The Effectiveness of Digital Collage Activity Based on a Life Review for Home-Dwelling Older Patients With Cancer and Their Families: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose This study aimed to develop and implement digital collage activity based on a life review, a psychosocial support tool for patients with cancer, and investigate its preliminary effectiveness for patients and their families. Methods This randomized controlled trial assigned 42 participants to intervention and control groups (21 per group). The intervention group participated in three sessions (life review, activity, and review) over approximately 10 days. The control group completed the questionnaire at the same three time points as the intervention group (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1 week later). Data were analyzed using covariance analysis, with performance status as a covariate and the Self-Efficacy Scale for Terminal Cancer as the dependent variable. Data from family members were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance, with the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) as the dependent variable. Major Findings Thirteen participants in the intervention group and 16 in the control group completed the program. In the intervention group, significant interactions were observed between the total self-efficacy score and the Symptom Coping Efficacy and Affect Regulation Efficacy subscales. In the family intervention group, significant interactions were observed for the total CQOLC score, and significant changes were noted in the psychological burden subscales. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups on self-esteem and depression scales for either patients or family members. Conclusions These findings suggest that digital collage activity based on a life review has the potential to improve psychosocial self-efficacy among patients and quality of life among family caregivers.