Self EfficacyCAERESNCT07582666
Identifying and Mobilizing Personal Resources to Improve Well-Being in Cancer Participants Using the CAERES Protocol
A study testing CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) Psychosocial Intervention in people with Self Efficacy and Neoplasms (Cancer / Tumors), run by UniDistance Suisse at 3 sites in Switzerland.
Trial summary
Cancer patients often experience emotional distress, fatigue, and reduced quality of life that may not be fully addressed by medical treatment alone. Research suggests that helping patients identify and mobilize their personal strengths and resources may support their psychological well-being. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Self Efficacy, Neoplasms (Cancer / Tumors), Cancer-related Fatigue
- What is being tested?
- CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) Psychosocial Intervention
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 3 sitesSwitzerland
- Study dates
- 15 Oct 2021to 31 May 2022
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Any type of cancer
- Age ≥18 years
- Currently undergoing or awaiting curative cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or surgery), or in oncological rehabilitation/follow-up
- Life expectancy of at least one year
- Sufficient knowledge of Italian or French
- Written informed consent provided
Who cannot join
- Treatment completed more than two years prior to enrollment
- Advanced disease
- Cancer relapse during the study
- Diagnosis of major depression
- Cognitive impairment preventing adequate adherence to the protocol
- Insufficient knowledge of Italian or French to participate in counseling and assessment sessions
Trial locations and contacts
3 sites in 1 country.
Switzerland3 sites
Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana (IOSI)
Bellinzona, Canton Ticino, 6500
Private Psycho-Oncology Practice
Lugano, Canton Ticino, 6900
Clinica di Riabilitazione EOC
Novaggio, Canton Ticino, 6986
About this study
Official title: A Resource-Based Psychological Intervention to Enhance Well-Being in Cancer Participants: Acceptability, Feasibility and Effects of the CAERES Protocol (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) - A Pilot Study in Italian-Speaking Switzerland
Cancer patients often experience emotional distress, fatigue, and reduced quality of life that may not be fully addressed by medical treatment alone. Research suggests that helping patients identify and mobilize their personal strengths and resources may support their psychological well-being. However, structured psychosocial interventions focused on personal resources have not been widely tested in cancer rehabilitation settings.
The goal of this clinical trial was to test the acceptability and feasibility of a 3-week psychosocial intervention designed to help adult cancer patients identify and mobilize their personal strengths to better cope with their illness. The intervention was based on the AERES tool (Auto-Evaluation des RESsources; in english : Resources Self-Assessment), a card-sorting instrument developed at the University of Lausanne for strength-based assessment in clinical populations.
Read more
The main questions it aimed to answer were:
- Was the CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) intervention acceptable and feasible for cancer patients undergoing oncological treatment or rehabilitation?
- Did the intervention positively affect emotional well-being, self-efficacy, posttraumatic growth, cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, depression, and satisfaction with care?
Researchers compared an immediate-intervention group with a waitlist control group (3-week delay before receiving the same intervention) to see if the intervention produced measurable effects on the targeted outcomes.
Participants:
- Completed an in-person AERES card-sorting session (1 to 2.5 hours) to identify personal strengths across three dimensions (personal qualities, hobbies and passions, and social/environmental resources)
- Received a personalized written report identifying a targeted resource to develop
- Engaged in a 3-week home-based reinforcement program with three weekly phone calls (15 minutes each) and three personalized written feedback reports
- Completed validated questionnaires at three time points (baseline, post-intervention, follow-up)
Recruitment was conducted at three sites in Italian-speaking Switzerland: the Rehabilitation Clinic of Novaggio (EOC/Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale), the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI) in Bellinzona, and a private psycho-oncology practice in Lugano, with patient referrals supported by collaborating psycho-oncologists.
Read the detailed description
The CAERES protocol uses the Auto-Evaluation of RESources (AERES) tool, a standardized card-sorting instrument originally developed by Bellier-Teichmann and Pomini (2015) for psychiatric populations, and subsequently validated as a strengths assessment tool in clinical populations (Bellier-Teichmann, Golay \& Pomini, 2018). This study represented the first adaptation of the AERES tool to oncology.
