It is Time to Address Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Family Caregivers: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Randomized Pilot Study of the Family Caregiver Version of the Fear of Recurrence Therapy (FC-FORT)
Abstract
Objective: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is common, persistent, and associated with lower quality of life, impaired functioning, and psychological distress in family caregivers (FC) of individuals with a cancer diagnosis. Interventions are needed to specifically target FCR in FC. This study aimed to pilot test the adapted Family Caregiver-Fear Of Recurrence Therapy (FC-FORT) to establish its feasibility, acceptability, and clinical significance.
Methods: This pilot study used a mixed-method, parallel, two-group randomized control trial (FC-FORT vs. waitlist control group) design. Women FC were recruited through Canadian hospitals, community partners, and social media. FC in the intervention group completed 7 weekly sessions of virtual group therapy (FC-FORT) and an exit interview. All participants completed questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Feasibility (e.g., recruitment, allocation, fidelity), acceptability (e.g., dropout, completion, satisfaction) and clinical significance of secondary outcomes were evaluated. Descriptive statistics, mixed ANOVAs, and conventional content analyses were used.
Results: Regarding feasibility, 22 FC were recruited, 18 were randomized and therapist fidelity was 87%. As to acceptability, 67% of participants completed ≥${\ge} $ 5 sessions (33% dropout). Questionnaire completion rate was 92%. FC satisfaction was 80%. Analyses did not reveal any significant differences on the secondary outcomes between groups.…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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