None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Prostate cancer is the most common serious cancer in Australian men. Radiotherapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer, which can result in distressing side effects, including urinary and bowel urgency or incontinence (35%), and erectile dysfunction (41% to 55%). These are complex and often chronic conditions, which can adversely affect the patient's quality of life and psychological morbidity. Men with prostate cancer also experience high unmet needs, particularly in relation to sexuality. This research aims to examine the effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary care (MDC) program incorporating consumer involvement to reduce psychological morbidity, unmet needs and improve quality of life in men receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer using a randomised controlled trial (RCT). 400 men will be recruited and complete baseline measures before being randomised to receive the psycho-educational intervention or usual care. The intervention will comprise of four, 1-hour group consultations led by a clinical nurse consultant, and one individualised nurse session. The consultations occur at critical moments in the illness trajectory: pre-treatment, mid-treatment, end of treatment and 6 weeks post-treatment. The focus of these sessions will be to share common concerns, ask questions and receive information. The content of sessions are tailored to patient concerns. Follow up questionnaires will be administered at the end of treatment, and 6 months post-treatment. The program will be evaluated by comparing results for the control and intervention groups on measures for anxiety and depression, unmet needs, quality of life, distress and preparation for cancer treatment.
Interventions
The intervention comprises four, 1-hour group psychoeducational consultations led by a clinical nurse consultant, and one individualised nurse session usually in the first week of treatment (15 - 30mins). The consultations occur at critical moments in the illness trajectory: pre-treatment, mid-treatment, end of treatment and 6 weeks post-treatment. The focus of these sessions are to share common concerns, ask questions and receive information. The content of sessions are tailored to patient conc
The intervention comprises four, 1-hour group psychoeducational consultations led by a clinical nurse consultant, and one individualised nurse session usually in the first week of treatment (15 - 30mins). The consultations occur at critical moments in the illness trajectory: pre-treatment, mid-treatment, end of treatment and 6 weeks post-treatment. The focus of these sessions are to share common concerns, ask questions and receive information. The content of sessions are tailored to patient concerns.
Sponsors
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Male
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1) has a confirmed diagnosis of prostate cancer; 2) is being treated with curative intent as determined by their treating doctor; 3) scheduled to receive or undergoing radiotherapy; 4) over 18 years; 5) agrees to attend 4 group consultations; 6) is able to understand English.
Exclusion criteria
1) has cognitive or psychological difficulties; 2) is too sick; 3) has had previous radiotherapy treatment; 4) is being treated palliatively; or 5) is having seed brachytherapy alone.
Outcome results
None listed