Effects of Counselling on Quality of Life among Cancer Patients in Malaysia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess whether “Managing Patients on Chemotherapy” book is effective to improve quality of life (QOL) of cancer patient via counselling by pharmacist. METHODS: A randomized control trial study was run among 2120 cancer patients in public hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia, from Apr 2016–Jan 2018. The treatment group received counselling regarding chemotherapy by using developed module. The data were collected at three time-points: baseline, 1(st), 2(nd) and 3(rd) follow-ups after counseling by Validated Malay version of the WHOQOL-BREF of questionnaire. Data analyses were done using χ(2) and two-way repeated measure ANOVA. RESULTS: The treatment group improved significantly as compared to control group in physical health, psychological health, social relationship, environment and overall QOL (P<0.00). CONCLUSION: The “Managing Patients on Chemotherapy” book along with repetitive counselling by pharmacists is a useful intervention for improving QOL of cancer patients undergoing treatment.