A Cost-Effectiveness Model to Determine Ostomy-Related Costs of Care and Health Outcomes Among People With an Ostomy in Canada Using a Ceramide-Infused Skin Barrier.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether a difference exists in the financial impact of the use of a 2-piece ceramide-infused skin barrier (CIB) versus standard of care barrier (SOC) in Ontario and Alberta using a cost-effectiveness model over a 1-year period for people with a fecal or urinary ostomy.

Design: A cost-effectiveness model adapted from a previously published work.

Subjects And Setting: The model was populated with data inputs from a hypothetical cohort of 1000 individuals in Ontario and 4000 in Alberta.

The Fatigue Pictogram: assessing the psychometrics of a new screening tool.

Fatigue is one of the most distressing side effects of cancer for patients, yet clinicians often do not focus on it during busy clinic appointments. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new instrument designed to quickly identify patients experiencing difficulties with fatigue. The evaluation was conducted with a mixed group of 220 patients receiving chemotherapy.

The fatigue pictogram: psychometric evaluation of a new clinical tool.

Fatigue is one of the most prevalent side effects of cancer, yet clinicians may not focus on it during busy clinic appointments. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new two-item instrument designed to quickly identify patients experiencing difficulties with fatigue. The evaluation was conducted with 190 lung cancer patients attending ambulatory clinics.

Exploring patient experiences and self-initiated strategies for living with cancer-related fatigue.

Fatigue is one of the most prevalent and distressing side effects of cancer for patients. It threatens quality of life and can interfere with daily living. Systematic approaches for assessing and intervening are recommended for implementation in many cancer centres.

The impact of psychosocial need and needs resolution on quality of life in patients with brain tumors.

The diagnosis of cancer of the central nervous system (CNS) is often the diagnosis of an incurable, progressive disease with devastating effects on the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functioning of patients. Because many of the treatment options are noncurative in nature, issues related to quality and quantity of life become paramount. The purpose of the authors' research was to explore the prevalence of psychosocial needs in this cancer population and to determine whether these needs and their resolution impact on quality of life (QOL).