Closing the COVID-19 Psychological Treatment Gap for Cancer Patients in Alberta: Protocol for the Implementation and Evaluation of Text4Hope-Cancer Care.

Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong,Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong,Nnamdi Nkire,Wesley Vuong,Kelly Mrklas,Kelly Mrklas,Marianne Hrabok,Marianne Hrabok,April Gusnowski,Reham Shalaby,Shireen Surood,Andrew James Greenshaw,Andrew James Greenshaw

doi:10.2196/20240

Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong, Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong + Show 11 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2196/20240

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Abstract

BackgroundCancer diagnoses and treatments usually engender significant anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients, close relatives, and caregivers. Providing psychological support during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presents additional challenges due to self-isolation and social or physical distancing measures in place to limit viral spread. This protocol describes the use of text messaging (Text4Hope-Cancer Care) as a convenient, cost-effective, and accessible population-level mental health intervention. As demonstrated in previous research, this evidence-based program supports good outcomes and high user satisfaction.ObjectiveWe will implement daily supportive text messaging as a way of reducing and managing anxiety and depression related to cancer diagnosis and treatment in Alberta, Canada. Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, their demographic correlates, and Text4Hope-Cancer Care–induced changes in anxiety and depression will be evaluated.MethodsAlberta residents with a cancer diagnosis and the close relatives of those dealing with a cancer diagnosis can self-subscribe to the Text4Hope-Cancer Care program by texting “CancerCare” to a dedicated text number. Self-administered, anonymous, online questionnaires will be used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data will be collected at onset from individuals receiving text messages, and at the mid- and endpoints of the program (ie, at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively). Data will be analyzed with parametric and nonparametric statistics for primary outcomes (ie, anxiety and depressive symptoms) and usage metrics, including the number of subscribers and user satisfaction. In addition, data mining and machine learning analysis will focus on determining subscriber characteristics that predict high levels of symptoms of mental disorders, and may subsequently predict changes in those measures in response to the Text4Hope-Cancer Care program.ResultsThe first research stage, which was completed in April 2020, involved the creation and review of the supportive text messages and uploading of messages into a web-based text messaging service. The second stage, involving the launch of the Text4Hope-Cancer Care program, occurred in May 2020.ConclusionsText4Hope-Cancer Care has the potential to provide key information regarding the prevalence rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed or receiving care for cancer and their caregivers. The study will generate demographic correlates of anxiety and depression, and outcome data related to this scalable, population-level intervention. Information from this study will be valuable for health care practitioners working in cancer care and may help inform policy and decision making regarding psychological interventions for cancer care.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/20240

Highlights

BackgroundCancer is a leading aspect of the global burden of disease [1] and the second leading cause of death internationally [2]
The first research stage, which was completed in April 2020, involved the creation and review of the supportive text messages and uploading of messages into a web-based text messaging service
The study will generate demographic correlates of anxiety and depression, and outcome data related to this scalable, population-level intervention

Summary

Introduction

BackgroundCancer is a leading aspect of the global burden of disease [1] and the second leading cause of death internationally [2]. The total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010 was estimated to be approximately USD $1.16 trillion, and the economic impact of cancer is significant and increasing [3]. The same trend exists in Canada, where cancer is the leading cause of death, responsible for about 30% of deaths [2]. Providing psychological support during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presents additional challenges due to self-isolation and social or physical distancing measures in place to limit viral spread. This protocol describes the use of text messaging (Text4Hope-Cancer Care) as a convenient, cost-effective, and accessible population-level mental health intervention. As demonstrated in previous research, this evidence-based program supports good outcomes and high user satisfaction

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