[Structured patient education in oncology. A prospective study for implementing and effectiveness of interdisciplinary psycho-educational group intervention at a German university clinic].

AIM

To identify the target group for a structured educational group intervention in an acute cancer care setting, and to prove its effectiveness.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cancer patients were given an opportunity to join an educational group intervention lasting 3 weeks (consisting of six times 1 hour). The intervention consisted of two major components: health education and coping skills. Participating patients (intervention group; n = 51) and nonparticipants (control group; n = 57) were evaluated at the beginning, then 2 months and 4 months later by means of standardized questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, TSK, HADS, Henrich's FTP).

RESULTS

Lower social and educational status, nonurban residency, males, and unfavorable prognoses together with palliative treatment intention were found less frequently (p < 0.05) in the intervention group. In comparison to the control group, the intervention group patients were characterized by a significantly greater desire for information and by more treatment-related fear. Improvements in disease-specific knowledge, certain quality of life elements, and in coping occurred only in the intervention group. Increases in the incidence of depression were found only in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a more favorable prognosis, and a higher social and educational status, are more likely to get structured educational group intervention in an acute cancer care setting. For this subset of patients this intervention proves effective. Its importance for the standard care of cancer should be further investigated.