How Men with Prostate Cancer Choose Specialists: A Qualitative Study.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Jiang T
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5568685 | biostudies-other | 2017 Mar-Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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Project description:OBJECTIVE:To explore men's lived experience of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) and preferences for support. DESIGN:Cross-sectional qualitative study applying open-ended surveys and interviews conducted between June and November 2016. Interviews audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed from an interpretive phenomenological perspective. SETTING:Australia, nation-wide. PARTICIPANTS:39 men diagnosed with advanced PCa (metastatic or castration-resistant biochemical regression) were surveyed with 28 men subsequently completing a semistructured in depth telephone interview. RESULTS:Thematic analysis of interviews identified two organising themes: lived experience and supportive care. Lived experience included six superordinate themes: regret about late diagnosis and treatment decisions, being discounted in the health system, fear/uncertainty about the future, acceptance of their situation, masculinity and treatment effects. Supportive care included five superordinate themes: communication, care coordination, accessible care, shared experience/peer support and involvement of their partner/family. CONCLUSIONS:Life course and the health and social context of PCa influence men's experiences of advanced disease. Multimodal interventions integrating peer support and specialist nurses are needed that more closely articulate with men's expressed needs.
| S-EPMC5855292 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PurposeProstate cancer can result in a shift in the way men perceive their masculinity. Despite the interest in exercise as a treatment strategy to address masculinity concerns, there is insufficient information about how perceptions may differ in active and inactive men. The aim of this study was to explore how exercise might influence self-perceptions of masculinity in men across the exercise continuum (from active to inactive) and in men receiving different forms of treatment for their prostate cancer, including androgen deprivation therapy.MethodsIndividual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 men. Ten men met aerobic and/or resistance guidelines and were considered active, while five men, considered inactive, reached neither guideline. This study used a grounded theory approach to data analysis, examining masculinity issues in active men and compared them to inactive men.ResultsRedefining masculinity emerged as an overarching theme. Subthemes were the various coping strategies men used to redefining masculinity and directly related to their exercise habits. Coping subthemes included re-establishing control, tapping into competition, remaining socially connected, rationalization, and acceptance.ConclusionsIn the active men, dominant coping strategies achieved from exercise included control through active participation, acceptance, competition, and leadership. In inactive men, control was observed with knowledge-seeking behaviors, rationalization, and acceptance.Implications for cancer survivorsA tailored approach to exercise counseling based upon specific masculine traits and motivations could lead to improved exercise engagement.
| S-EPMC8964636 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundFor localized prostate cancer (PCa), radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiotherapy (RT) are two standard interventions to decrease PCa mortality. Contemporary studies contained the elderly people; analyses focusing on patients over 75 years of age were still lacking.MethodIn the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (2004-2015), people over 75 years of age with cT2 stage were selected in our research. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and overall mortality (OM) after adjustment. The propensity score matching was performed to assume the randomization. An instrument variate (IVA) was used to calculate the unmeasured confounders.ResultsRadical prostatectomy is superior to RT in OM and CSM after adjustment for covariates (HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.47-0.62, P < 0.001 and HR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.20-0.45, P < 0.001, respectively). The cox model after matching indicated similar consequence (OM: HR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.46-0.62, P < 0.001; CSM: HR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.17-0.43, P < 0.001). In the IVA-adjusted model, the effect of treatment changed slightly (OM: HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.54-0.78, P < 0.001; CSM: HR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.12-0.37, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that for patients with GS = 7, those received RP obtained the highest risk decline for overall death (HR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.32-0.52); and for patients with younger age, those received RP obtained the highest risk decline for CSM (HR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.01-0.52).ConclusionPatients over 75 years of age with cT2 stage will obtain more benefit from RP compared with RT, especially for patients with GS = 7 and younger age.
