An online and telehealth intervention for women diagnosed with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Journey Ahead pilot and feasibility trial

Abstract

Abstract Background: Women diagnosed with gynecological cancer suffer from disease-related and treatment-related symptoms that can result in diminished quality of life and persistent distress. There are few evidence-based treatments to mitigate distress for these survivors. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Journey Ahead, a blended online and telehealth coaching intervention adapted from the in-person Coping and Communication Intervention. Methods: Fourteen women diagnosed and treated for gynecological cancer completed a baseline survey and were enrolled in Journey Ahead, which consisted of eight online modules and five telehealth coaching calls, and then completed a follow-up survey and treatment evaluation. Results: Acceptance rates (27.5%) and follow-up survey completion (57.1%) were lower than expected. Eighty-six percent of participants logged into the online program, and 64.2% completed it. Eighty-three percent of participants completed four or five of the telehealth sessions, and 35.7% attended one session or did not attend any of the telehealth sessions. The results indicated that this intervention reduced depressive symptoms and cancer-related distress and increased emotional well-being, emotional expression, acceptance, psychological flexibility, and coping efficacy. Conclusions: The results highlight the challenges of recruiting during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of collecting detailed information from study participants about how to engage them in fully remote interventions. Overall, this single-arm pilot and feasibility study demonstrated satisfactory feasibility, excellent acceptability, and a promising preliminary impact on psychological outcomes.