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document
Internet-based program for coping with cancer : a randomized controlled trial with hematologic cancer patients . OBJECTIVE Psychosocial patient care in oncology is no longer limited to the inpatient setting . Outpatient services are in demand . Internet-based interventions could aid in optimizing service delivery across disciplines . The effectiveness of an Internet-based program for hematologic cancer patients was tested in a randomized controlled trial under field experimental conditions . METHODS A 4-week cognitive-behavioral program for coping with cancer was offered to hematologic cancer patients online . One hundred eighty-six registrants were randomly assigned to an intervention group ( n = 105 ) or a waiting list ( n = 81 ) . The outcome measures , 'mental adjustment ' ( MAC ) and 'psychological distress ' ( BSI ) , were assessed at registration and after 4 weeks . Patient satisfaction was assessed ( ZUF-8 ) , and complete-cases and intention-to-treat analyses were performed . RESULTS At registration , the majority of participants displayed clinically significant distress ( BSI ) and lacked alternative access concerning psychosocial care . One hundred eleven patients filled out the post questionnaire at 4 weeks . In contrast to the waiting list , the intervention group displayed a significant increase in fighting spirit ( d = 0.42 ; CI 95 % , 0.04 to 0.80 ) . The effect was confirmed by intention-to-treat analysis ( d = 0.33 ; CI 95 % , 0.04 to 0.62 ) . Otherwise , no effects were observed . Patient satisfaction with the program was high . CONCLUSION The results demonstrate the potential efficacy of Internet-based programs while highlighting their limitations . Future research is needed to clarify and optimize efficacy , taking different program components and patient characteristics into particular consideration .
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Intervention_Educational
Internet-based program
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Intervention_Educational
Internet-based interventions
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Intervention_Educational
4-week cognitive-behavioral program for coping
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Intervention_Educational
intervention group
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Intervention_Control
waiting list
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Outcome_Mental
'mental adjustment ' ( MAC ) and 'psychological distress ' ( BSI )
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Outcome_Other
Patient satisfaction
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Outcome_Mental
( BSI )
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Outcome_Mental
fighting spirit
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Outcome_Other
Patient satisfaction
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Participant_Condition
hematologic cancer
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Participant_Condition
hematologic cancer
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Participant_Condition
hematologic cancer
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Participant_Sample-size
One hundred eighty-six registrants
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Participant_Sample-size
One hundred eleven patients