Lisa Beatty - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Lisa Beatty
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 2013
The objective of the current article was to assess the psychosocial impact of treatment-related i... more The objective of the current article was to assess the psychosocial impact of treatment-related infertility or the possibility of infertility on young women with cancer in contrast to the general population. Literature on the subject of female infertility among the general population and treatment-related female infertility among young women with cancer was identified and examined in the context of what is known about the psychosocial impact of infertility among the general population. Women whose fertility was affected by cancer treatment were likely to experience negative emotional reactions, which can strain their relationships. Additional concerns included receiving inadequate information about infertility, enduring distress, and feeling uncertainty regarding fertility status.
The Medical journal of Australia, Jan 6, 2010
To evaluate the efficacy of an interactive self-help workbook in reducing distress, and improving... more To evaluate the efficacy of an interactive self-help workbook in reducing distress, and improving quality of life (QOL) and coping for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Randomised controlled trial comparing the use of the workbook and that of an information booklet. 49 women with Stage 0 to II breast cancer diagnosed in the previous month and recruited from 1 February 2007 to 1 February 2008, in two urban Australian public hospitals. The primary outcome measures were depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. Secondary outcomes included QOL, body image, and the coping styles helplessness/hopelessness, cognitive avoidance and anxious preoccupation. After controlling for baseline levels, interactions at 3-month follow-up showed that participants in the workbook group had significantly lower levels of posttraumatic stress (F[1,89] = 7.01; P = 0.01), helplessness/hopelessness (F [1,89] = 4.75; P = 0.03), and cognitive avoidance (F [1,89] = 4.95; P = 0.03) than those in th...
Supportive Care in Cancer, 2011
This study aims to assess the fertility concerns among cancer survivors aged 50 and under as part... more This study aims to assess the fertility concerns among cancer survivors aged 50 and under as part of a larger study investigating the survivors' concerns regarding fertility, sexuality and parenting. Cancer survivors who were at least 1 month post-treatment were invited to a recorded interview. The patients were identified from an oncology database and invited to participate via letter or during clinic consultation. The participants were recruited until saturation of themes was achieved. Transcripts were coded thematically, with greater emphasis given to frequently raised themes. Twenty-five survivors (19 women) were interviewed. The median age was 37 (range 24-50). Median time since completion of treatment was 7 months. Twenty were married or in a relationship; 18 had children at the time of diagnosis. Two became pregnant after treatment. Four themes were identified: (1) Fertility represents more than child-bearing capacity: potential fertility loss was a concern for participants, irrespective of their desire for future children; (2) Assumed infertility: There was a tendency for participants to assume that they were infertile; (3) Lack of information regarding decision-making and fertility: The respondents reported a perceived lack of consideration of fertility at diagnosis by medical professionals, and this impacted upon the decision-making process; and (4) Participant recommendations: The respondents wanted more information and for support services to be offered. Fertility is an important concern for young cancer survivors. There is a need for strategies regarding information provision and support for cancer patients with regard to these concerns.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2014
Complementary therapy use by patients with cancer is highly prevalent, although little is known a... more Complementary therapy use by patients with cancer is highly prevalent, although little is known about the optimal model of integration with conventional care. This study explored patient preferences regarding integration in an Australian context. Methods: Cancer patients participated in focus groups conducted by an experienced facilitator. Transcripts of discussions were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Fourteen female and four male patients took part in eight focus groups. Eleven had received conventional cancer treatment for early-stage disease, and seven for advanced stage. Participants had sound understanding of the distinction between complementary and alternative medicines. There were differing views on whether complementary therapy and conventional cancer services should be colocated. Some participants described colocation as discordant with their reasons for using complementary therapy. Participants valued guidance from oncology health professionals regarding complementary therapy that was tailored to their individual needs. In addition to medical oncologists, nursing staff and affiliated complementary therapists were considered to be appropriate sources for guidance. Additional themes identified in the analysis were also informative: patients achieve autonomy and self-expression through complementary therapies; the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals and limited consultation time are barriers to integration; self-funding of complementary therapies is acceptable to participants.
