A Web-Based Dyadic Intervention for Colorectal Cancer

OTHER

Internet-Based Intervention

Attend CRCWeb intervention

OTHER

Interview

Complete interview

OTHER

Survey Administration

Complete survey

OTHER

Electronic Health Record Review

Medical records are reviewed

Attrition Rate

Time frame: Up to week 8

Collect attendance records from each dyad before and after modules. The intervention will be considered to be high attrition if \> 80% dyads remain enrolled. Feasibility of study participation will be assessed by calculating retention rates, identifying reasons for refusal and assessing completeness of the data.

Adherence Rate

Time frame: Up to week 8

It is determined by high adherence if dyads complete \> 80% of the intervention protocol

Acceptability Rate

Time frame: Up to week 8

A survey will be created for this study to assess participants' perceptions of acceptability of the study procedures (\> 80% of participants reporting intervention is considered as high acceptability). Participants' perceptions of acceptability of the study procedures and of the intervention itself will be evaluated by calculating descriptive statistics to summarize responses to the post-intervention surveys as well as post-intervention interviews using content analysis.

Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory

Time frame: Up to week 8

Fatigue will be measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). The MFI is a 20-item self-reported instrument that includes five dimensions of fatigue: general fatigue, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, reduced motivation, and reduced activity. Each dimension includes four items on a 1-5 scale. The total score, ranging from 20 to 100 (higher scores indicating more severe fatigue) is calculated as the sum of the five dimensions. The MFI has well established validity and reliability.

Patient Health Questionnaire

Time frame: Up to week 8

Depression will be measured using the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), a well-established valid and reliable self-administered diagnostic measure for depressive disorders in clinical studies. The PHQ-8 asks the number of days in the past 2 weeks the respondent has experienced a variety of depressive symptoms. Each item is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day); the sum of each item is the total score (0 to 24). Patients with a cutoff score of more than 10, clinically significant depression, will be referred to a clinical psychiatrist for further assistance.

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

Time frame: Up to week 8

Sleep disturbance will be assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Its validity and reliability have been established in various populations, including patients with cancer. The PSQI consists of 19 items assessing sleep disturbances in seven dimensions (i.e., subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction). Each dimension scores from 0 (no difficulty) to 3 (severe difficulty), and the sum of these dimension scores is the global sleep quality (0 to 21). Higher scores indicate more difficulty in sleeping.

Brief Pain Inventory

Time frame: Up to week 8

Pain will be assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Participants will rate the intensity of the pain (i.e., now, average, worst) using 0 (none) to 10 (excruciating) numeric rating scales (NRS). In addition, they will provide information on the length of time they are in pain, how often their pain occurs, locations of their pain, quality of the pain, pain's level of interference with function, and their level of pain relief and satisfaction with pain treatment.

Attentional Function Index

Time frame: Up to week 8

Attentional Function Index (AFI) consists of 16 items designed to measure cognitive dysfunction. A higher total mean score on a 0 to 10 NRS indicates a greater capacity to direct attention. Total scores are grouped into categories of attentional function (i.e., \<5.0 low function, 5.0 to 7.5 moderate function, \>7.5 high function). In addition, the AFI has three subscales (i.e., effective action, attentional lapses, and interpersonal effectiveness). The AFI has well established reliability and validity.)

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.