• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.74-82
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• 2011

Purpose: This study was performed to systematically review the recently published nursing intervention studies. Methods: The literature was identified through the Korean Education and Research Information Service (KERIS), the Korean Information Service System (KISS), and National Assembly Library websites. Key words such as breast cancer, nursing, and intervention were used. The factors analyzed are as follows: 1) the characteristics of studies and study populations, 2) the classification of interventions, 3) outcome indicators and their effects, and 4) effective interventions. Results: Thirty two studies were included. Seventeen studies used a single intervention such as aerobic dance, TaiChi, foot massage, aromatherapy, or a stress-reduction method. Fifteen studies used combined interventions, including education, exercise, counseling, support, yoga or meditation. The data on 47 outcome indicators and their effects were segregated into psycho/spiritual outcomes, stress coping, physical outcomes, cardiorespiratory function, symptom management, arm and shoulder functions, fatigue, and quality of life. Some interventions had positive effects on stress, fatigue, and functions of shoulder. Conclusion: Various interventions are available for breast cancer patients, and some have had positive effects. However, more studies are required to develop evidence-based practice guidelines for nursing interventions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.22
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• pp.9767-9771
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• 2014

Background: Social support is an important factor in psycho-social well-being of cancer survivors. There is little information about level of social support and its predictors among cancer survivors in Iran or other Middle Eastern countries. The aims of present study were to determine the social support and its prediction factors among Iranian cancer survivors. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study 187 cancer patients in one educational center and one private oncology office in northwest of Iran participated using a convenient sampling method. The data collection tool consisted of a researcher-prepared checklist and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Assessment (MSPSS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software with descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The total score of MSPSS was 68 from a possible score between 7 and 84. Participants believed that they received a high level of support from their family members and significant others. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that single and depressed cancer survivors and participants with lower levels of physical activity believed that they received lower levels of social support. Conclusions: Iranian cancer survivors receive high levels of social support and family members are the most important source of this support. In planning any supportive care program for Iranian cancer survivors this strength should be considered. Especially, single and depressed and patients with lower levels of physical activity need more attention.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.135-143
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• 2021

End-of-life patients experience physical, mental, social, and existential distress. While medical personnel provide medication and care to alleviate patients' distress, listening to and interacting with patients remains essential for understanding their psychological condition. The most important tool, though difficult to implement in practice, is end-of-life discussion (EOLD). EOLD has been shown to have positive effects on end-of-life treatment choices, achievement of patients' life goals, improvements in the quality of life of patients and their families, and the prevention of depression and complicated grief among bereaved family members. EOLD is not often undertaken in clinical practice, however, due to hesitancy among medical personnel and patients for various reasons. In order to conduct an EOLD, the patient's judgment, psychiatric illnesses such as delirium and depression, and psychological issues such as the side effects of psychotropic drugs, denial, and collusion must be evaluated. Open and honest conversation, treatment goal setting, the doctor's familiarity with the patient's background, and attentiveness when providing information are important elements for any dialogue. Meaning-centered psychotherapy was developed to alleviate the existential distress of cancer patients, and its application may promote EOLD. The future development of meaning-centered psychotherapy in practice and in research is expected to further promote EOLD.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.61-71
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a CD program of applied logotherapy for psycho spiritual care of late adolescents with terminal cancer. Methods: Keller & Song's ARCS theory and a model for developing learning materials was applied to develop this program composed four distinct phases: planning, designing, developing, and evaluation stages. Results: This program was entitled 'Finding meaning in my life' and consisted of 5 sessions and its educational contents were made up as follows: "First Secret" is 'learning three natures of the human mind', "Second Secret" is 'learning creative values first method to find meaning of life', "Third Secret" is 'learning experiential value as second method to find meaning of life', "Fourth Secret" is 'learning attitudinal value as third method to find meaning of life', and "Fifth Secret" is 'Becoming the master of my life'. The sub-menu was made up of 'Beginning', 'Opening mind', 'Learning'. 'Laughing Song', 'Experiencing'. Conclusion: This CD program applied logotherapy with flash animation technique as an emotional and spiritual nursing intervention program for easier and more scientific application in pediatric oncology and hospice care area.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.283-291
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• 2016

Over the past decade, hospice and palliative care in Japan have progressed rapidly under the national policies supported by the Cancer Control Act. The numbers of palliative care units/inpatient hospices, hospital palliative care teams, and clinics with a home hospice function have been steadily increasing. The increasing numbers of physicians, nurses, and pharmacists have been certified as specialists in palliative care by national associations. Collaborative efforts have been made to standardize and disseminate educational programs and training opportunities in undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing medical education. Research activities in Japan have markedly contributed to the growing body of evidence, especially in the fields of terminal delirium, terminal dehydration, palliative sedation, care for dying patients, prognostication, communication, psycho-oncology, and regional palliative care programs. This review focuses on major palliative care settings, specialty, national associations, education, and research in palliative care in Japan.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.77-85
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• 2018

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the level of distress using the distress thermometer (DT) and the factors associated with distress in postoperative breast cancer (BC) patients. Methods : DT and WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Abbreviated Version) along with sociodemographic variables were assessed in patients undergoing surgery for their first treatment of BC within one week postoperatively. The distress group consisted of participants with a DT score ${\geq}4$. The prevalence and associative factors of distress were examined by descriptive, univariable, and logistic regression analysis. Results : Three hundred seven women were recruited, and 264 subjects were finally analyzed. A total of 173 (65.5%) were classified into the distress group. The distress group showed significantly younger age (p=0.045), living without a spouse (p=0.032), and worse quality of life (QOL) as measured by overall QOL (p=0.009), general health (p=0.005), physical health domain (p<0.000), and psychological health domain (p=0.002). The logistic regression analysis showed that patients aged 40-49 years were more likely to experience distress than those aged ${\geq}60years$ (Odds ratios [OR]=2.992, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.241-7.215). Moreover, the WHOQOL-BREF physical health domain was a predictive factor of distress (OR=0.777, 95% CI 0.692-0.873). Conclusions : A substantial proportion of patients are experiencing significant distress after BC surgery. It would be expected that distress management, especially in the middle-aged patients and in the domain of physical QOL (e.g., pain, insomnia, fatigue), from the early BC treatment stage might reduce chronic distress.