Training in Evidence-based Treatments in Psycho-Oncology

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Dec 21, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on training therapists to provide personalized therapy for patients with cancer who are experiencing significant emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and insomnia. The goal is to help these patients cope better with their feelings related to their illness and treatment by using various evidence-based therapy methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness techniques. The study will last about 26 weeks and aims to include around 100 patients and 15 therapists.

To join the study, participants need to be adults over 18 years old, currently receiving cancer treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and experiencing a level of distress related to their condition. However, individuals with certain severe mental health issues or substance dependence may not be eligible. Participants can expect to work closely with trained therapists who will tailor their treatment based on individual needs. This trial not only seeks to improve the emotional well-being of patients but also aims to enhance the skills of therapists in providing effective support in cancer care.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Patient Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults \> 18 years of age.
• • Currently receiving oncology treatment/care at the MGH Cancer Center, including active treatment and/or surveillance.
• • Reports elevated levels of distress on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer \> 3.
• • Reports distress or presenting problem is related to patients' illness and/or treatment (e.g., cancer treatment).
• • Has a clinical presentation that matches an evidence-based treatment (e.g., CBT-I for insomnia/sleep disturbance) for cancer-related distress per therapist and supervising therapist discretion.
• • Located in the state of Massachusetts for the duration of sessions.
• Patient Exclusion Criteria:
• • Has uncontrolled psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or psychiatric hospitalization within the past year (assessed through EHR review and screening session using the MINI), indicating the need for tailored treatment referral to specialty mental healthcare outside of psycho-oncology or to a higher level of care such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
• • Has a cognitive impairment that prohibits participation in the study (assessed through EHR review and screening session).
• • Currently participating in group or individual evidence-based psychotherapy treatment or other psychosocial intervention trial.
• • Has an alcohol or substance dependence (other than nicotine dependence) in the past 8 weeks (assessed through EHR review and screening session using the MINI), indicating the need for tailored treatment referral to specialty mental healthcare outside of psycho-oncology or to a higher level of care such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
• Therapist Inclusion criteria:
• • -Current appointment as a clinical psychology fellow or psychiatry resident at the Massachusetts General Hospital or equivalent designation.
• Therapist Exclusion criteria:
• • -Obtained licensure as a clinical psychologist in any state.