The effects of self-management interventions on depressive symptoms in adults with chronic physical disease(s) experiencing depressive symptomatology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that 20% of adults with chronic physical diseases experience concomitant depression, increasing their risk of morbidity and mortality. Low intensity psychosocial interventions, such as self-management, are part of recommended treatment; however, no systematic review has evaluated the effects of depression self-management interventions for this population. The primary objective was to examine the effect of self-management interventions on reducing depressive symptomatology in adults with chronic disease(s) and co-occurring depressive symptoms. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the effect of these interventions on improving other psychosocial and physiological outcomes (e.g., anxiety, glycemic control) and to assess potential differential effect based on key participant and intervention characteristics (e.g., chronic disease, provider). METHODS: Studies comparing depression self-management interventions to a control group were identified through a) systematic searches of databases to June 2018 [MEDLINE (1946 -), EMBASE (1996 -), PsycINFO (1967 -), CINAHL (1984 -)] and b) secondary 'snowball' search strategies. The methodological quality of included studies was critically reviewed. Screening of all titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility was assessed independently by two authors. Data were extracted by one author and verified by a second. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were retained: 12 for meta-analysis and three for descriptive review. In total, these trials included 2064 participants and most commonly evaluated interventions for people with cancer (n = 7) or diabetes (n = 4). From baseline to < 6-months (T1), the pooled mean effect size was - 0.47 [95% CI -0.73, - 0.21] as compared to control groups for the primary outcome of depression and - 0.53 [95% CI -0.91, - 0.15] at ≥ 6-months (T2). Results were also significant for anxiety (T1) and glycemic control (T2). Self-management skills of decision-making and taking action were significant moderators of depression at T1. CONCLUSION: Self-management interventions show promise in improving depression and anxiety in those with concomitant chronic physical disease. The findings may contribute to the development of future Self-management interventions and delivering evidence-based care to this population. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to identify sources of heterogeneity and investigate key intervention components.

Chronic Illness Management in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Patients: Exploring the Needs, Access, and Understanding of Information.

In Canada, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are at a greater risk of developing a chronic illness, and are more likely to experience adverse health effects and challenges in accessing high-quality care compared with Canadian-born individuals. This, in part, has been attributed to having inadequate access to information and resources needed to manage their illness(es). A qualitative descriptive design and inductive content analysis were used to explore the information needs of 24 CALD patients with chronic illnesses. Participants identified medical, lifestyle, and psychosocial information needs. How much information was needed depended on such antecedents as illness trajectory, severity, and perception. Most information needs remained unmet. A number of communication strategies were identified to bridge language barriers that go beyond translation and are based on effective health education strategies. Findings can help health care professionals better identify CALD patients' information needs and provide strategies that go beyond translation.

Developing education materials for caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse patients: Insights from a qualitative analysis of caregivers' needs, access and understanding of information.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the information needs of caregivers of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients, and how they access and understand health information related to the management of their care person's chronic illness(es). BACKGROUND: Caregivers of CALD patients experience greater unmet needs compared to the general caregiver population. They experience many challenges in identifying resources and accessing formal supports to aid in self-management behaviours. METHODS: Eleven caregivers were recruited from outpatient clinics in Québec, Canada. Consenting caregivers participated in one face-to-face or phone interview. A qualitative descriptive design and inductive content analysis were used to identify themes. RESULTS: Caregivers described a "village" approach to caregiving in which more than one individual was involved in patient care. The specific roles ascribed to caregivers defined their information needs. Caregivers described two categories of information needs: perceived and unperceived. Perceived information needs were explicit, and centred on the medical management of illnesses. Unperceived needs were unrecognized knowledge gaps that emerged during interviews and focused on self-care. CONCLUSION: Although caregivers' perceived needs are often met, their unperceived needs remain unmet. Health-care providers should perform need assessments to identify caregivers' unperceived needs, with the aims of providing culturally competent care and ongoing support.

