Internet-Administered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Common Mental Health Difficulties in Parents of Children Treated for Cancer: Intervention Development and Description Study

Involving parents of children treated for cancer in Sweden as public contributors to inform the design and conduct of an evaluation of internet-administered self-help for parents of children treated for cancer: a protocol

INTRODUCTION

Public contribution in research can facilitate the design and conduct of meaningful research, resulting in feasible and sustainable solutions to healthcare challenges. However, the evidence concerning the acceptability, feasibility, and impact of public contribution in research is limited. We will embed a mixed-method examination of public contribution activities into the CHANGE trial. The overall aim of the CHANGE trial is to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an internet-administered, guided, low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy-based self-help intervention (EJDeR) plus treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU for symptoms of depression and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder in a superiority randomized controlled trial with an internal pilot phase. In this protocol we describe how we aim to: (1) involve parents of children treated for cancer in the managing and undertaking, analysis and interpretation, and dissemination phases of the CHANGE trial; and (2) examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of Parent Advisory Board contribution to the trial from the perspective of board members and public contribution coordinators.

METHODS

We will recruit around six parents of children treated for cancer to the Parent Advisory Board. Board members will contribute throughout the trial during online workshops and steering group meetings. An impact log will be used during workshops to record activities and examine the perceived impact of activities according to board members and public contribution coordinators, including anticipated and unanticipated changes to the research process and potential benefits and harms. Activities will be reported using the Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public checklist. We will conduct semi-structured interviews with board members and public contribution coordinators 6 months after the board is established and at the end of the trial to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of public contribution activities. We will also conduct interviews with board members and public contribution coordinators who withdraw participation. Findings will be reported in accordance with the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

DISCUSSION

We hope adding public contribution to the CHANGE trial will provide guidance on how to embed public contribution in research and add to the evidence base concerning the impact of public contribution.

E-therapists' views on the acceptability and feasibility of an internet-administered, guided, low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for parents of children treated for cancer: A qualitative study

Background

Childhood cancer treatment completion can be a period of vulnerability for parents and is associated with mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety. We developed an internet-administered, guided, low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy-based self-help intervention (EJDeR) for parents delivered on the U-CARE-portal (Portal). The acceptability and feasibility of EJDeR and study procedures were examined using a single-arm feasibility trial (ENGAGE). Results indicated that EJDeR and ENGAGE study procedures are acceptable and feasible, however, a need for clinical and technical modifications to EJDeR and refinements to ENGAGE study procedures was identified.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the acceptability and feasibility of EJDeR and ENGAGE study procedures from the perspective of e-therapists to inform clinical and technical modifications to EJDeR and refinements to study procedures prior to progression to a superiority randomised controlled trial.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 e-therapists. Data were analysed using manifest content analysis.

Results

We identified three categories relating to the acceptability and feasibility of EJDeR: (a) Support to e-therapists (subcategories: Clinical supervision and Technical difficulties); (b) Guidance to parents (subcategories: Support protocols and Synchronous communication); and (c) Content (subcategories: Relevancy of the intervention and Pacing of the intervention). We identified four categories relating to the acceptability and feasibility of study procedures: (a) Recruitment and training of e-therapists (subcategories: Definition of the role and Training program); (b) Retention of parents (subcategories: Parent suitability and screening and Frequency of weekly Portal assessments); (c) Retention of e-therapists (subcategories: Administrative requirements and Communication with the research team); and (d) The Portal.

Conclusions

EJDeR and study procedures were considered acceptable and feasible, however, clinical and technical modifications and refinements to study procedures were suggested to enhance acceptability and feasibility. Results may also inform implementation considerations for both EJDeR and other similar digital psychological interventions.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN 57233429.

Potential Implementers' Perspectives on the Development and Implementation of an e-Mental Health Intervention for Caregivers of Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease: Qualitative Interview Study

BACKGROUND

e-Mental health interventions can improve access to mental health support for caregivers of people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, implementation challenges often prevent effective interventions from being put into practice. To develop an e-mental health intervention for caregivers of people living with CKD that is optimized for future implementation, it is important to engage professionals that may endorse or deliver the intervention (ie, potential implementers) during intervention development.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the perspectives of potential implementers working in kidney care, in mental health care, or at nonprofit organizations regarding the design and implementation of an e-mental health intervention for caregivers of people living with CKD.

METHODS

Potential implementers (N=18) were recruited via National Health Service Trusts, email, and social media advertisements to participate in semistructured video interviews. Interview questions were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Data were analyzed using a deductive analysis approach using the CFIR, with inductive coding applied to relevant data not captured by the framework.

RESULTS

A total of 29 generic categories, related to 17 CFIR constructs, were identified. The perceived fit between the intervention and implementation context (ie, existing service delivery models and work routines) and existing social networks among potential implementers were perceived as important factors in enhancing implementation potential. However, a need for capacity building among potential implementers to create systems to support the identification and referral of caregivers to an e-mental health intervention was identified. Equity concerns were raised regarding the intervention, highlighting the importance of incorporating an equity lens during intervention design to enhance accessibility and adoption.

CONCLUSIONS

Potential implementers provided valuable insights into key design and implementation factors to help inform the development of an e-mental health intervention for caregivers of people living with CKD. Incorporating their feedback can help ensure the intervention is acceptable and inform the selection of future implementation strategies to enhance the implementation potential of the intervention. Potential implementers should continue to be engaged throughout intervention development.

Patient and public involvement in cancer research: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research emphasizes the importance of doing research with, rather than for people with lived health/illness experience(s). The purpose of this scoping review is to investigate the breadth and depth of scientific literature on PPI in cancer research and to identify how is PPI applied and reported in cancer research.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycInfo up to March 2022. All titles/abstracts and full-text results were screened by two reviewers. Data were analyzed and are presented in both narrative and tabular format.

RESULTS

We screened 22,009 titles/abstract, reviewed 375 full-text articles, of which 101 studies were included in this review. 66 papers applied PPI; 35 used co-design methodologies. PPI in cancer research in published research has increased steadily since 2015 and often includes those with a past diagnosis of cancer or relatives/informal caregivers. The most common applied methods were workshops or interviews. PPI was generally used at the level of consultation/advisor and occurred mainly in early stages of research. Costs related to PPI were mentioned in 25 papers and four papers described training provided for PPI.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of our review demonstrate the nature and extent of PPI expansion in cancer research. Researchers and research organizations entering the fray of PPI should consider planning and reporting elements such as the stage, level, and role type of PPI, as well as methods and strategies put in place to assure diversity. Furthermore, a thorough evaluation of whether all these elements meet the stated PPI purpose will help to grasp its impact on research outcomes.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Two patients participated in the stakeholder consultation as part of the scoping review methodology, contributed to the discussion on refining the results, and critically reviewed the manuscript. Both are co-authors of this manuscript.

Internet-administered, low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy for parents of children treated for cancer: A feasibility trial (ENGAGE)

BACKGROUND

Parents of children treated for cancer may experience mental health difficulties, such as depression and anxiety. There is a lack of evidence-based psychological interventions for parents, with psychological support needs unmet. An internet-administered, guided, low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy-based (LICBT) self-help intervention may provide a solution.

METHODS

The feasibility and acceptability of such an intervention was examined using a single-arm feasibility trial (ENGAGE). Primary objectives examined: (1) estimates of recruitment and retention rates; (2) feasibility and acceptability of data collection instruments and procedures; and (3) intervention feasibility and acceptability. Clinical outcomes were collected at baseline, post-treatment (12 weeks), and follow-up (6 months).

RESULTS

The following progression criteria were met: sample size was exceeded within 5 months, with 11.0% enrolled of total population invited, study dropout rate was 24.0%, intervention dropout was 23.6%, missing data remained at ≤10% per measure, and no substantial negative consequences related to participation were reported. Intervention adherence was slightly lower than progression criteria (47.9%).

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest an internet-administered, guided, LICBT self-help intervention may represent a feasible and acceptable solution for parents of children treated for cancer. With minor study protocol and intervention modifications, progression to a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) and subsequent superiority RCT is warranted.

