Joachim B Weis1, Kathrin Gschwendtner2, Jürgen M Giesler3, Leonie Adams4, Markus A Wirtz5. 1. Comprehensive Cancer Center Department of Cancer Self-Help Research, Medical Center University Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 49, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. joachim.weis@uniklinik-freiburg.de. 2. Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany. 3. Institute of Medical Biometry und Statistics, Section of Health Services Research and Rehabilitation Research, Medical Center University Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany. 4. Department of Public Health and Education, University of Education, Freiburg, Germany. 5. Department of Research Methods, University of Education, Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate an outpatient psychoeducational group program for breast cancer patients aimed to improve various psychosocial parameters, enhancing the patients' competence and reducing fear of recurrence. METHODS: The study is based on a multi-center, non-randomized control group design with three measurement time points (T1 baseline, T2 end of the intervention, T3 6-week follow-up). Breast cancer patients were assessed with various standardized questionnaires including fear of progression, self-efficacy, depression, and quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 50 breast cancer patients participated (intervention group n = 27, control group n = 23). The results show a significant reduction in the fear of progression/recurrence (FoPR) (p = 0.003) and a significant increase in self-efficacy (SE) (p = 0.007) for the intervention group with a large (FoPR, Eta2 = .178) and medium (SE, Eta2 = .113) effect size, respectively. For all other outcome criteria such as depressive symptoms, social support, or quality of life, no significant changes over time or differences between both groups were found. CONCLUSIONS: The psychoeducational program has been proven to be effective for breast cancer survivors, but further investigation based on a randomized trial is necessary. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: To improve participation rate assessment of patient's needs and close cooperation with rehabilitation centers, psychosocial counseling services, and medical oncologists are recommended.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate an outpatient psychoeducational group program for breast cancerpatients aimed to improve various psychosocial parameters, enhancing the patients' competence and reducing fear of recurrence. METHODS: The study is based on a multi-center, non-randomized control group design with three measurement time points (T1 baseline, T2 end of the intervention, T3 6-week follow-up). Breast cancerpatients were assessed with various standardized questionnaires including fear of progression, self-efficacy, depression, and quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 50 breast cancerpatients participated (intervention group n = 27, control group n = 23). The results show a significant reduction in the fear of progression/recurrence (FoPR) (p = 0.003) and a significant increase in self-efficacy (SE) (p = 0.007) for the intervention group with a large (FoPR, Eta2 = .178) and medium (SE, Eta2 = .113) effect size, respectively. For all other outcome criteria such as depressive symptoms, social support, or quality of life, no significant changes over time or differences between both groups were found. CONCLUSIONS: The psychoeducational program has been proven to be effective for breast cancer survivors, but further investigation based on a randomized trial is necessary. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: To improve participation rate assessment of patient's needs and close cooperation with rehabilitation centers, psychosocial counseling services, and medical oncologists are recommended.
Entities:
Keywords:
Breast cancer survivors; Patient competence; Psychoeducational intervention; Psychological distress; Quality of life; Self-efficacy