title: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Proactive Web-Based Versus Telephone-Based Information and Support: Can Electronic Platforms Deliver Effective Care for Lung Cancer Patients?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Community-based services such as telephone support lines can provide valuable informational, emotional, and practical support for cancer patients via telephone- or Web-based (live chat or email) platforms. However, very little rigorous research has examined the efficacy of such services in improving patient outcomes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study will determine whether: proactive telephone or Web-delivered support produces outcomes superior to printed information; and Web-delivered support produces outcomes comparable to telephone support.
  
  
  METHODS
  A consecutive sample of 501 lung cancer outpatients will be recruited from 50 Australian health services to participate in a patient-randomized controlled trial (RCT). Eligible individuals must: be 18 years or older; have received a lung cancer diagnosis (including mesothelioma) within the previous 4 months; have an approximate life expectancy of at least 6 months; and have Internet access. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive: (1) an information booklet, (2) proactive telephone support, or (3) proactive Web support, chat, and/or email. The primary patient outcomes will be measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Health Education and Impact Questionnaire (heiQ) at 3 and 6 months post recruitment. The acceptability of proactive recruitment strategies will also be assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It is hypothesized that participants receiving telephone or Web support will report reduced distress (GHQ-12 scores that are 0.3 standard deviations (SD) lower) and greater self-efficacy (heiQ scores that are 0.3 SDs higher) than participants receiving booklets. Individuals receiving Web support will report heiQ scores within 0.29 SDs of individuals receiving telephone support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If proven effective, electronic approaches such as live-chat and email have the potential to increase the accessibility and continuity of supportive care delivered by community-based services. This evidence may also inform the redesigning of helpline-style services to be effective and responsive to patient needs.
authors: Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia. chris.paul@newcastle.edu.au.
authors: Christine L
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0504-5246
authors: CL
authors: Paul
authors: Allison W
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1721-0533
authors: AW
authors: Boyes
authors: Lorna
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7702-7322
authors: L
authors: O'Brien
authors: Amanda L
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3328-7146
authors: AL
authors: Baker
authors: Frans A
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2358-5630
authors: FA
authors: Henskens
authors: Ian
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8296-1555
authors: I
authors: Roos
authors: Tara
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5833-7376
authors: T
authors: Clinton-McHarg
authors: Douglas
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0765-1757
authors: D
authors: Bellamy
authors: Glenda
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5926-3698
authors: G
authors: Colburn
authors: Shiho
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7651-5076
authors: S
authors: Rose
authors: Martine E
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7210-2629
authors: ME
authors: Cox
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3535-2885
authors: EA
authors: Fradgley
authors: Hannah
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5414-5200
authors: H
authors: Baird
authors: Daniel
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9707-4465
authors: D
authors: Barker
keywords: health information; lung cancer; psychological distress; randomized controlled trial (RCT); telemedicine; telephone counseling