Skip to main content
PMC home page
BMC Cancer logoLink to BMC Cancer
. 2016 Nov 3;16:838. doi: 10.1186/s12885-016-2866-0

Web-based stress management for newly diagnosed cancer patients (STREAM-1): a randomized, wait-list controlled intervention study

Astrid Grossert 1,✉, Corinne Urech 2, Judith Alder 3, Jens Gaab 3, Thomas Berger 4, Viviane Hess 1
PMCID: PMC5093991  PMID: 27809796

Abstract

Background

Being diagnosed with cancer causes major psychological distress, yet the majority of newly diagnosed cancer patients lack psychological support. Internet interventions overcome many barriers for seeking face-to-face support and allow for independence in time and place. We assess efficacy and feasibility of the first web-based stress management intervention (STREAM: STREss-Aktiv-Mindern) for newly diagnosed, German-speaking cancer patients.

Methods/design

In a prospective, wait-list controlled trial 120 newly diagnosed cancer patients will be included within 12 weeks of starting anti-cancer treatment and randomized between an immediate (intervention group) or delayed (control group) 8-week, web-based intervention. The intervention consists of eight modules with weekly written feedback by a psychologist (“minimal-contact”) based on well-established stress management manuals including downloadable audio-files and exercises. The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy in terms of improvement in quality of life (FACT-F), as well as decrease in anxiety and depression (HADS), as compared to patients in the wait-list control group. A sample size of 120 patients allows demonstrating a clinically relevant difference of nine points in the FACT score after the intervention (T2) with a two-sided alpha of 0.05 and 80 % power. As this is the first online stress management intervention for German-speaking cancer patients, more descriptive outcomes are equally important to further refine the group of patients with the largest potential for benefit who then will be targeted more specifically in future trials. These descriptive endpoints include: patients’ characteristics (type of cancer, type of treatment, socio-demographic factors), dropout rate and dropout reasons, adherence and satisfaction with the program.

Discussion

New technologies open new opportunities: minimal-contact psychological interventions are becoming standard of care in several psychological disorders, where their efficacy is often comparable to face-to-face interventions. With our study we open this field to the population of newly diagnosed cancer patients. We will not only assess clinical efficacy but also further refine the target population who has the most potential to benefit. An internet-based minimal-contact stress management program might be an attractive, time- and cost-effective way to effectively deliver psychological support to newly diagnosed cancer patients and an opportunity to include those who currently are not reached by conventional support.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02289014.

Keywords: Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Online, Web-based, Cancer, Stress-management intervention, Minimal-contact

Background

Impact of cancer on mental health

Every second cancer patient suffers from clinically relevant psychosocial distress [1]. Psychosocial distress encompasses emotional lability, rearranging of roles and responsibilities, changing of future plans, fear of recurrence, depression and anxiety and is associated with decreased quality of life [2–4]. In addition, high levels of distress lead to reduced compliance with treatment and more side effects [5, 6]. Conversely, side effects of cancer treatment like fatigue, nausea and pain may trigger distress and, therefore, impact psychological adjustment.

Efficacy of psycho-oncological interventions and Utilization of psycho-oncological support

Cognitive behavioural techniques, including relaxation techniques [7] and mindfulness based stress reduction [8], significantly reduce distress, depression and fatigue and increase quality of life in cancer patients, albeit effect sizes in randomized controlled trials are small to medium [9]. Moreover, psycho-oncological interventions may reduce side effects of cancer treatment [7, 9–13]. Yet many patients do not seek or have access to psycho-oncological support, even when high levels of distress are experienced [14]. This seems especially true for male patients [15, 16] and patients with cancer other than female breast cancer [15].

