Staff support group on a cancer ward: a pilot project

Despite strong evidence of high stress among oncology nursing staffs, few empirical intervention studies have been attempted. This study involved a pilot project to combine two anxiety-reducing aids--group support and the provision of pertinent information--into a single format for maximum stress reduction. Weekly groups producing both support and information lasted 8 months and covered a wide range of topics. Both unstructured and didactic sessions were used. Pre- and postquestionnaires were distributed to each participant to assess ward atmosphere, attitudes about cancer, and level of stress. Participants expressed great satisfaction with the project, but their enthusiasm was not supported by statistical evaluation. Various methodological and programmatic aspects that may account for the discrepancy between anecdotal and statistical results are discussed.