Feasibility study of a self-guided cognitive behaviour therapy Internet intervention for cancer carers
Abstract
Despite the evidence base for Internet-delivered self-help programmes, their application to cancer carers has not been reported. This feasibility study evaluated a 6-week internet cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) programme for early stage cancer carers. The study participants comprised 13 carers who were recruited over a 17-month period. Measures included distress, quality of life and programme engagement. Changes over time were measured using effect sizes (Cohen’s d), whereas acceptibility was assessed using qualitative feedback. Low enrolment and high attrition rates resulted in a failure to demonstrate feasibility. Large improvements in negative affect (d = 0.88) and emotional functioning (d = 0.62) were found. For treatment completers, the intervention holds promise in reducing distress. However, in light of the serious challenges with recruitment and retention, further research is needed to resolve participation barriers.
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Lower levels of acceptability are found for internet-administered interventions not developed for a specific population.
“Research suggests internet-administered, self-help interventions should be developed with the target population in mind,14 with lower levels of acceptability found for internet-administered interventions not developed for a specific population.15”
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- Authors
- Scott, K., & Beatty, L.
- Affiliations
- Flinders University (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Beatty, Lisa
- Venue
- Australian Journal of Primary Health
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Published
- 2013-06-25
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 270-274
- ISSN
- 1448-7527 (ISSN-L)
- 1836-7399
- OpenAlex
- W2008764236
- Cited by
- 28
- References
- 16
- Citations by year
- 2025: 3 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 1
- FWCI
- 2.52
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Australian Journal of Primary Health (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- 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, self-guided intervention, self-help programs, feasibility, distress, quality of life, negative affect, emotional functioning, recruitment and retention, acceptability
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Computer-Assisted Instruction, Feasibility Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, South Australia, Stress, Psychological, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Caregivers
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