Naima B Benelhaj1, Ann Hutchinson2, Anthony M Maraveyas1,3, Julie D Seymour2, Muhammad Waqas Ilyas4, Miriam J Johnson2. 1. 1 The Hull York Medical School and University of Hull, Hull, UK. 2. 2 Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK. 3. 3 Joint Centre of Cancer Studies, Queen's Centre for Oncology and Haematology, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK. 4. 4 Queen's Centre for Oncology and Haematology, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cancer-associated thrombosis is common. Recommended treatment is daily injected low-molecular-weight heparin for 6 months. Most studies focus on prophylaxis and treatment; few have explored the patients' experience. AIMS: To identify and synthesise the available literature concerning patients' experience of cancer-associated thrombosis. DESIGN: Systematic literature review and qualitative thematic synthesis. DATA SOURCE: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO (until 10/2016; limited to English) were searched. Eligible papers were qualitative studies of adult patients' experience of cancer-associated thrombosis. Two researchers screened titles/abstracts/papers against inclusion criteria with recourse to a third for disagreements. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist tool was used for quality appraisal. RESULTS: A total of 1397 articles were identified. Five qualitative studies (total n = 92; age range 32-84 years) met the inclusion criteria. Participants had various cancer types. Most had advanced disease and were receiving palliative care. Four major themes emerged from the data: knowledge deficit (patients and clinicians), effects of cancer-associated thrombosis (physical and psychological), effects of anticoagulation and coping strategies. CONCLUSION: The cancer journey is difficult in itself, but thrombosis was an additional, frightening and unexpected burden. Although the association between cancer and thromboembolism is well-known, cancer patients are not routinely educated about the risk or warning symptoms/signs of thromboembolism which may otherwise be misattributed to the cancer by patient and clinician alike. This systematic review highlights the impact of cancer-associated thrombosis on the lives of cancer patients, and calls for education for patients and clinicians to be part of routine care and further work to address this patient priority.
BACKGROUND:Cancer-associated thrombosis is common. Recommended treatment is daily injected low-molecular-weight heparin for 6 months. Most studies focus on prophylaxis and treatment; few have explored the patients' experience. AIMS: To identify and synthesise the available literature concerning patients' experience of cancer-associated thrombosis. DESIGN: Systematic literature review and qualitative thematic synthesis. DATA SOURCE: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO (until 10/2016; limited to English) were searched. Eligible papers were qualitative studies of adult patients' experience of cancer-associated thrombosis. Two researchers screened titles/abstracts/papers against inclusion criteria with recourse to a third for disagreements. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist tool was used for quality appraisal. RESULTS: A total of 1397 articles were identified. Five qualitative studies (total n = 92; age range 32-84 years) met the inclusion criteria. Participants had various cancer types. Most had advanced disease and were receiving palliative care. Four major themes emerged from the data: knowledge deficit (patients and clinicians), effects of cancer-associated thrombosis (physical and psychological), effects of anticoagulation and coping strategies. CONCLUSION: The cancer journey is difficult in itself, but thrombosis was an additional, frightening and unexpected burden. Although the association between cancer and thromboembolism is well-known, cancerpatients are not routinely educated about the risk or warning symptoms/signs of thromboembolism which may otherwise be misattributed to the cancer by patient and clinician alike. This systematic review highlights the impact of cancer-associated thrombosis on the lives of cancerpatients, and calls for education for patients and clinicians to be part of routine care and further work to address this patient priority.
Authors: Kristen McAlpine; Rodney Breau; Marc Carrier; Philippe Violette; Christopher Knee; Ilias Cagiannos; Christopher Morash; Luke Lavallée Journal: Can J Surg Date: 2020-11-30 Impact factor: 2.089
Authors: Bregje A A Huisman; Eric C T Geijteman; Jimmy J Arevalo; Marianne K Dees; Lia van Zuylen; Karolina M Szadek; Agnes van der Heide; Monique A H Steegers Journal: BMC Palliat Care Date: 2021-07-16 Impact factor: 3.234
Authors: Ann Hutchinson; Sophie Rees; Annie Young; Anthony Maraveyas; Kathryn Date; Miriam J Johnson Journal: Palliat Med Date: 2018-11-29 Impact factor: 4.762