Miloseva, Lence and Milosev, Vladimir and Velinova, Vasilka (2009) Positive Psychology Interventions in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer. In: IV Конгрес на психијатрите на Р. Македонија, 27-31 May, Охрид.
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Abstract
Theoretical framework and objectives: Positive psychological interventions have been known to improve quality of life and well being in early stage cancer. Similar studies are needed in late stage cancer.
Purpose of the study: to see if simple, easy to use, effective strategies of positive psychology can be used to improve quality of life in people with head and neck cancer.
Design & methods:
Study design: pilot study for a Randomised Control trial.
Methodology: patients attending the Maxillofacial surgery department at Clinical Hospital in Stip, were invited to participated in this study. An initial screening were conducted and suitable candidates were recruited after obtaining written consent before their oncology clinic treatment.
After they agree to take a part, they were randomly allocated into one of two groups:
1. Fast-track group who was starting immediately
2. A delayed start group who was starting 6 weeks later
The fast track group were interviewed on the same day and asked to fill some baseline questionnaires. They also got written information about positive psychology methods and also verbal explanation. They got diary sheets which should to be filled out on a daily basis . They were also feeling free to contacted the team on phone 1, 2 and 4 weeks after the first meeting in order to clarify any doubts they may have and also to be encouraged to complete their daily tasks. Face to face interviews took place at 6, 12, and 18 weeks after the initial interview.
The questionnaires we used : Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ)-H&N35; in conjunction with the general cancer-specific EORTC QLQ-C30; Psychological Well-Being Scales, C. Ryff.
The delayed start group will undergo an identical process, after a lag of 6 weeks.
Participants inclusion criteria: During the period of June 2008- May 2009 , 65 participants with diagnosed Head and Neck cancer were involved in this study.
Participant exclusion criteria: Significant psychological distress - it is not ethical to include them as they may benefit from treatment with medication; current treatment with medication for psychological distress, unless they have been stable on them for more than a year - inclusion of such people will confound the results of the study as it would be difficult to say whether improvement is due to medication or the intervention; those who have severe memory impairment .- inclusion
Results & Conclusions: Generally, patients were very satisfied with the positive psychology intervention programme .Supported the statistical data provided on the efficacy of the intervention programme .
A problem-focused positive psychology intervention programme tailored to individuals’ needs following treatment for head and neck cancer has demonstrated efficacy in reducing psychological distress, improving social functioning, well being and quality of life, which are sustained over time. Post-treatment problems can be managed within a biopsychosocial framework .
Key words: Positive Psychology; Interventions; Head and Neck Cancer
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Poster) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Medical and Health Sciences > Basic medicine |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Educational Science |
| Depositing User: | Lence Miloseva |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Jun 2013 08:48 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Jun 2013 08:48 |
| URI: | https://eprints.ugd.edu.mk/id/eprint/6651 |
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