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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 3/2015

01-03-2015 | Original Article

Rebuilding self-confidence after cancer: a feasibility study of life-coaching

Authors: Richard Wagland, Deborah Fenlon, Ruth Tarrant, Gilly Howard-Jones, Alison Richardson

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 3/2015

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Abstract

Background

Cancer survivors often experience decreased self-confidence which impacts negatively on their ability to self-manage the practical, social and emotional problems frequently faced as they emerge from end of treatment. This was a feasibility study of a life-coaching intervention, designed to rebuild confidence of survivors and support transition to life after cancer treatment.

Methods

A one group pre-test, post-test design was used, recruiting participants from community organisations. Eligibility criteria are as follows: <1 year of completion of primary cancer treatment, aged >18, no metastases, and no mental health problems. Participants received one individualised face-to-face and five telephone coaching sessions over 3 months. Outcome measures are as follows: New General Self-Efficacy Scale, Hope Scale, Personal Well-being Index, Assessment of Survivorship Concerns, Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Social Difficulties Index, and a goal attainment score. Interviews explored feasibility, acceptability and impact of life-coaching and research design.

Results

Nine women and two men were recruited, representing varying cancer diagnoses. All outcome measures were sensitive to change and indicated positive trends post-intervention. Participant interviews indicated the intervention was well received and had a positive impact. Lessons were learnt about study design, recruitment and intervention delivery.

Conclusions

Life-coaching has a potential to enable cancer survivors to manage the transition to life beyond cancer and effect change on a range of outcomes. The intervention was feasible to deliver and acceptable to survivors at a time when many struggle to make sense of life. It merits further evaluation through a randomised controlled trial.
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Metadata
Title
Rebuilding self-confidence after cancer: a feasibility study of life-coaching
Authors
Richard Wagland
Deborah Fenlon
Ruth Tarrant
Gilly Howard-Jones
Alison Richardson
Publication date
01-03-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2399-5

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