Coping Skills for Oncology Patients: A Practical Guide.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To present a practical how-to guide on implementing a coping skills intervention for patients with cancer facing surgery. DATA SOURCES A review of the literature on coping and coping skills and on assessing the impact on patients' emotional status. CONCLUSION: Developing and presenting a brief coping skills program is possible within the confines of perioperative preparation for oncology patients. Such coping skills help develop a sense of self-efficacy, personal control, and resilience. Patients are responsive to the program and seem to practice their home assignments in a satisfactory manner. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Oncology nurses can implement some of or all of the program with their patients. The coping skills fall under the mandate of a variety of health care professionals and are readily available to present to patients. The preoperative period is a suitable time to engage patients to learn coping skills.