Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialThemes Addressed by Couples With Advanced Cancer During a Communication Skills Training Intervention.
Couple-based communication interventions have beneficial effects for patients with cancer and their partners. However, few studies have targeted patients with advanced stages of disease, and little is known about how best to assist couples in discussing issues related to life-limiting illness. ⋯ Findings suggest that couples likely would be receptive to an intervention that combines training in communication skills with guidance in focusing on issues related to life completion to assist with transitions at end of life. Such interventions might enhance both individuals' abilities to cope with illness-related symptoms and demands, enjoy the time they have together, and derive meaning from the experience.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialA Randomized Trial of Acceptability and Effects of Values-Based Advance Care Planning in Outpatient Oncology: Person-Centered Oncologic Care and Choices.
No standard advance care planning (ACP) process exists in oncology. We previously developed and validated the values questions for Person-Centered Oncologic Care and Choices (P-COCC), a novel ACP intervention combining a patient values interview with an informational care goals video. ⋯ Our values-based ACP paradigm is acceptable but may increase distress in cancer outpatients. Further studies are investigating the underpinnings of these effects and ways to best support cancer patients in ACP.