ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3806-0020
Current Organisations
Deakin University
,
Deakin University - Eastern Health
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-04-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S13104-019-4264-6
Abstract: Integrating mobile phone-based health (m-health) interventions into healthcare systems is one solution to improve access to services for the growing number of patients with chronic illness. Practical challenges such as poor recruitment and inadequate resource allocation can h er the assessment of such interventions with clinical trial methodology. This paper highlights the challenges encountered during a pilot randomized controlled trial of an m-health medication adherence intervention and offers recommendations for future multi-site, non-drug clinical trials. Eighteen patients were recruited to the study eight were randomly allocated to the intervention arm. Intervention participants responded to their daily medication-reminder text messages, indicating that medication had been taken or not, and nurses were able to organize their calls around their workload. The trial closed prematurely primarily due to inadequate numbers of eligible patients however, other potentially resolvable feasibility issues were identified. These included lack of infrastructure at study sites, poor screening data acquisition and management processes, and inexperience in conducting supportive care trials at participating sites. M-health intervention trials are designed to inform implementation of best supportive care practice. Adequate skills and infrastructure are research prerequisites that require careful consideration and sufficient investment for the successful execution of multi-site supportive care trials. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ACTRN12612000635864
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1071/AH22157
Abstract: Objective To evaluate complaints from patients, their families, and caregivers concerning nursing and midwifery care using the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study with data coded against the domains and categories outlined in the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool. Complaints were received between June and December 2020 to nursing and midwifery services of a health service in Melbourne, Australia. Data were extracted, and complaints de-identified. The content was analysed using the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool, including three main domains and seven problem categories. Results A total of 69 written complaints were received: 45% were from patients, 49% from family members, and 6% from friends. Coding of complaints against the taxonomy in the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool resulted in 214 complaint categories. Almost half (49.5%) of the complaints pertained to the Relationship domain (including aspects of Patients’ Respect and Rights, Communication, and Listening), 34.6% to the Clinical domain and 15.9% to Management. The severity of the incidents described in the complaints were: 32.6% low severity, 51.6% medium severity, and 15.8% high severity. Despite having been categorised by the health service as relating to nursing or midwifery, 38% included other healthcare professionals, and 13% of the complainants (n = 9) did not refer to nurses or midwives at all. Conclusions Assessing consumer complaints with a validated taxonomy may offer ways to target areas of care and service provision that need improvement and highlight other areas performing well. Ongoing data collection and analysis may also inform training and information needs at the in idual or service management level.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2013
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.12179
Abstract: The risks are unknown for developing chronic gastrointestinal illness when personnel are relocated short term to other countries and when taking antibiotic prophylaxis in areas where malaria is endemic. To examine the associations of deployment to developed or developing countries and exposure to doxycycline with the new onset of acute gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A cross-sectional web-based survey of all current and past members of the Australian Federal Police Association was undertaken. Independent predictors of gastrointestinal illness were examined by logistic regression analysis relative to those not deployed without exposure to doxycycline. Of 1300 respondents (response rate 34%), 133 were excluded due to pre-existing chronic gastrointestinal illness. Five hundred and ninety had episodes of overseas deployment for a median duration of 6.5 (range 0.1-149) months. Eighteen (3%) of those not deployed took doxycycline compared with 171 (30%) of those deployed. The risk of acute gastroenteritis was associated with deployment itself without clear association with doxycycline. Doxycycline exposure was associated with increased onset of IBS in those deployed to developing (odds ratio [OR], 6.99 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.19-15.31) and developed country (OR, 6.93 95% CI, 1.40-34.39). New onset of IBD (1.5%) was associated with deployment to developed countries and with doxycycline exposure (OR, 8.75 95% CI, 1.67-45.86)). The use of doxycycline is a risk factor for developing IBS and possibly IBD when deployed to developing and developed countries respectively. Doxycycline as a risk factor for chronic gastrointestinal illness warrants a prospective large-scale study.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 15-05-2019
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.13096
