Given, B., Given, C.W., McCorkle, R., Kozachik, S., Cimprich, B., Rahbar, M.H., & Wojcik, C. (2002). Pain and fatigue management: Results of a nursing randomized clinical trial. Oncology Nursing Forum, 29, 949–956.
To compare, in a population of initial-chemotherapy patients reporting pain and fatigue, a supportive nursing intervention plus conventional care versus conventional care
The intervention consisted of an 18-week, 10-contact approach that included problem-solving strategies to manage symptoms and improve physical functioning and emotional health. Investigators conducted interviews at baseline and at 10 and 20 weeks.
Phase of care: active treatment
Randomized clinical trial
At 22 weeks, patients in the experimental group reported 3.3 symptoms and patients in the control group reported 4.4 symptoms. Of those in both groups who reported neither pain nor fatigue at 20 weeks, the average number of other symptoms reported per patient was less than one symptom. At 20 weeks, authors noted no significant differences between groups in regard to pain or fatigue.
Patients who received the intervention reported a significant reduction in the number of symptoms experienced and improved physical and social functioning. Fewer patients in the experimental arm reported both pain and fatigue at 20 weeks.
Findings suggest that behavioral interventions targeted to patients with pain and fatigue can reduce the symptom burden, improve the quality of the daily lives of patients, and demonstrate the value-added role of nursing care for patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study supports the work of Thomas et al. (2012), which evaluated a nursing-led cognitive behavioral intervention focused on improving symptom management and overall quality of life.