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Background: Currently, no available tool easily and effectively measures both the frequency, intensity and distress of symptoms among patients receiving radiotherapy. A core symptom set (fatigue, insomnia, pain, appetite loss, cognitive problems, anxiety, nausea, depression, constipation, diarrhoea and skin reaction) has been identified and assessed across oncology research to better understand the pattern of symptoms and treatment side effects. Aim: The aim was to develop a tool measuring the multiple‐symptom experience in patients undergoing radiotherapy and evaluate its psychometric properties (validity, reliability and responsiveness). Design: This study has a prospective, longitudinal and quantitative design. Methods: We developed a patient‐reported outcome questionnaire, the Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale to assess the frequency, intensity and distress associated with symptoms. Patients (n = 175) with brain tumours undergoing proton beam therapy completed the Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale and the health‐related quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30) during treatment. We assessed the validity, reliability and responsiveness of the Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale and evaluated the validity against QLQ‐C30. Results: There were significant questionnaire–questionnaire correlations regarding selected items, primarily fatigue, insomnia and pain, indicating satisfactory criterion‐related validity. The Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale had fair to good retest reliability. Conclusion: The Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale is a valid instrument for assessing symptom intensity and distress in patients with brain tumour undergoing PBT, with psychometric properties within the expected range. The Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale provides nurses with substantial information on symptom experience but requires little effort from the patient. Additional studies are required to further assess the psychometric properties in patients with different cancer diagnoses receiving conventional radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Over time, ambulance assignments have increased in number both nationally and internationally, and a substantial proportion of patients encountered by emergency medical services are assessed as not being in need of services. Non-conveying patients has become a way for emergency medical services clinicians to meet this increasing workload. It has been shown that ambulances can be made available sooner if patients are non-conveyed, but there is no previous research describing the factors that influence the non-conveyance time. Study objective: To describe ambulance time consumption and the factors that influence time consumption when patients are non-conveyed. Methods: A prospective observational review of 2615 non-conveyed patients' ambulance and hospital medical records was conducted using a consecutive sample. Data were analysed with the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation (rho) for linear correlations. Results: The mean NC time for all ambulance assignments during the study period was 26 minutes, with a median of 25 minutes. The shortest NC time was 4 minutes, and the longest NC time was 73 minutes. NC times were significantly faster during the day than at night. Conclusions: This study provides new knowledge about time consumption when patients are non-conveyed. Although there are time differences when patients are non-conveyed, the differences observed in this study are small and not of clinical value. Ambulances will most often become available sooner if patients are non-conveyed. Although patients might be eligible for non-conveyance, policy-makers might have to decide when it is appropriate to non-convey patients from time, resource, patient safety and patient-centred care perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of Stigma‐related Social Problems scale (SSP) in a cancer population. Materials and methods: The SSP was sent to 1,179 cancer patients. Mean age was 67.9 year and 43% were women. Tests of internal consistency reliability, construct validity, item‐scale convergent validity, ceiling and floor effects and known‐group validity were conducted. Results: The response rate was 62%, and the final sample comprised 728 patients. Reliability coefficients were high for both subscales (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94). Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the unidimensionality and homogeneity of the scales. Item‐scale correlations for both scales indicated satisfactory item‐scale convergent validity. The proportion of subjects scoring at the lowest possible score level was 26% for the Distress scale and 28% for the Avoidance scale, while ceiling effects were marginal (<1%). The proportion of missing items was low, ranging from 1.4% to 1.5%. Known‐group validity tests confirmed that the scales could capture expected differences between subgroups. Conclusions: The SSP scale is a feasible instrument with sound psychometric properties that is validated in a study on 728 cancer patients. The instrument can be used to identify cancer patients at risk for psychosocial disturbances and thus in need of support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 15–16 November 2019, the Skandion Clinic in Sweden hosted the first Nordic workshop on 'Patients' perspective in proton beam therapy'. The workshop was conducted to describe and compare the patient care in PBT clinics in the Nordic countries and to initiate a collaboration, with the target to ensure patient participation and reduce the risk of inequity of access by lowering the barriers for accepting PBT in a distant clinic. The overarching aim of this workshop was to describe and compare the use of patients' perspectives in the Nordic PBT clinics. Twelve participants attended the workshop, representing Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The participants were registered nurses working in patient care, researchers, physicist and leaders of the Skandion Clinic. The consensus of the workshop was that systematic use of patient experiences on individual and group level is essential for developing clinical practice and understanding the