Bridging the transition from cancer patient to survivor: Pilot study results of the Cancer Survivor Telephone Education and Personal Support (C-STEPS) program

Abstract

Objective To develop a feasibility study of a theory-driven telephone counseling program to enhance psychosocial and physical well-being for cancer survivors after treatment. Methods Participants (n = 66) were recruited from two Colorado hospitals with self-administered questionnaires at baseline and two weeks post-intervention. The one group, intervention only design included up to six thematic telephone counseling sessions over three months. Topics included nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and medical follow-up. Primary outcomes were cancer-specific distress, self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity. Results Of 66 subjects, 46 completed at least one counseling module and the follow-up assessment (70% retention rate). Mean satisfaction was 9 out of 10, and all participants would recommend C-STEPS to other survivors. Cancer-specific distress (Impact of Event Scale – Intrusion subscale) decreased for entire study population (p < 0.001) and stress management session participants (p < 0.001). Fruit and vegetable consumption increased for nutrition and exercise session participants (p = 0.02) and the entire sample (p = NS). Physical activity increased in the entire group (p = 0.006) and for nutrition and exercise session participants (p = 0.01). Conclusion and practice implications C-STEPS is a feasible telephone counseling program that transcends geographic barriers, demonstrating the potential to decrease distress and promote coping and healthy lifestyles among cancer survivors.

An Example of How to Supplement Goal Setting to Promote Behavior Change for Families Using Motivational Interviewing

“…For parents who reported continuing to work on their initial goal, several reported achieving success or making progress during their calls. Our study adds to previous research that has found MI to be effective when delivered over the phone (Garrett et al, 2013) and in changing family behaviors (Woo Baidal et al, 2013). MI was successfully implemented during the phone call component of the HOME Plus intervention and participants reported enjoying the calls.…”

“…Recent studies suggest that MI is effective even by telephone. When cancer survivors received phone calls from trained motivational interviewers regarding a healthy lifestyle, coping and stress management, those who received MI significantly lowered their levels of stress and significantly increased their daily servings of fruits and vegetables compared to those who did not receive MI (Garrett et al, 2013). Furthermore, overweight veterans who participated in a small-change, phone-based weight loss intervention had significant reductions in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, and significant increases in their daily intake of fruits and vegetables (Damschroder, Lutes, Goodrich, Gillon, & Lowery, 2010).…”

Contributors and Inhibitors of Resilience Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

“…[37][38][39][40][41] Early interventions designed to promote positive psychological resources have shown promise in adults with cancer, [42][43][44][45][46] healthy AYAs, 47,48 and AYAs undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant for malignancy. 49 We have previously shown that self-perceptions of personal resources mediate these associations.…”

Acute Cancer Cognitive Therapy

“…Importantly, fear of recurrence after treatments have been completed should be addressed since excessive fear and caution has the potential to impede the transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor, hindering adaptation and personal growth (Garrett et al, 2013). …”