Mertz, B.G., Dunn-Henriksen, A.K., Kroman, N., Johansen, C., Andersen, K.G., Andersson, M., . . . Envold Bidstrup, P. (2017). The effects of individually tailored nurse navigation for patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer: A randomized pilot study. Acta Oncologica, 56, 1682–1689.

To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of an individual, nurse-navigator intervention for relieving distress, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

Symptom screening and counseling by nurse navigator; specific intervention described in detail in prior paper.

• N = 50   
• AGE: Mean age = 55 in control group and mean age = 50 in intervention group
• FEMALES: 100%
• CURRENT TREATMENT: Not applicable
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Breast cancer

• SITE: Single site   
• SETTING TYPE: Outpatient    
• LOCATION: Copenhagen, Denmark

PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care

Randomized, interventional pilot study with outcomes assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months

Distress Thermometer; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30

Women in the intervention group reported significantly greater satisfaction with treatment and rehabilitation and lower levels of distress, anxiety, and depression after 12 months. No significant effects on health-related quality of life were noted.

Individually tailored nurse navigation intervention resulted in statistically significant lower levels of distress, anxiety, and depression.

Small sample (< 100)

Oncology nurses are in a key position to screen for distress in women with breast cancer. Patients with high levels of distress may benefit from individually tailored counseling to decrease distress, anxiety, and depression.