overall effects of PBT. A difference in how the Nordic countries use patient experiences in clinical practise was found. The importance of lowering the barriers for participation in national proton trials and proton treatment were emphasized, however, there is a lack of knowledge about individual and organizational barriers to accepting PBT, and further research is therefore needed. Collaboration between the Nordic countries regarding patients' perspectives in the context of PBT is of importance to compare national differences as well as to find similarities, but most importantly to learn from each other and to improve patient care. Nordic collaboration with focus on systematic collection of patient-reported outcomes in the context of PBT is unique. Collaboration in research offers the possibility to increase the inclusion of patients' perspectives in study protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusions In radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, a mask is used to immobilise the head and shoulders. An open mask that does not cover the face is expected to cause less anxiety, but there is need to further investigate the patients' experience of open versus closed masks. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate patient preferences for open or closed masks and whether an open mask can reduce discomfort and anxiety for patients.Twenty participants were treated in alternating weeks using open and closed masks. Their distress was evaluated through semi‐structured interviews and patient‐reported outcome measures.When using the open mask, it took longer to position the patient correctly. The closed mask felt more confining and could induce a sense of claustrophobia. Participants employed both internal and external strategies to cope with the stressful situation. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) showed a significant reduction in anxiety over time during the treatment period, but no significant difference between the masks. When participants chose which mask to use for the final treatments, 12 chose the open mask, while 8 chose the closed mask. In addition to the 20 analysed participants, two participants withdrew from the study because they could only tolerate the open mask, one due to anxiety and the other due to swelling.The open mask seems to provide a less confined experience but may lead to greater difficulties in achieving the correct treatment position. While both masks can be viable options for most patients, some cannot tolerate closed masks but do tolerate open masks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rehabilitation for cancer patients aims at preventing and reducing the physical, mental, social and existential consequences of a cancer disease and its treatment. The aim of this study is to describe the patients' self-perceived interest in participating in cancer rehabilitation (CR). Material and methods: A total of 1179 cancer patients, diagnosed with 28 different cancer diagnoses, from November 2015 to October 2016, were identified via the national cancer quality registers. A questionnaire was developed for the purpose of this study, the Cancer Rehabilitation Interest. The questionnaire comprises 16 different rehabilitation activities. This study describes what activities the patients are interested to participate in. Results: The response rate was 62% and the final sample comprised 728 patients. The rehabilitation activities wanted by the cancer patients were Psychoeducational support grouptogether with others with the same cancer diagnosis, Open lectures on cancer, Individual weight training with a physiotherapist and Personal support from a social worker. Most interested in cancer rehabilitation were women, younger patients, university educated patients and those who had received their diagnosis ≥12 months prior. Patients with a mandatory educational level had the lowest interest in all suggested activities compared with those having medium or high education. Conclusions: The interest of cancer rehabilitation of all approached patients in this study were 21%. Most interested were women, young patients, university educated and those who received their diagnosis ≥12 months earlier. About 30% of the participating cancer patients reported an interest of information and supportive groups, physical training and support from a hospital social worker. Patients with low level of education reported a low interest in CR. There are limitations in rehabilitation accessibility and that might affect a person's motivation to participate in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patients with brain tumors constitute a vulnerable group, and it is important that they receive the highest quality of care (QoC). The study aim was to describe the perceptions of QoC and its association with health-related quality of life in brain tumor patients undergoing proton beam therapy in a newly established clinic.Method: Data were collected at the start of treatment and after 3 and 6 weeks. Adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with brain tumors (n = 186) completed two self-administered questionnaires: a modified Quality from the Patients' Perspective, which measures perceived reality and subjective importance of care, and the EORTC QLQ-C30. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests.Results: The perceived QoC was highest for treatment information and lowest for dietician and smoking information, whereas interaction with doctors and nurses was rated as the most important aspect of quality of care. Subjective importance ratings were significantly higher than perceived reality ratings for 60% of items. A better global health was moderately correlated with a higher perceived support for fatigue.Conclusions: A need for quality improvement was identified for several aspects of patient care. Greater symptom distress during the treatment period led to greater perceived importance of symptom support. Ensuring QoC is complex and collaboration with other health care professionals is essential.Relevance To Clinical Practice: The clinic could improve QoC regarding information about possible symptoms, adjust care according to patient perceptions of importance, and involve patients in care decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Felt stigma is an internalized sense of shame about having an unwanted condition, along