European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society
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Several studies have shown that uncertainty about disease and fear of disease progression affects psychosocial adjustment and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to validate a Norwegian short version of the "The Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale" (SF-MUIS) and to examine the impact of uncertainty in illness in breast cancer patients. ⋯ The results of the present study confirm that the Norwegian version of the SF-MUIS is a suitable tool for assessment of uncertainty in breast cancer patients, who reported a moderate degree of uncertainty in illness.
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To design and evaluate an intervention to address carers' needs for practical information and support skills when caring for a person with cancer at end of life. ⋯ The booklet intervention was a source of reassurance to carers and it has the potential to be incorporated into everyday practice. The challenge is in when and how to distribute the booklet and more work is required on the timing of delivery in order to maximise the usefulness of booklet to carers.
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To develop assessment criteria for evaluating and documenting status of external lymphedema and fibrosis in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). ⋯ Validation of the modified HN-ELAF Assessment Criteria in larger sample sizes is ongoing.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A clinical randomized controlled trial of music therapy and progressive muscle relaxation training in female breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy: results on depression, anxiety and length of hospital stay.
To examine effects of music therapy and progressive muscle relaxation training on depression, anxiety and length of hospital stay in Chinese female breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy. ⋯ Music therapy and progressive muscle relaxation training can reduce depression, anxiety and length of hospital stay in female breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy.
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Caregiving burden affects the lives of family members providing care to patients with advanced cancer, with a host of factors possibly contributing to this. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of patient and caregiver variables on the perceptions of burden in families caring for a loved one living with advanced cancer in Greece. ⋯ Greek family caregivers reporting greater depressive mood and difficulty with caregiving tasks, those married, those not employed, and those who cared for patients who had not undergone surgery were found at greater distress and disadvantage. Systematic assessment and intervention strategies are required to identify these vulnerable carers and help them cope when sharing in patient's cancer experience.