Validation of the Japanese version of the full and short form Trust in Oncologist Scale.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to validate the Japanese versions of the Trust in Oncologist Scale (TiOS-J) and the TiOS-Short Form (TiOS-SF-J). METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among cancer patients in Japan. The forward-backward translation method was used to develop the TiOS-J. The web-based survey was mailed to 633 people, of whom 309 responded. After 2 weeks, 103 among the 156 first-time respondents completed the second survey to verify the reliability of the retest method. The validity was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Spearman's correlation coefficients between the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-Japanese, willingness to recommend the oncologist, trust in health care, and number of oncological consultations. To evaluate reliability, Cronbach's α and test-retest correlation were calculated. RESULTS: The theoretically driven four-factor model and the EFA-driven one-factor model of the full-form TiOS-J (18 items) did not result in an acceptable fit; however, CFA supported the one-dimensionality of the 5 items from the TiOS-SF-J (χ2 (5) = 12.36, p = 0.03, goodness-of-fit index = 0.984, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.952, comparative fit index = 0.991, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.069). With regard to the reliability of TiOS-J and TiOS-SF-J, the Cronbach's alpha values were 0.94 and 0.89, respectively; the test-retest values were 0.82 and 0.78. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This study indicated that the TiOS-J and TiOS-SF-J are valid and reliable instruments for measuring patients' trust in their oncologists and can be used to assess trust in oncologists for both clinical and research purposes.

Validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-J) for evaluating oncologist consultations.

Objective: To develop the Japanese version of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-J) and examine its validity and reliability. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among cancer patients in Japan. The PSQ-J was developed following the forward-backward translation method, using a numerical rating scale. Data on patient characteristics and psychometric scales, like the PSQ-J, willingness to recommend an oncologist to others, trust in the healthcare system, uncertainty, and the Physician Compassion Questionnaire were collected. Validity was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and by calculating the correlations between the total PSQ-J score and the criterion variables. Reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha and test-retest score correlations at a two-week interval. Results: The first and second surveys were conducted on 309 and 107 patients, respectively. One-dimensionality and model fit were verified using factor analyses. The PSQ-J was significantly associated with other comparable scales. Cronbach's alpha was 0.962; the correlation between the PSQ-J test-retest scores was 0.835 (p < .001). Conclusion: The current study indicates that the PSQ-J can be valid and reliable for assessing satisfaction with oncologist consultation. Innovation: The PSQ-J enables the effective assessment of patient satisfaction with oncologist consultations, leading to better practice reflecting the patient's viewpoint.

Psychological Distress among Caregivers for Patients Who Die of Cancer: A Preliminary Study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: In Japan, little is known of the severity of and factors associated with psychological distress among caregivers of patients with advanced or recurrent cancer who die. METHODS: This prospective cohort study of cancer patients at the National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan, and their caregivers followed the participants from the initial palliative care consultation (T1) to 6 months (T2) and 13 months (T3) after the patient's death. At T1, patients and caregivers were interviewed separately. After T1, telephone interviews were conducted periodically, and a mail survey was distributed at T2 and T3. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression, and the Distress and Impact Thermometer (DIT) was used to screen for psychological distress. Items on end-of-life attitudes, including awareness, discussion, and willingness of cancer care and death, were developed. RESULTS: Thirty-one of 86 eligible pairs participated in this study. The participation rate was low (36%) and enrollment was thus halted. Data were collected up to T3 for 22 pairs (completion rate 71%). PHQ-9 scores at T2 and T3 were higher than at T1, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.07). PHQ-9 score at T3 was significantly associated with caregiver PHQ-9 and distress at T1, with patient distress and impact at T1, and with caregiver health problems at T2. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver depression persisted up to 13 months after the patient's death, which suggests that pre-bereavement screening with the DIT might be useful. The present paired enrollment process requires improvement.

Clinical practice guidelines for the care of psychologically distressed bereaved families who have lost members to physical illness including cancer.

The Japanese Psycho-Oncology Society and the Japanese Association of Supportive Care in Cancer developed evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the care of psychologically distressed bereaved families who have lost members to physical illness including cancer. The guideline development group formulated two clinical questions. A systematic literature review was conducted. The level of evidence and the strength of the recommendations were graded and recommendation statements validated using the modified Delphi method. The recommendations were as follows: non-pharmacological interventions were indicated for serious psychological distress (depression and grief); antidepressants were indicated for depression; however, psychotropic medications including antidepressants were not recommended for 'complicated' grief. These guidelines will facilitate the provision of appropriate care to distressed bereaved family members and highlight areas where further research is needed.