Web-based interventions in psycho-oncology

The internet has the potential to reach patients and to overcome barriers towards using psycho-oncologic support (e.g. stigma and privacy concerns, geographical distance form providers, time constraints to adhere to additional appointments during office hours) [17]. The vast majority of cancer patients already uses the internet as a source of information [18]. Furthermore, from the providers’ perspective, internet interventions are time- and cost-effective, and thus are of special interest for the health care system. Scientific interest in internet interventions for non-cancer patients has grown rapidly over the last decade. Efficacy of this novel treatment format has been demonstrated for a variety of mental disorders in a substantial number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Reviews and meta-analyses show moderate to large effects, post-treatment [19–22]. Studies directly comparing internet interventions with face-to-face therapy report similar outcomes across various mental disorders (e.g. anxiety disorders, depression) and health concerns associated with bodily symptoms (e.g. tinnitus, sexual dysfunction) [23]. There are also a few long-term follow-up studies showing lasting effects over as much as five years post-treatment [24]. Data on web-based interventions for cancer patients are scarce [25, 26]. There is no cancer-specific stress management program for cancer patients in German. Also, little is known on the characteristics (including age, sex, education, type of cancer) of patients who participate and benefit from a web-based intervention.

Objective and research questions

In a prospective randomized wait-list controlled trial we assess the efficacy of a minimal-contact online intervention in newly diagnosed cancer patients. More specifically, we assess whether patients who undergo the online intervention report a better quality of life (FACIT-F), are less anxious and depressive (HADS-D), less stressed (DT), and cope better with their disease (FAH II) as compared to patients in the wait-list control group. This is the first online stress management intervention in German for cancer patients (STREAM: STREss Aktiv Mindern). Moreover, since it is novel to recruit patients via the internet rather than face-to-face, we set out to determine patients characteristics for participation and benefit. These descriptive outcomes include: patients’ characteristics (type of cancer, type of treatment, sociodemographic factors), patients’ adherence as well as satisfaction with the program.

Methods/design

In a prospective randomized controlled intervention study (Fig. 1) patients are randomized 1:1 (mixed randomization scheme using unequal block randomization) between the intervention group and the wait-list control group. Patients are stratified according to baseline stress level (distress thermometer ≥ vs < 5 [27]). A total of 120 newly diagnosed adult (>18 years) cancer patients who started first-line treatment (either systemic treatment - including chemotherapy, hormonal treatment or targeted therapy - or radiotherapy) no longer than 12 weeks earlier are included after giving informed consent. Patients who undergo treatment for a first relapse of a tumor previously treated with curative intent are also eligible. Patients are required to read and write in German, have internet-access as well as basic computer skills.

Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

Open in a new tab

Study design

Patients are recruited via the public website of STREAM [28]. We adopt an active recruitment strategy in the German speaking countries Switzerland, Germany, and Austria via the following channels: a) Links to the public website of STREAM on health related websites, such as Cancer Leagues, Cancer Hospitals, Patient advocate websites b) distribution of flyers in hospitals and during cancer conferences, c) active communication to the media d) advertisement via Google Ad and Facebook Ad. The Northwest and Central Swiss Ethics Committee has approved the study (EKNZ 339/13).

Intervention

We developed the web-based intervention STREAM based on well-described and established stress management interventions manuals [29–33], which we adapted to the web-context. The program aims at improving intra- and interpersonal coping strategies, reducing perceived stress and anxiety as well as enhancing quality of life. We assessed the usability of the program in the target population of cancer patients in a previous study (Grossert A, et al. Usability evaluation of the web-based stress management program STREAM for newly diagnosed cancer patients. submitted. 2016).

STREAM consists of eight modules (Table 1) which can be completed in 60 to 90 min each. Participants are asked to work through one module per week, i.e. the intervention takes 8 weeks in total. Every module starts with a short mindfulness breathing exercise and includes (a) text-based psycho-education, (b) reflection on the current individual emotional status and (c) acquisition of strategies including several exercises. Within each module exercises on relaxation techniques and guided-imagery exercises are available as audio files and can be downloaded to various devices (e.g. PC/Mac, tablets, smart phones, MP3 Players). Patients are encouraged to use the audio files daily. Participants receive weekly feedback and individual support by a psychologist from the study team via secure integrated e-mail (=”minimal-contact”). Patients can use the secure chat function to contact the psychologist.

Table 1.

