The purpose of this study was to examine the association between patients’ characteristics and the subscales of the Perceived Quality of Patient-centered Care scale (QPCC).
Methods
A sample of 400 cancer patients was recruited from a large hospital in Athens between September 2023 and March 2024. The inclusion criteria were willingness to participate, ability to speak and understand Greek, and self-reported physical and mental health status. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of QPCC.
Results
The mean total QPCC score was 1.79 (±0.34) [range 1 (high)-4 (low)] with subscales ranging from 1.15 (±0.33) to 2.78 (±0.80). Subscales such as respectful communication, provision of clear disease and treatment information, and treatment delivery received the highest means scores, while timely care and equitable care received the lowest. Patients self-assessed their physical condition and mental health, with a median score of 7 (interquartile range: 5–8). Age, living conditions, educational level, residence, ECOG-PS status, and prior therapies were significantly associated with the subscales of QPCC. Among these, educational level and living conditions were the strongest predictors of QPCC total score.
Conclusions
Healthcare providers should routinely assess the experiences of cancer survivors, identify gaps in care, and design tailored interventions to enhance the quality of services provided across the healthcare continuum.
{"title":"Perceived quality of patient-centered care predictors in a sample of Greek cancer survivors with solid cancer","authors":"Nikolaos Volakakis , Vasilios Raftopoulos , Magdalini Pylli , Theodoros Xanthos , Giannoula Kyrkou , Anna Deltsidou","doi":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The purpose of this study was to examine the association between patients’ characteristics and the subscales of the Perceived Quality of Patient-centered Care scale (QPCC).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A sample of 400 cancer patients was recruited from a large hospital in Athens between September 2023 and March 2024. The inclusion criteria were willingness to participate, ability to speak and understand Greek, and self-reported physical and mental health status. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of QPCC.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean total QPCC score was 1.79 (±0.34) [range 1 (high)-4 (low)] with subscales ranging from 1.15 (±0.33) to 2.78 (±0.80). Subscales such as respectful communication, provision of clear disease and treatment information, and treatment delivery received the highest means scores, while timely care and equitable care received the lowest. Patients self-assessed their physical condition and mental health, with a median score of 7 (interquartile range: 5–8). Age, living conditions, educational level, residence, ECOG-PS status, and prior therapies were significantly associated with the subscales of QPCC. Among these, educational level and living conditions were the strongest predictors of QPCC total score.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Healthcare providers should routinely assess the experiences of cancer survivors, identify gaps in care, and design tailored interventions to enhance the quality of services provided across the healthcare continuum.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51048,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Oncology Nursing","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 103035"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103026
Lucy McGeagh , Sarah-Jane Stewart , Ruth Norris , Mary Wells , Sue Thompson , Phil Mawson , Jo Brett , Mark Turner , Jane Wolstenholme , Helen Dakin , Peter Donnelly , Henry Cain , Farah Rehman , Sally Kum , Rob Horne , Guy Taylor , Lesley Turner , Jan Rose , Linda Sharp , Eila Watson
Purpose
Women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer are recommended daily oral adjuvant endocrine therapy for at least 5 years, but up to 50 % discontinue early. We assessed an evidence-based, theoretically-informed, patient-centred intervention (HT&Me) to support adjuvant endocrine therapy adherence and improve quality-of-life, in terms of patient acceptability and feasibility to deliver within the UK National Health Service.
Methods
This single arm study aimed to recruit 45 women with stage I-III breast cancer within 14 weeks of first adjuvant endocrine therapy prescription. After completing baseline questionnaires, participants received the HT&Me intervention comprising: (i) a short animation; (ii) two personalised nurse/practitioner consultations (in-person or online); (iii) an interactive web-app; and (iv) regular email reminders. Participants completed follow-up questionnaires at 8 weeks. A sub-sample of participants (n = 20) and health professionals (n = 14) participated in semi-structured interviews.
Results
We recruited 51 participants. Participants varied in digital confidence at recruitment (low/moderate, 28 % (n = 14); high, 61 % (n = 31)). HT&Me was demonstrated as feasible to deliver. Overall, 69 % (n = 35) engaged with the web-app; 87 % (n = 40/46) found HT&Me helpful; and 80 % (n = 36/45) reported it motivated them to keep taking endocrine therapy. Both consultation formats were considered acceptable. Completion of outcome measures was high. Health professionals considered HT&Me addresses an important unmet need.
