title: Education and counselling group intervention for women treated for gynaecological cancer: does it help?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Women who have been through gynaecological cancer, experience challenges on many levels after diagnosis and treatment. Studies show that, in order to help women in their rehabilitation process, there is a need for holistic care and follow-up.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this qualitative study is to provide insight into women's own lived experiences of participating in an education and counselling group intervention after curative treatment for gynaecological cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study based on data from three focus groups with 17 women who had participated in a nurse-led education and counselling group intervention after treatment for gynaecological cancer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The main findings show that participation in the rehabilitation group was described as a special community of mutual understanding and belonging. Education and the sharing of knowledge provided a clearer vocabulary for, and understanding of, the women's own lived experiences. The presence of dedicated and professional care workers was reported to be essential for the outcome of the group intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Attending a nurse-led education and counselling group intervention had a positive impact on various aspects of the women's lived experiences. The programme also provided professionals with important insights into the patients' views and feelings regarding cancer treatment, trajectories and rehabilitation. This knowledge has already proven itself useful in clinical practice for improving staff communication skills and psycho-social support related to gynaecological cancer care.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
authors: Ragnhild Johanne Tveit
authors: RJ
authors: Sekse
authors: Gunnhild
authors: G
authors: Blaaka
authors: Ingjerd
authors: I
authors: Buestad
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Tengesdal
authors: Anita
authors: A
authors: Paulsen
authors: Margrethe
authors: M
authors: Vika
mesh_terms: D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group
keywords: education and counselling group intervention; empowerment; focus groups; gynaecological cancer; holistic care; rehabilitation; shared experiences