Digital Health approaches to support self care for Cancer-Related Fatigue and sleep problems
In two clinical trials we investigate how digital health tools can help people with cancer in learning and utilizing the mind body medicine techniques - self-acupressure and a mindfulness-based technique - to reduce cancer-related fatigue and/or improve sleep. By delivering these self care techniques through structured digital training courses, this project aims to make integrative oncology approaches more accessible while exploring how personal preferences and engagement influence outcomes. Designed as a participatory project, it also considers the later implementation of these self care techniques into real-world oncology care.
Understanding the need for better support in Integrative Oncology
Cancer-related fatigue and sleep problems affect a large proportion of people living with or after cancer. Research shows that Mind Body Medicine techniques such as acupressure and mindfulness can alleviate these symptoms when practiced regularly. Offering these techniques through digital training provides a standardized and flexible way for people with cancer to learn and integrate them into their daily routines. The project also examines how factors such as digital literacy, sex, and personal preferences may influence treatment effects.
Exploring Digital Health interventions for self care learning
Participants in this project are assigned to one of two trials based on their main symptom, fatigue or sleep problems. Each trial compares self-acupressure, mindfulness-based techniques, and a waitlist control group.
The digital training, which serves as the intervention in the trials, is structured into six weekly modules guiding users step-by-step in learning the self care techniques. Built-in features such as self-tracking and reflective exercises support learning progress and increase engagement. Additionally, behavior change techniques (BCTs) are systematically integrated and taught in the digital training to promote adherence to self care techniques in everyday life.
Assessing effectiveness, engagement, and individual differences in randomized controlled trials
The primary aim of this project is to determine whether the digitally delivered self care techniques improve fatigue or sleep after six weeks compared to not using any self care technique. The project also investigates whether participants benefit more when they are randomized to the intervention that aligns with their personal preferences. Secondary analyses explore engagement with the digital training, adherence to the techniques, satisfaction with the interventions, and the influence of baseline characteristics on outcomes. Additional exploratory analyses look, for example, at potential moderators.
Funding
This project is funded by Swiss Cancer Reseach (KFS-5723-02-2023).
Project leaders
Advisory Board (in alphabetical order)
- Mario Gabban
- Matthias Hellberg-Naegele
- Zina-Mary Manjali
- Helga Meier Schnorf
- Alexander Siebenhüner
- Joachim Weis