Catalogue Search | MBRL
Search Results Heading
Explore the vast range of titles available.
MBRLSearchResults
-
LanguageLanguage
-
SubjectSubject
-
Item TypeItem Type
-
DisciplineDiscipline
-
YearFrom:-To:
-
More FiltersMore FiltersIs Peer Reviewed
Done
Filters
Reset
33
result(s) for
"Beesley, Vanessa L."
Sort by:
From many voices, one question: Community co-design of a population-based qualitative cancer research study
2024
This study formed the development stage of a population-based survey aiming to: (i) understand the needs and experiences of people affected by cancer in Queensland, Australia and (ii) recruit a pool of participants for ongoing cancer survivorship research. The current study aimed to co-design and test a single qualitative survey question and study invitation materials to maximise acceptability of, and participation in, the survey and future research.
Fifty-two community members, including cancer survivors and caregivers, participated across 15 co-design workshops and 20 pretest interviews. During workshops, participants generated and refined ideas for an open-ended survey question and provided feedback on a study invitation letter. The use of a single, open-ended question aims to minimise participant burden while collecting rich information about needs and experiences. The research team then shortlisted the question ideas and revised study invitation materials based on workshop feedback. Next, using interviews, community members were asked to respond to a shortlisted question to test its interpretability and relevance and to review revised invitation materials. Content analysis of participant feedback was used to identify principles for designing study materials.
Principles for designing qualitative survey questions were identified from participant feedback, including define the question timeframe and scope; provide reassurance that responses are valid and valued; and use simple wording. Principles for designing study invitation materials were also identified, including communicate empathy and sensitivity; facilitate reciprocal benefit; and include a 'human element'. The qualitative survey question and study invitation materials created using these principles were considered relevant and acceptable for use in a population-based survey.
Through community consultation and co-design, this study identified principles for designing qualitative data collection and invitation materials for use in cancer survivorship research. These principles can be applied by other researchers to develop study materials that are sensitive to the needs and preferences of community members.
Journal Article
Psilocybin-Assisted suppoRtive psychoTherapy IN the treatment of prolonged Grief (PARTING) trial: protocol for an open-label pilot trial for cancer-related bereavement
by
Perkins, Daniel
,
Kennedy, Tom J
,
Roset, Natalie
in
Adult psychiatry
,
Behavior modification
,
Bereavement
2025
IntroductionProlonged grief disorder (PGD) represents a substantial public health issue, especially in oncology settings where it affects up to 30% of bereaved carers. Current best-practice treatments are lengthy, and up to 50% of participants have persistent PGD. Building on encouraging recent research with psychedelic-assisted therapies, the Psilocybin-Assisted suppoRtive psychoTherapy IN the treatment of prolonged Grief (PARTING) trial is the first study to consider psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a potential treatment for prolonged grief.Methods and analysisPARTING is an open-label pilot trial of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for approximately 15 people with cancer-related PGD. It aims to investigate feasibility, safety, acceptability, participant experience and participant-reported therapeutic effects. Over a 5-week intervention period, participants will undergo three preparation sessions before receiving a psychoactive (25 mg) dose of psilocybin alongside non-directive supportive guidance, followed by four integration sessions. All sessions will be delivered by a psychologist and either a nurse or Indigenous Therapist. An artificial intelligence-assisted tool will be used to create an artwork of participants’ psychedelic experience.Outcomes will be investigated over a 12-month follow-up period. Feasibility will be assessed through recruitment/retention rates and completion of follow-up assessments. Safety will be evaluated via adverse events over 12 months and the comparison of physiological measures (vital signs, biochemistry, haematology, ECG) recorded during screening and 1 day after the psilocybin dose. Qualitative thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with participants and trial therapists will assess acceptability and the therapeutic potential of the treatment. Diagnostic clinical interviews for PGD and quantitative participant-reported measures of therapeutic effects are also being collected. Participant-reported measures include grief severity, depression, anxiety, grief avoidance, psychological flexibility, connectedness, and quality of life.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Human Research Ethics Committee (P3801). Dissemination of results will occur via conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications and media.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12623000827639).
Journal Article
Data sharing in cancer research: A qualitative study exploring community members' preferences
by
Beesley, Vanessa L.
,
Johnston, Elizabeth A.
