Effectiveness on Family Cohesion and Happiness of Using Social Media to Enhance Happiness Accounts for Late-Stage Cancer Patients and Their Families

Launched by YANG WEN-CHI · Aug 14, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how using social media can help improve the happiness and family connections of patients with late-stage cancer and their families. The study will involve 200 participants, split into two groups: one group will use a special social media tool called the "Happiness Ledger," while the other group will continue with their usual treatment. Researchers will collect information through questionnaires and medical records both before and after the intervention to see if social media makes a difference in overall happiness and family cohesion.

To participate, patients need to be diagnosed with stage III or IV cancer, be at least 20 years old, and able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese. Family members must be the primary caregiver of the patient and also meet similar age and communication requirements. This study is set to take place from September 2024 to December 2025, and it aims to provide valuable insights into how social media can support families during challenging times. Participants can expect to complete questionnaires and engage with the social media tool if they are in the experimental group.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • -
• Inclusion Criteria for Advanced Cancer Patients:
• • 1. Patients diagnosed with stage III or IV cancer by a specialist physician.
• • 2. Patients who agree to participate in the study after being informed about the research.
• • 3. Patients who are conscious and able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
• • 4. Patients aged 20 years or older.
• • 5. Patients with no history of mental illness.
• Inclusion Criteria for Family Members:
• • 1. The primary caregiver of a patient diagnosed with stage III or IV cancer by a specialist physician.
• • 2. The primary caregiver who has a blood, marital, or cohabitation relationship with the patient.
• • 3. Family members who agree to participate in the study after being informed about the research.
• • 4. Family members who are conscious and able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
• • 5. Family members aged 20 years or older.
• • 6. Family members with no history of mental illness.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • -
• Exclusion Criteria for Advanced Cancer Patients:
• • 1. Patients in the experimental group and control group who reside in the same ward.
• • 2. Patients who share a ward with subjects already included in the study.
• • 3. Patients involved in ongoing medical disputes.
• • 4. Patients who cannot understand the study explanation due to language or cognitive impairments.
• • 5. Patients with a life expectancy shorter than the planned study duration.
• Exclusion Criteria for Family Members:
• • 1. Family members who do not have direct living or caregiving contact with the patient.
• • 2. Family members who cannot visit the patient regularly or participate in the study.
• • 3. Family members who cannot understand the study explanation due to language or cognitive impairments.
• • 4. Family members with significant visual or hearing impairments who do not use assistive devices and cannot resolve communication issues.
• • 5. Family members who cannot make independent decisions.