Impact on quality of life and support needs of L.E.A.R.N.S. models in women with breast cancer

Purpose: This quasi-experimental study was conducted to explore the support needs of L.E.A.R.N.S. model and its impact on women with breast cancer. Material and Methods: The universe of the study was composed of patients diagnosed with breast cancer who were hospitalized to undergo an operation at Ege University Medical Faculty Hospital General Surgery Department Clinic between January 3 and November 15, 2017. Study sample consisted of 73 women (37 in experimental, 36 in control group) identified with simple random sampling according to defined criteria. Patients participating in the study were observed for a three-month period. Research data were obtained via personal information form, Self-Support Needs Questionnaire for Women with Breast Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23) and Distress Thermometer (DT) and face to face interviews. Experimental group was given individualized education programs with five sessions developed according to L.E.A.R.N.S. model before the operation and discharge, one week after surgery and in the 1st and 3rd months. Training booklet on improving life quality before, during and after the operation was given to patients in the experimental group before their discharge. Data were analyzed by using number and percentage distribution, means-standard deviation, minimum/maximum values, Shapiro-Wilk Test, Pearson chi-square test, Fisher's Exact, t –test, Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test, Cochran test, McNemar Test and Pearson correlation analysis. Written permits were obtained from the Ethics Committee and Medical Faculty Hospital. Results: Average age of patients in the experimental group and control group were =46.56+10.40 and =49.16+9.68 respectively. 37.8% of the patients in the experimental group and 30.6% of the patients in the control group were university graduates. No statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control group in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and patient characteristics (p>0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control group means in Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) subscales such as general well-being, physical function, cognitive function, fatigue, pain, dyspnea, sleep disturbance, appetite loss, constipation and financial impact (p <0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control group means in Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-BR23) subscales such as body image, sexual functioning, future perspective, systemic therapy side effects, breast symptoms and arm symptoms (p <0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in support needs questionnaire total mean scores for the experimental and control group (p <0.05). As a result of the three-month observation period, complications were identified in 13,5% of the patients in the experimental group and 52.8% of the patients in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p>0.05). It was determined that 73% of the patients in the experimental group and 33.3% of the patients in the control group went for walks (with a statistically significant difference, p<0.05). It was determined that 70.3% the patients in the experimental group 13.9% of the patients in the control group did arm exercises (with a statistically significant difference, p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, it was found that L.E.A.R.N.S. model based education program had positive impact in meeting the quality of life and support needs of women with breast cancer. This result has validated our hypothesis regarding the effectiveness of the education program. Extending the use of evidence based L.E.A.R.N.S. model education in patient training and undertaking further research to determine the effectiveness and impact of L.E.A.R.N.S. are suggested in this study. Key Words: Breast Cancer, Quality of Life, Support Needs, Patient Education.