Abstract: Wellness centres offer people affected by cancer to access to information and services in a supportive environment. This study aimed to understand stakeholder opinions and perspectives about the potential of wellness centres to contribute to cancer care. This study adopted a qualitative approach with health professionals, leaders of key cancer organisations and cancer policy stakeholders interviewed. Results were analysed with thematic analysis. Twenty-three stakeholders representing 13 organisations participated. The following three key themes were identified: (a) The promise and ambition of wellness centres (b) The hesitations and questions and (c) Optimising wellness. While many recognised the ambition of wellness centres to offer non-clinical spaces and support for patients and family, there were several concerns raised about the drivers, evidence, throughput, access and equity of services, in the context of other cancer care priorities. Participants made recommendations that focused on use of data models of community or clinical integration accessibility and scope approaches to engaging minority or disadvantaged groups and contribution to cancer care and psycho-oncology. Professional stakeholders hold varied views about the potential of wellness centres in contributing to cancer care. Research opportunities include understanding models of community clinical engagement and how to engage minority or disadvantaged populations to ensure equity of access.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 14-12-2017
Abstract: nternet-supported mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly being used to support people with a chronic condition. Characteristics of MBIs vary greatly in their mode of delivery, communication patterns, level of facilitator involvement, intervention period, and resource intensity, making it difficult to compare how in idual digital features may optimize intervention adherence and outcomes. he aims of this review were to (1) provide a description of digital characteristics of internet-supported MBIs and examine how these relate to evidence for efficacy and adherence to the intervention and (2) gain insights into the type of information available to inform translation of internet-supported MBIs to applied settings. EDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies assessing an MBI delivered or accessed via the internet and engaging participants in daily mindfulness-based activities such as mindfulness meditations and informal mindfulness practices. Only studies using a comparison group of alternative interventions (active compactor), usual care, or wait-list were included. Given the broad definition of chronic conditions, specific conditions were not included in the original search to maximize results. The search resulted in 958 articles, from which 11 articles describing 10 interventions met the inclusion criteria. nternet-supported MBIs were more effective than usual care or wait-list groups, and self-guided interventions were as effective as facilitator-guided interventions. Findings were informed mainly by female participants. Adherence to interventions was inconsistently defined and prevented robust comparison between studies. Reporting of factors associated with intervention dissemination, such as population representativeness, program adoption and maintenance, and costs, was rare. ore comprehensive descriptions of digital characteristics need to be reported to further our understanding of features that may influence engagement and behavior change and to improve the reproducibility of MBIs. Gender differences in determinants and patterns of health behavior should be taken into account at the intervention design stage to accommodate male and female preferences. Future research could compare MBIs with established evidence-based therapies to identify the population groups that would benefit most from internet-supported programs. ROSPERO CRD42017078665 www.crd.york.ac.uk rospero/display_record.php?RecordID=78665 (Archived by WebCite at 1ountJpu)
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-057212
Abstract: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common condition among cancer survivors that can lead to significant levels of distress, anxiety and depression. Online mindfulness programmes may provide the mechanism to support cancer survivors manage FCR and distress, and improve people’s well-being over the short, medium and long term. The primary aim of this study is to determine the potential efficacy of MindOnLine, a 9 session mindfulness-based programme for survivors of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer. A formal economic programme will also be conducted. A single-blind randomised controlled trial to determine the efficacy and cost-efficacy of a MindOnLine programme for cancer survivors. A total of 400 people living with cancer will be recruited via online advertisements on social media platforms, peak consumer advocacy groups or through outpatient services at healthcare providers across Victoria, Australia. People will be randomly allocated to either the MindOnLine programme (n=200) or waitlist control (n=200). Participant assessments will occur at baseline, at 9 weeks and 9-month follow-up. The primary outcome is change in Fear of Recurrence Index Score total score between baseline and 9 weeks secondary outcomes are changes in depression and anxiety, quality of life and mindfulness. The economic analysis comprises a cost-consequences analysis where all outcomes will be compared with costs. Ethics approval was obtained from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (20-53) and Deakin University (2020-284). All participants will be required to provide written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated in peer reviewed journals and among key stakeholder organisations including hospitals, cancer and community organisations and Government. If successful the project will be rolled out nationally with a formal implementation plan. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (12620000645954) Pre-results. Registered 6 June 2020, www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=379520& isReview=true .
