For this research question, I have employed the PICO framework. The aim of this post is to investigate and discuss the effects and benefits of physi

For this research question, I have employed the PICO framework. The aim of this post is to investigate and discuss the effects and benefits of physical exercise, which is a non-pharmacological intervention on breast cancer patients going through chemotherapy in comparison to pharmacological interventions. I have chosen this area of study after having witnessed my own mother be diagnosed with breast cancer and subsequent chemotherapy, I watched as she continued to maintain a physically active lifestyle during her treatment where possible, I feel this lived experience provides me insight into the benefits that are possible to reduce the effects of chemo brain and chemotherapy related side effects.

Recent research reveals the use of non-pharmacological intervention methods such as physical activities have a direct positive impact in pain management, reduced stress, improved sleep and relative well-being in cancer patients (Cannioto et al., 2020)

Prolonged physical activities have been known to increase body energy levels and increased functional capacity. In addition to this, evidence reveals that effective training during chemotherapy treatments has a positive outcome in improving physical function (Baumann, 2016).

P Females patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment following diagnosis of breast cancer

I Physical Activity in reducing the effects of chemotherapy

C Non-Pharmacological interventions

O Pain management and benefits of reducing the impacts of chemotherapy.

Research Question : In Women diagnosed with Breast Cancer undergoing Chemotherapy, what are the benefits of physical activity in combatting nausea and other chemo related side effects in comparison to pharmacological interventions.

The American Cancer Society recommends physical exercise in cancer patients when it comes to reducing fatigue and improving the physical functional capacity and overall well-being (American Cancer Society, 2022). Despite the obvious benefits of chemotherapy treatments to cancer patients, it results in a wide range of negative side-effects that impacts on the patients quality of life while fighting the disease (Hsiao et al., 2016). Exercise has been proven to have positive side effects when completed through cancer treatment. Fatigue is one of the conditions that is common within patients, current research shows that physical activity helps improve physical, emotional, and cognitive strength, with many benefits in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms (Mustian et al., 2012). In a randomised controlled trial that was investigating multimodal exercise for body compositions fitness and exercise capacity and oxidative stress after 8 weeks. The results were compared to patients receiving pharmacological interventions. It was also observed that there is a significant difference between patients receiving physical exercise therapy compared to the patients undergoing chemotherapy using pharmacological interventions (Jacobsen & Thors, 2018). In another study is was also reported that there an improvements in overall fatigue for cancer patients engaging in physical activity (Bower, 2014).

It is normal for patients to be concerned about worsening pain in the process of completing physical activities, However, studies have shown that there is an overall pain reduction resulted from increased activity, which therefore leads to increased functional capacity to cancer patients (Yen et al., 2020).

In conclusion, the research I have conducted on this topics, confirms the opinions that there can be a positive outcome when women diagnosed with breast cancer are involved with physical activities and interventions compared to when they are receiving pharmacological interventions alone to alleviate chemotherapy related side effects.

References

American Cancer Society. (2022). Fatigue and Weakness. American Cancer Society Inc. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fatigue.html Baumann, M., Krause, M., Overgaard, J., Debus, J., Bentzen, S. M., Daartz, J., Richter, C., Zips, D., & Bortfeld, T. (2016). Radiation oncology in the era of precision medicine. Nature Reviews. Cancer, 16(4), 234249. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc.2016.18 Bower, J. E. (2014). Cancer-related fatigue--mechanisms, risk factors, and treatments. Nature Reviews. Clinical Oncology, 11(10), 597609. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrclinonc.2014.127 Kessels, E., Husson, O., & Feltz-Cornelis, C. M. van der. (2018). The effect of exercise on cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 14, 479494. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S150464 BOWER, J. E., GANZ, P. A., DESMOND, K. A., BERNAARDS, C., ROWLAND, J. H., MEYEROWITZ, B. E., & BELIN, T. R. (2006). Fatigue in long-term breast carcinoma survivors: A longitudinal investigation. Cancer, 106(4), 751758. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.21671Cannioto, R. A., Hutson, A., Dighe, S., McCann, W., McCann, S. E., Zirpoli, G. R., Barlow, W., Kelly, K. M., DeNysschen, C. A., Hershman, D. L., Unger, J. M., Moore, H., Stewart, J. A., Isaacs, C., Hobday, T. J., Salim, M., Hortobagyi, G. N., Gralow, J. R., Albain, K. S., Budd, G. T., Ambrosone, C. B. (2021). Physical Activity Before, During, and After Chemotherapy for High-Risk Breast Cancer: Relationships With Survival. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 113(1), 5463. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djaa046Mustian, K. M., Sprod, L. K., Janelsins, M., Peppone, L. J., & Mohile, S. (2012). Exercise Recommendations for Cancer-Related Fatigue, Cognitive Impairment, Sleep problems, Depression, Pain, Anxiety, and Physical Dysfunction: A Review. Oncology & hematology review, 8(2), 8188. https://doi.org/10.17925/ohr.2012.08.2.81Jacobsen, P., & Thors, C (2018). Fatigue in the radiation therapy patient: current management and investiations. Semin Radiat Oncol, 13(3): 372-380.

