Write to recover: The impact of group led creative writing on behavioral health outcomes in cancer patients.

Abstract

11536 Background: The diagnosis of cancer can adversely affect mental wellbeing. In addition to treating cancer, the emotional wellbeing of patients must simultaneously be addressed. A previous pilot exploring the feasibility of creative writing workshop (CWW) in cancer patients showed apositive effect on patients’ mental health. Methods: To longitudinally evaluate the efficacy of CWW on mood, we conducted a phase II study with cancer patients (any stage, any cancer type); randomized 2:1 to CWW vs. active control (AC). Patients in the CWW arm attended at least 4, 1.5-hour bi-monthly CWW x 8 wks, whereas AC patients completed independent writing at home with the help of a book (bi-monthly x 8wks). We used validated tools, [Emotional Thermometer Scales (ETS), PHQ-9, GAD-7] to assess changes in overall mood, depression, and anxiety. Primary end point: a) ETS scores before and after intervention b) Changes in depression and anxiety based on PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. We present results from ETS scores. Descriptive statistics were generated for these quantitative scales measured in each group, pre and post intervention. Comparisons between groups (gp) were made using Wilcoxon Rank-sum tests. All tests were two sided and the statistical significance level used was 0.05. Results: Amongst evaluable patients, N of 50 (demographics in table below), twenty-six patients in the CWW gp attended at least one class and 19 attended at least 4 classes. Patients in CWW showed significant mood improvement vs. AC when comparing the final overall ETS (p=0.0063). Three of the five sub-scale ETS scores were significantly lower for the CWW vs. AC gp: anxiety (p=0.0027), depression (p=0.0009), and anger (p=0.0027). Conclusions: Group led CWW have a positive effect on mood. Our results suggest potential therapeutic benefit of this intervention on the emotional wellbeing of cancer patients. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the effect of CWW in cancer patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03536702. [Table: see text]