By providing patients and therapists with feedback on these networks we can explore whether and to what extent networks can contribute to personalizing psychological treatment for CCRF.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Somatic symptom and related disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
We will combine qualitative data from an observation and interview. At the
patient*s first meeting with the therapist at the HDI, therapist will discuss
the network report with the patient. Patients will be asked to discuss how they
experience this feedback. A researcher will be present to observe the meeting.
Moreover, after two therapy sessions, the therapists will be interviewed about
how they experience the (added) value of a network report in personalising
treatment.
Secondary outcome
We will also interview patients about and whether they experience (1) filling
out the Energie inZicht app and (2) the descriptive feedback report as helpful
in gaining more insight in their fatigue. THese interviews will also be used to
explore how patients experience the content and design of the app and feedback
reports. This will hopefully help us to further optimize the app and feedback
reports. Based on the individual networks, we also hope to gain more insight
into which factors are helpful and less helpful in coping with CCRF at an
individual level.
Background summary
Chronic Cancer-Related Fatigue (CCRF), is a complex, multifactorial condition
that is often accompanied by significant distress and reduces patients* quality
of life. While existing treatment options can be effective in reducing fatigue,
we do not know which (combination of) treatment is most effective for the
individual patient. Individual dynamic networks of symptoms of fatigue and
related risk and protective factors can inform us what kind of behaviour,
cognitions or emotions are helpful or less helpful in coping with CCRF.
Study objective
By providing patients and therapists with feedback on these networks we can
explore whether and to what extent networks can contribute to personalizing
psychological treatment for CCRF.
Study design
We will use the experience sampling method (ESM) and qualitative research
(interviews and observation) as an explorative mulitple case intervention study
design (n=5). The case studies will be implement in the routine clinical care
of the Helen Dowling Institute.
Intervention
We have developed an ESM questionnaire, called *Energie inZicht*, which will be
distributed via a smartphone application. The *Energie inZicht* assessment will
be filled out 5 times a day on random moments within a set time frame for 21
days. It will contain questions regarding energy level (physical and mental
fatigue), activity level (physical and mental activity), mood (positive and
negative), fatigue reactivity (worrying, taking some quiet time, accepting,
catastrophizing, having a sense of control) and context (location, company).
Study burden and risks
Risk of participation is negligible. Participating in the study (i.e.
descriptive feedback and feedback on individual networks) could facilitate the
therapist to personalize treatment, leading to more efficient and effective
psychological care for the patient. Participation in the study will also help
to provide useful information about how to personalize treatment. As such, the
care for future patients with CCRF can be improved (i.e. more efficient and
more effective care). Participation will cost much time: the briefing at
baseline, the daily ESM questionnaires, personal feedback on low hanging fruit
and personal feedback on individual networks with accompanying interviews will
take approximately 7.5 hours in total.
We do not expect a mental burden from the content of the questions within the
ESM or screening questionnaires, especially because many questions are
positively framed.
Biezenstraat 24
Nijmegen 6541ZT
NL
Biezenstraat 24
Nijmegen 6541ZT
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
- Cancer (all types) patients who have finished curative-intent cancer
treatment at least three months previously;
- suffer from severe fatigue since end of treatment (35 or higher on Checklist
Individual Strength - Fatigue Severity subscale);
- have visited their general practitioner, who ruled out a somaic explanation
for their fatigue;
- are referred to the Helen Dowling Institute for psychological care for their
fatigue;
- are 18 years of age or older;
- and have a sufficient understanding of the Dutch language.
Exclusion criteria
N/A.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL70459.028.19 |