Speaking Thier Language: A Randomized Pilot Study of Synchronous Online Chat Groups for Young Adults with Cancer
Date
2015-08-05
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Abstract
Background: In Canada, over 7,000 adolescents and young adults or “AYA” (ages 18 to 39 years) are diagnosed with cancer annually. Few evidence-based psychosocial interventions exist for this population.
Methods: We conducted a randomized pilot study to compare a new AYA-specific psychotherapy model to a standard psycho-educational model, using CancerChatCanada (CCC) synchronous online chat groups.
Results: 34 AYAs in Alberta participated in the study and all feasibility targets were met. Participants rated the new AYA model more suitable and it appeared to improve important group processes and psychosocial outcomes. A power calculation providing sample size estimation for an RCT indicated that more than 90 participants would be needed to demonstrate differential efficacy between groups.
Discussion: This randomized study design is feasible with some important modifications.
Conclusion: Online synchronous chat groups can be used to provide psychosocial care for AYAs. Future RCTs could provide evidence of efficacy for age-specific psychotherapy models.
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Keywords
Mental Health, Oncology, Psychology--Clinical
Citation
Lang, M. (2015). Speaking Thier Language: A Randomized Pilot Study of Synchronous Online Chat Groups for Young Adults with Cancer (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27850