Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

E-Patient Counseling Trial E-PACO: Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
Efficacy of an Online Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy in Caregivers of Advanced Cancer (eMCP-C): A Mixed-Method Pilot
Naomi Takemura1,2, Arthur Cheuk-Man Li3, Wing Lok Chan4
1School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Background:
Rising advanced cancer incidence globally places profound existential distress and psychological burden on family caregivers. We culturally adapted Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C) from Western to Chinese context, targeting existential distress through meaning-making processes.
Aims:
This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an online MCP-C (eMCP-C) among caregivers of patients with advanced cancer.
Methods:
Caregivers of patients with advanced cancer, experiencing distress related to caregiving, were randomly assigned (1:1) to eMCP-C or enhanced usual care groups. Over 7 weeks, participants received weekly individual session of eMCP-C focusing on meaning making and coping with caregiving, whereas enhanced usual care group received resources for mental health treatment and targeted referrals for specific distress problems. Feasibility outcomes were assessed through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews at 7-week. Efficacy outcomes were assessed by questionnaire at baseline, 7, and 19 weeks.
Results:
Forty-six caregivers enrolled (26-79 years old), among which thirty-seven (80%) completed the study. Intervention attendance, retention rates, and participant satisfaction were satisfactory. Depression, anxiety, meaning, peace, and self-esteem improved from baseline to immediate and 3-month post-intervention in intervention group. Qualitative analysis revealed three key therapeutic mechanisms: (1) Therapeutic Alliance as a Catalyst for Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Healing, (2) Meaning-making Through Acceptance and Action, and (3) Empowering Through Affirmation and Self-Determined Action.
Conclusions:
For Chinese caregivers of patients with advanced cancer, eMCP-C is feasible, well-accepted, and showed preliminary benefits in psychological distress, meaning, peace, and self-esteem, compared to an enhanced usual care group.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Continuing Care
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Patient-centered Care
Cancer Survival Analysis
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
