scholarly journals A Web-Based, Positive Emotion Skills Intervention for Enhancing Posttreatment Psychological Well-Being in Young Adult Cancer Survivors (EMPOWER): Protocol for a Single-Arm Feasibility Trial

10.2196/17078 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e17078
Author(s):  
John M Salsman ◽  
Laurie E McLouth ◽  
Michael Cohn ◽  
Janet A Tooze ◽  
Mia Sorkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Emotion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Young Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Emotion Skills ◽  
Young Adult Cancer

Background Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) experience clinically significant distress and have limited access to supportive care services. Interventions to enhance psychological well-being have improved positive affect and reduced depression in clinical and healthy populations but have not been routinely tested in AYAs. Objective The aim of this protocol is to (1) test the feasibility and acceptability of a Web-based positive emotion skills intervention for posttreatment AYAs called Enhancing Management of Psychological Outcomes With Emotion Regulation (EMPOWER) and (2) examine proof of concept for reducing psychological distress and enhancing psychological well-being. Methods The intervention development and testing are taking place in 3 phases. In phase 1, we adapted the content of an existing, Web-based positive emotion intervention so that it would be suitable for AYAs. EMPOWER targets 8 skills (noticing positive events, capitalizing, gratitude, mindfulness, positive reappraisal, goal setting, personal strengths, and acts of kindness) and is delivered remotely as a 5-week, Web-based intervention. Phase 2 consisted of a pilot test of EMPOWER in a single-arm trial to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, retention, and adherence and to collect data on psychosocial outcomes for proof of concept. In phase 3, we are refining study procedures and conducting a second pilot test. Results The project was part of a career development award. Pilot work began in June 2015, and data collection was completed in March 2019. The analysis is ongoing, and results will be submitted for publication by May 2020. Conclusions If this intervention proves feasible and acceptable, EMPOWER will be primed for a subsequent large, multisite randomized controlled trial. As a scalable intervention, it will be ideally suited for AYA survivors who would otherwise not have access to supportive care interventions to help manage posttreatment distress and enhance well-being. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02832154, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02832154. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/17078

scholarly journals A Web-Based, Positive Emotion Skills Intervention for Enhancing Posttreatment Psychological Well-Being in Young Adult Cancer Survivors (EMPOWER): Protocol for a Single-Arm Feasibility Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M Salsman ◽  
Laurie E McLouth ◽  
Michael Cohn ◽  
Janet A Tooze ◽  
Mia Sorkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Emotion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Young Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Emotion Skills ◽  
Young Adult Cancer

BACKGROUND Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) experience clinically significant distress and have limited access to supportive care services. Interventions to enhance psychological well-being have improved positive affect and reduced depression in clinical and healthy populations but have not been routinely tested in AYAs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this protocol is to (1) test the feasibility and acceptability of a Web-based positive emotion skills intervention for posttreatment AYAs called Enhancing Management of Psychological Outcomes With Emotion Regulation (EMPOWER) and (2) examine proof of concept for reducing psychological distress and enhancing psychological well-being. METHODS The intervention development and testing are taking place in 3 phases. In phase 1, we adapted the content of an existing, Web-based positive emotion intervention so that it would be suitable for AYAs. EMPOWER targets 8 skills (noticing positive events, capitalizing, gratitude, mindfulness, positive reappraisal, goal setting, personal strengths, and acts of kindness) and is delivered remotely as a 5-week, Web-based intervention. Phase 2 consisted of a pilot test of EMPOWER in a single-arm trial to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, retention, and adherence and to collect data on psychosocial outcomes for proof of concept. In phase 3, we are refining study procedures and conducting a second pilot test. RESULTS The project was part of a career development award. Pilot work began in June 2015, and data collection was completed in March 2019. The analysis is ongoing, and results will be submitted for publication by May 2020. CONCLUSIONS If this intervention proves feasible and acceptable, EMPOWER will be primed for a subsequent large, multisite randomized controlled trial. As a scalable intervention, it will be ideally suited for AYA survivors who would otherwise not have access to supportive care interventions to help manage posttreatment distress and enhance well-being. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02832154, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02832154. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/17078

scholarly journals Trekstock RENEW: evaluation of a 12-week exercise referral programme for young adult cancer survivors delivered by a cancer charity