Content of the web-based stress management program STREAM

Module Psychoeducation Reflection on status Strategies
1. Introduction: What is stress? Nature of stress in general and in specific cancer-related situations My individual stressors Diaryb
Stress protocol Body scana
Stress protocol b
2. Body stress reduction Bodily sensations during stress and side effects of anticancer treatment Relaxation protocol Progressive muscle relaxation a
Beach promenadea
Relaxation protocolb
3. Cognitive stress reduction Thoughts and their interaction with emotions and bodily sensations My negative thought patterns Negative thought cyclea
Relationship of body position and thoughtsb
Thinking styles and reflectionb
Thoughts on cloudsa
4. Emotional stress reduction Feelings and cancer-related emotions as anxiety and worries were explained My feelings and worries Mountain meditationa
Emotional emergency kita
5. Mindfulness and acceptance of thoughts and emotions Meaning of mindfulness and acceptance and their implementation in daily life in contrast to the active strategies learned in modules 1–4 My definition and experiences with acceptance Acceptance story a,b
Body scana,b
Integration of mindfulnessb
Winter walka
Spring awakeninga
6. Activation of resources: quality of life and pleasure Introduction of models of the balance between burden and resources My individual resources Health-cycle b
Planning activitiesb
Week planner b
Friendly feelings with our own bodya
Enjoyment trainingb
7. Activation of resources: social network and communication skills Social network and the role of a supportive environment My individual social network and current needs Communication skillsb
Beach promenadea
Winter promenadea
Spring awakeninga
8. Summary Concluding an overview and documentation of the last 7 weeks My experiences with the program Four seasonsa
Open in a new tab

aAudio file: story, relaxation or guided imaginary exercise, bInstructions and worksheets

Assessments

Assessments are summarized in Table 2 and are conducted via an open source survey application [34] at baseline (T1), after the 8-week intervention or wait (control group), respectively (T2), as well as after an additional 8 weeks (T3, follow-up for the intervention group or after the delayed intervention for the wait-list group, respectively (Fig. 1)).

Table 2.

Schedule of assessment

Instrument T1 T2 T3
Baseline Weekly during intervention Post intervention Follow up
Socio-demographics x
Medical history x x x
Distress Thermometer (DT) x x x x
Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F) x x x
Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) x x x
Suicidal tendency (Suicid Item Beck Depression Inventory BDI) x x x
Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ) x x x
Working Alliance Inventory (WAI-SR) x
System Usability Scale (SUS) xa
Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) xb xb
Open in a new tab

a Assessed twice (after the first and last module); b Assessed post-intervention: for intervention group to T2, for control group to T3

Socio-demographic information is self-reported and includes age, gender, marital status and partnership, children, education, monthly household income and employment status.

Medical history includes information regarding tumor diagnosis, time since diagnosis, past and current cancer treatments (curative or palliative setting), past and current psychosocial support and psychopharmacological medication and is obtained from both patients and their treating physicians.

Efficacy outcomes

The main efficacy outcome is quality of life (FACT) including assessment of fatigue (FACT-F) [35] at T2. We use the validated German Version functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-fatigue (FACIT-F) which is freely available from the website www.facit.org.

To assess anxiety/depression and psychological distress the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) [36] and the distress thermometer (DT) in the German version [27] are used, respectively. Patients are stratified based on their level of baseline distress. A score of five or higher at the DT visual analogue scale is a cut-off score for a clinically significant level of distress [27]. To longitudinally describe psychological coping with cancer we use ‘the acceptance and action questionnaire (AAQ)’ in its German version ‘Fragebogen zur Akzeptanz und Handeln (FAH II)’ [37], which we adapted specifically for cancer patients with three additional items concerning their coping with the disease.

The online support program STREAM is not designed to support suicidal patients in acute crises. For safety reasons, suicidal tendency is assessed by the single suicide item out of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) [38]. Patients with a score higher than one are contacted by telephone to reassess suicidal ideation and, if needed, patients are instructed to call for local psychiatric support.

Evaluation of the intervention

To evaluate the therapeutic alliance between patient and therapist the short version of the working alliance inventory (WAI-SR) with subscales for bond, tasks and goals is used in its German version [39] weekly after each module. Usability and user satisfaction is assessed with the system usability scale (SUS) [40] and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8; in its German version: Fragebogen zur Messung der Patientenzufriedenheit ZUF-8; [41]. Satisfaction with the online therapeutic contact will be assessed with predefined questions described by Knaevelsrud and Maerker [42]. In addition, after each module, patients’ satisfaction with the module is assessed with an open question. Data on adherence (frequency and duration of logins, website activity, using/downloading different exercises, and the number of modules completed) are collected via the backend functions of the online program STREAM.

