A pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of an early palliative care model: “Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends for Singapore”

Abstract

Objective The main objective was to pilot the culturally adapted “Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends” for Singapore (ENABLE-SG) model to evaluate its feasibility and potential effectiveness. Methods A single-arm pilot trial of ENABLE-SG among patients with advanced solid tumors and caregivers of these patients was conducted in the outpatient oncology clinic setting. Enrolled participants participated in individual ENABLE-SG psychoeducational sessions weekly. Patients had 6 sessions on the topics of maintaining positivity, self-care, coping with stress, managing symptoms, exploring what matters most and life review. Caregivers had 4 sessions on the topics of maintaining positivity, self-care, coping with stress and managing symptoms. At baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months after enrolment, patient’s quality of life was measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Palliative Care, patient’s mood was measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression scale, and caregiver quality of life was measured using the Singapore Caregiver Quality of Life Scale. Results We enrolled 43 patients and 15 caregivers over a 10-month period from August 2021 to June 2022. Although there was a low approach-to-participation rate, most of those who enrolled completed all ENABLE-SG sessions – 72% for patients and 94% for caregivers. Caregivers had better quality of life over time, specifically in the subscales of mental well-being and experience-meaning. Significance of results Based on findings from this study, we are planning a randomized waitlist-controlled trial of ENABLE-SG for patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers.