These results suggest that Reimagine has an effect on depression and fatigue symptoms for breast cancer survivors. Online programs can be a feasible and effective alternative to in-person support. Additional research is recommended with larger and more diverse samples.
Objective
Pillars4Life is an educational program that teaches coping skills to cancer patients in a virtual group setting; it was recently implemented at 17 hospitals across the USA. The cost-effective, scalable, and assessable Pillars4Life curriculum targets psychosocial resources (e.g., self-efficacy and coping skills) as a means to reduce symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress) and enhance quality of life.
Methods
Cancer patients were recruited from hospitals that received the LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project Award to enroll in a pilot study of Pillars4Life. Consenting participants met with a certified instructor weekly for 10 weeks in a virtual environment; the manualized intervention trained participants in personal coping skills. Longitudinal assessments over 6 months were assessed using validated instruments to determine changes in Pillars4Life targeted resources and outcomes. Multiple linear regression models examined the relationship between changes in targeted resources and changes in outcome from baseline to 3 months post-intervention.
Results
Participants (n = 130) had the following characteristics: mean age of 56 ± 11 years, 87% women, 11% non-Caucasian, and 77% with college degree. At 3- and 6-month follow-up, mean scores improved on all key outcome measures such as depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), posttraumatic stress (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Fatigue), and well-being (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General) from baseline (all p<0.01); results were most pronounced among participants who reported ≥4/10 on the Distress Thermometer at baseline (all p<0.001). Changes in each targeted resource were associated with 3-month improvements in at least one outcome.
Conclusions
Participation in the Pillars4Life program was associated with statistically and clinically significant improvements in scores on pre-specified outcomes and targeted resources.
182 Background: Chronic pain, depression, and fatigue are common effects resulting from the cancer experience (e.g., disease, treatment); new interventions are needed. Reimagine is an online symptom self-management program that teaches coping skills. This presentation will report on the impact of Reimagine on key health outcomes. Methods: Adult breast cancer survivors with chronic pain were recruited from the Susan Love Army of Women volunteer registry. Consenting participants were randomized 1:1 to the treatment or usual care condition and completed surveys at Baseline and 18 weeks (post-intervention). Treatment arm participants accessed content online; required activities included viewing online videos, attending online group meetings, and completing cognitive reframing exercises. Surveys were administered via REDCap to assess for pain severity and interference (primary outcome), depression, fatigue, and program satisfaction. An independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare change in pain, depression, and fatigue outcomes in treatment and usual care conditions. Results: Participants (n = 91) were: mean age 56.4 ± 8.8 years; 99% female; 94% white; 67% married; 46% employed; mean time since diagnosis 7.9 ± 6.4 years; and 89% were in remission or cured of their breast cancer. There was a significant difference in the change in depression scores for treatment (M = -1.7, SD = 4.7) and usual care (M = 0.3, SD = 3.8) conditions; t (82) = -2.1, p = 0.035. Difference in the change in fatigue scores was significant for treatment (M = 4.8, SD = 9.1) and usual care (M = 1.2, SD = 6.6) conditions; t (84) = 2.1, p = .038. No significant differences were found in the change in pain outcomes for treatment and usual care conditions (p > .05). Most treatment arm participants (94%) would recommend Reimagine to others and 85% felt more resilient at study completion. Conclusions: These results suggest that Reimagine has an effect on depression and fatigue symptoms for breast cancer survivors. Additional research is recommended with larger and more diverse samples. Trial (NCT02465892) was funded by Pfizer, Inc. Clinical trial information: NCT02465892.
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