Abstract
Objective. To describe the development, implementation, and refinement of the Pro‐Self Program©, a self‐care intervention used in randomized clinical trials. The program is designed to provide adult patients undergoing cancer treatment with the information, skill, and support needed to engage effectively and consistendy in prescribed self‐care symptom management. The aim of the program is to enhance patients’ self‐care abilities to prevent symptoms or to reduce symptom severity and duration associated with disease and treatment. The program is based on work involving self‐care during treatment for cancer. Methods. Patients were provided the program at the initiation of chemotherapy or radiation therapy and followed to the completion of treatment. Conclusion. The program made an important contribution in teaching these patients self‐care during the cancer treatment experience.