RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of an educational intervention (CUIDAR) in cancer patients during the post-operatory, aimed to strength the competence to care patients at home in the dimensions knowledge, instrumental unicity, enjoy, anticipation and social relationships and interactions. METHODS: Quantitative quasi-experimental design with control and intervention groups, 192 patients who received surgery in the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Bogotá, Colombia. The intervention was conducted since the admission to the sixth week after release. Measurements of the home care competence and number of readmissions were made before and after the treatment. RESULTS: In the intervention group a positive and statistically significant effect was observed in six dimensions, as well as the reduction of hospital readmissions. CONCLUSION: The educational intervention CUIDAR is a feasible strategy that increases the capacity to care at home and significantly reduces the readmissions to emergency services in cancer patients treated with surgery. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Educational intervention (CUIDAR) may be used as a tool in cancer patients treated with surgery.