• Kristine L Kwekkeboom, Kristen Abbott-Anderson, and Britt Wanta.
• School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA. Kwekkeboom@wisc.edu
• Oncol Nurs Forum. 2010 May 1;37(3):E151-9.

Purpose/ObjectivesTo 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.DesignOne group pre- and post-test design.SettingOutpatient oncology clinics at a comprehensive cancer center in the midwestern United States.Sample30 adults with advanced (recurrent or metastatic) colorectal, lung, prostate, or gynecologic cancer receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.MethodsParticipants 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 VariablesFeasibility, patient-controlled cognitive-behavioral intervention, pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.FindingsThirty 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.ConclusionsThe 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 NursingA 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.

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