A pilot randomised controlled trial to reduce suffering and emotional distress in patients with advanced cancer

摘要: Abstract Introduction A pilot trial was carried out to determine if a focussed narrative interview could alleviate the components of suffering and anxiety depression in advanced cancer patients. Intervention Patients recruited were invited participate reflect on their perspectives sense “meaning”, regarding psychological, physical, social spiritual well being – emphasis allowing patient tell story. encouraged share what resources they themselves had utilised addition professional care may have received, maintain being. Method with metastatic disease from hospices North West England only exclusion criteria not able understand written spoken English non diagnosis. At recruitment patients asked complete numerical scale for suffering; Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), FACIT Spiritual questionnaire, Demographic information collected randomised either intervention arm or usual study. both groups each measure at 2, 4 8 weeks. Results One hundred people into study 49 group 51 control group. The median age 66 years range (31–89 years) 68% female. baseline ECOG performance 75% 1 2. survival all 169.5 days (range 10 still alive end study). There no significant difference any timepoint scores between time point demonstrated mean improvement ESAS greatest changes seen Conclusion This controlled an 4, We suggest this beneficial effects anxiety, but larger powered is required full effects.