Conclusions
HT&Me is feasible, acceptable and helpful to women. Findings provided valuable insights for design and delivery of the full-scale randomised controlled trial assessing effectiveness now underway (ISRCTN24852890). HT&Me offers potential to improve adjuvant endocrine therapy adherence, thereby reducing recurrence risk for women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer.
{"title":"Supporting women with adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (SWEET): feasibility study of the HT&Me intervention","authors":"Lucy McGeagh , Sarah-Jane Stewart , Ruth Norris , Mary Wells , Sue Thompson , Phil Mawson , Jo Brett , Mark Turner , Jane Wolstenholme , Helen Dakin , Peter Donnelly , Henry Cain , Farah Rehman , Sally Kum , Rob Horne , Guy Taylor , Lesley Turner , Jan Rose , Linda Sharp , Eila Watson","doi":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer are recommended daily oral adjuvant endocrine therapy for at least 5 years, but up to 50 % discontinue early. We assessed an evidence-based, theoretically-informed, patient-centred intervention (HT&Me) to support adjuvant endocrine therapy adherence and improve quality-of-life, in terms of patient acceptability and feasibility to deliver within the UK National Health Service.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This single arm study aimed to recruit 45 women with stage I-III breast cancer within 14 weeks of first adjuvant endocrine therapy prescription. After completing baseline questionnaires, participants received the HT&Me intervention comprising: (i) a short animation; (ii) two personalised nurse/practitioner consultations (in-person or online); (iii) an interactive web-app; and (iv) regular email reminders. Participants completed follow-up questionnaires at 8 weeks. A sub-sample of participants (n = 20) and health professionals (n = 14) participated in semi-structured interviews.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We recruited 51 participants. Participants varied in digital confidence at recruitment (low/moderate, 28 % (n = 14); high, 61 % (n = 31)). HT&Me was demonstrated as feasible to deliver. Overall, 69 % (n = 35) engaged with the web-app; 87 % (n = 40/46) found HT&Me helpful; and 80 % (n = 36/45) reported it motivated them to keep taking endocrine therapy. Both consultation formats were considered acceptable. Completion of outcome measures was high. Health professionals considered HT&Me addresses an important unmet need.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>HT&Me is feasible, acceptable and helpful to women. Findings provided valuable insights for design and delivery of the full-scale randomised controlled trial assessing effectiveness now underway (ISRCTN24852890). HT&Me offers potential to improve adjuvant endocrine therapy adherence, thereby reducing recurrence risk for women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Study registration ISRCTN number</h3><div>ISRCTN29401613</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51048,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Oncology Nursing","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 103026"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145796603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2026.103116
Muhammad Taufan Umasugi, Endah Fitriasari, Syahfitrah Umamity
{"title":"Equity-by-design and trajectory-sensitive ePROMs in breast cancer follow-up: methodological clarifications on \"dual impact\".","authors":"Muhammad Taufan Umasugi, Endah Fitriasari, Syahfitrah Umamity","doi":"10.1016/j.ejon.2026.103116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2026.103116","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51048,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Oncology Nursing","volume":" ","pages":"103116"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146127341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-30DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.102983
Behice Belkıs Çalışkan , Fatma Yasemin Kutlu
Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness-based self-compassion program (MBSCP) in enhancing ontological well-being (OWB) among breast cancer survivors.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a university hospital in Türkiye. Seventy-one women with a history of breast cancer were randomized into an intervention group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 36). The intervention group received the MBSCP, while the control group received no additional support. Ontological well-being was measured using the Ontological Well-Being Scale (OWBS) at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.
Results
Participants in the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in overall OWBS scores and in the subscales of "hope," "action," and "nothingness" compared to the control group (p < .001). No significant differences were observed for the "regret" subscale.
Conclusions
The MBSCP effectively enhanced ontological well-being in breast cancer survivors. These findings suggest that integrating mindfulness-based existential support into survivorship care may promote psychological resilience and holistic well-being.
{"title":"Mindfulness-based self-compassion to enhance ontological well-being in breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Behice Belkıs Çalışkan , Fatma Yasemin Kutlu","doi":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.102983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.102983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness-based self-compassion program (MBSCP) in enhancing ontological well-being (OWB) among breast cancer survivors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a university hospital in Türkiye. Seventy-one women with a history of breast cancer were randomized into an intervention group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 36). The intervention group received the MBSCP, while the control group received no additional support. Ontological well-being was measured using the Ontological Well-Being Scale (OWBS) at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants in the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in overall OWBS scores and in the subscales of \"hope,\" \"action,\" and \"nothingness\" compared to the control group (p < .001). No significant differences were observed for the \"regret\" subscale.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The MBSCP effectively enhanced ontological well-being in breast cancer survivors. These findings suggest that integrating mindfulness-based existential support into survivorship care may promote psychological resilience and holistic well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51048,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Oncology Nursing","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102983"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-31DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103029
Doga Ulcay , Semiha Akin Eroglu
Purpose
This two-centre, randomised controlled, pre-test–post-test design study aimed to evaluate the effect of Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT) on dyspnoea, cough, and fatigue, which comprise the Respiratory Distress Symptom Cluster (RDSC) in patients with lung cancer.