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-09-2019
DOI: 10.1002/PON.5221
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-11-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S11764-019-00821-6
Abstract: This study aimed to establish and evaluate the referral pathway from a hospital-based oncology service to a multidisciplinary community-based health service supporting survivors to engage in self-management. The evaluation involved understanding patterns of health service utilisation and health professionals' perspectives on the implementation of the community-based model of survivorship care, the Good Life Cancer Survivorship (GLCS) program. Survivors referred to GLCS were undergoing or had completed cancer treatment and unable to participate in intensive ambulatory oncology rehabilitation. Health service utilisation was tracked over 5 months, and the perspectives of health professionals referring to and involved in the GLCS program were recorded using semi-structured interviews. The oncology service made 25 referrals. The most accessed services at Carrington Health were physiotherapy with 18 appointments, followed by psychology (12) and dietitian services (11). Four themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Allied health services are relevant to people with cancer (2) Education and information needs (3) Communication gaps (4) A one-stop multidisciplinary and holistic care model. This project demonstrated that community health may be a valid setting to support cancer survivors in managing their health. Supporting ongoing awareness, education and understanding of services across both community and acute care settings will foster care coordination and strengthen referral pathways. Accessing appropriate community-based allied health services can support cancer survivors in developing self-management skills to manage their own health and improve their health outcomes and wellbeing in the survivorship phase.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 29-04-2021
Abstract: eb-based mindfulness programs may be beneficial in improving the well-being outcomes of those living with chronic illnesses. Adherence to programs is a key indicator in improving outcomes however, with the digitization of programs, it is necessary to enhance engagement and encourage people to return to digital health platforms. More information is needed on how engagement strategies have been used in web-based mindfulness programs to encourage adherence. he aim of this study is to develop a list of engagement strategies for web-based mindfulness programs and evaluate the impact of engagement strategies on adherence. narrative systematic review was conducted across the MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, APA PsycINFO, and Embase databases and followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Articles were screened using the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome framework. Adults aged & years with chronic health conditions were included in the study. Mindfulness interventions, including those in combination with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, delivered on the web through the internet or smartphone technology were included. Interventions lasted at least 2 weeks. Studies with a randomized controlled trial design or a pilot randomized controlled trial design were included. Engagement strategies, including web-based program features and facilitator-led strategies, adherence, and retention, were included. total of 1265 articles were screened, of which 19 were relevant and were included in the review. On average, 70.98% (2258/3181) of the study participants were women with a mean age of 46 (SD 13) years. Most commonly, mindfulness programs were delivered to people living with mental health conditions (8/19, 42%). Of the 19 studies, 8 (42%) used only program features to encourage adherence, 5 (26%) used facilitator-led strategies, and 6 (32%) used a combination of the two. Encouraging program adherence was the most common engagement strategy used, which was used in 77% (10/13) of the facilitator-led studies and 57% (8/14) of the program feature studies. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the studies provided a definition of adherence, which varied between 50% and 100% completion across studies. The overall mean participant compliance to the mindfulness programs was 56% (SD 15%). Most studies (10/19, 53%) had a long-term follow-up, with the most common follow-up period being 12 weeks after intervention (3/10, 30%). After the intervention, the mean retention was 78% (SD 15%). ngagement strategies in web-based mindfulness programs comprise reminders to use the program. Other features may be suitable for encouraging adherence to interventions, and a facilitator-led component may result in higher retention. There is variance in the way adherence is measured, and intervention lengths and follow-up periods are inconsistent. More thorough reporting and a standardized framework for measuring adherence are needed to more accurately assess adherence and engagement strategies.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 21-08-2018
DOI: 10.2196/MENTAL.9645
