A feasibility study of an integrated couples-based supportive programme for Chinese couples living with colorectal cancer

Aim: To test the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of using an integrated approach combined online and in-person delivery to support colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and their spousal caregivers coping positively with cancer together. Design: A single-arm pre-post-feasibility design was used. Methods: Chinese CRC patient-partner dyads (N = 24) accessed the blended intervention combined online platform and face-to-face sessions for six weeks between October 2019 to January 2020. Feasibility was measured through recruitment and retention and acceptability was examined by intervention engagement and post-treatment programme evaluation. Effect sizes were calculated using the complete data (N = 20 couple dyads) to evaluate preliminary treatment effect. Results: Recruitment (70.6%) and retention rates (83.3%) supported programme feasibility. Participants' positive intervention engagements and evaluations indicated acceptability. The overall small-to-medium improvements in most outcome measures verified preliminary efficacy of the integrated couples-based supportive programme. The findings support its feasible and acceptable for couples coping with CRC and show potential efficacy.

Automated summary

The study aimed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an integrated approach combining online and in-person delivery to support colorectal cancer patients and their spousal caregivers coping positively with cancer together. The results supported the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention for couples coping with CRC, showing potential efficacy.