Efficacy of an Algorithm-Based Nursing Intervention to Promote a Balance Between Cancer Patients' Social Roles and Outpatient Treatment: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background Cancer patients undergoing treatment are often unable to balance treatment and work because of the time required for care at the hospital and a desire to avoid problems at work. Objective The aim of this study was to elucidate the efficacy of an algorithm-based nursing intervention (ANI) to promote balance between social roles and outpatient treatment in cancer patients. Methods Participants were outpatients receiving cancer therapy and randomly assigned to a control or an intervention group, the latter to receive ANI for 2 months. The outcomes were assessed using the Distress and Impact Thermometer and changes in employment status. Data from 54 evaluable participants in each group were analyzed. Results Distress and Impact Thermometer scores in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P