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. 2019 Jan;6(1):61-70.
doi: 10.1093/nop/npy010. Epub 2018 May 19.

I-CoPE: A pilot study of structured supportive care delivery to people with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma and their carers

Jennifer Philip  1   2 , Anna Collins  1 , Jane Staker  3 , Michael Murphy  3
Affiliations

I-CoPE: A pilot study of structured supportive care delivery to people with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma and their carers

Jennifer Philip et al. Neurooncol Pract. 2019 Jan.

Abstract

Background: There is limited evidence to guide best approaches to supportive care delivery to patients with high-grade glioma. I-CoPE (Information, Coordination, Preparation and Emotional) is a structured supportive care approach for people with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma and their family carers. Delivered by a cancer care coordinator, I-CoPE consists of (1) staged information, (2) regular screening for needs, (3) communication and coordination, and (4) family carer engagement. This pilot study tested acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of I-CoPE, delivered over 3 transitions in the illness course, for people newly diagnosed with high-grade glioma and their carers.

Methods: I-CoPE was delivered at the identified transition times (at diagnosis, following the diagnostic hospitalization, following radiotherapy), with associated data collection (enrollment, 2 weeks, 12 weeks). Outcomes of interest included: acceptability/feasibility (primary); quality of life; needs for support; disease-related information needs; and carer preparedness to care (secondary). Descriptive statistics were used to assess acceptability outcomes, while patient and carer outcomes were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: Thirty-two patients (53% male, mean age 60) and 31 carers (42% male) participated. I-CoPE was highly acceptable: 86% of eligible patients enrolled, and of these 88% completed the study. Following I-CoPE patients and carers reported fewer information needs (P < .001), while carers reported fewer unmet supportive care needs (P < .01) and increased preparedness to care (P = .04). Quality of life did not significantly change.

Conclusion: A model of supportive care delivered based upon illness transitions is feasible, acceptable, and suggests preliminary efficacy in some areas. Formal randomized studies are now required.

Keywords: high-grade glioma; quality of life; supportive care.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Framework of I-CoPE activities.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Consort diagram of patient/carer recruitment and study completion.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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