The AERES tool comprises 31 illustrated cards organized into three dimensions: personal qualities and characteristics (11 cards, including courage, gratitude, humor, perseverance), hobbies and passions (10 cards, including cooking, reading, physical activities, music), and social and environmental resources (10 cards, including family, friends, nature, healthcare professionals), plus 3 blank cards allowing individualized additions. The card-sorting procedure involves three successive sorts: participants first identify which resources are present in their lives, then evaluate each resource's contribution to their recovery on a 4-point scale, and finally select resources they wish to develop or strengthen during the reinforcement period. The AERES tool has demonstrated good psychometric properties in previous research and provides a structured, visual method for engaging participants in a strengths-based assessment that does not rely on traditional questionnaire formats.
Following the AERES card-sorting session, the investigator prepared a personalized written report identifying the targeted resource selected by the participant for development. This report was the basis for a 3-week home-based reinforcement program in which the participant engaged with the targeted resource through self-directed exercises and reflection.
During the reinforcement program, three weekly contacts were structured: at the end of each week, a 15-minute phone call took place between the investigator and the participant to gather feedback on the past week's experience. Each phone call was followed by a personalized written feedback report sent to the participant to support their progress and reinforce engagement with the targeted resource.
The intervention used a multimodal communication approach adapted to participant preferences and circumstances. Written reports and questionnaires were delivered through email, postal mail, or in-person delivery, depending on what was most accessible and comfortable for each participant. This pragmatic flexibility reflected the real-world conditions of oncological care in Italian-speaking Switzerland and aimed at maximizing participant retention.
A quasi-experimental waitlist control design was adopted because random allocation was not feasible given the recruitment constraints across the three sites. Participants were allocated to either an immediate-intervention arm or a waitlist control arm based on the timing of their entry into the study and their treatment scheduling. The waitlist control group received the same intervention after a 3-week delay, allowing for within-subject comparison and a partial control for time effects. This design preserved the pragmatic feasibility of the study in a real-world oncological setting while maintaining a comparison condition.
Outcome assessments were conducted at three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for the immediate-intervention group, end of waiting period for the waitlist control group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study, after the waitlist control group had also completed the intervention). All measures were administered in Italian, and adaptations to recall periods were made for some instruments to align with the 3-week intervention timeline.
- Conditions
- Self Efficacy, Neoplasms (Cancer / Tumors), Cancer-related Fatigue, Post-Traumatic Growth, Psychological, Affect (Mental Function), Depression
- Being tested
- CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) Psychosocial Intervention
- Keywords
- Self-Efficacy, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Positive Affect Schedule, Quasi-Experimental Design, Waitlist Control, Psychoeducation, Strengths-Based Intervention, Positive Psychology, Psycho-Oncology
- Medical subject headings
- Neoplasms, Depression, Anxiety Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) Psychosocial InterventionBehavioural
Also called CAERES Protocol
The CAERES intervention is a multi-component, individualized psychosocial program enhancing personal resource mobilization, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being in cancer patients. Hybrid format over 3 weeks, with two phases:
PHASE 1 - Initial in-person AERES assessment session (1.5-2.5 hrs) using card-based tool (Bellier-Teichmann \& Pomini, 2015) to identify personal strengths and resources; followed by an initial personalized written report specifying the targeted resource to mobilize.
PHASE 2 - Three-week reinforcement program: three structured weekly cycles, each consisting of an individual phone call supporting active mobilization of the targeted resource, followed by a personalized written report.