Impact of chest subcutaneous fat on the occurrence of central venous port-related infectious complications in cancer patients.

PURPOSE: There is no concrete evidence to support the association between the amount of subcutaneous fat area (SFA) in the central venous port-insertion site (precordium) and port-related complications. We aimed to investigate the relationship between SFA in the midclavicular line and postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing port-insertion surgery. METHODS: This was a single-institute and historical cohort study of 174 patients who underwent first central venous port implantation surgery for chemotherapy between January 2014 and December 2018. SFA in the midclavicular line was measured using preoperative computed tomography scans. The patients were divided into three groups according to SFA amount tertiles, and we investigated the association of SFA with infectious and all-cause complication events within 1 year. RESULTS: Within a median follow-up of 306 days, the patients with intermediate SFA had significantly higher infection-free survival than those with low and high SFA (low vs. intermediate vs. high: 80.4% vs. 97.7% vs. 83.4%, respectively, p=0.034). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the overall complication-free survival among the groups (low vs. intermediate vs. high: 80.4% vs. 88.9% vs. 81.8%, respectively, p=0.29). Low SFA was independently associated with high risk of infectious complications (hazard ratio, 9.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-83.22, p=0.043). CONCLUSION: Low SFA in the midclavicular line was an independent risk factor for infectious complications in the chemotherapy setting. This practical indicator can be useful for optimizing patients' nutritional status and when considering other types of vascular access to support administration of intravenous chemotherapy.

Traumatic Events Among Cancer Patients That Lead to Compassion Fatigue in Nurses: A Qualitative Study.

CONTEXT: Cancer care nurses are frequently exposed to patients' traumatic experiences and are at high risk of compassion fatigue. OBJECTIVES: To describe the components and frequencies of traumatic events experienced by patients with cancer, which give rise to nurse compassion fatigue. METHODS: This study is a supplementary analysis of data from a previous qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 Japanese nurses, with at least two years of experience in cancer care and a history of compassion fatigue. Content analysis and constant comparison was used to identify relevant subcategories and categories. The frequencies of these subcategories and categories were then evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven subcategories and four categories were identified. The kappa coefficient of these subcategories, determined by two independent raters, was 0.89. Subcategories with the highest frequencies among participants were as follows: having symptoms of cancer progression (n = 20; 67%), suffering because of insufficient pain control (n = 11; 37%), and being informed about getting cancer (n = 10; 33%). The four categories were as follows: worsening of physical condition (n = 20; 67%), bad news from doctors (n = 19; 63%), difficulty in treatment (n = 18; 60%), and emotional conflict with family (n = 6; 20%). CONCLUSION: This study identified the components and frequencies of traumatic events among patients with cancer that lead to the onset of nurse compassion fatigue. Such information will aid in understanding the triggers of compassion fatigue, allowing for possible preparation to reduce the risk of this occupational hazard.

Comparing the 12-month patency of low- versus high-pressure dilation in failing arteriovenous fistulae: A prospective multicenter trial (YOROI study).

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the effect of the balloon dilation pressure on the 12-month patency rate in patients with failed arteriovenous fistulas undergoing hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter, prospective, randomized trial, the 4-mm-diameter YOROI balloon was used for dilation of stenotic lesions. The balloons were inflated to a pressure of 8 atm (low-pressure group) or 30 atm to achieve complete expansion (high-pressure group). The 12-month patency rate after balloon angioplasty was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test and/or a Cox proportional hazard model. We also investigated the dilation pressure required to achieve complete expansion in the high-pressure group. RESULTS: In total, 71 patients were enrolled and allocated to either the low-pressure group (n = 34) or the high-pressure group (n = 37). The 12-month patency rates showed no significant difference between the low- and high-pressure groups (47% and 49%, respectively; p = 0.87). In the low-pressure group, the patency rate was not different between patients with complete dilation and residual stenosis (44% and 50%, respectively; p = 0.87). The Cox proportional hazard model revealed that the 12-month patency rate was associated with the stenosis diameter (hazard ratio 0.36; p = 0.001) and the presence of diabetes (hazard ratio 0.33; p = 0.018). Finally, the pressure required to achieve complete dilation was ≤20 atm in 76% of patients and ≤30 atm in 97% of patients. One patient required a dilation pressure of >30 atm. CONCLUSION: The patency rate does not differ between low-pressure dilation and high-pressure dilation.