Supportive Care in Cancer, 2010
The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a self-help workbook for improving adjustmen... more The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a self-help workbook for improving adjustment for breast cancer survivors. An RCT compared the workbook (n = 20) with no-workbook controls (n = 20). Coping, traumatic stress and quality of life were measured at baseline, then 3 and 6 months later. No interactions were found. A significant group main effect was found for venting coping; controls used less venting coping than workbook participants (p = 0.034). A significant time main effect was obtained for cognitive functioning (p = 0.003). Reliable change indices showed a trend towards a protective effect across all coping measures for workbook participants compared to controls. Qualitative feedback suggested that participants felt well supported by the intervention, but would have preferred receiving it during treatment. While trends showed some promise for improving coping, endorsement for the workbook was not obtained. The difficulties encountered in recruiting survivors and the resulting implications regarding the feasibility of offering self-help resources to this population are discussed.
Health Expectations, 2008
Objective To qualitatively identify the concerns and needs of Australian women recently diagnosed... more Objective To qualitatively identify the concerns and needs of Australian women recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
The evidence base of internet-based self-help interventions has been rapidly growing for mental h... more The evidence base of internet-based self-help interventions has been rapidly growing for mental health conditions over the past decade. However, to date a systematic review of the application of this technology to chronic health conditions has not been reported. The objective of the present review was to therefore critically appraise the research on the efficacy of internet self-help interventions for distress and disease outcomes in adults with physical health complaints. Electronic searches were conducted in Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsychINFO, and reference lists were examined. Twenty four studies met inclusion criteria, covering 8 health conditions. Across health conditions, consistent evidence was obtained that online therapeutic interventions were efficacious in improving disease-symptoms and control, with the exception of diabetes. Mixed evidence was obtained for distress outcomes: 3 health conditions demonstrated consistent benefit (irritable bowel syndrome, tinnitus, and one heterogeneous chronic illness population); one condition obtained moderate support (chronic pain); while results were not promising for diabetes. The limited research conducted among epilepsy, cancer, and chronic fatigue precluded conclusions from being drawn. Few studies met all methodological quality criteria. This review demonstrates that internet-based self-help interventions hold guarded promise in the amelioration of distress and disease-control, and further research implications are discussed.
Clinical Psychologist, 2010
Cognitive Behaviour Stress Management for women with breast cancer has demonstrable empirical eff... more Cognitive Behaviour Stress Management for women with breast cancer has demonstrable empirical efficacy, however its effectiveness in the applied clinical setting has not been examined to date in an Australian setting. A 10-week group program was offered to five women with early stage breast cancer. Clinical changes in distress, coping, and social support from pretest, to post-test and 1-month follow-up are reported. Overall, the group yielded strong favourable effect sizes indicating clinical improvement over time in PTSD symptoms and social support, but strong unfavourable effect sizes in cognitive avoidance. In terms of clinical cut-offs, all women met criteria for PTSD at baseline, with two women recovering at followup. The two participants with highest baseline distress experienced large improvements in depression, anxiety and PTSD at post-treatment, but rebounded to baseline at follow-up. Women qualitatively reported the major benefits of the program to be acquiring skills in relaxation and cognitive restructuring, and obtaining social support. This case study provides preliminary support that a CBSM program can improve PTSD and social support, however it raises concerns regarding the deteriorations observed in cognitive avoidance. Ways of addressing cognitive avoidance and the maintenance of gains warrants further investigation.
British Journal of Health Psychology, 2009
Objectives. This studyp rospectively investigated ther elationshipb etween life-events, perceived... more Objectives. This studyp rospectively investigated ther elationshipb etween life-events, perceived stress, and quality of life (QOL) following breast cancer diagnosis, using the bio-behavioural model of cancer stress as af ramework. Design. Al ongitudinal, self-reportdesign was used.
