A novel clinician-delivered intervention to reduce fear of recurrence in breast cancer survivors: Results from a Phase I/II implementation study (CIFeR_2).

OBJECTIVE: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is highly prevalent, however there is no formal training for clinicians to address FCR. A novel brief clinician intervention to help patients manage FCR (Clinician Intervention to Reduce Fear of Recurrence (CIFeR)) was shown to be feasible, acceptable, and reduced FCR in breast cancer patients in a pilot study. We now aim to explore the barriers and facilitators of implementing CIFeR within routine oncology practice in Australia. METHODS: This multicentre, single-arm Phase I/II implementation study recruited surgical, medical and radiation oncologists who treat women with early breast cancer. Participating clinicians completed online CIFeR training and were asked to use CIFeR for the next 6 months. Questionnaires were administered before (T0), immediately after (T1), then 3 (T2) and 6 months (T3) after training to assess confidence in addressing FCR and Proctor Implementation outcomes. The primary outcome was adoption at T2. Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy in FCR management, acceptability, feasibility, costs, barriers and facilitators of implementation. RESULTS: Fifty-two clinicians consented of whom 37 completed the CIFeR intervention training. Median age of participants was 41.5 (range 29-61), 73% were female and 51% were medical oncologists. The primary endpoint was met, with CIFeR adopted by 82%. Clinician intervention delivery took 7.4 min on average and was deemed acceptable, appropriate and feasible. Self-efficacy in managing FCR improved significantly across all domains (p < 0.001). Lack of time was the greatest barrier to routine CIFeR_2 implementation. CONCLUSIONS: A structured brief, low-cost clinician intervention to reduce FCR is useful, acceptable and improved self-efficacy with FCR management. Fear of cancer recurrence training should be incorporated into communication skills training of oncologists and surgeons. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12621001697875. TRIAL SPONSOR: Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.

Stakeholder perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on oncology services: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: As COVID-19 spread across the globe, cancer services were required to rapidly pivot to minimise risks without compromising outcomes for patients or staff. The aim of this study was to document changes to oncology services as a result of COVID-19 from the perspectives of both providers and receivers of care during the initial phase of the pandemic. METHODS: Participants were recruited between June and December 2020 through an email invitation via professional or consumer organisations, two hospital-based oncology services and snowballing. Semi-structured interviews focused on health service changes and their impacts, which were then analysed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients, 16 carers and 29 health professionals were recruited. Fifteen patients (n = 47%) had localised disease, and 19 (n = 59%) were currently receiving treatment. Oncology staff included oncologists, palliative care physicians, nurses, allied health and psychosocial practitioners. Four themes arose from the data: safety, increased stress and burnout, communication challenges and quality of cancer care. CONCLUSIONS: There is an ongoing need for cancer-specific information from a single, trusted source to inform medical practitioners and patients/carers. More data are required to inform evidence-based guidelines for cancer care during future pandemics. All stakeholders require ongoing support to avoid stress and burnout.

Protocol of an implementation study of a clinician intervention to reduce fear of recurrence in cancer survivors (CIFeR_2 implementation study).

