Review
Oncology
Ana Claudia Mesquita Garcia, Milena Schneiders, Karita Santos da Mota, Vander Monteiro da Conceicao, David W. Kissane
Summary: This integrative systematic review synthesized scientific findings on demoralization and spirituality in the context of oncology. The review found that demoralization tends to increase with the proximity of death in people with cancer and is inversely related to spirituality. Spiritual well-being serves as a protective factor against demoralization, while unmet spiritual needs are associated with increased demoralization in cancer patients. Caregivers of people with advanced cancer also experience demoralization, which is related to spiritual suffering among other factors.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Health Policy & Services
A. Ozanne, I Henoch, J. Ohlen, B. Jakobsson Larsson, C. Melin-Johansson
Summary: This study examined the experiential impact of an educational program for nurses designed to facilitate discussions of existential issues with patients and family members in neurological wards. The program gave nurses a deeper understanding of existential issues and how to manage these conversations. However, both internal and external barriers remained after education, with nurses experiencing insecurity and fear, and a sense of being inhibited by the environment. The study emphasizes the significance of providing support and creating a conducive environment for nurses to manage conversations about existential issues.
PALLIATIVE & SUPPORTIVE CARE
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Mojtaba Ghorbani, Eesa Mohammadi, Reza Aghabozorgi, Monir Ramezani
Summary: Through an integrative review, this study identified eight categories of spiritual care interventions in the field of nursing, including the exploration of spiritual perspective, healing presence, the therapeutic use of self, intuitive sense, patient-centeredness, meaning-centered therapeutic interventions, the creation of a spiritually nurturing environment, and the documentation and evaluation of spiritual care.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Ana Maria Lopez
Summary: Preoperative relaxation techniques decrease anxiety, while intraoperative acupuncture reduces severe perioperative pain associated with gynecological oncology surgery.
Review
Rehabilitation
Javier Martinez-Calderon, Maria Jesus Jesus Casuso-Holgado, Francisco Javier Cano-Garcia, Alberto Marcos Heredia-Rizo
Summary: This study developed an evidence-based integrative model to evaluate the role that mindfulness, acceptance, self-efficacy, uncertainty, meaning, and purpose in life play in the self-perception of well-being in individuals with cancer. The model proposes that mindfulness, acceptance, self-efficacy perception, and uncertainty can predict how people with cancer perceive their well-being, and that meaning and purpose in life can act as mediators or moderators of this prediction.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Stephen F. Obold Eshleman, Shelley E. Varner Perez
Summary: Professional chaplains can benefit from using creative approaches to discuss spiritual and existential concerns with healthcare patients, especially those who do not identify as religious. The use of a third voice and landscape photographs can engage patients and inform decision-making regarding treatment and person-centered care.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Nursing
Barbara Badanta, Estefania Rivilla-Garcia, Giancarlo Lucchetti, Rocio de Diego-Cordero
Summary: Spiritual care can help family members and patients cope with anxiety, stress, and depression. Research indicates that patients and families use spiritual coping strategies in the ICU to alleviate stress, and respecting patients' spiritual beliefs is essential.
NURSING IN CRITICAL CARE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Evan T. Hall, Deepa Sridhar, Surbhi Singhal, Touran Fardeen, Sheila Lahijani, Ranak Trivedi, Caroline Gray, Lidia Schapira
Summary: Our study shows that the time spent undergoing cancer treatment has a negative impact on well-being, disrupting daily life and participation in meaningful activities for both patients and their caregivers. This suggests that further research into the personal time investment required for cancer therapy in patients with advanced solid tumors is necessary to improve communication between patients, caregivers, and oncologists.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Gaelle Sorin, Lionel Dany, Renaud Vialet, Laurent Thomachot, Sophie Hassid, Fabrice Michel, Barthelemy Tosello
Summary: The study explored the communication strategies used by doctors in a French NICU when speaking to parents, identifying five themes including building understanding, construction of communication, roles of doctors and parents in infant care, and development of information given to parents. Analyzing the content of discussions with parents provided insight into communication and ethical issues in the NICU, with potential for improving future doctor-parent discussions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Carletto, Maria Chiara Ariotti, Giulia Garelli, Ludovica Di Noto, Paola Berchialla, Francesca Malandrone, Roberta Guardione, Floriana Boarino, Maria Francesca Campagnoli, Patrizia Savant Levet, Enrico Bertino, Luca Ostacoli, Alessandra Coscia
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between moral distress (MD) and burnout among healthcare professionals in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It finds a connection between MD and emotional exhaustion dimension of burnout. Nurses/physiotherapists show higher levels of personal accomplishment burnout compared to physicians, and spirituality and/or religiousness may moderate the relationship.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Linda E. Carlson, Nofisat Ismaila, Elizabeth L. Addington, Gary N. Asher, Chloe Atreya, Lynda G. Balneaves, Joke Bradt, Nina Fuller-Shavel, Joseph Goodman, Caroline J. Hoffman, Alissa Huston, Ashwin Mehta, Channing J. Paller, Kimberly Richardson, Dugald Seely, Chelsea J. Siwik, Jennifer S. Temel, Julia H. Rowland
Summary: This article aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to healthcare providers on integrative approaches to managing anxiety and depression symptoms in adults living with cancer.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Samuel Mathis, Victor S. Sierpina
Summary: The purpose of this study is to review the role of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) in addressing kidney cancer in terms of prevention, treatment, side effects, and recurrence. The review explores research advancements, gaps, debates, and future directions. A total of 87 relevant studies out of 211 were identified, focusing on themes such as nutrition, physical activity, supplements, mind-body therapies, and alternative therapies. This review provides a basis for incorporating integrative medicine principles in kidney cancer prevention and care, highlighting the need for further research on the effectiveness of CIM.
CURRENT ONCOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Petra Rantanen, Harvey Max Chochinov, Linda L. Emanuel, George Handzo, Diana J. Wilkie, Yingwei Yao, George Fitchett
Summary: This study aims to enhance our understanding of existential quality of life (QoL) at the end of life by analyzing levels of Preparation and Completion, subscales of the QUAL-E, and their associated factors. The results showed that while most patients reported moderate to high levels of existential QoL, a subgroup reported low existential QoL. Terminal illness awareness and symptom burden may be associated with lower existential QoL.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Psychiatry
Takeshi Terao, Moriaki Satoh
Summary: Existential psychotherapy is a form of therapy rooted in European philosophy that focuses on themes such as death, freedom, meaninglessness, and isolation. There are various types of existential psychotherapy, with some emphasizing finding and creating meaning in life. Limited research has shown positive effects on existential and spiritual well-being, but further studies are needed.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Human-Friedrich Unterrainer
Summary: In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned to an eternal punishment of rolling a boulder up a mountain, only to watch it roll back down before reaching the top. This myth has parallels to the therapeutic approach to addiction, where progress can be hindered by relapses. The research suggests that addiction can be seen as an expression of existential neurosis, with decreased sense of meaning and hope in addiction patients.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
