Hanssens, S., Luyten, R., Watthy, C., Fontaine, C., Decoster, L., Baillon, C., . . . De Grève, J. (2011). Evaluation of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for post-treatment patients with cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 38, E418–E424.
To evaluate the effects of a rehabilitation program on quality of life (QOL), fatigue, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), distress, anxiety, depression, and physical condition.
The intervention consisted of a 12-week comprehensive rehabilitation program based on Herstel and Balans’s 12-week program. The program combined physical exercise, psychoeducation, and individual counseling. Each component consisted of
The intervention was provided at no cost to patients.
The study used a prospective, one-group pre-/posttest design.
The rehabilitation program was associated with a positive effect on depression, fatigue, and QOL; however, weaknesses in study design may preclude making a definitive conclusion based on the study. Prospective randomized studies must determine the long-term impact and the relative contribution of the program versus spontaneous recovery. Future research should also consider the cost-effectiveness of the rehabilitation program.
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation can be one way to manage depression and fatigue in patients with cancer.