Efficacy of a Self-Efficacy Nursing Model in CyberKnife-Treated Lung Cancer Patients

Clinical Study on the Impact of a Self-Efficacy Theory-Based Nursing Model on Psychological Distress, Pain Level, and Quality of Life in Lung Cancer Patients Treated With CyberKnife

This study evaluates whether a multi-component nursing model based on self-efficacy theory can alleviate psychological distress, mitigate pain, and improve the quality of life (QoL) in lung cancer patients undergoing CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery compared to routine nursing care.

Lung cancer patients undergoing CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery often experience significant psychological distress, including profound fear and anxiety, as well as pain, which negatively impacts their quality of life. This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial investigated a structured nursing intervention based on Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory. A total of 300 lung cancer patients scheduled for CyberKnife treatment were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to an intervention group or a control group. The control group received standard medical and routine nursing care. The intervention group received a multi-component nursing model in addition to routine care. The intervention included cognitive-behavioral strategies, psychological support, role model encouragement, functional exercise guidance, social support system enhancement, and self-management training, which was initiated upon admission and continued for 4 weeks. The primary hypothesis is that this theory-based approach will significantly improve general self-efficacy, reduce symptom burden (anxiety and pain), and enhance overall quality of life compared to standard care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 40 and 80 years, inclusive.
• Histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of primary lung cancer (suitable for CyberKnife treatment).
• Scheduled to receive CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery as a primary or palliative treatment.
• Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score of 80-100.
• Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) score ≤ 5.
• Estimated life expectancy of at least 6 months.
• Able to understand, speak, and read Mandarin Chinese.
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of severe, uncontrolled cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, hepatic, or renal diseases.
• Known history of severe psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment.
• Presence of other active malignancies requiring systemic treatment.
• Known severe, uncontrolled endocrine or metabolic diseases.
• Significant coagulation disorders.
• Previous radiotherapy to the planned CyberKnife treatment field.
• Participation in another interventional clinical trial concurrently or within 30 days prior to enrollment.