BREAST CANCER IS CAUSED BY ABNORMAL PROLIFERATION of breast epithelial tissue cells that cause malignant transformation, and its incidence has risen steadily (Zeng et al., 2017). Chemotherapy is commonly used pre-and postsurgery for patients with breast cancer, and the chemotherapy regimens are mainly based on anthracyclines (Li et al., 2018). Patients often experience reduced quality of life (QOL) from adverse side effects. Therefore, postoperative nursing care for this population has gained increased attention.Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), sometimes known as "chemobrain," is a common side effect and an issue in patients with breast cancer (Kovalchuk et al., 2017). CRCI clinically manifests as verbal memory decline, information processing speed decrease, confusion of thinking, and the decline of executive function and visuospatial ability (Bompaire et al., 2017). Kaiser et al. (2014) found that 14%-85% of patients experienced deficits in attention, memory, executive control, and handling speed of life events following chemotherapy. Chemotherapy also led to a progressive decline in cognitive functioning in patients with breast cancer, with peak decline occurring during cycles 3-5 (Lange et al., 2019). CRCI substantially affects patients' short-and long-term recovery and QOL. Memory dysfunction is an initial symptom of CRCI (Nott & Glass, 2018) and can trigger mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, which affects patients' recovery and QOL. Kesler et al. (2013) tested a computerized cognitive training program for breast cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy, finding significant improvements in memory and attention. Other studies demonstrated therapeutic effects of audiovisual training on cognitive functioning recovery among patients who had a stroke (Chen & Mao, 2016; Zhang, Chen, et al., 2016). The authors of the current study developed a multisensory stimulation training program that consists of visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory training techniques to attenuate CRCI and executive dysfunction in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. The results provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of such training to enhance patients' QOL.
Methods
Sample and SettingEighty patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy at Tangshan People's Hospital, a grade A tertiary hospital in Tangshan, Hebei, China,