Nurse-led group information for patients with breast cancer: Equal to individual information? A comparative study

Aim: To investigate outpatients with breast cancer perception of information before and after changed informational practice.

Design: The design was a comparative study.

Method: Information about breast cancer treatment and chemotherapy toxicity changed from individual to nurse-led group information. Women with early-stage breast cancer were eligible. To evaluate individual versus group information, the patients completed a questionnaire at their third cycle of chemotherapy, including Knowledge of treatment, Support from healthcare professionals or peers and general self-efficacy Ability to act in everyday life. The study is registered in OSF https://osf.io/bh7wg.

Results: In total, 90 participants in two groups were included: (a) individual information (N = 44) and (b) group information (N = 46). Groups were comparable in age and educational level. Both groups found the information satisfactory, with no significant differences regarding perceived knowledge or support. Five of ten questions in self-efficacy showed significantly better outcomes in patients receiving group information but with no difference in overall self-efficacy. Group information was non-inferior compared with individual information. Patients were satisfied in both groups.