Nurse‐led group information for patients with breast cancer: Equal to individual information? A comparative study

Abstract

Abstract Aim To investigate outpatients with breast cancer perception of information before and after changed informational practice. Design The design was a comparative study. Method Information about breast cancer treatment and chemotherapy toxicity changed from individual to nurse‐led group information. Women with early‐stage breast cancer were eligible. To evaluate individual versus group information, the patients completed a questionnaire at their third cycle of chemotherapy, including Knowledge of treatment, Support from healthcare professionals or peers and general self‐efficacy Ability to act in everyday life. The study is registered in OSF https://osf.io/bh7wg. Results In total, 90 participants in two groups were included: (a) individual information (N = 44) and (b) group information (N = 46). Groups were comparable in age and educational level. Both groups found the information satisfactory, with no significant differences regarding perceived knowledge or support. Five of ten questions in self‐efficacy showed significantly better outcomes in patients receiving group information but with no difference in overall self‐efficacy. Group information was non‐inferior compared with individual information. Patients were satisfied in both groups.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• family caregivers
• information
• nurse‐led
• peers
• self‐efficacy