What factors contribute to cancer survivors’ self-management skills? A cross-sectional observational study

Purpose: Many cancer survivors, facing the consequences of their disease and its treatment, have medical and supportive aftercare needs. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the relationship between support needs and survivors' self-management skills. The study aim is to explore factors contributing to cancer survivors’ self-management skills. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer survivors (n = 277) of two outpatient oncology clinics at a university hospital in the Netherlands. Patients with head and neck cancer (n = 55) who had received radiotherapy and cisplatin or cetuximab were included, as well as patients who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (n = 222). The primary outcome was self-management skills, assessed using the Partners in Health Scale (PIH), which comprises two subscales: knowledge and coping (PIH-KC), and recognition and management of symptoms, and adherence to treatment (PIH-MSA). Secondary outcomes were quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), self-efficacy (SECD6), patient-centered care (CAPHS), and social support (HEIQ). Machine learning-based Random Forest models were employed to construct associative models. Feature Importance (FI) was used to express the contribution to the model. Results: High emotional quality of life (FI = 33.1%), increased self-efficacy (FI = 22.2%), and greater social support (FI = 18.2%) were identified as key factors contributing to cancer survivors' self-management knowledge (PIH-KC). Furthermore, greater support from professionals (FI = 36.1%) and higher self-efficacy (FI = 18.2%) were found to benefit participants’ recognition and management, and therapy adherence (PIH-MSA). Conclusions: A patient-centered relationship between nurses and cancer survivors is essential for therapy adherence and the management of aftercare needs. Training to provide this holistic self-management support is required.</p

The self-regulation skills instrument in transplantation (SSIt):Development and measurement properties of a self-report self-management instrument

Objective: To develop a self-management instrument for organ transplant recipients that incorporates self-regulations skills and to determine its measurement properties. Methods: The instrument includes concepts from social cognitive models: problem awareness, attitude, self-efficacy, motivation, social support, goal setting, goal pursuit, skills and goal affect. The measurement properties were evaluated based on the COSMIN guidelines. Face and content validity were determined through patient assessment, Three-Step Test-Interview and expert assessment using the Content Validity Index. Structural validity and reliability were tested using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was tested by comparing subscales with the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ). Results: After face and content validity assessment 47 items were entered into the exploratory factor analysis. The analysis showed two meaningful factors, with internal consistency of 0.90 and 0.89. Spearman correlations between the subscales and heiQ were moderate (0.55; 0.46). The final version consists of 21 items, divided into two scales: ‘Setbacks’ and ‘Successes’. Conclusions: The Self-regulation skills instrument in transplantation (SSIt) is a valid and reliable instrument to asses necessary skills for self-management after transplantation and may be useful for other patients as well. Practice implications: Insight into self-regulation competencies can help healthcare professionals to tailor self-management support.</p

The self-regulation skills instrument in transplantation (SSIt):Development and measurement properties of a self-report self-management instrument

Objective: To develop a self-management instrument for organ transplant recipients that incorporates self-regulations skills and to determine its measurement properties. Methods: The instrument includes concepts from social cognitive models: problem awareness, attitude, self-efficacy, motivation, social support, goal setting, goal pursuit, skills and goal affect. The measurement properties were evaluated based on the COSMIN guidelines. Face and content validity were determined through patient assessment, Three-Step Test-Interview and expert assessment using the Content Validity Index. Structural validity and reliability were tested using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was tested by comparing subscales with the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ). Results: After face and content validity assessment 47 items were entered into the exploratory factor analysis. The analysis showed two meaningful factors, with internal consistency of 0.90 and 0.89. Spearman correlations between the subscales and heiQ were moderate (0.55; 0.46). The final version consists of 21 items, divided into two scales: ‘Setbacks’ and ‘Successes’. Conclusions: The Self-regulation skills instrument in transplantation (SSIt) is a valid and reliable instrument to asses necessary skills for self-management after transplantation and may be useful for other patients as well. Practice implications: Insight into self-regulation competencies can help healthcare professionals to tailor self-management support.</p

What factors contribute to cancer survivors’ self-management skills? A cross-sectional observational study

Purpose: Many cancer survivors, facing the consequences of their disease and its treatment, have medical and supportive aftercare needs. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the relationship between support needs and survivors' self-management skills. The study aim is to explore factors contributing to cancer survivors’ self-management skills. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer survivors (n = 277) of two outpatient oncology clinics at a university hospital in the Netherlands. Patients with head and neck cancer (n = 55) who had received radiotherapy and cisplatin or cetuximab were included, as well as patients who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (n = 222). The primary outcome was self-management skills, assessed using the Partners in Health Scale (PIH), which comprises two subscales: knowledge and coping (PIH-KC), and recognition and management of symptoms, and adherence to treatment (PIH-MSA). Secondary outcomes were quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), self-efficacy (SECD6), patient-centered care (CAPHS), and social support (HEIQ). Machine learning-based Random Forest models were employed to construct associative models. Feature Importance (FI) was used to express the contribution to the model. Results: High emotional quality of life (FI = 33.1%), increased self-efficacy (FI = 22.2%), and greater social support (FI = 18.2%) were identified as key factors contributing to cancer survivors' self-management knowledge (PIH-KC). Furthermore, greater support from professionals (FI = 36.1%) and higher self-efficacy (FI = 18.2%) were found to benefit participants’ recognition and management, and therapy adherence (PIH-MSA). Conclusions: A patient-centered relationship between nurses and cancer survivors is essential for therapy adherence and the management of aftercare needs. Training to provide this holistic self-management support is required.</p