Using reminiscence to help older cancer survivors cope with existential suffering
The Effects of a Reminiscence-Based Life Review on Copying With Existential Suffering Among Older Cancer Survivors With Cognitive Impairment
This study tests if talking about their past can help older cancer survivors with mild cognitive impairment feel better and cope with difficult feelings about life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 116 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05525299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on older cancer survivors aged 65 and above who experience mild cognitive impairment and existential suffering. The study implements a reminiscence-based life review intervention consisting of six chatting sessions aimed at providing psychological and spiritual support. By engaging participants in discussions about their past experiences, the intervention seeks to alleviate psychological distress and enhance social support. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated to determine its impact on coping with existential issues.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are cancer survivors aged 65 and older with mild cognitive impairment who have completed primary treatment for non-metastatic cancer.
Not a fit: Patients diagnosed with dementia or those who cannot adequately comprehend Cantonese or English will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the psychological well-being and quality of life for older cancer survivors facing existential suffering.
How similar studies have performed: While reminiscence therapy has been used in various contexts, this specific approach targeting older cancer survivors with cognitive impairment is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged ≥ 65 years * Diagnosed with stage I-III non-metastatic cancer * Completed primary treatment with curative intent (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy) 6 months to 5 years prior to baseline assessments with no recurrence or occurrence of additional cancers * identified as mild cognitive impairment by the HK-MoCA 5-Min Protocol cognitive assessment (≤ 7th age and education corrected percentile cutoff score) Exclusion Criteria: * Inadequate written and verbal Cantonese and/or English comprehension for study activities * Diagnosed with dementia
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mu-Hsing Ho, PhD — The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Mu-Hsing Ho, PhD
- Email: mhbho@hku.hk
- Phone: +852 39102787
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.