Exploring the Experiences of Cancer Patients Following an Internet‐Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia With Professional Phone Guidance: The Sleep‐4‐All‐2.0 Study

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems affect 30%-95% of cancer patients. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is recognized as the most effective treatment for insomnia. However, implementing it is challenging due to a lack of time, human resources, and financial support. Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT-I) is appreciated by patients, but it lacks professional guidance. AIMS: The Sleep-4-All-2.0 study combined a validated ICBT-I program, lasting 6-12 weeks, with up to four individual, phone-based ICBT-I psychology sessions. The current study sought to explore patients' experiences of the program, focusing on their perceptions of the professional guidance. METHODS: Cancer patients from three different hospitals were interviewed. Out of their discourse, a thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: 48 patients were included. Three themes were constructed: (1) Coping with the program, (2) Connections at play (professionals, family, patients, sleep interactions), (3) Benefits and limits of psychological guidance. Although most participants were delighted with the program and the guidance, they encountered numerous difficulties due to personal and external issues, as well as the demands of CBT. Participants highlighted the need to be connected to other patients, supported by their families, and to receive well-informed care from healthcare professionals (HCP). The phone guidance was important for pragmatic and motivational reasons. CONCLUSION: In order to improve program follow-up, clinicians should work beforehand to adjust expectations and take into account the specific vulnerabilities of certain patients.