DevelopmentA Web-Based Support Care Program for Individuals Diagnosed With Colorectal Cancer

Ilknur Yazicioglu24 enrolled

Overview

This study was designed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based supportive care program for individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer undergoing cancer treatment. The program's effectiveness is evaluated based on the symptom burden and quality of life experienced by patients during cancer treatment. This randomized controlled trial was conducted with the participation of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer receiving treatment at the Outpatient Chemotherapy Unit of Koç University Hospital. Participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group and a control group. Patients in the intervention group were provided with access to the web-based 'Sağlıkta Buluşalım (Meet in Health) Supportive Care Program' for 3 months in addition to routine care, while the control group received standard care. Data collection tools included a Descriptive Information Form, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C), Website Usability Scale, and a Telephone Follow-up Form. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U, Pearson Chi-Square, Fisher's Exact, and Friedman tests, were planned to compare symptom levels and quality of life scores within and between groups over time.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Colorectal Cancer Colorectal (Colon or Rectal) Cancer

Interventions

web based supportive care programmeOTHER

This study developed a supportive care program for individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer who are undergoing cancer treatment, focusing on the symptoms and quality of life experienced by patients during treatment. The sub-headings and content of the planned program were prepared within the framework of the "Supportive Care Framework," frequently used for cancer patients. This framework, comprising 7 main concepts (physical, emotional, social, psychosocial, spiritual/mental, informational, and practical-daily life changes), aims to provide a holistic approach to patients' needs. Furthermore, the program content includes the experiences of individuals who have gone through similar experiences and have recovered from cancer. All these approaches constitute the unique values of this study.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of colon cancer and receiving cancer treatment (within the first 3 months of diagnosis) * Being 18 years of age or older * Being able to read, understand, and communicate in Turkish * Having internet access * Being able to use a smartphone or computer * Having access to a smartphone or computer * Voluntary participation in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Having a psychiatric illness * Having a disability that impairs cognitive functions * Refusing to participate in the study * Poor general health * Incompatibility between treatment appointments and the study's data collection schedule

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Quality of Life Measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C) Scale

The Functional Assessment in Cancer Treatment-Colorectal Cancer Scale (FACT-C) was administered to evaluate the quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy. The scale is part of the Functional Assessment in Chronic Disease Treatment (FACIT) measurement system and is used to assess common conditions seen in all cancer patients, as well as specific concerns associated with colorectal cancer.

Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 3 months

Symptom Severity Measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale

The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the symptoms experienced by patients during chemotherapy treatment. The scale assesses 10 symptoms: pain, fatigue, nausea, sadness, anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, general malaise, shortness of breath, and other problems.