A feasibility study of an integrated couples-based supportive programme for Chinese couples living with colorectal cancer.

AIM

To test the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of using an integrated approach combined online and in-person delivery to support colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and their spousal caregivers coping positively with cancer together.

DESIGN

A single-arm pre-post-feasibility design was used.

METHODS

Chinese CRC patient-partner dyads (N = 24) accessed the blended intervention combined online platform and face-to-face sessions for six weeks between October 2019 to January 2020. Feasibility was measured through recruitment and retention and acceptability was examined by intervention engagement and post-treatment programme evaluation. Effect sizes were calculated using the complete data (N = 20 couple dyads) to evaluate preliminary treatment effect.

RESULTS

Recruitment (70.6%) and retention rates (83.3%) supported programme feasibility. Participants' positive intervention engagements and evaluations indicated acceptability. The overall small-to-medium improvements in most outcome measures verified preliminary efficacy of the integrated couples-based supportive programme. The findings support its feasible and acceptable for couples coping with CRC and show potential efficacy.