Lisa M Brown1, Melissa M Gosdin2, David T Cooke3, Ester Carolina Apesoa-Varano4, Anna L Kratz5. 1. Section of General Thoracic Surgery, University of California, Davis Health, Sacramento, California; Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California, Davis Health, Sacramento, California. Electronic address: lmbrown@ucdavis.edu. 2. Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California, Davis Health, Sacramento, California. 3. Section of General Thoracic Surgery, University of California, Davis Health, Sacramento, California; Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California, Davis Health, Sacramento, California. 4. Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis Health, Sacramento, California. 5. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lung cancer surgery has a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In prior studies of HRQOL after lung cancer surgery, researchers selected the HRQOL domains of interest. To increase the patient-centeredness of these studies, we conducted a qualitative study to ascertain which aspects of HRQOL are most relevant to them postoperatively and to identify Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System measures most germane to patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer. METHODS: We conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with 25 patients after lobectomy for lung cancer to solicit input regarding the physical, social, and emotional HRQOL domains relevant after surgery. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a thematic content analysis to identify HRQOL themes was performed. Themes were integrated to create a conceptual framework to guide outcome measurement selection. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis indicated that within the physical health domain, patients were most concerned about general physical function (100% of participants), pain (96%), fatigue (96%), and dyspnea (76%). Neuropathic pain was reported by 28% of participants. Instrumental (100%) and emotional social support (88%) and positive emotions/relief/hope (96%) were also important. Two cross-cutting themes were the desire to maintain independence (32%) and preparing for surgery/expectations (92%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that a number of physical, social, and emotional HRQOL domains are relevant after lobectomy for lung cancer. These domains are currently represented by Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System measures and can be readily assessed for clinical or research purposes.
BACKGROUND:Lung cancer surgery has a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In prior studies of HRQOL after lung cancer surgery, researchers selected the HRQOL domains of interest. To increase the patient-centeredness of these studies, we conducted a qualitative study to ascertain which aspects of HRQOL are most relevant to them postoperatively and to identify Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System measures most germane to patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer. METHODS: We conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with 25 patients after lobectomy for lung cancer to solicit input regarding the physical, social, and emotional HRQOL domains relevant after surgery. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a thematic content analysis to identify HRQOL themes was performed. Themes were integrated to create a conceptual framework to guide outcome measurement selection. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis indicated that within the physical health domain, patients were most concerned about general physical function (100% of participants), pain (96%), fatigue (96%), and dyspnea (76%). Neuropathic pain was reported by 28% of participants. Instrumental (100%) and emotional social support (88%) and positive emotions/relief/hope (96%) were also important. Two cross-cutting themes were the desire to maintain independence (32%) and preparing for surgery/expectations (92%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that a number of physical, social, and emotional HRQOL domains are relevant after lobectomy for lung cancer. These domains are currently represented by Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System measures and can be readily assessed for clinical or research purposes.