Cognitive reactions of nurses exposed to cancer patients' traumatic experiences: A qualitative study to identify triggers of the onset of compassion fatigue.

OBJECTIVE: Nurses in cancer care are considered to be at risk for compassion fatigue because they are frequently exposed to patients' traumatic experiences. However, only a few effective empirical studies have been conducted in this field, and cognitive factors in particular have not been sufficiently studied. This study aims to describe the components of nurses' cognitive reactions from their exposure to cancer patients' traumatic experience to the onset of compassion fatigue. METHODS: In this qualitative study, 30 nurses in cancer care were purposively selected. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed by using content analysis and the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Forty attributes were identified from 613 statements and classified into 11 categories: sense of professional inadequacy, compassion for patients and their families, desire to support patients and their families, rumination on oneself or one's family, sense of professional mission, dissatisfaction with medical staff, desire to integrate with colleagues, desire to avoid one's duties, conflict between one's belief and reality, reconsideration of the meaning of life, and sense of powerlessness over cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified important components of cognitive reactions of nurses who encounter the traumatic experiences of cancer patients in Japan. This information can contribute to the understanding of the onset of compassion fatigue and provide the foundation for nurses in cancer care to avoid and recover from compassion fatigue.

[Secondary Dementia Due to Leptomeningeal Metastasis of Breast Cancer Improved by Whole Brain Radiation].

A 62-year-old woman received chemotherapy for breast cancer with bone metastasis and malignant pleural and pericardial effusion. She was examined by imaging for progressive cognitive impairment and headache. Enhanced MRI findings showed multiple solid tumors on brain surface, and brain perfusion scintigraphy showed blood flow decrease in both parietal lobes. She was diagnosed with secondary dementia due to leptomeningeal metastases of breast cancer, and whole brain external irradiation was performed(30 Gy/15 Fr). After treatment, multiple tumors were decreased in size and her cognitive impair- ment was improved.

Prevalence and predictive factors of depression and anxiety in patients with pancreatic cancer: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: It is known that depression and anxiety occur more frequently in pancreatic cancer patients than in those with other malignancies. However, few studies have assessed depression and anxiety using reliable psychiatric diagnostic tools. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among pancreatic cancer patients before and 1 month after the start of anticancer treatment using reliable psychiatric diagnostic tools, and to identify factors that predict their occurrence. METHODS: Pancreatic cancer patients were consecutively recruited. Structured clinical interviews were used to determine the presence of affective disorders, anxiety disorders and adjustment disorders. Baseline interviews were performed prior to initiation of anticancer treatment, while follow-up interviews were performed 1 month after treatment was started. Medical, demographic and psychosocial backgrounds were also assessed as predictive factors. RESULTS: One hundred and ten patients participated in the baseline interview and 91 in the follow-up interview. Depression and anxiety were observed in 15 patients (13.6%) at the baseline, and 15 patients (16.5%) at the follow-up. Lack of confidants was associated with depression and anxiety at the baseline. At the baseline, sadness, lower Karnofsky Performance Status and prior experience with the death of a family member due to cancer predicted newly diagnosed depression and anxiety at the follow-up. CONCLUSION: A considerable percentage of pancreatic cancer patients experienced depression and anxiety. Multidimensional psychosocial predictive factors were found and optimal psychological care should incorporate early detection of sadness.

Effect of communication skills training program for oncologists based on patient preferences for communication when receiving bad news: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a communication skills training (CST) program for oncologists, developed based on patient preferences regarding oncologists' communication. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Thirty oncologists were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG; 2-day CST workshop) or control group (CG). Participants were assessed on their communication performance during simulated consultation and their confidence in communicating with patients at baseline and follow-up. A total of 1,192 patients (response rate, 84.6%) who had consultations with the participating oncologists at baseline and/or follow-up were assessed regarding their distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, satisfaction with the consultation, and trust in their oncologist after the consultation. RESULTS: At the follow-up survey, the performance scores of the IG had improved significantly, in terms of their emotional support (P = .011), setting up a supportive environment (P = .002), and ability to deliver information (P = .001), compared with those of the CG. Oncologists in the IG were rated higher at follow-up than those in the CG in terms of their confidence in themselves (P = .001). Patients who met with oncologists after they had undergone the CST were significantly less depressed than those who met with oncologists in the CG (P = .027). However, the CST program did not affect patient satisfaction with oncologists' style of communication. CONCLUSION: A CST program based on patient preferences is effective for both oncologists and patients with cancer. Oncologists should consider CST as an approach to enhancing their communication skills.

