Development and Effect of the Integrated Health Promotion Program for Cancer Survivors Living at Home

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to develop an integrated health promotion program for cancer survivors residing in the community based on the shared care model, and evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: A quasi-experimental trial was conducted. The participants consisted of 35 cancer survivors with completed intensive cancer therapy at the cancer hospital. The intervention group (n=20) and the control group (n=15) were recruited from among a district home cancer patient registrations. The intervention group participated in an integrated health promotion program based on the MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnership) development process. The program consisted of physical, psycho-social and body image units. The participants were assessed before the program, and immediately after the program. Data were collected between July 1 and September 2, 2018 using FACT-G quality of life (QOL), distress thermometer (DT), and resilience. The data were analyzed by performing a x 2 test, Fisher ’ s exact test, Mann-Whitney test, and ranked ANCOVA using SPSS. Results: The intervention group reported a higher QOL overall and significantly higher social/family well-being than the control group. Distress was significantly lower in intervention group than in the control group. Resilience had no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the integrated health promotion program base on the shared care model and MAPP development process could be effective intervention for improving social/family well-being and the QOL, and reducing distress of cancer survivors at home. Community health center nurses need to provide intervention to support self-care competency for cancer survivors ’ comprehensive care with physical, psycho-social, and body image to help them adjust their life to a moderate risk group in the community.