The Effectiveness of Self-Management Interventions for Individuals with Low Health Literacy and/or Low Income: A Descriptive Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: With the burden of chronic illness increasing globally, self-management is a crucial strategy in reducing healthcare costs and increasing patient quality of life. Low income and low health literacy are both associated with poorer health outcomes and higher rates of chronic disease. Thus, self-management represents an important healthcare strategy for these populations. The purpose of this study is to review self-management interventions in populations with low income or low health literacy and synthesize the efficacy of these interventions. METHODS: A systematic review of trials evaluating the efficacy of self-management interventions in populations with low income or low health literacy diagnosed with a chronic illness was conducted. Electronic databases were primarily searched to identify eligible studies. Data were extracted and efficacy summarized by self-management skills, outcomes, and content tailoring. RESULTS: 23 studies were reviewed, with ten reporting an overall positive effect on at least one primary outcome. Effective interventions most often included problem-solving as well as taking action and/or resource utilization. A wide range of health-related outcomes were considered, were efficacious empowerment and disease-specific quality of life were found to be significant. The efficacy of interventions did not seem to vary by duration, format, or mode of delivery or whether these included individuals with low health literacy and/or low income. Tailoring did not seem to impact on efficacy. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that self-management interventions in populations with low income or low health literacy are most effective when three to four self-management skills are utilized, particularly when problem-solving is targeted. Healthcare providers and researchers can use these findings to develop education strategies and tools for populations with low income or low health literacy to improve chronic illness self-management.

A study protocol for a multicenter randomized pilot trial of a dyadic, tailored, web-based, psychosocial, and physical activity self-management program (TEMPO) for men with prostate cancer and their caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer predisposes patients and caregivers to a wide range of complex physical and psychosocial challenges, and interventions must incorporate a wide range of self-management strategies to help patients and their caregivers effectively cope with cancer challenges. To palliate this need, our team recently developed and evaluated the initial acceptability of a dyadic, Tailored, wEb-based, psychosocial, and physical activity self-Management PrOgram (TEMPO). TEMPO is a 10-week, interactive, web-based intervention consisting of five modules designed to help dyads manage their physical and psychosocial needs. It aims to teach dyads new self-management strategies and encourages them to increase their physical activity (PA) levels, mainly through walking and strength-based exercises. Initial acceptability evaluation of TEMPO revealed high user satisfaction, in addition to having a number of potential benefits for participants. After integrating suggested changes to TEMPO, the proposed pilot study aims to further test the acceptability and feasibility of TEMPO. METHODS: This study is a multicenter, stratified, parallel, two-group, pilot randomized control trial (RCT), where patient-caregiver dyads are randomized (stratified by anxiety level) to receive (a) TEMPO or (b) usual care. Participants (n goal = 40) are recruited across Canada at participating cancer centers and through self-referral (e.g., online recruitment). Patient inclusion criteria are (a) having received prostate cancer treatment within the past 2 years or scheduled to receive treatment, (b) identified a primary caregiver willing to participate in the study, and (c) has access to the Internet. Eligible caregivers are those identified by the patient as his primary source of support. Dyads complete a baseline questionnaire (T1) and another one 3 months later (T2) assessing various aspects of physical and emotional functioning (e.g., the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), self-management behaviors (e.g., the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ)), physical activity (the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ) and the Multidimensional Self-efficacy for Exercise Scale (MSES)), and dyadic coping (the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI)). Dyads that used TEMPO are also asked to participate in a semi-structured exit interview exploring their overall experience with the program. DISCUSSION: This feasibility analysis will begin to develop the knowledge base on TEMPO's value for men with prostate cancer and their caregivers to inform a larger trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04304196.