Methods
The sample included 73 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing their first cycle of chemotherapy (36 intervention, 37 control). Data were collected using the Cancer Dyspnoea Scale (CDS), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), and Hirai Cancer Fatigue Scale (HCFS). The intervention group received ACBT training and performed exercises twice daily with the support of a video. Follow-up calls were made weekly (days 7, 14, 21). Pre-test assessments were conducted on the first day of chemotherapy; post-tests were completed on day 28.
Results
Demographic and clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the intervention group, significant improvements were observed in dyspnoea and fatigue, as indicated by decreased CDS and HCFS scores, and in cough-related quality of life, as reflected by increased LCQ scores (p = 0.000). Additionally, strong and significant correlations were found among the total and subscale scores of the CDS, LCQ, and HCFS within the intervention group (p = 0.000), supporting the pre.
sence of a RDSC.
Conclusions
ACBT demonstrated a positive impact on dyspnoea, cough, and fatigue in lung cancer patients. Integrating ACBT into routine nursing care is recommended to support the management of the RDSC in patients with lung cancer.
{"title":"Investigation of the effect of active cycle of breathing techniques on respiratory distress symptom cluster in patients with lung cancer: A randomised controlled trial","authors":"Doga Ulcay , Semiha Akin Eroglu","doi":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This two-centre, randomised controlled, pre-test–post-test design study aimed to evaluate the effect of Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT) on dyspnoea, cough, and fatigue, which comprise the Respiratory Distress Symptom Cluster (RDSC) in patients with lung cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The sample included 73 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing their first cycle of chemotherapy (36 intervention, 37 control). Data were collected using the Cancer Dyspnoea Scale (CDS), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), and Hirai Cancer Fatigue Scale (HCFS). The intervention group received ACBT training and performed exercises twice daily with the support of a video. Follow-up calls were made weekly (days 7, 14, 21). Pre-test assessments were conducted on the first day of chemotherapy; post-tests were completed on day 28.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Demographic and clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the intervention group, significant improvements were observed in dyspnoea and fatigue, as indicated by decreased CDS and HCFS scores, and in cough-related quality of life, as reflected by increased LCQ scores (p = 0.000). Additionally, strong and significant correlations were found among the total and subscale scores of the CDS, LCQ, and HCFS within the intervention group (p = 0.000), supporting the pre.</div><div>sence of a RDSC.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>ACBT demonstrated a positive impact on dyspnoea, cough, and fatigue in lung cancer patients. Integrating ACBT into routine nursing care is recommended to support the management of the RDSC in patients with lung cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51048,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Oncology Nursing","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 103029"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145514874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between symptom status, spiritual well-being, and psychological resilience in patients with cancer.
Methods
This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational design. The study sample consisted of 240 cancer patients who presented to the oncology day treatment unit of a university hospital in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Information Form, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-Short Form. Stepwise multiple regression, and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data.
Results
The mean age was 58.93 ± 11.21 years, and the sample was nearly equally distributed by gender. In the stepwise multiple regression analysis, spiritual well-being was the strongest positive predictor of resilience (β = 0.601, p < 0.001). General well-being impairment, anxiety, fatigue, and pain were significant negative predictors (R2 = 0.728, p < 0.001). Parallel mediation analysis revealed that spiritual well-being has a significant impact on resilience through multiple mediators. It had an adverse indirect effect via pain and positive indirect effects via fatigue, anxiety, and general well-being. The overall indirect effect of spiritual well-being on resilience was significant (β = 0.159, 95 % CI [0.139, 0.262], p < 0.05), accounting for 21.01 % of the total effect, indicating partial mediation.
Conclusion
These effects were not only statistically significant but also clinically meaningful, indicating the importance of interventions to enhance spiritual well-being in improving resilience. The findings demonstrated that spiritual well-being not only has a direct positive effect on resilience but also exerts indirect effects through key physical and psychological symptoms, including pain, fatigue, anxiety, and impaired general well-being.