Total: 8 structured contacts (1 in-person session, 3 phone calls, 4 written reports). Written reports and self-report questionnaire batteries were delivered to participants by email, postal mail, or in person, according to participant preference.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm1: AERES Group (Immediate Intervention) | Experimental | Adult cancer patients receiving the CAERES psychosocial intervention immediately after baseline assessment. The 3-week intervention combines: (1) an initial in-person AERES assessment session (1.5-2.5 hrs) using a card-based tool to identify personal strengths and resources, followed by an initial personalized written report specifying the targeted resource to mobilize; (2) three weekly follow-up phone calls, each followed by a personalized written report. Outcomes assessed at baseline (pre-test, before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-test 1, immediately after intervention completion), and at 6 weeks after baseline (post-test 2, end of study). Written materials and self-report questionnaires were delivered by email, postal mail, or in person, according to participant preference. Receives: Behavioral: CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) Psychosocial Intervention |
| Arm 2: WL group (Waitlist Control Group) | Active comparator | Adult cancer patients placed on a 3-week waiting list before receiving the same CAERES psychosocial intervention as Arm 1 (initial in-person AERES session, initial personalized written report, three weekly phone calls each followed by a personalized written report). Outcomes assessed at baseline (pre-test 1, before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (pre-test 2, end of waiting period), and at 6 weeks after baseline (post-test, immediately after delayed intervention completion). Written materials and self-report questionnaires were delivered by email, postal mail, or in person, according to participant preference. Group allocation was non-randomized, based on participants' availability and compatibility with oncological treatment schedule. Receives: Behavioral: CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) Psychosocial Intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
CAERES Questionnaire (Acceptability and Feasibility Multi-Domain Assessment)
Acceptability and feasibility of the CAERES psychosocial intervention assessed using the CAERES questionnaire, a 56-item self-developed instrument administered once at end of study (6 weeks after baseline). The questionnaire is structured in 7 domains corresponding to the intervention components: overall protocol design (Q1); initial AERES self-assessment session (Q2); initial written report (Q3); 3-week reinforcement program (Q4); three weekly phone calls (Q5); three weekly written feedback reports (Q6); three outcome assessment batteries (Q7). Each domain is rated through 8 evaluative items on a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree): relevant, stimulating, interesting, innovative, pleasant, organized, individualized, and demanding (reverse-scored). A global score is computed by summing the 7 domain mean scores (range 7-35). Higher scores indicate greater acceptability/feasibility. Internal consistency: Cronbach's alpha = .91 (n=30, 7 domains).
Measured: At end of study, 6 weeks after baseline: 3 weeks after intervention completion for the AERES Group, and immediately after intervention completion for the Waitlist Control Group. Measured once per participant.
Secondary outcomes (6)
Patient Satisfaction with Chronic Illness Care (PACIC-5A)
Patient satisfaction with the structure of chronic illness care assessed using the Italian version of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care 5A (PACIC-5A; Glasgow et al., 2005), an extended 26-item version of the original PACIC (Glasgow et al., 2005). Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=almost never to 5=almost always). The instrument comprises five subscales reflecting the Chronic Care Model: patient activation (3 items), delivery system/practice design (3 items), goal setting/tailoring (5 items), problem solving/contextual (4 items), and follow-up/coordination (5 items). The original recall period (past 6 months) was adapted to refer specifically to the CAERES intervention received during the past 4 weeks. Higher scores indicate that the perceived chronic care is more structured and aligned with the Chronic Care Model. Internal consistency in original validation: Cronbach's alpha > 0.90 (Glasgow et al., 2005).
Measured: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Positive Affect (PANAS Positive Subscale)
Positive affect assessed using the 10-item Positive Affect (PA) subscale of the Italian version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Terracciano, McCrae \& Costa, 2003), validated from the original English PANAS (Watson, Clark \& Tellegen, 1988). Only the 10 positive affect items of the full 20-item PANAS were administered (items 1, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19): interested, excited, strong, enthusiastic, proud, alert, inspired, determined, attentive, active. Participants rate the extent to which they experienced each adjective during the past week on a 5-point Likert scale (1=very slightly or not at all to 5=extremely). The total Positive Affect score is the sum of the 10 items (range 10-50). Higher scores indicate higher positive affect. Internal consistency in original Italian validation: Cronbach's alpha = .90 (Terracciano et al., 2003).
Measured: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Cancer-Related Self-Efficacy for Coping (CBI-B/I)
Cancer-related self-efficacy for coping assessed using the Italian version of the Cancer Behavior Inventory-Brief (CBI-B/I; Serpentini et al., 2019), validated from the original English CBI-B (Heitzmann et al., 2011). The instrument comprises 12 items rated on a 9-point Likert-type scale (1=not at all confident to 9=totally confident), measuring patients' confidence in performing specific coping behaviors related to cancer disease management. The CBI-B/I has a four-factor structure: Maintaining Independence and Positive Attitude, Coping with Stress, Managing Affect, and Participating in Medical Care. A composite self-efficacy score is computed by summing all 12 items (range 12-108). Higher scores indicate higher self-efficacy for coping with cancer. Internal consistency in original Italian validation: Cronbach's alpha = .86 for the composite score (Serpentini et al., 2019; sample of 216 advanced cancer patients in palliative care).
