Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
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A randomised controlled trial of the psychological and quality
of life effects of daily diary cards on patients undergoing
chemotherapy
Noreen Cushen, Clonearl, Daingean, Co Offaly.
RN, BSc (Hons), PgDip Research, Doctorate of Nursing
Mob. 087-7976869
Email: noreen_cushen@hotmail.co.uk
Introduction
Cancer has a historical reputation for being a killer disease, a death
sentence. Despite major advances in cancer therapies in recent
years, cancer remains a leading cause of death in our society. A
diagnosis of cancer still generates a range of responses, including
fear, anxiety, treatment-related discomfort, anticipation of bodily
disfigurement, and existential uncertainty. Counterbalancing this
somewhat pessimistic outlook, the evidence in the literature
suggests that cancer is one of the most curable of chronic diseases
(Zollo 2000).
Aim of the study
To explore the possibility that the completion of daily diary cards by
patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer can
produce a classical conditioning response.
Primary objective of this study
To compare the patterns of nausea and vomiting between a group
of patients using daily diary cards and another group not using daily
diary cards.
Secondary objectives of this study
To identify the levels of anxiety of patients as they progress through
their treatment regimen.
To explore the patients’ experience of completing the daily diary
cards
Research Hypothesis
There is a relationship between the use of daily diary cards
(DDCs)and an increase in the incidence of nausea/vomiting and
anxiety in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Research Design
As the primary objective of this study was to compare the nausea
and vomiting scores between two groups of patients undergoing
chemotherapy, priority was given to the approach needed for the
principal data collection method. Therefore, a randomised controlled
trial (RCT) was used to explore the patterns of nausea and vomiting
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