目的:探讨癌症患者的症状状态、精神幸福感和心理弹性之间的关系。方法:本研究采用定量、横断面和相关设计。研究样本包括240名癌症患者,他们在日本一家大学医院的肿瘤日间治疗部门就诊。采用社会人口学信息表、埃德蒙顿症状评估量表、精神幸福感量表和康纳-戴维森弹性量表-简表收集数据。采用逐步多元回归和结构方程模型对数据进行分析。结果:患者平均年龄为58.93±11.21岁,性别分布基本均匀。逐步多元回归分析显示,精神幸福感是心理弹性的最强正向预测因子(β = 0.601, p 2 = 0.728, p)。结论:这些影响不仅具有统计学意义,而且具有临床意义,说明干预措施对心理弹性的提高具有重要意义。研究结果表明,精神健康不仅对恢复力有直接的积极影响,而且还通过主要的生理和心理症状(包括疼痛、疲劳、焦虑和总体幸福感受损)产生间接影响。
{"title":"Spiritual well-being and psychological resilience in outpatients receiving chemotherapy: The multiple mediating role of symptoms","authors":"Ayser Döner , Aylin Bilgin , Sinem Öcalan , Mustafa Sabri Kovancı , Mevlüde İnanç","doi":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the relationship between symptom status, spiritual well-being, and psychological resilience in patients with cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational design. The study sample consisted of 240 cancer patients who presented to the oncology day treatment unit of a university hospital in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Information Form, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-Short Form. Stepwise multiple regression, and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age was 58.93 ± 11.21 years, and the sample was nearly equally distributed by gender. In the stepwise multiple regression analysis, spiritual well-being was the strongest positive predictor of resilience (β = 0.601, p < 0.001). General well-being impairment, anxiety, fatigue, and pain were significant negative predictors (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.728, p < 0.001). Parallel mediation analysis revealed that spiritual well-being has a significant impact on resilience through multiple mediators. It had an adverse indirect effect via pain and positive indirect effects via fatigue, anxiety, and general well-being. The overall indirect effect of spiritual well-being on resilience was significant (β = 0.159, 95 % CI [0.139, 0.262], p < 0.05), accounting for 21.01 % of the total effect, indicating partial mediation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These effects were not only statistically significant but also clinically meaningful, indicating the importance of interventions to enhance spiritual well-being in improving resilience. The findings demonstrated that spiritual well-being not only has a direct positive effect on resilience but also exerts indirect effects through key physical and psychological symptoms, including pain, fatigue, anxiety, and impaired general well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51048,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Oncology Nursing","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 103009"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145410688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103011
Linda Åkeflo , Josefin Höynä Wessberg , Lisa Goldkuhl , Eva Elmerstig , Emelie Blomqvist , Per Fessé , Kristin Kunni , Ulrica Langegård (Associate Professor) , Emma Ohlsson-Nevo , Katarina Sjövall , Karin Örmon , Karin Ahlberg RN, Professor
Purpose
This study explores women's experiences of a novel prehabilitation intervention, integrating early vaginal dilator therapy before and during pelvic radiotherapy.
Methods
This qualitative study included sixteen women scheduled for pelvic radiotherapy. All participants received a pre-treatment intervention with individualized information and support to start vaginal dilator therapy prior to radiotherapy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all sixteen women before or during treatment. Of these, ten also participated in follow-up interviews after radiotherapy. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Four themes were constructed reflecting women's experiences of the new prehabilitation intervention: (1) Regaining control while facing the unknown, (2) Navigating identity, (3) Conceptualizing vaginal and sexual health, and (4) Building trust. Women found that vaginal dilator therapy during prehabilitation enabled a sense of control and readiness for upcoming sexual and vaginal health concerns. The early support was perceived as timely, acceptable, and empowering, regardless of women's initial motivation to engage. None of the women preferred to only receive the information after treatment, reflecting the value of proactive care.
Conclusion
Integrating vaginal dilator therapy into prehabilitation may enhance preparedness, promote self-care, and reduce distress during pelvic radiotherapy. Further research is needed to confirm benefits and tailor support to individual needs.
