Premium
Web‐based cognitive rehabilitation for survivors of adult cancer: A randomised controlled trial
Author(s) -
Mihuta Mary E.,
Green Heather J.,
Shum David H.K.
Publication year - 2018
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.4615
Subject(s) - psychosocial , cognition , cognitive rehabilitation therapy , quality of life (healthcare) , clinical psychology , cognitive remediation therapy , medicine , physical therapy , rehabilitation , cognitive skill , intervention (counseling) , randomized controlled trial , cognitive intervention , psychology , psychiatry , nursing
Objective Cognitive dysfunction associated with cancer is frequently reported and can reduce quality of life. This study evaluated a Web‐based cognitive rehabilitation therapy program ( e ReCog) in cancer survivors compared with a waitlist control group. Methods Adult cancer survivors with self‐reported cognitive symptoms who had completed primary treatment at least 6 months prior were recruited. Participants completed telephone screening and were randomly allocated to the 4‐week online intervention or waitlist. Primary outcome was perceived cognitive impairment assessed with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Cognitive Function version 3. Secondary outcomes were additional measures of subjective cognitive functioning, objective cognitive functioning, and psychosocial variables. Results Seventy‐six women were allocated to the intervention (n = 40) or waitlist (n = 36). A significant interaction was found on the instrumental activities of daily living measure of self‐reported prospective memory whereby the intervention group reported a greater reduction in prospective memory failures than the waitlist group. Interaction trends were noted on perceived cognitive impairments ( P = .089) and executive functioning ( P = .074). No significant interactions were observed on other measures of objective cognitive functioning or psychosocial variables. Conclusions The Web‐based intervention shows promise for improving self‐reported cognitive functioning in adult cancer survivors. Further research is warranted to better understand the mechanisms by which the intervention might contribute to improved self‐reported cognition.