Orem's Theory with Educational Telephone Follow-ups: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Patient Self-Care
• Chemotherapy Management

Background:

• Colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience significant challenges with self-care, anxiety, loneliness, and overall well-being.
• Existing nursing care protocols may not adequately address the psychosocial and self-care needs of these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory (OSCDT) based education and telephone follow-ups on self-care agency, anxiety, loneliness, and well-being in colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 47 colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
• The intervention group received OSCDT-based education and telephone follow-ups, while the control group received routine nursing care.
• Data were collected on self-care agency, anxiety, loneliness, and well-being before and after the intervention period.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated significant increases in self-care agency and general well-being.
• Patients in the intervention group experienced significant decreases in state-trait anxiety and loneliness compared to the control group.
• Telephone follow-ups were associated with positive patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• OSCDT-based education combined with telephone follow-ups is an effective nursing intervention for enhancing self-care and well-being and mitigating adverse psychological effects in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Nurses should actively incorporate individualized education and telephone follow-up strategies into chemotherapy care plans.