{"title":"Prehabilitation for radiotherapy-induced vaginal and sexual health issues: Women's experiences of a novel intervention","authors":"Linda Åkeflo , Josefin Höynä Wessberg , Lisa Goldkuhl , Eva Elmerstig , Emelie Blomqvist , Per Fessé , Kristin Kunni , Ulrica Langegård (Associate Professor) , Emma Ohlsson-Nevo , Katarina Sjövall , Karin Örmon , Karin Ahlberg RN, Professor","doi":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study explores women's experiences of a novel prehabilitation intervention, integrating early vaginal dilator therapy before and during pelvic radiotherapy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This qualitative study included sixteen women scheduled for pelvic radiotherapy. All participants received a pre-treatment intervention with individualized information and support to start vaginal dilator therapy prior to radiotherapy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all sixteen women before or during treatment. Of these, ten also participated in follow-up interviews after radiotherapy. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four themes were constructed reflecting women's experiences of the new prehabilitation intervention: (1) Regaining control while facing the unknown, (2) Navigating identity, (3) Conceptualizing vaginal and sexual health, and (4) Building trust. Women found that vaginal dilator therapy during prehabilitation enabled a sense of control and readiness for upcoming sexual and vaginal health concerns. The early support was perceived as timely, acceptable, and empowering, regardless of women's initial motivation to engage. None of the women preferred to only receive the information after treatment, reflecting the value of proactive care<strong>.</strong></div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Integrating vaginal dilator therapy into prehabilitation may enhance preparedness, promote self-care, and reduce distress during pelvic radiotherapy. Further research is needed to confirm benefits and tailor support to individual needs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51048,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Oncology Nursing","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 103011"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145410668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103027
Shi Yin , Dongjing Xie , Rongya Wang , Jiao Qian , Xiaofen Shi , Honghong Wang
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the incidence, influencing factors, and clinical correlates of Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration (CITA) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 170 gastrointestinal cancer patients from a tertiary hospital in China. Participants completed the Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration Scale (CITAS), the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR), and the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, correlation, and hierarchical regression to identify key predictors and interaction effects.
Results
The incidence of CITA was 74.7 %. The most prevalent issues were overall taste change (71.8 %) and feeding disturbance (45.9 %). Female gender, age <65, religious belief, plant alkaloid use, and higher chemotherapy cycles were significantly associated with worse CITA. Hierarchical regression revealed that retching (β = .80, p < .001) and nutritional status (β = .36, p < .001) were the strongest independent predictors, collectively explaining 47.0 % of the variance in CITAS scores. Interaction effects showed that the retching-CITA relationship was stronger in females but attenuated in patients receiving plant alkaloids.
Conclusions
CITA is highly prevalent in gastrointestinal cancer patients and is closely linked to retching and nutritional status. A stratified management approach is recommended, integrating standardized nutritional assessment with personalized antiemetic strategies, particularly for high-risk subgroups such as female patients. Future multicenter longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate causal pathways and optimize precision interventions for CITA.
{"title":"Stratified linear regression analysis of factors associated with chemotherapy-induced taste alterations in gastrointestinal cancer patients: A cross-sectional study in China","authors":"Shi Yin , Dongjing Xie , Rongya Wang , Jiao Qian , Xiaofen Shi , Honghong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the incidence, influencing factors, and clinical correlates of Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration (CITA) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 170 gastrointestinal cancer patients from a tertiary hospital in China. Participants completed the Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration Scale (CITAS), the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR), and the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, correlation, and hierarchical regression to identify key predictors and interaction effects.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The incidence of CITA was 74.7 %. The most prevalent issues were overall taste change (71.8 %) and feeding disturbance (45.9 %). Female gender, age <65, religious belief, plant alkaloid use, and higher chemotherapy cycles were significantly associated with worse CITA. Hierarchical regression revealed that retching (β = .80, p < .001) and nutritional status (β = .36, p < .001) were the strongest independent predictors, collectively explaining 47.0 % of the variance in CITAS scores. Interaction effects showed that the retching-CITA relationship was stronger in females but attenuated in patients receiving plant alkaloids.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>CITA is highly prevalent in gastrointestinal cancer patients and is closely linked to retching and nutritional status. A stratified management approach is recommended, integrating standardized nutritional assessment with personalized antiemetic strategies, particularly for high-risk subgroups such as female patients. Future multicenter longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate causal pathways and optimize precision interventions for CITA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51048,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Oncology Nursing","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 103027"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145508045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103025
Dwi Retnaningsih , Nursalam , Hanik Endang Nihayati , Ferry Efendi , Mira Triharini
Purpose
This study aimed to explore the mechanisms and perceived impact of faith-based family interventions on psychological resilience among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods
This study employed a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological design to investigate how relatives of patients with breast cancer have dealt with offering faith-based support throughout chemotherapy. Twenty family members of patients, purposefully chosen, participated in semi-structured interviews to gather the data. Field notes, an interview guide, and a demographic data questionnaire are among the study tools. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, videotaped with consent, and subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo software. Peer debriefing, member verification, triangulation, and audit trail recording all help preserve the authenticity of the data.
