Effect of an integrated narrative program (INP) on quality of life among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): An experimental trial

Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2024 Oct 3:73:102706. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102706. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of an integrated narrative program (INP) in enhancing the resilience, self-efficacy and quality of life of postoperative NSCLC patients.

Methods: 135 patients participated in this trial. 45 participants were recruited into the integrated narrative program group and received both the digital storytelling intervention and narrative therapy after a randomized controlled trial, while the control group (n = 45) received routine care and the intervention group (n = 45) underwent the digital storytelling intervention (DST). Questionnaires were administered to assess resilience, self-efficacy and quality of life at baseline (T0) (within 3 days before surgery), immediately after intervention (T1), one month post-intervention (T2), and three months post-intervention (T3). A linear mixed effects model was conducted via the intention-to-treat analysis.

Results: During follow-up assessments, the INP group exhibited significantly greater increase in resilience, self-efficacy, and quality of life (all P < 0.001) compared to both DST group and control group, which were consistent with the sensitivity analysis results (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The INP was more effective than DST in improving the resilience, self-efficacy, and quality of life of postoperative NSCLC patients, and these benefits could persist for at least three months post-intervention. Due to the fact that the INP process is relatively complicated, so we recommend the use of web-based platforms for INP interventions in future clinical work.

Keywords: Digital storytelling; Narrative therapy; Non-small cell lung cancer; Quality of life; Resilience; Self-efficacy.