Objective: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers (HCPs) of hematology patients face unique challenges due to the vulnerability of their patients. This study explores the lived experiences of these providers during and beyond the crisis.
Methods: Twenty-one Australian HCPs caring for hematology patients completed semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences and needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, adequacy of support and information provided by healthcare organizations, impact on hematology patients, and the benefits and challenges of telehealth care.
Background: 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.
Objectives: 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.
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl)
November 2022
Objective: 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.
Methods: 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.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disruptive effect on people with haematological cancers, who represent a high-risk population due to the nature of their disease and immunosuppressive treatments. We aimed to identify the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on haematology patients and identify correlated factors to inform the development of appropriate supportive interventions.
Methods: Three hundred and ninety-four respondents volunteered their participation in response to a study advertisement distributed online through established haematology groups.
Background: Despite well-documented physical effects of haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) donation, far less attention has been focused on the psychosocial impact for family donors. This study aimed to better understand the psychosocial aspects of HSC donation by family members, focusing, in particular on their needs for information and supportive care.
Methods: Thirty-one adult HSC family donors from two clinical hospitals were interviewed before, during and 1 month after HSC donation.
Adequate iodine status of women of childbearing age is essential for optimal growth and development of their offspring. The objectives of the current study were to assess the iodine status of non-pregnant women, availability and use of commercial salt, extent to which it is iodised, and availability of other industrially processed foods suitable for fortification with iodine. This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 2018 in a remote area in Gulf province, Papua New Guinea.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: The objective of this mixed-methods study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of Transplant Nurses (TNs) in caring for related donors (RDs).
Method: 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.
Purpose: Inducible caspase 9 () is a cellular safety switch that can make T-cell therapy safer. The purpose of this phase I trial was to investigate the use of -transduced T-cell addback in adult patients undergoing haploidentical stem cell transplantation for high-risk hematologic malignancies.
Patients And Methods: Patients undergoing myeloablative, CD34-selected haploidentical stem cell transplantation were treated with 0.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFor 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIL-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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe key complications of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) remain graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and opportunistic infection. We have analyzed the blood stream infections (BSIs) occurring between day -7 and day 100 in a cohort of 184 adult patients undergoing allogeneic BMT in our center. A total of 167 of the 184 patients (91%) had blood cultures collected, and 69 (38%) patients had a confirmed BSI.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAsia Pac J Clin Nutr
August 2017
Background And Objectives: To assess the nutritional status of infants, children and non-pregnant women and underlying factors, dietary diversity and community food security, in the Kamea community in Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea.
Methods And Study Design: Prospective cross sectional study. Study population 69 infants (0-59 months), 151 children (6-12 years) and 79 non-pregnant women from 10 villages in Kotidanga Local Level Government, Kerema District, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea.