Development of a nursing-led psychotherapeutic programme to promote coping in adults living with cancer: a qualitative programme development study

Background: Emotional distress is highly prevalent among adults living with cancer and may compromise psychological adaptation. Although psychosocial interventions are widely implemented, there is limited evidence regarding the structured development of nursing-led psychotherapeutic programmes grounded in nursing theory. Aims: To develop a structured, theory-informed, nursing-led psychotherapeutic programme aimed at promoting coping and psychological adaptation in adults living with cancer. Methods: This qualitative study reports the final stages of a multi-phase programme development process informed by a scoping review and grounded in Meleis’ Theory of Transitions and the Psychotherapeutic Intervention Model in Nursing. Conducted in Portugal, it comprised focus groups with adults with cancer ( n = 8) and expert nurses in mental health and/or oncology care ( n = 16). Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using directed qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants highlighted the importance of early psychosocial intervention at diagnosis and identified key emotional, informational and relational needs. These insights informed the development of a structured programme comprising 10 mixed-format sessions integrating psychoeducation, emotional regulation, communication and cognitive-behavioural strategies. Conclusion: This study reinforces psychotherapeutic nursing interventions in supporting adaptive coping and offers a preliminary model to inform future development and evaluation of nurse-led psychosocial care interventions in oncology.