Biomedical subjects

Karen Deane

Publications and source records attributed to Karen Deane.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Cancer peer support programs-do they work?

Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, creating social, emotional, financial and psychological problems. Peer support programs are based on the premise that support from others who have been through a similar experience can help reduce the negative impacts of this disease. While there is strong theoretical rationale for this, empirical evidence that would guide program planning is scarce. We conducted a systematic literature review of evaluation studies published over the last 20 years. Seventeen volunteers delivered peer support programs were reviewed, ranging from needs assessments to randomized controlled trials. The scientific quality was moderate--most lacked a theoretical framework, adequate program descriptions, data on non-participants and validated instruments. Despite these methodological shortcomings, consistent informational, emotional and instrumental benefits were identified. We provide recommendations for practitioners to improve evaluation studies and suggest a research agenda to develop better methods for assessing the contribution of peer support to quality of life.

Cost of Illness↗

PubMed2003

Living with ovarian cancer: women's perspectives on treatment and treatment decision-making.

In the year 2002, 2,500 women will have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Treatment for ovarian cancer is arduous, involving invasive surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Studies have described the side effects of ovarian cancer treatment, but little has been written about women's perspectives on receiving that treatment. This work was undertaken to describe women's perceptions of living with ovarian cancer and their experiences with treatment. Eighteen women who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer were interviewed in depth and theme analysis was undertaken with their transcripts. Three prominent themes emerged during the analysis: 1) initial treatment plans were overwhelming, 2) involvement in treatment decision-making was minimal, and 3) treatment had many side effects and complications.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Women's experiences with ovarian cancer: reflections on being diagnosed.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the perspectives of women living with ovarian cancer about their experiences with diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. A convenience sample of 18 women was interviewed using an open-ended interview guide. This paper will focus on their perspectives during the peri-diagnostic period. Most of the women in this study experienced changes in their bodies--bloating, weight gain around their middles, indigestion, bowel changes, and abdominal pain. The vagueness of the symptoms and lack of awareness by the women and, in the women's opinion, health care professionals caused delays in diagnosis and initial investigations of other body systems. The symptoms were often dismissed by the women as being related to normal body changes such as childbirth, menopause, or stress responses. It was often not until the women's symptoms became severe or included pain that referrals were made to relevant specialists. At this point, many of the women were physically and emotionally spent, leaving them vulnerable and in a weakened state for confronting the diagnosis and coping with the difficult course of treatment. Clearly, the subtle, nebulous nature of the symptoms confounded the diagnosis of ovarian cancer for these women, resulting in patient delays and physician delays.

Adult↗