Mahendran, R., Lim, H.A., Tan, J.Y., Chua, J., Lim, S.E., Ang, E.N., & Kua, E.H. (2015). Efficacy of a brief nurse-led pilot psychosocial intervention for newly diagnosed Asian cancer patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, 23, 2203–2206.
To determine if psychosocial interventions, led by nurses instead of mental health professionals, for patients newly diagnosed with cancer in Singapore could help ease distress, minor psychiatric morbidity, and psychosocial worry
This quasiexperimental study researched the benefits of a six-month nurse-led psychosocial intervention program for patients with newly diagnosed with cancer receiving chemotherapy. The program consisted of 20- to 30-minute sessions with a nurse and occurred monthly for two visits and bimonthly for two more visits. Participants were offered this intervention along with their treatment. Training of the oncology RNs at the National Cancer Institute in Singapore included personal training by a psychiatrist and a psychologist on psychoeducation for managing stress, sleep hygiene, anxiety, and depression and included resources, deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and inspirational self-talk. Patients also received counseling, supportive therapy, and printed/audio education to encourage practice at home. The RN training also included simulated one-on-one sessions with feedback on performance. Demographic and medical data were collected. Primary outcomes were measured by questionnaires at baseline and at six months.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
One hundred twenty-one participants were recruited. Seventy (58%) chose to participate, and the rest received treatment as usual (TAU). Sixty-three (90%) participants completed the four nurse-led sessions and were available at six months for reassessment. No significant demographic difference was reported between the intervention and TAU groups at baseline. No significant demographic difference existed between those followed up with and those lost to follow-up, but those lost to follow-up did have higher anxiety and depression scores at baseline. The intervention group had significantly increased distress, anxiety, and depression scores and lower EQ-5D scores at baseline. The intervention group participants had significantly reduced distress (p = 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and depression (p < 0.001) scores, as well as greatly improved quality of life over time. Participants receiving TAU also showed a decline in anxiety and depression over time, with essentially stable distress scores.
A six-month intervention of psychoeducation, counseling, and behavior technique teaching improved participants’ distress, quality of life, anxiety, and depression.