The effect of culturally-adapted health education interventions among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients with a chronic illness: A meta-analysis and descriptive systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the effectiveness of health education interventions adapted for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations with a chronic illness. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Eligible studies were identified across six databases. Data were extracted and intervention effect was summarized using standardized mean difference. If there were insufficient data for meta-analysis, a descriptive summary was included. Modifying effects of intervention format, length, intensity, provider, self-management skills taught, and behavioral change techniques (BCTs) utilized were examined. RESULTS: 58 studies were reviewed and data were extracted for 36 outcomes. Most interventions used multiple modes of delivery and were facilitated by bilingual health care professionals (HCPs). On average, interventions included 5.19 self-management skills and 4.82 BCTs. Interventions were effective in reducing BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, HbA1C, and depression, and in increasing knowledge. Effectiveness was influenced partly by provider, with HCPs favored over lay providers or paraprofessionals in increasing knowledge; however, the opposite was noted for HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: Health education interventions are effective among CALD populations, particularly at improving objective, distal outcomes (e.g., anthropometric measures). These interventions may be equally effective in improving proximal patient-reported outcomes (PROs); however, diversity in PROs limited analyses. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Core outcome sets (COS) are needed to further investigate and compare health education intervention effectiveness on PROs.

Building the capacity for psycho-Oncology research: a survey of the research barriers and training needs within the International Psycho-Oncology Society.

BACKGROUND: The International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) is a multidisciplinary professional network that aims to improve psychosocial care for individuals impacted by cancer. IPOS encourages research activity, recognizing that a high-quality evidence base is essential to provide best-practice, data-driven clinical care. This study aimed to determine the barriers to research involvement and the training needs and priorities of IPOS members, with the goal of facilitating the development of training resources tailored to the needs of IPOS members. METHODS: A link to an online, cross-sectional survey was disseminated to all registered members of IPOS via email. The online survey platform SimpleSurvey was used, and questions included demographic characteristics and items related to research interests, involvement, and training needs. High priority research training needs were identified as research tasks respondents rated as highly important, yet possessed a low perceived skill level in. RESULTS: Thirty-two percent of IPOS members (n = 142) completed the survey. Participants represented 49 countries and were at a variety of career stages. Overall, participants reported spending an average of 17.3 hours per week on research (range 0-80 hours per week), with 69% of respondents wanting to increase their research involvement. The main barriers to research participation included lack of research funding (80%) and lack of protected time (63%). IPOS members identified 5 high-priority training needs: preparing successful grant applications; preparing research budgets; community-based participatory research; working with decision makers; and finding collaborators or expert consultants. Participants suggested funding access, statistical advisors, and networking and mentorship opportunities as ways to enhance research involvement. Members preferred online training modules (39%) and mentorship programs (19%) as methods by which IPOS could provide research support. IPOS was viewed as being able to contribute to many aspects of research capacity building such as networking, training, and dissemination of research findings. CONCLUSIONS: IPOS has an important role in encouraging research capacity building among members. This survey provides an agenda for workshops and training opportunities. Mainly, for respondents it was less about training in research methods and more about training in how to prepare successful grant applications, including budgets, and receiving mentorship on this as well as having opportunities to collaborate with other researchers.

Acceptability and Usefulness of a Dyadic, Tailored, Web-Based, Psychosocial and Physical Activity Self-Management Program (TEMPO): A Qualitative Study.

Caregivers of men with prostate cancer report high burden, and there is a need to develop cost-effective programs to support them in their roles. This study reports on the acceptability of a dyadic, Tailored, wEb-based, psychosocial and physical activity (PA) self-Management PrOgram called TEMPO. TEMPO was accessed by a convenience sample of 19 men with prostate cancer and their caregivers (n = 18), as well as six health care professionals (HCPs). User feedback was gathered via semi-structured qualitative interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Most dyads were satisfied with TEMPO, particularly with the dyadic feature of TEMPO, the focus on goal setting to integrate self-management, and the extensive health library. The patients and caregivers motivated each other as they worked through TEMPO. Most goals to achieve during TEMPO pertained to increasing PA, followed by learning physical symptom management. One unanticipated benefit of TEMPO for the dyads was improved communication. HCPs agreed that TEMPO was a novel approach to online cancer self-management and they echoed the benefits reported by dyads. Key suggestions for improving TEMPO were to reduce repetition, tailor content, add more exercise ideas, and have more printing options. This study provides a strong foundation on which to plan a larger trial.