Psychoeducational group intervention for breast cancer survivors: a non-randomized multi-center pilot study

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate an outpatient psychoeducational group program for breast cancer patients aimed to improve various psychosocial parameters, enhancing the patients’ competence and reducing fear of recurrence. Methods The study is based on a multi-center, non-randomized control group design with three measurement time points (T1 baseline, T2 end of the intervention, T3 6-week follow-up). Breast cancer patients were assessed with various standardized questionnaires including fear of progression, self-efficacy, depression, and quality of life. Results A total of 50 breast cancer patients participated (intervention group n = 27, control group n = 23). The results show a significant reduction in the fear of progression/recurrence (FoPR) ( p = 0.003) and a significant increase in self-efficacy (SE) ( p = 0.007) for the intervention group with a large (FoPR, Eta 2 = .178) and medium (SE, Eta 2 = .113) effect size, respectively. For all other outcome criteria such as depressive symptoms, social support, or quality of life, no significant changes over time or differences between both groups were found. Conclusions The psychoeducational program has been proven to be effective for breast cancer survivors, but further investigation based on a randomized trial is necessary. Practice implications To improve participation rate assessment of patient’s needs and close cooperation with rehabilitation centers, psychosocial counseling services, and medical oncologists are recommended.