Critical appraisal:Lloyd-Williams M, Cobb M, O'Connor C, Dunn L, Shiels C 2013

Critical Appraisal

Article being appraised

Lloyd-Williams M, Cobb M, O'Connor C, Dunn L, Shiels C. A pilot randomised controlled trial to reduce suffering and emotional distress in patients with advanced cancer. J Affect Disord 2013 May 15;148(1):141-5 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23219061.

Applicable clinical question

What is the role of psychological support and interventions in the treatment of lung cancer?

Key Facts

Study Design

randomised controlled trial

Study aims:

This study explored whether a narrative interview impacted on emotional distress experienced by people with advanced cancer.

Number of Patients:

100

n=49 for intervention; n=51 for control. Intervention focused on getting participants to tell their story and on meaning making. Only 11 participants had lung cancer

Reported outcome(s):

outcome measures assessed anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, tiredness, drowsiness, wellbeing, will to live, suffering and suffering. The study used validated measures

Results of outcome(s):

No significant differences were found between the intervention group and the control group.

Includes an economic evaluation

no

Evidence ratings

Level of evidence

II

Risk of bias

Moderate risk of bias

Comments: small number of advanced lung cancer patients, clinicians not blinded

Show/Hide Risk of bias assessment

Risk of bias assessment: randomised controlled trial

Was the trial double-blinded?

No response

Was the treatment allocation schedule concealed?

Inadequately concealed (e.g. numbered/sealed envelopes, alternation, medical record number, date of birth).

Were all randomised participants included in the analysis?

No response

The field below is not considered when calculating the risk of bias rating

How was the allocation schedule generated?

No response

Size of effect

3	Reason for decision: There were no significant at any time point. A larger powered study needs to be conducted (only 11 lung patients were included)

Relevance of evidence