Emerging from the haze: Feasibility pilot of a virtual multi-dimensional psycho-educational cognitive rehabilitation intervention for cancer survivors with decreased perceived cognitive function after cancer therapy.

Abstract

276 Background: Standardized, effective cognitive rehabilitation interventions that can be widely disseminated are urgently needed for cancer-related cognitive impairment. The purpose of this single-arm pilot study was to test the feasibility/acceptability of virtual delivery of a cognitive rehabilitation intervention for participants in virtual groups. Study aims included: (1) Recruit 30 participants and achieve a 70% retention rate; (2) Demonstrate feasibility/acceptability of measures assessing determinants of behavior change (missing data <25%; reliability >.70); and (3) Explore interventional impact on perceived cognitive function (PCF), determinants of behavior change, and loneliness. Methods: Adult cancer survivors reporting impaired cognitive function following primary treatment were enrolled from two cancer centers and affiliates. Two cohorts (N=37) attended six weekly sessions and completed pre-/post- patient reported outcome questionnaires designed to measure PCF, loneliness, and determinants of behavior change for exercise, sleep, and mindfulness. Results: Participant retention rate was 85%. Measures of determinants of behavior change were reliable ( r >.70) across all three behaviors. Post-intervention scores for PCF, determinants of behavior change, and loneliness ratings significantly improved (Table). Inverse correlation between changes in loneliness, PCF ( r= -.376 to -.452, p <.05) and exercise intention ( r = -0.544, p =.001) were noted. Conclusions: Virtual delivery of cognitive rehabilitation interventions may be feasible and acceptable to cancer survivors reporting impairment in cognitive function after primary treatment. Loneliness may be an important predictor of both issues with cognitive function and intention to change behavior. [Table: see text]