CompletedNot Applicable

Psychological Care of Oncology Patients With Post-traumatic Stress in the Context of a COVID-19

France29 participantsStarted 2021-06-18

Plain-language summary

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns of the risk of infection may lead to fear, anxiety or psychological disorders that may become generalised and long-lasting, corresponding to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD generally occurs in circumstances such as terrorist attacks, hostage-taking, bombings, aggression, accidents... The current health crisis also represents an increased risk of PTSD. After the first moments of stress, the illness becomes more diffuse: personality change (introverted/extraverted), sleep disorders, heart problems, hypervigilance reaction, agoraphobia, symptoms of reminiscence, irritability, decreased concentration, memory loss... In some people, PTSD can lead to more disabling problems such as (crowd) avoidance. In order to help patients with PTSD, clinical psychology offers therapeutic approaches which, starting from a debriefing with the patient, provide supportive therapy which (i) reassures by providing information on the symptomatology, in order to play down the present state of mind, (ii) allows for the expression of what was experienced during the event, (iii) initiates a process of elaboration of the trauma through transference. A study initiated at the François Baclesse Centre during the first confinement, which included 735 patients from April to June 2020, made it possible to assess the impact of the pandemic linked to COVID-19 on the care of cancer patients treated in day hospitals, but also to evaluate the PTSD experienced by patients, sleep difficulties, quality of life, cognitive complaints and confinement conditions using validated questionnaires. This study showed that 21% of patients had proven PTSD and 23% had insomnia problem. This study proposes to evaluate the value of adapted psychological care for patients with PTSD in relation to the pandemic on the improvement of PTSD, as well as on resilience, quality of life and sleep.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient ≥ 18 years old * Patient treated or followed up for a solid tumour at the François Baclesse Centre * Patient with a score suggesting moderate or high posttraumatic stress symptoms (IES-R score ≥ 24) related to the COVID-19 epidemic * The patient's state of health is compatible with the programme: psychological care for 6 months. * Information note signed by the patient * Any associated geographical, social or psychopathological conditions that might compromise the patient's ability to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Patient with no symptoms suggestive of moderate or high post-traumatic stress (IES-R score \<24) * Patient deprived of liberty or under guardianship * Patient already receiving psychological care * Patient whose diagnosis of the disease was made within one month prior to the proposal for participation

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Proportion of Patients With Improvement in Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms

Timeframe: 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04747249

SponsorCentre Francois Baclesse

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-03-31

Results submitted2026-05-27

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