Abstract: Internet-supported mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly being used to support people with a chronic condition. Characteristics of MBIs vary greatly in their mode of delivery, communication patterns, level of facilitator involvement, intervention period, and resource intensity, making it difficult to compare how in idual digital features may optimize intervention adherence and outcomes. The aims of this review were to (1) provide a description of digital characteristics of internet-supported MBIs and examine how these relate to evidence for efficacy and adherence to the intervention and (2) gain insights into the type of information available to inform translation of internet-supported MBIs to applied settings. MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies assessing an MBI delivered or accessed via the internet and engaging participants in daily mindfulness-based activities such as mindfulness meditations and informal mindfulness practices. Only studies using a comparison group of alternative interventions (active compactor), usual care, or wait-list were included. Given the broad definition of chronic conditions, specific conditions were not included in the original search to maximize results. The search resulted in 958 articles, from which 11 articles describing 10 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Internet-supported MBIs were more effective than usual care or wait-list groups, and self-guided interventions were as effective as facilitator-guided interventions. Findings were informed mainly by female participants. Adherence to interventions was inconsistently defined and prevented robust comparison between studies. Reporting of factors associated with intervention dissemination, such as population representativeness, program adoption and maintenance, and costs, was rare. More comprehensive descriptions of digital characteristics need to be reported to further our understanding of features that may influence engagement and behavior change and to improve the reproducibility of MBIs. Gender differences in determinants and patterns of health behavior should be taken into account at the intervention design stage to accommodate male and female preferences. Future research could compare MBIs with established evidence-based therapies to identify the population groups that would benefit most from internet-supported programs. PROSPERO CRD42017078665 www.crd.york.ac.uk rospero/display_record.php?RecordID=78665 (Archived by WebCite at 1ountJpu)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 12-01-2022
DOI: 10.2196/30026
Abstract: Web-based mindfulness programs may be beneficial in improving the well-being outcomes of those living with chronic illnesses. Adherence to programs is a key indicator in improving outcomes however, with the digitization of programs, it is necessary to enhance engagement and encourage people to return to digital health platforms. More information is needed on how engagement strategies have been used in web-based mindfulness programs to encourage adherence. The aim of this study is to develop a list of engagement strategies for web-based mindfulness programs and evaluate the impact of engagement strategies on adherence. A narrative systematic review was conducted across the MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, APA PsycINFO, and Embase databases and followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Articles were screened using the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome framework. Adults aged years with chronic health conditions were included in the study. Mindfulness interventions, including those in combination with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, delivered on the web through the internet or smartphone technology were included. Interventions lasted at least 2 weeks. Studies with a randomized controlled trial design or a pilot randomized controlled trial design were included. Engagement strategies, including web-based program features and facilitator-led strategies, adherence, and retention, were included. A total of 1265 articles were screened, of which 19 were relevant and were included in the review. On average, 70.98% (2258/3181) of the study participants were women with a mean age of 46 (SD 13) years. Most commonly, mindfulness programs were delivered to people living with mental health conditions (8/19, 42%). Of the 19 studies, 8 (42%) used only program features to encourage adherence, 5 (26%) used facilitator-led strategies, and 6 (32%) used a combination of the two. Encouraging program adherence was the most common engagement strategy used, which was used in 77% (10/13) of the facilitator-led studies and 57% (8/14) of the program feature studies. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the studies provided a definition of adherence, which varied between 50% and 100% completion across studies. The overall mean participant compliance to the mindfulness programs was 56% (SD 15%). Most studies (10/19, 53%) had a long-term follow-up, with the most common follow-up period being 12 weeks after intervention (3/10, 30%). After the intervention, the mean retention was 78% (SD 15%). Engagement strategies in web-based mindfulness programs comprise reminders to use the program. Other features may be suitable for encouraging adherence to interventions, and a facilitator-led component may result in higher retention. There is variance in the way adherence is measured, and intervention lengths and follow-up periods are inconsistent. More thorough reporting and a standardized framework for measuring adherence are needed to more accurately assess adherence and engagement strategies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-01-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S11764-014-0422-Y
Abstract: This study investigated psychological morbidity, quality of life (QoL), colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific symptoms and supportive care needs in a CRC population at the end of treatment (EOT). CRC survivors (n = 152) completed a post-treatment baseline questionnaire as part of a multisite supportive care randomised controlled trial (SurvivorCare). CRC survivors had completed treatment with curative intent within 0 to 6 months. Measures are as follows: Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18) (psychological morbidity), EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 (QoL and CRC-specific symptoms and problems) and Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs (CaSUN) measure with a simplified response format (unmet needs). Linear regression models were used to compare participants' QoL with a general population s le. Correlation analysis examined associations between psychological morbidity, QoL and CRC-specific symptoms and problems. Average participant age was 64 years, and 51% were male. The majority (68%) had stage 3 disease. In comparison to population norms, CRC survivors had lower depression and anxiety scores (47.4 and 45.6, respectively) but higher somatisation, and lower role, cognitive and social functioning (p < 0.001). CRC survivors had higher fatigue, nausea/vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhoea and financial problems (all p < 0.001), as well as pain (p = 0.002) and constipation (p = 0.019). CRC-specific psychological scores were positively correlated with all three BSI domain scores, and pain and fatigue symptom scores on the QLQ-C30 while negatively correlated with all five functional scales of the QLQ-C30. CRC survivors reported good mental health at EOT. Role and social functioning were impaired compared to population norms, possibly related to physical symptoms. Findings may help guide consultations with patients and inform the design of more tailored supportive care interventions. ACTRN12610000207011.