1. Evaluation of the Pathways for Survivors program to address breast cancer survivorship associated distress
- Author
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Hamolsky D, Chien Aj, Umashankar S, Hadeler Ek, Rugo Hs, LJ Esserman, Mamounas Me, M. Melisko, Jimmy Hwang, Madeline B. Matthys, Hicks G, and Wong Ec
- Subjects
Oncology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Distress ,Text mining ,Breast cancer ,business.industry ,Internal medicine ,Survivorship curve ,medicine ,business ,medicine.disease - Abstract
Purpose: Breast cancer patients not infrequently experience escalation of anxiety after completing curative treatment. This study evaluated the acceptability and psychological impact of a one-day workshop emphasizing behavioral strategies involving intention and self-efficacy.Methods: Breast cancer survivors attending a one-day Pathways for Survivors workshop, provided feedback, and completed electronic quality of life (QOL) questionnaires at baseline, 1- and 6-weeks, and 6-months post workshop. Attendees’ baseline QOL scores were compared to follow up (FUP) scores. Scores from patients receiving routine FUP care were also compiled as a reference population.Results: Seventy-seven patients attended one of nine workshops. Mean satisfaction was 9.7/10 with the workshop, and 9.96/10 with the moderator. Participants’ baseline mean Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and depression scores were 57.8 ± 6.9 and 55.3 ± 7.5, significantly higher than routine FUP care patients (49.1 ± 8.3 and 47.3 ± 8 respectively). PROMIS anxiety and depression scores decreased and Happiness Index Profile (HIP-10), measuring intention and resiliency, increased significantly at 1- and 6-week FUPs.Conclusions: Pathways for Survivors was favorably received. Anxiety and depression decreased significantly at 1- and 6-weeks post workshop and remained below baseline at 6 months. Increased HIP-10 scores support that patients incorporated skills from the workshop. A one-day workshop led by a lay moderator significantly improved several psychological measures, suggesting it may be a useful and time-efficient strategy to improve QOL in breast cancer survivors. We are investigating whether an abbreviated “booster” of the intervention at a later date could further improve and maintain QOL gains.
- Published
- 2021