Integrative Cancer Therapies - Volume 24 - Evaluation of the E-Psycho-Oncological Short-Term Intervention “By Your Side” to Reduce Cancer-Related Distress: A Pilot Study

Oct 28, 2026

Objective: Assess a low-threshold e-psycho-oncological short-term intervention, “By your Side,” designed to support cancer patients with distress who may not receive adequate psychological care. Methods: A longitudinal pilot study ran from 4 March 2022 to 4 January 2023 (N=91; n=23 completed and entered final analyses). Sixteen modules drew on CBT, ACT, and MBSR. Results: Distress decreased from T0 to follow-up (padj=0.014, d=0.654), with reduced anxiety and increased mindfulness and self-efficacy. Conclusion: Preliminary evidence supports effectiveness despite a 74.7% dropout rate.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

Background on cancer-related distress

Barriers and e-mental health interventions

Related CBT, ACT, and MBSR evidence

Research Article Evaluation of the E-Psycho-Oncological Short-Term Intervention “By Your Side”to Reduce Cancer-Related Distress: A Pilot Study Integrative Cancer Therapies Volume 24: 1–10 © The Author(s) 2025 Article reuse guidelines: [sagepub.com/journals-permissions](sagepub.com/journals-permissions)[ ](sagepub.com/journals-permissions)[DOI: 10.1177/15347354251320047](DOI: 10.1177/15347354251320047)[ ](DOI: 10.1177/15347354251320047)[journals.sagepub.com/home/ict](journals.sagepub.com/home/ict) Sven Erik Strunk, MD 1,2,3, Johanna Graf, PhD4,5,6, Julia Barbara Krakowczyk, MSc 1,2,3, Alexandra Wieser, MSc4,5, Jana Heinen, MSc4,5, Caterina Schug, PhD7, Lisa Maria Jahre, MSc, Prof.1,2,3, Eva-Maria Skoda, MD, Prof.1,2,3, Yesim Erim, MD, Prof.7, Martin Teufel, MD 1,2,3, and Alexander Bäuerle, MSc 1,2,3 Abstract Objective: A large number of patients with cancer experience distress, but not all of them receive adequate psychological support. The e-psycho-oncological short-term intervention “By your Side” was developed to offer evidence-based and lowthreshold support for cancer patients dealing with distress. Methods: A longitudinal intervention pilot study was conducted from 4 March 2022 to 4 January 2023. N = 91 participants took part in the study. N = 82 completed the first module, while n = 23 successfully completed the whole intervention and were included in the final data analyses.“By your Side” consists of 16 modules based on cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Differences in distress between the baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and follow-up (T2) were analyzed using an ANCOVA and post-hoc t-tests. Secondary outcomes (anxiety, depression, mindfulness, and self-efficacy) were also compared between measuring points, using ANOVAs and post-hoc tests. Results: A significant reduction (padj = 0.014, d = 0.654) in distress from baseline (T0, M = 52.68, SD = 16.34) to follow-up (T2, M = 43.84, SD = 17.59) was observed. There was a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms and a significant increase in mindfulness and self-efficacy. The user’s satisfaction (M = 28.00, range 8-32) and the usability (M = 89.57, range 0-100) of the intervention were high. Conclusion: The study provides preliminary evidence that the e-psycho-oncological short-term intervention “By your Side” can successfully reduce the distress of cancer patients. The high dropout rate (74.7%) must be taken into account. Trial registration: German Clinical Trial Register ([https://www.drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00036001](https://www.drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00036001)), DRKS number: 00036001 (retrospectively registered) Keywords cancer, CBT, depression, distress, eHealth, MBSR, oncology, psycho-oncological, self-efficacy, short-term intervention Submitted April 22, 2024; revised January 27, 2025; accepted January 28, 2025 Introduction Cancer is one of the greatest challenges for global healthcare in the 21st century. In Germany, the number of new cases of cancer was estimated at 510 200 for the year 2022.1 Although the number of cancer patients is high, cancer mortality is expected to decrease due to medical advances that enable early cancer detection and treatment.2 Despite the improved prognosis, cancer patients are faced with psychological problems as every second cancer patient was found to suffer from elevated distress.3 Moreover, patients with cancer are regularly found to require psychotherapeutic support to deal with depression, anxiety, pain, fatigue and sleep disruption, which negatively affects the quality of life.4,5 A possible solution for reducing distress in cancer patients and overcoming current barriers to psycho-oncological treatment are psycho-oncological e-mental health interventions.6 Frequently named barriers include the patient’s fear of getting stigmatized, discomfort to ask for help and limited access to mental healthcare.7 Ifa high level of av

FAQs

What problem does the “By your Side” intervention target?

It targets cancer-related psychological distress among patients who may not receive adequate psychological support. The program aims to provide evidence-based, low-threshold assistance for coping with distress.

How was the pilot study conducted and who participated?

A longitudinal pilot intervention study ran from 4 March 2022 to 4 January 2023. In total, N=91 participated; N=82 completed the first module and n=23 completed the full intervention and were included in final analyses.

What outcomes improved after the intervention?

Distress showed a significant reduction from baseline (T0) to follow-up (T2), and anxiety symptoms decreased. Mindfulness and self-efficacy increased, and user satisfaction and usability were reported as high.

Oct 28, 2026

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