The effect of self-selected complementary therapies on cancer patients' quality of life and symptom distress: A prospective cohort study in an integrative oncology setting.

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a multifaceted complementary therapies intervention, delivered in a systematic manner within an Australian public hospital setting, on quality of life and symptom distress outcomes for cancer patients.

Methods: Adults receiving treatment for any form of cancer were eligible to participate in this study. Self-referred participants were offered a course of six complementary therapy sessions.

Identifying and addressing the support needs of family caregivers of people with motor neurone disease using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool.

Objective: Family caregivers of people with motor neurone disease (MND) experience adverse health outcomes as a result of their caregiving experience. This may be alleviated if their support needs are identified and addressed in a systematic and timely manner. The objective of the present study was to assess the feasibility and relevance of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) in home-based care during the period of caregiving from the perspectives of the family caregivers of people with MND and their service providers.

Lymphedema Quality of Life Inventory (LyQLI)-Development and investigation of validity and reliability.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to reduce the 188-item Swedish Lymphedema Quality of Life Inventory (SLQOLI) to an abbreviated, clinically useful version (phase 1) and to test it for reliability and validity (phase 2).

Methods: In phase 1 correlation analysis, factor analysis, content validity assessment and expert panels were used to reduce the number of items in SLQOLI to 45 items, which was named, Lymphedema Quality of Life Inventory (LyQLI). In phase 2, LyQLI was sent to 200 patients with lymphedema.

Dignity therapy for people with motor neuron disease and their family caregivers: a feasibility study.

Background: There are calls to explore psychological interventions to reduce distress in patients with motor neuron disease (MND) and their family caregivers. Dignity therapy is a short-term psychotherapy intervention shown to alleviate distress for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Objectives: To assess the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of dignity therapy to reduce distress in people with MND and their family caregivers.

Staying just one step ahead: providing care for patients with motor neurone disease.

Introduction: There is limited information about the experiences and educational needs of health professionals who may be required to provide care for people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) especially in the later stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of, and need for, education of these health professionals.

Methods: Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 31 health professionals with some experience in providing palliative care for people with MND.