The effects of psychoeducation on problem solving skills of cancer patients

Objectives: This study aims to examine the effects of psychoeducation on problem solving skills of cancer patients. Methods: This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental research with pre- and post-test design. This study was performed in Manisa at a radiation oncology service between April and December 2016. The study sample consisted of 32 patients who met the study inclusion criteria. The patients were interviewed and provided with psychoeducation individually for 1 hour per week in a period of 6 weeks. The data were collected using an Introductory Information Form and the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI). The data was evaluated using number, percent distribution and paired samples t test. Results: The patients' PSI (total) pre- and post-test mean scores were 112. 75 +/- 26.68 and 63.28 +/- 12.67, respectively. The difference between the patients' PSI (total) pre-and post-test mean scores was found to be statistically significant (t=13.173, p<0.001). The differences between patients' pre-and post-test mean scores on the PSI subscales were also found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study results showed that psychoeducation positively changed the perception of problem-solving in cancer patients.