Effects of a Self-Monitoring Quality of Life Intervention for Patients with Cancer Receiving Palliative Care in Japan: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Matsuda, Ayako; Yamada, Yosuke; Ishizuka, Noriko; Matsushima, Eisuke; Kobayashi, Kunihiko; Ohkubo, Takayoshi; Yamaoka, Kazue

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2018.19.11.3027

Effects of a Self-Monitoring Quality of Life Intervention for Patients with Cancer Receiving Palliative Care in Japan: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Document Type : Protocol

Authors

¹ Teikyo University School of Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Tokyo, Japan.

² Toshima Hospital, Division Chief of Palliative Care Unit, Tokyo, Japan.

³ Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Section of Liaison Psychiatry and Palliative Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

⁴ Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Saitama, Japan.

⁵ Teikyo University Graduate School of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan.

10.31557/APJCP.2018.19.11.3027

Abstract

Background: Previous studies suggest the use of patient-reported outcome measures in routine clinical practice has
important benefits for patients with cancer, particularly as feedback regarding patients’ quality of life (QOL) improves
doctor-patient communication and clinical decision making. This study aimed to examine the effect of using the Care
Notebook as a routine self-monitoring QOL intervention in clinical practice for patients with cancer receiving palliative
care. The results are expected to clarify the practical use of the Care Notebook in this population. Methods: This
prospective randomized study is being undertaken at Toshima Hospital, Japan. Participating patients who are randomly
assigned to the intervention group will be asked to complete the shortened Care Notebook booklet for patients with
cancer in palliative care once each day. A control group will receive usual care. The primary outcome is global health
status/QOL (Global QOL), as assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of
Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative. Data will be collected at baseline (after allocation), and at 1 week and 3 weeks
in both the control and intervention groups. The effects of the intervention will be evaluated with a mixed random
effects model. The required sample size is 200 patients. We obtained approval from Toshima Hospital (No 26-11) and
the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Ethics Committee (No 1756). The findings will be disseminated through
publications in peer-reviewed journals and attendance at domestic and international conferences. The trial was registered
with the UMIN clinical trials registry (Trial registration number: UMIN000025322). Conclusions: This study will
provide evidence on whether medical staff can use the Care Notebook as a routine self-monitoring QOL intervention in
clinical practice for patients with cancer receiving palliative care. We expect that a routine Care Notebook intervention
for patients with cancer will be recommended in healthcare facilities.

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