| S-EPMC6601593 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PurposeThere is a growing emphasis on improving quality of life of people with prostate cancer. However, those undergoing active surveillance remain underrepresented in the literature with less known about their unique challenges. Therefore, we aimed to explore their lived experiences post diagnosis and its effect on their mental, social, and physical wellbeing.MethodsQualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 men undergoing active surveillance for low-risk disease. Thematic analysis was used to inductively co-construct themes through the lens of the biopsychosocial model.ResultsMental wellbeing was strongly affected in our participants due to the overwhelming emotional impact of their diagnosis resulting in an 'Emotional Diagnostic Disequilibrium'. Informational awareness and education about prostate cancer helped patients with 'Recognition of the Impact'. Patients experienced an 'Unsettling Monitoring Cycle' due to the increased fear and anxiety around PSA monitoring appointments, with some men ignoring their mental wellbeing needs as their disease is 'A Future Problem'. 'Concealment of Diagnosis' left many feeling isolated and highlighted an important coping mechanisms in the 'Importance of a Social Support Network' theme. Finally, physical health mostly changed through alterations in health behaviour, leading to 'A Healthier Lifestyle' with increasing attribution of physical symptoms to age through 'Symptomatic Overshadowing'.ConclusionThe greatest disease impact on men's wellbeing was at the time of diagnosis, with a subsequent cyclical anxiety and fear of disease progression prominent around monitoring appointments. Future research should explore ways to better support patients with these issues and at these times, improving their quality of life.
| S-EPMC8933126 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveActive surveillance (AS) is an increasingly utilized strategy for monitoring men with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) that allows them to defer active treatment (AT) in the absence of cancer progression. Studies have explored reasons for selecting AS and for then switching to AT, but less is known about men's experiences being on AS. We interviewed men to determine the clinical and psychological factors associated with selecting and adhering to AS protocols.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with men with a low-risk PCa at two academic medical centers. Subjects had either been on AS for ? 1 year or had opted for AT after a period of AS. We used an iterative, content-driven approach to analyze the interviews and to identify themes.ResultsWe enrolled 21 subjects, mean age 70.4 years, 3 racial/ethnic minorities, and 16 still on AS. Men recognized the favorable prognosis of their cancer (some had sought second opinions when initially offered AT), valued avoiding treatment complications, were reassured that close monitoring would identify progression early enough to be successfully treated, and trusted their urologists. Although men reported feeling anxious around the time of surveillance testing, those who switched to AT did so based only on evidence of cancer progression.ConclusionsOur selected sample was comfortable being on AS because they understood and valued the rationale for this approach. However, this highlights the importance of ensuring that men newly diagnosed with a low-risk PCa are provided sufficient information about prognosis and treatment options to make informed decisions.
| S-EPMC6867634 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo summarise and evaluate evidence from men who had not been diagnosed with prostate cancer about their perspectives on prostate care and prostate cancer.DesignA systematic review of qualitative research, on the perspectives of non-cancerous men regarding prostate cancer prevention and care.SettingA wide range of settings including primary and secondary care.ParticipantsMen from varied demographic backgrounds ranging between 40 to 80 years of age.Data sourcesThree databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Informit, PsychInfo) and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed papers in English reporting research using qualitative methods (in-depth or semistructured interviews and focus groups).Review methodsThematic analysis using inductive and deductive codes. Thematic synthesis was achieved through iterative open, axial and thematic coding.ResultsEight papers (reporting seven studies conducted in Australia, UK and Germany) met inclusion criteria. Four major themes were identified: understanding prostate cancer, masculinity and prostate cancer, barriers to prostate healthcare and managing prostate health. It was reported that men often did not understand screening, prostate anatomy or their prostate cancer risk, and that concerns about masculinity could deter men from seeking health checks. There was evidence of a need to improve doctor-patient communication about case finding.ConclusionFurther investigation is required to identify and understand any differences in the perspectives and experiences of men who have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer in metropolitan and regional areas, especially where there may be variations in access to healthcare.
| S-EPMC6352751 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe role of primary care providers (PCPs) in decision making around cancer care remains largely unknown. We evaluated how frequently men with localized prostate cancer report receiving help from their PCP about their treatment, and whether those men who do are less likely to receive definitive treatment.MethodsWe mailed surveys to men newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 2012 and 2014 in the greater Philadelphia region. Participants were asked whether their PCP helped decide how to treat their cancer. The outcome was receipt of definitive treatment (either radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy).ResultsA total of 2386 men responded (adjusted response rate, 51.1%). Among these men, 38.2% reported receiving help from their PCP regarding choosing a treatment, and 79.6% received definitive treatment. In adjusted analyses, non-Hispanic black men (odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-2.27) were more likely than non-Hispanic white men to report receiving help from their PCP. However, men who did receive help were not more likely to forgo definitive treatment overall (P = .58) or in the subgroups of men who may be least likely to benefit from definitive treatment.ConclusionsThough a substantial proportion of men reported receiving help from their PCP about prostate cancer treatment, these discussions were not associated with different treatment patterns. Further effort is needed to determine how to optimize the role of PCPs in supporting patients to make preference-sensitive cancer decisions.
