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Spirituality in cancer patients on phase 1 clinical trials
Author(s) -
Ferrell Betty,
Chung Vincent,
Koczywas Marianna,
Borneman Tami,
Irish Terry L.,
Ruel Nora H.,
Azad Nilofer S.,
Cooper Rhonda S.,
Smith Thomas J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.5380
Subject(s) - spirituality , spiritual care , palliative care , clinical trial , population , quality of life (healthcare) , medicine , disease , intervention (counseling) , psychology , family medicine , alternative medicine , nursing , environmental health , pathology
Objectives Patients with cancer who are at a transition to Phase I investigational treatments have been identified as an underserved population with regard to palliative care. This disease transition is often accompanied by spiritual and existential concerns. The study objective was to conduct a secondary analysis of data from a larger study testing a palliative care intervention. This paper reports the findings of this secondary focus on the spiritual needs of this population. Methods Patients (n = 479) were accrued to this study prior to initiating a Phase I clinical trial with data collected at baseline, and 4, 12, and 24 week follow‐up. Results Qualitative data revealed that the transition to Phase 1 trial participation is a time of balancing hope for extended life with the reality of advancing disease. Quantitative results demonstrated increased spirituality over time in both religious‐ and non‐religious‐affiliated patients. Conclusions Patients entering Phase I trials have important spiritual needs as they face treatment decisions, advancing disease, and often mortality. Spiritual care should be provided to seriously ill patients as a component of quality care.