Investigation of the effect of the family-centered empowerment model on the self-care ability of patients with colorectal cancer

Background and Aim: Colorectal cancer is a chronic disease that reduces the patients’ quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to have self-care ability. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the family-centered empowerment model on the self-care ability of patients with colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled study consisted of all patients who referred to the surgery ward of the colorectal clinic affiliated to Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, during 2018. A total of 72 patients were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly allocated into control and experimental groups. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. It is worth mentioning that this study lasted nine months. Results: The results showed a significant increase in the mean score of total self-care ability and its components in the experimental group, compared to the baseline after the intervention (P<0.001). In addition, the mean score of total self-care ability and its components was significantly higher in the control group after the intervention, compared to the pretreatment (P<0.05). Moreover, the experimental group obtained a significant increase in the score of total self-care ability and its components, compared to the control group (P<0.001). Eventually, the mean score of total self-care ability and its components, except for the visit component was significantly higher in the experimental group, compared to the control group after intervention (P<0.05). Conclusion: The family-centered empowerment model can affect the self-care ability of patients with colorectal cancer. It is suggested that non-pharmacological interventions be combined with medical interventions in treatment plans.