Yen, C. J., Hung, C. H., Tsai, W. M., Cheng, H. C., Yang, H. L., Lu, Y. J., & Tsai, K. L. (2020). Effect of Exercise Training on Exercise Tolerance and Level of Oxidative Stress for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Following Chemotherapy. Frontiers in oncology, 10, 1536. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.01536Hsiao, C. P., Daly, B., & Saligan, L. N. (2016). The Etiology and management of radiotherapy-induced fatigue. Expert review of quality of life in cancer care, 1(4), 323328. https://doi.org/10.1080/23809000.2016.1191948Background

Chronic mental illness refers to conditions with persistently debilitating psychiatric symptoms and severely impaired function. Subsequently, people diagnosed with chronic mental illness often experience symptoms that interfere with their ability to undertake activities of daily living, contribute to society, and maintain interpersonal relationships, with this often-reducing quality of life (Manger, 2019). Research has found that when exposed to animals people relax, and the tension and stress associated with daily life is alleviated (Sahebalzamani et al., 2020). Through this has emerged an interest among researchers and health professionals into the positive effects of these encounters, and the potential health benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT). Research conducted byNurenberget al. (2015) found that among people diagnosed with chronic mental illness, AAT led to a reduction in instances of aggression. This reduction was found to be correlated with improved function and improved intrusiveness. Furthermore, research conducted by Sahebalzamani et al. (2020) evaluating the effect of AAT on happiness and quality of life found it to be an effective approach in alleviating depressive episodes and feelings of loneliness among people diagnosed with chronic mental illness while enhancing happiness and life satisfaction.

PICO Model Rational

Among People Diagnosed with Chronic Mental Illness, is Animal-Assisted Therapy Effective in Improving Mental Health Status and Quality of Life?

I have a keen interest in the field of mental health, which evolved throughout my undergraduate studies. This has led to my employment as a career in forensic and adult mental health. On several occasions, patients have highlighted to me their belief that AAT may help alleviate the symptoms associated with their illness while providing a positive experience. This piqued my interest and assisted in identifying my topic of choice. I utilised the PICO framework when developing this research question as the chosen topic and relevant journal articles utilised quantitative data as a measure.

Population: People diagnosed with a chronic mental illness

Intervention: Animal-Assisted Therapy

Comparison: No Animal-Assisted Therapy

Outcomes: Improved mental health status and quality of life

Evaluation

Research designs are the plans and procedures involved in research, and include any decisions, assumptions, and detailed methods of data collection (Sileyew, 2020). The research subject Among People Diagnosed with Chronic Mental Illness, is Animal-Assisted Therapy Effective in Improving Mental Health Status and Quality of Life? is most accurately suited to a randomised control trial, with this being a trial in which the subject is randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Evidence is then gathered and analysed to ascertain if there are any differences in outcome, with this being used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. This research design is quantitative in nature. The two journal articles used in this discussion post were found through PubMed utilising the Charles Darwin University Library database and were selected due to their relevance to the research subject. The research conducted byNurenberget al. (2015), evaluating AAT on instances of diagnosis-associated aggression found statistical significance (p=.035), with this being correlated to improved function and improved intrusiveness. Likewise, the research conducted by Sahebalzamani et al. (2020) evaluating the effect of AAT on quality of life also found statistical significance, with findings as follows: satisfaction with life domains (p= 0.009), psychological well-being (p= .0012), and activities of daily living (p= 0.003).