Development and preliminary evaluation of communication skills training program for oncologists based on patient preferences for communicating bad news.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to develop a communication skills training (CST) workshop program based on patient preferences, and to evaluate preliminary feasibility of the CST program on the objective performances of physicians and the subjective ratings of their confidence about the communication with patients at the pre- and post-CST. METHODS: The CST program was developed, based on the previous surveys on patient preferences (setting up the supporting environment of the interview, making consideration for how to deliver bad news, discussing about additional information, and provision of reassurance and emotional support) and addressing the patient's emotion with empathic responses, and stressing the oncologists' emotional support. The program was participants' centered approach, consisted a didactic lecture, role plays with simulated patients, discussions and an ice-breaking; a total of 2-days. To evaluate feasibility of the newly developed CST program, oncologists who participated it were assessed their communication performances (behaviors and utterances) during simulated consultation at the pre- and post-CST. Participants also rated their confidence communicating with patients at the pre-, post-, and 3-months after CST, burnout at pre and 3 months after CST, and the helpfulness of the program at post-CST. RESULTS: Sixteen oncologists attended a newly developed CST. A comparison of pre-post measures showed improvement of oncologists' communication performances, especially skills of emotional support and consideration for how to deliver information. Their confidence in communicating bad news was rated higher score at post-CST than at pre-CST and was persisted at 3-months after the CST. Emotional exhaustion scores decreased at 3-months after CST. In addition, oncologists rated high satisfaction with all components of the program. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This pilot study suggests that the newly developed CST program based on patient preferences seemed feasible and potentially effective on improving oncologists' communication behaviors what patients prefer and confidence in communicating with patients.

Hemoglobin maintenance and dosing strategies using intravenous continuous erythropoietin receptor activator in Japanese hemodialysis patients.

Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta, a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA), is reported to be effective in managing renal anemia but there is little data about CERA in Japan. This study aimed to ascertain the effects of CERA in Japanese hemodialysis patients and the appropriate starting dose of CERA when switching from other erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. We switched 61 stable hemodialysis patients to 4-weekly intravenous CERA, from either epoetin beta (rHuEPO) or darbepoetin alpha (DA). When determining the initial dose of CERA, we used guidelines recommended by the Japanese supplier for switching from rHuEPO, but for DA we based the CERA dose on European reports, because no Japanese guidelines exist. Fifty-two patients completed the 28-week study. Hemoglobin was maintained within the target range (10.0-12.0 g/dL). The required CERA dose decreased over the 28 weeks. The hemoglobin level and CERA dose stabilized faster when switching from DA. CERA showed similar efficacy in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The effect of CERA is similar regardless of whether patients switch from low- or high-dose erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. In conclusion, CERA is effective for Japanese hemodialysis patients at a lower dose than expected.

Troubles and hardships faced by psychologists in cancer care.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify problems experienced by psychologists involved in cancer and palliative care and consider an education system for psychologists. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire survey of psychologists involved in cancer care and palliative care. At the 403 facilities, 419 psychologists who received the questionnaire were asked to fill it out anonymously. A total of 294 people (61 male, 233 female, average age ± SD = 36.3 ± 9.4) responded about troubles and hardships actually faced by psychologists working in cancer care. We performed qualitative content analysis of free responses. RESULTS: We obtained the following five categories: 'Hospital system', 'Psychologist role and specialization (ambiguity of the role expected of psychologists and problems arising because psychologists are not nationally licensed)', 'Collaboration with other medical professionals (problems with the method of requesting psychologist cooperation and problems of consultation and liaison work within the hospital)', 'Specialized support provided by psychologists (difficulty of interaction with patients and their families, inadequate provision of psychological support in cancer care, problems related to death care and lack of psychiatric knowledge)', 'Stress faced by psychologists (psychologist's isolation and anxiety, psychologist's internal conflicts, psychologist burnout and helplessness and psychologist self-improvement)'. CONCLUSIONS: Psychologists must acquire at least a minimal level of medical knowledge and understanding of cancer treatment. Furthermore, they require training through specific case studies in order to facilitate collaboration with other medical professionals and concrete training in aspects of psychological support that are specifically tailored to cancer treatment through case studies.

[Patterns of coping strategies after bereavement among spouses of cancer patients].

