Feasibility of an Online Shared Reading Intervention in Survivors of Gynecological Cancer - Protocol for a Multiple-Baseline Single-Case Study

Sep 22, 2026

Background: Gynecological cancers create substantial physical, psychological, and social burdens. Although psychosocial interventions support holistic cancer care, access is often restricted by specialist expertise, waiting lists, gender bias, and accessibility barriers, motivating timely, nonclinical adjuncts. Objective: Evaluate feasibility and acceptability of an online shared reading program, and explore preliminary individual-level outcomes for distress, well-being, and quality of life. Methods: Mixed-methods multiple-baseline single-case design, with repeated assessments and semistructured interviews.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

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JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS Tomescu-Stachie et al Protocol Feasibility of an Online Shared Reading Intervention in Survivors of Gynecological Cancer: Protocol for a MultipleBaseline Single-Case Study | Sonia Tomescu-Stachie 1,2 , BSc, MSc; Sarah Kirby 1 , BSc, MSc, PhD; Andrew DClinPsy; Katy Sivyer1 , BA, MSc, DPhil; Miznah Al-Abbadey2,4 , BSc, MSc, PhD | Merwood3 , BSc, MSc, PhD, | | --- | --- | | 1University of Southampton, Southampton, England, United Kingdom
2Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom 3Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom
4Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Isle of Wight, England, United Kingdom
Corresponding Author:
Sonia Tomescu-Stachie, BSc, MSc University of Southampton Highfield Campus, University Road Southampton, England SO17 1BJ United Kingdom
Phone: 44 07459884917
Email: [sts1e22@soton.ac.uk](sts1e22@soton.ac.uk)
Abstract | | Background: Gynecological cancers pose significant physical, psychological, and social challenges for those affected. Although psychosocial interventions are components of holistic cancer care, access can be limited by specialized practitioner expertise, wait times, gender-biased care, and accessibility constraints. These barriers highlight a recognized need for alternative, timely, and nonclinical approaches that can complement existing services and relieve system pressures. Objective: The primary study aim is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an online shared reading program as a novel, adjunctive psychosocial intervention for people affected by gynecological cancers . The secondary aim is to explore the intervention’s preliminary individual-level outcomes on psychological distress, well-being, and quality of life. Methods: This mixed methods feasibility study uses a multiple-baseline single-case design informed by a realist evaluation theoretical framework. Up to 10 participants aged 18 years or older with a primary diagnosis of gynecological cancer will be recruited internationally. The intervention consists of 6 weekly 1-hour literature reading group sessions delivered via Microsoft Teams. Three baseline assessments at −2 weeks, −1 week, and week 0 will establish outcome stability prior to the intervention, followed by midintervention (week 3) and postintervention (week 6) assessments. Outcome measures include the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the WHOQOL-BREF social domain subscale, and 2 global quality of life items from the EORTC QLQ-C30 . Individual-level change within these measures will be examined using the reliable change index at a threshold of 1.96 or higher, presented as modified Brinley plots. Feasibility will be assessed and summarized descriptively using recruitment and retention rates, session attendance and completion rates, and reasons for dropout. Acceptability will be examined through semistructured interviews of up to 30 minutes conducted by an independent researcher after the intervention. Interview data will be analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to explore participants’ intervention experience and perceived mechanisms of change. Results: This feasibility study was funded in October 2022 as part of a PhD scholarship. Recruitment began in November 2025 and continued until March 2026. At the time of manuscript submission in January 2026, a total of 6 people had registered their interest, of whom 2 met the eligibility criteria. The data analysis plan was formulated but not implemented, with the intervention set to begin in May 2026. Findings are expected to be submitted for publication in November 2026. Conclusions: Potential implications include that the digital, low-intensity, group-based online shared reading format may offer a novel psychosocial support alternative to survivors of gynecological cancer who may be otherwise excluded due

FAQs

What is the primary aim of the study protocol?

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an online shared reading program as a novel, adjunctive psychosocial intervention for people affected by gynecological cancers.

How is feasibility and acceptability assessed?

Feasibility is summarized descriptively using recruitment, retention, session attendance, completion rates, and dropout reasons. Acceptability is examined via semistructured interviews analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

What assessments and outcome measures are used in the study?

Participants complete baseline assessments at −2 weeks, −1 week, and week 0, then assessments at week 3 and week 6. Measures include SWEMWBS, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, WHOQOL-BREF (social domain), and two global quality-of-life items from EORTC QLQ-C30.

Sep 22, 2026

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