Effect of a nurse-led pre-chemotherapy education programme on quality of life and psychological distress of patients with breast cancer; a pilot based randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer has seized the whole world and affecting almost one in four women, globally. Many patients receive chemotherapy as treatment regimen. Oncology nurses are responsible to meet the educational needs of newly diagnosed patients and alleviate their anxiety. Objectives of the study were to assess the effects of Nurse-led pre-chemotherapy education programme on quality of life and psychological distress among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on newly diagnosed breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy for the first time at AIIMS, Rishikesh India. Data was obtained from thirty patients (16 in experimental and 14 in control group) by using standardized scale i.e., European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire C-30 (EORTC QLQ C-30)-version-3 and hospital anxiety and distress scale (HADS) to assess quality of life and psychological distress among patients at baseline (before first cycle of chemotherapy) and at chemotherapy cycle 4.Results: The mean scores of qualities of life significantly enhanced in experimental group as compared to control group, in terms of global health status (p=0.00), functional scores (p=0.00) and symptom scores. Similarly, the mean HADS score was significantly less in experimental group as compared to control group (p=0.05).Conclusions: It is concluded that the nurse-led pre-chemotherapy education programme is effective to improve quality of life and reduce psychological distress among patients receiving chemotherapy.