About the Program

A diagnosis of advanced cancer can be challenging and stressful to both the person with cancer and their primary support person or carer (usually a family member or close friend). We are offering patients and carers an opportunity to be involved in research which aims to improve their wellbeing and quality of life, through an online program called FOCUS.

• What is the FOCUS program?

  A program to support patients are their carer (support person) and help them to:

  • -Communicate with each other about their concerns and needs
  • -Consider the other persons coping strategies
  • -Focus on what is most important to each other
  • -Plan for the future
  • Manage common symptoms

  The FOCUS online program involves 4 interactive online sessions across 12 weeks conducted with the person with cancer and their main carer. It provides knowledge and skills to help maximise quality of life. The FOCUS program can be completed together at home (or other convenient location) using internet access via a desktop computer, laptop computer, or tablet device.

• Will everyone who participates in the research get access to the FOCUS program?

  This study will compare people who receive the FOCUS program with people who do not receive the program. Whether or not participants receive the FOCUS program will be randomly decided, like a coin toss. However, everyone who participates in the study will continue to receive standard care from their usual health care services and providers (e.g., from specialists, doctors, nurses and/or other health care professionals).

  All participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and then we will compare responses to see if the program has had a positive effect on patients and carers wellbeing and quality of life over and above the care they receive from health services.

• Am I eligible to participate?

  In order to be involved you will:

  • have advanced cancer
  • be 18 years or older
  • have a support person involved in your care (usually a family member or close friend) who you think would be willing to be involved with the research with you
  • be able to access the internet through a computer or tablet (not a phone)
  • be able to read and understand English
• How can I get involved in this research or find out more about it?

  If you are interested in finding out more about the research and whether or not it would be a good fit for you, please enter your contact details below and a research officer will contact  you to explain the study in more detail and you can decide if you would be interested in participating.