Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38216293›Full record

Trial reportBMJ open quality2024

Assessment of urine colour using a wallet card: a randomised study of a novel patient self-care tool during chemoradiation for oesophageal cancer.

Beatrice Preti, Cathy Wang, Nicole Dindial, Shiraz Malik, Susan Rieger, Morgan Black, Robin Sachdeva, Michael Sanatani

Open access · goldAbstract readRandomized Controlled Trial
In one paragraph

Trial report in BMJ open quality, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact, top 99% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed, 0 citations in OpenAlex.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.

Beatrice PretiDepartment of Oncology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Cathy WangSchulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Nicole DindialLondon Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
Shiraz MalikDepartment of Family Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Susan RiegerLondon Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
Morgan BlackLondon Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
Robin SachdevaLondon Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
Michael SanataniDepartment of Oncology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada michael.sanatani@lhsc.on.ca.ORCID 0000-0002-2423-7171
London Health Sciences Centre · CAWestern University · CA

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPatients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation for oesophageal cancer often experience dehydration from decreased fluid intake and increased losses. Despite frequent clinical visits during treatment, patients can still present with dehydration, suggesting the need for increased patient awareness and engagement around adverse event management at home. Evidence for benefits of self-monitoring may help motivate patients to engage proactively in their own care to improve their treatment experience.

methodsWe performed a randomised single-centre study of a urine colour self-monitoring card (UCC) during chemoradiation therapy for oesophageal cancer, compared with standard dietitian counselling. Primary outcome was self-efficacy as determined by the Self-Management Resource Centre Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease Scale (SMCD). Secondary outcomes included Burge thirst scores, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System scores (ESAS), patient-initiated hydrations, creatinine rise and satisfaction with the UCC.

resultsThirty-five patients were randomised. UCC use was not associated with improved SMCD or ESAS scores compared with standard counselling. The card was highly rated by patients as a welcome tool for self-monitoring.

conclusionsNo beneficial effect on self-efficacy or dehydration markers with UCC use was demonstrated. The study nonetheless drew attention to several factors potentially hindering its use for effective self-care: the unexpected severity of other symptoms consuming patients' attention, reduced sensitivity of urine colour due to chemotherapy, absence of active inquiry by the healthcare team and the inconvenient location of the UCC in wallet/purse. Urine colour monitoring in patients with oesophageal cancer to improve the patient experience during treatment warrants further study but supported by active healthcare provider inquiry, more accessible format of the card, and possibly home vital checks to increase its sensitivity in the clinical context.

Indexed as

Esophageal NeoplasmsSelf CareColorDehydrationHumansPatient CareHealthcare quality improvementImplementation sciencePatient educationPatient ParticipationSelf Care

Identifiers

PMID38216293
PMCPMC10806581
OpenAlexW4390820140

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.