A Feasibility Study of an Online Intervention for Sexual Rehabilitation in Prostate Cancer

Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Prostate Cancer

Treatments: Behavioral: Couples Prostate Cancer Support Group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01716702

CDHA-RS/2013-076

Details and patient eligibility

About

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer for men. When treated early enough it is typically curable. However, common treatments, such as radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy, often result in significant negative outcomes with regard to sexual, psychological and social function. Both men and partners have identified the need for more information and support to address sexual health concerns after treatment. However, very few sexual rehabilitation interventions have been developed and rigorously assessed.

Purpose: The investigators propose to develop and pilot test a new program to meet the sexual health needs of men with PCa and their partners using an online, professionally facilitated education/support program. The goals of the program are to improve sexual function, intimacy and mood for men and their partners after treatment for localized PCa. The program will be offered through Cancer Chat Canada, an existing and well-tested Canadian platform for professionally facilitated support group programs.

What Participants Can Expect: A total of 24 men and their female partners (48 individuals) will be recruited and assigned to one of two groups. The first group will participate in the program immediately; the second group will be offered the program after a 5-month delay. The decision about which group will start immediately and which later will be made randomly (by chance). Both groups of men and partners will be asked to complete questionnaires three times and, at the end of the program, to provide the researchers feedback about how satisfied they were with the program, the changes they made, things they learned as a result of the program, and suggestions for improving the program. Participants must have access to a computer, an Internet connection and be willing to attend online, chat room meetings each week for 1.5 hours for 6 weeks.

Implications: Sexual rehabilitation is a high need for men affected by PCa, but is difficult to access. The investigators hope to improve access to sexual health care through this study.

Enrollment: 18 patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Men who have been treated for localized prostate cancer
• AND men must be 6-36 months post-prostatectomy or radiation (as primary treatment) of prostate cancer
• Must have a heterosexual, co-cohabiting partner who is willing to participate
• Must speak and read English
• Must be able to use a computer and have internet access

Exclusion criteria

• Homosexual couples will not be included in this study
• Major self-reported psychiatric illness
• Couples who screen below 30 on the DAS (Dyadic Adjustment Scale)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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18 participants in 2 patient groups

Couples Prostate Cancer Support Group

Experimental group

Description:

The participants in the support group will receive 6 weekly online intervention sessions with a professional facilitator. In addition participants will be asked to complete relationship-enhancement exercises and readings in between sessions. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at three time points: 1)pre-intervention (baseline) 2) post-intervention (7 weeks), and 3) post intervention (13 weeks).

Treatment:

Behavioral: Couples Prostate Cancer Support Group

Wait-List Control

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at three time points: 1)week 1 2) week 7, and 3) week 13.