Effect of Nursing Intervention on Selected Clinical Outcomes among Patients with Breast Cancer undergoing Radiotherapy

Background: breast cancer and its treatment modalities are associated with several complications the most common being pain and anxiety. Exercises, massage and health education are recommended as complementary therapy, along with clinical treatments to help alleviating these complications. Purpose: to examine the effect of nursing intervention on selected clinical outcomes among patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized for this study. Setting: the study was conducted at the Oncology outpatient clinic of radiation therapy department at Menoufia University Hospital in Shibin El Koum, Egypt. Sample: A convenient sample of 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria was selected and divided into two equal groups (Study & Control). Instruments: three instruments were used for data collection: Structured interview questionnaire, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS). Results: the study results revealed a highly statistical significant decrease in the mean anxiety score was observed the study group at four weeks post intervention and follow up (47.54±9.67 and 29.44±5.51 respectively). Additionally, a highly statistical significant reduction in main pain scores among the study group at four weeks post intervention (6.1±1.3.Vs 9.1±1.08..) and follow up ( 2.44±0.73.Vs 8.5±1.49) as compared to control. Conclusions: nursing intervention had a significant effect on reducing anxiety and pain level among study group than control group. Recommendations: Encourage nursing staff at radiotherapy unit about the use of evidence based nursing intervention for breast cancer patients before starting their therapy and continue during and after completion of their therapy for reducing anxiety level.