Abstract
ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Families Addressing Cancer Together (FACT), a web‐based, individually tailored, psychoeducational intervention for parents with cancer to improve illness‐related communication with their minor children.MethodsParents with stage I‐IV solid tumors who had children ages 3–17 were randomized to 6 weeks of FACT versus waitlist control. Feasibility was assessed by rates of recruitment and retention. Acceptability (primary outcome) was defined a priori as ≥ 75% of FACT participants rating FACT ≥ 12 (on an 18‐point study‐specific scale), and semi‐structured interviews provided additional qualitative acceptability information. Generalized estimating equation methods were used to assess preliminary efficacy for communication self‐efficacy, depression, and anxiety; Fisher's exact tests explored differences in individual communication beliefs and behaviors.ResultsForty‐eight approached patients enrolled (recruitment rate: 73%), 85% were retained through the post‐intervention assessment, and 78% rated FACT as acceptable. In the FACT group compared to control, the modeled improvement in CSES scores from baseline to post‐intervention was 9.5 versus 0 points (p = 0.004). FACT participants were more likely to have told their children that they have cancer (83.3% vs. 52.2%, p = 0.03) and felt more prepared to answer their children's questions about cancer (p = 0.02). Groups did not differ in depression or anxiety.ConclusionsFACT was feasible, acceptable, and demonstrated potential to improve parents' communication self‐efficacy, beliefs, and behaviors. A large scale randomized controlled trial of FACT is needed to confirm these benefits and evaluate longer‐term effects on psychological outcomes for parents with cancer and their children.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call