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 2013
The objective of the current article was to assess the psychosocial impact of treatment-related i... more The objective of the current article was to assess the psychosocial impact of treatment-related infertility or the possibility of infertility on young women with cancer in contrast to the general population. Literature on the subject of female infertility among the general population and treatment-related female infertility among young women with cancer was identified and examined in the context of what is known about the psychosocial impact of infertility among the general population. Women whose fertility was affected by cancer treatment were likely to experience negative emotional reactions, which can strain their relationships. Additional concerns included receiving inadequate information about infertility, enduring distress, and feeling uncertainty regarding fertility status.
The Medical journal of Australia, Jan 6, 2010
To evaluate the efficacy of an interactive self-help workbook in reducing distress, and improving... more To evaluate the efficacy of an interactive self-help workbook in reducing distress, and improving quality of life (QOL) and coping for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Randomised controlled trial comparing the use of the workbook and that of an information booklet. 49 women with Stage 0 to II breast cancer diagnosed in the previous month and recruited from 1 February 2007 to 1 February 2008, in two urban Australian public hospitals. The primary outcome measures were depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. Secondary outcomes included QOL, body image, and the coping styles helplessness/hopelessness, cognitive avoidance and anxious preoccupation. After controlling for baseline levels, interactions at 3-month follow-up showed that participants in the workbook group had significantly lower levels of posttraumatic stress (F[1,89] = 7.01; P = 0.01), helplessness/hopelessness (F [1,89] = 4.75; P = 0.03), and cognitive avoidance (F [1,89] = 4.95; P = 0.03) than those in th...
Supportive Care in Cancer, 2011
This study aims to assess the fertility concerns among cancer survivors aged 50 and under as part... more This study aims to assess the fertility concerns among cancer survivors aged 50 and under as part of a larger study investigating the survivors' concerns regarding fertility, sexuality and parenting. Cancer survivors who were at least 1 month post-treatment were invited to a recorded interview. The patients were identified from an oncology database and invited to participate via letter or during clinic consultation. The participants were recruited until saturation of themes was achieved. Transcripts were coded thematically, with greater emphasis given to frequently raised themes. Twenty-five survivors (19 women) were interviewed. The median age was 37 (range 24-50). Median time since completion of treatment was 7 months. Twenty were married or in a relationship; 18 had children at the time of diagnosis. Two became pregnant after treatment. Four themes were identified: (1) Fertility represents more than child-bearing capacity: potential fertility loss was a concern for participants, irrespective of their desire for future children; (2) Assumed infertility: There was a tendency for participants to assume that they were infertile; (3) Lack of information regarding decision-making and fertility: The respondents reported a perceived lack of consideration of fertility at diagnosis by medical professionals, and this impacted upon the decision-making process; and (4) Participant recommendations: The respondents wanted more information and for support services to be offered. Fertility is an important concern for young cancer survivors. There is a need for strategies regarding information provision and support for cancer patients with regard to these concerns.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2014
Complementary therapy use by patients with cancer is highly prevalent, although little is known a... more Complementary therapy use by patients with cancer is highly prevalent, although little is known about the optimal model of integration with conventional care. This study explored patient preferences regarding integration in an Australian context. Methods: Cancer patients participated in focus groups conducted by an experienced facilitator. Transcripts of discussions were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Fourteen female and four male patients took part in eight focus groups. Eleven had received conventional cancer treatment for early-stage disease, and seven for advanced stage. Participants had sound understanding of the distinction between complementary and alternative medicines. There were differing views on whether complementary therapy and conventional cancer services should be colocated. Some participants described colocation as discordant with their reasons for using complementary therapy. Participants valued guidance from oncology health professionals regarding complementary therapy that was tailored to their individual needs. In addition to medical oncologists, nursing staff and affiliated complementary therapists were considered to be appropriate sources for guidance. Additional themes identified in the analysis were also informative: patients achieve autonomy and self-expression through complementary therapies; the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals and limited consultation time are barriers to integration; self-funding of complementary therapies is acceptable to participants.
