Empowering outpatients with breast cancer: The impact of a Continuous Care Program on self-efficacy-a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Continuous care programs offer ongoing support and education, potentially enhancing self-efficacy in women with breast cancer and consequently improving their quality of life. This study investigated the effect of a continuous care program on the self-efficacy of women with breast cancer in Iran.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was employed involving 76 women aged 20-60 diagnosed with stage two, three, or four breast cancer at the breast clinic of the cancer institute in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, during September-January 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group, each comprising 38 individuals, through random block assignment. The intervention group received a four-session Continuing Care Program (CCP), while the control group received routine care. Data were collected using a researcher-created demographic questionnaire and a breast cancer-specific self-efficacy questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20 software.

Results: The results of the study indicated a statistically significant difference in self-efficacy post-intervention with higher levels observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < .001). The paired t-test results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the mean self-efficacy scores and all its dimensions post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p < .001). A statistically significant decrease in self-efficacy related to problem-solving skills was observed in the control group post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p = .005), and the average self-efficacy score in this group also significantly decreased post-intervention (p = .023).

Conclusion: The study found that the CCP is effective in enhancing the self-efficacy of women with breast cancer in Iran. This program can be a beneficial method for improving patients' well-being and delivering appropriate care to this population. The program can be shared with nurses in oncology departments to help them tailor their care plans by understanding the importance of continuity in care planning. Clinical trial registration This research was registered (26/09/2023) in the https://www.irct.ir with registration number (IRCT20230622905861) by the Clinical Trial Registration Center of Iran.