The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded a substantial $3.1 million grant to support an innovative mental health model designed for cancer patients dealing with advanced, likely incurable cancer. This initiative aims to provide timely, accessible mental health care tailored to the unique needs of this patient population, addressing the growing prevalence of depression and its impact on their quality of life.
Understanding the Mental Health Challenges
Patients with advanced cancer often face significant mental health challenges. The emotional toll of living with incurable cancer can lead to severe depression, impacting their ability to engage in activities that bring joy and purpose. Studies have shown that depression among these patients can result in reduced quality of life, lower adherence to treatment, and higher rates of suicidal ideation.
Despite the availability of effective treatments, several barriers hinder access to mental health care, including a shortage of mental health professionals, transportation issues, and lingering stigma around mental health.
The New Model of Care
Dr. Evan Graboyes, a head and neck surgical oncologist and director of Survivorship and Cancer Outcomes Research at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, and Dr. Jennifer Dahne, a licensed clinical psychologist and leader of the Behavioral Health Innovations Lab at Hollings, have developed a new model to address these challenges. Their approach focuses on proactively reaching out to patients and delivering mental health care in a more accessible and timely manner.
Key Elements of the Model:
Automatic Identification: Using electronic health records (EHR), patients in need of mental health support are identified automatically. This approach eliminates the need for traditional appointment-based screenings, which may not align with the fluctuating nature of depression.
Remote Treatment: The model incorporates a remote depression treatment program, allowing patients to access care on an as-needed basis. This method offers greater flexibility and accessibility, particularly for those in rural areas or with limited access to mental health providers.
Behavioral Activation: Dr. Dahne has developed a mobile app-based treatment called “Moodivate,” which delivers a form of therapy known as behavioral activation. This therapy helps patients re-engage with activities that bring them joy and align with their values, improving their mood and overall well-being.
Pilot Project and Initial Results
The new model builds upon a pilot project funded by Hollings, where Dr. Dahne and Dr. Graboyes adapted the Moodivate app for cancer survivors. The pilot, involving 30 patients, demonstrated impressive engagement levels, with nearly 100% retention in weekly assessments.
Behavioral activation focuses on helping patients identify and engage in activities that are meaningful to them, countering the tendency to withdraw from life due to depression. This approach is particularly relevant for cancer survivors, whose options may become increasingly limited as their illness progresses.
Future Goals and Innovations
The research team aims to scale this model to reach more patients by developing a natural language processing (NLP) model to identify those who should be invited to participate in the therapy. Unlike standard EHR systems that target specific parameters, this NLP model will sift through unstructured data in provider notes and reports to pinpoint patients with likely incurable cancer.
Successful implementation of this model could offer broader applications beyond the current study, potentially benefiting other cancer centers and addressing additional mental health or survivorship needs.
Dr. Dahne and Dr. Graboyes view this grant as a crucial first step in expanding digital interventions for cancer survivorship and mental health. They hope that this model will pave the way for further innovations and improvements in patient care.
Conclusion
The $3.1 million grant from the NCI represents a significant investment in improving mental health care for cancer patients. By integrating advanced technology with personalized support, this new model aims to enhance the quality of life for those facing the challenges of advanced cancer. Through proactive and accessible mental health treatment, the initiative seeks to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of patients and their families.
Related topics:
