Joanne Thompson1, Rob Coleman2, Brigitte Colwell3, Jenny Freeman4, Diana Greenfield2, Karen Holmes5, Nigel Mathers3, Malcolm Reed6. 1. Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Sam Fox House, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK. Electronic address: j.thompson1@sheffield.ac.uk. 2. Academic Unit of Clinical Oncology, University of Sheffield, UK. 3. Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Sam Fox House, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK. 4. School for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, UK. 5. Cancer Support and Information Centre, Sheffield, UK. 6. Academic Unit of Surgical Oncology, University of Sheffield, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The process of breast cancer follow-up has psychosocial benefits for patients, notably reassurance, although attending hospital appointments can increase anxiety. Discharge from hospital follow-up can also invoke anxiety as many patients seek reassurance from continued specialist follow-up. Inevitably, due to increased survival and associated resource issues, opportunities for follow-up and support will be reduced. We delivered and evaluated an intervention which supported the transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor, for breast cancer patients being discharged to primary care. METHODS: We delivered and evaluated a pilot of a patient-centred group intervention 'Preparing Patients for Discharge', aimed at reducing distress. Between January and September 2008, 172 participants were recruited and 74 (43%) expressed an interest in participating in the intervention; 32 of 74 took part, and participated in its evaluation using a semi-structured evaluation questionnaire, standardized measures [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Clinical Outcomes for Routine Evaluation (CORE)] and independent qualitative interviews. RESULTS: The qualitative analysis of questionnaire data indicated key factors were 1) shared experience, 2) support and reassurance, and 3) positive views about cancer and being discharged. The interview data revealed that the intervention enabled participants to: share experiences, focus on emotional needs, and have open discussions about recurrence, while increasing confidence in being discharged and using alternative support services. However, no significant differences were found in pre-post-interventions scores of HADS and CORE. CONCLUSIONS: Providing a structured group intervention approach for breast cancer patients offers an early opportunity to support cancer survivors and facilitate and encourage self-management.
PURPOSE: The process of breast cancer follow-up has psychosocial benefits for patients, notably reassurance, although attending hospital appointments can increase anxiety. Discharge from hospital follow-up can also invoke anxiety as many patients seek reassurance from continued specialist follow-up. Inevitably, due to increased survival and associated resource issues, opportunities for follow-up and support will be reduced. We delivered and evaluated an intervention which supported the transition from cancerpatient to cancer survivor, for breast cancerpatients being discharged to primary care. METHODS: We delivered and evaluated a pilot of a patient-centred group intervention 'Preparing Patients for Discharge', aimed at reducing distress. Between January and September 2008, 172 participants were recruited and 74 (43%) expressed an interest in participating in the intervention; 32 of 74 took part, and participated in its evaluation using a semi-structured evaluation questionnaire, standardized measures [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Clinical Outcomes for Routine Evaluation (CORE)] and independent qualitative interviews. RESULTS: The qualitative analysis of questionnaire data indicated key factors were 1) shared experience, 2) support and reassurance, and 3) positive views about cancer and being discharged. The interview data revealed that the intervention enabled participants to: share experiences, focus on emotional needs, and have open discussions about recurrence, while increasing confidence in being discharged and using alternative support services. However, no significant differences were found in pre-post-interventions scores of HADS and CORE. CONCLUSIONS: Providing a structured group intervention approach for breast cancerpatients offers an early opportunity to support cancer survivors and facilitate and encourage self-management.
Authors: Ariana Thompson-Lastad; Chloe E Atreya; Maria T Chao; Christine Pollak; Anand Dhruva; Trilce Santana; Donald I Abrams Journal: J Altern Complement Med Date: 2019-07 Impact factor: 2.579
Authors: Annemiek Visser; Hanneke W M van Laarhoven; Paulien H M Govaert; Margrethe S Schlooz; Lisette Jansen; Thijs van Dalen; Judith B Prins Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2015-01-13 Impact factor: 4.442