A randomized controlled trial of a group acceptance-based intervention for cancer survivors experiencing anxiety at re-entry (‘Valued Living’): study protocol

BMC Cancer

Joanna J. Arch¹  Sarah R. Genung¹  Annette L. Stanton²  David J. Andorsky³  Robert Fisher³  Jill L. Mitchell³ 

[1] Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder;Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles;Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers;

关键词: Anxiety;    Cancer;    Cancer survivorship;    Acceptance and commitment therapy;    Acceptance;    Psycho-oncology;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12885-019-5289-x

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Anxiety is a common concern of cancer survivors during the transition from active cancer treatment to cancer survivorship (the re-entry phase). This paper presents the study protocol for a novel group-based behavioral intervention to improve mental health, well-being, and medical use outcomes among anxious cancer survivors at re-entry. Methods/Design This two-armed, prospective randomized controlled trial will randomize a minimum of 100 re-entry-phase cancer survivors with moderate to high anxiety to the intervention or a usual care control condition. The intervention is delivered in a group format over 7 weeks; content is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based intervention. Participants will be recruited from community cancer care centers and the intervention will be led by the onsite clinical social workers. Participants will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and 3- and 6-month follow-up. ACT participants will complete process measures before the beginning of group sessions 2, 4, and 6; all participants will complete the process measures during the regular assessments. The primary outcome is anxiety symptoms; secondary outcomes include anxiety disorder severity, fear of recurrence, depressive symptoms, cancer-related trauma symptoms, sense of life meaning, vitality/fatigue, and medical utilization. Discussion This clinical trial will provide valuable evidence regarding the efficacy of the group ACT intervention in community oncology settings. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02550925.

【 授权许可】

Unknown