Measured: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Posttraumatic Growth (PTGI-SF, Italian Version)
Posttraumatic growth assessed using the Italian validation (Ruini et al., 2013) of the Short Form of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-SF; Cann et al., 2010), itself derived from the original 21-item PTGI (Tedeschi \& Calhoun, 1996). The PTGI-SF comprises 10 items rated on a 6-point Likert scale (0=I did not experience this change at all as a result of my cancer to 5=I experienced this change to a very strong degree as a result of my cancer). The instrument has a five-factor structure with two items per subscale: New Possibilities, Relating to Others, Personal Strength, Spiritual Change, and Appreciation of Life. A total PTGI-SF score is computed by summing the 10 items (range 0-50). Higher scores indicate greater perceived positive psychological change as a result of the cancer experience. Internal consistency in published Italian validations: Cronbach's alpha > .87 (Ruini et al., 2013; Cordova et al., 2001; Porro et al., 2022).
Measured: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Cancer-Related Fatigue (BFI-I, Italian Version)
Cancer-related fatigue assessed using the Italian version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-I; Catania et al., 2013), validated from the original BFI (Mendoza et al., 1999). The instrument comprises one initial dichotomous screening item followed by 9 items rated on an 11-point numerical scale (0=no fatigue/does not interfere to 10=fatigue as bad as you can imagine/completely interferes). Three items assess fatigue intensity (worst, usual, current) and six items assess interference with daily activities (general activity, mood, walking, normal work, relations with others, enjoyment of life). The recall period was adapted from the standard 24-hour reference to "the past week" to align with the 3-week intervention timeline. The total score is the mean of the 9 items (range 0-10). Higher scores indicate higher cancer-related fatigue. Internal consistency in original Italian validation: Cronbach's alpha = .94 (Catania et al., 2013).
Measured: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Anxiety and Depression (HADS, Italian Version)
Anxiety and depression assessed using the Italian validation (Costantini et al., 1999) of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; Zigmond \& Snaith, 1983), a 14-item self-report instrument widely used to detect psychological distress in non-psychiatric clinical settings, including oncology. Items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 to 3), referring to symptoms experienced during the past week. The instrument comprises two 7-item subscales: HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression, each yielding a subscale score ranging from 0 to 21. A total HADS score (range 0-42) provides an overall measure of psychological distress. Higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety, depression, or overall distress. Cut-off ≥10 on the total score indicates probable psychiatric distress. Internal consistency in original Italian validation: Cronbach's alpha = .80-.85 for subscales and .88-.89 for total score (Costantini et al., 1999, n=197 breast cancer patients).
Measured: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 May 2026
- Study start15 Oct 2021
- Primary completion31 May 2022
- Study completion31 May 2022
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (10)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Self EfficacyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Parallel-group design with two arms: an immediate intervention group (Arm 1: AERES group) and a waitlist (WL) control group (Arm 2 : WL group) that received the same intervention after a 3-week delay. Group allocation was non-randomized and based on participants' scheduling availability.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- UniDistance Suisse
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Alexandra d'Agata Botta, UniDistance Suisse
- Investigators
- Alexandra d'Agata Botta, MSc, Principal investigator, UniDistance Suisse
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07582666
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BASEC-2021-01759
- Other IDs
- CE3941
- Acronym
- CAERES
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 13 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Anonymized individual participant data (IPD) supporting the published results will be made available upon reasonable request to qualified researchers, in accordance with the informed consent obtained from participants (which explicitly authorized data sharing with other researchers in coded form, and the optional reuse of coded data for future medical research). Data sharing will exclude any direct or indirect identifiers to protect participant privacy. Requests should be addressed to the principal investigator and will be evaluated based on scientific merit and ethical considerations. Data are stored in compliance with Swiss data protection standards (LPD).
Publications
Terracciano A, McCrae RR, Costa PT Jr. Factorial and construct validity of the Italian Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Eur J Psychol Assess. 2003;19(2):131-141. doi: 10.1027//1015-5759.19.2.131.
