Designing an evidence based advanced practice psychiatric nurse led breast cancer support group -

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer reported among females in Lebanon. The proposed project aims to design an Evidence Based Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse (APPN) Led Breast Cancer Support Group to help patients express their feelings, cope effectively, and pass through the grieving process in a healthy approach. The proposed support group will be able to improve patients’ communication skills, help them cope in a more functional manner, decrease their anxiety and fear through different techniques allowing them to conquer good quality of life while living with breast cancer. The design, structure and content of the support group follow evidence based practices as indicated in the literature. The proposed breast cancer support group includes a combination of psycho-educational sessions, self-expressing discussions, and relaxation activities (Art therapy and Yoga). Compared to other support groups in Lebanon and in the region, it will be the first support group that integrates the above three types of interventions. It consists of eight sessions spread over a period of four months. The delivery of the support group could be easily generalized. Specifically, other health care institutions in Lebanon and the Arab world can adopt the proposed support group.