Feasibility of a nurse-initiated brief cognitive behavioral strategy intervention program for symptom clusters experienced by patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Objective

To assess the feasibility of a nurse-initiated brief cognitive behavioral strategy (CBS) intervention program targeting pain and fatigue symptoms among the pain and fatigue/anorexia symptom clusters experienced by patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

In this single-group, pre-post test study, 15 NSCLC outpatients undergoing medical treatment participated. After providing informed consent, participants completed a baseline questionnaire and received a booklet detailing brief cognitive-behavioral techniques (e.g., relaxation, symptom-management strategies), exercise therapy, and related tools. Follow-up calls were made five times over a 10-week period to monitor adherence and assess symptom severity changes.

Results

Ten participants (66.7%) completed the program. For pain management, 86.7% of participants chose deep breathing as a relaxation technique, and 80.0% used exercise to alleviate fatigue. Median symptom severities decreased from baseline to week 10 as follows: pain (2.00 to 1.00), sadness (1.00 to 0.00), and anxiety (1.00 to 0.50).

Conclusions

The naurse-initiated brief CBS intervention program is feasible and clinically relevant for patients with advanced NSCLC undergoing standard treatment in Japan.