Online couple interventions in cancer

Abstract

Purpose of review Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have long-lasting psychological and physical consequences that affect both patients and their intimate partners. Improved understanding of extant dyadic interventions in the context of cancer, and how access to these may be enhanced through web-based technologies, introduce new directions for how cancer-related psychological distress for couples may be ameliorated. Recent findings Couples are negatively impacted by cancer, both individually, and as a dyad. Bolstering techniques to support effective communication about common cancer-related concerns and support for adjusting to new roles and responsibilities may help to strengthen the couple's relationship so partners are better able to cope with cancer. Although there are various intervention options available for couples dealing with cancer, many pose barriers to participation because of constraints on time and/or distance. However, online interventions have been shown to be effective, both in easing psychological distress and reducing participant burden. Summary Couples dealing with cancer experience psychological distress and must learn to navigate changing roles and responsibilities in the face of the disease. Online interventions offer flexible and innovative platforms and programs that help to address couples’ educational needs while strengthening dyadic coping.

The application of eHealth in cancer survivorship care: A review of web-based dyadic interventions for post-treatment cancer survivors and caregivers

“… 21 Another review of online interventions for couples with cancer suggested that online interventions can provide flexible platforms and programs to help address couples' educational needs, while strengthening couples’ coping. 22 However, to the best of our knowledge, no researchers have reviewed web-based dyadic interventions for post-treatment cancer survivor-caregiver dyads. Little is currently known about the development, characteristics (eg., intervention focus, content, and dosage), and effectiveness of existing web-based dyadic interventions specifically targeting post-treatment cancer survivors and their caregivers.…”

The development and evaluation of a web-based complex intervention: The caring for couples coping with colorectal cancer “4Cs: CRC” program

“… 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 However, some studies have shown that interventions delivered through traditional face-to-face methods may place an additional time and travel burden onto cancer couples. 16 , 17 With the development and widespread adoption of mobile devices, particularly smartphones, mobile health (m-health) has become deeply integrated into our lives, and has even changed the way we seek medical information. 18 , 19 Web-based m-health has been used in psychosocial intervention research to deliver medical information and health services to patients and their families.…”

“… 18 , 19 Web-based m-health has been used in psychosocial intervention research to deliver medical information and health services to patients and their families. 17 , 20 , 21 Web-based interventions enable participants to obtain credible information at their convenience, which increases the flexibility of interventions, helps reduce participant time and travel burden, and further increases intervention recruitment and retention rates. 20 , 21 , 22 In addition, web-based interventions are private and confidential, 21 , 22 particularly for those with intimacy issues (eg, sexual dysfunction), who may prefer online consultations and appointments, to better protect their privacy.…”

Treatment Satisfaction With Couplelinks Online Intervention to Promote Dyadic Coping in Young Couples Affected by Breast Cancer

“…In a recent review of online interventions for couples affected by cancer, Vanstone and Fergus (2020) identified areas of growth in the field over the last decade as well as future potential. Strides have been made, for example, in relation to virtual support programs for intimate dyads coping with prostate cancer.…”