Overview
This clinical trial evaluates the impact of a patient-centered health and wellness coaching (HWC) intervention on adherence to treatment plans and healthy lifestyle practices in patients with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. Treatment for thyroid cancer often involves surgery, radioactive iodine and/or lifelong levothyroxine with regular monitoring of thyroid stimulating hormone levels. Despite strong survival rates, patients frequently report fatigue, cognitive issues, mood changes, and disruptions in daily life. Treatment burden and psychosocial strain often impair the ability to follow the treatment plan and healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that HWC motivates patients to take ownership and accountability to perform positive and healthy behavioral changes. HWC may have a positive impact on health-related goal-setting processes and improve self-care and healthcare outcomes in certain settings. It is not yet known how HWC impacts thyroid cancer patients. Incorporating HWC into survivorship care may improve adherence to treatment plans and healthy lifestyle practices in patients with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults ≥ 18 years
- Histologically confirmed papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma
- Status post total thyroidectomy ± radioactive iodine therapy
- Receiving levothyroxine monotherapy (no triiodothyronine \[T3\] or desiccated thyroid products)
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) \< 4 uIU/mL at ≥ 3 months post-thyroidectomy
- English proficiency
- Ability to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Medullary or anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
- Current systemic therapy for thyroid or other cancers
- Cognitive or psychiatric impairment precluding participation
- Inability to complete study procedures
