title: A nurse- and peer-led support program to assist women in gynaecological oncology receiving curative radiotherapy, the PeNTAGOn study (peer and nurse support trial to assist women in gynaecological oncology): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Women who undergo radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer (GC) can experience distressing side effects which impact on psychosocial functioning and intimate relationships. Cancer-related distress may be ameliorated by comprehensive preparation for treatment and addressing women's informational, physical, psychological and psychosexual needs. This paper describes the protocol for a multisite randomised controlled trial (RCT) testing a novel intervention package which combines tailored specialist nursing consultations and telephone peer support with the primary aim to reduce psychological distress. Secondary aims assess patient quality of life, symptom distress, unmet supportive care needs, preparation for treatment, psychosexual functioning and vaginal stenosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This multifaceted intervention comprises four nurse-led consultations coupled with four phone calls from a peer support volunteer (GC survivor). The evidence-based intervention will be delivered at critical points in the illness trajectory: pre-treatment, mid-treatment, treatment completion and post-treatment. Nurses and peers undergo 2-day intensive training workshops, are guided by comprehensive study intervention manuals and receive ongoing supervision and support. Eligible patients will have a diagnosis of GC, be scheduled to receive curative radiotherapy, be aged 18 years or over and speak English. Three-hundred and six participants will be randomized to receive usual care or usual care with the intervention package. Study outcome measures will be collected at baseline, day 1 of radiotherapy and 1, 6 and 12 months post radiotherapy. Clinical assessments of vaginal toxicity will occur at baseline, and 3, 6, and 12 months post radiotherapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This timely research has the potential to substantially reduce the physical, psychosexual and supportive care needs of women with GC. Using a telephone peer support model, the intervention package ensures equitable access to support services for geographically isolated patients. The novel intervention engages peer volunteers who liaise with nurses to encourage adherence to professionally-delivered information and provide emotional support. It has been designed to be potentially transferable to a range of treatment settings and diseases. Based on pilot data, the proposed intervention was found to be useful and acceptable to patients and clinicians. If effective and feasible in the multisite RCT, the program could be widely disseminated.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12611000744954.
authors: Department of Cancer Experiences Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 3002 East Melbourne, Vic, Australia. Penelope.schofield@petermac.org
authors: Penelope
authors: P
authors: Schofield
authors: Ilona
authors: I
authors: Juraskova
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Bergin
authors: Karla
authors: K
authors: Gough
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Mileshkin
authors: Meinir
authors: M
authors: Krishnasamy
authors: Kate
authors: K
authors: White
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Bernshaw
authors: Sylvia
authors: S
authors: Penberthy
authors: Sanchia
authors: S
authors: Aranda
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses; D010379:Peer Group; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012648:Self Care; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013689:Telephone
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