Digital Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Pragmatic Clinical Trial

Authors

  • Maria Inês Clara Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC). Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra; Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra; Chronopsychology and Cognitive Systems Lab (ChronCog). Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9099-033X
  • Annemieke van Straten Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology & Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Amsterdam. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6875-2215
  • Maria Cristina Canavarro Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC). Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra; Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5083-7322
  • Ana Allen Gomes Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC). Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra; Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra; Chronopsychology and Cognitive Systems Lab (ChronCog). Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8221-6985

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.21094

Keywords:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Digital Health, Neoplasms/complications, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Insomnia is one of the most prevalent, persistent, and distressing conditions associated with cancer, affecting almost half of all cancer survivors. Although cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia is well established as the gold-standard treatment for insomnia, its accessibility is very limited in routine care. We aim to examine the real-world effectiveness and acceptability of a digital cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia for cancer survivors with insomnia symptoms through a randomized controlled trial in Portugal.
Methods and Analysis: Our cancer trial will test the effects and acceptability of an accessible internet-delivered self-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia digital intervention with clinician support, OncoSleep. This online program includes six interactive, personalized weekly sessions featuring evidence-based techniques targeting psychophysiological hyperarousal and maladaptive conditioning, tailored for cancer survivors. Research study procedures include screening for eligibility in the general population and randomization into one of two arms: the digital CBT-I program or a waitlist control group. Insomnia severity (primary outcome), fatigue, sleep diary outcomes, psychological distress, and quality of life (secondary outcomes) will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

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Published

2024-08-12

How to Cite

1.
Clara MI, van Straten A, Canavarro MC, Allen Gomes A. Digital Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Pragmatic Clinical Trial. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2024 Aug. 12 [cited 2024 Oct. 5];37(10):713-9. Available from: https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/21094

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Study Protocols