Energy for living with cancer: preliminary findings of a cancer rehabilitation group intervention study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of a rehabilitation group intervention for people with cancer experiencing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and examine the effects of the program on CRF distress. quality of life (QOL), and depression.


METHODS
Prospective, pre-/post-test intervention.


METHODS
An outpatient area of a 551 -bed tertiary-care community hospital in the southeastern United States.


METHODS
20 participants have completed the program in four different groups. The preliminary mean age was 63.6 (range = 38-86). These participants had six different types of cancers, and 15 patients were receiving some form of cancer therapy during their participation in the program.


METHODS
After providing 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 consists of eight weekly, 90-minute sessions with educational and sharing components. At the eighth session, participants were asked to complete the three instruments plus a program evaluation.


METHODS
CRF distress, depression, QOL.


RESULTS
Preliminary results indicate that the program provided information, support, and management strategies for CRF. The mean for the program evaluations overall was 9.8 (0-10 scale, range = 9-10). Statistically significant differences were found for pre- and post-test fatigue distress and QOL scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary findings indicate that this intervention is appropriate and beneficial for patients with cancer experiencing fatigue, even for those patients who are very debilitated.


CONCLUSIONS
The program can be used as a rehabilitation program to help people with cancer to manage the sequelae of their illness and treatments.
Holley
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James A. Haley Veteran's Administration Medical Center, College of Nursing at the University of South Florida, Tampa, USA. Sandra.holley@med.va.gov
Borger
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D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005221:Fatigue / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group