,
Bourdaniotis, Xanthia E.
in
Adult
,
Aged
,
Biomedical Research
2024
Background Advancements in cancer treatment and survivorship rely on participation in research and access to health records. Methods This study explored preferences for data access and sharing in 14 workshops with 42 community members, most of whom were a cancer survivor or carer. Various scenarios for data access and sharing were presented and discussed, with participants' preferences summarized using descriptive statistics. Reasons underlying these preferences were identified through a thematic analysis of workshop transcripts. Results Most participants indicated a willingness for researchers to use their self‐report data and current health records for a specific research project (86%). Many were also willing for their self‐report data and current (62%) or all future (44%) health records to be shared with other researchers for use in other studies if made aware of this. Willingness to consent to data access and sharing data in cancer research was influenced by: (i) the potential for data sharing to advance medical discoveries and benefit people impacted by cancer in the future, (ii) transparency around researchers' credibility and their intentions for data sharing, (iii) level of ownership and control over data sharing, and (iv) protocols for privacy and confidentiality in data sharing. Conclusions Based on these themes, we present practical strategies for optimizing data access and sharing in cancer research. This qualitative study investigated community members' preferences for data sharing in cancer research. Findings indicate community support for improved data sharing in cancer research, provided that data sharing could advance medical discoveries and benefit others impacted by cancer in the future, researchers' intentions for data sharing are transparent and clear, participants maintain ownership and control over the types of data shared (e.g., future medical records), and privacy and confidentiality are assured. Based on the themes identified, we present practical strategies for optimizing data access and sharing in cancer research.
Journal Article
Pre-post feasibility trial of a telephone-delivered exercise intervention for patients during chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer: the ECHO-R trial protocol
by
Rye, Sheree
,
Gordon, Louisa G
,
Hayes, Sandra C
in
Cancer therapies
,
Chemotherapy
,
Chronic illnesses
2024
IntroductionThe benefits of exercise in reducing treatment-related morbidity and improving quality of life following a primary diagnosis of cancer have been well documented and have led to exercise being recommended by oncology societies for all people with a cancer diagnosis. However, these recommendations are derived from research typically involving cohorts with more common cancers and relatively good prognosis, such as breast and prostate. Evidence from these cancers may not apply to women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Therefore, the primary objective of this trial is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a home-based, telephone-delivered exercise intervention for women undergoing chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.Methods and analysisThe Exercise During Chemotherapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (ECHO-R) trial is a single-arm, phase II, pre/postintervention trial of a 6-month, telephone-delivered exercise intervention (consistent with recommended exercise oncology prescription). The target sample size is 80 women who are currently undergoing (or are scheduled to receive) chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer. Recruitment is through participating hospital sites in Queensland, Australia, or via self-referral. The exercise intervention comprises 12 telephone sessions over a 6-month period delivered by trial-trained exercise professionals and supplemented (where feasible) by five sessions face to face. Exercise prescription is individualised and works towards an overall goal of achieving a weekly target of 150 min of moderate-intensity, mixed-mode exercise. Assessments via self-administered survey and physical fitness and function tests occur at baseline and then at 6 and 9 months postbaseline. Data to inform feasibility and safety are recorded as case notes by the exercise professional during each session.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval for the ECHO-R trial was granted by the Metro North Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/2020/QRBW/67223) on 6 November 2020. Findings from the trial are planned to be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and both national and international exercise and oncology conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12621000042842.
Journal Article
A systematic literature review of the prevalence of and risk factors for supportive care needs among women with gynaecological cancer and their caregivers
by
Webb, Penelope M
,
Beesley, Vanessa L
,
Chalachew Alemayehu
in
At risk populations
,
Cancer
,
Caregiver burden
2018
PurposeThis review aimed to determine the prevalence of met and unmet needs, and the risk factors for unmet needs among people affected by gynaecological cancer.MethodsThe review was undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were identified though a range of electronic databases in October and November 2016. Study quality was independently appraised by two people.ResultsThirty-seven studies were included (1 review, 24 quantitative and 12 qualitative). The evidence was of mixed quality. The total burden of needs affecting women with gynaecological cancer and also their caregivers predominately related to comprehensive care and psychological concerns. The major moderate-to-high-level unmet needs of women with gynaecological cancer were for help explicitly with fear of recurrence, worries of caregivers and fatigue, and for women who developed lymphoedema were with pain and associated costs. Qualitative studies identified disease-specific needs related to sexuality issues (including fertility, sexual functioning, relationship concerns, managing vaginal changes, pregnancy care, premature menopause), genetic testing and disease-specific peer support. Women at risk of having unmet needs include those who are younger, with advanced disease, with lymphoedema or a high symptom burden, are unable to work, have mental health issues, have poor social support or live in rural or remote locations.ConclusionsUnderstanding the needs of women with gynaecological cancer and their caregivers is essential to improving care and outcomes. Current data are limited thus there is a need for qualitative studies of patient-caregiver dyad and vulnerable subgroups and well-designed quantitative studies of women with each type of gynaecological and their caregivers.
