Problem Solving Skills Training in Adult Cancer Survivors: bright IDEAS-AC

At Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, in collaboration with the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions and the University of Rochester, we are looking for adult cancer patients to participate in our new project designed to facilitate recovery from cancer and help cancer survivors lead better, more productive lives. The ideal subjects are individuals who have completed treatment for stage I‐III cancer and speak English. Participants will be randomized into two groups: 8 weekly 1‐hour long sessions of problem solving skills therapy delivered by a trained therapist vs. care as usual. Bright IDEAS Adult Cancer (Bright IDEAS‐AC) therapy will be delivered in the most patient‐friendly way. Sessions will be face‐to‐face at the location of patient choice (hospital, clinic, or participant's home) or over the phone. A supportive other or caregiver is also invited to participate in this study. This project does not involve any experimental drugs and does not affect the regular care or patient relationship with doctor(s). At the time of enrollment, after 3 months and after 6 months, all participants in the intervention and control arms, as well as any participating supportive others/caregivers will be asked about their healthcare utilization since the last assessment including primary care, specialist and emergency department visits and any hospital stays. During the same three time points, both patients and supportive others/caregivers will be asked to fill in 4 short questionnaires assessing their problem solving skills, health status, mood and function