PubMed 20467578Merluzzi TV, Pustejovsky JE, Philip EJ, Sohl SJ, Berendsen M, Salsman JM. Interventions to enhance self-efficacy in cancer patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychooncology. 2019 Sep;28(9):1781-1790. doi: 10.1002/pon.5148. Epub 2019 Jul 9.
PubMed 31206917Glasgow RE, Wagner EH, Schaefer J, Mahoney LD, Reid RJ, Greene SM. Development and validation of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC). Med Care. 2005 May;43(5):436-44. doi: 10.1097/01.mlr.0000160375.47920.8c.
PubMed 15838407Ruini C, Vescovelli F, Albieri E. Post-traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors: new insights into its relationships with well-being and distress. J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2013 Sep;20(3):383-91. doi: 10.1007/s10880-012-9340-1.
PubMed 23229823Cann A, Calhoun LG, Tedeschi RG, Taku K, Vishnevsky T, Triplett KN, Danhauer SC. A short form of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Anxiety Stress Coping. 2010;23(2):127-37. doi: 10.1080/10615800903094273.
PubMed 19582640Fredrickson BL. The role of positive emotions in positive psychology. The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. Am Psychol. 2001 Mar;56(3):218-26. doi: 10.1037//0003-066x.56.3.218.
PubMed 11315248Serpentini S, Del Bianco P, Chirico A, Merluzzi TV, Martino R, Lucidi F, De Salvo GL, Trentin L, Capovilla E. Self-efficacy for coping: utility of the Cancer behavior inventory (Italian) for use in palliative care. BMC Palliat Care. 2019 Apr 5;18(1):34. doi: 10.1186/s12904-019-0420-y.
PubMed 30953485Catania G, Bell C, Ottonelli S, Marchetti M, Bryce J, Grossi A, Costantini M. Cancer-related fatigue in Italian cancer patients: validation of the Italian version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). Support Care Cancer. 2013 Feb;21(2):413-9. doi: 10.1007/s00520-012-1539-z. Epub 2012 Jul 13.
PubMed 22790224Costantini M, Musso M, Viterbori P, Bonci F, Del Mastro L, Garrone O, Venturini M, Morasso G. Detecting psychological distress in cancer patients: validity of the Italian version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Support Care Cancer. 1999 May;7(3):121-7. doi: 10.1007/s005200050241.
PubMed 10335929Bellier-Teichmann T, Golay P, Pomini V. Which are your resources and how do they contribute to your recovery? A new strengths assessment within a clinical population. European Review of Applied Psychology. 2018;68(6):215-226. doi: 10.1016/j.erap.2018.10.004
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Resource-Based Psychological Intervention to Enhance Well-Being in Cancer Participants: Acceptability, Feasibility and Effects of the CAERES Protocol (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) - A Pilot Study in Italian-Speaking Switzerland
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07582666
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CAERES / BASEC-2021-01759
- Conditions
- Self Efficacy, Neoplasms (Cancer / Tumors), Cancer-related Fatigue, Post-Traumatic Growth, Psychological, Affect (Mental Function), Depression
- Keywords
- Self-Efficacy, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Positive Affect Schedule, Quasi-Experimental Design, Waitlist Control, Psychoeducation, Strengths-Based Intervention
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- UniDistance SuisseUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Oct 2021 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 May 2022 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 May 2022 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Cancer patients often experience emotional distress, fatigue, and reduced quality of life that may not be fully addressed by medical treatment alone. Research suggests that helping patients identify and mobilize their personal strengths and resources may support their psychological well-being. However, structured psychosocial interventions focused on personal resources have not been widely tested in cancer rehabilitation settings.
The goal of this clinical trial was to test the acceptability and feasibility of a 3-week psychosocial intervention designed to help adult cancer patients identify and mobilize their personal strengths to better cope with their illness. The intervention was based on the AERES tool (Auto-Evaluation des RESsources; in english : Resources Self-Assessment), a card-sorting instrument developed at the University of Lausanne for strength-based assessment in clinical populations.
The main questions it aimed to answer were:
- Was the CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) intervention acceptable and feasible for cancer patients undergoing oncological treatment or rehabilitation?
