Campbell, L.C., Keefe, F.J., Scipio, C., McKee, D.C., Edwards, C.L., Herman, S.H., . . . Donatucci, C. (2007). Facilitating research participation and improving quality of life for African American prostate cancer survivors and their intimate partners. A pilot study of telephone-based coping skills training. Cancer, 109(Suppl. 2), 414–424.
To examine the feasibility and effect of a telephonic cognitive behavioral intervention to facilitate research participation and enhance quality of life among African American prostate cancer survivors and their partners
Consenting patients and their partners provided pretreatment measures and then were randomly assigned to either partner-assisted coping skills training (CST) or usual care (control condition). In the control group, individuals received routine care provided through their medical outpatient program. The CST intervention was designed to train survivors and partners in skills for managing symptoms, including provision of information about prostate cancer and possible long-term side effects, teaching problem solving skills and training in cognitive and behavioral coping skills such as communication, relaxation, and activity pacing. CST was provided in six one-hour telephone calls approximately once a week. Sessions were audiotaped and reviewed for protocol adherence. All subjects completed post-treatment study measures at the end of the six-week period.
A randomized controlled trial design was used.
Seven couples initially randomized to the treatment group withdrew (approximately 30%) primarily because of difficulties in scheduling treatment sessions.
Men who participated in the CST reported significantly higher quality of life related to bowel symptoms (p = 0.042). There were no significant differences between groups in general health, negative mood among partners, caregiver strain, or caregiver self-efficacy. Within the CST group, pre-post treatment measurement demonstrated significant improvement in reported bowel symptoms (p < 0.05), hormonal symptoms (p < 0.05) and self-efficacy (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between pre and post-treatment measures among the partners (no effect on caregivers).
The telephone intervention was able to be delivered to the majority of participants, suggesting that this approach may be feasible for the delivery of coping skills training. Significant effects to improve caregiver self-efficacy and experience were not seen. This type of intervention appears to be helpful to patients in the area of managing side effects of prostate cancer.
Telephonic approaches to provide education, counseling, and CST is a promising approach for the provision of patient care, but scheduling sessions, particularly when patients and caregivers are working full-time, is a challenge. This type of intervention appears to be effective in terms of symptom and side-effect management among patients who are receptive to this type of approach, but the impact on caregiver strain and burden is unclear.