Development and initial testing of TOGETHER-YA: an eHealth-delivered and group-based psychosocial intervention for young adult cancer survivors

Purpose This study aimed to (1) develop TOGETHER-YA, an e-Health-delivered and group-based health-related quality of life (HRQOL) intervention for young adult (YA) cancer survivors aged 18-39 (Part 1), and (2) determine its initial feasibility and acceptability in a single-arm pilot trial (Part 2). Methods TOGETHER-YA is a manualized, 10-week intervention for YA survivors that includes elements of relaxation training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and health education. In Part 1, content was adapted from existing evidence-based interventions with feedback from YAs (N = 22) in four iterative focus groups. In Part 2, YA survivors (N = 11) participated in a single-arm pilot trial of TOGETHER-YA. Intervention groups were led by a trained facilitator over videoconference. Primary outcomes were feasibility (i.e., recruitment, session attendance, retention) and acceptability (i.e., participant satisfaction). Results Focus groups reacted positively to TOGETHER-YA and provided actionable recommendations for enhancing its relevance and acceptability, which were implemented. In initial testing, all feasibility and acceptability benchmarks were met; 58% of eligible YAs were recruited, participants attended M = 6 intervention sessions (SD = 3), and 82% of participants were retained post-intervention. On average, participants agreed to strongly agreed with positive statements about the weekly sessions and the overall program. Conclusion TOGETHER-YA was developed in collaboration with YA cancer survivors and found to be feasible and acceptable in initial testing. TOGETHER-YA is the first HRQOL intervention for a broad range of YA survivors that is eHealth-delivered for convenience and group-based for peer support. Future large-scale trials should test its efficacy for improving HRQOL.

Automated summary

This study developed TOGETHER-YA, an e-Health intervention for young adult cancer survivors, and tested its feasibility and acceptability in a pilot trial. TOGETHER-YA is a 10-week intervention that includes relaxation training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and health education. The study found that TOGETHER-YA met feasibility and acceptability benchmarks, and received positive feedback from participants. It is the first HRQOL intervention delivered through e-Health and group-based support for a broad range of young adult survivors.