| S-EPMC5870832 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo explore the negative recollections of prostate cancer patients regarding the attitudes and language used by the doctors in delivering their diagnoses in Japan, in order to improve patient-centred communication.Design and settingThis is a qualitative secondary analysis of the prostate cancer narrative data from the Database of Individual Patients' Experiences-Japan archives. A thematic analysis was conducted regarding negative recollections of doctors' words/attitudes when delivering a cancer diagnosis. Recruitment was based on maximum variation sampling. Participants were recruited from medical institutions, patient associations and through media advertisements.ParticipantsMen with a diagnosis of prostate cancer (n=51).FindingsOf the 51 participants, 17 had negative recollections of the doctors' words/attitudes during the delivery of the cancer diagnosis. After thematic analysis, 11 categories emerged: 'Surprised by the abrupt disclosure of the diagnosis', 'Displeased by the direct disclosure of the diagnosis to the patient in the absence of family members', 'Unable to accept the doctor's negative words in the explanations', 'Unable to understand the doctor's technical jargon', 'Distrust due to failure in diagnosis based on previous examinations', 'Aggrieved at the doctor's unwillingness to allow questions', 'Dissatisfied with explanations involving facts only', 'Indignant over the unexpected disclosure of life expectancy', 'Unable to accept the doctor's blame for the delay in the initial hospital visit', 'Uncomfortable with the usage of inappropriate metaphors' and 'Pessimistic thoughts despite optimistic explanations'.ConclusionsIt is clear that patients have recollections of a variety of negative experiences regarding the words/attitudes of their doctors at the time they received their prostate cancer diagnosis. Thus, the use of narrative data would facilitate the appropriate application of commonly used guidelines for the delivery of cancer diagnoses tailored to individual patients in clinical practice.
| S-EPMC7044962 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveCommunication is a key competency for medical education and comprehensive patient care. In rural environments, communication between rural family physicians and urban specialists is an essential pathway for clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to explore rural physicians' perspectives on communication with urban specialists during consultations and referrals.SettingNewfoundland and Labrador, Canada.ParticipantsThis qualitative study involved semistructured, one-on-one interviews with rural family physicians (n=11) with varied career stages, geographical regions, and community sizes.ResultsFour themes specific to communication in rural practice were identified. The themes included: (1) understanding the contexts of rural care; (2) geographical isolation and patient transfer; and (3) respectful discourse; and (4) overcoming communication challenges in referrals and consultations.ConclusionsCommunication between rural family physicians and urban specialists is a critical task in providing care for rural patients. Rural physicians see value in conveying unique aspects of rural clinical practice during communication with urban specialists, including context and the complexities of patient transfers.
| S-EPMC8126282 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThere is a large and unexplained variation in referral rates to specialists by general practitioners, which calls for investigations regarding general practitioners' perceptions and expectations during the referral process. Our objective was to describe the decision-making process underlying referral of patients to specialists by general practitioners working in a university outpatient primary care center.MethodsTwo focus groups were conducted among general practitioners (10 residents and 8 chief residents) working in the Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté) of the University of Lausanne, in Switzerland. Focus group data were analyzed with thematic content analysis. A feedback group of general practitioners validated the results.ResultsParticipating general practitioners distinguished two kinds of situations regarding referral: a) "clear-cut situations", in which the decision to refer or not seems obvious and b) "complex cases", in which they hesitate to refer or not. Regarding the "complex cases", they reported various types of concerns: a) about the treatment, b) about the patient and the doctor-patient relationship and c) about themselves. General practitioners evoked numerous reasons for referring, including non-medical factors such as influencing patients' emotions, earning specialists' esteem or sharing responsibility. They also explained that they seek validation by colleagues and postpone referral so as to relieve some of the decision-related distress.ConclusionsGeneral practitioners' referral of patients to specialists cannot be explained in biomedical terms only. It seems necessary to take into account the fact that referral is a sensitive topic for general practitioners, involving emotionally charged interactions and relationships with patients, colleagues, specialists and supervisors. The decision to refer or not is influenced by multiple contextual, personal and clinical factors that dynamically interact and shape the decision-making process.
| S-EPMC6885318 | biostudies-literature