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Research: FREEMAN and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 168
Abstract
FREEMAN and COLLEAGUES, Saybrook Graduate School, San Francisco, CA, USA. lfreeman@gci.net studied the effects of imagery and group interaction upon quality of life in women with breast cancer.
Background
The authors sought a better understanding of the common themes of women participating in an imagery program designed to improve quality of life (QOL). This qualitative study took place in a Classroom setting at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage.
Methodology
10 women with a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer who had completed conventional care participated in a six-class, eight-week-long imagery program titled Envision the Rhythms of Life (ERL). Focus group audio recordings and notes were interpreted with the Krueger focus group method and confirmed by an outside evaluator. Breast cancer survivors' descriptions of imagery practice and experience as they created passive, active, and targeted imagery.
Results
Participants reported the importance of engaging passive and active imagery, letting targeted imagery take on a life of its own, performing homework, understanding the science, practising, hearing imagery stories, engaging all the senses, trusting imagery, and group interaction. Imagery practice improved mood state.
Conclusion
When delivered by expert imagery trainers in collaboration with oncology nurses, ERL can improve breast cancer survivors' QOL. The present study is one of few reports that evaluated survivors' imagery experiences from a clinical trial and produced significant QOL improvements. DISCUSSION: The present study provides oncology nurses understanding of the psychological risks faced by breast cancer survivors after completion of primary care and explains the critical need for post-treatment programs for survivors dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, or high levels of stress.
References
Freeman L., Cohen L, Stewart M, White R, Link J, Palmer JL, Welton D, McBride L and Hild CM. The experience of imagery as a post-treatment intervention in patients with breast cancer: program, process, and patient recommendations. Oncology Nursing Forum. Online. 35 (6) :E116-21. Nov 2008.
