A Multimedia Self-management Intervention to Prepare Cancer Patients and Family Caregivers for Lung Surgery and Postoperative Recovery

Clin Lung Cancer. 2017 May;18(3):e151-e159. doi: 10.1016/j.cllc.2017.01.010. Epub 2017 Feb 2.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a multimedia self-management (MSM) intervention to prepare patients and family caregivers for lung surgery.

Patients and methods: This is a quasi-experimental, 2-group, sequential enrollment pilot study of a 4-session multimedia intervention (audio/visual + print) to enhance self-management and quality of life (QOL) for patients and family caregivers. The intervention, Preparing for Lung Surgery, begins before surgery, and continues through hospitalization and discharge, with 2 telephone support sessions after discharge. Outcomes were assessed before surgery (preintervention), at discharge, and 2 to 4 weeks postdischarge (postintervention). Patient outcomes were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (QOL), MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Pulmonary Symptom Index (symptoms), self-efficacy, surgery-related knowledge, and patient activation. Family caregiver outcomes included City of Hope-QOL-Family (QOL), Caregiver Burden Scale, and knowledge. Paired t tests were used for exploratory evaluations of score changes from pre- to postintervention.

Results: Sixty participants (38 patients, 22 family caregivers) enrolled in the study (70% accrual). Postintervention scores were significantly improved for patients' emotional QOL (P = .001). Trends for improvements were observed for patient self-efficacy, surgery-related knowledge, and activation. Family caregivers' surgery-related knowledge was significantly improved (P = .02). Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the acceptability/usability of the intervention (3.6-3.7 of 4.0).

Conclusion: A standardized MSM intervention was feasible and acceptable in supporting readiness and preparedness for lung surgery and postoperative recovery. A larger randomized trial is needed to verify the impact of the MSM intervention on patient/family caregiver outcomes and health care resource use.

Keywords: Activation; Caregiver burden; Family caregivers; Quality of life; Self-efficacy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Caregivers
  • Family
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / rehabilitation
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multimedia*
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Postoperative Period
  • Pulmonary Surgical Procedures*
  • Quality of Life
  • Self Efficacy
  • Self-Management / statistics & numerical data
  • Stress, Psychological