Ana Bártolo1,2, Emelda Pacheco2, Fabiana Rodrigues2, Anabela Pereira2,3, Sara Monteiro1,2, Isabel M Santos1,2. 1. a Department of Education and Psychology , Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal. 2. b Department of Education and Psychology , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal. 3. c Department of Education and Psychology , Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers (CIDTFF), University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive review of psycho-educational interventions using telecommunication technologies developed for adult cancer patients, assessing their effectiveness in reducing emotional distress and improving quality of life (QoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A narrative approach was used for extraction and synthesis of the data. Relevant studies were identified through the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (through EBSCOhost), and CENTRAL. RESULTS: Eight studies involving 1016 participants met inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies included (n = 6) used a randomized design and were published between 2007 and 2016. Interventions used a variety of delivery resources, such as telephone, e-mail and websites, but all were aiming to respond to information needs and develop stress control skills. A trend toward reducing distress and improving QoL was found, but estimated effect sizes were typically small (d < 0.5). Telephonically delivered psycho-educational interventions presented the highest between-group effects on these outcomes during survival, but were limited by sample size. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of interventions using distance approaches in the cancer setting is still not well-established. Further research should be conducted through well-designed studies with more interactive features that minimize the lack of face-to-face interaction. Implications for rehabilitation Rehabilitation professionals working in the field of oncology should invest in the development of psycho-educational interventions responding the patients' educational needs and promoting their stress control skills. Programs using telecommunications technologies may reduce disparities in service delivery within this setting, minimizing geographic and socio-economic barriers to engagement in the interventions. With the current technological development, it is possible to perform more interactive interventions that stimulate therapist-patient interactions. However, available protocols in this field still employ basic resources (e.g., websites, e-mail, and videos). Young adult cancer patients are exposed to additional requirements related to fertility and parenthood. New intervention approaches should consider their informational needs.
PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive review of psycho-educational interventions using telecommunication technologies developed for adult cancerpatients, assessing their effectiveness in reducing emotional distress and improving quality of life (QoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A narrative approach was used for extraction and synthesis of the data. Relevant studies were identified through the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (through EBSCOhost), and CENTRAL. RESULTS: Eight studies involving 1016 participants met inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies included (n = 6) used a randomized design and were published between 2007 and 2016. Interventions used a variety of delivery resources, such as telephone, e-mail and websites, but all were aiming to respond to information needs and develop stress control skills. A trend toward reducing distress and improving QoL was found, but estimated effect sizes were typically small (d < 0.5). Telephonically delivered psycho-educational interventions presented the highest between-group effects on these outcomes during survival, but were limited by sample size. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of interventions using distance approaches in the cancer setting is still not well-established. Further research should be conducted through well-designed studies with more interactive features that minimize the lack of face-to-face interaction. Implications for rehabilitation Rehabilitation professionals working in the field of oncology should invest in the development of psycho-educational interventions responding the patients' educational needs and promoting their stress control skills. Programs using telecommunications technologies may reduce disparities in service delivery within this setting, minimizing geographic and socio-economic barriers to engagement in the interventions. With the current technological development, it is possible to perform more interactive interventions that stimulate therapist-patient interactions. However, available protocols in this field still employ basic resources (e.g., websites, e-mail, and videos). Young adult cancerpatients are exposed to additional requirements related to fertility and parenthood. New intervention approaches should consider their informational needs.
Authors: Joseph A Greer; Jamie Jacobs; Nicole Pensak; James J MacDonald; Charn-Xin Fuh; Giselle K Perez; Alina Ward; Colleen Tallen; Alona Muzikansky; Lara Traeger; Frank J Penedo; Areej El-Jawahri; Steven A Safren; William F Pirl; Jennifer S Temel Journal: Oncologist Date: 2019-01-25
Authors: Lynne I Wagner; Janet A Tooze; Daniel L Hall; Beverly J Levine; Jennifer Beaumont; Jenna Duffecy; David Victorson; William Gradishar; Joseph Leach; Thomas Saphner; Keren Sturtz; Mary Lou Smith; Frank Penedo; David C Mohr; David Cella Journal: J Natl Cancer Inst Date: 2021-11-02 Impact factor: 11.816