TY - JOUR
T1 - Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of iConquerFear
T2 - a self-guided digital intervention for fear of cancer recurrence
AU - Smith, Allan ‘Ben’
AU - Bamgboje‐Ayodele, Adeola
AU - Jegathees, Sharuja
AU - Butow, Phyllis
AU - Klein, Britt
AU - Salter, Marj
AU - Turner, Jane
AU - Fardell, Joanna
AU - Thewes, Belinda
AU - Sharpe, Louise
AU - Beatty, Lisa
AU - Pearce, Alison
AU - Beith, Jane
AU - Costa, Daniel
AU - Rincones, Orlando
AU - Wu, Verena S.
AU - Garden, Frances L.
AU - Kiely, Belinda E.
AU - Lim, Karen
AU - Morstyn, Lisa
AU - Hanley, Brigid
AU - Hodgkin, Rosemerry
AU - Beattie, Annette
AU - Girgis, Afaf
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - Purpose: Approximately 50% of cancer survivors experience moderate-severe fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Self-guided digital interventions have potential to address the high level of FCR-related unmet needs at scale, but existing digital interventions have demonstrated variable engagement and efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of iConquerFear, a five-module self-guided digital FCR intervention. Methods: Eligible curatively treated breast cancer survivors were recruited. Participants reporting clinically significant FCR (≥ 13 on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form; FCRI-SF) were given access to iConquerFear. Feasibility was indicated by > 50% of eligible participants enrolling in iConquerFear and recording moderate (≥ 120 min) or greater usage. Preliminary efficacy was evaluated via changes in self-reported FCR severity, anxiety, depression, intrusions and metacognitions from baseline to immediately and 3 months post-intervention. Results: Fifty-four (83%) of 65 eligible participants enrolled in iConquerFear; six subsequently withdrew. Thirty-nine (83%) participants recorded moderate (n = 24; 120–599 min) or high (n = 15; ≥ 600 min) usage. Engagement levels increased with participant age (p = 0.043), but were lower in participants with higher baseline FCR (p = 0.028). Qualitative feedback indicated engagement was sometimes limited by difficulties with navigation and relating to featured survivors. Participants reported significantly improved FCR (mean reduction (95%CI): baseline to post-intervention − 3.44 (− 5.18, − 1.71), baseline to 3-month follow-up − 4.52 (− 6.25, − 2.78), p = < 0.001). Conclusion: iConquerFear is a feasible and potentially efficacious intervention for reducing FCR in breast cancer survivors. Easier navigation and more relatable examples may enhance engagement. Implications for Cancer Survivors: iConquerFear may help address moderate but burdensome FCR levels in cancer survivors.
AB - Purpose: Approximately 50% of cancer survivors experience moderate-severe fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Self-guided digital interventions have potential to address the high level of FCR-related unmet needs at scale, but existing digital interventions have demonstrated variable engagement and efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of iConquerFear, a five-module self-guided digital FCR intervention. Methods: Eligible curatively treated breast cancer survivors were recruited. Participants reporting clinically significant FCR (≥ 13 on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form; FCRI-SF) were given access to iConquerFear. Feasibility was indicated by > 50% of eligible participants enrolling in iConquerFear and recording moderate (≥ 120 min) or greater usage. Preliminary efficacy was evaluated via changes in self-reported FCR severity, anxiety, depression, intrusions and metacognitions from baseline to immediately and 3 months post-intervention. Results: Fifty-four (83%) of 65 eligible participants enrolled in iConquerFear; six subsequently withdrew. Thirty-nine (83%) participants recorded moderate (n = 24; 120–599 min) or high (n = 15; ≥ 600 min) usage. Engagement levels increased with participant age (p = 0.043), but were lower in participants with higher baseline FCR (p = 0.028). Qualitative feedback indicated engagement was sometimes limited by difficulties with navigation and relating to featured survivors. Participants reported significantly improved FCR (mean reduction (95%CI): baseline to post-intervention − 3.44 (− 5.18, − 1.71), baseline to 3-month follow-up − 4.52 (− 6.25, − 2.78), p = < 0.001). Conclusion: iConquerFear is a feasible and potentially efficacious intervention for reducing FCR in breast cancer survivors. Easier navigation and more relatable examples may enhance engagement. Implications for Cancer Survivors: iConquerFear may help address moderate but burdensome FCR levels in cancer survivors.
KW - cancer
KW - eHealth
KW - fear of cancer recurrence
KW - Oncology
KW - online
KW - psycho-oncology
KW - self-management
KW - survivorship
KW - web-based
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85134737819&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11764-022-01233-9
DO - 10.1007/s11764-022-01233-9
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85134737819
JO - Journal of Cancer Survivorship
JF - Journal of Cancer Survivorship
SN - 1932-2259
ER -