Hsiu-Li Huang

Predicting Survival with the Palliative Performance Scale in a Minority-Serving Hospice and Palliative Care Program

Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) scores have shown potential for prognosticating survival in Caucasian samples, but have not been studied for prognostic value in cancer patients from minority groups. Using data obtained from a retrospective chart audit of 492 cancer patients admitted over an 18-month period to a minority-serving home-based hospice and palliative care program, we examined the relationship between PPS scores and length of survival (survival days). Patients with PPS scores of 10% to 30% had fewer survival days than those with scores of 40% and those with scores of 50% to 100% (median=6, 19, and 34 days, respectively; F=25.02, P<0.001). A PPS score of 40% serves as a reliable inclusion criterion for a study requiring two weeks for completion, whereas 50% to 100% is required for a three-week study. Findings from a predominantly minority sample are similar to those from predominantly Caucasian samples.

Effects of self-efficacy, self-care behaviours on depressive symptom of Taiwanese kidney transplant recipients

AIMS The aim of this study was to examine the effect of self-efficacy on depression and to consider the mediating effect of self-care behaviour. BACKGROUND Depression is a problem for kidney transplant recipients and can compromise their quality of life. From other studies on chronic illnesses, self-efficacy and self-care behaviour have been considered to be potential determinants for depressive symptoms. However, none of these previous studies have investigated the relationships among these variables in kidney transplantation recipients. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey employing correlation design and purposive sampling was used. METHODS One hundred and seventy-seven persons who had received a kidney transplant participated. A self-administrated questionnaire and a medical record audit were used to collect data. The data were analysed using correlation and hierarchical linear regression methods. RESULTS The average score of depressive symptoms was 8.61 SD 7.64. Among the participants in the study, 32.8% had scores of depressive symptoms higher than 11 (indicating mild to severe symptoms of depression). Self-efficacy and self-care behaviour had direct negative effects on depressive symptoms. Self-care behaviour had partial mediating effect on the relationship between self-efficacy and depression. Total variance explained was 23%. CONCLUSION Depressive symptoms are still a problem that need to be addressed among kidney transplantation patients. Patients who have higher self-efficacy and higher self-care behaviour will have lower depressive symptoms. Our results support that self-efficacy is the significant predictor of depressive symptoms. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Self-efficacy is a powerful and modifiable determinant of depressive symptoms. We should design interventions that focus not only on the skill aspects of self-care behaviour but also on those that have a strong connection with self-efficacy. We could incorporate the self-efficacy-enhanced strategies as proposed by social cognitive theory into the kidney transplantation care programme.

Primary caregiver stress in caring for a living‐related liver transplantation recipient during the postoperative stage

AIM The aim of this study was to explore the stress experienced by the primary family caregiver of the living-related liver transplantation patient during the postoperative stage. BACKGROUND Living-related liver transplantation is a treatment choice for end-stage liver disease patients who face a shortage of available donated livers. Research suggests that the caregiver of the liver transplant recipient experiences tremendous stress because a family member is on the waiting list. Nevertheless, there are limited studies that investigate the caregiver experience of stress during this surgery. METHOD This qualitative study used face-to-face semi-structured interviews to understand the subjective experiences of study participants. The study participants were drawn from a tertiary medical centre in northern Taiwan. During the data collection period (October 2007 to May 2008), 6 of the 12 caregivers agreed to participate in this study (N = 6), all of whom were female and, except for one participant, were the wives of the recipients. RESULTS Participant stress was caused by the gap between expectations and primary caregiving experiences. In particular, the five themes that were identified: (a) unstable sentiment towards liver transplantation; (b) entanglement of burden; (c) non-synchronized family interaction; (d) distance from the healthcare professional; and (e) concern about the protector role function. CONCLUSIONS The stress of primary caregivers of living-related liver transplantation is related to the gap between expectations and primary caregiving experiences. The immediate postoperative stage is a critical one for health professionals to provide intervention and management.

The effect of self-efficacy, depression and symptom distress on employment status and leisure activities of liver transplant recipients

AIM To examine the effect of self-efficacy, subjective work ability, depression and symptom distress on and to provide a description of, the employment and leisure activities of liver transplant recipients. BACKGROUND Return to work and leisure activities have become an important aspect of life for liver transplant recipients worldwide. An investigation of the factors that influence the employment status and leisure activities has been recommended as a means to help transplant recipients restore their productivity. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study in 2010. METHODS A convenience sampling method was used. Data were collected using a set of questionnaires that were administered retrospectively. A total of 106 liver transplant patients were included in this study. RESULTS The post-transplantation employment rate was 45.2%. The positive predictors of employment were higher subjective work ability and higher symptom distress. Gender (female), monthly family income (<US

The coping experience of Taiwanese male donors in living donor liver transplantation.

2,000), depression and unemployment pre-transplantation were negatively associated with employment status. Of the 106 patients, 62 (58.5%) were in the low-diversity group (score of less than 3) of leisure activities. Monthly family income of <US

Factors associated with dementia care practices among community health nurses: Results of a postal survey

2,000 was associated with a low diversity of participation in leisure activities. CONCLUSION Subjective work ability and symptom distress were positive predictors of employment, while depression was a negative predictor. Nurses in the transplant team should focus on increasing a sense of confidence, decreasing depressive symptoms and monitoring the severity of symptoms to improve the employment status of liver transplant recipients.