Journal Article
Safety, feasibility and effects of an individualised walking intervention for women undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer: a pilot study
2011
Background
Exercise interventions during adjuvant cancer therapy have been shown to increase functional capacity, relieve fatigue and distress and may assist rates of chemotherapy completion. These studies have been limited to breast, gastric and mixed cancer groups and it is not yet known if a similar intervention is even feasible among women with ovarian cancer. We aimed to assess safety, feasibility and potential effect of a walking intervention in women undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.
Methods
Women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer were recruited to participate in an individualised walking intervention throughout chemotherapy and were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility measures included session adherence, compliance with exercise physiologist prescribed walking targets and self-reported program acceptability. Changes in objective physical functioning (6-minute walk test), self-reported distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), symptoms (Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale - Physical) and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Ovarian) were calculated, and chemotherapy completion and adverse intervention effects recorded.
Results
Seventeen women were enrolled (63% recruitment rate). Mean age was 60 years (SD = 8 years), 88% were diagnosed with FIGO stage III or IV disease, 14 women underwent adjuvant and three neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. On average, women adhered to > 80% of their intervention sessions and complied with 76% of their walking targets, with the majority walking four days a week at moderate intensity for 30 minutes per session. Meaningful improvements were found in physical functioning, physical symptoms, physical well-being and ovarian cancer-specific quality of life. Most women (76%) completed ≥85% of their planned chemotherapy dose. There were no withdrawals or serious adverse events and all women reported the program as being helpful.
Conclusions
These positive preliminary results suggest that this walking intervention for women receiving chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is safe, feasible and acceptable and could be used in development of future work.
Trial registration
ACTRN12609000252213
Journal Article
The development of a supportive care needs assessment tool for Indigenous people with cancer
2012
Background
Little is known about the supportive care needs of Indigenous people with cancer and to date, existing needs assessment tools have not considered cultural issues for this population. We aimed to adapt an existing supportive care needs assessment tool for use with Indigenous Australians with cancer.
Methods
Face-to-face interviews with Indigenous cancer patients (n = 29) and five focus groups with Indigenous key-informants (n = 23) were conducted to assess the face and content validity, cultural acceptability, utility and relevance of the Supportive Care Needs Survey - Short Form 34 (SCNS-SF34) for use with Indigenous patients with cancer.
Results
All items from the SCNS-SF34 were shortened and changed to use more appropriate language (e.g. the word 'anxiety' was substituted with 'worry'). Seven questions were omitted (e.g. items on death and future considerations) as they were deemed culturally inappropriate or irrelevant and 12 items were added (e.g. accessible transport). Optional instructions were added before the sexual items. The design and response format of the SCNS-SF34 was modified to make it easier to use for Indigenous cancer patients. Given the extensive modifications to the SCNS-SF34 and the liklihood of a different factor structure we consider this tool to be a new tool rather than a modification. The Supportive care needs assessment tool for Indigenous people (SCNAT-IP) shows promising face and content validity and will be useful in informing services where they need to direct their attention for these patients.
Conclusions
Indigenous people with cancer have language, customs and specific needs that are not accommodated within the standard SCNS-SF34. Our SCNAT-IP improves acceptability, relevance and face validity for Indigenous-specific concerns. Our SCNAT-IP will allow screening for supportive care needs that are specific to Indigenous cancer patients' and greatly inform targeted policy development and practice.
Journal Article
Use of support services in a sample of patients with high‐risk primary melanomas in urban, regional and rural Queensland
by
Beesley, Vanessa L.
,
Smithers, Bernhard M.
,
Khosrotehrani, Kiarash
in
Adolescent
,
Adult
,
Aged
2017
To characterise use of support services in patients diagnosed with high‐risk primary melanoma by their location of residence.
