Palliative care nurses' experiences of training in cognitive behaviour therapy and taking part in a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: This article describes the experiences of clinical nurse specialists in a palliative homecare team who took part in a cluster randomized controlled study. The study aimed to determine whether palliative care nurses given basic training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) were able to use core components of this training when treating advanced cancer patients with anxiety or depression.

Method: Fifteen nurses were randomly allocated to either receive training in cognitive behavioural techniques or to continue their practice as usual. Nurses were interviewed following the CBT training and after the research study.

Results: The CBT group reported a positive change in their approach to patients. Nurses felt empowered, more skilled and effective not only to assess and support patients with symptoms of anxiety and depression but also to facilitate change. In addition, nurses placed considerable value on being given a psychological model and set of interventions.

Conclusions: Nurses found taking part in the study demanding in terms of time and commitment; however, the authors conclude that research in the community palliative care setting is feasible.