본 연구에서는 유방암 환자와 보호자의 디스트레스(distress)감소시키고, 삶의 질을 높이기 위해 단기 심리 상담 프로그램을 개발하여 시범 적용을 통해 효과와 적용가능성을 확인하고자 하였다. 이에 암환자와 보호자가 함께 참여하는 3회기 심리상담 프로그램(‘Better Together’)을 개발하였고, 치료 중인 유방암환자와 보호자를 대상으로 예비 연구를 진행하였다. 프로그램 전과 후, 1달 후 추적 평가를 통해 환자와 보호자의 우울과 디스트레스 수준, 삶의 질, 부부친밀도, 보호자의 돌봄 부담, 환자의 사회적 지지도에서의 변화를 평가하였고, 프로그램 종결 후 만족도 평가와 주관적 보고로 프로그램의 유용성을 확인하였다. 대상자 모집 기간 중 프로그램의 참여율은 8.7%였으며, 이들 중 프로그램을 모두 마친 4쌍의 사례에 대해 분석을 하였다. 그 결과, 프로그램 후 환자의 우울 수준이 유의하게 감소하고, 삶의 질이 유의하게 높아져 큰 수준의 효과크기(d=-1.23∼3.45)를 나타냈다. 환자와 보호자 모두 부부 친밀감이 증가하는 양상을 보였다. 또한 프로그램 후 보호자는 환자에 대한 돌봄이 증가하였지만, 우울과 디스트레스는 증가하지 않는 양상이었다. 이러한 결과를 바탕으로, 임상 현장에서 Better Together 프로그램의 활용 가능성과 향후 연구에 대한 시사점을 논의하였다.
The purpose of our study is to reduce the distress and improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients and caregivers. A short-term psychological counseling program was developed to evaluate the effectiveness and practicability through a pilot study. In response, a three-session psychological counseling program(‘Better Together’) was developed and a pilot study was conducted in breast cancer patients and caregivers under treatment. Pre, post, and 1month follow-up assessments were measured to evaluate the changes in the level of depression, distress, quality of life, marital intimacy of the patients and care givers, the care burden of the caregiver, and the patient social support. The satisfaction assessment and subjective reports of the program validated the usefulness of the program. During the recruitment period, the participation rate of the program was 8.7% and four couples who completed the program were analyzed. As a result, depression levels were significantly decreased and quality of life was increased in patients with a large level of effect size(d=-1.23–3.45). Both the patient and caregiver reported an increase in marital intimacy. While the caregivers’ care for patients was increased, depression and distress did not show any increase. Based on these results, we discussed the usability of the ‘Better Together’ program in clinical settings and its implications for further research.
The purpose of our study is to reduce the distress and improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients and caregivers. A short-term psychological counseling program was developed to evaluate the effectiveness and practicability through a pilot study. In response, a three-session psychological counseling program(‘Better Together’) was developed and a pilot study was conducted in breast cancer patients and caregivers under treatment. Pre, post, and 1month follow-up assessments were measured to evaluate the changes in the level of depression, distress, quality of life, marital intimacy of the patients and care givers, the care burden of the caregiver, and the patient social support. The satisfaction assessment and subjective reports of the program validated the usefulness of the program. During the recruitment period, the participation rate of the program was 8.7% and four couples who completed the program were analyzed. As a result, depression levels were significantly decreased and quality of life was increased in patients with a large level of effect size(d=-1.23–3.45). Both the patient and caregiver reported an increase in marital intimacy. While the caregivers’ care for patients was increased, depression and distress did not show any increase. Based on these results, we discussed the usability of the ‘Better Together’ program in clinical settings and its implications for further research.
