scholarly journals Internet-based cognitive rehabilitation for WORking Cancer survivors (i-WORC): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kete Klaver ◽  
Saskia Duijts ◽  
Chantal Geusgens ◽  
Maureen Aarts ◽  
Rudolf Ponds ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cognitive problems are common in non-central nervous system cancer survivors. These problems are perceived as an important contributor to decline in work performance and work ability. Various interventions for cognitive problems have been proposed, but effectiveness regarding work-related outcomes has not yet been established. Effective treatment options to alleviate the adverse influence of cognitive problems on work performance are needed for working cancer survivors. In this paper, we will describe the design of a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial that evaluates the (cost-)effectiveness of an internet-based cognitive rehabilitation program for occupationally active cancer survivors confronted with cognitive problems. Methods/ Design A three-armed randomized controlled trial will be conducted, including two intervention groups (i.e., basic and extensive cognitive rehabilitation program) and one waitlist control group. In total, 261 cancer survivors (18 – 65 years) who have returned to work, and who experience cognitive problems will be recruited. Patients with and without cognitive impairment as established in a neuropsychological assessment, will be eligible; stratification will take place based on the presence of this cognitive impairment. The extensive intervention arm will contain a comprehensive training program (including psycho-education, fatigue management, and cognitive strategy training) with individual guidance (blended intervention). The basic intervention arm will contain a brief cognitive training program (including psycho-education and fatigue management) without individual guidance. The primary outcome will be accomplishment of an individually defined work-related treatment goal. Secondary outcomes include, among others, subjective cognitive functioning, work functioning, and quality of life. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0), and at 12 weeks (T1) and 26 weeks (T2) post-randomization. Discussion About 40-50% of the cancer patients worldwide are of working age at time of diagnosis. Many of the occupationally active cancer survivors experience cognitive problems. Both from an individual and a societal perspective, it is important to sustain cancer survivors’ employability. An effective treatment to alleviate the impact of cognitive decline and to improve work ability might help cancer survivors to sustain employability.Trial registration The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03900806) at 03 April 2019 (current status: ongoing),https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03900806?term=NCT03900806&draw=2&rank=1.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kete Klaver ◽  
Saskia Duijts ◽  
Chantal Geusgens ◽  
Maureen Aarts ◽  
Rudolf Ponds ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cognitive problems are common in non-central nervous system cancer survivors. These problems are perceived as an important contributor to decline in work performance and work ability. Various interventions for cognitive problems have been proposed, but effectiveness regarding work-related outcomes has not yet been established. Effective treatment options to alleviate the adverse influence of cognitive problems on work performance are needed for working cancer survivors. In this paper, we will describe the design of a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial that evaluates the (cost-)effectiveness of an internet-based cognitive rehabilitation program for occupationally active cancer survivors confronted with cognitive problems. Methods/ Design A three-armed randomized controlled trial will be conducted, including two intervention groups (i.e., basic and extensive cognitive rehabilitation program) and one waitlist control group. In total, 261 cancer survivors (18 – 65 years) who have returned to work, and who experience cognitive problems will be recruited. Patients with and without cognitive impairment as established in a neuropsychological assessment, will be eligible; stratification will take place based on the presence of this cognitive impairment. The extensive intervention arm will contain a comprehensive training program (including psycho-education, fatigue management, and cognitive strategy training) with individual guidance (blended intervention). The basic intervention arm will contain a brief cognitive training program (including psycho-education and fatigue management) without individual guidance. The primary outcome will be accomplishment of an individually defined work-related treatment goal. Secondary outcomes include, among others, subjective cognitive functioning, work functioning, and quality of life. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0), and at 12 weeks (T1) and 26 weeks (T2) post-randomization. Discussion About 40-50% of the cancer patients worldwide are of working age at time of diagnosis. Many of the occupationally active cancer survivors experience cognitive problems. Both from an individual and a societal perspective, it is important to sustain cancer survivors’ employability. An effective treatment to alleviate the impact of cognitive decline and to improve work ability might help cancer survivors to sustain employability. Trial registration The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03900806) at 03 April 2019 (current status: ongoing),https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03900806?term=NCT03900806&draw=2&rank=1. KEYWORDS Cancer-related cognitive impairment, Cognitive rehabilitation, Employment, Internet-based, Randomized controlled trial, Cost-effectiveness


Neurosurgery ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Dorothee van der Linden ◽  
Margriet Maria Sitskoorn ◽  
Geert-Jan Maria Rutten ◽  
Karin Gehring

