Heiney, S.P., Reavis, K., Tavakoli, A.S., Adams, S.A., Hayne, P.D., & Weinrich, S.P. (2015). The impact of STORY on depression and fatigue in African-American women with breast cancer. Journal of National Black Nurses' Association, 26, 1–7.

To test the hypothesis that depression and fatigue would be decreased more in the Sisters Tell Others and Revive Yourself (STORY) intervention group than in controls

The STORY intervention was a therapeutic activity delivered to a group via teleconference, using information and storytelling to increase social connections among African American women with breast cancer. A series to teleconferences was facilitated by two social workers with groups of 10 patients. The series was done weekly for eight weeks, and every other week for two weeks. Participants received small stipends during the study. Patients were randomly assigned to the STORY intervention or usual care. This particular report used secondary analysis to determine the impact of this intervention on depression and fatigue.

• N = 168
• MEAN AGE: 56.7 years
• RANGE: 32-83 years
• FEMALES: 100%
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: All had breast cancer.

• SITE: Single site
• SETTING TYPE: Not specified
• LOCATION: Southeastern United States

• Randomized, controlled trial

• Profile of Mood States Short Form (POMS-SF)

There was no significant difference in fatigue or depression between study groups.

The psychoeducational intervention delivered via teleconference as tested here did not demonstrate an effect on fatigue or depression.

• Risk of bias (no blinding)
• Risk of bias (no appropriate attentional control condition)
• Unintended interventions or applicable interventions not described that would influence results
• Measurement validity/reliability questionable
• The single instrument used may not have been the best for measurement of these symptoms.
• The educational content regarding how to manage fatigue and depression are not described, and from the description that is provided, it is not clear that patients were educated about evidence-based approaches to combat fatigue.
• It is unclear whether levels of fatigue and depression were high enough to expect to see a reduction with an intervention.

The psychoeducational and supportive intervention tested did not show an effect on depression or fatigue. This report does provide information regarding using a teleconference approach to provision of a group intervention, which might be applicable in a number of situations to facilitate patient involvement in this type of activity. Further research regarding the most effective methods of delivery of educational and supportive interventions is needed.