Our study has been completed!
We hope that you will consider completing our eligibility form and joining our study's waiting list.
We have already been asked to expand the study.
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Eligibility Form is still available for our study's expansion.
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Eligible patients on the waiting list will be notified first.
Thank you for your interest in
The Cancer Health Coach Impact Study
Can you imagine having your own free personal Certified Health Coach while navigating a cancer diagnosis?
What is the purpose of this study?
Cancer patients living with a stage IV cancer diagnosis may face many challenges that impact their quality of life. There are mental, physical, nutritional, and environmental challenges that make self-care and activities of daily living difficult and overwhelming.
The purpose of this study is to determine if a patient living with a stage IV diagnosis can experience an improvement in their quality of daily life by creating and focusing on personalized goals with the guidance of a dedicated Certified Health Coach over an 8-week period.
Possible goals could include one to three of the following:
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improving nutrition
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a movement plan
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reducing anxiety
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depression & stress
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improving sleep
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pain management
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stronger family and community engagement
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weight management
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avoiding re-hospitalization
In addition, all of the participants will be exposed to strategies for developing their comic perspective to find more ways to experience joy in their daily life.
Medical Disclaimer:
Health Coaching is for your educational purposes. It is not a substitute for actual medical care, nor is it medical advice. Before making any complex decisions for yourself or anyone else, be sure to consult a healthcare professional. The ComedyCures Foundation does not endorse any one Health Coach certification program.
Benefits for participants
There are many positive outcomes possible for study participants:
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Work with a dedicated Certified Health Coach and Registered Nurse, Jacqui Bryan (see bio below), to define personal goals and identify strategies and tools that can help them reach those goals and improve their quality of life.
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Be exposed to techniques designed to increase joy and laughter from Saranne Rothberg, stage IV cancer survivor and Founder of The ComedyCures Foundation (see bio below)
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Help further research to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for those living with a stage IV cancer diagnosis
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Have more fun for 8 weeks!
Study Details
This 8-week study offers each participant the opportunity to work with a dedicated Certified Health Coach over the 8-week study on their personal health and wellness goals and improve their quality of life.
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Education in strategies and tools, personalized for each study participant by a Certified Health Coach
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Tips, practices & funny content from The ComedyCures Foundation
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On-demand videos designed to improve mental health (videos are 2 - 5 minutes each)
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Optional 30-minute Live Zoom Sessions with Saranne will be offered during the study.
Over the course of this study, you’ll have one-on-one video conference sessions with a Certified Health Coach each week using your mobile device, tablet or desktop computer. You will also be asked to complete 3 online surveys (30 minutes each) during the 8 weeks.
The Process
Eligibility Form:
Those living with a stage IV cancer diagnosis who are interested in volunteering for the 8-week Cancer Health Coach Impact Study are asked to complete the brief eligibility survey and provide their contact information.
Selection for Study
Eligible participants who are selected for the study will receive an email from The ComedyCures Foundation (from SaranneR@comedycures.org) with instructions on next steps. Enrollment into the study will occur on a rolling basis as those selected agree to participate in the study.
Baseline Survey:
Participants selected will be asked to complete the Baseline Survey where they confirm their commitment to study requirements and answer health and lifestyle related questions (30 minutes). Note that the baseline survey must be completed by the selected participant before their initial meeting with the Certified Health Coach.
Register on our Study Portal
Once participants have completed their Baseline Survey they will be asked to set up their secure account on Healthie, a free HIPAA-compliant online site. The portal can be accessed on desktop, tablet or mobile app. Healthie will be used to simplify all the steps in the process for both participants and researchers. Participants will need to register on the portal and complete their Client Intake Form before they meet with their Certified Health Coach.
Participant Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected based on the following criteria:
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Currently have a stage IV cancer diagnosis.
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Received initial stage IV cancer diagnosis within last 3 years (after September, 2019)
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In active treatment for advanced cancer
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Presently residing in the United States
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Native English speaker
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Have not worked with a Certified Health Coach since stage IV diagnosis
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Able to participate in online coaching sessions through the Healthie portal
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Able to provide an emergency contact who can be reached if the participant misses their 1-on-1 coaching session or does not submit a required survey.
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Have not participated in The ComedyCures Mindset & Metastatic Cancer Research Study in 2021.
Exclusion Criteria
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Enrollment in hospice care
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Dementia or other cognitive disability
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Stage IV diagnosis received prior to September 2019
The Women Behind The Study
The Cancer Health Coach Impact Study has been created by Saranne Rothberg, a stage IV cancer survivor and founder of The ComedyCures Foundation, in collaboration with Dr. Claire Wheeler, MD and Jacqui Bryan, Certified Health Coach and Registered Nurse. This study has been made possible by a grant from The Willow Foundation, founded by cancer survivor Leah Evert and Janine Klein.
ComedyCures Study Support
If you have any emergent issues, please dial 911 or the National Suicide Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) which are available 24/7.