Transdiagnostic Oncology Program in Primary Care

Lentis Psychiatric Institute35 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this observational study is to learn about how cancer survivors experience a relatively new 12-month interdisciplinary aftercare program called the Transdiagnostic Oncologic Program (TOP). TOP is an innovative program offered as part of routine family-doctor care among several practices in the province Drenthe, the Netherlands. It is coordinated by the family doctor and caried out by an interdisciplinary team, consisting of the family doctor, a physiotherapist, nutritionist, and optionally a psychologist. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Is TOP feasible and acceptable? * Does TOP lead to improvements in quality of life in cancer survivors? Patients who were eligible for the program (n=54) were asked to participate in research as well. Everyone who participated in TOP (n=19) agreed to participate in this study as well. Those who declined participation (n=35), were asked to serve as controls, of which 16 agreed to do so.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Cancer Survivor

Interventions

Transdiagnostic Oncologic ProgramBEHAVIORAL

The "Transdiagnostic Oncology Program" (TOP) is a 12-month interdisciplinary aftercare program aimed at improving cancer survivors' quality of life by addressing common clinical issues. In the first three months, participants attended two weekly 1-hour exercise sessions led by physiotherapists. Once a week, this was followed by 1-hour mind-body therapy for stress reduction. A dietitian provided an initial group session on nutrition and advised at least two personal consultations. Between months 3-6, exercise was reduced to once weekly, with encouragement to continue independent exercise and relaxation. A second informational session on stress and sleep hygiene was given. After six months, participants continued independently, meeting the family doctor quarterly to evaluate progress. For the participants who experienced some psychological problems, sessions with a psychologist at an institute specialized for psycho-oncology, were available.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 75 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Eligibility criteria for the program and for the study were the same, with the exception that participants were willing to sign informed consent to participate in the study. Inclusion criteria: * being between ≥18 and ≤ 75 years old * having been diagnosed with cancer at least 6 months ago and/or have been long-term stable. Exclusion criteria: * having severe physical risks due to cancer treatment and / or comorbidities * currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy or other treatment * having cognitive or psychosomatic complaints that interfere with successful participation * having skin cancer, except for melanomas with metastasis * having a life expectancy of \<1 year

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Feasibility and satisfaction.

Feasibility of the intervention was assessed through attrition and attendance rates and through several questions on an evaluation form at post-intervention (T2), including adverse effects. Serious adverse events were also inquired by the GP. Satisfaction with the intervention was assessed with the same evaluation form at T2.