Concerns experienced by parents of children treated for cancer: A qualitative study to inform adaptations to an internet-administered, low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy intervention

OBJECTIVE

Childhood cancer treatment completion is associated with mental health difficulties and negative socioeconomic consequences for parents. However, psychological support needs are often unmet. We developed an internet-administered, guided, low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy-based self-help intervention (EJDeR) and examined feasibility and acceptability with a single-arm feasibility trial (ENGAGE). Results suggest EJDeR is acceptable, however, adherence, especially for fathers, could be improved. Following the Medical Research Council complex interventions framework, this study explores concerns experienced by parents actively seeking support related to their child's cancer who were recruited into ENGAGE to inform further adaptation of EJDeR.

METHOD

Seventy-three semi-structured interviews (26 fathers, 47 mothers) were conducted, with data analyzed using manifest content analysis.

RESULTS

Analysis resulted in seven categories: (1) Feeling lost and lonely in life; (2) Low mood; (3) Parenting difficulties; (4) Productivity difficulties; (5) Relationship challenges; (6) Stress reactions; and (7) Worry. With the exception of subcategories Afraid of not being a good parent, Cancer recurrence, and Child's development and future a somewhat higher percentage of mothers than fathers mentioned all identified concerns.

CONCLUSION

Parents described experiencing a range of concerns after their child had completed cancer treatment. EJDeR will be adapted to address these concerns and include indirect intervention modules targeting concerns such as stress. Information to support parenting, relationships, finance, and employment difficulties, alongside signposting to inform help-seeking, will be included. Findings also suggest a need to improve the gender-sensitivity of EJDeR.

Cognitive behavioural therapy self-help intervention preferences among informal caregivers of adults with chronic kidney disease: an online cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Informal caregivers (i.e. family and friends) provide essential support to people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many informal caregivers experience mental health problems such as anxiety and depression due to the caregiving role, and commonly have unmet psychological support needs. One potential solution is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) self-help interventions that are less reliant on extensive involvement of healthcare professionals, which may increase access. Within the intervention development phase of the MRC framework, the study's primary objective was to examine informal caregivers' self-help intervention preferences (e.g. delivery format, content). Secondary objectives were to describe the informal caregiver's situation (e.g. type of care activities) and mental health (symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress).

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey conducted in the United Kingdom. Informal caregivers of adults living with CKD were recruited via social media, websites, newsletters, magazine articles, a podcast episode, and paid Facebook advertisements. The survey examined: informal caregiver characteristics; care recipient characteristics; self-help intervention preferences; and informal caregiver's mental health using the DASS-21. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Sixty-five informal caregivers participated. The majority (85%) were female, caring for a male (77%) spouse/partner (74%). Responses indicated 58% of informal caregivers were experiencing at least mild depression. In total, 48% indicated they were likely to use a CBT self-help intervention, preferring an intervention provided via internet (e.g. website) (64%), workbook (56%), or individually in-person (54%). Regarding content, interventions should cover a wide range of topics including living with CKD, support services, informal caregiver's physical health, and diet. Overall, 48% reported a preference for a supported intervention, with support delivered in-person or via email by a trained professional at a community organisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest CBT self-help interventions may be an acceptable way to provide psychological support to informal caregivers, however the study is limited by the small sample size. A wide range of intervention preferences were identified indicating a need to tailor intervention content and delivery to enhance acceptability and engagement. Results will inform development of a CBT self-help intervention for informal caregivers of people with CKD.

Internet-based support for informal caregivers to individuals with head and neck cancer (Carer eSupport): a study protocol for the development and feasibility testing of a complex online intervention

INTRODUCTION

It is strongly recommended that randomised controlled trials are preceded with an exploration of the needs of the target population and feasibility testing of the intervention. The present study protocol is set out to describe these steps in the development of a complex intervention.The past decades' transition of care from inpatient to outpatient settings has increased the complexity of caregivers' responsibilities, which they may not be prepared for. There is a need to support informal caregivers (ICs) to prepare them for caregiving and decrease the caregiver burden. The main aim of this study is to describe the development of an internet-based intervention (Carer eSupport) to improve ICs' ability to support individuals with head and neck cancer and to describe the testing of the feasibility and acceptability of Carer eSupport.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a multicentre study involving the ear, nose and throat clinics and the oncology and radiotherapy clinics at three university hospitals. The study protocol comprises two phases, development and feasibility testing, using the Medical Research Council framework for developing a complex intervention. Carer eSupport will be based on the results from focus group discussions with ICs and healthcare professionals (planned for n=6-8 in respective groups) and scientific evidence, the Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. The feasibility testing will include 30 ICs who will have access to Carer eSupport for 1 month. The feasibility testing will be evaluated with a mixed-method design.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