BACKGROUND: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) affects 50-70% of cancer survivors with 30% reporting an unmet need for help with managing FCR. Patients indicate desire to discuss FCR with clinicians, however clinicians indicate discomfort with managing FCR and no formal educational interventions on how to discuss FCR or worry exists for oncology clinicians. Our team developed a novel clinician-driven brief education intervention to help patients manage FCR (the Clinician Intervention to Reduce Fear of Recurrence (CIFeR) intervention). In earlier work, we demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of CIFeR in reducing FCR in breast cancer patients. We now aim to explore the barriers and facilitators to implementing this low-cost brief intervention within routine oncology practice in Australia. The primary objective is to assess the adoption of CIFeR in routine clinical practice. Secondary objectives are to identify the uptake and sustainability, perceived acceptability, feasibility, costs, barriers and facilitators of implementation of CIFeR in routine clinical practice, and to assess whether training in CIFeR increases clinicians' self-efficacy in managing FCR with their patients. METHODS: This multicentre, single-arm Phase I/II implementation study will recruit medical and radiation oncologists and oncology surgeons who treat women with early breast cancer. Participants will complete online CIFeR training. They will then be asked to use CIFeR with suitable patients for the next 6 months. Participants will complete questionnaires prior to, immediately after and 3 and 6 months after training to assess confidence addressing FCR, and 3 and 6 months after training to assess Proctor Implementation outcomes. At 6 months, they will also be asked to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview to elicit their feedback about barriers and facilitators to using CIFeR in routine clinical practice. DISCUSSION: This study will provide further data to support the routine use of an evidence-based, clinician-lead educational intervention to reduce FCR in breast cancer patients. Additionally, this study will identify any barriers and facilitators to implementing the CIFeR intervention in routine care and evidence for integration of FCR training into oncology communication skills education. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12621001697875. TRIAL SPONSOR: Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. PROTOCOL VERSION: 2.6, Dated 28th February 2023.

Barriers and enablers to implementing telehealth consultations in psycho-oncology.

OBJECTIVE: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, use of telehealth to deliver care was recommended across the Australian health system. This study aims to explore the barriers and enablers to delivery of psycho-oncology services via telehealth and attitudes to use of telehealth in psycho-oncology. METHODS: Twenty-one psycho-oncology clinicians participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed using the framework method. RESULTS: Three key themes were identified which described the overall experience of delivering psycho-oncology services via telehealth: (1) Context Matters-for whom is telehealth effective, when is it less effective; (2) Therapy content and telehealth implementation; (3) Recommendations for Sustainability. CONCLUSIONS: These insights into the barriers and enablers to delivering psycho-oncology services via telehealth inform future research and clinical practice. While there is support for the continued use of telehealth in psycho-oncology, there are significant improvements needed to ensure effective implementation and continued benefit.

Effectiveness of online communication skills training for cancer and palliative care health professionals: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reported effect of online communication skills training (CST) on health professional (HP) communication skills and patient care outcomes in cancer and palliative care. METHODS: Primary research published in English between January 2003 and April 2019 was identified in bibliographic databases including Medline, Embase and Proquest (Prospero: CRD42018088681). An integrated mixed-method approach included studies describing a CST intervention and its effect, for cancer or palliative care HPs, delivered online or blended with an online component. Included studies' outcomes were categorised then findings were stratified by an evaluation framework and synthesised in an effect direction plot. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute's tools. RESULTS: Nineteen included studies (five randomised controlled trials, 11 pre-post, two post-test and one qualitative study) evaluated a CST intervention (median duration = 3.75 h; range 0.66-96 h) involving 1116 HPs, 422 students and 732 patients. Most interventions taught communication skills for specific scenarios and approximately half were delivered solely online and did not involve role plays. Online CST improved HPs' self-assessed communication skills (three studies, 215 participants), confidence (four studies, 533 participants), and objective knowledge (five studies, 753 participants). While few studies evaluated patient outcomes, CST may benefit observed communication skills in care settings (two studies, 595 participants). CONCLUSIONS: Online CST benefits oncology HPs' subjectively-reported communication skills and confidence, and objective knowledge. Translation to patient outcomes requires further investigation. The quality of research varied and few studies had a control group. We recommend improvements to study design, evaluation and implementation.

Development of Web-Based Education Modules to Improve Carer Engagement in Cancer Care: Design and User Experience Evaluation of the e-Triadic Oncology (eTRIO) Modules for Clinicians, Patients, and Carers.

