My road ahead: Results from an RCT evaluating an online psychological support program for men with prostate cancer

Objective: This study aimed to develop and assess the efficacy of a unique online psychological intervention that is accessible, user friendly and engag- ing to men with prostate cancer and that reduces the stigma of psychological distress in the context of prostate cancer. Methods: My Road Ahead is an online CBT-based self-directed intervention delivered over 6 modules. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three (3) intervention arms. Group 1: online intervention (MRA only), group 2: online intervention plus access to the moderated forum (MRA+forum); Group 3: moderated forum only (Forum only). Participants completed the DASS-21, the Prostate Cancer-Related Quality of Life scale, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Results: This paper presents pre-post intervention results from 142 participants who were randomly assigned to the three groups. The majority of men had undergone a radical prostatectomy (88%). A comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment psychological distress levels showed significant differences between the groups with the MRA+Forum group exhibiting the greatest improvement. Regression analyses suggested that the MRA+Forum group was particularly successful in reducing the highest levels of psychological distress, Health-Worry and Regret and thereby reducing psychological distress further, as well as improving sexual satisfaction and, to a lesser extent improving orgasm function and masculine self-esteem. Conclusions: This is the first randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a self-directed online psychological intervention for men with pros tate cancer that we are aware of. These preliminary results indicate that the intervention in combination with access to a moderated forum provides an effective intervention in reducing psychological distress and improving sexual satisfaction