Stepped-care cognitive behaviour therapy program for treating cancer-related fatigue: protocol for a feasibility...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a persistent and debilitating side effect of cancer treatment.
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is effective for CRF but resource-intensive.
• Stepped-care models offer a scalable solution for delivering CBT interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of the REFRESH stepped-care CBT program for persistent CRF.
• To evaluate the acceptability, satisfaction, and appropriateness of the intervention.
• To explore the potential for future implementation and efficacy studies.

Main Methods:

• A single-arm feasibility study involving 50 participants with persistent CRF.
• A 2-step program: 5-week supported self-management CBT followed by optional group CBT.
• Feasibility, acceptability, satisfaction, and secondary outcomes (fatigue, quality of life, self-efficacy) were measured.

Main Results:

• The REFRESH program is the first stepped-care CBT intervention for persistent CRF in Australia.
• Feasibility and implementation outcomes will be reported.
• Secondary outcomes include changes in fatigue, quality of life, and self-efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The REFRESH program represents a novel approach to managing persistent CRF.
• Assessing feasibility is a critical initial step for wider implementation.
• This study lays the groundwork for future efficacy trials of stepped-care CBT for CRF.