BACKGROUND: Carers often assume key roles in cancer care. However, many carers report feeling disempowered and ill-equipped to support patients. Our group published evidence-based guidelines (the Triadic Oncology [TRIO] Guidelines) to improve oncology clinician engagement with carers and the management of challenging situations involving carers. OBJECTIVE: To facilitate implementation of the TRIO Guidelines in clinical practice, we aimed to develop, iteratively refine, and conduct user testing of a suite of evidence-based and interactive web-based education modules for oncology clinicians (e-Triadic Oncology [eTRIO]), patients with cancer, and carers (eTRIO for Patients and Carers [eTRIO-pc]). These were designed to improve carer involvement, communication, and shared decision-making in the cancer management setting. METHODS: The eTRIO education modules were based on extensive research, including systematic reviews, qualitative interviews, and consultation analyses. Guided by the person-based approach, module content and design were reviewed by an expert advisory group comprising academic and clinical experts (n=13) and consumers (n=5); content and design were continuously and iteratively refined. User experience testing (including "think-aloud" interviews and administration of the System Usability Scale [SUS]) of the modules was completed by additional clinicians (n=5), patients (n=3), and carers (n=3). RESULTS: The final clinician module comprises 14 sections, requires approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, and covers topics such as carer-inclusive communication and practices; supporting carer needs; and managing carer dominance, anger, and conflicting patient-carer wishes. The usability of the module was rated by 5 clinicians, with a mean SUS score of 75 (SD 5.3), which is interpreted as good. Clinicians often desired information in a concise format, divided into small "snackable" sections that could be easily recommenced if they were interrupted. The carer module features 11 sections; requires approximately 1.5 hours to complete; and includes topics such as the importance of carers, carer roles during consultations, and advocating for the patient. The patient module is an adaptation of the relevant carer module sections, comprising 7 sections and requiring 1 hour to complete. The average SUS score as rated by 6 patients and carers was 78 (SD 16.2), which is interpreted as good. Interactive activities, clinical vignette videos, and reflective learning exercises are incorporated into all modules. Patient and carer consumer advisers advocated for empathetic content and tone throughout their modules, with an easy-to-read and navigable module interface. CONCLUSIONS: The eTRIO suite of modules were rigorously developed using a person-based design methodology to meet the unique information needs and learning requirements of clinicians, patients, and carers, with the goal of improving effective and supportive carer involvement in cancer consultations and cancer care.

Cancer Patient Experience of Uncertainty While Waiting for Genome Sequencing Results.

There is limited knowledge about cancer patients' experiences of uncertainty while waiting for genome sequencing results, and whether prolonged uncertainty contributes to psychological factors in this context. To investigate uncertainty in patients with a cancer of likely hereditary origin while waiting for genome sequencing results, we collected questionnaire and interview data at baseline, and at three and 12 months follow up (prior to receiving results). Participants (N = 353) had negative attitudes towards uncertainty (M = 4.03, SD 0.68) at baseline, and low levels of uncertainty at three (M = 8.23, SD 7.37) and 12 months (M = 7.95, SD 7.64). Uncertainty about genome sequencing did not change significantly over time [t(210) = 0.660, p = 0.510]. Greater perceived susceptibility for cancer [r(348) = 0.14, p < 0.01], fear of cancer recurrence [r(348) = 0.19, p < 0.01], perceived importance of genome sequencing [r(350) = 0.24, p < 0.01], intention to change behavior if a gene variant indicating risk is found [r(349) = 0.29, p < 0.01], perceived ability to cope with results [r(349) = 0.36, p < 0.01], and satisfaction with decision to have genome sequencing [r(350) = 0.52, p < 0.01] were significantly correlated with negative attitudes towards uncertainty at baseline. Multiple primary cancer diagnoses [B = -2.364 [-4.238, -0.491], p = 0.014], lower perceived ability to cope with results [B = -0.1.881 [-3.403, -0.359], p = 0.016] at baseline, greater anxiety about genome sequencing (avoidance) [B = 0.347 [0.148, 0.546], p = 0.0012] at 3 months, and greater perceived uncertainty about genome sequencing [B = 0.494 [0.267, 0.721] p = 0.000] at 3 months significantly predicted greater perceived uncertainty about genome sequencing at 12 months. Greater perceived uncertainty about genome sequencing at 3 months significantly predicted greater anxiety (avoidance) about genome sequencing at 12 months [B = 0.291 [0.072, 0.509], p = 0.009]. Semi-structured interviews revealed that while participants were motivated to pursue genome sequencing as a strategy to reduce their illness and risk uncertainty, genome sequencing generated additional practical, scientific and personal uncertainties. Some uncertainties were consistently discussed over the 12 months, while others emerged over time. Similarly, some uncertainty coping strategies were consistent over time, while others emerged while patients waited for their genome sequencing results. This study demonstrates the complexity of uncertainty generated by genome sequencing for cancer patients and provides further support for the inter-relationship between uncertainty and anxiety. Helping patients manage their uncertainty may ameliorate psychological morbidity.

