Development and Initial Pilot Evaluation of a Psychoeducational Intervention for Individuals at High Risk for Pancreatic Cancer

Objectives: To develop and determine the acceptability of a group-based digital health psychoeducational intervention aimed at reducing cancer worry based on acceptance and commitment therapy for individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer.

Sample & Setting: 13 individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer with a genetic variant or family history.

Methods & Variables: Three groups met virtually for one hour each week for four weeks. These sessions provided psychoeducational materials. Digital resources provided mindfulness and educational content. Reported measurements included qualitative responses and participant-reported acceptability.

Results: All participants found the sessions to be useful and would recommend them to others. Recommendations from the first two groups included requests to access the content provided during the remote sessions, contributing to the creation of digital content for the third group.

Implications for Nursing: Individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer can benefit from psychoeducation to reduce cancer worry, which can be accomplished through digital psychoeducational interventions.