Promoting adjustment among women with breast cancer and their partners: a program of research

• Published in: The Journal of the New York State Nurses Association Vol. 32; no. 2; p. 19
• Main Author: Hoskins, C N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 2001
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Attitude to Health; Breast Neoplasms - psychology; Breast Neoplasms - therapy; Counseling; Crisis Intervention - organization & administration; Feasibility Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Promotion - organization & administration; Health Services Needs and Demand; Health Status; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mental Health; Nursing Evaluation Research; Patient Education as Topic - organization & administration; Pilot Projects; Sick Role; Social Support; Spouses - education; Spouses - psychology; Telephone; Videotape Recording
• ISSN: 0028-7644

A three-phase program of research consisted of: (1) data collection at eight data points across one year on predictors and outcomes of adjustment among 128 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 121 partners; (2) development of phase-specific interventions: standardized education by videotape (SE), and telephone counseling (TC); and (3) a pilot study among 12 patient-partner pairs. Four phases were identified: diagnostic, post-surgical, adjuvant therapy, and ongoing recovery. Needs were categorized as those related to: (1) physical well-being, (2) emotional well-being; (3) support; and (4) the healthcare system. In the pilot study, each group consisted of 4 patient-partner pairs, randomly assigned to one of four groups. At each of the four phases, all groups received the currently accepted disease management (DM). Group 1: DM * Group 2: DM+SE * Group 3: DM+TC * Group 4: DM+SE+TC. Measures of outcomes validated in the longitudinal study were administered. The feasibility of a confirmatory randomized clinical trial was demonstrated. Preliminary evidence indicates the importance of research-based, phase-specific educational and counseling interventions that have a positive effect on adjustment among both patients and their families.