Empowering of Oncology Patients and Informal Caregivers: Analysis of an Interdisciplinary Seminar Model for Breast Cancer and Gyneco-Oncological Patients.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The interdisciplinary empowerment seminar aims to familiarize patients and informal caregivers (ICs) with supportive measures, focusing on understanding disease, therapy, and side effect management. METHODS: The seminar, conducted in two courses over 1-month intervals prior to chemotherapy, included lectures, supportive materials, Q and A sessions, and individual discussions with experts in nutrition, exercise, psycho-oncology, and complementary medicine. Evaluation is based on a self-developed questionnaire and questionnaires on QoL (EORTC-QLQ-C30, BR23, CX24, OV28), anxiety and depression (HADS-D) at week 0, 5, 9, and 12. A control group with standard of care was evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: Between October 2020 and May 2021, 19 patients and 9 ICs participated in the seminar. The control group included 20 patients. 96.4% of participants were highly satisfied with the seminar and would recommend it. QoL deterioration was more pronounced in the control group (control week 0 = 67.6; week 12 = 61.7; intervention week 0 = 60.8; week 12 = 60.7). This trend could not be proven by analysis of interaction (mixed ANOVA p = 0.114). Increased confidence of participants' knowledge about side effects was shown, and ICs reported higher confidence in knowledge and coping with the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The seminar received positive feedback and indicated increased knowledge and a trend toward better QoL preservation. Larger studies are needed for confirmation. The seminar effectively addressed unique needs, bolstering confidence and knowledge. Interdisciplinary patient and caregiver empowerment seminars can improve disease-related knowledge and positively affect QoL at the start of chemotherapy. Informational needs can be satisfied. Offering educational seminars and fostering individualized support networks can increase quality of care.