Feasibility and Acceptability of Bright IDEAS-Young Adults: A Problem-Solving Skills Training Intervention.

Abstract

Simple SummaryYoung adults with cancer face many different stressors due to a diagnosis of cancer during a unique developmental period. Interventions are needed to address their needs and help better manage distress. Bright IDEAS is a problem-solving skills-training program that has shown to improve people’s problem-solving abilities and reduce the negative affect on caregivers of children with cancer. This study aimed to evaluate if an adapted version of Bright IDEAS was feasible and acceptable to young adults with cancer. Forty young adults recently diagnosed with cancer were enrolled. The results suggested that young adults were satisfied with Bright IDEAS and supported the potential impact to improve problem-solving skills and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.Background: Young adults with cancer are a vulnerable group with unique emotional, social, and practical needs. There is a lack of evidence-based interventions to address their needs and to foster skills that could increase their capacity to cope. Bright IDEAS is a problem-solving skills training intervention that has demonstrated efficacy in improving people’s problem-solving ability and reducing distress among caregivers of children with cancer. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of Bright IDEAS adapted for young adults (Bright IDEAS-YA). Methods: Forty young adults recently diagnosed with cancer were enrolled in a single arm feasibility study. Results: Feasibility was demonstrated by the adequate enrollment (67.8%), retention (80.0%), and participants’ adherence to the intervention (average of 5.2 out of 6 sessions completed). Participants reported satisfaction with the intervention. Qualitative feedback identified the systematic approach to problem-solving and interaction with the trainer as strengths of the intervention. Participants demonstrated improvements in problem-solving skills and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results support the feasibility of the intervention and an adequately powered randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the efficacy of the intervention on psychosocial outcomes.