Cancer represents one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Common physical symptoms that can interfere with daily functioning and quality of life include Pain, fatigue, breathlessness and sleep disturbance among advance cancer patients. From Psychological view point the term ‘Cancer’ is perceived as ‘Death’, ‘Suffering’ for many, often eliciting anxiety, existential crisis, distress and anticipatory grief. This is more prominent when the treatment intend is not cure only palliation.

Type of Research:   

·         Randomized Control Trial

·         Open label Study

·         Two Groups- Project EMPATHY vs.   Usual care (Intervention Arm vs.  Control Arm)

Objective:

ü  To test  the feasibility and acceptability of project  -EMPATHY for  reducing the bio-psycho-social distress of advance cancer patients

ü  To explore moderators and mediators of intervention effects

Hypothesis:

·         Participants who received Project ‘EMPATHY’ interventions would report less distress and QOL would be better compare to usual treatment                   

 A   Assessments:

·         Demographic History

Ø  Personal History :  Age , Gender, Domicile,  Marital Status ,Education , Employment Status ( Both Present & Past ), Family history of Cancer,

Ø  Medical History : Diagnosis , Stage, Treatment History,

Ø  Caregiver:  Primary caregiver , Gender , Age , marital Status, Education, Employment

·         Psychological Distress  ( HADS)

·         Quality of Life : QLQ 

·         

·          Symptoms severity - ESAS

·         Coping  :  Brief Cope

·         Treatment Decision making – One open ended question( Qualitative part) - for both pt. & care givers

·         Pt’s & caregiver’s Expectation related to treatment -One open ended question( Qualitative part)

-          Treatment outcome expectancy

EMPATHY

E    E= Educate

M= Monitor Symptoms Severity

P= Prognostic Discussion

A= Assurance

T = Training

H= Help to resolve problem

Y= You mean a lot to me