JMIR Cancer (Feb 2022)

Evaluation of the Pathways for Survivors Program to Address Breast Cancer Survivorship–Associated Distress: Survey Study

  • Saumya Umashankar,
  • Matina Elise Mamounas,
  • Madeline Matthys,
  • Edward Kenji Hadeler,
  • Emily Claire Wong,
  • Greg Hicks,
  • Jimmy Hwang,
  • Amy Jo Chien,
  • Hope S Rugo,
  • Deborah Hamolsky,
  • Laura Esserman,
  • Michelle Melisko

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2196/31756
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
p. e31756

Abstract

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BackgroundPatients with breast cancer frequently experience escalation of anxiety after completing curative treatment. ObjectiveThis study evaluated the acceptability and psychological impact of a 1-day workshop to emphasize behavioral strategies involving intention and self-efficacy. MethodsBreast cancer survivors who attended a 1-day Pathways for Survivors workshop provided feedback and completed electronic quality of life (QOL) questionnaires at baseline, 1 and 6 weeks, and 6 months after the workshop. Attendees’ baseline QOL scores were compared to follow-up (FUP) scores. Scores from patients receiving routine FUP care were also compiled as a reference population. ResultsIn total, 77 patients attended 1 of 9 workshops. The mean satisfaction score was 9.7 out of 10 for the workshop and 9.96 out of 10 for the moderator. Participants’ baseline mean Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and depression scores were 57.8 (SD 6.9) and 55.3 (SD 7.5), respectively, which were significantly higher than those of patients receiving routine FUP care (49.1, SD 8.3 and 47.3 SD 8.0, respectively). PROMIS anxiety and depression scores decreased, and the Happiness Index Profile (HIP-10) score—measuring intention and resiliency—increased significantly at 1- and 6-week FUPs. ConclusionsThe Pathways for Survivors program was favorably received. Anxiety and depression decreased significantly at 1- and 6-weeks after the workshop and remained below baseline at 6 months. Increased HIP-10 scores suggest that patients acquired and implemented skills from the workshop. A 1-day workshop led by a lay moderator significantly improved several psychological measures, suggesting that it may be a useful and time-efficient strategy to improve QOL in breast cancer survivors. We are investigating whether an abbreviated “booster” of the intervention at a later date could further improve and maintain QOL gains.