Supportive Care in Cancer, 2010
The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a self-help workbook for improving adjustmen... more The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a self-help workbook for improving adjustment for breast cancer survivors. An RCT compared the workbook (n = 20) with no-workbook controls (n = 20). Coping, traumatic stress and quality of life were measured at baseline, then 3 and 6 months later. No interactions were found. A significant group main effect was found for venting coping; controls used less venting coping than workbook participants (p = 0.034). A significant time main effect was obtained for cognitive functioning (p = 0.003). Reliable change indices showed a trend towards a protective effect across all coping measures for workbook participants compared to controls. Qualitative feedback suggested that participants felt well supported by the intervention, but would have preferred receiving it during treatment. While trends showed some promise for improving coping, endorsement for the workbook was not obtained. The difficulties encountered in recruiting survivors and the resulting implications regarding the feasibility of offering self-help resources to this population are discussed.
Health Expectations, 2008
Objective To qualitatively identify the concerns and needs of Australian women recently diagnosed... more Objective To qualitatively identify the concerns and needs of Australian women recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
The evidence base of internet-based self-help interventions has been rapidly growing for mental h... more The evidence base of internet-based self-help interventions has been rapidly growing for mental health conditions over the past decade. However, to date a systematic review of the application of this technology to chronic health conditions has not been reported. The objective of the present review was to therefore critically appraise the research on the efficacy of internet self-help interventions for distress and disease outcomes in adults with physical health complaints. Electronic searches were conducted in Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsychINFO, and reference lists were examined. Twenty four studies met inclusion criteria, covering 8 health conditions. Across health conditions, consistent evidence was obtained that online therapeutic interventions were efficacious in improving disease-symptoms and control, with the exception of diabetes. Mixed evidence was obtained for distress outcomes: 3 health conditions demonstrated consistent benefit (irritable bowel syndrome, tinnitus, and one heterogeneous chronic illness population); one condition obtained moderate support (chronic pain); while results were not promising for diabetes. The limited research conducted among epilepsy, cancer, and chronic fatigue precluded conclusions from being drawn. Few studies met all methodological quality criteria. This review demonstrates that internet-based self-help interventions hold guarded promise in the amelioration of distress and disease-control, and further research implications are discussed.
Clinical Psychologist, 2010
Cognitive Behaviour Stress Management for women with breast cancer has demonstrable empirical eff... more Cognitive Behaviour Stress Management for women with breast cancer has demonstrable empirical efficacy, however its effectiveness in the applied clinical setting has not been examined to date in an Australian setting. A 10-week group program was offered to five women with early stage breast cancer. Clinical changes in distress, coping, and social support from pretest, to post-test and 1-month follow-up are reported. Overall, the group yielded strong favourable effect sizes indicating clinical improvement over time in PTSD symptoms and social support, but strong unfavourable effect sizes in cognitive avoidance. In terms of clinical cut-offs, all women met criteria for PTSD at baseline, with two women recovering at followup. The two participants with highest baseline distress experienced large improvements in depression, anxiety and PTSD at post-treatment, but rebounded to baseline at follow-up. Women qualitatively reported the major benefits of the program to be acquiring skills in relaxation and cognitive restructuring, and obtaining social support. This case study provides preliminary support that a CBSM program can improve PTSD and social support, however it raises concerns regarding the deteriorations observed in cognitive avoidance. Ways of addressing cognitive avoidance and the maintenance of gains warrants further investigation.
British Journal of Health Psychology, 2009
Objectives. This studyp rospectively investigated ther elationshipb etween life-events, perceived... more Objectives. This studyp rospectively investigated ther elationshipb etween life-events, perceived stress, and quality of life (QOL) following breast cancer diagnosis, using the bio-behavioural model of cancer stress as af ramework. Design. Al ongitudinal, self-reportdesign was used.