Abstract BACKGROUND Many patients with primary brain tumors suffer from cognitive deficits, which negatively impact their quality of life. However, cognitive rehabilitation programs for these patients are scarce. We developed an iPad-based cognitive rehabilitation program for brain tumor patients, which was based on our effective face-to-face cognitive rehabilitation program. After successful completion of a feasibility study, a randomized controlled trial has been started. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of the iPad-based program on cognitive performance and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with primary brain tumors in an early stage of the disease. METHODS Prior to surgery, patients with presumed low-grade glioma and meningioma are included. Before surgery and 3 mo after surgery, neuropsychological assessments are conducted. After the second neuropsychological assessment, patients are assigned to the intervention group or waiting-list control group. The intervention consists of psychoeducation, compensation training, and retraining. Patients are advised to spend 3 h per week on the program for 10 wk. Immediately after completion of the program and a half-year thereafter, postintervention assessments take place. Patients in the control group are offered the opportunity to follow the program after all study assessments. EXPECTED OUTCOMES We expect that early cognitive rehabilitation has beneficial effects on cognitive performance and PROMs in brain tumor patients. DISCUSSION The iPad-based program allows brain tumor patients to follow a cognitive rehabilitation program from their homes. Forthcoming results may contribute to further improvement of supportive care for brain tumor patients.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 958-966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather M. Derry ◽  
Lisa M. Jaremka ◽  
Jeanette M. Bennett ◽  
Juan Peng ◽  
Rebecca Andridge ◽  
...  

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kete M. Klaver ◽  
Saskia F. A. Duijts ◽  
Chantal A. V. Geusgens ◽  
Maureen J. B. Aarts ◽  
Rudolf W. H. M. Ponds ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber D. Zegers ◽  
Pieter Coenen ◽  
Ute Bültmann ◽  
Valesca Retèl ◽  
Jacobien M. Kieffer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Many cancer survivors experience physical and/or psychosocial problems affecting return to work (RTW) and work retention. Current interventions on RTW lack evidence regarding effectiveness, while interventions for work retention are missing. Partners of cancer survivors may also experience work- and health-related outcomes; yet, these consequences are not well understood. Here, the protocol of the STEPS study is described. The study aims are to: 1) evaluate the (cost-)effectiveness of a rehabilitation program for RTW and work retention in cancer survivors, and 2) assess health- and work-related outcomes among cancer survivors’ partners. Methods In a multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), 236 working-age cancer survivors with an employment contract will be randomly allocated to a usual care group or an intervention group receiving a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, combining occupational therapy facilitating work retention (e.g., energy management and self-efficacy training) and reintegration consultation addressing work-related issues (e.g., RTW planning and discussing workplace or task modifications with the supervisor). Alongside the RCT, a prospective cohort study will be conducted among cancer survivors’ partners (n = 267). Participants in the RCT and cohort study will be asked to complete questionnaires at baseline, and after six and 12 months, assessing work- and health-related outcomes. Generalized estimating equations will be used to assess intervention’s effectiveness, compared to usual care, regarding primary (i.e., working hours per week) and secondary outcomes. Also economic and process evaluations will be performed. For the cohort study, logistic or linear regression modelling will be applied assessing work- and health-related outcomes (primary outcome: working hours) of cancer survivors’ partners, and what factors predict these outcomes. Results The study is planned to start in September 2021; results are expected in 2023. Conclusion Compared to usual care, the STEPS intervention is hypothesized to be (cost-)effective and the intervention could be a valuable addition to standard care helping cancer survivors to sustain employment. Further, it is expected that living with a cancer survivor has a substantial impact on work and health of partners, while specific groups of partners that are at particular risk for this impact are likely to be identified. Trial registration Dutch Trial Register (NTR;NL9094; 15-12-2020).


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Markus ◽  
Nina Gabriel ◽  
Markus Bassler ◽  
Matthias Bethge

Abstract Background Various rehabilitation services and return-to-work programs have been developed in order to reduce sickness absence and increase sustainable return-to-work. To ensure that people with a high risk of not returning to work can participate in working life, the model of work-related medical rehabilitation was developed in Germany. The efficacy of these programs in patients with mental disorders has been tested in only a few trials with very specific intervention approaches. To date, there is no clear evidence of the effectiveness of work-related medical rehabilitation implemented in real-care practice. Methods/design Our randomized controlled trial will be conducted in six rehabilitation centers across Germany. Within 15 months, 1800 patients with mental disorders (300 per rehabilitation center) will be recruited and assigned one-to-one either to a work-related medical rehabilitation program or to a conventional psychosomatic rehabilitation program. Participants will be aged 18–60 years. The control group will receive a conventional psychosomatic rehabilitation program without additional work-related components. The intervention group will receive a work-related medical rehabilitation program that contains at least 11 h of work-related treatment modules. Follow-up data will be assessed at the end of the rehabilitation and 3 and 12 months after completing the rehabilitation program. The primary outcome is a stable return to work. Secondary outcomes cover several dimensions of health, functioning and coping strategies. Focus groups and individual interviews supplement our study with qualitative data. Discussion This study will determine the relative effectiveness of a complex and newly implemented work-related rehabilitation strategy for patients with mental disorders. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00023175, September 29 2020).


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pernille Luxhøj Woods ◽  
Lauren Schumacher ◽  
Steven S Sadhra ◽  
Andrew J Sutton ◽  
Anjali Zarkar ◽  
...  

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