A Longitudinal Study of Phased Psychological Intervention on Psychological Adjustment in Cancer Patients During ICU Stay and Recovery

This protocol presents a longitudinal study designed to evaluate a phased psychological intervention for cancer patients during, and after intensive care unit (ICU) stay. The intervention is structured in three stages: (1) acute-phase cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) during ICU hospitalization, (2) transitional-phase meaning-centered Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully (CALM) therapy post-discharge, and (3) long-term family support and community linkage. A total of 120 cancer ICU patients will be allocated to either the staged intervention group, or standard care. Psychological adjustment outcomes-including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resilience, and quality of life-will be assessed longitudinally from baseline to 24 months post-discharge. The study aims to provide a structured, evidence-based psychological care pathway for ICU cancer patients, with potential implications for integrated psycho-oncology care models.