dietz, S. Wiegand
Summary: The study found high distress levels among head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, with significant associations with factors such as sadness, worries, and anxiety. However, only a few patients expressed a need for psycho-oncological care services.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
David Macias, Brittany N. Hand, Patrik Pipkorn, Amy M. Williams, Steven S. Chang, Joseph Zenga, Marci L. Nilsen, Bethany A. Rhoten, Andrew T. Huang, Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, Stacey Maurer, Wendy Balliet, Hong Li, Kenneth J. Ruggiero, Katherine R. Sterba, Evan M. Graboyes
Summary: The study aimed to determine the cut-off score for Inventory to Measure and Assess Image disturbance - Head and Neck (IMAGE-HN) that identifies head and neck cancer patients with clinically relevant body image-related distress (BID). An IMAGE-HN score of >= 22 was found to be optimal, identifying patients with clinically relevant BID. Patients above this cut-off score showed significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as worse quality of life.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Olivia Bellas, Emma Kemp, Laura Edney, Candice Oster, Jackie Roseleur
Summary: This study aimed to describe the impacts of unmet supportive care needs on cancer survivors in Australia. The findings identified the negative impacts of unmet informational, physical, practical, emotional, and psychological needs on survivors.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Margherita Dionisi-Vici, Marta Fantoni, Rossana Botto, Alice Nervo, Francesco Felicetti, Ruth Rossetto, Marco Gallo, Emanuela Arvat, Riccardo Torta, Paolo Leombruni
Summary: Despite a good prognosis, thyroid cancer survivors often experience psychological distress and decreased quality of life. This longitudinal study evaluated distress, anxiety, depression, and unmet needs among 73 TC survivors, with 44 of them re-tested one year later. The results showed that patients reported ongoing distress, anxiety, and depression concerns, emphasizing the importance of both medical and psychological support for improving TC survivors' well-being.
Article
Oncology
Alexandria Harris, Jinhong Li, Karley Atchison, Christine Harrison, Daniel Hall, Tyler VanderWeele, Jonas T. Johnson, Marci L. Nilsen
Summary: This study evaluates the relationship between demographics, clinical characteristics, and posttreatment symptom burden with the subjective sense of flourishing among head and neck cancer survivors. The results suggest that late- and long-term side effects of treatment and financial hardship are associated with lower levels of flourishing.
Article
Oncology
A. Lorenc, M. Wells, T. Fulton-Lieuw, P. Nankivell, H. Mehanna, M. Jepson
Summary: Current follow-up for head and neck cancer (HNC) is ineffective and expensive. The PETNECK2 trial aims to compare patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) with routine scheduled follow-up. In this study, UK clinicians' views about HNC follow-up and PIFU were explored. The results showed that clinicians acknowledged the limitations of current follow-up and supported the evaluation of PIFU. However, they expressed concerns about the suitability of PIFU for disengaged patients and its potential impact on patient anxiety and the detection of recurrence. Implementation issues, such as ensuring a reliable route back to clinic and managing workload burden, were also discussed.
Letter
Health Care Sciences & Services
Bronwen Warner, Alice Harry, Stephen Brett, Mary Wells, David B. Antcliffe
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Heather Strachan, Gaylor Hoskins, Mary Wells, Margaret Maxwell
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the implementation of Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) roles in primary care in Scotland and its contribution to primary care transformation. It found that ANP roles can take on multiple nursing roles in rural areas and have greater autonomy and ability to manage complex conditions. The mechanisms that facilitated the implementation of ANP roles included national definition, engagement of primary care team and public, education funding, and experienced GP supervisors. However, the study also highlighted the challenges of training ANPs in a service already under pressure and the limited transformative impact of shifting GP workload to ANPs in primary care.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
(2022)
Review
Dermatology
Layla Bolton Saghdaoui, Smaragda Lampridou, Simona Racaru, Alun Huw Davies, Mary Wells
Summary: Self-management of chronic lower limb wounds is crucial for improving quality of life and reducing healthcare burden, but there is limited consensus on its definition and components. Existing interventions include exercise, wound care, and lifestyle behaviors. However, theoretically-guided research is still lacking in this area.
INTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ben Zaranko, Natalie Jean Sanford, Elaine Kelly, Anne Marie Rafferty, James Bird, Luca Mercuri, Janice Sigsworth, Mary Wells, Carol Propper
Summary: The size and composition of nursing teams have a significant impact on inpatient hospital mortality. The fill-rate for registered nurses is associated with inpatient mortality, while there is no association for healthcare support workers and agency nurses. Increasing nurses' working hours and the number of senior nurses are associated with a decrease in patient mortality.
BMJ QUALITY & SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alasdair G. Rooney, William Hewins, Amie Walker, Mairi Mackinnon, Lisa Withington, Sara Robson, Claire Torrens, Lisa E. M. Hopcroft, Antony Clark, Garry Anderson, Helen Bulbeck, Joanna Dunlop, Michelle Welsh, Aimee Dyson, Julie Emerson, Carol Cochrane, Robert Hill, Jade Carruthers, Julia Day, David Gillespie, Christopher Hewitt, Emanuela Molinari, Mary Wells, Catherine McBain, Anthony J. Chalmers, Robin Grant
Summary: This study shows that lifestyle coaching interventions are feasible to deliver to fatigued brain tumor patients, and they have preliminary evidence of benefit on fatigue and mental health outcomes. These interventions are manageable, acceptable, and safe.
