Arving, C., Sjödén, P. O., Bergh, J., Hellbom, M., Johansson, B., Glimelius, B., & Brandberg, Y. (2007). Individual psychosocial support for breast cancer patients: a randomized study of nurse versus psychologist interventions and standard care. Cancer Nursing, 30, E10–E19.

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To compare if individual psychosocial support for patients with breast cancer provided by oncology nurses specially trained in cognitive behavioral techniques was as effective as that given by psychologists or standard care.

 

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients received individualized psychosocial support interventions using cognitive behavioral techniques, such as relaxation, distraction, activity scheduling, and ways to improve communication. The frequency of sessions varied based on patients' perceptions of need. Patients were randomized in blocks of nine into one of three alternatives:  60 received individual psychosocial support by a specially trained oncology nurse, 60 received it from a psychologist, and 59 received standard care. Outcomes measured were quality of life (QOL), fatigue, nausea, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, and financial difficulties.

Sample Characteristics

  • The study was comprised of 179 consecutive patients with breast cancer about to start adjuvant treatment.
  • Mean age was 55 years (range 23–87).

 

Setting

The study was conducted at the Department of Oncology, Uppsala University, Sweden.

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.

Study Design

This was a prospective, randomized, quasiexperimental study using repeated measures at baseline and at one, three, and six months.

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLC-C30)
  • EORTC QLQ–Breast Cancer (EORTC QLQ-BR23)
  • Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
  • Impact of Event Scale (IES)
  • State Trait Anxiety Inventory–State (STAI-S)

Results

The results revealed statistically significant group by time interactions for global QOL and health status, nausea and vomiting, and systemic therapy side effects. Intervention groups showed statistical differences on the insomnia, dyspnea, and financial difficulties EORTC subscales, in favor of one or both of the interventions.

Limitations

  • The number of sessions varied and was determined by the need and desire of individual patients.
  • There was a need for special training to deliver the intervention.