Month: March 2014

Chantalle Fuchs

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Development and initial evaluation of a psychoeducational resource to facilitate social support for cancer survivors

Honours Thesis Results, Chantalle Fuchs 2014

Most cancer survivors appear to adjust well to having a cancer diagnosis over time, but research has shown that some cancer survivors experience clinical levels of anxiety and depression. In addition, it has been shown that social support often decreases after cancer treatment.

Wellbeing After Cancer (WAC) is an online cognitive behavioural therapy program designed to treat anxiety and depression among cancer survivors. Feedback from program participants suggested that information and strategies regarding social support would be beneficial.

To date, no known online educational resource has been developed to address social support among cancer survivors and family members. The objectives of the study were to:

  1. Develop a supplementary psychoeducational resource focused on social support to accompany the WAC online program. Information discussed on the resource included fatigue, concentration and memory changes, pain, swelling, nervous system changes, low moods, anxious feelings, worries about cancer returning, feeling alone, benefits of social support, communication strategies, styles of communication, and sources of support.
  2. Conduct a preliminary evaluation of this resource. Assessing the face-validity of this resource is an important first step in adding educational materials to online programs like WAC.

Survivors and family members reviewed the resource, rated different sections within the document, and responded to open-ended questions pertaining to the acceptability and helpfulness of the resource. Participants indicated that the resource was informative, applied to their personal relationships, enhance their understanding of what can occur after completing cancer treatment, and that the suggestions listed within the resource were feasible. All individual sections within the resource were deemed informative as well as accurate.

The open-ended responses revealed areas for improvement such as integrating more specific examples and information on additional challenges faced by survivors. Additional challenges described by cancer survivors included feelings of anger and frustration, difficulties with eating, as well as sexual and intimate concerns.

Nicole Alberts

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Transdiagnostic Internet-delivered cognitive-behaviour therapy for recent cancer survivors: A feasibility trial and examination of clinician perspectives

Doctoral Dissertation Results, Nicole Alberts 2014

This dissertation involved two studies. In Study 1, Wellbeing After Cancer was made available to cancer survivors in Saskatchewan from February 2013 to May 2014. The therapist-guided Internet delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) program was based on the Wellbeing Course, which is a transdiagnotic ICBT program developed and tested by the eCentre Clinic in Australia. The Wellbeing Course was modified for recent cancer survivors who experience anxiety and/or depression. Eighteen individuals who completed primary cancer treatment within the past 18 months received CBT-based online lessons, homework assignments, once weekly contact from a therapist via e-mail or phone, and automated emails. Results of Study 1 showed that symptoms of anxiety and depression improved significantly from pre to post treatment. Participants also rated the program as highly acceptable and identified several program strengths.

Study 2 examined the acceptability of Wellbeing After Cancer and ICBT more generally among clinicians currently working within cancer care in Saskatchewan. Ten clinicians viewed a brief online video and completed a telephone interview regarding their perceptions of the program. ICBT and the program were viewed as acceptable by clinicians, with most envisioning themselves referring clients to the program. Several program strengths as well as areas for improvement were identified. Approval from directors as well as clinician availability and time were seen as factors likely to influence training, delivery, and implementation.

Together, the results of both studies indicate to researchers, clinicians, and healthcare providers that ICBT is a viable avenue for offering mental health services to cancer survivors.

Nicole Pugh

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Maternal Depression Online: A preliminary study

Doctoral Dissertation Results, Nicole Pugh 2014

Maternal Depression Online (MDO) was made available to Saskatchewan women from May 2012-Feburary 2014. The therapist-assisted Internet delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy program was designed specifically for the treatment of postpartum depression. MDO consisted of 7 interactive modules including text, graphics, animation, audio and video, and covered:(a) psychoeducation on maternal depression, (b) activity planning, (c) relaxation, (d) thinking styles, (e) cognitive restructuring, (f) problem solving, and (g) relapse prevention. Using a randomized control design, 50 women with mild to moderate postpartum depression either received MDO or waited for treatment.

Results were very promising. Symptoms of postpartum depression decreased more quickly for women participating in MDO when compared to those who waited for treatment. These results were maintained at four-week follow-up, providing preliminary support of the durability of the program. Participants who received MDO also demonstrated a reduction in symptoms of postnatal anxiety, general stress, and parental distress and an increase in quality of life when compared to participants who waited for the treatment. Participants reported high satisfaction with MDO and indicated that they enjoyed working with their Internet therapist. Discussion for future implementation of this program is underway.