Prechemotherapy Education: Reducing Patient Anxiety Through Nurse-Led Teaching Sessions

Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2018 Feb 1;22(1):76-82. doi: 10.1188/18.CJON.76-82.

Abstract

Background: Patients with cancer experience stress surrounding diagnosis and treatment. Many cancer centers employ a nurse-led education session to alleviate patient anxiety and confusion. .

Objectives: The goal was to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led chemotherapy teaching session on patients' knowledge, anxiety, and preparedness for cancer-directed therapy. .

Methods: After discussing treatment with their oncologist, participants completed a survey assessing their perceived understanding of various treatment topics. After, they underwent a teaching session with an oncology nurse. The survey was readministered when patients returned for their first and second treatment cycles. .

Findings: Significant increases were observed in patients' understanding of their treatment schedule, potential adverse effects, and antiemetic medication regimen by the first cycle of therapy and a reduction in treatment-related anxiety by the second cycle of therapy.

Keywords: anxiety; cancer; chemotherapy; nursing; patient/public education.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anxiety / prevention & control*
  • Depression / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Nurse-Patient Relations
  • Oncology Nursing / methods*
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Surveys and Questionnaires