Improving breast cancer nurses' management of challenging situations involving family carers: Pilot evaluation of a brief targeted online education module (TRIO-Conflict).

OBJECTIVE: Given the stressful and emotional nature of cancer, challenging interactions between nurses, patients, and family frequently occur. Nurses are rarely equipped with strategies to avoid or de-escalate stressful situations with carers, which can include displays of conflict, anger, or dominance. A brief online education module (TRIO-Conflict) was developed to provide nurses with management strategies to use in situations of conflict. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of TRIO-Conflict. METHODS: Nurses were recruited through an Australian breast cancer organisation (McGrath Foundation). Participants completed pre/post module measures of attitudes towards carers, confidence in their skills to effectively navigate challenging interactions with carers, and applied knowledge of management strategies. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Qualitative feedback was analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: 52 nurses completed pre-/post- measures, with 4 semi-structured interviews conducted. Significant improvements in attitudes towards carers (p = .010) and confidence in one's own ability to manage challenging interactions with carers (p < .001) were found, but not knowledge of strategies. Most nurses found TRIO-Conflict very/extremely helpful (87%) and were satisfied with content (94%) and usability (93%). CONCLUSION: TRIO-Conflict utilised evidence-based learning techniques (provision of example phrases, video vignettes, reflective exercises) to improve nurses attitudes and confidence. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: TRIO-Conflict is a brief, targeted, clinically relevant, and easily accessible online training programme which could be widely disseminated to oncology nurses.

eTRIO trial: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of online education modules to facilitate effective family caregiver involvement in oncology.

OBJECTIVE: Informal family caregivers play a crucial role in cancer care. Effective caregiver involvement in cancer care can improve both patient and caregiver outcomes. Despite this, interventions improving the caregiver involvement are sparse. This protocol describes a randomised controlled trial evaluating the combined effectiveness of novel online caregiver communication education modules for: (1) oncology clinicians (eTRIO) and (2) patients with cancer and caregivers (eTRIO-pc). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Thirty medical/radiation/surgical oncology or haematology doctors and nurses will be randomly allocated to either intervention (eTRIO) or control (an Australian State Government Health website on caregivers) education conditions. Following completion of education, each clinician will recruit nine patient-caregiver pairs, who will be allocated to the same condition as their recruiting clinician. Eligibility includes any new adult patient diagnosed with any type/stage cancer attending consultations with a caregiver. Approximately 270 patient-caregiver pairs will be recruited. The primary outcome is caregiver self-efficacy in triadic (clinician-patient-caregiver) communication. Patient and clinician self-efficacy in triadic communication are secondary outcomes. Additional secondary outcomes for clinicians include preferences for caregiver involvement, perceived module usability/acceptability, analysis of module use, satisfaction with the module, knowledge of strategies and feedback interviews. Secondary outcomes for caregivers and patients include preferences for caregiver involvement, satisfaction with clinician communication, distress, quality of life, healthcare expenditure, perceived module usability/acceptability and analysis of module use. A subset of patients and caregivers will complete feedback interviews. Secondary outcomes for caregivers include preparedness for caregiving, patient-caregiver communication and caring experience. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, and 1 week, 12 weeks and 26 weeks post-intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been received by the Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (REGIS project ID number: 2019/PID09787), with site-specific approval from each recruitment site. Protocol V.7 (dated 1 September 2020) is currently approved and reported in this manuscript. Findings will be disseminated via presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Engagement with clinicians, media, government, consumers and peak cancer groups will facilitate widespread dissemination and long-term availability of the educational modules. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12619001507178.