2061. Energy for Living with
Cancer: A Cancer Rehabilitation Group Intervention Study. Pilot
Findings
S Holley, VISN 8 Patient Safety Center of Inquiry, James A. Haley
VAMC, D Borger, University Community Hospital, Tampa, FL
Objectives: To evaluate
the acceptability and efficacy of a rehabilitation group intervention for
persons with cancer experiencing cancer related fatigue (CRF), and examine the
effects of the program on CRF distress, quality of life (QOL), and depression.
Methods: After informed
consent, participants completed the Cancer Related Fatigue Distress Scale, the
Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression, the Functional Living
Index-Cancer, and a demographic information form. The intervention is eight,
weekly, 90-minute sessions consisting of educational and sharing components. At
the eighth session, participants are asked to complete the three instruments
plus a program evaluation.
Results: Twenty
participants have completed the program in four different groups. The
preliminary mean age was 63.6 (38-86). These participants had 6 different types
of cancers and 15 patients were receiving some form of cancer therapy during
their participation in the program. Preliminary results indicate that the
program provided information, support, and management strategies for CRF. The
mean for the program evaluations over-all was 9.8 (0-10 scale, range 9-10).
Statistically significant differences (p = < .000) were found for pre and
post test fatigue distress and quality of life scores.
Conclusions: Preliminary
findings indicate that this intervention is appropriate and beneficial for
cancer patients experiencing fatigue, even for those patients who are very
debilitated. This intervention program needs further testing a in randomized
clinical trial to further assess its efficacy for improved safety.
Impact: This rehabilitation program has the potential to assist persons with cancer to safely manage the sequelae of their illness and treatments.