Research on EFT in Cancer Studies

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of emotional freedom technique (EFT) on sleep quality and happiness of women who underwent breast cancer surgery and lived in military and nonmilitary families.

Design and methods: The patients were randomly divided into four groups of military intervention (n = 34), nonmilitary intervention (n = 33), military control (n = 31), and nonmilitary control (n = 35). Data were collected using demographic information form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire.

Findings: The mean scores of sleep quality and happiness in military and nonmilitary intervention groups improved significantly immediately and 1 month after the intervention compared to control groups (p < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the military and nonmilitary intervention groups regarding the mean scores of sleep quality and happiness before, immediately, and 1 month after the intervention (p > 0.05).

Practice implications: Given the efficacy of EFT in improving sleep quality and happiness, it is recommended that this technique be taught to nurses to implement in the entire process of providing nursing care to cancer patients.

Citation (APA Style): Kalroozi, F., Moradi, M., Ghaedi-Heidari, F., Marzban, A., & Raeisi-Ardali, S. R. (2022). Comparing the effect of emotional freedom technique on sleep quality and happiness of women undergoing breast cancer surgery in military and nonmilitary families: A quasi-experimental multicenter study. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 58(4), 2986–2997. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.13150

Direct link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ppc.13150

Introduction

Advances in biomedical care for cancer have not been matched by achievements in providing high-quality care for the psychological and social effects of cancer. Numerous cancer survivors and their caregivers report that cancer care providers did not understand their psychosocial needs, failed to recognize and adequately address depression and other symptoms of stress, were unaware of or did not refer them to available resources, and generally did not consider psychosocial support to be an integral part of quality cancer care. The Cancer Council (Australia) suggests nearly 50 percent of cancer patients are not offered help for emotional distress and up to one in five cancer patients are never asked about their emotional wellbeing at their hospital appointments.

Citation (APA Style): Stapleton, P. (2021, June 23). Preliminary support for emotional freedom techniques as a support for cancer patients. Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine. https://www.faim.org/preliminary-support-for-emotional-freedom-techniques-as-a-support-for-cancer-patients

Direct link: https://www.faim.org/preliminary-support-for-emotional-freedom-techniques-as-a-support-for-cancer-patients

Abstract

Methods: In this prospective multicentre randomised wait-list controlled study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02771028), eligible cancer survivors had completed curative treatment, were 18 years or older and screened positive for sr-CRCI with ≥ 43 on the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ). Participants were randomised to the immediate treatment group (ITG) or wait-list control (WLC) group, based on age (< or ≥ 65 years), gender, treatment (chemotherapy or not), and centre. The ITG started to apply EFT after inclusion and performed this for 16 weeks. The WLC group could only start the application of EFT after 8 weeks of waiting. Evaluations took place at baseline (T0), 8 weeks (T1) and 16 weeks (T2). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with sr-CRCI according to the CFQ score.

Findings: Between October 2016 and March 2020, 121 patients were recruited with CFQ ≥ 43 indicating sr-CRCI. At T1, the number of patients scoring positive on the CFQ was significantly reduced in the ITG compared to the WLC group (40.8% vs. 87.3% respectively; p<0.01). For the WLC group, a reduction in CFQ scores was observed at T2, comparable to the effect of the ITG at T1. Linear mixed model analyses indicated a statistically significant reduction in the CFQ score, distress, depressive symptoms, fatigue and also an improvement in quality of life.

Interpretation: This study provides evidence for the application of EFT for sr-CRCI in cancer survivors and suggests that EFT may be useful for other symptoms in cancer survivors.

Citation (APA Style): Tack, L., Lefebvre, T., Lycke, M., Langenaeken, C., Fontaine, C., Borms, M., Hanssens, M., Knops, C., Meryck, K., Boterberg, T., Pottel, H., Schofield, P., & Debruyne, P. R. (2021). A randomised wait-list controlled trial to evaluate Emotional Freedom Techniques for self-reported cancer-related cognitive impairment in cancer survivors (EMOTICON). EClinicalMedicine, 39, 101081. MEDLINE Complete. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101081

Direct link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(21)00361-8/fulltext

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the short-term effects of the emotional freedom technique (EFT) on tension-type headache (TTH) sufferers.

Design: We used a parallel-group design, with participants randomly assigned to the emotional freedom intervention (n = 19) or a control arm (standard care n = 16).

Setting: The study was conducted at the outpatient Headache Clinic at the Korgialenio Benakio Hospital of Athens.

Participants: Thirty-five patients meeting criteria for frequent TTH according to International Headache Society guidelines were enrolled.

Intervention: Participants were instructed to use the EFT method twice a day for two months.

Outcome Measures: Study measures included the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Short-Form questionnaire-36. Salivary cortisol levels and the frequency and intensity of headache episodes were also assessed.

Results: Within the treatment arm, perceived stress, scores for all Short-Form questionnaire-36 subscales, and the frequency and intensity of the headache episodes were all significantly reduced. No differences in cortisol levels were found in any group before and after the intervention.

Abstract

Introduction: Adverse affects associated with tamoxifen and aromatase inhabitor use are the most common reason reported by women with breast cancer for discontinuing hormonal therapies. Poor compliance is associated with an increased risk of mortality and early recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for improving mood state, and secondarily, menopausal symptoms, fatigue, and pain experienced by women with breast cancer receiving hormonal therapies.

Methods: Participants (n = 41) received a three-week course of EFT, consisting of one session of three hours per week, followed by use of the self-tool over the next nine weeks as required. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess mood, pain, fatigue, endocrine (menopausal) symptoms and hot flushes and night sweats, together with a hot flush diary, at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Participants also completed 7-day home practice sheets for the first six weeks, a feedback form at six weeks and were invited to attend a follow-up focus group at eight weeks.

Results: Statistically significant improvements in Total Mood Disturbance (p = 0.005; p = 0.008), and anxiety (p = 0.003; p = 0.028), depression (p = 0.006; p = 0.020) and fatigue (p = 0.008; p = 0.033) occurred at both 6 and 12 weeks, respectively, compared to baseline. In addition, mean fatigue interference and global scores, numbers of hot flushes and the hot flush problem rating score decreased at 6 and/or 12 weeks.

Discussion/conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that EFT may be an effective self-help tool for women with breast cancer experiencing side effects from hormonal therapies.

Citation (APA Style): Baker, B. & Hoffman, C.  (2015).  Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to reduce the side effects associated with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitor use in women with breast cancer: A service evaluation. European Journal of Integrative Medicine 7(2), 136-42.  DOI:10.1016/j.eujim.2014.10.004

Direct link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382014003072?via%3Dihub