Finding My Way: Coping with Cancer Online

Description:

Finding My Way: Coping with Cancer Online is an online intervention designed to improve the mental and physical well-being of individuals who have recently been diagnosed with early stage cancer and are undergoing treatment. The program is also targeted at partners, parents, relatives and friends of individuals with early stage cancer. It consists of 6 weekly modules including both information and cognitive-behavioural worksheets and strategies. Topics covered include: starting treatment, coping with physical symptoms and side effects, coping with emotional distress, body image, identity and sexuality, your family and friends and completing treatment. You can also complete a blog and access various resources. The program is currently being trialled as part of a research study and Australian residents can register their interest in the next phase of the study.

Service URL:

http://cancope.flinders.edu.au/

Agency Responsible:

Flinders University, the Adelaide Health Service, Cancer Council SA.

Details

Format:

Website.

Intervention Types:

Educational (primarily educational material or psychoeducation) and Psychological – CBT.

Course Length:

Long (more than 5 modules). 6 modules over a period of 6 weeks

Support Option:

Automated only.

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Physical Health. Mental and physical wellbeing during treatment for cancer

Target Audiences:

Adult and Families. Australian residents

Language:

English.

Access

Fee:

Free.

Access:

Closed: Research participation. Australian residents can register their interest in the next phase of the study

Contact Details:

lisa.beatty@flinders.edu.au

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Research RCTs:

0

Outcome Summary:

A randomised controlled trial examining the effectiveness of Finding My Way: Coping with Cancer Online is currently underway and the results are not yet available. However, results from an initial pilot study indicate some promising findings. In this pilot study 12 participants were given access to the program and completed post-treatment assessments. Reductions on two measures of distress were displayed following treatment - both in relation to negative affect and traumatic stress, the former with a medium effect size and the latter with a small effect size. Indeed, the reduction in negative affect was clinically significant among 33% of participants, and the reduction in traumatic stress was clinically significant in 16.7% of participants. Additionally, reductions in maladaptive coping styles were also displayed in the sample. Nevertheless, given the small sample size and lack of control group in the study, positive outcomes from the RCT are needed to strengthen this evidence base.

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

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Research paper citations

Beatty, L., Koczwara, B. and Wade, T. (2011) 'Cancer Coping Online': A pilot of a self-guided CBT internet intervention for cancer-related distress. Electronic Journal of Applied Psychology, 7(2): 17-25.