Vilela, L. D., Nicolau, B., Mahmud, S., Edgar, L., Hier, M., Black, M., . . .Allison, P. J. (2006). Comparison of psychosocial outcomes in head and neck cancer patients receiving a coping strategies intervention and control subjects receiving no intervention. Journal of Otolaryngology, 35, 88–96.

The aim of the Nucare program intervention was to educate individuals with cancer on how to cope with the disease. Didactic materials consisted of a workbook, a cassette/CD guide to supplement the workbook material, and music to accompany the relaxation training component. The following eight components were emphasized in the Nucare program:  good coping, ways of thinking, communication, effective use of social support, problem-solving techniques, goal setting, healthy lifestyle, and relaxation training. The intervention was delivered in three formats:  (1) small-group (three to four participants with a trained therapist), (2) one-to-one (a participant and a therapist); or (3) home (the participant was provided with didactic material to use at home with no therapist). Data were collected at baseline and three to four months later.

Patients were included if they 

• Had primary head and neck cancer
• Were up to 36 months following diagnosis
• Were posttreatment.

Baseline

• Sixty-six participants (78.8% male) were included.
• Mean age was 56.7 years (range 30–84).
• Of the participants, 78.8% were male, 63.6% were retired or working, 65.2% had high school education or less, 69.7% were with a partner or relative, 56% were late stage, the majority (30.3%) had larynx cancer, 48.5% had received combination radiotherapy (RT) and surgery, 90.9% had no history of cancer, and 87.9% had no recurrence.

Follow-up

• Forty-five participants (80% male) were included.
• Mean age was 57.3 years (range 30–84).
• Of the participants, 70.1% were retired or working, 57.8% had high school education or less, 84.1% were with a partner or relative, 66.7% were late stage, 40% had pharyngeal cancer, 55.6% had received combination RT and surgery, 91.1% had no history of cancer, and 91.1% had no recurrence.

Patients who were in palliative or terminal care or who were unable to complete the outcomes questionnaires were excluded.

Outpatient clinic at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal

Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.

The study used a feasibility, prospective, nonrandomized design.

European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30)

On the EORTC QLQ-C30, a statistically significant improvement was observed in fatigue (p < 0.05) in the intervention group. The control group showed deterioration at follow-up, but it was not significant.

• The study design lacked randomization, and age/gender distributions were dissimilar between the intervention and control groups.
• The sample size was determined by logistical and financial restraints.
• The study had a small sample size.