Developing of a nursing intervention for promoting self-management of cancer-related fatigue in lung cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the effects of a nursing intervention program for promoting self-management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in lung cancer patients receiving postoperative adjuvant Chemotherapy. Method(s): The program was devised for lung cancer patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy by the researcher in order to reduce CRF and improve physical function and QOL through increased physical activity in accordance with their physical and mental state. This was a structured program that included of supporting increase of self-efficacy and positive outcome expectations of as its constituent elements, and which employed cognitive support, educational support, and emotional support, incorporating self-monitoring as well as three types of exercise, including low-intensity endurance training. The program was conducted in 3 face-to-face sessions and 3 telephone sessions individually for 6 weeks. The program was administered to lung cancer patients (intervention group; 10 patients). Data (CRF, physical function, and QOL) were collected from the intervention group and usual care group (10 patients) at baseline, immediately after intervention, and 1 month after intervention. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and multiple comparison procedure. Result(s): Repeated measures analyses of variance revealed significant group by time interaction effect for CRF, physical function, and QOL. In the intervention group, CRF showed statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001), and secondary outcomes also showed significant improvements until 1 month after intervention in almost measures, including exercise; Ex (P < 0.001), 6-min walk distance (P < 0.01), general health perception (P < 0.01), social function (P < 0.001), and mental health (P < 0.001). Conclusion(s): The results suggest that the program produces the reduction of CRF, and the improvements in physical function and QOL in lung cancer patients receiving postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.