Effects of a Brief Psychosocial Intervention in Patients With Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Therapy

Purpose/Objectives: To test the effects of a brief psychosocial intervention using CD-ROM (BPIC) on psychosocial (fighting spirit, helplessness or hopelessness, anxiety, and depression) and behavioral (self-care behaviors) outcomes in patients with cancer receiving adjuvant therapy.

Design: Quasi-experimental.

Setting: A comprehensive cancer center in Seoul, South Korea.

Sample: 71 patients undergoing adjuvant therapy.

Methods: The study participants were assigned to either BPIC or a control group. The experimental group underwent a two-week psychosocial intervention via CD-ROM, booklet, and telephone counseling.

Main Research Variables: Fighting spirit, helplessness or hopelessness, anxiety, depression, and self-care behaviors.

Findings: After BPIC, the experimental group showed significantly higher scores than the control group for fighting spirit (p = 0.005) and self-care behaviors (p < 0.001). However, the groups showed no significant differences in helplessness or hopelessness (p = 0.42), anxiety (p = 0.279), and depression (p = 0.068).

Conclusions: BPIC use improved fighting spirit and self-care behaviors in study participants. The results partially support the effectiveness of BPIC for adaptation among patients with cancer receiving adjuvant therapy.

Implications for Nursing: A brief psychosocial intervention using multimedia can be used effectively in clinical oncology settings to accelerate adaptation among patients with cancer in the adjuvant phase.