RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence (FOR) are prevalent among cancer survivors, and it is recommended that they have access to supportive services and resources to address psychosocial needs during follow-up care. This study examined the impact of a virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based telephone coaching program (BounceBack®) on depression, anxiety, and FOR. METHOD: Through the After Cancer Treatment Transition (ACTT) clinic at the Women's College Hospital (Toronto, Canada), eligible participants were identified, consented, and referred to the BounceBack® program. Program participation involved completion of self-selected online workbooks and support from trained telephone coaches. Measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and FOR (fear of cancer recurrence inventory, FCRI) were collected at pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (6-month and 12-month time points). For each psychosocial measure, paired t-tests compared mean scores between study time points. Participant experiences and perceptions were collected through a survey. RESULTS: Measures of depression and anxiety significantly improved among participants from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Scores for PHQ-9 and GAD-7 decreased from moderate to mild levels. Measure of FOR also significantly improved, while FCRI sub-scale scores significantly improved for 5 of the 7 factors that characterize FOR (triggers, severity, psychological distress, functional impairment, insight). Participants rated the intervention a mean score of 7 (out of 10), indicating a moderate level of satisfaction and usefulness. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that a virtual CBT-based telephone coaching program can be an effective approach to managing depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence in cancer survivors.