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Internet-based program for coping with cancer: a randomized controlled trial with hematologic cancer patients
N David1, P Schlenker, U Prudlo
1Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Germany. niklas.david@uni-tuebingen.de
Psycho-Oncology
|May 9, 2012
Summary
An internet-based cognitive-behavioral program improved the fighting spirit of hematologic cancer patients. While effective for some outcomes, further research is needed to optimize this digital psychosocial care approach.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychosocial Care
- Digital Health Interventions
Background:
- Psychosocial care for cancer patients is expanding beyond inpatient settings.
- Outpatient services and digital interventions are increasingly important for optimizing care delivery.
- Hematologic cancer patients often experience significant psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based cognitive-behavioral program for hematologic cancer patients.
- To assess the impact of the program on mental adjustment and psychological distress.
- To measure patient satisfaction with the online intervention.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 186 hematologic cancer patients.
- Participants were assigned to an intervention group or a waiting list for a 4-week online program.
- Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) were used as outcome measures.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed a significant increase in fighting spirit compared to the waiting list.
- Intention-to-treat analysis confirmed the positive effect on fighting spirit.
- High patient satisfaction was reported, though other psychological distress measures did not show significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Internet-based programs show potential efficacy in delivering psychosocial care to cancer patients.
- The study highlights the need for further research to optimize program components and patient targeting.
- Digital interventions may offer a valuable, albeit not universally effective, addition to cancer patient support.
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