Medical and Psychological Intervention for Indian Adult Patients with Cancer: A Randomised Control Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Cancer care often prioritizes biomedical treatments, neglecting crucial psychosocial factors impacting patient well-being.
• Medical professionals recognize the significant role of psychological elements in cancer patient care and treatment.
• Addressing psychosocial challenges is vital for optimizing healthcare efficacy and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of treatment as usual (TAU) versus a combined intervention (CI) of TAU and psychological intervention (PI) on cancer patients.
• To assess changes in stress levels, coping strategies, and quality of life in adult cancer patients undergoing different treatment protocols.

Main Methods:

• A pretest-post-test control group design was utilized with two groups: TAU only (control) and TAU plus PI (experimental).
• Participants (n=60) with lung, breast, or head/neck cancer received either TAU or TAU plus PI (psychoeducation, CBT, guided imagery).
• Standardized instruments (QSC-R23, Brief Cope Inventory, EORTC QLQ-C30) measured outcomes.

Main Results:

• Both TAU and CI interventions demonstrated positive effects on measured variables.
• The CI group showed significant reductions in stress and improved adaptive coping strategies.
• Participants in the CI group exhibited decreased reliance on maladaptive coping and enhanced quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Combining psychological intervention (PI) with standard treatment as usual (TAU) yields superior outcomes for cancer patients.
• The combined intervention (CI) is more effective than TAU alone in improving patient stress, coping, and quality of life.
• Integrating psychological support into cancer care is essential for comprehensive patient management.