Statistical analyses and sample size calculation

Based on previous studies [43] including recent data on cancer patients [44], a difference of nine points in the FACT score is both, clinically significant and realistic. In order to demonstrate a 9-point difference between baseline and T2 (after 8 weeks) in the intervention group with a statistical power of 0.80 at a significance level of 0.05 (two-sided), 60 participants are needed in each of the two conditions. We assume normally distributed data in both groups with a standard deviation of ±18 [45]. Data preparation of all continuous dependent variables will include tests for normality, homogeneity of variances, and examination of outliers. If not normally distributed, variables will be subjected to adequate transformation. Intent-to-treat samples will be used to analyze data. The choice of statistical approach depends on the amount of missing data at T2 and T3. If less than 12 % of data are missing, the Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF) method will be applied to estimate effects. Then, the outcome will be computed with an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), using the pre-scores as a covariate and the post-scores as the dependent variable. If more than 12 % of data are missing, we will use linear mixed models. This method is recommended for intent-to-treat-analyses with a high amount of dropouts due to its potential to reduce bias caused by missing data. Regression analyses will be used to identify predictors of treatment outcome.

Discussion

Psychological distress associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment is high. Yet, psycho-oncological support is often lacking –due to barriers on the patients’ side or to insufficient resources on the providers’ side [15]. Online-interventions with regular psychologist-contact (minimal-contact) -already established in several psychological disorders- might reduce this gap. In our prospective, randomized controlled study we assess the first minimal-contact, online stress management program for German-speaking, newly diagnosed cancer patients.

Our study will yield information on the efficacy of the intervention with respect to quality of life and stress/anxiety. In addition, it will show whether cancer patients are ready to use new technologies to further increase the range of treatment options at their disposal, and -even more importantly- whether patients who are in need of support but slip through the net of the current system can be reached. Conversely, the time- (and indirectly the cost-) effectiveness of administering support in a minimal-contact online intervention will be assessed from the providers’ perspective – an outcome with important implications for the health care system.

On a different level, the contribution of various and novel recruitment strategies (flyers, “conventional face-to-face”, internet links, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, You tube) will be described allowing for conclusions for future online study portals.

One of the limitations of the study is the heterogeneity of newly diagnosed cancer patients with respect to tumor type, treatment type and treatment strategies (curative, palliative). However, the distress of a new cancer diagnosis is their common denominator, and a stratification factor. Also, since this is the first online stress management program for newly diagnosed cancer patients, we deliberately aim at reaching a broad population to avoid missing a small but important group of patients with potential benefit from this intervention. The results of this study will allow characterizing the patient population(s) with respect to age, sex, diagnosis and treatment that will then be studied more specifically in follow-up trials. Our trial represents a first step in expanding the much-needed psychological support for newly diagnosed cancer patients towards the promising approaches that come with new technical possibilities which have become integral part of our lives.

Trial status

Trial start date: 1th July 2014; Currently recruiting (Ncurrent = 80 as of March 17, 2016).

Acknowledgement

We thank Benjamin Kasenda for statistical advice. This study is supported by the Swiss Cancer Research Foundation (KFS-3260-08-2013) and the Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF (Grant PP00P3_139155/1 to VH).

Availability of data and materials

With this manuscript we provide the study protocol but no patient data. Within the trial, data are electronically stored on the secure server of Basel University Rechenzentrum. Patient data are anonymized with a 3-digit UPN.

Authors’ contributions

AG contributed to the study design, development of the intervention, patient recruitment, the conduct of the intervention and the writing of the manuscript. CU contributed to the study design, development of the intervention, patient recruitment and funding. As principal investigator she is also responsible for the conduct of the study and the supervision of the intervention. JA contributed to the study design and development of the intervention. JG contributed to the study design. TB contributed to the study design including statistical advice, development of the intervention and writing of the manuscript. VH initiated the study (sponsor-investigator) and contributed to the study design, development of the intervention, patient recruitment, funding and the writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The Northwest and Central Swiss Ethics Committee has approved the study (EKNZ 339/13). Each participant gives written informed consent before participating in the trial.

