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A randomized pilot trial of a videoconference couples communication intervention for advanced GI cancer
Author(s) -
Porter Laura S.,
Keefe Francis J.,
Baucom Donald H.,
Olsen Maren,
Zafar S. Yousuf,
Uronis Hope
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.4121
Subject(s) - intervention (counseling) , randomized controlled trial , context (archaeology) , videoconferencing , medicine , physical therapy , psychology , clinical psychology , nursing , multimedia , surgery , computer science , paleontology , biology
Objective This study aims to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a couple‐based communication intervention for advanced GI cancer delivered via videoconference. Methods Thirty‐two couples were randomly assigned to either couples communication skills training (CCST) or an education comparison intervention, both delivered via videoconference. Participation was limited to couples who reported communication difficulties at screening. Patients and partners completed measures of relationship functioning and individual functioning at baseline and post‐intervention. Results Eighty‐eight percent of randomized dyads completed all six sessions and reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. Between‐group effect sizes suggested that the CCST intervention led to improvements in relationship satisfaction for patients and partners and to improvements in intimacy and communication for patients. Conclusions A couples‐based communication intervention delivered via videoconference is feasible and acceptable in the context of advanced cancer. Preliminary findings suggest that the intervention shows promise in contributing to enhanced relationship functioning. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.