Empowering of Oncology Patients and Informal Caregivers: Analysis of an Interdisciplinary Seminar Model for Breast Cancer and Gyneco-Oncological Patients.

INTRODUCTION

The interdisciplinary empowerment seminar aims to familiarize patients and informal caregivers (ICs) with supportive measures, focusing on understanding disease, therapy, and side effect management.

METHODS

The seminar, conducted in two courses over 1-month intervals prior to chemotherapy, included lectures, supportive materials, Q and A sessions, and individual discussions with experts in nutrition, exercise, psycho-oncology, and complementary medicine. Evaluation is based on a self-developed questionnaire and questionnaires on QoL (EORTC-QLQ-C30, BR23, CX24, OV28), anxiety and depression (HADS-D) at week 0, 5, 9, and 12. A control group with standard of care was evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Between October 2020 and May 2021, 19 patients and 9 ICs participated in the seminar. The control group included 20 patients. 96.4% of participants were highly satisfied with the seminar and would recommend it. QoL deterioration was more pronounced in the control group (control: week 0 = 67.6; week 12 = 61.7; intervention: week 0 = 60.8; week 12 = 60.7). This trend could not be proven by analysis of interaction (mixed ANOVA: p = 0.114). Increased confidence of participants' knowledge about side effects was shown, and ICs reported higher confidence in knowledge and coping with the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The seminar received positive feedback and indicated increased knowledge and a trend toward better QoL preservation. Larger studies are needed for confirmation. The seminar effectively addressed unique needs, bolstering confidence and knowledge. Interdisciplinary patient and caregiver empowerment seminars can improve disease-related knowledge and positively affect QoL at the start of chemotherapy. Informational needs can be satisfied. Offering educational seminars and fostering individualized support networks can increase quality of care.