Videoconferencing for delivery of breast cancer support groups to women living in rural communities: a pilot study

Abstract

Women with breast cancer in rural areas are likely to exhaust their usual sources of psychosocial support while still facing challenges posed by breast cancer, but are unlikely to have access to professionally led support groups. In this community-based project, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of providing support groups to women with breast cancer in a large rural area using videoconferencing and a workbook journal, and we assessed the intervention's potential to reduce distress and increase emotional expression and self-efficacy for coping with cancer. Twenty-seven women in the Intermountain Region of northeastern California participated in eight-session support groups led by an oncology social worker by going to nearby videoconferencing sites. Feasibility and acceptability were demonstrated. Older as well as younger women were comfortable using videoconferencing and said the groups were valuable because they promoted information sharing and emotional bonds with other women with breast cancer. They emphasized the importance of a professional facilitator and identified advantages of using videoconferencing for support groups. Pretest and posttest comparisons showed significant decreases in depression and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The results suggest that the intervention has the potential to provide a valuable service that is not readily available in rural communities.

A preliminary RCT of a mind body skills based intervention addressing mood and coping strategies in patients with acute orthopaedic trauma

“…We are planning a larger trial using video conferencing to increase enrollment and open the intervention to patients in remote areas or those with more severe injuries for whom travelling to clinic would be burdensome. This newer medium for intervention delivery has been found to be feasible, accepted and efficacious for patients with a variety of conditions from cancer to depression and anxiety [42,[44][45][46]. Furthermore, there is evidence that psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy are as effective when delivered via videoconferencing as they are when delivered face-to-face [47].…”

Enhancing psychosocial care for people with cancer in rural communities: what can remote counselling offer?

“…60 An American group reported on the delivery of breast cancer support groups run by an oncology social worker via videoconferencing which demonstrated acceptability, feasibility and significant decreases in depressive and traumatic symptomatology from pre to post-treatment. 62 Another study described remote counselling via videoconferencing for terminally ill cancer patients who had difficulty accessing standard services because of their physical condition and distance from the treatment centre. 63 A psychiatrist treated 10 patients individually for six sessions of cognitive therapy.…”

Survivors at Higher Risk for Adverse Late Outcomes Due to Psychosocial and Behavioral Risk Factors

“…Interventions are typically delivered face-to-face, either individually or to a group, although increasingly, distance-based approaches are being used (98)(99)(100)(101)(102)(103).…”