Owen, J., O'Carroll Bantum, E., Pagano, I., Stanton, A., Owen, J.E., & Pagano, I.S. (2017). Randomized trial of a social networking intervention for cancer-related distress. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 51, 661–672.
To evaluate the effects of a web-based social networking and coping skills training intervention on cancer-related patient based outcomes: distress, depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being. Secondary outcomes are vigor and fatigue.
Participants initially completed a baseline survey following which they were given access to the online health space intervention or waitlisted for the intervention (waitlist control group) randomly. Intervention included an evidence-based online distress management intervention for a period of 12 weeks, including modules, chats, discussion boards, and web mails.
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
Randomized controlled clinical trial
No baseline difference was noted between the intervention and control group in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. All the five outcomes improved over time, but no significant difference between the treatment and control group for psychological functioning, depression, anxiety, and vigor. Interaction between time and treatment group fatigue (time fatigue declined in the treatment group compared to control group). No significant reduction in distress and depression between the groups, although it reduced within the groups over time, association between intervention and engagement.
Health space social networking did not improve the cancer-related distress outcomes.
Online interventions could be suggested to patients as it is associated with strong engagement.