The purposes of this study were (1) to identify healthy and unhealthy patterns of coping strategies after bereavement among spouses of cancer patients and 2) to explore the characteristics of patients and spouses associated with these patterns of coping strategies. The participants were 821 bereaved individuals whose spouses had died at the National Cancer Center Hospital East. Three patterns of coping strategies after bereavement were found: "Distraction Focused" (healthy), "Continuing Bonds Focused" (unhealthy), and "General Coping" (almost healthy). Two strategies for improving the unhealthy coping patterns of "Continuing Bonds Focused" were (1) enhancing "Distraction" and reducing "Continuing Bonds" for achieving "Distraction Focused" (healthy) and (2) enhancing both "Distraction" and "Social Sharing/Reconstruction" for achieving "General Coping" (almost healthy). The patients' characteristics associated with the bereaved spouses' coping strategy of "Continuing Bonds Focused" were "under 65 years", "history of psychiatric consultation", "duration of last hospital admission was less than one week", and "time since cancer diagnosis to death was less than one year". These four characteristics of the deceased patients were considered to be risk factors for spouses who would utilize unhealthy coping patterns after bereavement.

Impaired mental health among the bereaved spouses of cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Few cancer physicians routinely provide bereavement follow-up in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of impaired mental health among the bereaved spouses over several years and explore the indicators for early detection of high-risk spouses during end-of life (EOL) care. METHODS: A cross-sectional mail survey was conducted for the bereaved spouses of patients who had died at the National Cancer Center Hospital of Japan. Bereaved spouses with potential psychiatric disorders were identified by the cut-off score of the 28-item General Health Questionnaire. Associated factors of potential psychiatric disorders were explored by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 821 spouses experiencing bereavement from 7 months to 7 years returned the questionnaires. Overall mean prevalence of potential psychiatric disorders was 44% (360/821). Bereaved spouses 'under 55 years' (71%) or '2 years after bereavement' (59%) revealed a significantly higher prevalence (p < 0.01). Associated factors during EOL care were several characteristics such as 'spouses' history of psychiatric disorder (odds ratio (OR) = 3.19), 'patients' with stomach cancer (OR = 1.87), and 'patients' using psychiatric consultation services (OR = 1.52) as well as spouses' dissatisfaction with EOL care such as 'physicians' treatment of physical symptoms' (OR = 3.44) and 'time spent communicating with patients' (OR = 1.55). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half the bereaved spouses showed potential psychiatric disorders even 7 years after bereavement. Patients' psychological distress, spouses' history of psychiatric disorder, and dissatisfaction with EOL care were indicators of high-risk spouses.

Psychological states and coping strategies after bereavement among spouses of cancer patients: a quantitative study in Japan.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were (1) to characterize psychological states and coping strategies after bereavement among spouses of cancer patients in Japan and (2) to explore the factors associated with psychological states in oncology settings. METHODS: In March 2009, questionnaires to assess spouses' psychological states, coping strategies, and mental health states (GHQ-28) were sent after patients died at the National Cancer Center of Japan. To address the first purpose, exploratory factor analysis, gender comparison, and calculation of correlation with age, time since bereavement, and mental health states were conducted. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to address the second purpose. RESULTS: A total of 821 spouses experiencing bereavement for 7 months to 7 years participated in the study. Psychological states revealed three factor structures: "Anxiety/Depression/Anger", "Yearning", and "Acceptance/Future-Oriented Feelings". Coping strategies also revealed three factor structures: "Distraction", "Continuing Bonds", and "Social Sharing/Reconstruction". Coping strategies represented 18 % to 34 % of each factor associated with psychological states, whereas the characteristics of bereaved spouses and deceased patients represented 6 % and less than 6 %, respectively. More "Distraction and Social Sharing/Reconstruction" and less "Continuing Bonds" were significantly associated coping strategies for achieving "Acceptance/Future-Oriented Feelings" (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both psychological states and coping strategies after bereavement revealed three factor structures. Coping strategies was the primary, bereaved spouses' characteristics was the secondary, and deceased patients' characteristics was the tertiary factor associated with psychological states. Enhancing "Distraction" and "Social Sharing/Reconstruction", and reducing "Continuing Bonds" might be promising strategies for achieving positive psychological states of the bereaved.