Predictors of decision ambivalence and the differences between actual living liver donors and potential living liver donors

Background:Living donor liver transplantation is an option for effective treatment for patients with liver disease or a liver tumor. One disadvantage, however, is the risk of complications or death in a healthy donor. Thus, promoting the donor’s safety and well-being is a major goal of transplantation care. In this regard, more research on physical and psychological complications and adjustment among donors is needed. Objectives:The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of living liver donors, focusing on their perceptions of living liver transplantation and corresponding coping strategies. Methods:The data were analyzed using content analysis in this qualitative design. Results:Seven of 12 donors, all men, agreed to participate in the study. The core theme that emerged in regard to adjustment was “maintaining peace of mind.” In addition, there were 4 subthemes: (a) removing themselves from information, (b) viewing the surgery as common, (c) having overall confidence, and (d) assigning value to their decision. Discussion:Living donor liver transplantation is a treatment option that requires acceptance by both the donor and his or her family. The process is enormously stressful, and the living liver donor needs adjustment strategies to maintain his or her peace of mind throughout the process.

End-of-Life Care Discussion for Residents With Dementia in Long-Term Care Facilities

BACKGROUND The incremental prevalence of dementia is making dementia management a worldwide issue. The role of community health nurses must grow along with the increasing aging population and the resulting increase in dementia cases. OBJECTIVES Explore the factors related to dementia care practices among the different types of community health nurses in Taiwan. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Primary care centers or institutions in New Taipei City. PARTICIPANTS Community health nurses who work in health care centers (district nurses), long-term care centers (care managers), or home care institutions (home health care nurses). METHODS Self-completion questionnaires sent by mail. RESULTS A total of 195 participants returned the questionnaires (response rate 81.9%). Although 65.8% of participants had experience in case finding, just 34.6% of them reported using validated cognitive testing tools. Only 15% of participants provided case management following dementia case findings. The regression models showed that the different types of community health nurses, number of years working as a nurse, and their level of confidence was significantly related to their dementia care practice. District nurses identified significantly less suspected dementia cases and provided less nursing care to caregivers of dementia patients than care managers and home health care nurses. Among community health nurses, the care managers most often used formal cognitive instruments. District nurses provided the least amount of supportive resources information, had the most negative attitude and the lowest level of confidence toward dementia care than care managers and home health care nurses. CONCLUSIONS This study presented the profiles of dementia care practice in Taiwan. It showed the considerable variation in knowledge, attitude, confidence and dementia care practices among the different community health nurses. The professional roles regarding dementia care in Taiwan remain blurred. Future training must focus on promoting the level of confidence of community health nurses to identify and manage people with dementia and raise awareness about demented persons and their caregivers need. The priority of the policy on dementia care in the community must be raised to high, and the professional responsibilities and roles of the different types of community health nurses for the ever increasing dementia population in Taiwan must be redefined and optimized.

PREVALENCE AND RELATED FACTORS OF ADVANCED DIRECTIVES AMONG NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA IN NORTHERN TAIWAN

Background The decision to become a living liver donor is a stressful event. Ambivalence in decision making may result in psychological distress. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide a description of the ambivalence of potential living liver donors, to examine the predictors of ambivalence, and to compare the ambivalence of potential living liver donors with that of actual living liver donors. Methods This descriptive and correlational study was conducted in a medical center from August 2013 to December 2015. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data. A total of 263 potential living liver donors who were assessed for donation to their parents were included in this study. Results The mean age of the total sample was 30.7 years (SD = 6.39, range = 20–47), and males comprised 53.6% of the sample. The majority of the potential donors had a college education (70.8%) and were single (63.5%). Of the total sample, the mean score for ambivalence was 4.27 (SD = 1.87, range = 0–7). Multivariate analysis revealed that the Mental Component Summary (MCS) of quality of life (β = -0.24, p < 0.01), family support (β = -0.17, p = 0.007), and intimacy (β = -0.13, p = 0.04) were significant protective predictors of ambivalence. Actual living liver donors had significantly lower ambivalence (3.82 versus 4.60), higher intimacy with recipients (3.55 versus 3.34), higher MCS (45.26 versus 42.80), and higher family support (34.39 versus 29.79) than did the remaining potential living liver donors. Conclusion Ambivalence is common in potential living liver donors. The MCS of quality of life, family support, and intimacy were protective predictors in terms of ambivalence. Future research should explore other factors and design interventions targeted toward reducing ambivalence, promoting family support, and enhancing the mental dimensions of quality of life in potential living liver donors.

A home-based training program for family caregivers decreases their risk for depression

Background: Healthcare professionals play an important role in end-of-life care decisions. Although the factors affecting end-of-life care in long-term care facilities have been well studied in Western contexts, few studies have examined factors affecting end-of-life care discussions for residents with dementia among multidisciplinary professionals in Asian or Taiwanese contexts. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the factors related to the end-of-life care discussions of registered nurses, social workers, and physicians with residents with dementia and their families. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and correlational study. A stratified random sampling was conducted, and self-administered questionnaires were mailed to physicians, registered nurses, and social workers who work in long-term care facilities with accreditation ranks ≥ Grade A in Taiwan. Results: Questionnaires were returned by 478 participants (response rate = 94.1%). Fewer than 10% of the participants reported often discussing end-of-life care with residents with dementia and their families. Physicians were significantly more likely to discuss life-sustaining treatment than nurses and social workers. The frequency of professionals discussing advance directives and life-sustaining treatment for residents with dementia was predicted by higher confidence in end-of-life care skills and greater perceived facility support. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Most professionals did not frequently discuss end-of-life care with residents with dementia and their caregivers. Discussions of end-of-life care in long-term care facilities should be promoted by enhancing the confidence of these professionals in providing end-of-life care and creating a supportive environment for end-of-life discussions and care.