A psychological intervention programme for patients with breast cancer under chemotherapy and at a high risk of depression: A randomised clinical trial

Aims and objectives This study aimed to develop a nurse-led psychological intervention program and to evaluate its effects on psychological distress and quality of life in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy and at a high risk of depression. Background Depression is common among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Psychological intervention programs that improve psychological distress and quality of life have previously been lacking in South Korea. Design This was a pre- and post-test randomized controlled trial. Methods The nurse-led psychological intervention program comprised seven weekly counseling sessions delivered face-to-face and telephonically. These aimed to provide emotional support to patients and to enable them to express their feelings. Patients at a high risk of depression were recruited from an oncology outpatient clinic in a university hospital. Sixty participants were evenly and randomly allocated to either the intervention group or the control group. The effects of the intervention on psychological distress (mood disturbance, anxiety, and depression) and quality of life were examined using linear mixed models. Results Compared with the control group, the intervention group reported significantly lower mood disturbance, anxiety, and depression, and showed an improved global health status and physical, role, and emotional functions. They also reported fewer symptoms such as fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain, and insomnia. Conclusions Our nurse-led psychological intervention program might reduce patients’ uncertainty and encourage them to be pro-active and self-controllable. Relevance to clinical practice Nurse-led psychological intervention programs should be implemented to reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life in patients with breast cancer, particularly those at a high risk of depression. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.