Acceptability of an internet cognitive behavioural therapy program for people with early-stage cancer and cancer survivors with depression and/or anxiety: thematic findings from focus groups
Abstract
Purpose We developed an eight-lesson internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) program targeting anxiety and depression in early-stage cancer and cancer survivors. To explore the acceptability of the program, we showed volunteers the first two lessons and asked for their views.Methods Focus groups (n = 3) and individual interviews (n = 5) were undertaken with 15 participants (11 survivors) with mainly breast (11 of the 15) cancer, who had reviewed intervention materials. Participants were asked to consider the acceptability of the iCBT program content and implementation design (timing, duration). Semi-structured questions guided discussion. Thematic analysis was conducted of participant reactions to the acceptability and/or suitability of materials created for use in a psychological intervention. We took a data-driven (inductive) approach to semantic theme development across the data set.Results Participants reported high acceptability of the internet delivery format, good engagement and user-friendly material. Participants were broadly supportive of combining depression and anxiety iCBT resources for early-stage cancer patients and survivors. Participants further indicated that a separate course would be needed to address the needs of patients with advanced stage disease.Conclusions Participants welcomed the general development of an internet-delivered CBT intervention program to treat patients with clinical depression and/or anxiety. Furthermore, the sessions reviewed were highly acceptable to all participants. Study findings informed researchers on the development of iCBT resources for the cancer community.
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Focus groups with cancer patients found a prototype iCBT intervention for clinical range depression and/or anxiety acceptable, and participants advocated for a tailored course for advanced cancer.
“Third, focus groups with cancer patients reviewing a prototype iCBT intervention for clinical range depression and/or anxiety found it to be acceptable. Participants advocated for a tailored course for those with advanced cancer to address their specific needs (Karageorge et al., 2017).”
From A mixed methods pilot and feasibility open trial of internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (iCanADAPT Advanced) for people with advanced cancer with depression and/or anxiety (2021) · cites this paper as Karageorge et al., 2017
iCBT has been demonstrated as acceptable among cancer patients who used the programme.
“In qualitative research, iCBT has also been demonstrated as acceptable among cancer patients who used the programme.”
From A randomised controlled trial comparing internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) with and without main carer access versus treatment-as-usual for depression and anxiety among breast cancer survivors: Study protocol (2021) · cites this paper as Karageorge et al., 2017
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- Authors
- Karageorge, A., Murphy, M. J., Newby, J. M., Kirsten, L., Andrews, G., Allison, K., Loughnan, S., Price, M., Shaw, J., Shepherd, H., Smith, J., & Butow, P.
- Affiliations
- The University of Sydney (AU)
- UNSW Sydney (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Murphy, M. J.
- ORCID
- Venue
- Supportive Care in Cancer
- Published
- 2017-02-18
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 2129-2136
- ISSN
- 0941-4355 (ISSN-L)
- 1433-7339
- OpenAlex
- W2588171578
- Cited by
- 17
- References
- 26
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 2
- FWCI
- 2.50
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Supportive Care in Cancer (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Cancer Institute NSW (14/TPG/1-02)
- New South Wales Institute of Psychiatry (AU) (Research Fellow 2016)
- National Health and Medical Research Council (1037797)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
- Keywords
- internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy, early-stage cancer, cancer survivors, depression, anxiety, acceptability, breast cancer, psychological intervention, intervention development, user engagement, online mental health resources
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Aged, Anxiety Disorders, Behavior Therapy, Depression, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Neoplasm Staging, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Focus Groups, Survivors, Internet
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