The effects of nursing interventions based on orem self-care deficit theory on symptom management, care needs and quality of life in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of nursing interventions based on the Orem Self-Care Deficit Theory on symptom management, care needs and quality of life in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. Method: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Medical Oncology Unit of Antalya Training and Research Hospital of the University of Health Sciences. The study was conducted between January 2023 and December 2023, with patients in the intervention group (n=29) and the control group (n=29). Data were collected with the Personal Information Form based on the Self-Care Deficit Theory, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, Short Form of Supportive Care Needs Scale, Self-Care Agency Scale, and EORTC QLQ-C30 Core Quality of Life Questionnaire. Within the scope of the individual Immuno-SelfCare protocol for patients in the intervention group; face-to-face patient education and immunotherapy training booklets were provided before treatment, a Symptom Management Card was created for symptoms occurring during the treatment, and face-to-face and telephone counseling was provided. Patients in the control group received routine care provided in the hospital. Measurements of the intervention and control group patients were made before treatment and at the end of the 12th week. Results: The socio-demographic characteristics of intervention and control groups were similar (p>0.05). The Immuno-SelfCare intervention group was found to have lower mean scores in the psychological sub-dimension of symptom management (p<0.05), less supportive care needs (p<0.05), increased self-care ability (p<0.05), decreased symptom scores in quality of life and better general health status (p<0.05). Conclusion: The Immuno-SelfCare intervention protocol has been shown to provide symptom management, reduce supportive care requirements, increase self-care ability, and improve quality of life. The use and dissemination of the individually applied Immuno-SelfCare protocol is recommended. Key words: Care Needs, Cancer Immunotherapy, Oncology Nursing, Self-Care Deficiency, Symptom Management, Quality of Life.