- Did the intervention positively affect emotional well-being, self-efficacy, posttraumatic growth, cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, depression, and satisfaction with care?
Researchers compared an immediate-intervention group with a waitlist control group (3-week delay before receiving the same intervention) to see if the intervention produced measurable effects on the targeted outcomes.
Participants:
- Completed an in-person AERES card-sorting session (1 to 2.5 hours) to identify personal strengths across three dimensions (personal qualities, hobbies and passions, and social/environmental resources)
- Received a personalized written report identifying a targeted resource to develop
- Engaged in a 3-week home-based reinforcement program with three weekly phone calls (15 minutes each) and three personalized written feedback reports
- Completed validated questionnaires at three time points (baseline, post-intervention, follow-up)
Recruitment was conducted at three sites in Italian-speaking Switzerland: the Rehabilitation Clinic of Novaggio (EOC/Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale), the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI) in Bellinzona, and a private psycho-oncology practice in Lugano, with patient referrals supported by collaborating psycho-oncologists.
Detailed description
The CAERES protocol uses the Auto-Evaluation of RESources (AERES) tool, a standardized card-sorting instrument originally developed by Bellier-Teichmann and Pomini (2015) for psychiatric populations, and subsequently validated as a strengths assessment tool in clinical populations (Bellier-Teichmann, Golay \& Pomini, 2018). This study represented the first adaptation of the AERES tool to oncology.
The AERES tool comprises 31 illustrated cards organized into three dimensions: personal qualities and characteristics (11 cards, including courage, gratitude, humor, perseverance), hobbies and passions (10 cards, including cooking, reading, physical activities, music), and social and environmental resources (10 cards, including family, friends, nature, healthcare professionals), plus 3 blank cards allowing individualized additions. The card-sorting procedure involves three successive sorts: participants first identify which resources are present in their lives, then evaluate each resource's contribution to their recovery on a 4-point scale, and finally select resources they wish to develop or strengthen during the reinforcement period. The AERES tool has demonstrated good psychometric properties in previous research and provides a structured, visual method for engaging participants in a strengths-based assessment that does not rely on traditional questionnaire formats.
Following the AERES card-sorting session, the investigator prepared a personalized written report identifying the targeted resource selected by the participant for development. This report was the basis for a 3-week home-based reinforcement program in which the participant engaged with the targeted resource through self-directed exercises and reflection.
During the reinforcement program, three weekly contacts were structured: at the end of each week, a 15-minute phone call took place between the investigator and the participant to gather feedback on the past week's experience. Each phone call was followed by a personalized written feedback report sent to the participant to support their progress and reinforce engagement with the targeted resource.
The intervention used a multimodal communication approach adapted to participant preferences and circumstances. Written reports and questionnaires were delivered through email, postal mail, or in-person delivery, depending on what was most accessible and comfortable for each participant. This pragmatic flexibility reflected the real-world conditions of oncological care in Italian-speaking Switzerland and aimed at maximizing participant retention.
A quasi-experimental waitlist control design was adopted because random allocation was not feasible given the recruitment constraints across the three sites. Participants were allocated to either an immediate-intervention arm or a waitlist control arm based on the timing of their entry into the study and their treatment scheduling. The waitlist control group received the same intervention after a 3-week delay, allowing for within-subject comparison and a partial control for time effects. This design preserved the pragmatic feasibility of the study in a real-world oncological setting while maintaining a comparison condition.
