Objective Monitoring quality of life (QoL) in patients with cancer can provide insight into functional, psychological and social consequences associated with illness and its treatment. The primary... Show moreObjective Monitoring quality of life (QoL) in patients with cancer can provide insight into functional, psychological and social consequences associated with illness and its treatment. The primary objective of this study is to examine the influence of cultural factors on the communication between the patient and the health care provider and the perceived QoL in women with breast cancer in Japan and the Netherlands. Methods In Japanese and Dutch women with early breast cancer, the number, content and frequency of QoL-related issues discussed at the medical encounter were studied. Patients completed questionnaires regarding QoL and evaluation of communication with the CareNoteBook. Results The total number, frequency and content of QoL-related issues discussed differed between the two countries. Japanese women (n = 134) were significantly more reticent in discussing QoL-issues than the Dutch women (n = 70) (p < .001). Furthermore, Dutch patients perceived the CareNoteBook methodology significantly more positively than the Japanese patients (p < .001). Both groups supported the regular assessment via a CareNoteBook methodology. Conclusions Japanese women are more reluctant in expressing their problems with the illness, its treatment and patient-physician communication than Dutch women. Show less
Purpose The diagnosis and treatment of cancer negatively affect patients' physical, functional and psychological wellbeing. Patients' needs for care cannot be addressed unless they are recognized... Show morePurpose The diagnosis and treatment of cancer negatively affect patients' physical, functional and psychological wellbeing. Patients' needs for care cannot be addressed unless they are recognized by healthcare providers (HCPs). The use of quality of life (QoL) assessments with feedback to HCPs might facilitate the identification and discussion of QoL-topics. Methods 113 patients with stage I-IIIB breast cancer treated with chemotherapy were included in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either usual care, or usual care with an intervention consisting of a QoL-monitor assessing QoL, distress and care needs before every chemotherapy cycle visit. Patients completed questionnaires regarding QoL, illness perceptions, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with communication. From the 2nd visit onwards, patients in the intervention arm and their HCPs received a copy of the QoL overview and results were shown in patients' medical files. Audio-recordings and patients' self-reports were used to investigate effects on communication, patient management and patient-wellbeing. A composite score for communication was calculated by summing the number of QoL-topics discussed during each consultation. Results Use of the QoL-monitor resulted in a higher communication score (0.7 topics increase per visit,p = 0.04), especially regarding the disease-specific and psychosocial issues (p < 0.01). There were no differences in patient management, QoL, illness perceptions or distress. Patients in the experimental arm (n = 60) had higher scores on satisfaction with communication (p < 0.05). Conclusions Use of a QoL-monitor during chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer might result in a more frequent discussion of QoL-topics, associated with high levels of patients' satisfaction. Show less
Groot, S. de; Pijl, H.; Charehbili, A.; Ven, S. van de; Smit, V.T.H.B.M.; Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg, E.; ... ; Dutch Breast Canc Res Grp 2019