Abbreviations

AAQ

Acceptance and action questionnaire

ANCOVA

Analysis of covariance

BDI

Beck depression inventory

CSQ

Client satisfaction questionnaire

DT

Distress thermometer

FACIT-F

German Version Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue

FACT (−F)

Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy including Fatigue

FAH II

Fragebogen zur Akzeptanz und Handeln

HADS

Hospital anxiety and depression scale

LOCF

Last observation carried forward

RCT

Randomized controlled trial

STREAM

STREss Aktiv Mindern

SUS

System usability scale

WAI-SR

Short version working alliance inventory

ZUF-8

Fragebogen zur Messung der Patientenzufriedenheit

Contributor Information

Astrid Grossert, Email: astrid.grossert@usb.ch.

Corinne Urech, Email: corinne.urech@usb.ch.

Judith Alder, Email: judith.alder@psychologie.ch.

Jens Gaab, Email: jens.gaab@unibas.ch.

Thomas Berger, Email: thomas.berger@ptp.unibe.ch.

Viviane Hess, Email: viviane.hess@usb.ch.

References

  • 1.Mehnert A, Brähler E, Faller H, Härter M, Keller M, Schulz H, Wegscheider K, Weis J, Boehncke A, Hund B, et al. Four-week prevalence of mental disorders in patients with cancer across major tumor entities. J Clin Oncol. 2014 doi: 10.1200/JCO.2014.56.0086. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2.Rehse B, Pukrop R. Effects of psychosocial interventions on quality of life in adult cancer patients: meta analysis of 37 published controlled outcome studies. Patient Educ Couns. 2003;50(2):179–186. doi: 10.1016/S0738-3991(02)00149-0. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 3.Wu HS, Harden JK. Symptom burden and quality of life in survivorship: a review of the literature. Cancer Nurs. 2015 doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000135. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 4.Penedo FJ, Benedict C, Zhou ES, Rasheed M, Traeger L, Kava BR, Soloway M, Czaja S, Antoni MH. Association of stress management skills and perceived stress with physical and emotional well-being among advanced prostrate cancer survivors following androgen deprivation treatment. J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2013 doi: 10.1007/s10880-012-9308-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 5.Chambers SK, Meng X, Youl P, Aitken J, Dunn J, Baade P. A five-year prospective study of quality of life after colorectal cancer. Qual Life Res. 2012 doi: 10.1007/s11136-011-0067-5. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 6.Park CL, Gaffey AE. Relationships between psychosocial factors and health behavior change in cancer survivors: an integrative review. Ann Behav Med. 2007 doi: 10.1007/BF02872667. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 7.Luebbert K, Dahme B, Hasenbring M. The effectiveness of relaxation training in reducing treatment-related symptoms and improving emotional adjustment in acute non-surgical cancer treatment: A meta-analytical review. Psycho-Oncol. 2001 doi: 10.1002/pon.537. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 8.Zainal NZ, Booth S, Huppert FA. The efficacy of mindfulness-bases stress reduction on mental health of breast cancer patients: a meta-analysis. Psycho-Oncol. 2013;22:1457–1465. doi: 10.1002/pon.3171. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 9.Duijts SF, Faber MM, Oldenburg HS, van Beurden M, Aaronson NK. Effectiveness of behavioral techniques and physical exercise on psychosocial functioning and health-related quality of life in breast cancer patients and survivors--a meta-analysis. Psycho-Oncol. 2011 doi: 10.1002/pon.1728. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 10.Söllner W, Keller M. Wirksamkeit psychoonkologischer Interventionen auf die Lebensqualitat der Patienten. Ein systematischer Überblick über Reviews und Metaanalysen. Psychosom Konsiliarpsychiatr. 2007;1(4):249. doi: 10.1007/s11800-007-0066-0. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 11.Kwekkeboom KL, Abbott-Anderson K, Cherwin C, Roiland R, Serlin RC, Ward SE. Pilot randomized controlled trial of a patient-controlled cognitive-behavioral intervention for the pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance symptom cluster in cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2012 doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.12.281. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 12.Antoni MH, Lechner S, Diaz A, Vargas S, Holley H, Phillips K, McGregor B, Carver CS, Blomberg B. Cognitive behavioral stress management effects on psychosocial and physiological adaptation in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Brain Behav Immun. 2009;23(5):580–591. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2008.09.005. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 13.Wells N, Hepworth JT, Murphy BA, Wujcik D, Johnson R. Improving cancer pain management through patient and family education. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2003 doi: 10.1016/s0885-3924(02)00685-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 14.Waller A, Williams A, Groff SL, Bultz BD, Carlson LE. Screening for distress, the sixth vital sign: examining self-referral in people with cancer over a one-year period. Psycho-Oncol. 2013 doi: 10.1002/pon.2102. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 15.Merckaert I, Libert Y, Messin S, Milani M, Slachmuylder JL, Razavi D. Cancer patients’ desire for psychological support: prevalence and implications for screening patients’ psychological needs. Psycho-Oncol. 2010 doi: 10.1002/pon.1568. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 16.Nekolaichuk CL, Cumming C, Turner J, Yushchyshyn A, Sela R. Referral patterns and psychosocial distress in cancer patients accessing a Psycho-oncology counseling service. Psycho-Oncol. 2011 doi: 10.1002/pon.1765. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 17.Leykin Y, Thekdi SM, Shumay DM, Munoz RF, Riba M, Dunn LB. Internet interventions for improving psychological well-being in Psycho-oncology: review and recommendations. Psycho-Oncol. 2012 doi: 10.1002/pon.1993. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 18.van de Poll-Franse LV, van Eenbergen MC. Internet use by cancer survivors: current use and future wishes. Support Care Cancer. 2008 doi: 10.1007/s00520-008-0419-z. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 19.Andersson G, Cuijpers P. Internet-based and other computerized psychological treatments for adult depression: a meta-analysis. Cogn Behav Ther. 2009;38(4):196–205. doi: 10.1080/16506070903318960. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 20.Andrews G, Cuijpers P, Craske MG, McEvoy P, Titov N. Computer therapy for the anxiety and depressive disorders is effective, acceptable and practical health care: a meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2010 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013196. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 21.Barak A, Hen L, Boniel-Nissim M, Shapira N. A comprehensive review and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions. J Technol Hum Serv. 2008;26(2/4):109–160. doi: 10.1080/15228830802094429. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 22.Cuijpers P, van Straten A, Andersson G. Internet-administered cognitive behavior therapy for health problems: a systematic review. J Behav Med. 2008 doi: 10.1007/s10865-007-9144-1. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 23.Andersson G, Cuijpers P, Carlbring P, Riper H, Hedman E. Guided Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. World Psychiatry. 2014;13(3):288–295. doi: 10.1002/wps.20151. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 24.Hedman E, Furmark T, Carlbring P, Ljotsson B, Ruck C, Lindefors N, Andersson G. A 5-Year Follow-up of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder. J Med Internet Res. 2011; 13(2). doi:10.2196/jmir.1776. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed]
  • 25.McAlpine H, Joubert L, Martin-Sanchez F, Merolli M, Drummond KJ. A systematic review of types and efficacy of online interventions for cancer patients. Patient Educ Couns. 2015 doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2014.11.002. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 26.van den Berg SW, Gielissen MF, Custers JA, van der Graaf WT, Ottevanger PB, Prins JB. BREATH: Web-based self-management for psychological adjustment after primary breast cancer--results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol. 2015 doi: 10.1200/JCO.2013.54.9386. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 27.Mehnert A, Müller D, Lehmann C, Koch U. The German version of the NCCN distress thermometer: validation of a screening instrument for assessment of psychosocial distress in cancer patients. Z Psychiatr Psych Ps. 2006 [Google Scholar]