All procedures have been approved by the Ethics Committee at Uppsala University (Dnr: 2020-04650). Informed consent will be obtained before enrolment of patients, their ICs and healthcare staff. The feasibility testing is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05028452). Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journal publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05028452).

Opt-out rates and reasons for non-participation in a single-arm feasibility trial (ENGAGE) of a guided internet-administered CBT-based intervention for parents of children treated for cancer: a nested cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES

Difficulties with recruitment into clinical trials are common. An opt-out recruitment strategy, whereby potential participants can decline further contact about a study (opt-out), and non-responders are contacted, may facilitate participation. Primary objectives examined opt-out and consent rates, mode and time point of opt-out, and sociodemographic characteristics of those who opted out versus those who chose to participate in a single-arm feasibility trial (ENGAGE) of a guided, internet-administered, cognitive-behavioural therapy-based intervention for parents of children treated for cancer. Secondary objectives examined reasons for non-participation.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey nested within the ENGAGE feasibility trial.

SETTING

The intervention was delivered from Uppsala University, with parents located throughout Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

Potential participants were recruited 3 months-5 years following their child ending treatment for cancer and were identified via their personal identification number (via the Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry and Swedish Tax Agency) and invited via postal invitation packs and could opt out via post, online, telephone or email. Those who did not opt out or consent, within 4 weeks, received up to five telephone calls and/or one postal reminder.

RESULTS

Of 509 invited, 164 (32.2%) opted out, 78 (47.6%) via post, 53 (32.3%) via telephone, 24 (14.6%) online, and 6 (3.7%) via email, 88 (53.7%) opted out after at least one telephone call and/or postal reminder. There was a trend for parents with lower educational levels to opt out. No need of psychological support, lack of time, and no interest in internet-administered self-help were frequently reported reasons for non-participation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results emphasise the importance of using different opt-out modes and suggest future research should consider how to widen study participation for parents with lower education levels. Self-identifying a need for psychological support and the acceptability of internet-administered self-help are important factors for participation and should be considered in future research to increase recruitment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN57233429.

The effect of personalised versus non-personalised study invitations on recruitment within the ENGAGE feasibility trial: an embedded randomised controlled recruitment trial

BACKGROUND

Recruitment into clinical trials is challenging and there is a lack of evidence on effective recruitment strategies. Personalisation of invitation letters is a potentially pragmatic and feasible way of increasing recruitment rates at a low-cost. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning the effect of personalising of study invitation letters on recruitment rates.

METHODS

We undertook a Study Within A Trial (SWAT) to investigate the effect of personalised versus non-personalised study invitation letters on recruitment rates into the host feasibility trial ENGAGE, a feasibility study of an internet-administered, guided, Low Intensity Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy based self-help intervention for parents of children previously treated for cancer. An intervention group (n = 254) received a personalised study invitation letter and the control group (n = 255) received a non-personalised study invitation letter. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants in the intervention group and the control group enrolled into the ENGAGE host feasibility trial. Secondary outcomes relating to the recruitment and screening process, and retention were examined. Differences in proportions between groups for the primary and secondary outcomes were estimated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 509 potential participants, 56 (11.0%) were enrolled into the ENGAGE host feasibility trial: personalised: 30/254 (11.8%) and non-personalised: 26/255 (10.2%). No statistically significant effect on personalisation of enrolment was found (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.68-2.06). No statistically significant differences were found for any secondary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Personalisation of study invitations had no effect on recruitment. However, given the small study sample size in the present SWAT, and lack of similar embedded recruitment RCTs to enable a meta-analysis, additional SWATs to examine the personalisation of study invitation letters are warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN57233429 ; ISRCTN18404129 ; SWAT 112, Northern Ireland Hub for Trials Methodology Research SWAT repository (2018 OCT 1 1231) ( https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/TheNorthernIrelandNetworkforTrialsMethodologyResearch/FileStore/Filetoupload,939618,en.pdf ).

