Internet-based Support in Cancer Rehabilitation

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This 2-arm randomized trial assessed the incremental effect of providing a lecture on Internet use followed by participation in an Internet-based peer support group following a week-long rehabilitation program, over and above any possible general effect of participation in the rehabilitation program. Primary outcome measures are adjustment to cancer and mood disturbance.

Official Title
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Internet-based Support in the Rehabilitation of Danish Cancer Survivors

Conditions
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Cancer

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Internet peer-support group


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Cancer survivors who were randomized for or self-selected to a rehabilitation course at the Dallund Rehabilitation Centre were included in the study. Exclusion Criteria: Rehabilitation course weeks in which cancer survivors over 50 years of age were targeted specifically were excluded.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Internet support group Intervention<br> | Behavioral: Internet peer-support group<br>* The Internet peer-support groups provided a self-guided space for communication, including an Internet discussion forum, a live chat room and a personal message system. No therapeutic content or information services were offered within the groups. All Internet groups were run in a browser-based software platform with access through the website of the Danish Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.dk). All discussions were protected by a password and communication was encrypted. The Internet groups in this study were all closed peer-support groups, accessible only by an invitation received by e-mail after registration for the study. The groups were open to access 24 h a day for 13 months from their individual starting date.<br>|
| Control group<br> | Behavioral: Internet peer-support group<br>* The Internet peer-support groups provided a self-guided space for communication, including an Internet discussion forum, a live chat room and a personal message system. No therapeutic content or information services were offered within the groups. All Internet groups were run in a browser-based software platform with access through the website of the Danish Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.dk). All discussions were protected by a password and communication was encrypted. The Internet groups in this study were all closed peer-support groups, accessible only by an invitation received by e-mail after registration for the study. The groups were open to access 24 h a day for 13 months from their individual starting date.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adjustment to cancer measured by the Mini-MAC scale Mood disturbance measured by POMS-SF scale |  |  | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Self-rated global health |  |  | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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internet support, cancer, rehabilitation