An integrated intervention programme for couples facing colorectal cancer: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychosocial Oncology
• Couple's Health
• Cancer Care Interventions

Background:

• A "Live with Love" Conceptual Framework guided the development of the "Caring for Couples Coping with Colorectal Cancer" (4Cs: CRC) program.
• The program was specifically designed for couples where one partner has colorectal cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the 4Cs: CRC program for couples adapting to colorectal cancer.
• To compare the impact of online, face-to-face, and blended intervention delivery modes on couple outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A four-arm randomized controlled trial involving 179 Chinese colorectal cancer couples.
• Couples were assigned to online, face-to-face, blended intervention, or control groups.
• Outcomes including self-efficacy, dyadic coping, communication, and dyadic well-being were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks using ANOVA.

Main Results:

• The 4Cs: CRC intervention demonstrated medium-to-large effects on self-efficacy, dyadic coping, communication, and emotional well-being for both patients and caregivers.
• All intervention delivery modes (online, face-to-face, blended) showed equally significant positive effects on couple outcomes.
• Improvements were observed in mental health, negative and positive emotions, and marital satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The integrated 4Cs: CRC intervention program is effective for enhancing colorectal cancer couples' adaptation.
• Further research should include long-term follow-up and mixed quantitative and qualitative assessments for comprehensive program evaluation.