According to the National Cancer Institute (2015) an estimated 231,840 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in females (National Cancer Institute, 2015). For most women a diagnosis of breast cancer is a life changing event. As women deal with the diagnosis they experience a gamut of emotions and physiological changes. According to Spiegel, Bloom, Kraemer, and Gottheil (1989) patients who are faced with life-changing diagnosis benefit from coming together to openly discuss challenges and emotions associated with their illness. Support groups providing opportunities for peer support and education are the suggested intervention in the literature …show more content…
A clear description of the model, its concepts, and the relationship with the breast cancer population is explained in the article. Specification adequacy is described sufficiently in the article.
Evaluation of Linkage Adequacy
In this study, the physiological mode was identified as symptom management and measured using the Symptom Distress Scale (SDS). Emotional distress represented the self-concept mode which is measured through the Profile of Mood States-Linear Analog Self-Assessment. Inventory of Functional Status-Cancer measures functional status representing the role function mode. The interdependence mode is the quality of relationships with the significant other measured by the Relationship Change Scale. Linkage adequacy is appropriately described. Using the conceptual model usage rating scale this article rates a 4 = adequate …show more content…
The cancer support groups that had significant other coaching did have an outcome of improved relationship with significant other at the end of the intervention. However, the improvement was not sustained at eight weeks post intervention. Therefore, clinical significance was not found. For compatibility, researchers designed the intervention of coaching after the model used in pregnant patients and their significant others who attended classes in preparation for labor and delivery. One of the limitations in developing the sample noted by the researchers was subject and significant other availability to participate in weekly support group sessions. Today it may be hard for patients to make the time commitment to attend support groups. Willingness to use resources and implement new tools in this case I think would be accepted. Nurses and other healthcare providers in this field are dedicated to helping their patients adapt with their illness. The intervention in this study is consistent with what the public would expect. In this study, the intervention relied on cancer support groups that involved education, interpersonal relationship building, and in the experiment group significant other’s attendance to serve as the coach. The cancer support groups were led by trained professionals. The intervention did not cross over into another disciplines