1 - (SYM 99) Using Technology Within ACT Interventions for Adults with Cancer

Addressing the conference themes of Community Engagement and Innovation, for over 10 years, we have adapted Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adults diagnosed with cancer by engaging community-based patients and practitioners and more recently, by leveraging technology. We showcase strategic uses of simple, low-cost online platforms to increase the dose, tailoring, and reach of ACT in cancer contexts. In that age is a major risk factor for cancer, our work focuses largely on middle-age and older community adults, a sizable minority of whom report low computer literacy. Thus, we discuss our strategic approach to technology support for patients with low computer literacy. In addition, to illustrate technology-integrated ACT approaches in cancer, we share brief findings to date from three clinical trials. First, across two clinical trials, we show how alternating real-time group sessions with self-paced online practice sessions increases the dose and tailoring of ACT for distressed adults with metastatic cancer. This approach leverages the real-time group to increase motivation and accountability to complete the online ACT practice sessions. In a third trial, we demonstrate the creative use of a single online session to boost medication adherence rates among breast cancer survivors prescribed a life-extending medication. Quantitative and qualitative data assess patient and provider experiences with ACT-focused technology in these contexts.