Use of time in people with a life-limiting illness: A longitudinal cohort feasibility pilot study. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Terry A; Olds, Timothy S; Currow, David C; Williams, Marie T
• Is Part Of: Palliative medicine. Volume 33:Number 10(2019)
• Page Start: 1319
• Page End: 1324
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Feasibility -- palliative care -- time-use -- cohort study -- acceptability -- burden; Pain -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Palliative Care -- Periodicals; Palliatieve behandeling; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1177/0269216319867214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-2163

Abstract

Background: To date, time-use studies in palliative care have been limited to exploration of time commitments of caregivers. Understanding time-use in people with a life-limiting illness might provide insight into disease progression, symptom management and quality of life. Aim: To determine the feasibility of a repeated-measures, time-use study in people with a life-limiting illness, and their primary caregivers, and to explore associations between time-use and perceived quality of life. Design: An observational repeated-measures feasibility pilot study. A priori criteria were established for study uptake (70%), retention (80%) and study value/burden (⩾7 Numerical Rating Scale 0–10). Burden and value of the study, use of time (Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults with adjunctive accelerometry) and quality of life data (EuroQol-5 Dimension-5-Level Health Questionnaire and Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status scale) were assessed at time-points across five consecutive months. Setting/participants: People living with a life-limiting illness and caregivers recruited from Southern Adelaide Palliative Services outpatient clinics. Results: A total of 10 participants (2 caregivers and 8 people with a life-limiting illness) enrolled in the study. All but one of the criteria thresholds was met: 66% of participants who consented to be screened were enrolled in the study, 80% of enrolled participants ( n = 8) completed all assessments (two participants died during the study) and mean Numerical Rating Scale scores for acceptable burden and value of the study exceeded the criteria thresholds at every time-point. Conclusion: A repeated-measures time-use study design is feasible and was not unduly burdensome for caregivers and people living with a life-limiting illness.