Kwekkeboom, K. L., Abbott-Anderson, K., & Wanta, B. (2010). Feasibility of a patient-controlled cognitive-behavioral intervention for pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance in cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 37, E151–E159.
To evaluate the feasibility of a patient-controlled, cognitive-behavioral intervention for pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance during treatment for advanced cancer and to assess the initial efficacy of the intervention.
Patients provided baseline measures, such as measures relating to demographics and a symptom inventory, received education, and underwent training to use an mp3 player loaded with 12 cognitive-behavioral strategies (relaxation exercises, guided imagery, nature sounds). Patients used the strategies as needed for symptom management for two weeks and kept a log of symptom ratings with each use. Following the two-week intervention, patients completed a second symptom inventory and an evaluation of the intervention. Clinic staff identified patients who met the eligibility criteria based on diagnosis and treatment and then were briefly introduced to the study and asked if a research nurse could visit to provide additional information. The research nurse met with interested patients, assessed symptoms, and completed eligibility screening. Study purpose and procedures were explained, and written informed consent was obtained.
The study used a one-group, pre- and postintervention design.
The patient-controlled, cognitive-behavioral intervention is feasible and may reduce the day-to-day severity of co-occurring pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.
The findings support nurse education and the recommendation of the specified patient-controlled, cognitive-behavioral interventions for the management of pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. In regard to patient care and symptom management at all stages of cancer, nurses are the front-line educators of patients. This intervention supports the principle of autonomy for patients able to participate actively in care. Further study—a randomized, controlled trial to test the efficacy of the intervention for co-occurring pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance—was under way at the time this study was published.