Ernest R. Katz

Bio: Ernest R. Katz is an academic researcher from Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The author has contributed to research in topics: Pediatric cancer & Distress. The author has an hindex of 41, co-authored 81 publications receiving 6791 citations. Previous affiliations of Ernest R. Katz include California State University, Long Beach & Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

The PedsQL in pediatric cancer: reliability and validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales, Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and Cancer Module.

Abstract: BACKGROUND The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) is a modular instrument designed to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents ages 2–18 years. The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales are multidimensional child self-report and parent proxy-report scales developed as the generic core measure to be integrated with the PedsQL disease specific modules. The PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale was designed to measure fatigue in pediatric patients. The PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module was designed to measure pediatric cancer specific HRQOL. METHODS The PedsQL Generic Core Scales, Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and Cancer Module were administered to 339 families (220 child self-reports; 337 parent proxy-reports). RESULTS Internal consistency reliability for the PedsQL Generic Core Total Scale Score (α = 0.88 child, 0.93 parent report), Multidimensional Fatigue Total Scale Score (α = 0.89 child, 0.92 parent report) and most Cancer Module Scales (average α = 0.72 child, 0.87 parent report) demonstrated reliability acceptable for group comparisons. Validity was demonstrated using the known-groups method. The PedsQL distinguished between healthy children and children with cancer as a group, and among children on-treatment versus off-treatment. The validity of the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale was further demonstrated through hypothesized intercorrelations with dimensions of generic and cancer specific HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate the reliability and validity of the PedsQL Generic Core Scales, Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and Cancer Module in pediatric cancer. The PedsQL may be utilized as an outcome measure in clinical trials, research, and clinical practice. Cancer 2002;94:2090–106. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10427

Health-Related Quality of Life

Abstract: This chapter provides an overview of the nature and status of quality of life evaluations of new medicines and other treatments in clinical trials. There are two major aspects of quality of life: The environmental aspect of quality of life and health-related quality of life. The environmental aspect of quality of life is often evaluated by organizations outside the medical field. The components they often consider for different locations or areas include (1) air quality, (2) water quality, (3) school quality, (4) population density, (5) cultural opportunities, (6) social/economic status, and (7) community spirit. On the other hand, health-related quality of life encompasses a number of distinct domains related to patients and their well-being. The individual components of quality of life are discussed in a few (three to six) broad domains (i.e., categories). In this chapter, four domains are described: (1) physical abilities/capabilities, (2) psychological status, (3 social status, and (4) economic status/employment. Although health-related quality of life relates mainly to individual patients and groups of patients, it also may be applied, as can environment-related quality of life, to individual communities, regions, or nations. In the remainder of this chapter the term quality of life refers only to health-related quality of life.

A multicenter, randomized clinical trial of a cognitive remediation program for childhood survivors of a pediatric malignancy.

Abstract: Survivors of childhood cancer whose malignancy and/or treatment involved the central nervous system may demonstrate a consistent pattern of neurocognitive deficits. The present study evaluated a randomized clinical trial of the Cognitive Remediation Program (CRP). Participants were 6- to 17-year-old survivors of childhood cancer (N = 161; 35% female, 18% Hispanic, 10% African American, 64% Caucasian, 8% other) who were at least 1 year off treatment and who manifested an attentional deficit. They were enrolled at 7 sites nationwide. Two thirds of the participants were randomly assigned to cognitive remediation. All participants were assessed using a battery of academic achievement/neurocognitive tests and parent/teacher measures of attention. The CRP resulted in parent report of improved attention and statistically significant increases in academic achievement. Effect sizes were modest but were comparable with those for other clinical trials of brain injury rehabilitation and for psychological interventions in general. The CRP is presented as a potentially beneficial treatment for many survivors of pediatric cancer. Long-term clinical significance remains unproven. Further work is needed to improve effect sizes and treatment compliance and to address the needs of other populations with pediatric brain injury.

Using Problem-Solving Skills Training to Reduce Negative Affectivity in Mothers of Children With Newly Diagnosed Cancer: Report of a Multisite Randomized Trial.

Abstract: Mothers of children with cancer experience significant distress associated with their children's diagnosis and treatment. The efficacy of problem-solving skills training (PSST), a cognitive-behavioral intervention based on problem-solving therapy, was assessed among 430 English- and Spanish-speaking mothers of recently diagnosed patients. Participants were randomized to usual psychosocial care (UPC; n = 213) or UPC plus 8 sessions of PSST (PSST; n = 217). Compared with UPC mothers, PSST mothers reported significantly enhanced problem-solving skills and significantly decreased negative affectivity. Although effects were largest immediately after PSST, several differences in problem-solving skills and distress levels persisted to the 3-month follow-up. In general, efficacy for Spanish-speaking mothers exceeded that for English-speaking mothers. Findings also suggest young, single mothers profit most from PSST.

PedsQL 4.0: reliability and validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 generic core scales in healthy and patient populations.

Abstract: Background.The PedsQL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) (Children’s Hospital and Health Center, San Diego, California) is a modular instrument for measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents ages 2 to 18. The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales are multidimensional ch

Depression is a risk factor for noncompliance with medical treatment: meta-analysis of the effects of anxiety and depression on patient adherence.

Abstract: Background: Depression and anxiety are common in medical patients and are associated with diminished health status and increased health care utilization. This article presents a quantitative review and synthesis of studies correlating medical patients’ treatment noncompliance with their anxiety and depression.

Mechanisms of mindfulness.

Abstract: Recently, the psychological construct mindfulness has received a great deal of attention. The majority of research has focused on clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions. This line of research has led to promising data suggesting mindfulness-based interventions are effective for treatment of both psychological and physical symptoms. However, an equally important direction for future research is to investigate questions concerning mechanisms of action underlying mindfulness-based interventions. This theoretical paper proposes a model of mindfulness, in an effort to elucidate potential mechanisms to explain how mindfulness affects positive change. Potential implications and future directions for the empirical study of mechanisms involved in mindfulness are addressed.

The PedsQL: measurement model for the pediatric quality of life inventory.

Abstract: Background.Pediatric patients' self-report of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has emerged as an important patient-based health outcome. A practical, validated generic measure of HRQOL facilitates assessing risk, tracking health status, and measuring treatment outcomes in pediatric populations