Results
In this study, 20 family members of patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy participated. Four major themes emerged from the data analysis: information requirements, family resilience, caregiving obstacles, and types of family support (emotional, informational, instrumental, esteem, and spiritual). These themes highlight the importance of families playing an active role in supporting patients with their treatment.
Conclusions
Interventions based on family beliefs are crucial for enhancing breast cancer patients' quality of life and resilience during chemotherapy. Integrating faith-based family support into oncology nursing practice is crucial for improving the quality of life and resilience of patients with breast cancer by including their families in their treatment.
{"title":"Family-based belief interventions to enhance resilience in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A qualitative study","authors":"Dwi Retnaningsih , Nursalam , Hanik Endang Nihayati , Ferry Efendi , Mira Triharini","doi":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to explore the mechanisms and perceived impact of faith-based family interventions on psychological resilience among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological design to investigate how relatives of patients with breast cancer have dealt with offering faith-based support throughout chemotherapy. Twenty family members of patients, purposefully chosen, participated in semi-structured interviews to gather the data. Field notes, an interview guide, and a demographic data questionnaire are among the study tools. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, videotaped with consent, and subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo software. Peer debriefing, member verification, triangulation, and audit trail recording all help preserve the authenticity of the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In this study, 20 family members of patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy participated. Four major themes emerged from the data analysis: information requirements, family resilience, caregiving obstacles, and types of family support (emotional, informational, instrumental, esteem, and spiritual). These themes highlight the importance of families playing an active role in supporting patients with their treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Interventions based on family beliefs are crucial for enhancing breast cancer patients' quality of life and resilience during chemotherapy. Integrating faith-based family support into oncology nursing practice is crucial for improving the quality of life and resilience of patients with breast cancer by including their families in their treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51048,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Oncology Nursing","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 103025"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145524887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Around 2260 new cases of cancer are diagnosed annually in children in France. Hospitalisation at home (HaH) represents a growing alternative to the more conventional hospital stay, since it enables children with cancer to receive medical care in the home while remaining in a familiar environment. Parents of children can face a significant redefinition of their parenting roles, caught between the continuity of family life and the demands of medical care. The aim of this study was to describe the parenting process from the perspective of parents of children with cancer hospitalised at home.
Method
Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with parents (n = 27) of children with cancer in two French structures. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and reflexive thematic analysis was applied.
Results
Our findings highlight a parenting process structured around three main dimensions, which functions as a dynamic system characterised by a constant interplay between (1) forms of parenting, (2) a continuous parental presence that remains stable over time and (3) the guilt that fuels the process.
Conclusions
Parenting process during HaH is dynamic, adaptive and marked by a high emotional and mental burden. In this way, parents must constantly reinvent parenting by integrating new skills to respond to the needs of their children with cancer. Recognising this complexity may aid professionals to the issues confronted by parents caring for children with cancer at home setting.
{"title":"Parents' subjective experience of the parenting process in paediatric oncology during hospitalisation at home","authors":"Voskan Kirakosyan , Matthieu Plichart , Fatima Laradji , Caroline Miler , Adeline Mallard , Bastien Péré , Ingrid Chrétien , Marie-Frédérique Bacqué","doi":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Around 2260 new cases of cancer are diagnosed annually in children in France. Hospitalisation at home (HaH) represents a growing alternative to the more conventional hospital stay, since it enables children with cancer to receive medical care in the home while remaining in a familiar environment. Parents of children can face a significant redefinition of their parenting roles, caught between the continuity of family life and the demands of medical care. The aim of this study was to describe the parenting process from the perspective of parents of children with cancer hospitalised at home.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with parents (n = 27) of children with cancer in two French structures. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and reflexive thematic analysis was applied.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our findings highlight a parenting process structured around three main dimensions, which functions as a dynamic system characterised by a constant interplay between (1) forms of parenting, (2) a continuous parental presence that remains stable over time and (3) the guilt that fuels the process.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Parenting process during HaH is dynamic, adaptive and marked by a high emotional and mental burden. In this way, parents must constantly reinvent parenting by integrating new skills to respond to the needs of their children with cancer. Recognising this complexity may aid professionals to the issues confronted by parents caring for children with cancer at home setting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51048,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Oncology Nursing","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 103016"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145446474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}