This study was designed to evaluate the impact of education programs for patients with primary brain tumors and their caregivers on quality of life and the burden of care experienced by caregivers.
Patients with brain tumors often face physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges that negatively impact their quality of life (Townsley, 2014). A review of the literature indicates that, unlike patients with other types of cancer, brain tumor patients' greater dependence on others for daily activities causes stress for caregivers, increases the burden of care, and reduces caregivers' quality of life (Özdingiş, 2020; Maşalacı, 2017; Schubart et al., 2007; Olver et al., 2020; Cashman et al., 2019). Previous studies have noted that nursing interventions for patients with primary brain tumors are limited; however, it has been observed that such interventions improve patients' cognitive and emotional well-being and reduce the care burden on caregivers (Halkett et al. 2018; Langbecker and Janda, 2015; Tokunaga et al., 2024). A review of the national literature on education and counseling provided by nurses to patients revealed a limited number of studies, which emphasized the need to also provide education to family members during the disease adaptation process (Baksi Şimşek, 2013). It is anticipated that the results of this study will contribute to nursing practices and research. Hypotheses: H1: The quality of life of patients with primary brain tumors who receive structured education is higher than that of patients who receive routine/standard education. H2: The severity of symptoms in patients with primary brain tumors who receive structured education is lower than that of patients who receive routine/standard education. H3: The quality of life of caregivers for patients with primary brain tumors who receive structured education is higher than that of caregivers for patients who receive routine/standard education. H4: The burden of care for caregivers of patients with primary brain tumors who receive structured education is lower than that of caregivers for patients who receive routine/standard education.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
72
Patients and caregivers in the experimental group will receive preoperative education structured according to the Nursing Life Model, which was developed based on the literature.The Roper-Logan-Tierney Nursing Model of Living is one of the most widely utilized frameworks in nursing practice. The primary aim of the model is to guide nurses in providing care through the assessment of an individual's activities of living.
Istanbul Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGPatient's and caregiver quality of life
Quality of life will be assessed using the validated quality of life scales SF-12 and EQ-5D-5L. Assessments will be conducted preoperatively with SF-12 and EQ-5D-5L; on the day of discharge with EQ-5D-5L; and one month after discharge with SF-12 and EQ-5D-5L.
Time frame: before surgery, on the day 1 of discharge and 1 month after discharge
Caregivers caregiver Burden
To assess changes following the training intervention, the caregiver's burden will be evaluated using the validated Caregiver Burden Scale.The scale, which can be completed either by the caregiver themselves or through an interviewer, consists of 22 items that determine the impact of caregiving on the caregiver's life. It uses a Likert-type response format ranging from 0 to 4, with options including never, rarely, sometimes, often, and nearly always. Studies have reported internal consistency reliability coefficients between 0.87 and 0.94, and test-retest reliability of 0.71. Scores on the scale range from 0 to 88, with higher scores indicating a greater level of burden experienced. The Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Erdem and İnci in 2008, with reliability coefficients between 0.71 and 0.86, demonstrating high reliability.
Time frame: The patient will be evaluated before surgery, on the day 1 of discharge, and one month after discharge.
Symptom burden
Symptom burden will be assessed using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory - Brain Tumor Module. This validated tool measures the severity of brain tumor-related symptoms and their interference with daily activities. The inventory was developed by Armstrong et al., and all validity and reliability analyses were completed in 2006, with a total internal consistency reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) of .91. The MDA-BT consists of two sections, seven subscales, and a total of 28 items, each rated individually on a Likert-type scale ranging from 0 to 10. The validity and reliability of the inventory for the Turkish population were established by Baksi and Dicle, yielding a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .90.
Time frame: Measurements will be taken before surgery, on the day 1 of discharge, and one month after discharge.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.