THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NURSE-LED TELENAVIGATION PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH COLORECTAL CANCER: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective: Telenavigation is a new and innovative cancer follow-up method for oncology nurses. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for telemedicine in oncology has grown, alongside the integration of patient navigation services into telemedicine. However, studies on this topic remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led telenavigation program on symptom management and psychosocial adjustment in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Method: This randomized controlled study included 60 CRC patients divided into navigated and non-navigated groups through random allocation at a cancer center in Istanbul. The navigated group received a Nurse-led Telenavigation Program (NTP) through three sessions on WhatsApp, focusing on symptom management and psychosocial adjustment. Data were analyzed using statistical methods. Results: The study examining the effects of a nurse-led telenavigation program (NTP) on patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) found that both the intervention (navigated) and control (non-navigated) groups experienced significant reductions in the physical and psychological well-being subscales, as well as the total scores of the N-SAS (p.05). In contrast, the navigated group showed a significant decrease in total PAIS-SR scores over time (p.05). These findings suggest that the NTP significantly improved psychosocial adjustment in CRC patients (p.05). Conclusion: In consideration of the fact that nurse navigation programs are disability-focused interventions tailored to cancer patients, the present study provides valuable guidance for oncology nurses aiming to improve the psychosocial well-being of colorectal cancer patients. Consequently, it is recommended that the nurse-led telenavigation program be further evaluated through additional studies involving more diverse populations and larger sample sizes.