NEURO-ONCOLOGY PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Anika Petrella, Lesley Storey, Nicholas J. Hulbert-Williams, Lorna A. Fern, Maria Lawal, Craig Gerrand, Rachael Windsor, Julie Woodford, Jennie Bradley, Hatty O'Sullivan, Mary Wells, Rachel M. Taylor
Summary: Fear of cancer recurrence is a significant concern among sarcoma patients, with higher levels compared to other types of cancer. Emotional distress and the ability to manage emotions are associated with fear of cancer recurrence. It is important to provide support and interventions to address this issue.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Bronwen E. Warner, Alice Harry, Mary Wells, Stephen J. Brett, David B. Antcliffe
Summary: This qualitative study aimed to explore the views and recollections of older patients and their next of kin regarding ICU admission during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that survival was prioritized, and despite the difficulties of ICU admission and its aftermath, the decision to admit and the consequences were considered acceptable.
Article
Oncology
Caitriona Cahir, Kathleen Bennett, Stephan U. Dombrowski, Catherine M. Kelly, Mary Wells, Eila Watson, Linda Sharp
Summary: To develop intervention for endocrine therapy (ET) non-adherence in women with breast cancer, this study measured modifiable determinants using Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and examined their relationships using Perceptions and Practicalities Approach (PAPA). The final model explained 59% of non-adherence variance and had an acceptable fit. Knowledge mediated non-adherence through beliefs about consequences and capabilities. Illness intrusiveness mediated non-adherence through beliefs about consequences. Beliefs about consequences mediated non-adherence through memory, attention, decision processes, and environment.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Jennifer Crow, Matthew Savage, Lisa Gardner, Catherine Hughes, Ceile Corbett, Mary Wells, Paresh Malhotra
Summary: This scoping review examined the follow-up interventions provided to individuals after minor stroke, focusing on the definition of minor stroke, intervention components, theory and outcomes. The findings highlight the need for personalized, holistic, and theory-informed interdisciplinary follow-up care that addresses education, support needs, and adjustment to life after stroke. Rating: 9 out of 10.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lisa Crowe, Morven Brown, Andy Bojke, Rona Bojke, Alastair Greystoke, Jan Lecouturier, James Richardson, Mary Wells, Adam Todd, Linda Sharp
Summary: The TARGET study aims to explore the needs of patients treated with biological and precision therapies in order to develop an unmet needs assessment instrument. The study includes systematic review, qualitative interviews, and a large-scale patient survey, covering various types of cancer. The research findings will be disseminated in multiple formats to reach different audiences.
Article
Oncology
Sarah-Jane F. Stewart, Joanna Slodkowska-Barabasz, Lucy McGeagh, Zoe Moon, Jo Brett, Mary Wells, Morven C. Brown, Mark Turner, Robert Horne, Deborah Fenlon, Farah Rehman, Henry Cain, Peter Donnelly, Victoria Harmer, Lesley Turner, Jan Rose, Linda Sharp, Eila Watson, SWEET Res Team
Summary: This study aims to co-design and develop an intervention to support adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) and improve health-related quality of life in women with breast cancer. The HT & Me intervention was developed based on evidence and theory, using a person-based approach and the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions. It includes consultations with a nurse, an animation video, a web-app, and motivational messages to address barriers to adherence and improve quality of life.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kelly Wade-Mcbane, Alex King, Catherine Urch, Lina Johansson, Mary Wells
Summary: This article introduces a personalized prehabilitation program and aims to investigate its feasibility in clinical practice. Thirty participants will be recruited to receive a personalized prehabilitation program during their oncological treatment, including interventions such as nutrition, physical activity, and psychological well-being. The primary outcome will be the investigation of areas of uncertainty regarding patient recruitment, intervention fidelity, and study outcome measures, while secondary outcomes include quality of life, functional capacity, and grip strength.
Article
Oncology
Sam Martin, Sigrun Eyrunardottir Clark, Craig Gerrand, Katie Gilchrist, Maria Lawal, Laura Maio, Ana Martins, Lesley Storey, Rachel M. Taylor, Mary Wells, Jeremy S. Whelan, Rachael Windsor, Julie Woodford, Cecilia Vindrola-Padros, Lorna A. Fern
Summary: Sarcomas are rare cancers in bones and soft tissue, and patients often experience delays in diagnosis. A study with 78 sarcoma patients found that most patients visited their GP within 2 weeks of noticing symptoms, but those aged 13-24 years waited longer. The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis was around 3 months, and soft tissue sarcoma patients took even longer, about 5 months. Further research is needed to improve early diagnosis of sarcomas.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Bronwen E. Warner, Adam Lound, Kate Grailey, Cecilia Vindrola-Padros, Mary Wells, Stephen J. Brett
Summary: This study aimed to synthesize the perspectives of clinicians and older patients on patient involvement in Treatment Escalation Plans (TEP) in the acute setting. The findings suggest that clinicians prioritize the medical decision-making in TEP, while older patients have complex relationships with TEP and face communication challenges with doctors.
