A psychosocial intervention delivered via telehealth for people with a brain tumour and their family
About The Program
Being diagnosed with and treated for brain tumour can be a highly stressful experience.
Many people find it difficult to understand their illness and feel uncertain and worried about the future.
Our past research on adjustment to brain tumour found that psychological support needs are often overlooked during and after treatment.
This research aims to explore people’s preferences for and the benefits of psychological support within the Making Sense of Brain Tumour Program, as delivered via telehealth (videoconferencing).
This program is available to people with brain tumour and their families across Australia until late 2023.
Details of The Program
The Telehealth Making Sense of Brain Tumour Program offers between 6 and 10 sessions of psychological support delivered by videoconferencing.
Participant Information and Consent Forms are available here:
Person with Brain Tumour
Family Member
What Will I Be Asked To Do?
If you are eligible and agree to take part, you will be asked to complete a telephone-based assessment of your everyday support, mood, emotional well-being and quality of life at the following times:
- Before the Program commences
- After the Program is completed
- 3 months after the Program
You will also be asked questions about your preferences and goals for the program (before) and what the benefits were for your health and well-being (after the program).
Do I Need to Take Part?
It is important for you to know that participating in this study is entirely voluntary.
If you do not wish to take part, this will not affect your medical care or current support in any way. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time and do not have to give a reason to do so. Withdrawal from the study will not impact your or your relative’s ongoing medical care or relationship with Griffith University.
Can My Family Take Part?
Family members are very welcome and encouraged to be involved in the program. They will also be asked to complete assessments before and after the program and participate in therapy.
The Program Team
Psychology researchers from Griffith University are partnering with the Multidisciplinary Brain Tumour Clinic at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and community organisations around Australia. The program was developed by Professor Tamara Ownsworth, a clinical neuropsychologist from Griffith University.
Ethical clearance for this project has been approved by the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee and the Metro South Human Ethics Committee.
This study is supported by Brain Cancer Rehabilitation, Assessment, Intervention of Survivor Needs (BRAINS), a program funded by a Medical Research Future Fund, 2019 Brain Cancer Survivorship Grant
How Can I Take Part?
If you are interested in taking part in our program, please complete
For Healthcare Practitioners
If you are a healthcare practitioner interested in referring a person with brain tumour and/or a family member please use
Contact us
If you have questions and would like to know more about the Telehealth Making Sense of Brain Tumour Program, please contact:
Dr Kasia Lion (Project Coordinator)
07 3735 8440
