Support for Cancer Patients Awaiting News (SCAN Study): Pilot Testing a Stress Management Program
Hackensack Meridian Health
Summary
This is a behavioral trial study to pilot test a stress management intervention for people with cancer who are undergoing routine cancer scans. The study will involve two pilot testing phases. Initial feasibility will be determined in an Open Trial phase, to inform any needed revisions to the intervention and/or protocol prior to a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial phase. The Open Trial phase is an unblinded, single-site, single-arm open trial (n=10). The Pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) phase is an unblinded, single-site, feasibility pilot randomized controlled trial (n=50).
Description
Cancer patients repeatedly undergo routine scans that inform their disease status and treatment. While awaiting the results, anxiety and uncertainty are elevated, which can negatively impact quality of life. Evidence-based stress management strategies have the potential to be useful during this unique time period, but require tailoring for this population and context. The goal of this study is to pilot test an adapted stress management program to help patients manage their anxiety while awaiting scan results. The program is a behavioral intervention that includes psychoeducation and stress ma…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult (ages 18 and older) 2. Comfortable speaking, reading, and writing English without an interpreter 3. Established diagnosis of lung cancer (3a. Open Trial phase only: Stage III-IV lung cancer or extensive stage small cell lung cancer) 4. ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status of 0 to 2 5. Receiving ongoing care from collaborating clinics with regular scans 6. Receiving systemic treatment for lung cancer 7. Endorse appointment- or scan-related stress on 4-item screen (using a modified Distress Thermometer item, a Fear of Progression scale item,…
Interventions
- BehavioralAdapted Stress Management Program
Participants will receive a 15-minute orientation session in-person or remotely to introduce the program and to receive the study materials, including the instructional sheet, small booklet, and study tablet that will be used to promote practice of stress management exercises and for completing study assessments. They will complete self-guided web modules with stress management activities/skills on tablet devices, and will rate the modules' acceptability and perceived helpfulness. After visiting each module, they will be asked to practice at least one skill daily. In a second coaching session, they will be reminded about the skills, make a plan for using them, and troubleshoot questions about using the materials. Participants will attend scans and scan result appointments with their oncologist as usual. In a third coaching session, the stress management plan will be revisited for new concerns.
- BehavioralEnhanced Usual Care
Enhanced usual care includes a resource list, tablet for study assessments, and reminder calls.
Location
- Amanda KhoudaryHackensack, New Jersey