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-04-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-11-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-018-4574-6
Abstract: This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of an online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for people diagnosed with melanoma. The potential benefit of the MBI on fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), worry, rumination, perceived stress and trait mindfulness was also explored. Participants who have completed treatment for stage 2c or 3 melanoma were recruited from an outpatient clinic and randomly allocated to either the online MBI (intervention) or usual care (control). The 6-week online MBI comprised short videos, daily guided meditations and automated email reminders. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires at baseline and at 6-week post-randomisation. Study feasibility and acceptability were assessed through recruitment rates, retention and participant feedback. Clinical and psychosocial outcomes were compared between groups using linear mixed models. Sixty-nine (58%) eligible participants were randomised (46 in the intervention 23 in the control group) mean age was 53.4 (SD 13.1) 54% were female. Study completion rate across both arms was 80%. The intervention was found helpful by 72% of the 32 respondents. The intervention significantly reduced the severity of FCR compared to the control group (mean difference = - 2.55 95% CI - 4.43, - 0.67 p = 0.008). There was no difference between the intervention and control groups on any of the outcome measures. This online MBI was feasible and acceptable by people at high risk of melanoma recurrence. It significantly reduced FCR severity in this s le. Patients valued accessing the program at their own pace and convenience. This self-guided intervention has the potential to help survivors cope with emotional difficulties. An adequately powered randomised controlled trial to test study findings is warranted.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-044489
Abstract: To explore the perspectives of hospital staff regarding the provision of smoking cessation care. A qualitative description study using focus group discussions. Data were collected across metropolitan regional and rural hospitals in Victoria, Australia, between November and December 2019. Clinical and non-clinical hospital staff. Five focus groups were conducted across four hospitals. Staff (n=38) across metropolitan regional and rural hospitals shared similar views with regards to barriers and facilitators of smoking cessation care. Four themes were present: (1) Clinical Setting wherein views about opportunity and capacity to embed smoking cessation care, relevant policies and procedures and guidelines were discussed (2) Knowledge consisted of the need for training on the provision of pharmacotherapy and behavioural interventions, and awareness of resources (3) Consistency represented the need for a consistently applied approach to smoking cessation care by all staff and included issues of staff smoking and (4) Appropriateness consisted of questions around how smoking cessation care can be safely delivered in the context of challenging patient groups and different settings. Staff across metropolitan regional and rural hospitals experience similar views and identified shared barriers in implementing smoking cessation care. Responding to staff concerns and providing support to address smoking with patients will help to foster a consistent approach to cessation care. Clear practice guidelines for multidisciplinary clinical roles need to underpin staff training in communication skills, include priorities around smoking cessation care, and provide the authorising environment in which clinical staff actively provide smoking cessation care.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-06-2014
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 15-06-2016
DOI: 10.1634/THEONCOLOGIST.2015-0533
Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) and its treatments can cause distressing sequelae. We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial aiming to improve psychological distress, supportive care needs (SCNs), and quality of life (QOL) of patients with CRC. The intervention, called SurvivorCare (SC), comprised educational materials, needs assessment, survivorship care plan, end-of-treatment session, and three follow-up telephone calls. At the end of treatment for stage I–III CRC, eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to usual care (UC) or to UC plus SC. Distress (Brief Symptom Inventory 18), SCNs (Cancer Survivors’ Unmet Needs measure), and QOL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] QOL questionnaires C30 and EORTC CRC module CR29) were assessed at baseline and at 2 and 6 months (follow-up 1 [FU1] and FU2, respectively). The primary hypothesis was that SC would have a beneficial effect on distress at FU1. The secondary hypotheses were that SC would have a beneficial effect on (a) SCN and QOL at FU1 and on (b) distress, SCNs, and QOL at FU2. A total of 15 items assessed experience of care. Of 221 patients randomly assigned, 4 were ineligible for the study and 1 was lost to FU, leaving 110 in the UC group and 106 in the SC group. Patients’ characteristics included the following: median age, 64 years men, 52% colon cancer, 56% rectal cancer, 35% overlapping sites of disease, 10% stage I disease, 7% stage II, 22% stage III, 71%. Baseline distress and QOL scores were similar to population norms. Between-group differences in distress at FU1 (primary outcome) and at FU2, and SCNs and QOL at FU1 and FU2 were small and nonsignificant. Patients in the SC group were more satisfied with survivorship care than those in the UC group (significant differences on 10 of 15 items). The addition of SC to UC did not have a beneficial effect on distress, SCNs, or QOL outcomes, but patients in the SC group were more satisfied with care.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 06-12-2017
