Implementation and evaluation of group therapy designed to enhance self-care ability of cancer patients undergoing treatment

ABSTRACT

<b>Purpose</b> The aim of this study was to develop a nursing intervention program for use in enhancing the self-care abilities of cancer patients receiving treatment on an outpatient basis. <b>Method</b> Four-week-long combined group therapies were conducted on 15 subjects. The effects of these therapies were then examined. <b>Results</b> Subjects' mean age was 56.86±11.52 years; mean duration of disease was 28.6±18.14 months. Between before and after the intervention, two scales showed significant improvements EORTC QLQ-C30 Global health status (p<0.023) and STAI state anxiety scale (p<0.022). As a result of field note data analysis, "change of attitude toward cancer treatment at home" and "response to the program" were identified. <b>Conclusion</b> Because the subjects were highly motivated individuals, with substantial self-care ability from the beginning, their ESCA scores did not show any change between before and after intervention. Nevertheless, the inner changes that occurred to the subjects indicated that their self-care ability had improved. Palliat Care Res 2009; 4(1) 201-206