Rehabilitation of Cancer Survivors in Denmark: The Effect of a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Course

Summary

This randomized study evaluates the effect of a multi-focused, psychosocial 6-day residential rehabilitation course at a Danish rehabilitation centre for cancer survivors. The investigators hypothesize that individuals in the intervention group will experience better psychosocial well-being and more adaptive health behaviour changes as compared to individuals in the control group.

Conditions

• Neoplasms
• Breast Neoplasms
• Colorectal Neoplasms
• Prostatic Neoplasms

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Psychosocial rehabilitation course

Groups of 20 cancer survivors participated in a 6-day multi-focused, psychosocial intervention at the Dallund rehabilitation centre. The overall aim was to strengthen each individual's physical, psychological and social functioning. Sharing experiences with other cancer patients and experiencing peer-support was a central issue. The retreat combined lectures, discussions and patient group work on themes such as the treatment of cancer, psychological reactions, spirituality, sexuality and lifestyle. Participants were involved in physical activities, and the daily menu represented a healthy diet. The course was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team. Each participant produced a personal, specific 'action plan', which was intended to serve as a 'booster' after returning to daily life.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Hospital Århus, Department of Surgery

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University Hospital Århus, Urology Department

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Randers Regional Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Regional Hospital Hørsholm, Department of Breast Surgery

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Danish Cancer Society

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Christoffer Johansen, MD, PhD · Department of Psychosocial Cancer Research, Institute of Cancer Epidemiology and National Centre for Cancer Rehabilitation Research, University of Southern Denmark

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2004-05-31

Primary Completion

2008-12-31

Completion

2009-12-31

Countries

• Denmark

Study Locations