Finding My Way: results of a multicentre RCT evaluating a web-based self-guided psychosocial intervention for newly diagnosed cancer survivors

PurposeThis multicentre randomised controlled trial examined the efficacy of Finding My Way (FMW), a 6-week/6-module online self-guided psychotherapeutic intervention for newly diagnosed curatively treated cancer survivors, in reducing cancer-related distress and improving quality of life compared to an online attention control.MethodsParticipants were randomised on a 1:1 ratio using a gender-stratified block design to intervention (n=94) or attention control (n=97), and were blinded to condition. Assessments were completed at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), 3months (T2), and 6months (T3) post-intervention. Mixed model repeated measures analyses examined differences between groups for cancer-specific distress (primary outcome) and general distress, quality of life (QoL), coping, and health service utilisation (secondary outcomes).ResultsWhile both groups reported reduced cancer-specific and general distress over time, between-group differences were not significant. Intervention participants reported lower total health service utilisation and supportive care utilisation post-intervention than controls (total HS use: between-group mean difference = -1.07 (-1.85 to -0.28); supportive care use: between-group mean difference = -0.64 (-1.21 to -0.06)) and significantly higher emotional functioning at 3months (between-group mean difference = 7.04 (0.15 to 13.9)). At 6months, the supportive care utilisation finding reversed (between-group mean difference = 0.78 points (0.19 to 1.37). Across remaining QoL and coping outcomes, no significant group differences emerged.ConclusionsWhile both groups experienced reductions in distress, between-group differences were not significant. This contrasts with the significantly improved emotional functioning observed in FMW participants at 3months and the short-term reductions in health service utilisation. Long-term increases in supportive care service utilisation suggest FMW only met needs while being actively used.Trial registrationACTRN12613000001796;http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12613000001796.aspx