ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5008-6429
Current Organisations
University of Queensland
,
University of Melbourne
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-01-2022
DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.2023743
Abstract: Hematology patients are more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 than patients with other cancers. We surveyed hematology patients to better understand their experiences of cancer care during the pandemic. A large reduction was observed in the number of healthcare services accessed by respondents. Telehealth assisted with access but requires improvement.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 15-11-2019
Publisher: The American Association of Immunologists
Date: 15-05-2018
Abstract: IL-6 mediates broad physiological and pathological effects through its receptor signal transducing unit gp130. Due to the reportedly wide cellular expression of gp130, IL-6 is thought to signal ubiquitously via gp130 complex formation with membrane-bound IL-6Rα or soluble IL-6Rα. gp130 signaling primarily induces p-STAT3 and p-STAT1. In contrast to the previous dogma, we show in this article that circulating mouse and human granulocytes are unable to induce p-STAT3 or p-STAT1 after stimulation with IL-6 or an IL-6/soluble IL-6R complex. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this is due to a lack of gp130 expression on mouse and human granulocytes, despite their expression of membrane-bound IL-6R. Importantly, the absence of gp130 is not only a feature of mature granulocytes in healthy in iduals, it is also observed after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Moreover, granulocyte gp130 expression is lost during maturation, because granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells express gp130 and respond to IL-6. Given that granulocytes constitute 50–70% of circulating leukocytes, this indicates a significantly smaller scope of IL-6 signaling than previously anticipated and has important implications for therapeutic IL-6 inhibition and the mechanisms of action thereof.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-03-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 27-07-2023
DOI: 10.1017/S1478951523001013
Abstract: Many patients with advanced cancer identify home as being their preferred place of death. A critical component in achieving a home death is the support of family members, who often take on responsibilities for which they feel insufficiently prepared with subsequent impacts upon their health and well-being. This study sought to review existing qualitative literature on family carers’ experiences in providing end-of-life care at home for patients with advanced cancer, with an emphasis on exploring factors that influence how prepared they feel for their role. A narrative review was chosen to provide an overview and analysis of qualitative findings. MEDLINE, PubMed, PsychINFO, and EMBASE databases were searched with the following search terms: “Cancer,” “Caregiver,” “End of Life Care,” “Home,” and “Qualitative.” Inclusion criteria were as follows: English language, empirical studies, adult carers, and articles published between 2011 and 2021. Data were abstracted, and study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research. Fourteen relevant articles were included. Three overarching themes reflecting the factors influencing family preparedness for their role were identified: “motivations for providing care,” “interactions with health-care professionals,” and “changes during the caring process.” Inadequate preparation of family carers is apparent with regard to their role in providing end-of-life care at home for patients with advanced cancer. There is a need for health-care workers to more effectively identify the information and support needs of families, and utilize evidence-based strategies that have emerged to address these needs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-05-2020
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 02-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12932
Abstract: For blood cancer patients, haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) donated by a relative can be lifesaving. However, related donors can face significant physical and psychosocial challenges. As the demand for adult-related HSC donors is increasing, it is important to review our understanding of adult-related HSC donors' need for and availability of information and psychosocial support with a view to identifying gaps in the literature. A systematic review of relevant studies (2000-2017) was conducted using five databases with supplementary hand searching. Sixteen studies involving 1,024 related HSC donors met the following criteria: English or Dutch language, peer-reviewed, s led first-time-related HSC donors, ≥18 years, haematological malignancies, assessed psychosocial aspects, retrospective or prospective and with or without comparison group. Data were abstracted, and study quality was assessed using the PRISMA criteria. Studies contained limited information on the provision of information and psychosocial support. Most studies addressed pre-donation information, and none reported providing information or support to donors post-donation. Additionally, few studies formally assessed unmet needs. Recommendations include improved transparency of reporting for the availability, sources and timing of information and psychosocial support, and the identification of unmet needs to enable the development of educational and psychosocial interventions for this invaluable donor population.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 28-09-2022
DOI: 10.1111/ECC.13716
Abstract: Palliative care improves outcomes for patients with thoracic cancer however, limited evidence exists for the benefits of this approach for caregivers. This study aimed to advance understanding of the experiences of palliative care described by bereaved caregivers. Fifteen adult caregivers completed semi-structured interviews following prior participation in a randomised controlled trial of early referral to palliative care versus discretionary referral to palliative care. Interviews explored caregiver experiences of palliative care delivery. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. Four related themes about the experiences of palliative care were identified, each of which required sufficient time between palliative care first contact and death: 'relationship building' 'clear communication and information' 'access to practical support' and 'access to psychosocial support'. The core category underpinning these themes was palliative care facilitates caregiver preparedness. Caregivers noted that palliative care played a critical role in preparing them for the future and described a sense of practical and emotional 'relief' associated with the support services made available to them. Our findings emphasise that palliative care can have a positive impact on caregivers' preparedness for providing the care needed by thoracic cancer patients and that this can improve the experiences of both caregivers and patients.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-09-2022
