ASPO Abstracts
Feasibility of a group-based telehealth psychosocial intervention for women with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2021
Abstract Body:
Purpose of study: As women with lung cancer are particularly vulnerable to psychological
distress and social isolation, which may be further exacerbated by current COVID-19
physical distancing precautions, we examined the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based telehealth psychosocial intervention for this understudied patient population.
Methods: Women with a recent diagnosis (3 months) of non
based telehealth psychosocial intervention for this understudied patient population.
Methods: Women with a recent diagnosis (3 months) of non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC) currently undergoing treatment completed baseline measures of computer
literacy and were randomized to a group-based telehealth psychosocial intervention
consisting of ether coping skills or attention control (AC) psychoeducation. Both arms
consisted of five, 60 min. telehealth (video conference over Zoom) sessions. Groups
were comprised of 3-5 members and led by a masters-level clinician. Participants
completed one "practice run†with technology prior to starting the group session. After the
final session, patients rated overall experience of intervention delivery and telehealth
platform.
Results: Seventy patients (mean age=66 yrs, 54% >65 yrs; 71% non-Hispanic White;
50% college educated; 75% advanced stage) consented (63% consent rate) and 65 were
randomized to intervention or AC. At baseline, 47% of patients indicated daily computer
use while 50% said they rarely or never use a computer. Attendance was high in both
arms with 63% of patients attending all sessions (means: intervention=3.18; AC=3.56).
Across arms, 89% preferred group delivery and 92% preferred online delivery. The
majority used a smartphone or tablet to participate (72%). Regarding the Zoom platform,
71% said it was easy to use, 65% would recommend it to others, and 41% felt
comfortable with it after one use. Only 44% thought that telehealth was the same as it
would have been in-person.
Conclusions: The present findings suggest the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a
group-based psychosocial intervention via telehealth for middle to older aged women
with NSCLC undergoing treatment, which may be particularly beneficial to address
isolation during the current season of physical distancing.
Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), telehealth, feasibility