Skip to main content

The new SC31 TEMPO study is testing an online support program for people with prostate cancer and their caregivers

New study SC31 TEMPO testing an online program to support people with prostate cancer and their caregivers

“We are excited to be testing TEMPO on a pan-Canadian scale using an innovative adaptive trial design, allowing us to evaluate a dyadic self-management and physical activity intervention that can be tailored to the needs of men with prostate cancer and their caregivers across diverse cancer care settings,” says Dr. Sylvie Lambert, SC31 study chair and McGill Associate Professor, Associate Director – Research at the Ingram School of Nursing.

“This important patient-centred trial focuses on improving both the emotional and physical burden experienced by both patients and their caregivers during and post-treatment,” says Dr Harriet Richardson, CCTG Senior Investigator. “It optimizes trial access from home with digital technology and represents an exciting partnership between the Lead Group at McGill University and CCTG.”

Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: access to the TEMPO program or a monitoring group that tracks anxiety levels for 12 weeks. Following this initial period, patients and caregivers who still require support are identified through an assessment of their anxiety levels.

Participants who were already using TEMPO who continue to need support may be offered guidance from trained non-healthcare professionals. Individuals in the monitoring group who still require support will gain access to the TEMPO program. 

Throughout the study, participants complete surveys that allow researchers to evaluate the program's impact on health, well-being, and quality of life. The study will also help determine how this type of support can be integrated into cancer care in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.

“An important aspect of this trial is the focus on the whole life experience of not just the patient with cancer, but also their caregivers, says Hilary Horlock, CCTG Patient Representative. “The flexibility that comes with being able to manage this care from home digitally reflects the study's commitment to supporting the patient's quality of life.”

Dr. Sylvie Lambert, SC31 study chair
 Dr. Sylvie Lambert, SC31 study chair
Dr. Harriet Richardson, CCTG Senior Investigator
Dr. Harriet Richardson, CCTG Senior Investigator
Hilary Hilcock, CCTG Patient Representative
Hilary Horlock, CCTG Patient Representative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SC31 - Using SMART to optimize the stepped care delivery of TEMPO – a Tailored, dyadic, wEb-based physical activity and self-Management PrOgram for men with prostate cancer and their caregivers (TEMPO)