Effect of the self-efficacy-enhancing active cycle of breathing technique on lung cancer patients with lung resection: A quasi-experimental trial.

Purpose: Enhancing self-efficacy during the active cycle of breathing technique is essential for realizing the full benefit of pulmonary rehabilitation among lung cancer patients. This study aimed to explore the effect of self-efficacy-enhancing active cycle of breathing technique (SEE-ACBT) among patients with lung resection.

Method: A quasi-experimental trial with a pre-post test design was performed. The control group (n = 81) received routine perioperative care, and the intervention group (n = 81) received SEE-ACBT in addition to routine perioperative care. The primary outcome measure was 24-h wet sputum weight. Other outcomes included the 6-min walk test (6MWT), Borg scale, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), exercise self-efficacy, hospitalization cost, duration of oxygen inhalation, and days of postoperative hospital stay.

Results: The sputum weight in the intervention group gradually increased from postoperative day 1, day 2, to day 3 and was significantly higher than that of the control group on day 2 and day 3 (P = 0.000). An average of ¥5047 (US$ 767.6) in hospitalization costs was saved in the intervention group (P = 0.003). Exercise self-efficacy (79. 0 VS 71.7,P = 0.006), 6MWT (471.8 m VS 371.6 m,P = 0.000), and duration of oxygen inhalation (33.9 h VS 53.1 h, P = 0.000) among patients in the intervention group improved significantly compared with the control group. No significant differences in PPC and days of postoperative hospital stay were found.

Conclusions: SEE-ACBT is an effective and economical short-term pulmonary rehabilitation method. Pulmonary rehabilitation should focus on increasing motivational behaviours. Further studies should be implemented to explore the long-term effects of SEE-ACBT.