Psychiatric disorders and stress factors experienced by staff members in cancer hospitals: a preliminary finding from psychiatric consultation service at National Cancer Center Hospitals in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify psychiatric disorders and stress factors experienced by staff members in cancer hospitals who were referred to psychiatric consultation service, and to investigate the association between psychiatric disorders and stress factors. METHOD: A retrospective descriptive study using clinical practice data on staff members referred to psychiatric consultation service, obtained for 8 years, was conducted at two National Cancer Center Hospitals in Japan. Psychiatric disorders were identified according to DSM-IV. Stress factors were extracted from a chief complaint at the initial visit in medical charts, using a coding approach, and grouped as job stress or personal stress. The frequencies of the stress factors were determined by two coders who were unaware of the categorized procedure. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the association between psychiatric disorders and stress factors. RESULTS: Of 8077 psychiatric consultations, 65 (1%) staff members were referred. The most common psychiatric disorder was adjustment disorder (n = 26, 40%), followed by major depression (n = 17, 26%). Eight stress factors were identified from 76 meaning units and were grouped into five job stresses and three personal stresses. Of the five job stresses, four were most frequently experienced in adjustment disorders, and "failure to adapt to job environmental change" was significantly associated (p = 0.014). Two of the three personal stresses were most frequently experienced in psychiatric disorders other than major depressive disorder and adjustment disorders, and "suffering from mental disease" was significantly associated (p = 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: We found that very few staff members were provided with psychiatric consultation service. A comprehensive support system for job stress might be needed to prevent adjustment disorders, as those are suggested to be the most common psychiatric disorders among staff members in cancer hospitals.

Psychological states and coping strategies after bereavement among the spouses of cancer patients: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Encouraging coping strategies that contribute to positive psychological states in bereaved individuals is assumed to be desirable; however, little is known about the components of positive psychological states and bereavement-specific coping strategies. The purpose of this study was to describe the components of psychological states and coping strategies after bereavement among the spouses of cancer patients. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among bereaved spouses of cancer patients. Meaning units of the psychological state and coping strategy in the interview records were grouped into categories and themes based on their similarities using content analysis and constant comparison methods. Negative/positive psychological states and general/bereavement-specific coping strategies were identified by discussion among the authors. The number of participants who responded to each category was determined by two raters who were unaware of the categorized procedure. RESULTS: Seven men and 17 women participated in the interviews. Forty-two categories of psychological states identified from 784 meaning units were grouped into six themes: 'Anxiety', 'Yearning', 'Anger', and 'Depression' were negative psychological states, while 'Acceptance' and 'Future-oriented Feelings' were positive psychological states. Thirty-three categories of coping strategies identified from 559 meaning units were grouped into six themes: 'Avoidance', 'Distancing', 'Emotional Expression', and 'Seeking Support' were general coping strategies, while 'Continuing Bonds' and 'Reconstruction of Life' were bereavement-specific coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Several original components of positive psychological states after bereavement and bereavement-specific coping strategies were identified, whereas most of the other components were consistent with previous studies.

Psychiatric disorders and background characteristics of cancer patients' family members referred to psychiatric consultation service at National Cancer Center Hospitals in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Psychological distress of cancer patients' family members is treated by psychiatric consultation service for outpatients at National Cancer Center Hospitals in Japan. The purpose of this study was to identify psychiatric disorders and explore background characteristics of cancer patients' family members referred to psychiatric consultation service, so that we could better understand current utilization of this psychiatric consultation service for cancer patients' family members. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study using clinical practice data obtained for 5 years (from January 2000 to December 2004) was conducted at two National Cancer Center Hospitals. We reviewed the psychiatric consultation database, computerized patient database of the National Cancer Center Hospitals, and medical charts of cancer patients' family members who were referred to psychiatry and their cancer patients. RESULTS: Out of a total of 4992 psychiatric consultations, 118 (2%) were for cancer patients' family members. The most common psychiatric disorders among cancer patients' family members were adjustment disorders (n = 69, 58%), followed by major depression (n = 30, 25%). Female (n = 101, 86%), spouse (n = 87, 74%), married (n = 92, 78%), and housewife (n = 63, 53%) were the most common background characteristics of the family members. Sixty-four percent of cancer patients (n = 75) were hospitalized at the time of their family members' referral and 34% of cancer patients (n = 40) had already received psychiatric consultation service and 55% of cancer patients (n = 65) had delivered bad news prior to their family members' referral. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH: We found that very few family members were provided with psychiatric consultation service at two National Cancer Center Hospitals. Adjustment disorders are suggested to be the most common psychiatric disorders among cancer patients' family members.