JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The aim of the Couples Cope Study is to understand the impact of undergoing a diagnostic biopsy and receiving a new cancer diagnosis on quality of life in both patients and their spouses/partners as well as on the quality of their relationship.

Objective:

This paper describes the study design and assesses the feasibility of recruitment and retention.

Methods:

Study staff reviewed the schedules of collaborating physicians using specific encounter codes to identify patients scheduled for breast or prostate biopsies. Patients who enrolled provided study staff with contact information for their spouses/partners. Surveys were completed online prior to receiving the biopsy results (baseline), and at 1-, 3-, 6- and 9-months post biopsy.

Results:

A total of 2,294 patients undergoing a breast or prostate biopsy were identified and 69% (n = 1,582) were eligible for phone screening following EHR prescreening. Of 431 patients who underwent phone screening, 75% (n = 321) were eligible to participate. Of eligible patients, 72% (n = 231) enrolled and 82% (n = 190) of enrolled patients had an accompanying partner/spouse that also enrolled. 77% of patients who received a cancer diagnosis and 72% of their spouses/partners were retained through 9 months, while 80% of patients who received a benign diagnosis and 68% of their partners were retained.

Conclusions:

Prospective recruitment of patients undergoing diagnostic biopsy and their partners is feasible and requires both strategic collaboration with providers and concerted pre-screening and recruitment efforts by study staff.