Effects of a WeChat-based multimodal psychoeducational intervention on psychological well-being and quality of life in acute leukaemia patients in China: a randomised controlled trial

Purpose The treatment and side effects of chemotherapy for acute leukaemia (AL) may cause both physical and psychological symptoms in patients. This study evaluated the effects of a WeChat-based multimodal psychoeducational intervention (ICARE programme) on fatigue, distress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) among adult AL patients. Methods In total, 72 participants were randomly assigned either to an intervention or control group ( n = 36), respectively, from two large tertiary hospitals in Fuzhou, China (from April to December 2019). Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and after a 4-week follow-up using the Brief Fatigue Inventory, Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-leukaemia. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the participants and a linear mixed model was used to analyse the score changes. Results Between the two groups, there were statistically significant improvements in fatigue, distress, anxiety, depression, physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being, functional well-being (all p < 0.001), and leukaemia-specific subscale ( p = 0.001). The difference over time was significant for leukaemia-specific subscale and fatigue, both ( p < 0.001), anxiety ( p = 0.001), and social/family well-being ( p = 0.005). The interaction effects were significant for fatigue, distress, anxiety, physical well-being, social/family well-being, and emotional well-being, all ( p < 0.001), depression ( p = 0.019), leukaemia-specific subscale ( p = 0.008), and total QoL score (p = 0.004). Conclusion WeChat-based multimodal psychoeducational intervention demonstrated a significant effect in reducing fatigue, distress, anxiety, depression, and QoL in AL patients. This ICARE programme contributed to continuing care to support AL patients. Implications for Cancer Survivors The ICARE programme can improve the mental health and QoL of AL patients. The application of WeChat-based psychoeducational interventions have significant potential to benefit cancer patients due to their reach and can be an added value to routine care.