Nicole C Allard1. 1. Health Sciences Department, University of Quebec, Rimouski, Canada. nicole_allard@uqar.qc.ca
Abstract
PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of a nursing intervention based on self-regulation theory known as the Attentional Focus and Symptom Management Intervention (AFSMI) in enhancing physical and emotional well-being in women who underwent day surgery for breast cancer. DESIGN: Randomized clinical block trial; subjects were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n = 61) or the usual care (control) group (n = 56). Subjects in the experimental group received the AFSMI during two phone sessions, at 3-4 days and 10-11 days after surgery. SETTING: The convenience sample was drawn from five regional centers located in different geographic areas (urban and rural regions) in Quebec, Canada. SAMPLE: 117 patients with primary breast cancer who underwent day surgery as part of their initial treatment for cancer. METHODS: Data collection and nursing intervention via telephone interviews. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Functional status and emotional distress. FINDINGS: Significant differences between the experimental and control group were found at post-test on home management, total mood disturbance, confusion, and tension scores. CONCLUSIONS: The AFSMI was effective in reducing emotional distress and enhancing physical functioning. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Findings validate the use of the self-regulation model in designing individualized nursing interventions. Redirecting attention and focusing on concrete objective features hold potential in developing other innovative nursing interventions.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of a nursing intervention based on self-regulation theory known as the Attentional Focus and Symptom Management Intervention (AFSMI) in enhancing physical and emotional well-being in women who underwent day surgery for breast cancer. DESIGN: Randomized clinical block trial; subjects were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n = 61) or the usual care (control) group (n = 56). Subjects in the experimental group received the AFSMI during two phone sessions, at 3-4 days and 10-11 days after surgery. SETTING: The convenience sample was drawn from five regional centers located in different geographic areas (urban and rural regions) in Quebec, Canada. SAMPLE: 117 patients with primary breast cancer who underwent day surgery as part of their initial treatment for cancer. METHODS: Data collection and nursing intervention via telephone interviews. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Functional status and emotional distress. FINDINGS: Significant differences between the experimental and control group were found at post-test on home management, total mood disturbance, confusion, and tension scores. CONCLUSIONS: The AFSMI was effective in reducing emotional distress and enhancing physical functioning. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Findings validate the use of the self-regulation model in designing individualized nursing interventions. Redirecting attention and focusing on concrete objective features hold potential in developing other innovative nursing interventions.