To Örebro University

Purpose: To test whether a psycho-educational program affects mental wellbeing in persons treated for colorectal cancer and their next-of-kin.

Design: A prospective, longitudinal, randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Surgical clinic at a university hospital in Sweden.

Sample: 105 colorectal cancer patients and 71 next-of-kin were allocated to a psycho­educational program or to standard care.

Methods: Mental wellbeing was evaluated with the Mood Adjective Check List and The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and at 1, 6, and 12 months. The program consisted of seven meetings, including lecture and time for reflection with other patients/next­of-kin.

Main Research Variable: Overall mood, activity, calmness, pleasantness, anxiety, and depression.

Findings: The psycho-educational program increased overall mood, calmness, and pleasantness among patients after one month but had no effect on activity, anxiety, or depression. The program had no effect on the overall mood, activity, calmness, pleasantness, anxiety, or depression among next-of-kin.

Conclusion: The psycho-educational program had a short-term effect on overall patient mood, calmness, and pleasantness but not on next-of-kin. Implications for Nursing: A psycho-educational program including lecture and time for reflection can be used with a colorectal cancer patient population to improve some aspects of their mental wellbeing.