Day surgery for breast cancer: Effects of a psychoeducational telephone intervention on functional status and emotional distress

Purpose/Objectives: To determine the efficacy of a nursing intervention based on self-regulation theory known as the Attentional Focus and Symptom Management Intervention (AFSMI) in enhancing physical and emotional well-being in women who underwent day surgery for breast cancer. Design: Randomized clinical block trial; subjects were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n = 61) or the usual care (control) group (n = 56). Subjects in the experimental group received the AFSMI during two phone sessions, at 3-4 days and 10-11 days after surgery. Setting: The convenience sample was drawn from five regional centers located in different geographic areas (urban and rural regions) in Quebec, Canada. Sample: 117 patients with primary breast cancer who underwent day surgery as part of their initial treatment for cancer. Methods: Data collection and nursing intervention via telephone interviews. Main Research Variables: Functional status and emotional distress. Findings: Significant differences between the experimental and control group were found at post-test on home management, total mood disturbance, confusion, and tension scores. Conclusions: The AFSMI was effective in reducing emotional distress and enhancing physical functioning. Implications for Nursing: Findings validate the use of the self-regulation model in designing individualized nursing interventions. Redirecting attention and focusing on concrete objective features hold potential in developing other innovative nursing interventions.