Day surgery for breast cancer: effects of a psychoeducational telephone intervention on functional status and emotional distress.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of a nursing intervention based on self-regulation theory known as the Attentional Focus and Symptom Management Intervention (AFSMI) in enhancing physical and emotional well-being in women who underwent day surgery for breast cancer. DESIGN Randomized clinical block trial; subjects were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n = 61) or the usual care (control) group (n = 56). Subjects in the experimental group received the AFSMI during two phone sessions, at 3-4 days and 10-11 days after surgery. SETTING The convenience sample was drawn from five regional centers located in different geographic areas (urban and rural regions) in Quebec, Canada. SAMPLE 117 patients with primary breast cancer who underwent day surgery as part of their initial treatment for cancer. METHODS Data collection and nursing intervention via telephone interviews. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Functional status and emotional distress. FINDINGS Significant differences between the experimental and control group were found at post-test on home management, total mood disturbance, confusion, and tension scores. CONCLUSIONS The AFSMI was effective in reducing emotional distress and enhancing physical functioning. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Findings validate the use of the self-regulation model in designing individualized nursing interventions. Redirecting attention and focusing on concrete objective features hold potential in developing other innovative nursing interventions.