Evaluation of the efficacy and usability of NCI's Facing Forward booklet in the cancer community setting.

TitleEvaluation of the efficacy and usability of NCI's Facing Forward booklet in the cancer community setting.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsBuzaglo JS, Miller SM, Kendall J, Stanton AL, Wen K-Y, Scarpato J, Zhu F, Lyle J, Rowland J
JournalJ Cancer Surviv
Volume7
Issue1
Pagination63-73
Date Published2013 Mar
ISSN1932-2267
KeywordsAfrican Americans, Counseling, European Continental Ancestry Group, Female, Health Information Systems, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, National Cancer Institute (U.S.), Neoplasms, Pamphlets, Quality of Life, Survivors, United States
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The NCI developed the print-based educational brochure, Facing Forward, to fill a gap in helping cancer patients meet the challenges of transitioning from active treatment to survivorship; however, little research has been conducted on its efficacy.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of Facing Forward in promoting the uptake of recommended behaviors (e.g., ways to manage physical changes) and to explore its usability.

METHODS: At the last treatment appointment, early-stage breast, prostate, colorectal, and thoracic cancer patients (N = 340) recruited from community clinical oncology practices and an academic medical center completed a baseline assessment and were randomized to receive either Facing Forward (n = 175) or an attention control booklet about the NCI's Cancer Information Service (n = 165). Patients completed follow-up assessments at 8 weeks and 6 months post-baseline.

RESULTS: The reported uptake of recommended stress management behaviors was greater among intervention than control participants at both 8 weeks post-baseline (p = 0.016) and 6 months post-baseline (p = 0.017). At 8 weeks post-baseline, the intervention control group difference was greater among African-American than Caucasian participants (p < 0.03) and significant only among the former (p < 0.003); attendance at a cancer support group was also greater among the intervention than control group participants (p < 0.02). There were no significant intervention control group differences in the reported uptake of recommended behaviors in three other categories (p > 0.025). Intervention participants rated Facing Forward as understandable and helpful and indicated a high level of intention to try the behaviors recommended.

CONCLUSIONS: Facing Forward can enhance early-stage survivors' reported ability to manage stress and increase support group use during the reentry period.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Facing Forward can help survivors meet the challenges of the reentry period.

DOI10.1007/s11764-012-0245-7
Alternate JournalJ Cancer Surviv
PubMed ID23229087
PubMed Central IDPMC3626437
Grant List5P01 CA057586 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
P01 CA057586 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
P30 CA006927 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
P30 CA06927 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA104979 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA104979 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States