DOI: 10.2196/MHEALTH.8349
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-03-2017
Abstract: Aim: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with meditation among people with melanoma and investigate the relationship between perceived stress, trait mindfulness, and meditation. Factors associated with interest to participate in an online meditation program were also explored. Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study of 291 patients attending a melanoma outpatient clinic assessed knowledge of meditation, attitudes toward meditation using Determinants of Meditation Practice Inventory (DMPI), and meditation experience. Perceived stress and trait mindfulness were measured using the Perceived Stressed Scale and Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale, respectively. Results: Participants who had tried meditation (43%) were likely to be younger, female, and have completed higher education or be employed. Perceived stress score was higher among women, younger participants, and those treated in the past year but did not differ by melanoma stage. Participants reported a good understanding of the potential benefits of meditation, but even among people with meditation experience, common misconceptions prevailed. The main barrier to meditation was a perceived lack of knowledge about meditation . Higher DMPI scores were associated with lower education, moderate to low access to service centers, or living in disadvantaged neighborhoods . Participants practicing meditation that involved self-reflection reported less stress and higher trait mindfulness compared with participants practicing another type of meditation. People interested in participating in an online meditation-based program reported higher perceived stress than those not interested. Conclusion: A meditation-based intervention teaching self-reflective practices, targeted at people with melanoma, may have the potential to assist them with managing their stress.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-04-2022
DOI: 10.1002/PON.5921
Abstract: Care for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is considered the most common unmet need among cancer survivors. Yet the prevalence of FCR and predisposing factors remain inconclusive. To support targeted care, we provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and severity of FCR among cancer survivors and patients, as measured using the short form of the validated Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI‐SF). We also report on associations between FCR and clinical and demographic characteristics. This is a systematic review and in idual participant data (IPD) meta‐analysis on the prevalence of FCR. In the review, we included all studies that used the FCRI‐SF with adult (≥18 years) cancer survivors and patients. Date of search: 7 February 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. IPD were requested from 87 unique studies and provided for 46 studies comprising 11,226 participants from 13 countries. 9311 respondents were included for the main analyses. On the FCRI‐SF (range 0–36), 58.8% of respondents scored ≥13, 45.1% scored ≥16 and 19.2% scored ≥22. FCR decreased with age and women reported more FCR than men. FCR was found across cancer types and continents and for all time periods since cancer diagnosis. FCR affects a considerable number of cancer survivors and patients. It is therefore important that healthcare providers discuss this issue with their patients and provide treatment when needed. Further research is needed to investigate how best to prevent and treat FCR and to identify other factors associated with FCR. The protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42020142185).
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-09-2020
DOI: 10.3390/JCM9092969
Abstract: Immunotherapies and targeted therapies have revolutionised treatment of metastatic melanoma and improved survival rates. However, survivors treated with novel therapies are vulnerable to high levels of fear of cancer recurrence or progression (FCR). Existing FCR interventions have rarely been trialled in people with advanced cancer. The current study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of Fear-Less: a stepped-care model to treat FCR in people with metastatic melanoma treated with immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Sixty-one outpatients with metastatic melanoma were screened using the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory Short Form (FCRI-SF) and Fear of Progression Questionnaire Short Form (FoP-Q-SF). Survivors with subthreshold FCR were stratified to a self-management intervention while those with clinical levels of FCR were provided with an in idual therapy, Conquer Fear. Survivor experience surveys and rescreening were administered post-intervention completion. Results indicated that Fear-Less was an acceptable and feasible FCR intervention. Results provided preliminary support for the potential impact of Fear-Less in reducing FCR. Fear-Less is a promising first step in providing an acceptable and feasible stepped-care model to treat FCR in survivors with metastatic disease.
No related grants have been discovered for Lahiru Russell.