Nursing care based on the Support-Based Spiritual Care Model increases hope among women with breast cancer in Iran

PURPOSE

Taking care of cancer patients and treating them are among major challenges in the field of health. Several studies have shown that promotion of hope is an efficient strategy for effectively treating this group of patients, reducing their symptoms, and improving the quality of their life. It seems that spiritual care can boost hope in these patients. This study aims to determine the effects of nursing care based on the Support-Based Spiritual Care Model on boosting hope among women with breast cancer.

METHODS

In this controlled clinical trial, 72 patients with breast cancer were selected through consecutive sampling and randomly assigned to two control and intervention groups (n = 36 in each group) based on four randomized blocks. The intervention was carried out based on the Support-Based Spiritual Care Model for the patients and their main caregivers in six sessions. Besides, the Snyder's hope scale was completed before and 1 month after the intervention by the participants in the intervention and control groups.

RESULTS

The results of the independent samples t-test showed no significant difference in the mean scores of hope between the intervention and control groups before the intervention (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the mean scores of hope for the intervention and control groups were 46.71 ± 4.61 and 40.40 ± 5.42, respectively, showing a significant intergroup difference as verified by the independent samples t-test (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, providing nursing care based on the Support-Based Spiritual Care Model can raise hope in patients with breast cancer.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Healthcare professionals can boost hope in cancer patients through proper planning and adequate support in providing nursing care based on the proposed model.

Patient-centred communication for women with breast cancer: Relation to body image perception

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the predictive values of patient-centred communication (PCC) and patient's characteristics on the body image (BI) perception in postmastectomy patients.

BACKGROUND

Patient-centred communication has been touted as a means of addressing BI issues, especially for postmastectomy patients.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This predictive correlational study was conducted on 275 surgically treated breast cancer patients admitted to the Oncology Departments of two hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. These patients were selected using a convenience sampling method. The Body Image after Breast Cancer Questionnaire (BIBCQ) and patient-centred communication questionnaire (PCCQ) were used for collecting the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the data. Reporting was in accordance with the STROBE guideline.

RESULTS

A multivariable model significantly predicted BI perception in participants using surgery type and time elapsed following surgery. Participants' limitations were significantly affected by surgery type and participants' perception of the nurses' PCC skills. Arm concern was significantly affected by surgery type and nurses' PCC skills.

CONCLUSION

Patient-centred skills in nurse-patient communication are critical for resolving BI difficulties such as arm concerns and limitations regarding the disease and its treatment.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Patient-centred communication skills can be taught nurses in the clinical setting to help alleviate patients' BI problems.