Cognitive-enhanced eHealth psychosocial stepped intervention for managing breast cancer-related cognitive impairment: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Introduction Breast cancer often leads to cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), which includes both objective and subjective cognitive deficits. While psychosocial interventions benefit quality of life and distress reduction, their impact on cognitive deficits is uncertain. This study evaluates the integration of a cognitive module into a digital psychosocial intervention for breast cancer patients. Methods In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), 88 recently diagnosed breast cancer (BC) patients will receive the ICOnnecta't program (control group) – a digital stepped intervention addressing a variety of psychosocial needs. The experimental group ( n = 88) will receive ICOnnecta’t plus a cognitive module. Assessments at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months will measure the interventions’ impact on cognition, emotional distress, medication adherence, quality of life, post-traumatic stress, work functioning and healthcare experience. Feasibility and cost-utility analyses will also be conducted. Results The cognitive module includes three levels. The first level contains a cognitive screening using FACT-Cog Perceived Cognitive Impairment (PCI). Patients with PCI