Feasibility, Acceptability, and Clinical Significance of a Dyadic, Web-Based, Psychosocial and Physical Activity Self-Management Program (TEMPO) Tailored to the Needs of Men with Prostate Cancer and Their Caregivers: A Multi-Center Randomized Pilot Trial

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among men. Family caregivers (often female spouses) play a key role in ensuring patients’ needs are met, frequently assuming their role with no formal training, which can contribute to a high burden. The purpose of this study was to pilot TEMPO—the first dyadic, Tailored, wEb-based, psychosocial and physical activity self-Management PrOgram for men with prostate cancer and their caregivers. Methods: 49 men with prostate cancer and their caregivers were randomized to TEMPO or usual care. Baseline and follow-up questionnaires were completed to assess feasibility, acceptability, and clinical significance. A priori benchmarks for these outcomes were set. Thirteen exit interviews were conducted to further explore acceptability. Results: Feasibility benchmarks were met with the exception for recruitment with on average 6.1 dyads recruited/month (benchmark: 8 dyads/month). Benchmarks of acceptability focused on attrition (<25%) and system usability, which were met. Using the strict criteria for adherence of 100% of the module viewed and participants spending at least 15 min on the module, 45% of participants were adherent. The clinical significance on anxiety and quality of life was supported for caregivers, and mostly supported for the men with prostate cancer. Conclusion: This pilot trial was successful, with minor modifications needed prior to a large trial.

Guided versus non‐guided digital psychological interventions for cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of engagement and efficacy

“…Thirty‐six of 43 (84%) studies reported the proportion of participants who commenced the intervention out of the total number of eligible participants offered enrolment. The proportions were variable, ranging from 35 40 to 97% 41 for guided interventions with a mean of 68%, 36,37,40–52 and 20 50 ‐100% 51 for non‐guided interventions with a mean of 64% 7,34,38,39,53–69 …”

“…The proportions were variable, ranging from 35 40 to 97% 41 for guided interventions with a mean of 68%, 36,37,[40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] and 20 50 -100% 51 for non-guided interventions with a mean of 64%. 7,34,38,39,[53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69] Sixty-seven percent (29/43) of studies reported intervention usage, 19 of which (65.5%) were studies of non-guided interventions and 10 (34.5%) were guided (see Table S3, Appendix S1). Nine studies provided data on the proportion of participants using the intervention as intended, defined as 60%-100% completion in the literature.…”

Effectiveness of web-based intervention on reducing symptom burden, improving self-management capabilities and self-efficacy among prostate cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

“… 10 11 Due to the deteriorating health of caregivers, their ability to provide support declines, which has a detrimental impact on the patients’ health. 12 Furthermore, the upward trend in prostate cancer incidence and the diverse treatment side effects pose a strain on the healthcare system, necessitating increased allocation of resources for the purposes of long-term care. This augmented burden consequently gives rise to extended patient waiting times, diminished availability of specialised care and escalated healthcare expenditures.…”

“… 14 However, they often lack structured training to acquire proficient management strategies, resulting in inefficient symptom control and potential exacerbation of harm due to suboptimal management practices. 12 A large-scale study conducted in the UK indicates that over 80% of males reported poor or very poor sexual function after treatment, with approximately 56% of males not receiving any interventions to address this issue. 15 Patients have reported unmet informational needs related to prostate cancer recurrence, the impact on their spouse/partner and long-term effects/recovery associated with prostate cancer.…”

Post-treatment health interventions for adult cancer survivors and their family: An integrated review

“…This review two studies(Lambert et al, 2022;Winters-Stone et al, 2016) presenting two interventions for survivors and their families.The TEMPO program, speci cally designed for men with prostate cancer and their caregivers, offered a comprehensive self-management curriculum encompassing psychosocial coping strategies and physical activity regimens(Lambert et al, 2022). The interventions targeting anxiety and quality of life demonstrated clinically signi cant improvements for both patients and caregivers, with promising adherence rates and positive outcomes across secondary measures(Lambert et al, 2022).…”