Jahn, P., Renz, P., Stukenkemper, J., Book, K., Kuss, O., Jordan, K., … Landenberger, M. (2009). Reduction of chemotherapy-induced anorexia, nausea, and emesis through a structured nursing intervention: A cluster-randomized multicenter trial. Supportive Care in Cancer, 17, 1543–1552.
To evaluate a multi-modular self-care program, Self-Care Improvement through Oncology Nursing (SCION), consisting of emesis treatment, nutritional support, counseling, and relaxation interventions to reduce anorexia, nausea, and emesis (ANE)
Patients were randomized to receive either standard care (control) or the SCION program, which included four modular, algorithm-based protocols. In the intervention group, all patients received Module 1, \"Information leaflet,\" and Module 2, \"Structured consultation,\" at various times during treatment. Module 3 “Nutrition counseling” and Module 4 “Relaxation” were given if a patient developed significant nausea, emesis, or weight loss. Patients in the control group received set emesis prophylaxis. Assessments were made on days 1–5 of two chemotherapy cycles and day 8 of the second cycle.
The study was conducted in inpatient and outpatient settings at two German university hospitals.
All patients were in active treatment.
This was a randomized, controlled study.
The initial hypothesis, that a structured intervention for patients receiving chemotherapy with moderate or high emetogenic potential would significantly decrease ANE intensity, was not supported. The effectiveness of the nursing intervention to reduce chemotherapy-induced ANE and increase QOL could not be supported. Rather, the intervention was reported to have a negative effect on QOL.
The SCION program had no effect in reducing distressing ANE.