RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Group-led creative writing and behavioural health in cancer: a randomised clinical trial
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP bmjspcare-2020-002463
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002463
A1 Darya Nesterova
A1 Junjia Zhu
A1 Courtney Kramer
A1 Monali Vasekar
A1 Cristina Truica
A1 Aditya Joshi
A1 Michael Hayes
A1 Jolene Kessler
A1 Erika F H Saunders
A1 Joseph J Drabick
A1 Monika Joshi
YR 2021
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2021/01/09/bmjspcare-2020-002463.abstract
AB Background Cancer diagnosis can adversely affect mental well-being and overall clinical outcome. We evaluated the efficacy of a group-led creative writing workshop (CWW) on mood in patients with cancer prospectively.Methods We conducted a single-institution phase II study. Sixty adult patients with cancer (any type or stage) were randomised 2:1 to CWW (4×CWW sessions, bimonthly over 8 weeks) versus active control (AC) (independent writing at home with the help of a book, four sessions, bimonthly over 8 weeks). The total study duration was 6 months with a follow-up of up to 3 months. Primary objective: changes in overall mood, depression and anxiety symptoms before and after intervention in both arms. Emotional Thermometer Scale (ETS) was used to assess changes in patients’ mood. Additionally, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD)-7 were used to evaluate depression and anxiety symptoms.Results Of 50 evaluable patients (CWW 34, AC 17), 26 patients in the CWW arm attended at least one class and 19 attended at least four classes. Patients in CWW had significant immediate improvement in the overall ETS (post vs preclass scores; p<0.0001, 95% CI −4.31 to −2.47). Four of the five subscale ETS scores were significantly lower for the CWW arm: distress (p=0.0346, 95% CI −2.6 to −0.1), anxiety (p=0.0366, 95% CI −4.1 to −0.2), depression (p=0.0441, 95% CI −3.9 to −0.1) and anger (p=0.0494, 95% CI −3.3 to 0). No significant differences were seen in the AC arm. No significant differences were observed in the PHQ-9 or the GAD-7 scores.Conclusion CWW had a positive effect on mood based on ETS scores, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit among patients with cancer.