The effect of the “Femininity Identity Improvement Program” based on cognitive behavioral and expressive techniques applied to gynecological cancer patients on prolonged grief reactions: Study protocol for randomized controlled trial

The research was designed to determine the impact of the Femininity Identity Improvement Program based on cognitive-behavioral and expressive techniques applied to gynecological cancer patients on their prolonged grief responses. The research is the study protocol created for a randomized controlled experimental study. The research protocol prepared in accordance with SPIRIT 2013 was registered in the Clinical Trials system (XXXX). The research was conducted with 80 patients (40 patients in the intervention group and 40 patients in the control group) who underwent surgery in the gynecology and obstetrics clinic of a university hospital within the last year. Among these patients, those who had a surgery at least three months ago were included in the study. The intervention group participated in the Femininity Identity Improvement Program for 10 weeks, with sessions once a week, each lasting 90-120 minutes. The control group received no intervention. Measurements were taken before the program (pretest), at the end of the program (posttest at the 10th week), and three months after the program (follow-up measurement) to determine the effect of the program. Data were collected using the Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale-Patient Form. The Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the data obtained at different times. The study integrates two psychotherapeutic interventions (cognitive-behavioral theory and art therapy) in an innovative way to structure the Femininity Identity Improvement Program for psychiatric nursing practice. Psychiatric nurses in oncology and other relevant clinical settings are recommended to apply this program to provide comprehensive care using current approaches.