Providing Psychological Support to Parents of Childhood Cancer Survivors: 'Cascade' Intervention Trial Results and Lessons for the Future

Simple Summary

We assessed a new group-based cognitive behavior therapy videoconferencing program to support parents of childhood cancer survivors. The trial allocated parents to three groups: Cascade, peer-support, waitlist. Cascade achieved good parent engagement. We successfully delivered Cascade to participants who lived >3200 km apart. Any technical difficulties caused only minor disruptions. Most Cascade parents were satisfied and reported experiencing benefits from the program. However, Cascade did not improve our main outcomes, including parents’ quality of life, depression and anxiety. Cascade parents reported a short-term improvement in their confidence to use the skills they learnt, but this did not translate into actual use. After six months, Cascade parents felt their child survivor had lower psychological health than waitlisted parents. Our findings show that while some parents find Cascade helpful, it may not suit everyone. We used these findings to further improve Cascade and will trial the new version in future.

Abstract

We conducted a three-armed trial to assess Cascade, a four-module group videoconferencing cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) intervention for parents of childhood cancer survivors currently aged <18 years. We allocated parents to Cascade, an attention control (peer-support group), or a waitlist. The primary outcome was parents’ health-related quality of life (PedsQL-Family Impact/EQ-5D-5L) six months post-intervention. Parents also reported their anxiety/depression, parenting self-agency, fear of recurrence, health service and psychotropic medication use, engagement in productive activities, confidence to use, and actual use of, CBT skills, and their child’s quality of life. Seventy-six parents opted in; 56 commenced the trial. Cascade achieved good parent engagement and most Cascade parents were satisfied and reported benefits. Some parents expressed concerns about the time burden and the group format. Most outcomes did not differ across trial arms. Cascade parents felt more confident to use more CBT skills than peer-support and waitlisted parents, but this did not lead to more use of CBT. Cascade parents reported lower psychosocial health scores for their child than waitlisted parents. Cascade parents’ health service use, psychotropic medication use, and days engaged in productive activities did not improve, despite some improvements in waitlisted parents. Our trial was difficult to implement, but participants were largely satisfied. Cascade did not improve most outcomes, possibly because many parents were functioning well pre-enrolment. We used these findings to improve Cascade and will trial the new version in future.

Conducting Digital Health Care Research: Document Analysis of Challenges Experienced During Intervention Development and Feasibility Study Setup of an Internet-Administered Intervention for Parents of Children Treated for Cancer

Background

The design and conduct of research to develop, test, and evaluate complex health care interventions is challenging. Although the existing literature describes key challenges associated with the design and conduct of definitive (evaluation) trials, there is a lack of information concerning specific challenges associated with the intervention development phase and setup of feasibility studies. In particular, the literature is scarce concerning the challenges associated with conducting digital health care research, such as research on internet-administered interventions and research using digital features to support the execution of study procedures (eg, recruitment, consent, retention, and data collection and management). This study is conducted in the context of the intervention development and feasibility study setup phases of an internet-administered, guided, low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy–based intervention for parents of children previously treated for cancer.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the challenges experienced during the development phase of the internet-administered intervention and digital features to support the execution of the study procedures and a feasibility study setup.

Methods

To explore the key challenges experienced, we conducted a document analysis of written records from all study meetings held by the research team (meeting minutes) between June 7, 2018, and January 10, 2020, guided by a thematic analysis approach. Furthermore, discussion groups with members of the research team were held to develop a more detailed understanding of the key challenges experienced. Methods and results are reported in accordance with the relevant items from the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Results

Six main themes were identified: decision-making and communication, expertise, external constraints, flexibility, planning and scheduling, and technical constraints.

Conclusions

Significant challenges were experienced during the intervention development and setup phases of the feasibility study. Implications are discussed to inform future design, conduct, and planning of internet-administered intervention development and feasibility studies, especially within the context of digital health care research.