Consistency between patients and families in recognizing cancer chemotherapy side effects: A questionnaire survey

Abstract

Background: Although the side effects of cancer chemotherapy impair a patient's quality of life, family members' awareness of side effects may relieve patient anxiety and distress.Aim: We investigated whether patients and their families were consistent in recognizing the occurrence and severity of symptomatic side effects of chemotherapy treatment for cancer.Methods and results: This was a prospective observational study. We administered a questionnaire survey to patients and family members to assess the frequency of occurrence (1: never, 2: almost never, 3: sometimes, 4: frequently, 5: almost always, 6: unknown) and the degree of severity (1: mild, 2: moderate, 3: severe, 4: extremely severe, 5: unknown) of physical and psychological symptoms associated with cancer chemotherapy. Weighted Kappa and Cramer coefficients were used to assess consistency between the two groups. We surveyed 20 pairs of patients (5 men, 15 women) and their families (10 men, 10 women); 17 pairs lived together. The median age was 65.5 years (interquartile [IQR], 58.75, 69.25) for patients and 61.00 years (IQR, 47.25, 71.25) for family members. Of patients, 17 had solid cancer, and three had leukemia. Family members mostly recognized objectively visible symptoms such as hair loss and development of spots and keratinization. However, it was difficult for families to detect invisible subjective symptoms such as weakness, dysesthesia, depressed mood, and unarticulated anxiety. Conclusions:The results indicated that recognition of invisible subjective symptoms in patients undergoing chemotherapy was difficult even for family members. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach in which various medical professionals actively communicate with both patients and families is important. Information sharing in collaboration with patients and families could increase understanding of the patient's condition and optimize patient care.

Oncology Outpatients With Worse Anxiety and Sleep Disturbance Profiles Are at Increased Risk for a Higher Symptom Burden and Poorer Quality of Life

“…2 Although numerous approaches are used to mitigate the adverse effects of chemotherapy, pervasive symptoms compromise patients' functional status, life expectancy, and quality of life (QOL). [3][4][5] In addition, these unrelieved symptoms can have a negative effect on treatment adherence 5 and decision-making. 6 Anxiety and sleep disturbance are 2 symptoms that often co-occur during chemotherapy.…”

“…Each year, in the United States, approximately 650 000 individuals receive chemotherapy 2 . Although numerous approaches are used to mitigate the adverse effects of chemotherapy, pervasive symptoms compromise patients’ functional status, life expectancy, and quality of life (QOL) 3–5 . In addition, these unrelieved symptoms can have a negative effect on treatment adherence 5 and decision-making 6 .…”