Outcome assessments were conducted at three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for the immediate-intervention group, end of waiting period for the waitlist control group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study, after the waitlist control group had also completed the intervention). All measures were administered in Italian, and adaptations to recall periods were made for some instruments to align with the 3-week intervention timeline.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Parallel-group design with two arms: an immediate intervention group (Arm 1: AERES group) and a waitlist (WL) control group (Arm 2 : WL group) that received the same intervention after a 3-week delay. Group allocation was non-randomized and based on participants' scheduling availability.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm1: AERES Group (Immediate Intervention) | Experimental | Behavioral: CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) Psychosocial InterventionAdult cancer patients receiving the CAERES psychosocial intervention immediately after baseline assessment. The 3-week intervention combines: (1) an initial in-person AERES assessment session (1.5-2.5 hrs) using a card-based tool to identify personal strengths and resources, followed by an initial personalized written report specifying the targeted resource to mobilize; (2) three weekly follow-up phone calls, each followed by a personalized written report. Outcomes assessed at baseline (pre-test, before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-test 1, immediately after intervention completion), and at 6 weeks after baseline (post-test 2, end of study). Written materials and self-report questionnaires were delivered by email, postal mail, or in person, according to participant preference. |
| Arm 2: WL group (Waitlist Control Group) | Active comparator | Behavioral: CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) Psychosocial InterventionAdult cancer patients placed on a 3-week waiting list before receiving the same CAERES psychosocial intervention as Arm 1 (initial in-person AERES session, initial personalized written report, three weekly phone calls each followed by a personalized written report). Outcomes assessed at baseline (pre-test 1, before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (pre-test 2, end of waiting period), and at 6 weeks after baseline (post-test, immediately after delayed intervention completion). Written materials and self-report questionnaires were delivered by email, postal mail, or in person, according to participant preference. Group allocation was non-randomized, based on participants' availability and compatibility with oncological treatment schedule. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Any type of cancer
- Age ≥18 years
- Currently undergoing or awaiting curative cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or surgery), or in oncological rehabilitation/follow-up
- Life expectancy of at least one year
- Sufficient knowledge of Italian or French
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Treatment completed more than two years prior to enrollment
- Advanced disease
- Cancer relapse during the study
- Diagnosis of major depression
- Cognitive impairment preventing adequate adherence to the protocol
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) Psychosocial InterventionAlso: CAERES ProtocolThe CAERES intervention is a multi-component, individualized psychosocial program enhancing personal resource mobilization, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being in cancer patients. Hybrid format over 3 weeks, with two phases: PHASE 1 - Initial in-person AERES assessment session (1.5-2.5 hrs) using card-based tool (Bellier-Teichmann \& Pomini, 2015) to identify personal strengths and resources; followed by an initial personalized written report specifying the targeted resource to mobilize. PHASE 2 - Three-week reinforcement program: three structured weekly cycles, each consisting of an individual phone call supporting active mobilization of the targeted resource, followed by a personalized written report. Total: 8 structured contacts (1 in-person session, 3 phone calls, 4 written reports). Written reports and self-report questionnaire batteries were delivered to participants by email, postal mail, or in person, according to participant preference. | Behavioural | Arm 2: WL group (Waitlist Control Group), Arm1: AERES Group (Immediate Intervention) |
Primary outcome
CAERES Questionnaire (Acceptability and Feasibility Multi-Domain Assessment)
Time frame: At end of study, 6 weeks after baseline: 3 weeks after intervention completion for the AERES Group, and immediately after intervention completion for the Waitlist Control Group. Measured once per participant.
Acceptability and feasibility of the CAERES psychosocial intervention assessed using the CAERES questionnaire, a 56-item self-developed instrument administered once at end of study (6 weeks after baseline). The questionnaire is structured in 7 domains corresponding to the intervention components: overall protocol design (Q1); initial AERES self-assessment session (Q2); initial written report (Q3); 3-week reinforcement program (Q4); three weekly phone calls (Q5); three weekly written feedback reports (Q6); three outcome assessment batteries (Q7). Each domain is rated through 8 evaluative items on a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree): relevant, stimulating, interesting, innovative, pleasant, organized, individualized, and demanding (reverse-scored). A global score is computed by summing the 7 domain mean scores (range 7-35). Higher scores indicate greater acceptability/feasibility. Internal consistency: Cronbach's alpha = .91 (n=30, 7 domains).
6 secondary outcomes
Patient Satisfaction with Chronic Illness Care (PACIC-5A)
Time frame: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Positive Affect (PANAS Positive Subscale)
Time frame: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Cancer-Related Self-Efficacy for Coping (CBI-B/I)
Time frame: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Posttraumatic Growth (PTGI-SF, Italian Version)
Time frame: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Cancer-Related Fatigue (BFI-I, Italian Version)
Time frame: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Anxiety and Depression (HADS, Italian Version)
Time frame: Three measurement time points: at baseline (before any intervention), at 3 weeks after baseline (post-intervention for AERES Group / end of waiting period for Waitlist Control Group), and at 6 weeks after baseline (end of study).
