Paper
Thursday, 20 July 2006
This presentation is part of : Caring for the Chronically Ill: Models and Programs
Coping with Lung Cancer: Support Group for Patients Following Thoracic Surgery
Galit Kaufman, RN, MA, Cardio-thoracic surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel, Hanna Zur, RN, BA, cardio- thoracic surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel, Dania Weber, BA, Social Workers Division, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel, and Ateret Malachy, MA, Cardio-thoracic surgery department, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.
Learning Objective #1: understand the practice of qualitative research
Learning Objective #2: recognize the benefits of a support group among lung cancer patients following surgery
Background: Lung cancer is a complex chronic disease with mortality reaching 50% of patients within 6 months of diagnosis. The unique needs of these patients involve both support and information. In the thoracic surgery ward of a major medical center, an intervention program was constructed which is individual and group oriented. The program includes personal counseling during hospitalization and a support group following discharge.
Aims: Improvement of patients' quality of life, strengthening coping capacities, facilitating adjustment to illness and formation of a support-providing framework.
Method:  The group included 7 participants meeting at weekly sessions - 1.5 hours each. Counseling was provided by a specially trained registered nurse and social worker. Sessions were documented and analyzed according to qualitative research management.
Results: Main issues of the group regard the need for information, changes in smoking habits, couple relations, coping, adjustment to illness, loss, fear and death. The patients revealed a strong need for information on issues related to diagnosis, recovery and community support systems. Smoking represented an entire meaningful sphere. Significant ambivalence was expressed regarding cessation of smoking. The state of being ill introduced considerable tension in relations. Several patterns of coping were observed: egocentricity, humor, outbursts of anger and tears, as well as living the day. Uncertainty was reported as the hardest challenge. 
Summary: The need to create a support group was recognized during   staff’s daily coping with patients and their families. The support group contributed to  
patients’ coping capacities. Nurse-patient relationship was reinforced as well as   nursing empowerment.

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