Chan, C.W., Richardson, A., & Richardson, J. (2011). Managing symptoms in patients with advanced lung cancer during radiotherapy: Results of a psychoeducational randomized controlled trial. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 41, 347–357.
To examine the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention (PEI) on the symptom cluster of anxiety, breathlessness, and fatigue compared with usual care
A 40-minute educational intervention consisted of preparatory information; discussion of symptom experience; exploration of means of, and goals associated with, symptoms; advice on self-care strategies; and training and practice in progressive muscle relaxation. The educational package consisted of an audiotape and leaflets as well as discussion on the selected symptoms and their self-care management.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
A pre/post-test randomized controlled trial design was used.
Univariate tests on anxiety showed a significant difference (p = 0.001) in the pattern of change over the course of time, with a very small effect size (partial eta² = 0.051).
Findings suggest that interventions such as those tested in the current study, including progressive muscle relaxation, education, and counseling, have significant effects on patterns of symptom change over time.
Progressive muscle relaxation and education may be helpful in managing anxiety, fatigue, and breathlessness in patients with cancer, but effects may be small.