Exploring learning processes associated with a cancer pain self-management intervention in patients and family caregivers: A mixed methods study.

Valenta, Sabine; Miaskowski, Christine; Spirig, Rebecca; Zaugg, Kathrin; Rettke, Horst; Spichiger, Elisabeth (2021). Exploring learning processes associated with a cancer pain self-management intervention in patients and family caregivers: A mixed methods study. Applied nursing research, 62(151480), p. 151480. W.B. Saunders 10.1016/j.apnr.2021.151480

Preview

Text 1-s2.0-S0897189721000872-main.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons: Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works (CC-BY-NC-ND). Download (719kB) | Preview

AIM

Explore learning processes associated with a psychoeducational pain selfmanagement intervention.

BACKGROUND

Self-management of cancer pain is challenging for patients and their family caregivers (FCs). While psychoeducational interventions can support them to handle these tasks, it remains unclear how learning processes are hampered or facilitated.

METHODS

A convergent parallel mixed methods design with qualitative data collection embedded in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used. Outpatients with cancer and FCs were recruited from three Swiss university hospitals. The six-week intervention consisted of education, skills building, and nurse coaching. Quantitative data on pain management knowledge and self-efficacy were analyzed using multilevel models. Patients and FCs were interviewed post-RCT regarding their learning experiences. Qualitative data analysis was guided by interpretive description. Finally, quantitative and qualitative data were integrated using case level comparisons and a meta-matrix.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients and seven FCs completed this study. The group-by-time effect showed increases in knowledge (p = 0.035) and self-efficacy (p = 0.007). Patients' and FCs' learning through experience was supported by an intervention nurse, who was perceived as competent and trustworthy. After the study, most intervention group participants felt more confident to implement pain self-management. Finally, data integration showed that declining health hampered some patients' pain self-management.

CONCLUSIONS

Competent and trustworthy nurses can support patients' and FCs' pain self-management by providing individualized interventions. Using a diary, jointly reflecting on the documented experiences, and addressing knowledge deficits and misconceptions through the use of academic detailing can facilitate patients' and FCs' learning of critical skills.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

87 since deposited on 03 Dec 2021
33 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item