Dataset Information

Cancer patient preferences for quality and length of life.

ABSTRACT: Optimal patient decision making requires integration of patient values, goals, and preferences with information received from the physician. In the case of a life-threatening illness such as cancer, the weights placed on quality of life (QOL) and length of life (LOL) represent critical values. The objective of the current study was to describe cancer patient values regarding QOL and LOL and explore associations with communication preferences.Patients with advanced cancer completed a computer-based survey before the initial consultation with a medical oncologist. Assessments included sociodemographics, physical and mental health state, values regarding quality and length of life, communication preferences, and cancer-related distress.Among 459 patients with advanced cancer, 55% placed equal valued on QOL and LOL, 27% preferred QOL, and 18% preferred LOL. Patients with a QOL preference had lower levels of cancer-related distress (P < .001). A QOL preference was also associated with older age (P = .001), male sex (P = .003), and higher educational level (P = .062). Patients who preferred LOL over QOL desired a more supportive and less pessimistic communication style from their oncologists.These data indicate that a values preference for LOL versus QOL may be simply measured, and is associated with wishes regarding the nature of oncologist communication. Awareness of these values during the clinical encounter could improve decision making by influencing the style and content of the communication between oncologists and their patients.

SUBMITTER: Meropol NJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2606934 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Cancer patient preferences for quality and length of life.

Meropol Neal J NJ Egleston Brian L BL Buzaglo Joanne S JS Benson Al B AB Cegala Donald J DJ Diefenbach Michael A MA Fleisher Linda L Miller Suzanne M SM Sulmasy Daniel P DP Weinfurt Kevin P KP

Cancer 20081201 12

<h4>Background</h4>Optimal patient decision making requires integration of patient values, goals, and preferences with information received from the physician. In the case of a life-threatening illness such as cancer, the weights placed on quality of life (QOL) and length of life (LOL) represent critical values. The objective of the current study was to describe cancer patient values regarding QOL and LOL and explore associations with communication preferences.<h4>Methods</h4>Patients with advan ...[more]

PMID: 18988231

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Project description:ObjectiveTo validate the Chinese version of the Quality of Life (QoL) Patient/Cancer Survivor Version (QOLCSV-C) for measuring QoL in Chinese cancer survivors.MethodsThe study followed a seven-step research practice guideline for cross-cultural research instrument validation study including translation, adaptation, and psychometric assessment. A forward- and backward-translation procedure was approached, followed by cultural adaptation and acceptability assessment. For its psychometric properties, its concurrent validity with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) was examined with correlation analysis. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and item-total and item-subtotal correlations of the QOLCSV-C were obtained. Factor analyses were conducted. Floor and ceiling effects and the discriminant performance of the selected variables on QOLCSV-C score were also examined.ResultsThe QOLCSV-C was translated from the 41-item QOLCSV with four domains: psychological, physical, spiritual and social well-being. The content validity was excellent (CVI = 1.00). Time spent to complete the QOLCSV-C was about 10 min. The QOLCSV-C was found easy to use, appropriate in length, and reflective of their QoL. The strong correlation between QOLCSV-C and FACT-G indicates a satisfactory concurrent validity (Spearman's rho = 0.765, P < 0.001, n = 205). The overall internal consistency of the QOLCSV-C (Cronbach's alpha = 0.888) and the split-half reliability (Spearman-Brown r = 0.918) were excellent. Most of the items show moderate to strong item-total correlation. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution, and confirmatory factor analysis has a satisfactory model fit with indicative items. None of the total scores of QOLCSV-C reveal the floor or ceiling effect. For discriminant performance, variables demonstrating significant between-group differences include sleep quality, pain, fatigue, nausea, physical health, and financial burden.ConclusionsThe QOLCSV-C is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the QoL in Chinese cancer survivors. Future studies can explore the factor structure, gender universal or specific items, and significant predictors of QoL of cancer survivors in different cultures.

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Cancer patient preferences for quality and length of life.

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Cancer patient preferences for quality and length of life.

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