e-TC: development and pilot testing of a web-based intervention to reduce anxiety and depression in survivors of testicular cancer

L. E. Heiniger*, A. B. Smith, I. Olver, P. Grimison, B. Klein, A. Wootten, J.-A. M. Abbott, M. A. Price, M. McJannett, B. Tran, M. R. Stockler, H. Gurney, P. N. Butow

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

e-TC is an online intervention designed to address common psychosocial concerns of testicular cancer survivors. It aims to reduce anxiety, depression and fear of cancer recurrence by providing evidence-based information and psychological intervention. This paper details the development and pilot testing of e-TC. During pilot testing, 25 men (with varying psychological profiles) who had completed treatment for testicular cancer, 6 months to 5 years ago (which had not recurred), used e-TC over a 10-week period and provided quantitative and qualitative feedback on the feasibility and acceptability of the programme. Six men also completed a qualitative interview to provide detailed feedback on their experiences using e-TC. Fourteen men (56%) completed at least 80% of the programme. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the programme. Men's limited time was a barrier to programme use and completion, and participants suggested that men with a more recent diagnosis and a higher level of distress may be more likely to engage with the programme. e-TC appears to be a feasible and acceptable online intervention for survivors of testicular cancer. Findings from this study are currently being used to refine e-TC and guide the design of a larger efficacy study.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere12698
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer Care
Volume26
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Fear of cancer recurrence
  • Online intervention
  • Survivors
  • Testicular cancer

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