The impact of timed narrative nursing on the psychological stress status and PTGI score of suspected breast cancer patients during physical examination
Abstract
Background: Patients with suspected breast cancer, identified through physical examination, often experience a range of negative emotions that significantly impact their mental health and quality of life. Timed narrative nursing involves clinical nursing practices where nurses listen to patients’ experiences to identify key points for intervention, followed by implementing targeted nursing measures. This study aims to evaluate the effect of timed narrative nursing on psychological stress and Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) scores in patients with suspected breast cancer detected through physical examination. Methods: A total of 111 patients with suspected breast cancer, identified through physical examinations at Nanchang Third Hospital during July 2022–2024, were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 53 patients received routine care, while 58 patients underwent timed narrative nursing. The general characteristics of the patients were collected using a questionnaire. A difference analysis was conducted to compare the mental health status and PTGI scores of patients under the two nursing models. Results: Patients receiving timed narrative nursing demonstrated lower Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores, along with higher Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and PTGI scores. These patients reported reduced stress levels and an improved quality of life. Linear regression analysis identified several independent factors influencing psychological stress, including age of ≥50 years (P = 0.017), having a spouse (P = 0.023), lower education level (P = 0.027), household income of <5000 yuan per month (P = 0.014), undergoing routine physical examinations (P = 0.009), and self-paid medical treatment (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Timed narrative nursing effectively reduces anxiety, depression, and stress in patients with suspected breast cancer. This approach plays a crucial role in improving the psychological well-being of these patients.
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