In a cross‐sectional study of 787 patients with histologically‐confirmed clinical stage 1B‐2 melanoma, we estimated odds ratios (ORs) using regression models to assess the association of support service use with residence in rural, regional or urban areas. We also evaluated demographic and clinical correlates of support service use.
Among 113 rural patients, 33 (29%) used support services around time of diagnosis compared to 88 (39%) of 224 regional participants and 164 of 448 (37%) urban participants. Regional participants more commonly used support services compared to rural participants (OR 1.84; CI 1.09–3.10), but there was no association with urban versus rural residence (OR 1.32; CI 0.82–2.13). As well, females (OR 1.58; CI 1.15–2.18), those <65 years (OR 1.96; CI 1.42–2.71), or with higher education (OR 2.30; CI 1.53–3.44), or those with T‐stage 4B (OR 2.69; CI 1.36–5.32) were more likely to use support services than other patients.
Use of support services is lower among rural patients and other sub‐groups of primary melanoma patients who have poorer prognoses than others.
Appropriate triage to support services is required for rural and other vulnerable patient groups to ensure optimal patient care.
Journal Article
Coping strategies, trajectories, and their associations with patient-reported outcomes among women with ovarian cancer
by
Nagle, Christina M
,
Webb, Penelope M
,
Friedlander, Michael
in
Action
,
Advanced stage
,
Anxiety
2018
ObjectiveMost women with ovarian cancer present with advanced stage disease and face aggressive treatments, recurrence, and possible death, yet little is known about how they cope. Our objective was to identify coping strategies used by women with ovarian cancer and their trajectories of use after diagnosis and to assess if coping trajectories are associated with subsequent anxiety, depression, or quality of life.MethodsWomen with ovarian cancer completed questionnaires including the Brief-COPE, HADS, and FACT at 3, 6, and 9 months after diagnosis and the HADS and FACT at 12 months. Using data from 634 women who completed the 3-month questionnaire, factor analysis was conducted to identify coping strategy clusters. Trajectory modeling was used to assess patterns of coping over time. Associations between coping trajectory from 3 to 9 months and patient-reported outcomes at 12 months were investigated using general linear models.ResultsThree coping strategy clusters were identified. Use of “taking action/positive framing” followed four distinct trajectories over time: low-stable (44%), medium-stable (32%), medium-decreasing (11%), high-stable (12%). Use of “social/emotional support” had four trajectories: low-increasing (7%), low-decreasing (44%), medium-decreasing (40%), and high-stable (8%). Women either “accepted their reality” (26%) or “used some denial” (74%). Women who accepted reality reported significantly less anxiety and depression and better quality of life at 12 months. Women with high-stable use of taking action/positive framing reported less depression. Women with high-stable use of social/emotional support reported better quality of life.ConclusionsStrategies to assist women with acceptance, action-planning, positive-framing, and maintaining psychosocial support should be considered.
Journal Article
Patterns of, and barriers to supportive care needs assessment and provision for Australian women with gynecological cancer and their caregivers: a mixed-methods study of clinical practice
2020
To document the current clinical practice in 2017 for assessment of supportive care needs and provision of supportive care to women with gynecological cancer and their caregivers in Australia, and to identify the main enablers and barriers to care provision.
A total of 64 health professionals who care for Australian women with gynecological cancer responded to an electronic survey which explored their use of needs assessment, service-level processes and protocols for support service provision, and identified enablers and barriers to provision of care to both patients and caregivers. Eight respondents underwent an additional in-depth interview to elaborate on enablers, barriers, and gaps in the provision of supportive care.
Mostly, needs assessment for women and caregivers was part of current practice but done without validated tools or a checklist. Only 30% of respondents reported having documented referral pathways. Most respondents simply recorded a plan for meeting needs within the patients' medical record (63% for patients; 46% for caregivers) rather than using a formalized care plan (15% for patients; 6% for caregivers). The interviewees' comments supported survey results that having sufficient time to discuss issues was both the most important enabling factor and the greatest barrier to successful supportive care provision. The interviewees further discussed variations in needs based on age, cultural background, and phases within the cancer care continuum, and that best practice supportive care should involve a multidisciplinary team and customizable protocols.
There is much room for improvement in the assessment of needs and provision of supportive care to women with gynecological cancer and their caregivers. Approaches to optimize use of consultation time (e.g., needs assessment tools and referral protocols) are necessary. Flexibility in the form and mode of delivery of support may be required to meet diverse personal preferences and incorporate caregivers.
Journal Article