DOI: 10.1002/PON.5819
Abstract: Haematological cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to the effects of COVID‐19. In addition to being immunocompromised, pandemic‐related travel restrictions have impacted access to treatments and overseas stem cell donations for patients requiring transplantation. Given this vulnerability, people with haematological cancers are at risk of experiencing heightened distress during the pandemic. This study aimed to explore haematological cancer patients' experiences and needs. Twenty‐four Australian haematological cancer patients completed semi‐structured interviews exploring their concerns and worries during the pandemic, impact of pandemic on management of disease, access to information and support, lifestyle changes, and attitudes towards emerging models of healthcare during the pandemic. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. Four themes reflecting the experiences of haematological cancer patients during the pandemic were identified: ‘Fears about contracting COVID‐19' (behaviour changes to protect health, impact on daily routine and habits, annoyance at dismissive attitude of others toward COVID‐19) ‘Reduced sense of connection and support’ (reduced social support and access to external support services) ‘New challenges’ (increased financial hardship, worsened health), and ‘Underlying system and communication issues' (access to trusted information, satisfaction/dissatisfaction with care, navigating telehealth). Participants expressed a need for improved access to support services and trusted information. The findings emphasise the additional challenges experienced by haematological cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic and their impact on daily life. Results point to the importance of validation of increased distress during periods of uncertainty reinforcing recommendations about high‐quality sources of information and facilitating access to support services when face‐to‐face care is limited.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-11-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJON.2019.05.012
Abstract: The objective of this mixed-methods study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of Transplant Nurses (TNs) in caring for related donors (RDs). In this mixed-methods study, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from semi-structured interviews with seven TNs from two clinical hospitals. Closed and multiple-choice questions regarding the organisation of RD care were administered in addition to an in-depth exploration of TN experiences and perspectives of RD care. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and qualitative data was subjected to thematic analyses. The analysis identified 5 themes relating to RD care: managing complex family dynamics and ambivalence concerns about RD psychological adjustment identifying and correcting RD misperceptions limited guidelines and structured processes limited training for the role and access to supervision. Five themes were identified describing the barriers to delivering RD care: RDs unwilling to express their concerns language time constraints medical priority of clinicians biomedical focus of TNs. All TNs agreed they would like additional training in the psychosocial management of RDs. TNs identified key areas for improvement, including psychosocial support and educational material. Our results highlight the significant role of TNs in RD care, and underline issues specific to the current RD care environment. Lack of training for the role and limited guidelines addressing RD care management are key issues which may detrimentally affect RD care. The pivotal role of TNs must be acknowledged and supported by improving TN training and implementing clear guidelines for the management of RDs. The trial has been registered on the publicly accessible register: www.clinicaltrials.gov site with the identifier ACTRN12617000407392.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 08-05-2018
DOI: 10.1101/317230
Abstract: Iodine deficiency is the single most common cause of preventable mental impairment in communities with suboptimal iodine intake. Objective of the present study was to assess in more detail the iodine status and knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) relating to use of iodised salt in a remote community in Kotidanga area, Kerema district, Gulf province, Papua New Guinea. This prospective school and community based cross-sectional study was carried out in 2017. Simple random s ling was used to select schools. Multistage s ling was used to randomly select 291 children aged 6 to 12 years. Salt s les were collected for analysis from children’s households as well as a single urine s le of selected children. Salt iodine content and Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) were analysed. A semi-structured FAO questionnaire was used to assess KAP of three different community groups. Only 64% of households had salt on the day of data collection. Mean iodine content in household salt s les was 29.0 ± 19.1 ppm. Iodine content was below 30.0 ppm in 54.8% and below 15.0 ppm in 31.2% of salt s les. Mean per capita discretionary intake of household salt was 2.9 ± 1.8 g/day. Median UIC was 25.5 μg/L and Interquartile Range was 15.0 to 47.5 μg/L 75.9% (221/291) of the children had UIC below 50.0 μg/L, indicating moderate status iodine nutrition. Median UIC was 34.3μg/L for children in households with salt, compared to 15.5 μg/L for children in households without salt, indicating severe iodine deficiency in the latter group. The three community groups had limited knowledge about importance of using iodised salt and consequences of iodine deficiency on health outcomes. This remote community has limited access to adequately iodised household salt due to high cost, inappropriate packaging, storage and food preparation, resulting in iodine deficiency. Strategies to increase iodine intake are needed.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-06-2023
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 09-03-2023
No related grants have been discovered for Nienke Zomerdijk.