The Comprehensive Support Protocol: Psychosocial Support for Lung Cancer Patients and Their Families

Health care research has long emphasized the psychosocial ramifications of chronic illness for patients and family members. However, few studies have developed programs designed to provide comprehensive psychosocial support to these individuals. The objective of the proposed study is to implement and evaluate the Comprehensive Support Protocol (CSP) over a 3-year period for individuals with lung cancer as well as their family members. The CSP includes the following treatment components: 1) 6 sessions of individual/family counseling; 2) ongoing support groups; and 3) ongoing ad hoc counseling, where family members or patients can meet with or call a counselor at any time. A sample of 100dyads that include people with lung cancer and their 'primary' family members (i.e., the family member who provides the most emotional and instrumental assistance to the person with cancer) will be recruited from the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center to participate. Fifty dyads will be randomly assigned to the CSP treatment condition and 50 dyads will be assigned to a control group where usual clinic seNices are offered. A research assistant will administer inteNiews prior to randomization, 4 months, 8 months, 12 months, and every 6 months thereafter to collect information. The longitudinal data available will allow for state of the art analytical techniques (e.g., growth CUNe modeling) that evaluate the influence of the CSP on outcomes of Interest (e,g., stress, depression, quality of life). The proposed program will offer a potentially effective seNice to families who must cope with and manage lung cancer. This innovative approach to support will also provide a portable seNice that professionals can adapt and implement to help families in need across health care contexts,