  • 28.STREAM Stress Aktiv Mindern: http://www.stress-aktiv-mindern.ch. Accessed 01 Jul 2014.
  • 29.Antoni MH. Stress Management Intervention for Women with Breast Cancer. Baltimore: United Book Press; 2003. [Google Scholar]
  • 30.Kaluza G. Stressbewältigung. Trainingsmanual zur psychologischen Gesundheitsförderung. Heidelberg: Springer Medizin; 2004. [Google Scholar]
  • 31.Angenendt G, Schütze-Kreilkamp U, Tschuschke V. Praxis der Psychoonkologie. Stuttgart: Hippokrates Medizin; 2007. [Google Scholar]
  • 32.Geuenich K. Akzeptanz in der Psychoonkologie. Stuttgart: Schattauer; 2012. [Google Scholar]
  • 33.Weiss J, Heckl U, Brocai D, Seuthe-Witz S. Psychoedukation mit Krebspatienten. Stuttgart: Schattauer; 2006. [Google Scholar]
  • 34.LimeSurvey: https://www.limesurvey.org/de. Accessed 01 Jul 2014.
  • 35.Yellen SB, Cella DF, Webster K, Blendowski C, Kaplan E. Measuring fatigue and other anemia-related symptoms with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) measurement system. J Pain Symptom Manage. 1997;13(2):63–74. doi: 10.1016/S0885-3924(96)00274-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 36.Hermann-Lingen C, Buss U, Snait RP. HADS-D. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Deutsche Version. Bern: Huber; 2005. [Google Scholar]
  • 37.Hoyer J, Gloster AT. Psychologische Flexibilität messen: Der Fragebogen zu Akzeptanz und Handeln II. Verhaltenstherapie. 2013;23:42–44. doi: 10.1159/000347040. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 38.Beck AT, Steer RA. Manual for the Beck Depression Inventory - II. San Antonio: Psychological Corporation; 1996. [Google Scholar]
  • 39.Wilmers F, Munder T, Leonhart R, Herzog T, Plassmann R, Barth J, Linster HW. Die deutschsprachige Version des Working Alliance Inventory - short revised (WAI-SR) - Ein schulenübergreifendes, ökonomisches und empirisch validiertes Instrument zur Erfassung der therapeutischen Allianz. Klin Diagnostik u Evaluation. 2008;1:343–358. [Google Scholar]
  • 40.Brooke J. SUS: A“quick and dirty” usability scale. In: Jordan PW, Thomas B, editors. Usability Evaluation in Industry. London: Taylor & Francis; 1996. pp. 189–194. [Google Scholar]
  • 41.Schmidt J, Nübling R. ZUF-8. Fragebogen zur Messung der Patientenzufriedenheit. In: Brähler E, Schumacher S, Strauss B, editors. Diagnostische Verfahren in der Psychotherapie. Göttingen: Hogrefe; 2002. pp. 392–396. [Google Scholar]
  • 42.Knaevelsrud C, Maercker A. Internet-based treatment for PTSD reduces distress and facilitates the development of a strong therapeutic alliance: a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Psychiatry. 2007 doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-7-13. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 43.Cella D, Eton DT, Lai JS, Peterman AH, Merkel DE. Combining anchor and distribution-based methods to derive minimal clinically important differences on the functional assessment of cancer therapy (FACT) anemia and fatigue scales. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2002 doi: 10.1016/s0885-3924(02)00529-8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 44.Naumann F, Munro A, Martin E, Magrani P, Buchan J, Smith C, Piggott B, Philpott M. An individual-based versus group-based exercise and counselling intervention for improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors. A feasibility and efficacy study. Psycho-Oncol. 2012 doi: 10.1002/pon.2015. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 45.Pandey M, Thomas BC, SreeRekha P, Ramdas K, Ratheesan K, Parameswaran S, Mathew BS, Rajan B. Quality of Life determinants in women with breast cancer undergoing treatment with curative intent. World J Surg Oncol. 2005 doi: 10.1186/1477-7819-3-63. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Data Availability Statement

With this manuscript we provide the study protocol but no patient data. Within the trial, data are electronically stored on the secure server of Basel University Rechenzentrum. Patient data are anonymized with a 3-digit UPN.

Articles from BMC Cancer are provided here courtesy of BMC

RESOURCES