Online psychological self-management intervention for testicular cancer survivors (e-TC 2.0): promising acceptability and preliminary efficacy, but limited feasibility
Year: 2020
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Testicular cancer (TC) survivors experience greater psychological morbidity than the general population. Two-thirds of TC survivors report unmet supportive care needs regarding issues such as fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), but many are reluctant/unable to seek face-to-face help. This study prospectively assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an interactive web-based self-management intervention (e-TC 2.0) in reducing borderline/clinical levels of anxiety, depression, and/or FCR among TC survivors. Methods: TC survivors who had completed treatment were recruited to this single-arm phase I trial through clinicians and online advertisements. Consenting participants completed baseline questionnaires, had 12 weeks’ access to e-TC 2.0, then completed post-intervention questionnaires. Feasibility was determined by the proportion of e-TC 2.0 completed (website usage data). Acceptability was assessed with purpose-designed satisfaction measures. Preliminary efficacy was indicated by changes in anxiety/depression (HADS), distress (thermometer), and FCR (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form). Results: Thirty-nine participants started the intervention; 48% completed the first module, but only 20% completed all modules. Mean participant age was 37.1 years; mean time since diagnosis was 3.6 years. Mean acceptability scores were > 8/10. Mean unmet needs, distress, FCR, anxiety, and depression levels decreased after the intervention, as did the proportion of participants above clinical cut-offs. Conclusions: e-TC 2.0 is the first web-based resource for TC survivors with borderline/clinical levels of anxiety, depression, and/or FCR. Although engagement with e-TC 2.0 was somewhat limited, website users reported high levels of satisfaction and reductions in psychological morbidity and unmet needs. e-TC 2.0 may be a useful adjunct to traditional face-to-face health professional support for TC survivors.
Institutions: UNSW Sydney, Ingham Institute, Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group, The University of Sydney, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Auckland District Health Board, The University of Adelaide, Federation University
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3096596446