Betty Ferrell

Assessment of quality of life with a single instrument

A number of single measures of quality of life have been developed over the last few years. Some of these instruments have been used more frequently than others. Psychometric properties are reported in many of these instruments, and continued psychometric development is needed. Instruments differ in the content tested, and users are encouraged to have specific objectives in mind when selecting an instrument. The continued research interest and activity in the field of single measures has provided beginning tools for both research and clinical evaluations. Quality of life measures add to the depth of evaluation of the impact on cancer and cancer treatment, and provide a measurement dimension that augments that of the historic evaluation via morbidity and mortality statistics. Continued work on single measures for quality of life will provide both researchers and clinicians with valuable tools.

Barriers to pain and fatigue management in medical oncology

9546 Background: The relief of symptoms is a critical aspect of supportive care in medical oncology. This NCI funded study compared usual care to an educational and systems change intervention in a Comprehensive Cancer Center. This paper presents data comparing the total N=184 patients including Breast (40%), Lung (25%), Colon (20%) or Prostate (15%) cancer. Based on the NCCN Pain and Fatigue guidelines, the intervention included a four part patient education program, professional education and strategies to integrate symptom management into routine oncology practice. Methods: This trial compared symptom management in outpatient oncology patients experiencing pain and/or fatigue who received either usual care (N=83) or the intervention (N=101). Outcome measures included the Pain and Fatigue Knowledge Scales, Psychological Distress Thermometer, City of Hope QOL Tool, Karnofsky Scale and Piper Fatigue Scale. Patients were assessed at baseline and 1 and 3 months post intervention endpoints. Results: To deter...