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 5803-5812 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Pugh ◽  
N. Below ◽  
A. Fisher ◽  
J. Reynolds ◽  
S. Epstone
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Young Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Young Adult Cancer ◽  
Exercise Referral

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the uptake and effect of RENEW, a 12-week exercise referral programme for young adult cancer survivors delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity. Methods The RENEW programme provides one-to-one individually tailored support from a level-4 cancer-rehabilitation-qualified gym instructor, free gym membership and access to information resources online. Objective and self-report data on cardiorespiratory function, strength, body composition, fatigue, sleep quality and general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was collected from participants before the programme (week 0), immediately after (week 12) and 1 month later (week 16). Results Forty-eight young adults (83% female; mean age, 29 years) with a history of cancer took part within the 12-week programme and completed the evaluation measures. Physical activity (PA) levels significantly increased following the programme and remained raised at follow-up. Improvements in physical function were significant: peak expiratory flow (mean change, 30.96, p = 0.003), sit-and-reach test (mean change, 6.55 ± 4.54, p < 0.0001), and 6-mine-walk test (mean change, 0.12 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001). No significant changes in BMI, weight or muscle mass were observed. Improvements in fatigue, sleep and HRQoL were observed across the programme and at follow-up (mean change, weeks 0–16; 8.04 ± 1.49 p < 0.01; 1.05 ± 0.49 p < 0.05; and − 0.9 ± 0.46 p = 0.051, respectively). Changes in self-efficacy to exercise and motivations to exercise were not observed at 12 weeks or at follow-up. Conclusions Results suggest that the RENEW exercise referral programme has a positive impact upon some domains of physical function and well-being among young adult cancer survivors. Implication for cancer survivors Exercise referral programmes delivered by charity organisations are one means by which PA behaviour change support may be widely disseminated to young adult cancer survivors. Health professionals and charitable bodies specialising in the care of young adults with cancer should look to address factors which prevent engagement and uptake of ‘real-world’ PA interventions such as the RENEW programme.

scholarly journals Young adult cancer survivors’ experience of taking part in a 12-week exercise referral programme: a qualitative study of the Trekstock RENEW initiative

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Below ◽  
A. Fisher ◽  
S. Epstone ◽  
J. Reynolds ◽  
G Pugh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Young Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Young Adult Cancer ◽  
Exercise Referral

Abstract Purpose There is emerging evidence that physical activity interventions have the potential to improve the physical function and psychosocial well-being of young adult cancer survivors. However, most existing interventions for young adult cancer survivors have been delivered in an in-patient hospital setting. The purpose of this study is to explore young adult cancer survivors’ (YACS) experiences of the RENEW programme, a 12-week community-based exercise referral scheme delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity. Methods Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with YACS (mean age, 33 years; 87.5% female) who participated in the RENEW exercise referral programme. Each interview followed the same semi-structured interview guide which asked participants about their experiences of the RENEW programme and their ideas for the future development of the scheme. Data was audio-recorded, transcribed full verbatim and analysed using framework analysis. Results YACs predominantly chose to take part in the RENEW programme as a means to improve their health and overcome cancer related impairments (e.g. fatigue, loss of strength, low body confidence). The offer of one-to-one tailored support and unlimited gym access was often cited as a factor which motivated enrolment. Overall, YACS experience of the programme was positive with many describing improvements in physical function and general well-being. Barriers to participating in the programme included sign-off from clinicians prior to enrolment, travelling to the gym and fear of exercising alone. Conclusions Exercise referral schemes are acceptable to YACS and provide a promising opportunity for young people with cancer to improve their physical and psychosocial health through physical activity.

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