Bright White Light Therapy for Nonpharmacologic Management of Side Effects in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Leukemia.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether bright white light therapy (BWLT) would improve symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, depression, distress, and sleep disturbance, for hospitalized patients with acute leukemia.

Sample & setting: 74 patients were accrued from a 24-bed acute leukemia unit at a cancer hospital in the midwestern United States.

Methods & variables: A nonblinded, randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to compare a control group to a group who received BWLT for 30 minutes each morning. Five survey tools were provided to all participants at baseline; at weeks 1, 2, and 3; at the time of discharge; and at one month postdischarge.

Results: Statistical significance was identified at weeks 1, 2, and 3, with the BWLT group reporting less anxiety, sleep disturbance, and fatigue at week 2. There was little difference between the two groups with their distress and depression. Patients who received BWLT completed an acceptability survey; only 11 participants said they planned to use BWLT in the future, and an average score of 8.5 (on a 1-10 rating scale, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability) was reported for ease of use.

Implications for nursing: Based on the results of this study, it may be useful for nurses to offer BWLT to hospitalized patients with acute leukemia.