Feasibility of a patient-controlled cognitive-behavioral intervention for pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance in cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of a patient-controlled cognitive-behavioral intervention for pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance during treatment for advanced cancer and to assess initial efficacy of the intervention.

DESIGN

One group pre- and post-test design.

SETTING

Outpatient oncology clinics at a comprehensive cancer center in the midwestern United States.

SAMPLE

30 adults with advanced (recurrent or metastatic) colorectal, lung, prostate, or gynecologic cancer receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

METHODS

Participants completed baseline measures (e.g., demographics, symptom inventory) and received education and training to use an MP3 player loaded with 12 cognitive-behavioral strategies (e.g., relaxation exercises, guided imagery, nature sound recordings). Participants used the strategies as needed for symptom management for two weeks, keeping a log of symptom ratings with each use. Following the two-week intervention, participants completed a second symptom inventory and an evaluation of the intervention.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Feasibility, patient-controlled cognitive-behavioral intervention, pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.

FINDINGS

Thirty of 43 eligible patients (73%) agreed to participate; of them, 27 (90%) completed the study. Most reported that they enjoyed the intervention, had learned useful skills, and perceived improvement in their symptoms. Symptom scores at two weeks did not differ significantly from baseline; however, significant reductions in pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance severity were found in ratings made immediately before and after use of a cognitive-behavioral strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

The patient-controlled cognitive-behavioral intervention appears to be feasible for additional study and could reduce day-to-day severity of co-occurring pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

A randomized, controlled trial is needed to test efficacy of the intervention for co-occurring pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Meanwhile, based on previous efficacy studies, cognitive-behavioral strategies can be recommended for certain individual symptoms.