with fear of discrimination. The Stigma‐related Social Problems (SSP) scale was constructed to measure the impact of health‐related stigma on psychosocial functioning in people with different diseases and disorders. The performance of the SSP scale was tested in 3,422 subjects from the general population (Mid‐Swed Health Survey) and in subgroups according to gender, age, occupation, and education. The homogeneity and construct validity of the Distress and Avoidance scales were confirmed by exploratory factor analysis and the two factors were accurately reproduced across gender and age subgroups. The internal consistency reliability was high for both the Distress and Avoidance scales. Reliability coefficients were above the 0.90 standard for the Distress scale in all subgroups and for the Avoidance scale in most subgroups. The SSP scale is an instrument with sound psychometric properties that can be used to identify psychosocial disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore ambulance nurses' (ANs) experiences of non‐conveying patients to alternate levels of care. Background: Increases in ambulance utilisation and in the number of patients seeking ambulance care who do not require medical supervision or treatment during transport have led to increased nonconveyance (NC) and referral to other levels of care. Design: A qualitative interview study was conducted using an inductive research approach. Methods: The study was conducted in a region in the middle of Sweden during 2016–2017. Twenty nurses were recruited from the ambulance departments in the region. A conventional content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. The study followed the COREQ checklist. Results: The ANs experienced NC as a complex and difficult task that carried a large amount of responsibility. They wanted to be professional, spend time with the patient and find the best solution for him or her. These needs conflicted with the ANs' desire to be available for assignments with a higher priority. The ANs could feel frustrated when they perceived that ambulance resources were being misused and when it was difficult to follow the NC guidelines. Conclusion: If ANs are expected to nonconvey patients seeking ambulance care, they need a formal mandate, knowledge and access to primary health care. Relevance to clinical practice: This study provides new knowledge regarding the work situation of ANs in relation to NC. These findings can guide future research and can be used by policymakers and ambulance organisations to highlight areas that need to evolve to improve patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psycho-educational interventions can moderate the negative impact of cancer on patients' mental wellbeing, although studies of the effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are scarce. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to test whether a nurse-led psycho-educational programme (PEP) could affect the emotional wellbeing of persons being treated for CRC and anal cancer. A secondary aim was to test whether there were any differences in emotional wellbeing in the patients before undergoing a PEP compared to a subset of the Swedish population. A randomized controlled trial was used. In total, 86 patients were randomized either to a PEP comprising seven lectures followed by discussions and reflections with peers or to standard treatment. Mental wellbeing was measured with the Mood Adjective Check List. The PEP significantly (p<0.04) increased the patients' overall mood one month after the end of the intervention. The PEP seemed to have a short-term effect on patients' overall mood. Other outcomes such as self-efficacy could be useful measures when evaluating PEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe how patients receiving cancer treatment perceive quality of care in the oncological outpatient settings. A strategic sample of 20 adult patients with cancer treated in four oncological outpatient settings in four hospitals in Sweden participated in the study. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions. The interviews were audio-recorded, and the transcripts were analysed using a phenomenographic approach. Three descriptive categories emerged from the data: The patient's care is designed to meet individual needs, The patient's dignity is respected, and The patient feels safe and secure with the care. Overall, quality of care in the oncological outpatient setting is perceived as something positive and described in normative terms by the participants. The results emphasises that in order to achieve quality of care it is important to the patients that they are able to meet with the same well-educated, professional, caring and sensible health care professionals every time. • Face-to-face interviews are not richer in data than phone or video call interviews. • 'Meeting competent health care staff' was the conceptions most often mentioned. • Participants described not wanting to participate in their care. • Participants relied on the health care staff to take the lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To explore symptom clusters during proton beam therapy in patients with primary brain tumors and investigate associations among symptom clusters, demographic variables, and comorbidity in this patient population. SAMPLE & SETTING: Data were collected from 187 adult patients with primary brain tumors during their treatment periods in the Skandion Clinic in Uppsala, Sweden. Symptoms were assessed with the Radiotherapy-Related Symptoms Assessment Scale, and comorbidity was evaluated with the Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire. METHODS & VARIABLES: The study used a quantitative and longitudinal design. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the underlying structure of symptom clusters. RESULTS: Three clusters were identified: mood, reduced appetite, and reduced energy. The mood cluster had the highest factor loadings (0.71-0.86). In addition, demographic and comorbidity characteristics were associated with symptom clusters in this group of patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Building knowledge about how these symptoms interact and are clustered will support healthcare professionals to more efficiently relieve symptom clusters during proton beam therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]