Feasibility and acceptability of an occupation-based telehealth intervention for cancer survivors: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Cancer survivors frequently experience occupational performance challenges during early survivorship, and telehealth may offer a feasible approach to deliver interventions during this period. Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial included 17 adults in the first year following breast or prostate cancer diagnosis, assigned to the ActiveHeal Cancer Program (ACP) or a control group. ACP consisted of six 75-min occupation-focused virtual group sessions and weekly follow-up telephone calls delivered by occupational therapists over 12 weeks. Control participants attended three brief virtual meetings without therapeutic intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using validated measures, attendance, and completion rates. The exploratory outcomes included occupational resilience (OR), quality of life (QoL), and psychological well-being. Results: ACP demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, with median ratings of 5 on a 5-point scale across all items, average session attendance of 86%, and a completion rate of 78%. Exploratory outcome estimates for OR, QoL, and psychological well-being were small and variable, with no statistically significant between-group differences. Several intervention participants underwent major surgical procedures during the study period, likely influencing engagement and outcomes. Conclusion: Findings indicate that occupation-based telehealth is feasible to deliver during early cancer survivorship, supporting further evaluation of such interventions within cancer rehabilitation.