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 20467578Terracciano A, McCrae RR, Costa PT Jr. Factorial and construct validity of the Italian Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Eur J Psychol Assess. 2003;19(2):131-141. doi: 10.1027//1015-5759.19.2.131.
- Background: PubMed 31206917Merluzzi TV, Pustejovsky JE, Philip EJ, Sohl SJ, Berendsen M, Salsman JM. Interventions to enhance self-efficacy in cancer patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychooncology. 2019 Sep;28(9):1781-1790. doi: 10.1002/pon.5148. Epub 2019 Jul 9.
- Background: PubMed 15838407Glasgow RE, Wagner EH, Schaefer J, Mahoney LD, Reid RJ, Greene SM. Development and validation of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC). Med Care. 2005 May;43(5):436-44. doi: 10.1097/01.mlr.0000160375.47920.8c.
- Background: PubMed 23229823Ruini C, Vescovelli F, Albieri E. Post-traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors: new insights into its relationships with well-being and distress. J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2013 Sep;20(3):383-91. doi: 10.1007/s10880-012-9340-1.
- Background: PubMed 19582640Cann A, Calhoun LG, Tedeschi RG, Taku K, Vishnevsky T, Triplett KN, Danhauer SC. A short form of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Anxiety Stress Coping. 2010;23(2):127-37. doi: 10.1080/10615800903094273.
- Background: PubMed 11315248Fredrickson BL. The role of positive emotions in positive psychology. The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. Am Psychol. 2001 Mar;56(3):218-26. doi: 10.1037//0003-066x.56.3.218.
- Background: PubMed 30953485Serpentini S, Del Bianco P, Chirico A, Merluzzi TV, Martino R, Lucidi F, De Salvo GL, Trentin L, Capovilla E. Self-efficacy for coping: utility of the Cancer behavior inventory (Italian) for use in palliative care. BMC Palliat Care. 2019 Apr 5;18(1):34. doi: 10.1186/s12904-019-0420-y.
- Background: PubMed 22790224Catania G, Bell C, Ottonelli S, Marchetti M, Bryce J, Grossi A, Costantini M. Cancer-related fatigue in Italian cancer patients: validation of the Italian version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). Support Care Cancer. 2013 Feb;21(2):413-9. doi: 10.1007/s00520-012-1539-z. Epub 2012 Jul 13.
- Background: PubMed 10335929Costantini M, Musso M, Viterbori P, Bonci F, Del Mastro L, Garrone O, Venturini M, Morasso G. Detecting psychological distress in cancer patients: validity of the Italian version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Support Care Cancer. 1999 May;7(3):121-7. doi: 10.1007/s005200050241.
- BackgroundBellier-Teichmann T, Golay P, Pomini V. Which are your resources and how do they contribute to your recovery? A new strengths assessment within a clinical population. European Review of Applied Psychology. 2018;68(6):215-226. doi: 10.1016/j.erap.2018.10.004
- Descriptive page on the AERES (Auto-Evaluation des Ressources), the strengths self-assessment instrument used as the core component of the CAERES intervention, developed by Bellier-Teichmann and Pomini.Link provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Anonymized individual participant data (IPD) supporting the published results will be made available upon reasonable request to qualified researchers, in accordance with the informed consent obtained from participants (which explicitly authorized data sharing with other researchers in coded form, and the optional reuse of coded data for future medical research). Data sharing will exclude any direct or indirect identifiers to protect participant privacy. Requests should be addressed to the principal investigator and will be evaluated based on scientific merit and ethical considerations. Data are stored in compliance with Swiss data protection standards (LPD).
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Alexandra d'Agata Botta, MSc principal investigator
UniDistance Suisse
3 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) Psychosocial Intervention in people with Self Efficacy and Neoplasms (Cancer / Tumors), run by UniDistance Suisse at 3 sites in Switzerland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 3 sites in Switzerland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
CAERES Questionnaire (Acceptability and Feasibility Multi-Domain Assessment) (time frame: At end of study, 6 weeks after baseline: 3 weeks after intervention completion for the AERES Group, and immediately after intervention completion for the Waitlist Control Group. Measured once per participant.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07582666, which also lists 10 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 May 2026.